The Bombyx mori gene wds codes for a WD-repeat protein with seven repeats

Abstract

We isolated and characterized the wds gene of Bombyx mori. The gene codes for 1,431 bp RNA that is transcribed at embryogenesis and at all stages of development. The transcript products were at a high level in early embryogenesis and gradually declined. The level of wds transcripts in the germ cells are high in comparison with other tissue. The RNA has been localized by an in situ hybridization sperm packet, spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the testis. The putative translation product contains seven WD-repeats and is, therefore, a member of the family of WD-protein. Clear homologues of the B. mori WDS protein exist in three other fully sequenced higher eukaryotes- human, the insect Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae.