Characterization and function analysis of a novel gene, Hc-maoc-1, in the parasitic nematode Haemonochus contortus.

Background: Enoyl-CoA hydratase (MAOC) is required for the biosynthesis of the fatty acid-derive side chains of the ascaroside via peroxisome β-oxidation in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The derivative of dideoxy-sugar, ascarylose is used as dauer pheromones or daumones to induce development of the stress-resistant dauer larvae stage.

Methods: Hc-maoc-1 gene was obtained by searching the Wellcome Trusts Sanger Institute's H. contortus genomic database. qRT-PCR was performed to analyse the transcriptional levels of Hc-maoc-1 with different developmental stages as templates. IFA was carried out to determine the expression pattern in L3 larvae and micro-injection was used to verify the promoter activity of 5'-flanking region of Hc-maoc-1. Overexpression and RNAi experiments were applied in N strain to ascertain the gene function of Hc-maoc-1.

Results: The full-length cDNA of Hc-maoc-1 was 900 bp in length, which contained eight exons separated by seven introns and possessed the Hotdog domain and the MaoC-like domain, together with several other residues and a hydratase 2 motif. It was transcribed throughout the lifecycle and peaked in the fourth-stage larvae (L4) of H. contortus; however, its transcription level decreased in diapausing L4. The protein expression and location of Hc-MAOC-1 were mainly in the intestine of L3 larvae. Overexpression of Ce-maoc-1 and Hc-maoc-1 in C. elegans showed extended lifespan and increased body size. The protein Ce-MAOC-1 and Hc-MAOC-1 were localized in the intestine with a punctate pattern. In C. elegans, knockdown of Ce-maoc-1 conferred shortened lifespan and body lengths, decreased brood size and increased lipid storage.

Conclusion: Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a model organism to ascertain the function of Hc-maoc-1 in H. contortus. Our results showed the similar characteristics and functions with Ce-maoc-1 and provided evidences of the potential functions of Hc-maoc-1 in biosynthesis of daumones in H. contortus.