Exploring novel proteases involved in the fertilization and developmental mechanisms of ascidian

海鞘玻璃海鞘属于脊索动物门，与脊椎动物在脊索动物的身体结构上有许多基本的相似之处。通过基因组信息的综合注释和系统发育分析，我们获得了506个玻璃海鞘蛋白酶基因。利用已知的微阵列和EST数据，选择显示睾丸特异性表达的8个蛋白酶基因和显示在发育期间的特定阶段中表达的其它8个蛋白酶基因。我们已经揭示了详细的表达模式，这16个蛋白酶基因在胚胎和成人组织中的RT-PCR和整体安装原位杂交。

The ascidian Ciona intestinalis is belong to the phylum chordate and share many fundamental aspects of the chordate body plan with vertebrates. We have revealed 506 protease genes in Ciona by the comprehensive annotation and phylogenetic analyzes based on genomic information. Utilizing known microarray and EST data, eight protease genes that show testis-specific expressions and the other eight protease genes which show expressions in the specific stage during development were selected. We have revealed detailed expression patterns of these 16 protease genes in embryos and adult tissues by RT-PCR and whole mount in situ hybridization.