Abstract
We report the sequence, expression pattern and mutant phenotype of malvolio (mvl), the Drosophila homologue of mammalian natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs). In the mouse, this novel transporter is encoded by Bcg, a dominant gene that confers natural resistance to intracellular parasites. mvl was identified in a screen for mutants that affect taste behaviour. We show that loss-of-function as well as insertional mutants in mvl display defects in taste behaviour with no alterations in the physiology of the sensory neurons. Activity of the reporter enzyme beta-galactosidase, that reflects the expression pattern of mvl, is seen in mature sensory neurons and in macrophages. The conceptual translation of the mvl cDNA shows a striking similarity (65% identity) with human NRAMP with almost complete identity in a conserved consensus motif found in a number of ATP-coupled transporters. Based on its phenotype and expression pattern as well as its structural similarities to NRAMPs and a nitrate transporter in Aspergillus nidulans, we discuss a possible role for MVL in nitrite/nitrate transport and its implications.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Behavior, Animal / physiology*
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Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis
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Carrier Proteins / genetics*
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Cation Transport Proteins*
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Chromosome Mapping
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Drosophila / genetics*
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Fructose / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation*
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Genes, Insect
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Genes, Reporter
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Ion Pumps*
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Iron-Binding Proteins*
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Larva / cytology
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Larva / genetics
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Macrophages / metabolism*
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Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis
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Membrane Proteins / genetics*
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nervous System / metabolism*
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Pupa / cytology
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Pupa / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Sodium Chloride / metabolism
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Sucrose / metabolism
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Taste / genetics*
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Trehalose / metabolism
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Cation Transport Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Ion Pumps
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Iron-Binding Proteins
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Membrane Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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mvl protein, Drosophila
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natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1
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solute carrier family 11- (proton-coupled divalent metal ion transporters), member 2
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Fructose
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Sodium Chloride
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Sucrose
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Trehalose