Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a C-type lectin (AJCTL) from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

► We cloned C-type lectin gene (AJCTL) from Apostichopus japonicus. ► AJCTL belongs to the Reg protein (group VII). ► A remarkable up-regulation of AJCTL in the intestinum after challenging. ► AJCTL gene was widely distributed in different tissues of the sea cucumber.