Novel cuticular proteins revealed by the honey bee genome

摘要: With the completion of honey bee genome project, a transition is now occurring from acquisition gene sequence to understanding role and context products within genome. Here we annotated characterised cluster three genes in GC-rich 11 kb genomic region on linkage group 4 encoding highly hydrophobic polypeptides (named apidermins; APD 1-3) containing both motifs characteristic cuticular proteins distinctly novel features. Five amino acids, Ala, Gly, Leu, Pro Val, account for 74-86% their respective sequences with Ala being most abundant residue (at least 30% each peptide). A conserved tetra-peptide AAPA/V found all proteins, but none has 'R R' signature implicated chitin binding. Two APD-1 APD-2, contain an arginine-rich motif RERR short non-hydrophobic stretches near N-terminal mature tryptophan C-terminal residue. All are spliced expressed defined spatio-temporal pattern. apd-1 exoskeletal epidermis, only during restricted period few days late pupal early adult life when cuticle becomes dark. APD2 appears be protein "internal" cuticles tracheas, oesophagus stomach, also embryo. The expression apd-3 partly overlaps apd-3, uniquely associated non-pigmented such as eye cover external white pupae. This study expands collection by well members.