Molecular characterization, immune responses and DNA protection activity of rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus), peroxiredoxin 6 (Prx6)

In this study, we describe the molecular characterization, immune responses of rock bream, Oplegnathus fasciatus peroxiredoxin 6 cDNA (RbPrx6) and DNA protection activity of its recombinant protein. The full-length cDNA sequence of RbPrx6 was identified after pyrosequencing of rock bream cDNA library. RbPrx6 consists of 663 bp open reading frame (ORF) that codes for a putative protein of 221 amino acids with predicted molecular mass of 27 kDa. It showed characteristic peroxiredoxin super-family domain similar to vertebrate Prx counterparts. In the pair-wise comparison, RbPrx6 showed the highest amino acid identity (92.8%) to Scophthalmus maximus Prx6.Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that constitutive expression of RbPrx6 transcripts in eleven tissues selected from un-challenged fish showing the highest level in liver. Synthetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and iridovirus containing supernatant, up-regulated the RbPrx6 mRNA in liver. Purified recombinant RbPrx6 protein was able to protect supercoiled plasmid DNA from damages that is induced by metal-catalyzed generation of reactive oxygen species. Our results suggest that RbPrx6 may play an important role in regulating oxidative stress by scavenging of ROS, involving immune reactions and minimizing the DNA damage in rock bream.

► Prx6 is a potent cytoprotective enzyme for minimizing oxidative stress.
► Immune challenge stimulates the transcription of Prx6 in rock bream.
►  Recombinant Prx6 can protect DNA from the damages induced by metal-catalyzed generation of ROS.