Expression pattern and tissue localization of the class B scavenger receptor BmSCRBQ4 in Bombyx mori.

Class B scavenger receptors (SR-Bs) are cell surface glycoproteins involved in various physiological processes in vivo, including the transport and metabolism of lipids, binding and phagocytosis of xenobiotics, and signaling. But little information is available about silkworm SR-Bs; it is necessary to study these SR-Bs for revealing their function. In this study, we cloned the full-length coding sequence of BmSCRBQ4, a SR-B gene from the silkworm Bombyx mori L.

Combined effect of Cameo2 and CBP on the cellular uptake of lutein in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Formation of yellow-red color cocoons in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, occurs as the result of the selective delivery of carotenoids from the midgut to the silk gland via the hemolymph. This process of pigment transport is thought to be mediated by specific cellular carotenoids carrier proteins. Previous studies indicated that two proteins, Cameo2 and CBP, are associated with the selective transport of lutein from the midgut into the silk gland in Bombyx mori.

A genomewide survey of homeobox genes and identification of novel structure of the Hox cluster in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Homeobox genes encode transcriptional factors that play crucial roles in a variety of developmental pathways from unicellular to multicellular eukaryotes. We have identified 102 homeobox genes in the typical insect of Lepidoptera, Bombyx mori, based on the newly assembled genome sequence with 9X coverage. These identified homeobox genes were categorized into nine classes including at least 74 families.

The UDP-glucosyltransferase multigene family in Bombyx mori.

Background: Glucosidation plays a major role in the inactivation and excretion of a great variety of both endogenous and exogenous compounds. A class of UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) is involved in this process. Insect UGTs play important roles in several processes, including detoxication of substrates such as plant allelochemicals, cuticle formation, pigmentation, and olfaction.

[Comparison of early embryogenesis between silkworm and Drosophila from both morphology and gene content level].

The diversity of insects has been the focus of many investigations. Research in the early embryonic developmental mechanism of silkworm will promote understanding in early embryonic developmental mechanism of other insects. This paper reviews the differences in early embryonic development of silkworm and Drosophila from both morphology and gene content level.