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20-hydroxyecdysone promotes brain development via upregulating MMP2 expression during metamorphosis in Helicoverpa
Can Tian1, Pei-Yao Feng1, Lin Wang1
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Development and Regeneration, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
Plos Genetics
|January 22, 2026
Summary
Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is vital for insect brain development during metamorphosis. Its regulation by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) influences neural cell proliferation and nutrient supply.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix, impacting physiological and pathological processes.
- The specific roles of MMPs in insect brain development are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function and regulation of MMP2 in insect brain development during metamorphosis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which MMP2 influences neural development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) as an experimental model.
- Employed RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down Mmp2 expression.
- Analyzed brain development, autophagy, cell proliferation, nutrient levels, and gene expression.
Main Results:
- MMP2 is highly expressed and localized in the insect brain during metamorphosis.
- Mmp2 knockdown impaired brain development, increased autophagy, and reduced cell proliferation.
- Mmp2 deficiency led to decreased glucose and glutamate levels and reduced transporter expression in the brain.
- Steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) upregulates Mmp2 transcription via FOXO transcription factor.
Conclusions:
- MMP2 is a key regulator of insect brain development during metamorphosis.
- MMP2 promotes neural cell proliferation and nutrient supply.
- MMP2 acts downstream of 20E signaling, involving FOXO transcription factor.
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