title: A transcriptional survey of the cDNA library of Macrolampis sp2 firefly lanterns (Coleoptera: Lampyridae).
abstract: The biochemistry of firefly bioluminescence is well understood; however, the molecular physiology of the lanterns is still poorly studied, especially the biosynthesis and origin of beetle luciferin which are almost unknown. Using a cDNA library previously constructed from Macrolampis sp2 lanterns, we randomly selected and sequenced 572 cDNAs in order to have a first transcriptional profile of the most represented messages found in the lanterns and therefore to better understand their molecular physiology. As expected, high percentage of the gene products (~22%) displayed high similarity with Coleoptera genome products. About 7% represented mitochondrial genes, including several copies of cytochrome oxidase, which are also expected for this tissue. Luciferase genes were especially abundant, representing ca 2% of the products. Gene products involved with cysteine and sulfur metabolism such as the cystathionine β-lyase and the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase were abundant. Noteworthy, an abundance of proteins involved with hormone metabolism was found, suggesting a possible link between bioluminescence and hormone metabolism.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Campus of Sorocaba, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Itinga, SP, Brazil. viviani@ufscar.br
authors.forename: Vadim R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Viviani
authors.forename: Isabela A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Carmargo
authors.forename: Danilo T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Amaral
mesh_terms: D000825:Animal Structures / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics*; D048888:Fireflies / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D049454:Firefly Luciferin; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D015723:Gene Library; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008156:Luciferases / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010675:Pheromones; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D059467:Transcriptome / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D019476:Insect Proteins; D010675:Pheromones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D049454:Firefly Luciferin; D008156:Luciferases