The DNA puff BhB10-1 gene encodes a glycine-rich protein secreted by the late stage larval salivary glands of Bradysia hygida

We present the molecular characterization of a gene of Bradysia hygida DNA puff B10 whose temporal expression in the salivary gland correlates with th e puff expansion. The transcription unit of this gene, named BhB10-1, was m apped in a 2-kb EcoRI genomic fragment that is amplified in the salivary gl and of late fourth instar larvae. Its 1.3-kb transcript undergoes poly-A ta il shortening during development, indicating that post-transcriptional cont rols as well as transcription activation are involved in the temporal regul ation of the BhB10-1 gene. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence from the cDNA indicates that the BhB10-1 protein is a glycine-rich secretory pr otein. A BhB10-1-fusion protein expressed in bacteria was used to raise pol yclonal antibodies. Using an immunopurified antibody, we identified the pro duct of the DNA puff BhB10-1 gene as a 23-kDa polypeptide that is produced mainly by the salivary gland regions S1 and S3 and is present in the saliva of late larvae. This is the first direct identification of a protein encod ed by a DNA puff amplified gene. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.