[Progress in biological functions of nuclear receptors in Drosophila melanogaster]

Nuclear receptors (NRs) belong to a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors that can bind directly to DNA and regulate expression of downstream target genes involved in avariety of important biological processes in organism, such as metabolism, reproduction and development. Drosophila have 21 NRs. They play crucial roles for Drosophila in regulating embryonic development, molting, metamorphosis, reproduction and metabolism. Here, we summarize the constitution of nuclear receptors,focusing on biological functions of themselve and their interactions. All these investigations will potentially supply new understanding of endocrine mechanism in insect.