Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Since the report of a paralogous acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC3.1.1.7) gene in the greenbug (Schizaphis graminum) in 2002, two different AChE genes (Ace1 and Ace2) have been identified in each of at least 27 insect species. However, the gene models of Ace1 and Ace2, and their molecular properties have not yet been comprehensively analyzed in any insect species. In this study, we sequenced the full-length cDNAs, computationally predicted the corresponding three-dimensional protein models, and profiled developmental stage and tissue-specific expression patterns of two Ace genes from the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum; TcAce1 and TcAce2), a globally distributed major pest of stored grain products and an emerging model organism. TcAce1 and TcAce2 encode 648 and 604 amino acid residues, respectively, and have conserved motifs including a choline-binding site, a catalytic triad, and an acyl pocket. Phylogenetic analysis show that both TcAce genes are grouped into two insect Ace clusters and TcAce1 is completely diverged from TcAce2, suggesting that these two genes evolve from their corresponding Ace gene lineages in insect species. In addition, TcAce1 is located on chromosome 5, whereas TcAce2 is located on chromosome 2. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR analyses indicate that both genes are virtually transcribed in all the developmental stages and predominately expressed in the insect brain. Our computational analyses suggest that the TcAce1 protein is a robust acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolase and has susceptibility to sulfhydryl agents whereas the TcAce2 protein is not a catalytically efficient ACh hydrolase.
Highlights
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC3.1.1.7) is an essential enzyme at the synapses of cholinergic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems in all animals
After the first AChE gene (Ace) paralogous gene was reported in the greenbug (Schizaphis graminum) in 2002 [10], the D. melanogaster Ace gene was designated as Ace orthologous gene
AChE cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences Based on the predicted sequences of two T. castaneum Ace genes in NCBI (XM_968369 and XM_965681), we designed specific primers (Table 1) to determine the full-length cDNAs of the two genes from the brain of T. castaneum
Summary
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC3.1.1.7) is an essential enzyme at the synapses of cholinergic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems in all animals. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), terminating neurotransmission. The first insect AChE gene (Ace) was sequenced from Drosophila melanogaster in 1986 [9]. It is clear that D. melanogaster has only one Ace gene as confirmed by its genome sequence [11], whereas most other insect species have two different Ace genes (i.e., Ace and Ace2) [12]. Ace commonly refers to the Ace paralogous (AP-Ace) gene and Ace the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
