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cDNA cloning of an adult male putative lipocalin specific to tergal gland aphrodisiac secretion in an insect ( Leucophaea maderae )
Author(s) -
Korchi Ahmed,
Brossut Rémy,
Bouhin Hervé,
Delachambre Jean
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(99)00414-7
Subject(s) - lipocalin , biology , complementary dna , secretion , gene , insect , genetics , recombinant dna , sequence analysis , peptide sequence , edman degradation , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , botany
Lma‐P22 is a cuticular surface protein specific to the tergal gland secretion of Leucophaea maderae adult males which is ingested by females just before copulation. The complete Lma‐P22 cDNA sequence was determined by RT‐PCR using primers based on Edman degradation fragments. The recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli was recognized by an anti‐Lma‐P22 antibody. Northern blot analysis indicates that the corresponding mRNA is transcribed only in the epidermis of male tergites. Sequence analysis indicated that Lma‐P22 deduced protein belongs to the lipocalin family. Lipocalins are extracellular proteins which carry hydrophobic compounds and some of them can bind sexual pheromone in vertebrates. Lma‐P22 is the first example of a lipocalin‐like protein involved in insect sexual behavior.