Nutrition- and hormone-controlled developmental plasticity in Blattodea.

Area of Science:

• Insect endocrinology
• Developmental biology
• Molecular signaling

Background:

• Blattodea (cockroaches and termites) exhibit remarkable developmental plasticity.
• This plasticity is primarily influenced by nutritional status and insect hormones.
• Key signaling pathways involved include Insulin/Insulin-like Growth Factor Signaling (IIS), Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1), and AMP-activated protein kinase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding how nutritional and hormonal signals interact.
• To elucidate the control mechanisms of developmental plasticity in Blattodea.
• To highlight future research directions in insect developmental plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Blattodea development.
• Analysis of molecular pathways regulating insect metamorphosis and reproduction.
• Integration of data on nutritional sensing and hormonal signaling.

Main Results:

• Nutritional signals (IIS, TORC1, AMPK) and insect hormones (Juvenile Hormone - JH, 20-hydroxyecdysone - 20E) form a complex regulatory network.
• The Met, Kr-h1, E93 (MEKRE93) pathway is a crucial interaction point for JH and 20E.
• These signals collectively control metamorphosis, reproduction, appendage regeneration in cockroaches, and caste differentiation in termites.

Conclusions:

• Coordinated action of nutritional and hormonal signals is essential for developmental plasticity in Blattodea.
• Further research should focus on the intricate details of this regulatory network.
• Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into broader insect development and evolution.