Characterization and expression of tyrosinase-like genes in the anemone Exaiptasia pallida as a function of health and symbiotic state

• DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103459
• Publication Date: 2019-08-01T23:58:47Z
• Authors: Grace F. Bailey; Alexa M. Bilsky; Mary B. Rowland; Angela Z. Poole
• Keywords: Sea anemone; Anemone

Coral disease is a major threat to reef ecosystems and therefore, understanding the cellular pathways underlying disease progression and resistance is critical to mitigating future outbreaks. This study focused on tyrosinase-like proteins in cnidarians, which contribute to melanin synthesis, an invertebrate innate immune defense. Specifically, characterization and phylogenetic analysis of cnidarian tyrosinases were performed, and their role in symbiosis and a "mystery disease" in the anemone Exaiptasia pallida was investigated using qPCR. The results reveal a diversity of tyrosinase-like proteins in cnidarians that separate into two major clades on a phylogenetic tree, suggesting functional divergence. Two E. pallida sequences, Ep_Tyr1 and Ep_Tyr2, were further investigated, and qPCR results revealed no gene expression differences as a function of symbiotic state, but decreased expression in late disease stages. Overall this work provides evidence for the participation of tyrosinases in the cnidarian immune response.