کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
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1978701 | 1061617 | 2013 | 4 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
The biochemistry of firefly bioluminescence is well understood; however, the molecular physiology of the lanterns is still poorly studied, especially the biosynthesis and origin of beetle luciferin which are almost unknown. Using a cDNA library previously constructed from Macrolampis sp2 lanterns, we randomly selected and sequenced 572 cDNAs in order to have a first transcriptional profile of the most represented messages found in the lanterns and therefore to better understand their molecular physiology. As expected, high percentage of the gene products (~ 22%) displayed high similarity with Coleoptera genome products. About 7% represented mitochondrial genes, including several copies of cytochrome oxidase, which are also expected for this tissue. Luciferase genes were especially abundant, representing ca 2% of the products. Gene products involved with cysteine and sulfur metabolism such as the cystathionine β-lyase and the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase were abundant. Noteworthy, an abundance of proteins involved with hormone metabolism was found, suggesting a possible link between bioluminescence and hormone metabolism.
Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics - Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2013, Pages 82–85