The juvenile hormone signaling pathway in insect development
Marek Jindra1, Subba R Palli, Lynn M Riddiford
1Biology Center, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
Annual Review of Entomology
|September 22, 2012
Summary
Juvenile hormone (JH) action in insects is clearer now. The Methoprene-tolerant (Met) protein acts as an intracellular hormone receptor, binding JH and regulating metamorphosis.
Area of Science:
- Insect endocrinology
- Molecular biology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Juvenile hormone (JH) is crucial for insect development and metamorphosis.
- The molecular mechanisms of JH action were largely unknown until recently.
- The discovery of Methoprene-tolerant (Met) as a JH-resistance gene initiated new research avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent findings on the molecular action of JH.
- To elucidate the role of the Methoprene-tolerant (Met) protein in JH signaling.
- To explore JH-regulated genes and pathways in insect metamorphosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on JH signaling.
- Analysis of studies detailing the ligand-binding capacity of Met.
- Examination of JH-dependent interactions and downstream gene regulation.
Main Results:
- Methoprene-tolerant (Met) functions as an intracellular hormone receptor, binding JH via a specific domain.
- Met is a bHLH-PAS protein, establishing a novel class of hormone receptors.
- JH and Met regulate downstream genes critical for insect metamorphosis.
Conclusions:
- The molecular action of JH is increasingly understood through the lens of Met signaling.
- Met acts as a central mediator in JH signal transduction pathways.
- Further research is needed to fully understand JH action and its regulation.
Related Concept Videos
02:33Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
02:33Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
01:08Chemical Signaling in the Endocrine System
A signaling cascade is a series of events that facilitates the transmission of information within or between cells, culminating in a targeted response in the recipient cell. As chemical messengers, hormones are pivotal in initiating and modulating these intricate signaling cascades based on their solubility.
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...
01:47Osmoregulation in Insects
Malpighian tubules are specialized structures found in the digestive systems of many arthropods, including most insects, that handle excretion and osmoregulation. The tubules are typically arranged in pairs and have a convoluted structure that increases their surface area.