CONSTRUCTING A HOMOPTERAN GENE DATABASE USING AN APHID CDNA LIBRARY AS A MODEL

Authors: Hunter, Wayne; Chaparro, Jose; McKendree Jr, William; Shatters, Robert - Bob; Dang, Phat; Bausher, Michael; McKenzie, Cindy; SINISTERRA, XIOMARA - UNIV. OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/2002
Publication Date: 7/25/2002
Citation: Hunter, W.B., Chaparro, J.X., Mckendree Jr, W.L., Shatters, R.G., Dang, P.M., Bausher, M.G., Mckenzie, C.L., Sinisterra, X.H. 2002. Constructing a homopteran gene database using an aphid cdna library as a model. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This is the first report of a cDNA library to genes from the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy). Scientist at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce, Florida, initiated a project to analyze expressed sequence tags (ESTs), mirror images of fragments of genes and the proteins they make. Because they can be used to scan for and tag active genes, ESTs are an important tool for identifying and isolating insect genes. Subsequently, future plans are to develop a multinational computer database linked to U.S. and European data centers, which will distribute sequence data to researchers worldwide. The research that grows out of this and other research efforts will help lay the groundwork to initiate a Hemipteran / Homopteran EST Initiative. A multinational effort to develop EST databases to address important scientific questions related to insect pests will rapidly advance research on these insects. These databases will also act as a direct model for hundreds of thousands of closely related species. Such a database will help scientists understand the molecular basis of insect growth and development, and address fundamental questions in insect physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, pathology, thus providing new methods of pest management.