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Invertebrate neuropeptide processing: Partial characterization of peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta
Author(s) -
Bernasconi Paul,
Li Jorge P.,
Reagan Jeff D.,
Kramer Steven J.
Publication year - 1992
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.940210207
Subject(s) - manduca sexta , sphingidae , monooxygenase , biology , manduca , neuropeptide , insect , biochemistry , enzyme , solanaceae , botany , cytochrome p450 , receptor , gene
A peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase (PAM) has been characterized in the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta . Although such enzymes have been well studied in vertebrates, their presence in invertebrates has not been reported. PAM activity was measured in several insect tissues. The highest specific activity was found in the brain. In this organ, PAM activity was high during the larval stages, but low at the end of metamorphosis. Copper, oxygen, and ascorbate were required for activity. Evidence that 2, 4, 5‐trihydroxyphenylalanine may be involved in PAM activity is presented. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.