Cloning and structural analysis of a haemocyanin from the Stonefly Perla grandis.
We characterized two subunits of a putative haemocyanin from the stonefly species Perla grandis. In particular, we cloned and sequenced the corresponding cDNAs and studied their expression in different insect stages. Moreover, using the deduced amino acid sequences, homology studies were performed both on their primary and tertiary structures. 3-D molecular modelling data showed that the residues involved in the oxygen transport and subunits contacts were located in spatial positions preserving the functionality of the molecule. Despite it was paradigmatically affirmed that insects do not have respiratory proteins, our data suggest that the haemocyanin could be involved in the respiratory mechanisms of P. grandis. As far as we know, this is the first haemocyanin 3-D structure described and analyzed in insects.
Fochetti
Romolo
R
Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Largo dell'Università, Università della Tuscia, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.
Belardinelli
Mariacristina
M
Guerra
Laura
L
Buonocore
Francesco
F
Fausto
Anna Maria
AM
Caporale
Carlo
C
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D006433:Hemocyanins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D007313:Insecta / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011487:Protein Conformation; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D019476:Insect Proteins; D021122:Protein Subunits; D006433:Hemocyanins