Hepatic transcriptional profile and tissue distribution of cytochrome P450 1-3 genes in the red-crowned crane Grus japonensis

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology 2020-02, Vol.228, p.108643-108643, Article 108643
• Main Authors: Kawai, Yusuke K., Itou, Kiwamu, Yoshino, Tomoo, Iima, Hiroko, Matsumoto, Fumio, Kubota, Akira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Avian; Birds - genetics; Birds - metabolism; CYP; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System - genetics; Endangered Species; Environmental Pollutants - metabolism; Gene Expression Profiling; Japan; Kidney - metabolism; Liver - enzymology; Lung - metabolism; mRNA expression; Tissue Distribution; Transcriptome; Xenobiotic metabolism; Xenobiotics - metabolism
• ISSN: 1532-0456; 1878-1659
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.108643

The endangered red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is a protected species in eastern Hokkaido and injured specimens are treated with medication. The present study aimed at understanding the expression profiles of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1-3 genes in red-crowned crane tissues. We used 14 individuals found dead in the wild in eastern Hokkaido or in Kushiro City Zoo. Nine CYP1-3 genes expressed in the liver of the red-crowned crane were identified by high-throughput sequencing, and phylogenetically classified as CYP1A5, CYP2C23, CYP2C45, CYP2D49, CYP2G19, CYP2U1, CYP2AC1, CYP3A37, and CYP3A80. Based on the quantitative real-time PCR of 13 samples, the rank order of their median expression levels was as follows: CYP3A37 > CYP2AC1 > CYP2C45 > CYP2D49 > CYP2G19 > CYP1A5 > CYP3A80 > CYP2C23. The tissue distribution of the CYP transcripts indicated that many of the CYP1–3 genes examined were mainly expressed in the tissues where drug metabolism occurs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs. We found that CYP3A37 was dominant at the transcript level in the liver, indicating it might play a crucial role in liver physiology and xenobiotic metabolism. Similarly, an “orphan” CYP2AC1 was expressed at relatively high levels in the kidneys and liver, suggesting a possible role in renal and liver physiology and xenobiotic metabolism. Our results establish a foundation for future studies on red-crowned cranes aiming to further understand drug sensitivity and develop medication protocols, but also contribute to national and local projects for the conservation of red-crowned crane. [Display omitted] •We investigated CYP1-3 genes expressed in the red-crowned crane liver.•Nine CYP1-3 isozymes were identified and phylogenetically classified.•Many CYP1-3 genes were mainly expressed in the liver, kidneys, and lungs.•CYP3A37 was found to be dominant at transcript level in the liver.•This study helps to understand drug sensitivity and develop medication protocols.