Expression of the lectin gene in Sarcophaga peregrina during normal development and under conditions where the defence mechanism is activated

A novel mechanism of Sarcophaga lectin gene expression

“…Northern blot hybridization with cDNA for this lectin demonstrated that it is synthesized by the fat body in response to body injury [5]. An interesting feature of this lectin is that it is also synthesized twice during ontogeny of this fly without any outside stimulus: first in the embryonic stage and again in the pupal stage [6]. Therefore, this lectin has two functions: in defense and in development.…”

Hemocytes and immunological reactions in crustaceans

“…Lectins appear to serve a variety of functions (Lis & Sharon, 1986;Liener et al, 1986), among which their role in the recognition of molecules (Renwrantz, 1983(Renwrantz, , 1986Ratcliffe et al, 1985), transport of sugars, recognition of particular mono-or oligosaccharides and lipopolysaccharides (Jomori et al, 1990). Interesting works are those of Takahashi et al (1985Takahashi et al ( , 1986 on the role of an endogenous galactosebinding lectin from the hemolymph of the insect Sarcophaga peregrina. This lectin is synthesized constitutively at two periods during metamorphosis: during early embryogenesis and at the pupal stage, and may have dual functions, i.e., the removal of unwanted cells during metamorphosis and participation in defence reactions against pathogenic intruders.…”

Prospect for lectins in arthropods

“…Suzuki and Natori (1983) and Komano and Natori (1985) suggested that the lectin adsorbs decomposed larval tissues or developing tissues during metamorphosis and therefore functions in surveillance of old or formation of new tissues. Takahashi et al (1986) have shown that lectin was found to remove cells and histolyzing tissues during the metamorphosis of Sarcophaga peregrina. The lectin also plays roles in imaginal disc differentiation (Kawaguchi et al 1991).…”