| Title: | A transcriptional survey of the cDNA library of Macrolampis sp2 firefly lanterns (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) |
| Author(s): | Viviani VR; Carmargo IA; Amaral DT; |
| Address: | "Graduate Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Campus of Sorocaba, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Rodovia Joao Leme dos Santos, Itinga, SP, Brazil. viviani@ufscar.br" |
| Journal Title: | Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.cbd.2012.12.001 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1878-0407 (Electronic) 1744-117X (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "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 beta-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" |
| Keywords: | "Animal Structures/*chemistry Animals DNA, Complementary/*genetics Fireflies/chemistry/*genetics/*metabolism/physiology Firefly Luciferin Gene Expression Profiling Gene Library Insect Proteins/analysis/genetics/metabolism Luciferases/analysis/genetics/meta;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineViviani, Vadim R Carmargo, Isabela A Amaral, Danilo T eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Netherlands 2013/01/10 Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics. 2013 Mar; 8(1):82-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cbd.2012.12.001. Epub 2012 Dec 8" |
