Aedes Dronc: a novel ecdysone-inducible caspase in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti
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| Authors: | Cooper, DM; Thi, EP; Chamberlain, CM; Pio, F; Lowenberger, C |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Journal: | Insect Mol. Biol. 16: 563-572 Article Link (DOI) PubMed |
| Title: | Aedes Dronc: a novel ecdysone-inducible caspase in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti |
| Abstract: | Caspases are cysteinyl-aspartate-specific proteases known for their role in apoptosis. Here, we describe the characterization of Aedes Dronc, a novel caspase in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Aedes Dronc is predicted to contain an N-terminal caspase recruitment domain and is a homologue of Drosophila Dronc and human caspase-9. An increase in transcripts and caspase activity coincides with developmental changes in the mosquito, suggesting that Aedes Dronc plays a role in developmental apoptosis. Exposure of third instar larvae to ecdysone resulted in a significant increase in both transcript levels and caspase activity. We present here a functional characterization of the first caspase recruitment domain-containing caspase in mosquitoes, and will initiate studies on the role of apoptosis in the innate immune response of vectors. |
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