Mucosal galectin genes in all freshwater eels of the genus Anguilla

Abstract

In this study, we determined the genomic DNA sequences of the mucosal galectin‐encoding genes from all 19 species and subspecies of the genus Anguilla. The nucleotide sequences of the galectin genes were c. 2.3–2.5 kb long and the organisation of their four exons and three introns was conserved in all species. An unusual sequence was found in the fourth exon of Anguilla reinhardtii, resulting in a unique deduced amino‐acid sequence at the C‐terminus. All six amino‐acid residues important for β‐galactoside binding were conserved in three species, while one residue (R73) was substituted to K73 in the other 16 species–subspecies, including Anguilla marmorata. However, this substitution did not appear to affect the sugar‐binding ability of galectins because the galectin of A. marmorata was previously shown to bind to lactose. We also discuss the molecular evolution of galectins among Anguilla spp. and the homologues previously identified in Conger myriaster.