Cloning, expression analysis and RNAi of farnesoic acid O-methylransferase gene from Neocaridina denticulata sinensis

Methyl farnesoate (MF) is an essential endocrine hormone in crustaceans, which can promote the occurrence of crustaceans molting, control morphogenesis, affect gonad development, and regulate the stress stimulation to the external environment. The farnesoic acid O -methyltransferase (FAMeT) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in MF synthesis, catalyzing the conversion of farnesoic acid (FA) into MF. Neocaridina denticulata sinensis [Decapoda] is a suitable animal model for studying crustaceans because it can reproduce many times under artificial control and has a short reproductive cycle. According to its transcriptomic and genomic information, the full-length cDNA sequence of FAMeT from N. denticulata sinensis ( NdFAMeT ) was cloned and the characterization of its deduced amino acid sequence was also analyzed. The relative expression of NdFAMeT in different tissues was determined. The NdFAMeT protein was recombinantly expressed in E. coli and its enzyme activity was determined. After gene knockdown by RNAi technology, the protein activity of shrimp was decreased and the individual phenotype was also observed. • NdFAMeT gene was obtained from N. denticulata sinensis. • Distribution of NdFAMeT mRNA detected in different tissues. • Knockdown of NdFAMeT results in the decrease of its activity in cephalothoraxs. • Knockdown of NdFAMeT results the phenotype change.