Analysis of odorant-binding proteins in antennae of a geometrid species, Ascotis selenaria cretacea, which produces lepidopteran Type II sex pheromone components

Information on the olfactory system in antennae of Geometridae moths is very limited, and odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) working as transporters of lipophilic odors have not been identified. In the first investigation on this family of insects, we examined antennal OBPs of the Japanese giant looper, Ascotis selenaria cretacea. RT-PCR experiments using several pairs of degenerate primers designed from known cDNA sequences encoding lepidopteran OBPs successfully amplified partial sequences of two pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs), named AscrPBP1 and AscrPBP2 in reference to their corresponding nucleotide sequence homologies with other PBPs. Using 5′- and 3′-rapid amplification of cDNA end strategies, a cDNA clone for AscrPBP1 encoding a protein of 141 amino acids was isolated. Western blotting with the antiserum against recombinant AscrPBP1 overexpressed in Escherichia coli showed that the AscrPBP1 gene was more strongly expressed in male antennae than in female antennae. Furthermore, natural AscrPBP1was isolated by immunoprecipitation with the antiserum, and its binding ability was evaluated by using synthetic sex pheromonal compounds with a C₁₉ chain. The result indicated that AscrPBP1 bound not only the pheromone components, 3,6,9-nonadecatriene and its 3,4-epoxy derivative, but also unnatural 6,7- and 9,10-epoxy derivatives. While no general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) were amplified in the RT-PCR experiments, two antisera prepared from GOBP1 and GOBP2 of Bombyx mori suggested the occurrence of at least two GOBPs in the A. s. cretacea antennae.     

PARTIAL CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE cDNA OF GENERAL ODORANT BINDING PROTEIN 1 GENE IN THE ANTENNA OF HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA (HÜBNER)*

Abstract Using RT‐PCR and RACE techniques, part of the cDNA encoding the general odorant binding protein 1 gene (named as GOBP1‐Harra) from the antenna of Helwoverpa armigera (Hubner) has been cloned. The cDNA length of GOBP1‐Harm is 876 bp. The results of sequencing and structural analysis showed that the mature protein reading frame of GOBPl‐Harm is 435 base pairs in length and 145 amino acids encoded. The predicted MW and pl are 17.0 kD and 4.89, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a highly similarity to the sequence of GOBP1 from different moth species and shared several common structural features with odorant binding proteins from other insects.     

烟实夜蛾触角普通气味结合蛋白Ⅱ cDNA的克隆、序列分析及在大肠杆菌中的表达

利用RT PCR技术扩增了编码烟实夜蛾Helicoverpa assulta雌、雄虫触角普通气味 结合蛋白Ⅱ的Cdna片段,将其克隆至Pgem-T Easy载体,获得了普通气味结合蛋白Ⅱ基因成熟蛋白阅读框序列。将该基因重组到表达型质粒Pet-30a(+)中,并转化入原核细胞中表达。序列 测定结果表明,烟实夜蛾触角普通气味结合蛋白基因的成熟蛋白阅读框全长489 bp,编码162个 氨基酸残基,预测分子量和等电点分别为18.2 kD和5.35。推导的氨基酸序列与已报道的10种昆虫普通气味结合蛋白Ⅱ高度同源（73%～98%）,并具有气味结合蛋白的典型特征。SDS-PAGE和Western印迹分析表明,经IPTG诱导,普通气味结合蛋白Ⅱ基因能在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中表达,电泳检测到一条约23 kD大小的外源蛋白,与预测的融合蛋白分子量大小相应。     

Construction and analysis of cDNA libraries from the antennae of male and female cotton bollworms Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and expression analysis of putative odorant-binding protein genes

Two high-quality cDNA libraries were constructed from female and male antennae of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). The titers were approximately 2.0 × 10⁶ pfu/ml for females and 2.3 × 10⁶ pfu/ml for males, and this complies with the test requirement. From the libraries, 1750 male ESTs and 1640 female ESTs were sequenced and further analyzed. We identified 15 olfactory genes (12 are new), and 14 of them have the characteristic six conserved cysteine residues. With the exception of OBP9, all the genes were classified as classical OBP genes. By alignment and cluster analysis, the 14 classical OBPs were divided into pheromone binding protein (PBP) genes, odorant binding protein (OBP) genes, general odorant binding protein 1 (GOBP1) genes, general odorant binding protein 2 (GOBP2) genes and antennae binding protein (ABP) genes. Among these genes, we obtained three PBP genes (PBP1–PBP3) including two new PBP genes, one new ABP gene, nine new OBP genes (OBP1–OBP9), one known GOBP1 gene and one known GOBP2 gene. Furthermore, the expression patterns of these 14 classical OBP genes were investigated in various tissues by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results indicated that some OBP genes are expressed differently in different sexes and tissues, but most of them are highly expressed in antennae.     

Pheromone-binding protein and general odorant-binding protein of Sesamia nonagrioides: sex- and diel-dependent expression

The expression of a pheromone‐binding protein (PBP) and a general odorant‐binding protein (GOBP) in Sesamia nonagrioides (Lef.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was studied. Lymantria dispar's PBP1 antibody yielded an immunoreactive band with an apparent MW of approximately 14.8 kDa, present specifically in the antennae of both sexes, with males having approximately three‐fold the quantity found in females. Furthermore, Manduca sexta's odorant‐binding protein‐2 (GOBP2) antibody recognized a band at approximately 14.5 kDa in the antennae of both sexes. Levels of both proteins were compared between scotophase and photophase periods in insects that were raised under L16:D8 or under constant light. The level of GOPB2 was significantly lower in both sexes during photophase and continuous light; whereas the level of the PBP was significantly lower in females’ antennae, in males’ antennae it remained at the same level as that found during the scotophase.     

Evolution of d-Arabinose,l-Xylose and l-Ribose Utilization in Mycobacterium smegmatis: Mutants with a Novel Enzyme “Pentose Reductase”

The full-length cDNA sequence of a new pheromone-binding protein (AscrPBP2) was determined from a geometrid moth, Ascotis selenaria cretacea, which secreted a Type II sex pheromone, and an antiserum against its recombinant protein overexpressed in Escherichia coli was prepared. In addition to this antiserum against AscrPBP2, antibodies against AscrPBP1 and general odorant-binding proteins of Bombyx mori were used in Western blotting experiments to analyze the proteins in the antennae of several lepidopteran species secreting Type II sex pheromone components.     

Expression patterns of odorant-binding proteins in antennae of the moth<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Manduca sexta</Emphasis>

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were generated to six recombinant proteins (odorant-binding proteins; OBPs) of Manduca sexta. The specificity of each MAb was demonstrated by labeling six immunoblots, each of which contained samples of all six recombinant OBPs. The expression patterns of the six OBPs could be grouped into three classes: (1) one (GOBP1) was expressed in sensilla located throughout each annulus; (2) two (ABPX and ABP2) were expressed in the long sensilla trichoidea bordering a zone that was arranged as an arch on the periphery of each annulus; (3) three (PBP2, PBP3, and GOBP2) were expressed in shorter sensilla occupying a wedge-shaped mid-annular zone of each annulus. In female antennae, sensilla expressing these OBPs were intermixed, and the distinct zonation observed in the male antenna was absent. In males, PBP2 was co-expressed in exactly the same cells of the mid-annular zone as those expressing PBP3 and most of the same cells expressing GOBP2, although its expression overlapped with no or only a few sensilla expressing OBPs of class 1 (GOBP1) or class 2 (ABPX, ABP2). This overlap of expression or lack of overlap between PBP2 and the other OBPs for male antennae was mirrored in female antennae. In view of the restricted spatial expression of OBPs within an annulus and the diversity of possible dimeric combinations of OBPs that arises from the co-expression of multiple OBPs in a given sensillum, OBPs could contribute to the specificity of the olfactory responses of insects.This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (IBN-9604095) and the University of Illinois Critical Research Initiatives     

