Identification of novel members of the Xenopus Ca2+ -dependent lectin family and analysis of their gene expression during tail regeneration and development

J Biochem. 2007 Apr;141(4):479-88. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvm048. Epub 2007 Feb 13.

Abstract

We previously demonstrated that the gene for a member of the humoral C-type lectin family is transiently expressed in the regenerating legs of the American cockroach [Arai et al., Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 28, 987-994 (1998)]. To identify candidate lectin(s) involved in tail regeneration in the Xenopus laevis tadpole, we isolated a 35-kDa Ca(2+)-dependent lectin (XCL-1) from adult Xenopus serum and cloned its cDNA. Although XCL-1 gene expression was not induced in the regenerating tails, we isolated a cDNA for an XCL-1-related protein (XCL-2) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In contrast to the XCL-1 gene, XCL-2 gene expression was significantly increased in the regenerating tails, suggesting its role in tail regeneration. Although both XCL-1 and XCL-2 belong to a recently identified Xenopus lectin family (X-lectins), XCL-1 and XCL-2 exhibit distinct developmental gene expression from two other known X-lectin members, both of which are expressed principally in the embryonic stage, whereas the XCL-1 and XCL-2 genes are predominantly expressed in the adult and middle/late tadpole stages, respectively, suggesting multiple functions of X-lectin family members. Thus, the presence of multifunctional Ca(2+)-dependent lectin family and the induction of the member gene in regenerating organs are conserved among insects and vertebrates.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Gene Expression*
  • Lectins, C-Type / genetics
  • Lectins, C-Type / physiology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Regeneration*
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Tail / physiology*
  • Xenopus Proteins / genetics
  • Xenopus Proteins / physiology*
  • Xenopus laevis / genetics*
  • Xenopus laevis / physiology

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • XCL-1 protein, Xenopus
  • XCL-2 protein, Xenopus
  • Xenopus Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AB061238
  • GENBANK/AB061239