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Cloning and expression of mRNA encoding prepro‐gonad‐inhibiting hormone (GIH) in the lobster Homarus americanus
Author(s) -
de Kleijn Dominique P.V.,
Sleutels Frank J.G.T.,
Martens Gerard J.M.,
Van Herp François
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/0014-5793(94)01055-2
Subject(s) - eyestalk , homarus , biology , medicine , vitellogenesis , endocrinology , complementary dna , hormone , gonad , american lobster , signal peptide , crustacean , gene , peptide sequence , oocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , zoology , biochemistry , embryo
The gonad‐inhibiting hormone (GIH) is produced in the eyestalk X‐organ sinus gland complex of male and female lobsters, and plays a prominent role in the regulation of reproduction, e.g. inhibition of vitellogenesis in female animals. To study this neurohormone at the mRNA level, we cloned and sequenced a cDNA which encodes GIH in the lobster Homarus americanus . The structure of preproGIH consists of a signal peptide and the GIH peptide itself. A comparative analysis revealed that lobster GIH, together with crab molt‐inhibiting hormone, belongs to a separate group of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) peptide family which seems to be unique for crustaceans. Expression studies showed that GIH mRNA is expressed in the eyestalk, indicating that the neuroendocrine center in this optic structure is the only source of GIH. As this center modulates the other (neuro)endocrine organs in crustaceans, it is postulated that GIH regulates production and release of hormones involved in reproduction/molting processes.