Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of the three cysteine and glycine-rich protein genes in the Chinese fire-bellied newt Cynops orientalis

The cysteine- and glycine-rich protein (CRP) family members, including the cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 1 (CSRP1), cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2), and the cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 3 (CSRP3), have exhibited various cellular functions during cell development and differentiation. However, the sequences of the three CSRP genes and their functions are still poorly understood in newts. In this study, we cloned the complete open reading frame (ORF) sequences of the three CSRP genes from the Chinese fire-bellied newt, Cynops orientalis (C. orientalis). The complete ORF sequences of Co-CSRP1, Co-CSRP2, and Co-CSRP3 were 582, 582, and 576bp, respectively, and encoded 193, 193, and 191 amino acids, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences of the three CRP members showed high similarities with that of other species, particularly, with amphibians. Co-CSRP1 was highly expressed in the kidney, limb, and stomach, however, the expression was low in the spleen, heart, intestine, liver, and tail (P