CHARACTERIZATION OF A CDNA AND GENE ENCODING A CUTICULAR PROTEIN FROM RIGID CUTICLES OF THE GIANT SILKMOTH, HYALOPHORA-CECROPIA

We have isolated a cDNA and gene encoding a protein (HCCP66) found in the rigid cuticles of both larvae and pupae of the silkmoth, hyalophora cecropia. The cDNA encoded a protein similar to cuticle proteins isolated from several other insects and contained a sequence motif similar to one present in a ''family'' of cuticular proteins from flexible cuticles. The gene had a structure similar to that of cuticle protein genes isolated from drosophila melanogaster, albeit with a much larger intron that contained three copies of a transposable element-like sequence similar to short interspersed repeated DNA elements (SINEs). A sequence found 5' to the transcription start site matched the Octamer (Oct) cis-acting element. This sequence was capable of binding protein(s) from whole cell extracts of wing epidermis with high affinity and sequence specificity suggesting a role in transcriptional regulation.