The Expression Patterns of Membrane Progestin Receptor α (mPRα) During Sexual Maturation in Female Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Abstract:

In this study we collected the mature tissue samples of female Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and investigated the expression patterns of mRNA and proteins of membrane progestin receptor alpha (mPRα) in different tissues and different oocyte phases, using techniques such as quantitative real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. It was shown that the highest level of mPRα mRNA appeared in the Ⅴ phase of oocyte maturation. This further implied that mPRα was involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation through guiding progesterone. The western blotting analysis confirmed the expression of mPRα proteins in the ovary, brain, head kidney, kidney, and liver. Moreover, the expression of mPRα mRNA and proteins was higher in the brain and ovary than in other tissues. These results indicated that mPRα could play certain roles in different tissues, especially the endocrine-related ones. Results of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry clearly showed that the mPRα mRNA and proteins were expressed on the oocyte membrane and the bureaucratic structures of other organs. Our study enriched the knowledge about mechanisms of membrane receptor signal transduction.