Transforming growth factor β (CiTGF-β) gene expression is induced in the inflammatory reaction of Ciona intestinalis.
Transforming growth factor (TGF-β) is a well-known component of a regulatory cytokines superfamily that has pleiotropic functions in a broad range of cell types and is involved, in vertebrates, in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In the current study, we report on Ciona intestinalis molecular characterisation and expression of a transforming growth factor β homologue (CiTGF-β). The gene organisation, phylogenetic tree and modelling supported the close relationship with the mammalian TGF suggesting that the C. intestinalis TGF-β gene shares a common ancestor in the chordate lineages. Functionally, real-time PCR analysis showed that CiTGF-β was transcriptionally upregulated in the inflammatory process induced by LPS inoculation, suggesting that is involved in the first phase and significant in the secondary phase of the inflammatory response in which cell differentiation occurs. In situ hybridisation assays revealed that the genes transcription was upregulated in the pharynx, the main organ of the ascidian immune system, and expressed by cluster of hemocytes inside the pharynx vessels. These data supported the view that CiTGF-β is a potential molecule in immune defence systems against bacterial infection.
Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
Aiti
A
Vizzini
Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
Felicia
F
Di Falco
Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
Daniela
D
Parrinello
Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
Maria Antonietta
MA
Sanfratello
Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy. Electronic address: matteo.cammarata@unipa.it.
Matteo
M
Cammarata
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002938:Ciona intestinalis / Q000276:immunology*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008322:Mammals; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010614:Pharynx / Q000502:physiology*; D010802:Phylogeny; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015854:Up-Regulation
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta
Ascidian; Ciona intestinalis; Hemocyte; Inflammation; LPS; TGF; Transforming growth factor