Immunolocalization of cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) in Mytilus galloprovincialis and its induction by nutritional levels.
We have examined the localization of P450scc in different tissues of the mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis along a gonadal cycle by using a polyclonal antibody against rat cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (cytochrome P450scc). Immunoreactivity specific for P450scc was found only in the cytoplasm of basophilic cells from digestive gland; gonad, gills and kidney appeared to be devoid of P450scc immunoreactivity. SDS-gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis of different subcellular fractions revealed that this protein is mainly located in microsomes, has a molecular weight of 51.4 kDa and is recognized by the antibody against rat P450scc. These results suggest that the digestive gland of M. galloprovincialis could be considered a steroidogenic tissue where the first step in biosynthesis of steroid hormones occurs. Moreover, seasonal slot blot analysis of post-mitochondrial fractions showed a P450scc induction by available nutrients and phytoplankton blooms.
Martínez
Ana Alonso
AA
Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain.
Muñoz
Yolanda Ruiz
YR
Serrano
Fuencisla San Juan
FS
García
Pilar Molist
PM
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000201:enzymology; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000032:analysis; D000077194:Chlorophyll A; D002786:Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D003600:Cytosol / Q000201:enzymology; D004064:Digestive System / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D005502:Food; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008861:Microsomes / Q000201:enzymology; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000201:enzymology; D049878:Mytilus / Q000201:enzymology*; D010839:Phytoplankton / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012621:Seasons; D013737:Testis / Q000201:enzymology
D002734:Chlorophyll; D002786:Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme; D000077194:Chlorophyll A