Molecular cloning, identification and expression analysis of MDA5/MAVS/TRAF3/TANK/TBK1, five pivotal molecules of RLR signalling pathway in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

In this study, we cloned and identified melanoma differentiation-associated antigen 5 (MDA5), mitochondrial antiviral signalling protein (MAVS), TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF3), TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa-B activator (TANK) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) from turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). The smMAD5 encodes 996 amino acids containing two CARD domains at N-terminus, a DExD/H domain, a HELICc domain and a regulatory domain (RD) at the C-terminus. The smMAVS encodes 563 amino acids containing one CARD domain at N-terminus and one PVDQT motif, lacking proline-rich region in the middle and transmembrane domain (TM) at C-terminal. The smTRAF3 encodes 984 amino acids containing a ring finger domain and two zinc finger domains 1 and 2 and a MATH-TRAF3 domain. The smTANK encodes 341 amino acids containing a TBD superfamily domain. The smTBK1 encodes 721 amino acids containing a protein kinase domain, a ubiquitin-like domain (ULD) and a coiled-coil region. Immune responsive expression analysis showed that the five genes were all rapidly and significantly upregulated in vivo after poly (I:C) (LMW and HMW) and TRBIV challenge in spleen, gills, head kidney and muscle tissues. Our results indicate that the smMDA5, smMAVS, smTRAF3, smTANK and smTBK1 molecules play crucial role in antiviral immune response.

Automated summary

The study cloned and identified several key immune response genes from turbot, including MDA5, MAVS, TRAF3, TANK, and TBK1. These genes were rapidly upregulated in various tissues after viral challenges, suggesting their crucial role in antiviral immune response.