Molecular Identification of First Putative Aquaporins in Snails

摘要: Aquaporins (AQPs), also known as water channel proteins, are members of a large protein family termed Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIP). The mammalian AQPs have been most comprehensively described, while knowledge about in invertebrates is limited mainly to insects. Not single AQP has described snails date. Consequently, we decided search for the proteins gastropod representatives, namely Lymnaea stagnalis, Catascopia occulta, and Stagnicola palustris (Mollusca; Gastropoda; Pulmonata; Lymnaeidae). Using molecular approach, identified L. C. S. open reading frames (ORFs) showing homology genes available GenBank database, characterized encoded referred LsAQP1, CoAQP1, SpAQP1, respectively. putative snail aquaporins contain 299 amino acids, mass 32 kDa, display general topology three-dimensional structure congruent with orthodox AQPs, i.e., water-specific ones. Due high levels similarity their characteristics, LsAQP1 was chosen further studies, obtained results were supposed be applicable CoAQP1 SpAQP1. Expression analysis revealed presence transcript digestive tract, cerebral ganglia, kidney, reproductive system, foot, suggesting that well SpAQP1 ubiquitous may play important roles many essential transport processes. role appears confirmed by yeast growth complementation assay pointing at functionality LsAQP1. Thus, support expression tissues first time.