Differential and spatial regulation of the prophenoloxidase (proPO) and proPO-activating enzyme in cuticularmelanization and innate immunity in Bombyx mori pupae

• Published in: Journal of Asia-Pacific entomology Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 757 - 764
• Main Authors: Zou, F.M., Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea, Lee, K.S., Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea, Kim, B.Y., Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea, Kim, H.J., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea, Gui, Z.Z., Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China, Zhang, G.Z., Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China, Guo, X., Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China, Jin, B.R., Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국응용곤충학회 01.12.2015
• Subjects: BOMBYX MORI; Cuticular melanization,Development,Innate immunity,Prophenoloxidase; 농수해양학
• ISSN: 1226-8615; 1876-7990

Insect cuticular melanization is regulated by the prophenoloxidase (proPO)-activating system, which is also involved in the innate immune reaction. Here, we demonstrate how the differentiation of the proPO-activating system is regulated toward a cuticular melanization or innate immunity function in silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae. Our results indicate that the differential and spatial regulation of key components, such as the proPOactivating enzyme and proPOs, primes the proPO-activating system for either cuticular melanization or innate immunity. This dual strategy for cuticular melanization in development and innate immunity upon infection demonstrates a two-pronged defense mechanism that is mediated by the priming of the proPO system.