Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026

Ex Vivo Calcium Imaging for Visualizing Brain Responses to Endocrine Signaling in Drosophila
Published on: June 2, 2018
Endocrine network essential for reproductive success in Drosophila melanogaster
Matthew Meiselman1,2,3, Sang Soo Lee1,2,4, Raymond-Tan Tran1,2
1Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521.
Abstract:
Ecdysis-triggering hormone (ETH) was originally discovered and characterized as a molt termination signal in insects through its regulation of the ecdysis sequence. Here we report that ETH persists in adult Drosophila melanogaster, where it functions as an obligatory allatotropin to promote juvenile hormone (JH) production and reproduction. ETH signaling deficits lead to sharply reduced JH levels and consequent reductions of ovary size, egg production, and yolk deposition in mature oocytes. Expression of ETH and ETH receptor genes is in turn dependent on ecdysone (20E). Furthermore, 20E receptor knockdown specifically in Inka cells reduces fecundity. Our findings indicate that the canonical developmental roles of 20E, ETH, and JH during juvenile stages are repurposed to function as an endocrine network essential for reproductive success.
Related Concept Videos
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Structures of the Endocrine System
An Overview of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system collaborates...

