Skin secretion transcriptome remains in chromatographic fractions suitable for molecular cloning

Abstract

Traditional sources of mRNA for molecular cloning on amphibian skin secretion studies have been the frog's skin and skin secretions. Here, we demonstrate that mRNA isolated from chromatographic fractions of skin secretions is amenable for molecular cloning assays. We identified precursor sequences of the Arg0, Trp5, Leu8-bradykinin and six antimicrobial peptides of Pelophylax esculentus (Ranidae). These results show that both transcriptomic and peptidomic analyses can be performed with a single sample reducing in half the amount of starting skin secretion required. This is a significant advantage when working with endangered or very rare amphibian species, where minimal samples are available.