Dataset Information

Cloning and Functional Characterization of Two BTB Genes in the Predatory Mite Metaseiulus occidentalis.

ABSTRACT: Proteins containing the BTB (Bric-à-brac, tramtrack, and Broad Complex) domain typically share low sequence similarities and are involved in a wide range of cellular functions. We previously identified two putative and closely related BTB genes, BTB1 and BTB2, in the genome of the predatory mite Metaseiulus occidentalis. In the current study, full-length BTB1 and BTB2 cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. BTB1 and BTB2 encode proteins of 380 and 401 amino acids, respectively. BTB1 and BTB2 proteins each contain an N-terminal BTB domain and no other identifiable domains. Thus, they belong to a large category of BTB-domain proteins that are widely distributed in eukaryotes, yet with largely unknown function(s). BTB1 and BTB2 gene knockdowns in M. occidentalis females using RNAi reduced their fecundity by approximately 40% and 73%, respectively, whereas knockdown had no impact on their survival or the development of their offspring. These findings suggest these two proteins may be involved in processes related to egg production in this predatory mite, expanding the list of functions attributed to these diverse proteins.

SUBMITTER: Wu K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4671623 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Cloning and Functional Characterization of Two BTB Genes in the Predatory Mite Metaseiulus occidentalis.

Wu Ke K Hoy Marjorie A MA

PloS one 20151207 12

Proteins containing the BTB (Bric-à-brac, tramtrack, and Broad Complex) domain typically share low sequence similarities and are involved in a wide range of cellular functions. We previously identified two putative and closely related BTB genes, BTB1 and BTB2, in the genome of the predatory mite Metaseiulus occidentalis. In the current study, full-length BTB1 and BTB2 cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. BTB1 and BTB2 encode proteins of 380 and 401 amino acids, respectively. BTB1 and BTB2 proteins e ...[more]

PMID: 26640898

Similar Datasets

Project description:Schistosomiasis is endemic in over 70 countries, in which more than 200 million people are infected with the various schistosome species. Understanding the physiological processes underlying key developmental events could be useful in developing novel chemotherapeutic reagents or infection intervention strategies. Calmodulin is a small, calcium-sensing protein found in all eukaryotes and, although the protein has been previously identified in various Schistosoma mansoni stages and implicated in egg hatching and miracidia transformation, few molecular and functional data are available for this essential protein. Herein, we report the molecular cloning, expression, and functional characterization of calmodulin in the miracidia and primary sporocyst stages of S. mansoni. Two transcripts, SmCaM1 and SmCaM2, were cloned and sequenced, and a recombinant SmCaM1 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and used to generate anti-CaM antibodies. The 2 protein sequences were highly conserved when compared to other model organisms. The alignment of the predicted proteins of both SmCaM1 and SmCaM2 exhibited 99% identity to each other and 97-98% identity with mammalian calmodulins. Analysis of steady-state transcript abundance indicate that the 2 calmodulin transcripts differ in their stage-associated expression patterns, although the CaM protein isotype appears to be constitutively expressed during early larval development. Application of RNAi to larval parasites results in a "stunted growth" phenotype in sporocysts with 30 and 35% reduction in transcript abundance for SmCaM1 and SmCaM2, respectively, and a corresponding 35% reduction in protein level after incubation in double-stranded RNA. Differential expression of CaM transcripts during early larval development and a growth defect-inducing effect associated with partial transcript and protein inhibition as a result of RNAi suggest a potentially important role of calmodulin during early larval development.

Dataset Information

Cloning and Functional Characterization of Two BTB Genes in the Predatory Mite Metaseiulus occidentalis.

Publications

Cloning and Functional Characterization of Two BTB Genes in the Predatory Mite Metaseiulus occidentalis.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure