Molecular characterization of iron binding proteins from Glossina morsitans morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae).

ABSTRACT: The regulation of iron is critical for maintaining homeostasis in the tsetse fly (Diptera: Glossinidae), in which both adult sexes are strict blood feeders. We have characterized the cDNAs for two putative iron-binding proteins (IBPs) involved in transport and storage; transferrin (GmmTsf1) and ferritin from Glossina morsitans morsitans. GmmTsf1 transcripts are detected in the female fat body and in adult reproductive tissues, and only in the adult developmental stage in a bloodmeal independent manner. In contrast, the ferritin heavy chain (GmmFer1HCH) and light chain (GmmFer2LCH) transcripts are expressed ubiquitously, suggesting a more general role for these proteins in iron transport and storage. Protein domain predictions for each IBP suggest both the conservation and loss of several m

SUBMITTER: Strickler-Dinglasan PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1698469 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature