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Organization, evolution and transcriptional profile of hexamerin genes of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

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Author(s):
Cristino, A. S. ; Nunes, F. M. F. ; Barchuk, A. R. ; Aguiar-Coelho, V. M. ; Simoes, Z. L. P. ; Bitondi, M. M. G.
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: Insect Molecular Biology; v. 19, p. 10-pg., 2010-02-01.
Abstract

Hexamerins and prophenoloxidases (PPOs) proteins are members of the arthropod-haemocyanin superfamily. In contrast to haemocyanin and PPO, hexamerins do not bind oxygen, but mainly play a role as storage proteins that supply amino acids for insect metamorphosis. We identified seven genes encoding hexamerins, three encoding PPOs, and one hexamerin pseudogene in the genome of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis. A phylogenetic analysis of hexamerins and PPOs from this wasp and related proteins from other insect orders suggests an essentially order-specific radiation of hexamerins. Temporal and spatial transcriptional profiles of N. vitripennis hexamerins suggest that they have physiological functions other than metamorphosis, which are arguably coupled with its lifestyle. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 05/03926-5 - Functional genomics of Apis mellifera: search for new genes and functional networks in the context of development, different castes and reproduction
Grantee:Zilá Luz Paulino Simões
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 07/07594-2 - Regulatory and functional networks associated to vitellogenin gene expression in Apis mellifera castes
Grantee:Francis de Morais Franco Nunes
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral