Expression and localization of the Spodoptera frugiperda allatotropin (Spofr-AT) and allatostatin (Spofr-AS) genes.
Manduca sexta allatotropin and allatostatin were the first corpora allata (CA) regulating neuropeptides identified from Lepidoptera. Recently, we cloned the allatotropin (Spofr-AT) and the allatostatin (Spofr-AS) genes from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. Using one-step RT-PCR for semi-quantification of the gene expression, we now demonstrate that three mRNA isoforms of the Spofr-AT gene and the Spofr-AS gene are expressed in brain, digestive tract, and reproductive organs of larvae, pupae, and adults in a time- and tissue-specific manner. Expression rates in the brain and in various parts of the digestive tract prove the dual role of the peptides as brain/gut (neuro)peptides. The functional meaning of ovarian and testes expression of the genes is not yet clear, although myoregulatory properties of the peptides are probable. The tissue-specific localization of the prohormone expression, as demonstrated by whole mount in situ hybridization, confirms the overall distribution of the prohormones as shown by RT-PCR and supports the pleiotropic functions of the peptides.
Abdel-Latief
Mohatmed
M
Department of Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
Meyering-Vos
Martina
M
Hoffmann
Klaus H
KH
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D017344:Genes, Insect; D006066:Gonads / Q000378:metabolism; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007301:Insect Hormones / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011679:Pupa / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018411:Spodoptera / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D007301:Insect Hormones; D009479:Neuropeptides; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C076523:allatostatin; C050669:allatotropin