The enzyme NBAD-synthase plays diverse roles during the life cycle of Drosophila melanogaster

PEREZ, M.; SCHACHTER,J.; BERNI,J; LUIS A. QUESADA ALLUÉ

JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: oxford; Año: 2010 vol. 56 p. 8 - 13

0022-1910

This report shows the biochemical characterization and life cycle-dependent expression of Drosophila melanogaster N-β-alanyldopamine synthase (NBAD-synthase or Ebony protein). This enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of NBAD, the main sclerotization and pigmentation precursor of insect brown cuticles, but also plays a role in brain neurotransmitter metabolism. In addition to the epidermis expression our immunodetection experiments show the novel localization of NBAD-synthase in different regions of the adult brain, in the foregut of pharate adult and, surprisingly, in the epidermis of the trachea during embryogenesis. These results demonstrate that NBAD-synthase is a versatile enzyme involved in different, previously unknown, time- and tissue-dependent processes.