Evolution and Structural Analyses of Glossina morsitans (Diptera; Glossinidae) Tetraspanins.

ABSTRACT: Tetraspanins are important conserved integral membrane proteins expressed in many organisms. Although there is limited knowledge about the full repertoire, evolution and structural characteristics of individual members in various organisms, data obtained so far show that tetraspanins play major roles in membrane biology, visual processing, memory, olfactory signal processing, and mechanosensory antennal inputs. Thus, these proteins are potential targets for control of insect pests. Here, we report that the genome of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae) encodes at least seventeen tetraspanins (GmTsps), all containing the signature features found in the tetraspanin superfamily members. Whereas six of the GmTsps have been previously reported, eleven could be classified as

SUBMITTER: Murungi EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4592607 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature