Characterization of the SCP/TAPS gene family in Drosophila melanogaster

Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 2005 Aug;35(8):825-35. doi: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2005.03.003. Epub 2005 Apr 26.

Abstract

The SCP/Tpx-1/Ag5/PR-1/Sc7 (SCP/TAPS) gene family encodes proteins found in many eukaryotes. SCP/TAPS proteins are defined by the presence of an SCP/TAPS domain, and many participate in important physiological processes. Five SCP/TAPS genes were previously identified in Drosophila melanogaster and are expressed in the digestive tract or in the testes. Sequence databases were searched to determine if other SCP/TAPS genes were present in D. melanogaster, and an additional 21 SCP/TAPS genes were identified. To further define the roles of these genes, the structures of each gene and protein were analyzed. Based on these analyses, 25 SCP/TAPS genes could be placed into one of two groups. Each group contained conserved intron positions that were not shared with the other group. Proteins encoded by group 1 genes also shared additional sequence motifs and conserved cysteines not found in group 2 proteins. To determine if the two groups were expressed differently, reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine expression in adult flies. The results indicated that most genes were preferentially expressed in adult males, suggesting a role for these genes in male reproduction. Members of both groups displayed this preferential expression, so it was not group-specific. The two groups may differ in localization rather than function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Seminal Plasma Proteins / analysis
  • Seminal Plasma Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Seminal Plasma Proteins / genetics*
  • Testis / physiology

Substances

  • Seminal Plasma Proteins