RNAi-mediated knock-down of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene changes growth of razor clams

Li, Zhi; Peng, Maoxiao; Power, Deborah; Niu, Donghong; Dong, Zhiguo; Li, Jiale

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/17043

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Abstract(s)

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) plays an essential role in the synthesis of catecholamines (CA) in neuroen-docrine networks. In the razor clam, Sinonovacula constricta a novel gene for D beta H (ScD beta H-alpha) was identified that belongs to the copper type II ascorbate-dependent monooxygenase family. Expression analysis revealed ScD beta H-alpha gene transcripts were abundant in the liver and expressed throughout development. Knock-down of ScD beta H-alpha 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 ScD beta H-alpha 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 ScD beta H-alpha knock-down and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta 1) (P < 0.001) 48 h and 72 h after ScD beta H-alpha knock-down. Taken together the results suggest that the novel ScD beta H-alpha gene through its role in CA synthesis is involved in growth regulation in the razor clam and possibly other bivalves.