Recently, researchers from the University of Wisconsin, etc. found in the insect the key structural component of an enzyme that plays multiple roles, including the role of the synthesis of epidermis and melatonin ,and biogenic amines detoxification. And this enzyme is active in aedes aegypti, which is known as the disseminator of yellow fever and dengue fever..The study results were published in a recent journal PNAS.

Researcher Jianyong Li and his colleagues studied this enzyme – fragrant alkyl amine N-acetyl transferase (aaNAT). Using bioinformatics techniques to divided the insect sequence which is similar to aaNAT into three clusters, and then using crystallographic techniques, the team observed three clusters of enzymes in the crystal structures, and finally found that the biochemical active component of the protein from the two clusters enzymes. It is worth noting that the research team found a unique cluster of enzymes in the mosquito.

Next ,the researchers will further study the physiological function of this particular enzyme in mosquitoes.In short, the researchers' findings provides a basis for the biochemical function study of the mosquitoes specific enzymes,and provides ideas and guidance for the development of a potential mosquito-killing agent.

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