Tyrosine Hydroxylase is crucial for maintaining pupal tanning and immunity in Anopheles sinensis.

ABSTRACT: Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the initial enzyme in the melanin pathway, catalyzes tyrosine conversion into Dopa. Although expression and regulation of TH have been shown to affect cuticle pigmentation in insects, no direct functional studies to date have focused on the specific physiological processes involving the enzyme during mosquito development. In the current study, silencing of AsTH during the time period of continuous high expression in Anopheles sinensis pupae led to significant impairment of cuticle tanning and thickness, imposing a severe obstacle to eclosion in adults. Meanwhile, deficiency of melanin in interference individuals led to suppression of melanization, compared to control individuals. Consequently, the ability to defend exogenous microorganisms declined sharply. Accom

SUBMITTER: Qiao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4945905 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature