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Title: Analysis of expressed sequence tags from a significant livestock pest, the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), identifies transcripts with a putative role in chemosensation and sex-determination

Author
item Olafson, Pia
item DOWD, SCOT - Research And Testing Laboratories, Llc
item Lohmeyer, Kimberly - Kim

Submitted to: Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/27/2010
Publication Date: 7/8/2010
Citation: Olafson, P.U., Dowd, S.E., Lohmeyer, K.H. 2010. Analysis of expressed sequence tags from a significant livestock pest, the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), identifies transcripts with a putative role in chemosensation and sex-determination. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 74(3):179-2004.

Interpretive Summary: Alternative technologies for controlling stable flies are desired because current methods are not cost-effective or highly efficient. Identifying molecules produced by the stable fly that can be targeted to interfere with a critical stable fly behavior, e.g. feeding, mating, would provide the basis for developing these alternative methods. To support identification of target molecules, we have assembled a database of 22,800 sequences that represent genes expressed by immature and adult stages of the stable fly. Here, we summarize the genes identified and emphasize those genes that may be required for the stable fly to sense its surroundings (chemosensation) and those essential to sex determination. This database is significant because it will enable target identification and facilitate collaboration with other researchers within the fly community.

Technical Abstract: The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is one of the most significant pests of livestock in the United States. We are interested in the identification of targets for the development of novel control for this pest species, focusing on those molecules that play a role in successful feeding and reproduction. Using pyrosequencing technology, we have developed a database representing genes expressed at the immature and adult lifestages of the stable fly in an effort to identify such targets. We describe the characterization of several transcripts that may have a role in chemosensation, i.e. odorant binding proteins, chemosensory proteins, odorant receptor, gustatory receptor, as well as genes that have similarity to those involved in sex determination pathways of related Dipterans, i.e. transformer, transformer-2, and doublesex. We are optimistic that the current database will be a valuable tool for target identification and for comparative studies with other Diptera.