멧누에나방(Bombyx mandarina) 난각유전자의 형질발현기구를 규명하기 위한 연구의 일환으로 각형성과정에 있어서 난각단백질의 합성과정을 분석하였다. 난각단백질의 합성과정을 여포세포의 기난관배양에 의한 in vitro합성계에 의하여 분석한 결과, 합성과정은 8단계로 나눌 수 있었으며 SDS-PAGE 분석에 의해 17개 이상의 단백질 band로 분리되었다. 멧누에 난각단백질은 합성시기에 따라 3단계로 구분되며 초기에는 비교적 고분자 성분이, 합성의 중후기에는 비교적 저분자성분이 합성되는 등 난각단백질의 합성은 시기특이적으로 조절되었다.

The C3HC4 zinc RING finger proteins seem to be a family of protein-protein interactions. Little is information regarding the role of the C3HC4 zinc RING finger proteins in rice plant. We have attempted to assess their genome localization, phylogenetic relationship and expression patterns of members via in silico analysis as well as semi-quantitative RT-PCR. A total of 132 genes encoding C3HC4 zinc RING finger proteins appear to be distributed over 12 rice chromosomes, reflecting evolutionary dynamics of the rice genome, e.g. whole genome duplication and tandem duplications. A genome-wide dataset including 155 gene expression omnibus sample (GSM) plates evidenced a high degree of functional specialization of the rice C3HC4 zinc RING finger proteins, especially during developmental stages and against abiotic stresses. We have retrieved co-expression genes with each of the rice C3HC4 zinc RING finger proteins, probably providing some clues on specialized functions of individual genes. Expression patterns of 13 co-expression genes with one gene encoding C3HC4 zinc RING finger protein (Os04g51400) against salt and dehydration stresses were evaluated in crown tissues and leaf tissues, evidencing highly similar patterns among members. These findings might provide clues to shed further light on comprehensive functions of C3HC4 zinc RING finger proteins.