Project description:Aphid saliva plays an essential role in the interaction between aphids and their host plants. Several aphid salivary proteins have been identified and analyzed. However, none of the characterized salivary proteins are from galling aphids. Here we analyzed the salivary proteins from the Chinese gall aphid, Schlechtendalia chinensis using LS-MS/MS analysis. A total of 31 proteins were identified directly from secreted saliva collected via artificial diet, and 141 proteins were identified from protein extracts derived from dissected salivary glands. Among these identified proteins, 17 were found in both secreted saliva and dissected salivary glands. In comparison with salivary proteins identified from three other free living aphids, the most striking feature of the salivary protein from S. chinensis is the existence of high proportion of proteins with binding activity, including DNA binding, protein binding, ATP binding and ion binding proteins et al. We speculate that these binding proteins may be involved in induction of gall formation. Our results provide a framework for future research to elucidate the molecular basis for gall induction by S. chinensis.
