2013 Volume 59 Issue 1 Pages 47-50
Unique ability of larvae of the sleeping chironomid Polypedilum vanderplanki to resist complete desiccation largely relies on activity of LEA proteins. Using genome-wide analysis of the insect's mRNA diversity and expression, in addition to initially described three LEA proteins we have identified 37 new LEA-like protein-coding genes. We have demonstrated that while all genes were up-regulated in response to desiccation, other abiotic stresses, such as ionizing radiation and heat also altered Lea-like genes expression. We further found that expression of the Lea-like genes is not limited to the larvae exposed to desiccation and can be detected both in the unstressed larvae as well as in other (desiccation-sensitive) developmental stages of the chironomid.
