Abstract
The insect molting hormone, ecdysone, induces a series of events critical for ecdysis, beginning with the formation of a complex between ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and its partner protein, ultraspiracle (Usp). In the present study, we cloned cDNAs encoding EcR and Usp by RT-PCR and 5'-/3'-RACE from the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, a destructive agricultural pest insect in East Asia. Hexahistidine-tagged recombinant EcR and Usp of S. litura were expressed in E. coli, and the proteins, after refolding, exhibited the specific binding to an ecdysone analogue in vitro.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cloning, Molecular / methods*
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DNA, Complementary / chemistry
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DNA, Complementary / isolation & purification*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Drosophila Proteins
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Drosophila melanogaster
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Insect Proteins / chemistry
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Insect Proteins / genetics*
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Receptors, Steroid / chemistry*
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Receptors, Steroid / genetics*
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Spodoptera / chemistry
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Spodoptera / genetics*
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Transcription Factors / chemistry
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Transcription Factors / genetics*
Substances
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DNA, Complementary
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Insect Proteins
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Receptors, Steroid
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Transcription Factors
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USP protein, Drosophila
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ecdysone receptor