LAUSR

Abstract Male-derived accessory glands (MAGs) in insects typically transfer a mixture of proteins and other molecules during mating that have profound effect on female physiology and reproductive behaviour. In the present study, we sought to identify MAG proteins of the serious agricultural pest Spodoptera litura as they have been extensively studied in Drosophila and other insects. A total of 566 distinct proteins across gels of virgin and mated males, as well as 91 differentially expressed proteins in mated contrast to virgin males of S. litura were detected by 2D gel electrophoresis. Here, we successfully identified 20 MAG proteins that appeared in virgin males and depleted in mated males by mass spectrometry, thus predicting the transfer of proteins from males to females during mating. We analyzed the proteins for homology to other proteins with known functions available in Swiss- Prot through Mascot search engine. The proteins were categorized into six diverse functional groups: Metabolism, protein folding, antioxidation, olfaction, DNA binding/replication and cellular activity/response. Most of the MAG proteins fall into the same functional class as in other organisms, although some appear to rapidly evolve. The probable roles of the identified proteins associated with physiology and reproduction have been discussed. Thus, in this study we establish a strong precedent for future research on the potential of MAG proteins to interfere with the pest's own mechanisms resulting in its failure to reproduce successfully.