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

海鞘动物属于脊索动物门，与脊椎动物有许多共同的脊索体计划的基本方面。在基因组信息的基础上，通过全面的注释和系统发育分析，我们揭示了芝麻属的506个蛋白酶基因。利用已知的基因芯片和EST数据，筛选出8个睾丸特异表达的蛋白水解酶基因和8个在发育特定阶段表达的蛋白水解酶基因。我们通过RT-PCR和整装原位杂交揭示了这16个蛋白水解酶基因在胚胎和成体组织中的详细表达模式。

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.