The regulation of expression of insect cuticle protein genes.
The exoskeleton of insects (cuticle) is an assembly of chitin and cuticle proteins. Its physical properties are determined largely by the proteins it contains, and vary widely with developmental stages and body regions. The genes encoding cuticle proteins are therefore good models to study the molecular mechanisms of signalling by ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones, which regulate molting and metamorphosis in insects. This review summarizes the studies of hormonal regulation of insect cuticle protein genes, and the recent progress in the analysis of the regulatory sequences and transcription factors important for their expression.
Charles
J P
JP
UMR CNRS 5548 Développement-Communication Chimique des Insectes (DCCI), Université de Bourgogne, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, 6, Bd Gabriel 21000 Dijon, France. Jean-philippe.charles@u-bourgogne.fr
D000818:Animals; D026461:Ecdysteroids / Q000378:metabolism*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D007313:Insecta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D026461:Ecdysteroids; D019476:Insect Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C047663:cuticle proteins, insects