Characterization and expression analysis of serpins in the XXXX @entity21397 .

@entity21397 @entity2402 @entity24334 @entity563
UNASSIGNED: Serpins are a family of @entity563 protease inhibitors that regulate physiological functions and are found widely in animals, plants and microorganisms. However, there are few reports on the role of serpins in the @entity21397 , @entity21397 . We cloned two serpin genes from @entity24334 , named Esserpin-2 and Esserpin-3. Quantitative and semi-quantitative real-time PCR results showed that Esserpin-3 mRNA transcripts were detected in all the examined @entity24334 tissues, but were most highly expressed in immune tissues, including the gills, hepatopancreas and intestines. Lower levels of Esserpin-3 expression were detected in the accessory gland, testis and stomach, while the muscle and heart showed minimal expression. Esserpin-3 was differentially expressed throughout testis developmental stages. Esserpin-3 protein was localized in the tube wall and lumen of the accessory gland. In the testes, Esserpin-3 was detected in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids. As Esserpin-3 was also detected in the sperm contained within the seminal vesicles, it is suggested to be an intrinsic sperm protein. During the acrosome reaction, Esserpin-3 expression reduced gradually and @entity2402 after the reaction. Together, our results indicate that Esserpin-3 is an intrinsic sperm protein involved in regulation of sperm maturation and the acrosome reaction in @entity24334 .
