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The role of salivary lipocalins in blood feeding by Rhodnius prolixus
Author(s) -
Andersen John F.,
Gudderra Nanda P.,
Francischetti Ivo M.B.,
Ribeiro José M.C.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
archives of insect biochemistry and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.576
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1520-6327
pISSN - 0739-4462
DOI - 10.1002/arch.20032
Subject(s) - rhodnius prolixus , biology , lipocalin , secretion , gene duplication , gene , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , genetics , insect , ecology
In order to overcome host mechanisms that prevent blood loss, the blood‐sucking bug Rhodnius prolixus has evolved a complex salivary secretion containing dozens of different proteins. A number of these have been characterized and found to have roles in inhibiting various hemostatic or inflammatory systems. Interestingly, many of these biologically active salivary proteins belong to the lipocalin protein family. A proliferation of lipocalin genes has occurred via gene duplication and subsequent divergence. Functional genomic, proteomic, and functional studies have been performed to probe the role of salivary lipocalins in blood feeding. In the course of these investigations, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, antiinflammatory, and vasodilatory molecules have been described. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 58:97–105, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.