Search

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family members can inhibit multiple biological functions of cytokines, hormones, and growth factors. In this study, a SOCS6 gene homolog from triangle sail mussel Hyriopsis cumingii (HcSOCS6) was cloned and characterized. The full-length cDNA of HcSOCS6 was 1,823 bp and encoded 458 amino acid residues. No introns were found in the genomic sequence. The deduced HcSOCS6 protein possesses highly conserved functional domains, including the Src homology 2 domain and the SOCS box. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HcSOCS6 was clustered with other molluscan genes. Transcripts of HcSOCS6 were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues, at high levels in the hepatopancreas and gills and low levels in hemocytes. Transcription of HcSOCS6 was significantly upregulated in hemocytes and the hepatopancreas after injecting with lipopolysaccharide, but it was only upregulated in hemocytes after Aeromonas hydrophila stimulation. The expression of HcSOCS6 in mantle significantly increased during wound healing, especially on the third day. These results suggested that HcSOCS6 was involved in the immune response and wound healing in the triangle sail mussel. KEY WORDS: mussel, Hyriopsis cumingii, SOCS6, immune response, mRNA expression, wound healing, INTRODUCTION Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins, part of a classical negative feedback system, are important in regulating cytokine signal transduction. These SOCS proteins may modulate the function, strength, and [...]