Juvenile Hormone Acid O-Methyltransferase (JHAMT): A Key Gene in Juvenile Hormone Signaling Pathway in Insects

The sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH) plays a central role in insect life and is involved in the regulation of multiple biological functions. Precise control of JH biosynthesis is crucial for normal insect development. JH acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT) is a key regulatory enzyme that functions in the final step of JH biosynthesis, which is highly specific to insects. Significant progress has been made in identifying and characterizing the features of the JHAMT. Functional studies have confirmed that JHAMT is involved in metamorphosis, development, reproduction, and a wide range of other biological processes, such as diapause, behavior, and vitellogenin gene expression in different insect species through regulating titers of JH. Herein, we summarized the current knowledge regarding the diverse functions of JHAMT and the interactions of JHAMT with other genes, translation factors, and signaling networks governing the growth and development of insects, and the structures of JHAMT. This wealth of knowledge will contribute to novel insights into the role of JHAMT in insects and its practical implications for pest management.