The Apyrase gene of the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is expressed specifically in the adult female salivary glands

• Published in: Experimental parasitology Vol. 81; no. 3; pp. 239 - 248
• Main Authors: Smartt, C T, Kim, A P, Grossman, G L, James, A A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.1995
• Subjects: Aedes - enzymology; Aedes - genetics; Aedes aegypti; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Apyrase - biosynthesis; Apyrase - chemistry; Apyrase - genetics; Base Sequence; Blotting, Northern; Cloning, Molecular; Culicidae; Diptera; DNA Primers - chemistry; DNA, Complementary - chemistry; expresion genica; expression des genes; Female; gene; gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; genes; Genes, Insect; glande salivaire; glandulas salivales; Immunoblotting; Insect Vectors - enzymology; Insect Vectors - genetics; Male; Molecular Sequence Data; nucleotide sequence; RNA - analysis; RNA Probes; salivary glands; Salivary Glands - enzymology; secuencia nucleica; sequence nucleique; Sex Characteristics; vecteur de maladie; vectores; vectors
• ISSN: 0014-4894; 1090-2449
• DOI: 10.1006/expr.1995.1114

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, expresses a gene, Apyrase (Apy), that encodes an ATP-diphosphohydrolase. The product of this gene is a secreted enzyme that facilitates hematophagy by preventing platelet aggregation in the host. Apy gene expression is limited to the cells of the distal-lateral and medial lobes of the adult female salivary glands. Apyrase protein levels, detectable by antibodies, peak in the salivary glands about 4 days after adult emergence and remain high after a blood meal. Primary sequence analysis of a genomic clone encoding apyrase reveals a unique TAAATA sequence and seven introns, as well as other conserved features of eukaryotic genes. The temporal, sex- and tissue-specific expression of the Apy gene is consistent with its role as encoding a platelet anti-aggregation factor that functions to facilitate hematophagy and decrease probing time.