牛脑液泡型质子泵70kD和33kD亚基基因的表达

已分离了编码牛脑液泡型质子泵的70kD亚基的cDNA,利用聚合酶链反应(PCR)扩增了70kD亚基的编码片段,同时直接从牛脑cDNA库中得到了33kD亚基的编码片段.分别将相应片段连接到PET载体上完成70kD和33kD亚基基因在大肠杆菌中的表达.SDS聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳和蛋白质印迹分析表明70kD和33kD亚基基因均得到明显表达.     

Construction and analysis of cDNA libraries from the antennae of male and female cotton bollworms Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and expression analysis of putative odorant-binding protein genes

Two high-quality cDNA libraries were constructed from female and male antennae of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). The titers were approximately 2.0 × 10? pfu/ml for females and 2.3 × 10? pfu/ml for males, and this complies with the test requirement. From the libraries, 1750 male ESTs and 1640 female ESTs were sequenced and further analyzed. We identified 15 olfactory genes (12 are new), and 14 of them have the characteristic six conserved cysteine residues. With the exception of OBP9, all the genes were classified as classical OBP genes. By alignment and cluster analysis, the 14 classical OBPs were divided into pheromone binding protein (PBP) genes, odorant binding protein (OBP) genes, general odorant binding protein 1 (GOBP1) genes, general odorant binding protein 2 (GOBP2) genes and antennae binding protein (ABP) genes. Among these genes, we obtained three PBP genes (PBP1-PBP3) including two new PBP genes, one new ABP gene, nine new OBP genes (OBP1-OBP9), one known GOBP1 gene and one known GOBP2 gene. Furthermore, the expression patterns of these 14 classical OBP genes were investigated in various tissues by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results indicated that some OBP genes are expressed differently in different sexes and tissues, but most of them are highly expressed in antennae.     

Cloning and sequencing of cDNA encoding for a human sperm antigen involved in fertilization

A cDNA encoding for a sperm antigen, designated NZ-2, was cloned and sequenced from human testis cDNA-λgt11 expression library by using antibodies to human sperm surface antigens belonging to 14–18 kD molecular regions. These sperm antigens are involved in binding to zona pellucida of the human oocyte. Computer generated translation analysis of 963-bp cDNA yielded an open reading frame (ORF) of 163 amino acids (aa) with first ATG, Met start codon at nucleotide (nt) 335 and the stop codon TAA at nt 824. The NZ-2 cDNA has 335-bp 5′ and 139-bp 3′ noncoding regions. The translated protein has a calculated molecular weight of ∼19 kD, and has two casein kinase II (CK-2) sites at aa 94–97 and 149–152, respectively. Extensive computer search in the GenBank, National Biomedical Research Foundation (NBRF), and Swiss database indicates it to be a novel protein, having 99.5% nt sequence similarity, except for the first 40-bp, only with the human bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) containing cloned human sperm DNA, at position 76935–76009. The in vitro translated product of T3 RNA polymerase by using NZ-2 cDNA digested with XhoI yielded a protein band of ∼20 kD, indicating it to be sense strand. The in vitro translated product of T7 RNA polymerase by using NZ-2 cDNA digested with NotI did not yield any protein band, indicating it to be antisense strand. The ∼20 kD protein was recognized specifically by the antisperm IgG, not by the control IgG in the Western blot procedure. Neither antisperm IgG nor control IgG recognized any protein band in the in vitro translation products of the antisense strand. The human genomic DNAs from three different cells/tissues namely, sperm, kidney, and testis when cut by HindIII, and then hybridized with the NZ-2 cDNA probe in the Southern blot procedure, showed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The recombinant human sperm NZ-2 antigen may find applications in the development of a contraceptive vaccine, and diagnosis and treatment of infertility in humans. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 51:176–183, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

