Identification and molecular characterization of a prophenoloxidase involved in Aedes aegypti chorion melanization

Insect Mol Biol. 2005 Apr;14(2):185-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2004.00547.x.

Abstract

Chorion melanization is a vital biochemical event for the survival of mosquito eggs in the environment. This study describes the identification and molecular characterization of a prophenoloxidase (proPO) involved in chorion melanization in Aedes aegypti by various biochemical and molecular techniques. Results revealed that transcription of the chorion proPO occurs only in adults, blood feeding greatly stimulated its transcription and haemocytes are responsible for its transcription. Our study provides a solid basis for suggesting an essential role of the isolated proPO in chorion melanization during chorion hardening and also raises fundamental questions regarding its transportation and distribution in the chorion. This study should serve as a useful reference towards functional elucidation of other proPOs in mosquitoes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / enzymology*
  • Aedes / genetics
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Catechol Oxidase / genetics*
  • Catechol Oxidase / metabolism*
  • Chorion / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Enzyme Precursors / genetics*
  • Enzyme Precursors / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Melanins / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Ovum / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sequence Homology

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Enzyme Precursors
  • Melanins
  • pro-phenoloxidase
  • Catechol Oxidase