Characterization of a molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) receptor in the Y-organ of the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus.

To characterize a receptor for molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus, we performed a binding assay and chemical cross-linking experiments using radiolabeled recombinant MIH ([(125)I]rMIH). The specific binding of [(125)I]rMIH was found in the membrane fraction of the Y-organ (K(d) = 4.76 x 10(-10) M and B(max) = 5.51 x 10(-12) M). Chemical cross-linking between [(125)I]rMIH and the membrane fraction of the Y-organ revealed that the MIH receptor protein has a molecular size of approximately 70 kDa.