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Identification and molecular characterization of a prophenoloxidase involved in Aedes aegypti chorion melanization
Author(s) -
Kim S. R.,
Yao R.,
Han Q.,
Christensen B. M.,
Li J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
insect molecular biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.955
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2583
pISSN - 0962-1075
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2004.00547.x
Subject(s) - prophenoloxidase , aedes aegypti , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , transcription (linguistics) , immunology , larva , innate immune system , ecology , immune system , linguistics , philosophy
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.