Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a male‐specific serum protein of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, with sequence similarity to odourant–binding proteins

摘要: Male-specific serum proteins (MSSPs) are low molecular weight which accumulate in high amounts the haemolymph of adult males medfly Ceratitis capitata. By screening an expression library with anti-MSSP antibodies, we have isolated and determined nucleotide sequence a cDNA clone coding for one male-specific polypeptides (MSSP-alpha). The MSSP-alpha mRNA encodes polypeptide 144 amino acids secretory signal sixteen acids. Southern analysis indicated that there multiple copies MSSP genes genome. Northern showed mRNAs synthesized only males. accumulation pattern these during development suggests is developmentally regulated at both transcriptional translational levels. predicted peptide shows significant similarity to group pheromone- general odourant-binding insects.