Expression and localization of the Spodoptera frugiperda allatotropin (Spofr-AT) and allatostatin (Spofr-AS) genes.

Manduca sexta allatotropin and allatostatin were the first corpora allata (CA) regulating neuropeptides identified from Lepidoptera. Recently, we cloned the allatotropin (Spofr-AT) and the allatostatin (Spofr-AS) genes from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. Using one-step RT-PCR for semi-quantification of the gene expression, we now demonstrate that three mRNA isoforms of the Spofr-AT gene and the Spofr-AS gene are expressed in brain, digestive tract, and reproductive organs of larvae, pupae, and adults in a time- and tissue-specific manner. Expression rates in the brain and in various parts of the digestive tract prove the dual role of the peptides as brain/gut (neuro)peptides. The functional meaning of ovarian and testes expression of the genes is not yet clear, although myoregulatory properties of the peptides are probable. The tissue-specific localization of the prohormone expression, as demonstrated by whole mount in situ hybridization, confirms the overall distribution of the prohormones as shown by RT-PCR and supports the pleiotropic functions of the peptides.

Abdel-Latief M ，Meyering-Vos M ，Hoffmann KH 《ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY》

Type-A allatostatins from the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda: molecular cloning, expression and tissue-specific localization.

The gene encoding the Spodoptera frugiperda allatostatin type-A peptide family (Y/FXFGL-amides) was isolated from S. frugiperda brain cDNA. The gene encodes a precursor of 231 amino acids containing nine (or ten) Y/FXFGL-a peptides that are tandemly arranged in three blocks. The comparison of the Spofr-AST A precursor with the respective precursor genes from two other lepidopteran species, Helicoverpa armigera and Bombyx mori, shows high homology in size, sequence (84 and 57%, respectively), and organisation of the allatostatins. One-step RT-PCR analysis using a Spofr-AST A-6 to A-9 probe shows that the gene is not only expressed as one transcript in the brain and midgut of larvae and adults in a time- and tissue-specific manner, but also in the reproductive tissues of adult S. frugiperda. Data confirm the nature of the allatostatin type-A peptides as brain/gut myoregulatory hormones, whereas their function(s) in ovaries, oviduct, and testes still have to be resolved. The cell-specific localization of the preprohormone expression, as demonstrated by whole mount in situ hybridization, confirms the overall distribution of the Spofr-AST A preprohormone as shown by RT-PCR and supports the pleiotropic functions of the peptides.

Abdel-Latief M ，Meyering-Vos M ，Hoffmann KH 《ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY》

The adipokinetic hormones in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda: cDNA cloning, quantitative real time RT-PCR analysis, and gene specific localization.

Abdel-Latief M ，Hoffmann KH 《INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY》

Molecular characterisation of cDNAs from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda encoding Manduca sexta allatotropin and allatostatin preprohormone peptides.

Abdel-latief M ，Meyering-Vos M ，Hoffmann KH 《INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY》

RNA interference with the allatoregulating neuropeptide genes from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and its effects on the JH titer in the hemolymph.

Griebler M ，Westerlund SA ，Hoffmann KH ，Meyering-Vos M ... -  《JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY》