Structural characterization and sex-differential expression analysis of the SOCS1 gene in <em>Pelodiscus sinensis</em>

Abstract

To investigate the evolutionary and functional characteristics of the SOCS1 gene in reptiles, we isolated and characterized this gene from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. The full-length cDNA of P. sinensis SOCS1 (2,782 bp) was cloned and encoded a 207-amino acid polypeptide containing typical SH2 (73-156aa) and SOCS box (167-203aa) domains. The evolutionary analysis showed that SOCS1 exhibited high homology (>95%) with other turtle species and SH2 and SOCS box domains were highly conserved in vertebrates. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network predictions suggested that SOCS1 might interact strongly with members of the JAK kinase family, the ubiquitin ligase complex, and the insulin receptor. Further expression analysis in different tissues revealed that the expression level of SOCS1 was significantly higher in female gonads and intestines than that in males (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, hormone treatment experiments indicated that the SOCS1 in female gonads was specifically responsive to estradiol (E2) treatment and peaked at 12 h after hormone treatment (P < 0.05). Collectively, our study reveals the molecular features of P. sinensis SOCS1 and its potential role in sex-related physiology, laying a foundation for further investigation into the regulatory mechanisms of growth, immunity, and reproduction in turtles.