Molecular characterization and expression analysis of gonadotrophic α-subunit hormone in rohu (Labeo rohita)

Abstract

Reproduction in fish is controlled by two pituitary gonadotropin hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Rohu (Labeo rohita) is a commercially important seasonal breeder freshwater fish species, but the information regarding molecular regulation of reproduction in this important carp species is very scanty. In the present study we identified, cloned and characterized gonadotropin α-subunit (GTHα) full-length cDNA by RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends), and analyzed their basal expressions in different tissues by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Full-length rohu GTHα cDNA encodes 118 amino acids and in the adult fish, they were widely expressed in pituitary, brain, gonads, muscle, liver, intestine, gill, kidney, eye and heart.