Cloning and analysis of a cecropin gene from the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae

Insect Mol Biol. 2000 Feb;9(1):75-84. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2583.2000.00164.x.

Abstract

Parasites of the genus Plasmodium are transmitted to mammalian hosts by anopheline mosquitoes. Within the insect vector, parasite growth and development are potentially limited by antimicrobial defence molecules. Here, we describe the isolation of cDNA and genomic clones encoding a cecropin antibacterial peptide from the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles gambiae. The locus was mapped to polytene division 1C of the X chromosome. Cecropin RNA was induced by infection with bacteria and Plasmodium. RNA levels varied in different body parts of the adult mosquito. During development, cecropin expression was limited to the early pupal stage. The peptide was purified from both adult mosquitoes and cell culture supernatants. Anopheles gambiae synthetic cecropins displayed activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Anopheles / genetics*
  • Anopheles / metabolism
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / isolation & purification*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Insect Proteins / genetics*
  • Insect Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Insect Proteins / pharmacology
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Insect Proteins
  • cecropin protein, Anopheles
  • RNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF200686