title: Ecdysone signaling regulates soldier-specific cuticular pigmentation in the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis.
abstract: Termite caste differentiation requires hormonal regulation, but understanding of the role of ecdysone is limited. Here, we investigated the expression and function of ecdysone-related genes during soldier differentiation in the damp-wood termite Zootermopsis nevadensis. Ecdysone receptor gene (EcR) was highly expressed in the head just after the presoldier molt. Knockdown of EcR expression in the early presoldier period inhibited the molts into soldiers. However, knockdown in the middle period affected tyrosine metabolic gene expression and inhibited soldier-specific cuticular tanning. These results suggest that ecdysone activation is involved in soldier-specific cuticle formation.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Japan.
authors.forename: Yudai
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Masuoka
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Japan.
authors.forename: Kiyoto
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maekawa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004440:Ecdysone / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D020049:Isoptera / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018978:Molting / Q000502:physiology; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D019476:Insect Proteins; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; C055469:ecdysone receptor; D004440:Ecdysone
keywords: caste differentiation; cuticle; ecdysone receptor