Abstract: 【Objective】In order to find out the tissue-specific expression of Gqα in Helicoverpa armigera, 【Method】a full-length cDNA, Gqα, was cloned by RACE and named as GqαHarm. And its spatio-temporal expression pattern was studied by Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. 【Result】 GqαHarm was obtained from the antennae. And its open reading-frame was 1062bp, encoding 353 amino acid residues. GqαHarm shares high identity (>90%) with reported Gqα from other insects and the homology with Bombyx mori and its close sib population Mamestra brassicae reached 97.73% and 96.88%, respectively. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that Gqα was not only expressed in antenna, but also in the head without antenna, thorax, leg and wing of H. armigera. There was no obvious difference in the expression in tissues. Moreover, it was also expressed in labial palpus, maxillary palpus and proboscis. Gqα was expressed in egg with a highest level, and in imago with a lowest level; and there was no significant diffenrence in the expression at different stages for the larva and the pupae. 【Conclusion】The spacial and temporal expression pattern indicated that GqαHarm was a ubiquitous protein in Helicoverpa armigera .

Key words: Helicoverpa armigera, Gq protein alpha subunit, gene cloning, expression pattern