Functional analysis of the larval serum protein gene promoter from silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Reports on the regulation region of larval serum protein gene, Bombyx mori, (BmLSP). Indication that the first intron, the first exon, the central promoter region and 5'-upstream region, is cloned from genomic DNA of the silkworm, SujuxMinghu; Use of PCR and restriction endonuclease methods; Construction of a series of luciferase reporter plasmids, driven by different length of BmLSP promoters; Investigation into the regulation elements and foreign insect hormones' effect on the BmLSP promoter activity, via the transient expression system in BmN cells; Finding that the BmLSP promoter activity is higher; Result when the first intron or the element in 5'-upstream region harboring the homologous sequence with the first intron of light-chain fibroin gene (EHIF) is deleted; Suggestion that the first intron and EHIF contain the main positive cis-acting elements; The negative effect of the inactive mariner transposable element (MTE); Effects of juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) on the BmLSP promoter activity demonstrating a dose-dependent manner; Idea that low concentration treatments increase the BmLSP promoter activity, while high concentration treatments decrease it; Assertion that insect ecdysone (MH) treatments present no significant effect.