Cloning and expression of a transcription factor activator protein-1 member identified from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

Transcription activator proteins are regulatory proteins that bind to the promoter regions of target genes. Transcription activator protein-1 (AP-1) regulates numerous genes related to the immune system, apoptosis, and proliferation. In this study, the full-length cDNA of AP-1 from Portunus trituberculatus ( PtAP-1 ) was identified by expressed sequence tag analysis and cDNA-end rapid amplification. The gene is 1183 bp and encodes a 256-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass and isoelectric point of 28.96 kDa and 8.90, respectively. PtAP-1 showed the highest expression level in the gonad tissue and the lowest expression level in blood, hemocyte, muscle, hepatopancreas, and gill, during the first 6 h of low-salinity stimulation (10%). Additionally, we observed steady decreases in PtAP-1 mRNA expression in the gill, but at 12 h, expression was initially upregulated, followed by a significant decrease until restoration to baseline levels at 48 h. Additionally, Vibrio alginolyticus challenge resulted in significant upregulation of PtAP-1 expression in the first 6 h, which was maintained at high levels for 48 h. From 48 to 72 h, we observed decreases in PtAP-1 levels, although they remained significantly higher than those detected at baseline. These results suggested that PtAP-1 is involved in the immune response and osmoregulation of crustaceans.