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BhSGAMP‐1 , a gene that encodes an antimicrobial peptide, is developmentally regulated by the direct action of 20‐OH ecdysone in the salivary gland of Bradysia hygida (Diptera, Sciaridae)
Author(s) -
Zanarotti Gabriela Morilha,
CândidoSilva Juliana A.,
de Almeida Jorge Cury
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/dvg.20576
Subject(s) - ecdysone , repressor , biology , polyclonal antibodies , gene , antimicrobial peptides , peptide , salivary gland , saliva , antimicrobial , insect , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , antibody , genetics , biochemistry , ecology
Abstract Recently we have shown that BhSGAMP‐1 is a developmentally regulated reiterated gene that encodes an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and is expressed exclusively in the salivary glands, at the end of the larval stage. We show, for the first time, that a gene for an AMP is directly activated by 20‐OH ecdysone. This control probably involves the participation of short‐lived repressor(s). We also found that the promoter of BhSGAMP‐1 is not equipped with elements that respond to infection, provoked by the injection of microorganisms, in the salivary glands or in the fat body. We produced polyclonal antibodies against the synthetic peptide and found that the BhSGAMP‐1 peptide is secreted in the saliva. The BhSGAMP‐1 gene was also activated during the third larval molt. These facts confirm our hypothesis that this preventive system of defense was selected to produce an environment free of harmful microorganisms in the insect's immediate vicinity, during molts. genesis 47:847–857, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.