Gene expression profile in Bombyx mori immunized with Escherichia coli

Abstract

Gene expression in Bombyx mori larvae, which was immunized with Eschelichia coli, was observed using cDNA library sequencing analysis. From examination that covered more than a thousand sequences, we revealed the cecropin family as the most influential set of defensive genes that act against bacterial invasion. Moreover, based on the frequency of the identified and unidentified sequences, seven novel genes were expected to illustrate immune responses through their antibacterial activities. This expectation of immune responses was supported through RT-PCR and open reading frame analysis. In particular, one of the seven novel genes has a sequence that is homologous to the antibacterial peptide, gloverin, which had been found in Manduca sexta. Also, the other six sequences covering a considerable proportion in the cDNA library clones and the characterization of these clones would be a valuable clue in elucidating of self- protection mechanism of B. mori.