Characterization of a carboxypeptidase A gene from the mosquito, Aedes aegypti

A gut-specific carboxypeptidase A gene (AeCPA) from the mosquito, Aedes aeg ypti, was cloned and characterized. The gene has an open reading frame that predicts a protein of 427 amino acids, 61% of which are identical to an An opheles gambiae carboxypeptidase A sequence. AeCPA messenger RNA (mRNA) was not detected during larval and pupal development. In situ hybridization ex periments indicated that AeCPA mRNA is expressed by posterior midgut epithe lial cells. In sharp contrast to An. gambiae carboxypeptidase A gene expres sion, AeCPA mRNA accumulates to high levels only late (approximate to 16-24 h) after ingestion of a blood meal. The temporal profile of AeCPA gene ind uction is similar to that of Ae. aegypti late trypsin, suggesting the exist ence of common regulatory elements.