Characterization of a Glycine-Rich Protein, AgSp1, in the Black Widow Spider
Poster Number
13
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
The orb web spider's artistic, uniform web is more complex then what the eyes can see. Each web is comprised of an assortment of different silk fibers ranging in strength and elasticity depending on their particular function. Seven glands are housed within the abdomen of the spider, which produce these varying fibroins. The aggregate gland, in particular, is believed to produce glue proteins, which form sticky droplets that are used to assist in capturing prey and may have a mechanical role in the fiber. These sticky droplets are rich in glycine amino acids. We hypothesize that the glycine rich protein AgSp1, previously obtained from a genetic screen performed using a spider DNA chip, is manufactured in the aggregate gland. To test this hypothesis, we performed quantitative real time PCR analysis on mRNA isolated from different silk producing glands. The findings from this experiment will be discussed.
Location
Callison Hall
Start Date
6-5-2006 10:00 AM
End Date
6-5-2006 12:00 PM
Characterization of a Glycine-Rich Protein, AgSp1, in the Black Widow Spider
Callison Hall
The orb web spider's artistic, uniform web is more complex then what the eyes can see. Each web is comprised of an assortment of different silk fibers ranging in strength and elasticity depending on their particular function. Seven glands are housed within the abdomen of the spider, which produce these varying fibroins. The aggregate gland, in particular, is believed to produce glue proteins, which form sticky droplets that are used to assist in capturing prey and may have a mechanical role in the fiber. These sticky droplets are rich in glycine amino acids. We hypothesize that the glycine rich protein AgSp1, previously obtained from a genetic screen performed using a spider DNA chip, is manufactured in the aggregate gland. To test this hypothesis, we performed quantitative real time PCR analysis on mRNA isolated from different silk producing glands. The findings from this experiment will be discussed.