Molecular Characterization and Functional Analysis of Armigeres subalbatus prophenoloxidase IV

• Main Authors: Kai-Ling Chang, 張凱玲
• Other Authors: Cheng-Chen Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/93351149850040666465

碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 熱帶醫學研究所 === 96 === The purpose of this study is to elucidate the physiological function of Armigeres subalbatus prophenoloxidase IV (As-pro-POIV) in mosquito Ar. subalbatus. Expression profile analysis showed that As-pro-POIV mRNA persistently expressed in adult mosquitoes, and is not significantly affected by blood feeding, wound healing and sephadex beads melanization. However expression levels of As-pro-POIV fluctuated at pupae stage. Knock down of As-pro-POIV expression using double-stranded RNA resulted high mortality in pupa stage and deformed adults. The ultrastructural observations revealed that the endoculticle at the tarsus of the leg in deformed adults was not developed. These results indicate that As-pro-POIV may play a crucial role in cuticle formation.