Biochemical Studies on the Formation of the Silkprotein

Cytotoxin-mediated silk gland organ dysfunction diverts resources to enhance silkworm fecundity by potentiating nutrient-sensing IIS/TOR pathways

“…According to previous reports, 13 , 22 , 23 , 24 the suppression of cocoon formation leads to the accumulation of amino acids that are the building blocks of silk proteins in the silkworm hemolymph. Indeed, we compared the concentrations of amino acids in larval hemolymph after gut purge and observed elevated levels of serine, glycine, alanine and tyrosine, which are the major constituents of silk proteins, 22 , 25 in cocoon-free silkworms compared to the WT silkworms ( Table 1 ; Figure S10 ). Conversely, lower levels of histidine were noted in the larval hemolymph of cocoon-free silkworms compared to the WT silkworms ( Table 1 ; Figure S10 ).…”

“…The difference in the outcomes may be attributed to the accumulation of amino acids in cocoon-free silkworm larval hemolymph did not reach toxic levels that could cause negative effects. 23 , 25 Moreover, Xin et al. 48 demonstrated that the deletion of the transcription factor Bmsage , which is involved in silk gland development, resulted in malformed silk glands lacking MSGs and PSGs, which led to inhibited cocoon formation and pupation failure.…”

Uptake of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide into Silk Fiber by Silkworms

“…The major amino acids of silk protein are glycine, alanine, serine, and tyrosine. These amino acids represent about 90% of the total amino acid content of the silk fiber. , The mechanism of silk protein biosynthesis is unique and includes a selective metabolic pathway. It is therefore intriguing from both biological and technological aspects to clarify the biosynthetic pathway of insects' production.…”