The UDP-glucosyltransferase multigene family in Bombyx mori
2008

Study of the UDP-glucosyltransferase Gene Family in Silkworms

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Huang Fei-Fei, Chai Chun-Li, Zhang Ze, Liu Zeng-Hu, Dai Fang-Yin, Lu Cheng, Xiang Zhong-Huai

Primary Institution: The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Agricultural Ministry, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China

Hypothesis

Identification and characterization of Bombyx mori UGT genes could provide valuable basic information for this important family and explain the detoxication mechanism and other processes in insects.

Conclusion

B. mori possesses the largest insect UGT gene family characterized to date, including 42 genes.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified 42 putative silkworm UGT genes.
  • Most of the identified UGT genes are clustered on chromosomes 7 and 28.
  • 36 of the 42 UGT genes were expressed in various tissues.

Takeaway

This study found that silkworms have a lot of special genes that help them deal with harmful substances in their environment.

Methodology

Genome-wide analysis of the candidate UGT family in the silkworm using genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and expression pattern investigation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-9-563

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