Back to Search Start Over

First transcriptional survey of the Malpighian tubules of giant mealworm, Zophobas morio (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Authors :
Silva JR
Prado RA
Amaral DT
Viviani VR
Source :
Genetics and molecular research : GMR [Genet Mol Res] 2015 Jan 23; Vol. 14 (1), pp. 464-73. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Jan 23.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

The Malpighian tubules play a key role in insect osmoregulation. Although a transcriptional analysis has been done for the Malpighian tubules in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera), no functional genomics analysis has yet been carried out for any Coleoptera species. Recently, we constructed a cDNA library from Malpighian tubules of larval Zophobas morio, a close relative of Tribolium castaneum, and cloned the cDNA for an AMP/CoA-ligase with luciferase-like enzyme properties. Using this cDNA library, we randomly isolated, partially sequenced and analyzed ca. 540 clones, obtaining the first transcriptional profile of the most representative expressed genes, and associated them with their possible biological functions. A high percentage of mitochondrial genes was found, which is consistent with the high metabolic activity required by this organ during the formation of primary urine. Common transcripts included those for enzymes involved in osmoregulation, such as solute transporters and ATPases, and in detoxification and excretion, such as cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase, alcohol dehydrogenase. The presence of AMP/CoA-ligases, which activate exogenous carboxylic acids such as firefly D-luciferin suggests their participation in important new xenobiotic excretion/detoxification roles in Malpighian tubule physiology.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1676-5680
Volume :
14
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Genetics and molecular research : GMR
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25729980
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4238/2015.January.23.21