ARS | Publication request: CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TRYPSIN AND CHYMOTRYPSIN-LIKE CDNAS FROM THE GUT OF THE HESSIAN FLY, MAYETIOLA DESTRUCTOR (SAY)

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2003
Publication Date: November 2, 2003
Citation: Zhu, Y., Liu, X., Maddur, A., Oppert, B.S., Chen, M. 2003. Cloning and characterization of trypsin and chymotrypsin-like cdnas from the gut of the hessian fly, mayetiola destructor (say). Entomological Society of America Proceedings.

Technical Abstract: Fifteen unique cDNA clones that encode trypsin and chymotrypsin-like priteins have been cloned from the gut of the Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor (SAY)) through a transcriptomic analysis. The clones encode proteins with predicted molecular weights ranged from 25.73 to 28.58 and pls from 5.44 to 8.66. The deduced amino acid sequences of the fifteen proteins showed several structural features typical of serine proteases including: (1) the amino acid residues considered to determine trypsin or chymotrypsin substrate specificities; (2) conserved histidine and serine satalytic sites; (3) the catalytic traid; and (4) six cysteine residues, all located at conserved positions. All these features suggested that these cDNAs encode active trypsins or chymotrypsins. The trypsin and chymotrypsin-like proteins can be sorted into five groups according to sequence conservation. Members from the same group share over 95% sequence identity while proteins between different groups are very different with only key residues essential for functions are conserved. Northern blot analysis revealed distinct expression profiles of these genes in different developmental states of this insect.