Laccase-1 in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)

Date

2006-06-21

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kansas State University

Abstract

Laccases belong to the “multicopper oxidase” family of proteins, and can oxidize o-diphenols and p-diphenols in the presence of molecular oxygen. Laccases have been well characterized in wood-rotting fungi where they appear to play a role in lignin degradation, morphogenesis, and stress defense. More recently, laccase-2 has been found to play a role in the insect cuticle sclerotization and tanning. In addition, it has been hypothesized that laccase-1 may be involved in the oxidation of toxic phenolic compounds ingested by insects during feeding. A laccase-type phenoloxidase has been identified in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) using a combination of substrates that react with laccase. Within the pea aphid, laccase-1 transcript was found to be localized within the gut and the salivary glands. Finally, the specific regions where laccase-1 was present in the salivary gland was visualized using immunohistochemistry.

Description

Keywords

Laccase, Aphid, Salivary, phenoloxidase

Graduation Month

August

Degree

Master of Science

Department

Biochemistry

Major Professor

Gerald Reeck

Date

2006

Type

Thesis

Citation