Cloning and mRNA Expression of an Actin cDNA from the Mulberry Longicorn Beetle, Apriona germari

Abstract

Action is a ubiquitous and highly conserved protein found in eudaryotic organisms. In this study, we describe the cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of an actin gene from the mulberry longicorn beetle, Apriona germari. The A. germari actin cDNA is 1524 bp containing a complete 1128 bp open reading frame that encodes a polypeptide of 376 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of about 41.5 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of the A. germari actin cDNA showed 99% protein sequence identity to Homalodisca coagulata actin, differing at only two amino acid positions, and 92 -98% protein sequence identity to known insect species actins. The predicted three-dimesional structure of A. germari actin revealed the four residue hydrophobic pulg loop characteristic of the actin family. Northern blot analysis showed that A. germari actin is highly expressed in epidermis and muscle. and less strongly in midgut, but not in the fat body of A. germari larva.