Odorant-degrading enzymes have been postulated to participate in the fast deactivation of insect pheromones. Based on conserved amino acid sequences of insect carboxylesterases and juvenile hormone esterases, we have cloned cDNAs encoding a putative odorant-degrading enzyme (Apol-ODE) and a putative integumental esterase (Apol-IE) from the wild silkmoth, Antheraea polyphemus. Apol-ODE and Apol-IE have potential N-glycosylation sites and a putative catalytic site. Apol-ODE is expressed in male antennae and branches (where pheromone-detecting sensilla are located), but not in female antennae and other control tissues. Apol-IE is expressed in male and female antennae as well as legs.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Saturniidae Antheraea polyphemus (giant silkmoth)
Keywords: sensillar esterase, cDNA cloning
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