Annotation and analysis of a large cuticular protein family with the R&R Consensus in Anopheles gambiae

摘要: The most abundant family of insect cuticular proteins, the CPR family, is recognized by R&R Consensus, a domain about 64 amino acids that binds to chitin and present throughout arthropods. Several species have now been shown more than 100 genes, inviting speculation as functional importance this large number diversity. We identified 156 genes in Anopheles gambiae code for putative proteins over 1% total predicted species. Annotation was verified using several criteria including identification TATA boxes, INRs, DPEs plus support from proteomic gene expression analyses. Two previously classes, RR-1 RR-2, form separate, well-supported clades with exception small set long branches whose relationships are poorly resolved. these outliers clear orthologs other Although both under purifying selection, variant Consensus evolving at twice rate RR-2 structurally labile. In contrast, regions flanking diversified amino-acid composition much greater extent compared genes. Many found compact tandem arrays may include similar or dissimilar but always just one two classes. Tandem frequently contain subsets coding highly (sequence clusters). Properties indicated each cluster serve distinct function cuticle. complete annotation provides insight on mechanisms evolution clues need so many These data also should assist