The role of N-beta-alanyldopamine synthase in the innate immune response of two insects.

Abstract

Insects trigger a multifaceted innate immune response to fight microbial infections. We show that in the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, septic injuries induce the synthesis of N-beta-alanyldopamine (NBAD), which is known as the main sclerotization precursor of insect brown cuticles. We demonstrate that NBAD synthase is induced in the epidermis of the mealworm and of the Medfly, Ceratitis capitata, by infection with Escherichia coli. Our results indicate that synthesis of NBAD seems to be a novel component of the overall innate immune response in insects.

• Authors: Julieta Schachter, Martín M Pérez, Luis A Quesada-Allué
• Journal: Journal of insect physiology (J Insect Physiol) Vol. 53 Issue 11 Pg. 1188-97 (Nov 2007) ISSN: 0022-1910 [Print] England
• PMID: 17706245 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Insect Proteins
• N(beta)-alanyldopamine
• Ligases
• catecholamine-beta-alanyl ligase
• Dopamine

Topics

• Animals
• Ceratitis capitata (enzymology, immunology)
• Dopamine (analogs & derivatives)
• Enzyme Induction
• Epidermis (enzymology)
• Escherichia coli (physiology)
• Immunity, Innate (immunology)
• Insect Proteins (metabolism)
• Larva (microbiology)
• Ligases (immunology, metabolism)
• Tenebrio (enzymology, immunology)
• Time Factors