三浅裂野牵牛ItSGT1基因克隆及分析

SGT1(suppressor of the G2 allele of skpl)是多种植物抗病基因介导的抗病信号途径中的重要元件.该研究利用RT-PCR和RACE方法克隆出甘薯近缘野生种三浅裂野牵牛的SGT1基因,命名为ItSGT1.该基因含有一个长度为1 087 bp的开放阅读框,编码361个氨基酸,分子量约为40.1 kD,等电点为5.05.Blast及多序列比对分析表明,该基因与其他植物中的SGT1具有较高的相似性,且具有SGT1蛋白典型的功能域结构,即TPR区、VR1区、CS区、VR2区和SGS区.Southern杂交结果显示,SGT1基因在三浅裂野牵牛基因组中是多拷贝基因.组织特异性表达分析表明,ItSGT1基因在三浅裂野牵牛的根、茎和叶中均有表达.     

Cloning, sequencing and expression of cDNA encoding growth hormone from Indian catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)

A tissue-specific cDNA library was constructed using polyA⁺ RNA from pituitary glands of the Indian catfishHeteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and a cDNA clone encoding growth hormone (GH) was isolated. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers representing the conserved regions of fish GH sequences the 3′ region of catfish GH cDNA (540 bp) was cloned by random amplification of cDNA ends and the clone was used as a probe to isolate recombinant phages carrying the full-length cDNA sequence. The full-length cDNA clone is 1132 bp in length, coding for an open reading frame (ORF) of 603 bp; the reading frame encodes a putative polypeptide of 200 amino acids including the signal sequence of 22 amino acids. The 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of the cDNA are 58 bp and 456 bp long, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequence ofH. fossils GH shared 98% homology with other catfishes. Mature GH protein was efficiently expressed in bacterial and zebrafish systems using appropriate expression vectors. The successful expression of the cloned GH cDNA of catfish confirms the functional viability of the clone.     

Immunolocalization of pheromone-binding protein and general odorant-binding protein in olfactory sensilla of the silk moths Antheraea and Bombyx

The distribution of odorant-binding proteins among olfactory sensilla of three moth species was studied by immuno-electron microscopy. Two polyclonal antisera were used in a post-embedding labelling protocol on sections of cryo-substituted antennae. The first was directed against the pheromone-binding protein (PBP) of Antheraea polyphemus, the second against the general odorant-binding protein (GOBP) of the same species. Immunoblots showed that these antisera were highly specific; both antisera did, however, cross-react with related proteins in the related species A. pernyi, and in the bombycid moth B. mori. PBP and GOBP were localized only in olfactory sensilla trichodea and sensilla basiconica, the principal site being the sensillum lymph surrounding the sensory dendrites. In the males of all three species, the pheromone-sensitive long sensilla trichodea exclusively contained PBP. the majority of the sensilla basiconica in both sexes in these species contained GOBP; these sensilla are known to respond to plant and other general odours. Some sensilla were not labelled by either antiserum; presumably, these held an odorantbinding protein of a different subfamily. Never were PBP and GOBP co-localized in the same sensillum. Two observations deserve special attention: (1) PBP was also found in a few sensilla in females, and (2) in B. mori, where the long sensilla trichodea have a different functional specificity in males (pheromone) and females (plant odours), the expression of the odorant-binding protein (males: PBP; females: GOBP) is similarly different. The distinct and complex distribution pattern of odorant-binding proteins supports the notion that these proteins participate in stimulus recognition.Dedicated to Professor Ya.A. Vinnikov on the occasion of his 85. birthdayThis work was partly supported by DFG grant ste 501/3-1.     

Cloning and expression of endo-β-glucanase II gene in Humicola insolens H31-3

Endo-β-glucanase II (EG II) gene cDNA was isolated from the fungus Humicola insolens H31-3 by RT-PCR. It was cloned into the expression vector pGAPZαA. The resultant recombinant plasmid was introduced into Pichia pastoris GS115 by electroporation after being linearized by BspHI digestion. The recombinant Pichia pastoris strain was obtained and SDS-PAGE showed that the molecular weight of the expression protein was about 55 kD.The cultivation condition and the characteristics of the recombinant EG II were also explored. __________ Translated from Microbiology, 2006, 33(6): 68273 [译自: 微生物学 通报]     

核桃举肢蛾性信息素结合蛋白2的分子克隆和免疫荧光定位

【目的】明确核桃举肢蛾 Atrijuglans hetaohei Yang性信息素结合蛋白2(AhetPBP2)在核桃举肢蛾触角中的分布。【方法】本研究提取羽化后3-4 d的核桃举肢蛾成虫触角总RNA并反转录合成cDNA,设计简并引物进行RT-PCR获得cDNA片段,然后利用RACE技术获得 AhetPBP2全长cDNA序列。将去除信号肽序列的AhetPBP2进行原核表达,重组蛋白经镍柱纯化并免疫新西兰大白兔制备多克隆抗体。制备的多克隆抗体作为一抗对核桃举肢蛾触角进行免疫组化分析。【结果】AhetPBP2基因cDNA序列全长923 bp,开放阅读框504 bp,共编码167个氨基酸,分子量为19.26 kD,等电点为5.47。1 mmol/L IPTG诱导10 h获得可溶性重组蛋白,Western blot结果表明重组蛋白诱导表达成功,ELISA检测显示抗体效价为1:1 024 000。免疫荧光定位结果显示核桃举肢蛾成虫触角部分感器被AhetPBP2抗体标记。【结论】核桃举肢蛾成虫触角的部分感器中可能存在AhetPBP2,推测该部分感器具有感受性信息素的功能。     

乌桕SsSAD基因的原核表达与纯化研究

乌桕是一种重要的木本油料树种。SAD(stearoyl-acyl ACP desaturase)是油料植物中将饱和脂肪酸转变成不饱和脂肪酸的一种关键脱氢酶。为了进一步揭示乌桕SsSAD的功能,该研究在大肠杆菌中表达了该蛋白。结果表明:(1)通过RT-PCR的方法从乌桕种子中克隆出了SsSAD基因编码区全长序列,并将其克隆到低温诱导的原核表达载体pCold TF上,构建原核重组表达载体pCold TF/SsSAD,转化大肠杆菌BL 21star(DE3)并获得原核表达工程菌株。(2)通过IPTG法低温诱导表达融合蛋白。该重组质粒在大肠杆菌中得到了高效表达,融合蛋白分子质量约为101kD,且在上清液和包涵体中均有表达,可溶性部分经亲和层析纯化和Western blotting检测证实获得了重组蛋白,上述结果为进一步研究乌桕SsSAD的结构和功能奠定了基础。     

Subcellular location of the tetrapyrrole synthesis enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase in higher plants: an immunological investigation

A recombinant plasmid, pArab8, harbouring the cDNA encoding the mature form of the tetrapyrrole synthesis enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase (EC 4.3.1.8; also known as hydroxymethylbilane synthase) from Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. has been constructed, and used to transform Escherichia coli. The porphobilinogen deaminase protein from Arabidopsis was overexpressed in this strain, and purified to homogeneity (3000-fold) with a yield of 20%. Antibodies were raised against the purified plant enzyme, and used in Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation of enzyme activity and immuno-gold electron microscopy. The results indicate that the enzyme is confined to plastids in both leaves and roots. The implications of this finding for plant tetrapyrrole synthesis are discussed.Abbreviations DEAE diethylaminoethyl - FPLC fast protein liquid chromatography - PBG porphobilinogen This work was supported by Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) and Agricultural and Food Research Council (AFRC) grants to P.M.J. and an AFRC grant to A.G.S. The protein sequencing was carried out by Mr Lawrence Hunt of the SERC MRI Protein Sequencing Unit (Director Dr M.G. Gore) at Southampton University. We acknowledge the Wellcome Foundation for financial support of the Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry Facility at the University of Cambridge, where the oligonucleotide primers were synthesised.