Identification and analysis of YELLOW protein family genes in the silkworm, <it>Bombyx mori</it>

• Main Authors: Yi Yong-Zhu, Li Wei-Guo, Yu Lin-Lin, Zhou Qing-Xiang, Xia Ai-Hua, Zhang Yao-Zhou, Zhang Zhi-Fang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-08-01
• Series: BMC Genomics
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/7/195

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The major royal jelly proteins/yellow (MRJP/YELLOW) family possesses several physiological and chemical functions in the development of <it>Apis mellifera </it>and <it>Drosophila melanogaster</it>. Each protein of the family has a conserved domain named MRJP. However, there is no report of MRJP/YELLOW family proteins in the Lepidoptera.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using the YELLOW protein sequence in <it>Drosophila melanogaster </it>to BLAST silkworm EST database, we found a gene family composed of seven members with a conserved MRJP domain each and named it YELLOW protein family of <it>Bombyx mori</it>. We completed the cDNA sequences with RACE method. The protein of each member possesses a MRJP domain and a putative cleavable signal peptide consisting of a hydrophobic sequence. In view of genetic evolution, the whole <it>Bm </it>YELLOW protein family composes a monophyletic group, which is distinctly separate from <it>Drosophila melanogaster </it>and <it>Apis mellifera</it>. We then showed the tissue expression profiles of <it>Bm </it>YELLOW protein family genes by RT-PCR.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A <it>Bombyx mori </it>YELLOW protein family is found to be composed of at least seven members. The low homogeneity and unique pattern of gene expression by each member among the family ensure us to prophesy that the members of <it>Bm </it>YELLOW protein family would play some important physiological functions in silkworm development.</p>