[Identification and preliminary analysis of a novel full-length cDNA encoding retinoid X receptor 2 from Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To clone and preliminarily analyze the full-length cDNA encoding retinoid X receptor 2 (RXR2) from Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS: The rapid amplification cDNA ends (RACE)was applied to get a full-length cDNA encoding retinoid X receptor 2 from S. japonicum (SjRXR2). The transcription of SjRXR2 was detected by real-time PCR. By bioinformatical technology, the gene structure was analyzed and the antibody epitope was predicted. The polyclonal antibodies were raised in mice immunized with the synthesis peptide. Western blot was applied to detect its expression in the worm. RESULTS: The full-length cDNA of SjRXR2 was 5 960 bp and contained an open reading frame encoding a 1 435 amino acid which had a predicted molecular weight 159 kDa. Bioinformatical analysis indicated that SjRXR2 had a highly conserved DNA binding domain (DBD) and a moderate conserved ligand binding domain (LBD). The relative mRNA (s) of SjRXR2 with higher expressions at Day 21 and 42 were evaluated in five different S. japonicum developmental stages. The Western blot analysis showed that polyclonal antibodies were able to specifically recognize the protein with molecular around 150 kDa from the extract of S. japonicum. CONCLUSION: A full-length cDNA encoding retinoid X receptor 2 (RXR2) from S. japonicum is obtained which provides preliminary information for further investigation of SjRXR2 functions in S. japonicum.

A checklist of parasitic nematodes from marine fishes of China.

A checklist of the parasitic nematodes of Chinese marine fishes is presented. This fauna comprises 90 species, representing 31 genera, 13 families, nine superfamilies, three orders and two subclasses. Additional details for each species include the hosts, localities and references which represent the source of these data.