cDNA cloning of an adult male putative lipocalin specific to tergal gland aphrodisiac secretion in an insect (Leucophaea maderae)

Lma-P22 is a cuticular surface protein specific to the tergal gland secreti on of Leucophaea maderae adult males,which is ingested by females just befo re copulation. The complete Lma-P22 cDNA sequence was determined by RT-PCR using primers based on Edman degradation fragments. The recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli was recognized by an anti-Lma-P22 antibody. Northern blot analysis indicates that the corresponding mRNA is transcribed only in the epidermis of male tergites, Sequence analysis indicated that L ma-P22 deduced protein belongs to the lipocalin family. Lipocalins are extr acellular proteins which carry hydrophobic compounds and some of them can b ind sexual pheromone in vertebrates. Lma-P22 is the first example of a lipo calin-like protein involved in insect sexual behavior. (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.