Binding proteins from the antennae of Bombyx mori

From an antennal library of Bombyx mori cDNA clones encoding different binding proteins have been isolated. The deduced amino acid sequences showed only moderate homology to each other but shared several common structural features. Based on a sequence comparison with the antennal binding proteins from different moth species, one of the clones appears to encode a pheromone binding protein, whereas two others represent new members of the two general odorant binding protein families. A fourth clone encodes a protein which is related to antennal binding proteins so far found only in Drosophila melanogaster.