Research

Publications
Title: Molecular and functional characterization of tilapia DDX41 in IFN regulation
First author: Gan, Zhen; Cheng, Jun; Hou, Jing; Xia, Hongli; Chen, Wenjie; Xia, Liqun; Nie, Pin; Lu, Yishan
Journal: FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
Years: 2020
Volume / issue: 99 /
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.031
Abstract: DEAD-box helicase 41 (DDX41) is a key cytosolic DNA sensor playing critical roles in the regulation of type I IFN responses, and their functions have been well-characterized in mammals. However, little information is available regarding the function of fish DDX41. In this study, a DDX41 gene, named On-DDX41, was identified in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. The predicted protein of On-DDX41 contains several structural features known in DDX41, including conserved DEADc and HELICc domains, and a conserved sequence Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (D-E-A-D). On-DDX41 gene was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined, with the highest expression level observed in liver and muscle, and was inducible after poly(I:C) stimulation. Moreover, the overexpression of On-DDX41 can elicit a strong activation of both zebrafish IFN1 and IFN3 promoter in fish cells treated with poly (dA:dT). The present study thus contributes to a better understanding of the functional properties of DDX41 in fish.