Transcriptome analysis of the desert locust central nervous system: production and annotation of a Schistocerca gregaria EST database.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) displays a fascinating type of phenotypic plasticity, designated as 'phase polyphenism'. Depending on environmental conditions, one genome can be translated into two highly divergent phenotypes, termed the solitarious and gregarious (swarming) phase. Although many of the underlying molecular events remain elusive, the central nervous system (CNS) is expected to play a crucial role in the phase transition process. Locusts have also proven to be interesting model organisms in a physiological and neurobiological research context. However, molecular studies in locusts are hampered by the fact that genome/transcriptome sequence information available for this branch of insects is still limited.

Methodology

We have generated 34,6

SUBMITTER: Badisco L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3061863 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature