01912nas a2200217   4500008004100000245016400041210006900205260000900274300001600283490000700299520115000306100002301456700001901479700001701498700002001515700002801535700002501563700002301588700002701611856005601638       2003                        eng d00aTranscriptome identification of putative genes involved in protein catabolism and innate immune response in human body louse (Pediculicidae: Pediculus humanus)0 aTranscriptome identification of putative genes involved in prote  c2003  a1135 - 11430 v333 aGenomics information relating to human body lice is surprisingly scarce, and this has constrained studies of their physiology, immunology and vector biology. To identify novel body louse genes, we used engorged adult lice to generate a cDNA library. Initially, 1152 clones were screened for inserts, edited for removal of vector sequences and base pairs of poor quality, and viewed for splicing variations, gene families and polymorphism. Computational methods identified 506 inferred open reading frames including the first predicted louse defensin. The inferred defensin aligns well with other insect defensins and has highly conserved cysteine residues, as are known for other defensin sequences. Two cysteine and five serine proteinases were categorized according to their inferred catalytic sites. We also discovered seven putative ubiquitin-pathway genes and four iron metabolizing deduced enzymes. Finally, glutathione-S-transferases and cytochrome P450 genes were among the detoxification enzymes found. Results from this first systematic effort to discover human body louse genes should promote further studies in Phthiraptera and lice.1 aPedra, Joao, H. F.1 aBrandt, Amanda1 aLi, Hong-Mei1 aWesterman, Rick1 aRomero-Severson, Jeanne1 aPollack, Richard, J.1 aMurdock, Larry, L.1 aPittendrigh, Barry, R.  uhttp://www.phthiraptera.info/Publications/47197.pdf