A Novel C-Type Lectin and Its Potential Role in Feeding and Feed Selection in Ruditapes philippinarum

In recent years, the role of lectins in feed selection bivalve has become hot research topic. Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum is a species marine with important economic value. A new C-type lectin (Rpcl) from was obtained and its potential feeding studied. Rpcl cDNA 929 bp length had 720 open reading frame. encoded 235 amino acids, comprising carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) as well an N-terminal signal peptide. contained conserved CRD disulfide bond including five cysteine residues (Cys125, Cys142, Cys213, Cys219, Cys237) QPN motif (GLN204-PRO205-ASN206). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that acid sequence closely related to Vpclec-1 R. Mercenaria. The qPCR indicated expression observed all examined tissues highest gills followed by hepatopancreas, lesser extent mantle lip. vitro agglutination experiments showed that, purified protein could selectively agglutinate different microalgae. strongest agglutinating effect Chlorella sp. observed, Karlodinium veneficum Chaetoceros debilis Cleve. No Prorocentrum minimum observed. experiment, compared starvation group, lip gill fed C. K. significant upward trend change time. addition, it found changes gene lip, main tissues, were consistent slope decrease number algal cells water body. summary, structure reported this study correlation confirmed.