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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

A Honey Bee Hexamerin, HEX 70a, Is Likely to Play an Intranuclear Role in Developing and Mature Ovarioles and Testioles

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Author(s):
Martins, Juliana R. [1] ; Anhezini, Lucas [2] ; Dallacqua, Rodrigo P. [3] ; Simoes, Zila L. P. [3] ; Bitondi, Marcia M. G. [3]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Genet, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Mol & Celular Bioagentes Patogen, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 6, n. 12 DEC 9 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 25
Abstract

Insect hexamerins have long been known as storage proteins that are massively synthesized by the larval fat body and secreted into hemolymph. Following the larval-to-pupal molt, hexamerins are sequestered by the fat body via receptor-mediated endocytosis, broken up, and used as amino acid resources for metamorphosis. In the honey bee, the transcript and protein subunit of a hexamerin, HEX 70a, were also detected in ovaries and testes. Aiming to identify the subcellular localization of HEX 70a in the female and male gonads, we used a specific antibody in whole mount preparations of ovaries and testes for analysis by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Intranuclear HEX 70a foci were evidenced in germ and somatic cells of ovarioles and testioles of pharate-adult workers and drones, suggesting a regulatory or structural role. Following injection of the thymidine analog EdU we observed co-labeling with HEX 70a in ovariole cell nuclei, inferring possible HEX 70a involvement in cell proliferation. Further support to this hypothesis came from an injection of anti-HEX 70a into newly ecdysed queen pupae where it had a negative effect on ovariole thickening. HEX 70a foci were also detected in ovarioles of egg laying queens, particularly in the nuclei of the highly polyploid nurse cells and in proliferating follicle cells. Additional roles for this storage protein are indicated by the detection of nuclear HEX 70a foci in post-meiotic spermatids and spermatozoa. Taken together, these results imply undescribed roles for HEX 70a in the developing gonads of the honey bee and raise the possibility that other hexamerins may also have tissue specific functions. (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 type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 10/16380-9 - Molecular genetics and hormonal regulation of exoskeleton differentiation in an insect model, Apis mellifera
Grantee:Marcia Maria Gentile Bitondi
Support type: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 08/00541-3 - Hexamerin genes in Apis mellifera: searching for alternative roles during development
Grantee:Juliana Ramos Martins
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate