The cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel gene superfamily of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Members of the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel (cys-loop LGIC) superfamily mediate chemical neurotransmission and are studied extensively as potential targets of drugs used to treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Insect cys-loop LGICs are also of interest as they are targets of highly successful insecticides. The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is a major pest of stored agricultural products and is also an important model organism for studying development.

Results

As part of the T. castaneum genome sequencing effort, we have characterized the beetle cys-loop LGIC superfamily which is the third insect superfamily to be described after those of Drosophila melanogaster and Apis mellifera, and also the largest consisting of 24 genes. As w

SUBMITTER: Jones AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2064938 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature