Identification of mesotocin and vasotocin nucleotide sequences in two species of urodele amphibian.
We amplified and identified, for the first time in urodele amphibians, cDNA sequences that encode preprovasotocin (preproVT) and prepromesotocin (preproMT) from two distinct urodelian species, Taricha granulosa (the rough-skinned newt) and Plethodon shermanii (the spotted salamander). Each of these cDNA sequences encoded proteins that contained the characteristics of known neurohypophysial peptide precursors; each sequence consisting of (1) a signal peptide, (2) VT- or MT-like peptides, (3) neurophysin, and for the preproVTs, (4) copeptin. In T. granulosa, cDNA sequences encoded for the nine amino acids that define VT or MT. In P. shermani, cDNA sequences encoded for the VT peptide and a previously unidentified isoform of MT, ([Val(4)]-MT).
Searcy
Brian T
BT
Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. brian.searcy@colostate.edu
Walthers
Eliza A
EA
Heppner
Bethany L
BL
Thompson
Richmond R
RR
Moore
Frank L
FL
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence / Q000235:genetics; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012455:Salamandridae; D014668:Vasotocin / Q000235:genetics*
D018076:DNA, Complementary; C001713:mesotocin; D010121:Oxytocin; D014668:Vasotocin