Actin gene from blood cockle Anadara granosa as a potential housekeeping gene for gene expression analysis

Actin gene has been used to control gene expression in several species. However, there is a lack of information on actin gene in the family Arcidae, including Anadara granosa. The objective of this research was to explore actin gene expression and characteristic from A. granosa induced by mercury. Blood cockle samples were acclimatized for two days prior to HgCl2 exposure. Concentrations of HgCl2 used were 0, 1, 2, and 10 mg/l. Samples were subjected to HgCl2 for 0-48 h. Following induction, samples were dissected and isolated to collect RNA samples. Intact RNA samples were reverse transcibed and amplified using PCR method. PCR products were then sequenced. The expression of actin gene was constant despite variation in mercury concentration. A 353 bp fragment of AgACT cDNA was successfully amplified. As compared to other actin gene sequences from other molluscs, distinct sequences were observed. Hence, the actin gene from A. granosa is specific and can be utilized as housekeeping gene in future gene expression studies.