Glycogen-related genes play potential roles in immune response of Ruditapes philippinarum under Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge

Glycogen is the main energy storage substance of animal cells. Glycogen synthase and phosphorylase are involved in the synthesis and decomposition of glycogen. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 plays an important role not only in the glycogen metabolism pathway but also in multiple cellular functions including cell growth, apoptosis, and immune response. In this study, three novel glycogen synthase, phosphorylase, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 proteins (named RpGS, RpGP, and RpGSK3), were identified and investigated in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. The ORF length of RpGS, RpGP, andRpGSK3 was 1554 bp, 2568 bp, 1263 bp,and predicted 517, 855, and 420 amino acids, respectively. All the three genes were expressed in seven tissues of R. philippinarum, and were highly expressed in gills and hepatopancreas. In addition, the expression levels of RpGS, RpGP, and RpGSK3 mRNA increased in hepatopancreas tissue in response to Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge, suggesting that RpGS, RpGP, and RpGSK3 might be involved in the innate immunity and play an important role in the immune defense of R. philippinarum.

Automated summary

This study identified and investigated three novel glycogen metabolism-related proteins in Manila clam, suggesting their potential involvement in innate immunity and important role in immune defense.