Expression levels of RuvBL2 during ovarian development and association between its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and growth of the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon Sirikan Prasertlux a,b , Bavornlak Khamnamtong a,c, ⁎, Parichat Chumtong a , Sirawut Klinbunga a,c , Piamsak Menasveta c,d a Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand b Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand c Center of Excellence for Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand d Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand abstract article info Article history: Received 31 July 2009 Received in revised form 11 March 2010 Accepted 25 June 2010 Keywords: SSCP SNP RuvBL2 Growth Ovarian development Penaeus monodon Polymorphism of an ATP-dependent DNA helicase gene, RuvB-like 2 was examined in correlation with body weight and its expression during ovarian development of the giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). The full- length cDNA of P. monodon RuvB-like 2 (Pm-RuvBL2) was 3791 bp containing an ORF of 1392 bp corresponding to a polypeptide of 463 amino acids. Polymorphism of the amplified Pm-RuvBL2 gene segment (484 bp containing an intron of 259 bp) was initially examined in wild P. monodon (n = 15) by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Subsequently, correlation between Pm-RuvBL2 genotypes and the body weight of P. monodon was tested using commercially cultivated shrimp from the same pond (approximately 3 months old, average BW =17.39± 4.36 g, n =359). Disregarding sexes, the body weight of the shrimp carrying genotypes A (average BW = 19.277 ± 3.640 g, n = 37) and B (average BW = 19.293 ± 4.548 g, n = 79) was significantly greater than that of the shrimp carrying C (average BW=16.528±3.847 g, n =93) and D (average BW=16.365± 4.378 g, n = 124) genotypes. One exonic (G-A 81 ) and two intronic (A-T 196 and G-T 248 ) SNPs corresponding to ATG, A[T/A]G, GAG and GAT for respective SSCP genotypes were found. Pm-RuvBL2 was more abundantly expressed in ovaries than testes and other tissues of P. monodon broodstock (P b 0.05). The relative expression levels of Pm- RuvBL2 in ovaries of juvenile shrimp carrying different SSCP genotypes were not significantly different (P b 0.05). Interestingly, expression of Pm-RuvBL2 in the ovaries of P. monodon juveniles was significantly up-regulated upon 5-HT administration (50 μg/g body weight, P b 0.05). The expression level of Pm-RuvBL2 in the ovaries of broodstock was greater than that of juvenile shrimp (P b 0.05). Results critically suggested that Pm-RuvBL2 should play an important role in growth and reproduction of P. monodon. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction The giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) is an economically im- portant cultured species (Asian Shrimp Culture Council, 1996; Rosenberry, 2003). Farming of P. monodon in Thailand relies almost entirely on wild- caught broodstock for the seed supply because breeding of P. monodon in captivity is extremely difficult. This open cultured cycle and reliance on wild stocks of P. monodon result in heavy exploitation of female broodstock from wild populations (Klinbunga et al., 2001; Preechaphol et al., 2007; Khamnamtong et al., 2009; Leelatanawit et al., 2009). The lack of high quality wild and/or domesticated broodstock of P. monodon has possibly caused an occurrence of a large portion of stunted shrimps at harvest time (3–5 g body weight at 4 month cultivation period) (Limsuwan, 2004; Preechaphol et al., 2007). The domestication and selective breeding programs of P. monodon would provide a more reliable supply of seed stock and the improvement of its production efficiency (Makinouchi and Hirata, 1995; Clifford and Preston, 2006; Coman et al., 2006). The use of selectively bred stocks having improved culture performance; disease resistance and/or other commercially desired traits (e.g. fast growth) rather than the reliance on wild-caught stocks is a major determinant of sustainability of the shrimp industry (Benzie, 1998; Clifford and Preston, 2006). Selection for increased juvenile growth rates would be feasible in this species. Accordingly, genetic markers that allow selection of juveniles and broodstock with a high breeding value for growth rates would be useful for the shrimp industry. Aquaculture 308 (2010) S83–S90 ⁎ Corresponding author. Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand. Tel.: +66 2 6448150; fax: +66 2 6448190. E-mail address: bavornlak@biotec.or.th (B. Khamnamtong). 0044-8486/$ – see front matter © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2010.06.038 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Aquaculture journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/aqua-online