Functional characterization of the promoter of the vitellogenin gene, AsVg1, of the malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi
Autor(es): Nirmala, Xavier; Marinotti, Osvaldo; Sandoval, Juan Miguel; Phin, Sophea; Gakhar, Surendra; Jasinskiene, Nijole; James, Anthony A.
Resumo: Some genetic strategies for controlling transmission of mosquito-borne diseases call for the introgression of antipathogen effector genes into vector populations. Endogenous mosquito promoter and other cis-acting DNA Sequences are needed to direct the expression of the effector molecules to maximize their efficacy. Vitellogenin (Vg)-encoding gene control Sequences are candidates for driving tissue-, stage- and sex-specific expression of exogenous genes. One of the Anopheles stephensi Vg genes, AsVg1, was cloned and a full-length cDNA, as well as 850 base pairs adjacent to the 5'-end, were Sequenced and characterized. Expression of AsVg1 is restricted to the fat body tissues of blood-fed females, and the amino acid Sequence of the conceptual translation product is > 85% identical to those of other anopheline Vgs. These characteristics support the conclusion that AsVg1 is a Vg-encoding gene. Functional analyses of the AsVg1 putative cis-regulatory Sequences were performed using transgenic mosquitoes. The results showed that DNA fragments encompassing the 850 base pairs immediately adjacent to the 5'-end of the gene and the 3'-end untranslated region are sufficient to direct sex-, stage-and tissue-specific expression of a reporter gene. These data indicate that the AsVg1 promoter is a good candidate for controlling the expression of anti-pathogen effector molecules in this malaria vector mosquito. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Palavras-Chave: Mosquito Transformation; Genetic Control; Malaria Vector; Tissue-Specific Expression
Imprenta: Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, v. 36, n. 9, p. 694-700, 2006
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2006.05.011
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - DNA
Data de publicação: 2006
