Original Articles
Yan Shui, Zeng-Hong Xu, Huai-S
Abstract
Profilin is an actin-binding protein and is involved in controlling T-lymphocyte activation and effector functions in invertebrate immune response. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) technique was used to elucidate the role of profilin in the ovarian development in Procambarus clarkii. RNAi-mediated silencing of profilin gene, performed by injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) corresponding to the gene, significantly increased the mortality and additionally decreased vitellogenin (Vg) transcripts level (80.2%) in this crayfish, implied that the profilin knockdown seems inhibited the synthesization or transportation of Vg in the process of ovarian development and maturation. Our results suggest an important role for profilin in ovarian development and maturity in crustaceans.