Identification of mesotocin and vasotocin nucleotide sequences in two species of urodele amphibian

Brian T Searcy; Eliza A Walthers; Bethany L Heppner; Richmond R Thompson; Frank L Moore

doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.11.013

Identification of mesotocin and vasotocin nucleotide sequences in two species of urodele amphibian

Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2009 Jan 15;160(2):111-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.11.013. Epub 2008 Dec 3.

Authors

Brian T Searcy¹, Eliza A Walthers, Bethany L Heppner, Richmond R Thompson, Frank L Moore

Affiliation

¹ Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. brian.searcy@colostate.edu

PMID: 19063891
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.11.013

Abstract

We amplified and identified, for the first time in urodele amphibians, cDNA sequences that encode preprovasotocin (preproVT) and prepromesotocin (preproMT) from two distinct urodelian species, Taricha granulosa (the rough-skinned newt) and Plethodon shermanii (the spotted salamander). Each of these cDNA sequences encoded proteins that contained the characteristics of known neurohypophysial peptide precursors; each sequence consisting of (1) a signal peptide, (2) VT- or MT-like peptides, (3) neurophysin, and for the preproVTs, (4) copeptin. In T. granulosa, cDNA sequences encoded for the nine amino acids that define VT or MT. In P. shermani, cDNA sequences encoded for the VT peptide and a previously unidentified isoform of MT, ([Val(4)]-MT).

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Base Sequence / genetics
DNA, Complementary / genetics
Male
Oxytocin / analogs & derivatives*
Oxytocin / genetics
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Salamandridae
Vasotocin / genetics*

Substances

DNA, Complementary
mesotocin
Oxytocin
Vasotocin