Molecular and functional characterization of a juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase expressed in the corpora allata of mosquitoes

The JHAMT gene in Aedes aegypti shows transcriptional activation 4-6 hours before adult eclosion.

• JHAMT protein has 43% amino acid identity with a similar protein from Bombyx mori.
• The recombinant JHAMT enzyme efficiently converts farnesoic acid into methyl farnesoate and juvenile hormone acid into juvenile hormone III.
• JHAMT mRNA levels do not directly indicate the rates of juvenile hormone III synthesis.
• Significant JHAMT enzymatic activity is present in the corpora allata of blood-fed females, despite low spontaneous juvenile hormone III synthesis.
• JHAMT may play distinct roles in juvenile hormone synthesis regulation during the pupal and adult stages.

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