Molecular approach to the study of hemocyanin in stoneflies (Plecoptera): a biologic and phylogenetic interpretation
Author(s)
Amore, Valentina
Date Issued
March 15, 2010
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Contrary to what was assumed regarding the presence of respiratory proteins in insects, a functional hemocyanin was recently found in larvae and adults of the stoneflies species Perla marginata in P. grandis. In order to verify if the presence of this ancient trait is widespread
within the order and to investigate why stoneflies have maintained it, we have extended the search for hemocyanin within Plecoptera families. In particular, we assessed the presence of hemocyanin in the larval and adult stage the seven families of the European stonefly fauna, and we tested some taxa of Oriental and Southern African fauna living in environments with different
ecological features respect to those of the Palaearctic streams.
We cloned and sequenced cDNAs corresponding to the conserved hemocyanin fragment (in
domain II) and studied their expression with PCR technique. To evaluate hemocyanin presence as translated product, highly sensitive method based on liquid chromatography tandem mass
spectrometry, was used. Phylogenetic analyses were inferred.
On the basis of our outcomes, we have revealed that hemocyanin seems to be not uniformly distributed within this order. Phylogenetic relations, environmental induction and biological aspects, such as larval size, life cycle length and trophic roles, are discussed as possible factors
that may be correlated with the presence or absence of hemocyanin in the studied species.
Moreover, we take into account the potential multifunctionality of hemocyanin. In this work we presented the current knowledge about the hemocyanin in the Plecoptera as outcomes of our research.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Ecologia e gestione delle risorse biologiche
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