RNAi-mediated knockdown of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene changes growth of razor clams.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene changes growth of razor clams. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 2020 Nov 05;:110534 Authors: Li Z, Peng M, Power DM, Niu D, Zhiguo D, Jiale L Abstract Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DβH) plays an essential role in the synthesis of catecholamines (CA) in neuroendocrine networks. In the razor clam, Sinonovacula constricta a novel gene for DβH (ScDβH-α) was identified that belongs to the copper type II ascorbate-dependent monooxygenase family. Expression analysis revealed ScDβH-α gene transcripts were abundant in the liver and expressed throughout development. Knock-down of ScDβH-α in adult clams using siRNA caused a reduction in the growth rate compared to control clams. Reduced growth was associated with strong down-regulation of gene transcripts for the growth-related factors, platelet derived growth factors A (PDGF-A) (P < 0.001) 24 h after ScDβH-α knock-down, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF1) (P < 0.001) and platelet derived growth factor B (PDGF-B-2) (P < 0.001) 24 h and 48 h after ScDβH-α knock-down and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) (P < 0.001) 48 h and 72 h after ScDβH-α knock-down. Taken together the results suggest that the novel ScDβH-α gene through its role in CA synthesis is involved in growth regulation in the razor clam and possibly other bivalves. PMID: 33161095 [PubMed - as...
Source: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry and molecular biology. - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol Source Type: research