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Molecular insights into the regulation of expression of snake venom toxin genes in Pseudonaja textilis
Author(s) -
Han Xia,
Acerbi Enzo,
Ye Quanzhi,
Kini R. Manjunatha
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.lb103
Subject(s) - biology , gene , venom , gene expression , regulatory sequence , microrna , regulation of gene expression , intron , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry
Snake venom toxin genes are specifically expressed in the venom gland when it is empty (e.g. after milking). Tissue‐ and time‐specific expression of toxin genes is regulated at transcriptional level by cis‐ elements and transcription factors. Recently, we have identified that multiple AG‐rich motifs in intron 1 of trocarin D, a gene encoding venom prothrombin activator in Tropidechis carinatus, silence gene expression in both mammalian and unmilked venom gland cells. Several transcription factors were identified to bound AG‐rich motifs and repress gene expression. However, the complete regulatory mechanisms of specific expression of toxin genes are still unknown. To understand this, we have sequenced the transcriptomes of both milked and unmilked venom gland tissues from a common snake P. textilis (which possesses similar AG‐rich motifs). We have compared the expression levels of different genes and performed gene ontology enrichment analysis. We also analyzed the microRNAs for their expression levels and targets of regulation in these tissues. Here I will present our findings, which will contribute to the understanding of roles of transcription factors and microRNAs in the regulation of specific expression of toxin genes. Support or Funding Information Source of research support: Academic Research Grants from NUS