Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Lac Dye Constituents in Indian Lac Insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr)

Abstract

Kerria lacca is commercially harnessed for lac resin, dye and wax. This study is an attempt towards identifying the possible pathway and genes involved in the biosynthesis of the lac dye. It is proposed that lac insects employ polyketide pathway catalysed by polyketide synthase to produce laccaic acid D, a common precursor molecule for the biosynthesis of other lac dye constituents. Post-PKS tailoring enzymes are also involved in the alteration of polyketide chains. Thirteen related genes were identified and sequenced in this study.