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. 2007 Jun 24;12(4):573–583. doi: 10.2478/s11658-007-0026-x

The differential expression of ribosomal 18S RNA paralog genes from the chaetognath Spadella cephaloptera

Roxane-Marie Barthélémy 1,✉, Michel Grino 2, Pierre Pontarotti 3, Jean-Paul Casanova 1, Eric Faure 1
PMCID: PMC6275777  PMID: 17588220

Abstract

Chaetognaths constitute a small marine phylum of approximately 120 species. Two classes of both 18S and 28S rRNA gene sequences have been evidenced in this phylum, even though significant intraindividual variation in the sequences of rRNA genes is unusual in animal genomes. These observations led to the hypothesis that this unusual genetic characteristic could play one or more physiological role(s). Using in situ hybridization on the frontal sections of the chaetognath Spadella cephaloptera, we found that the 18S Class I genes are expressed in the whole body, with a strong expression throughout the gut epithelium, whereas the expression of the 18S Class II genes is restricted to the oocytes. Our results could suggest that the paralog products of the 18S Class I genes are probably the “housekeeping” 18S rRNAs, whereas those of class II would only be essential in specific tissues. These results provide support for the idea that each type of 18S paralog is important for specific cellular functions and is under the control of selective factors.

Key words: 18S, Chaetognath, Spadella cephaloptera, In situ hybridization, Duplication, Expression pattern, rRNA paralogs

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Abbreviations used

EDTA

ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid

mRNA

messenger ribonucleic acid

nt

nucleotide

OCT

optimal cutting temperature

PBS

phosphate buffered saline

RER

rough endoplasmic reticulum

rRNA

ribosomal ribonucleic acid

RT-PCR

reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction

SSC

sodium chloride sodium citrate

tRNA

transfer ribonucleic acid

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