A novel actin isoform is expressed in the ovotestis of Aplysia californica

The actin family encodes a large number of protein isoforms with quasi-identical primary structure but distinct function and localization. In oocytes, actin is known to play important roles in different processes such as those leading to fertilization or to mRNA localization during oogenesis. In this paper, we report the characterization of a novel actin isoform (apACTov) in Aplysia californica that is specifically expressed in ovotestis. The apACTov cDNA codes for a putative protein of 376 amino acids that shows 96% and 94% sequence identity with two other actin isoforms previously characterized in Aplysia. In situ hybridization experiments showed that the apACTov transcript is not uniformly distributed but is found in crescent or filipodia-like structures at the surface of the oocyte. Our results suggest that apACTov may contribute to the differential distribution of critical material during egg division and/or cell differentiation.