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Chen JH, Turner PC, Rees HH. Molecular cloning and induction of nuclear receptors from insect cell lines. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2002; 32:657-667. [PMID: 12020840 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(01)00144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Fragments of EcR and USP were cloned from two insect cell lines, Sf21 and High Five cells (derived respectively from Spodoptera frugiperda and Trichoplusia ni), using a PCR-based approach employing degenerate primers designed on the basis of conserved regions of nuclear receptors, together with 5'- and 3'-RACE. An additional orphan nuclear receptor, HR4 fragment, was cloned from High Five cells. Comparison of these fragments with Manduca sexta counterparts showed that the cloned SfEcR [ecdysone receptor (EcR) from Sf21 cells] had high similarity to MsEcR-B1, whereas the cloned SfUSP [ultraspiracle (USP) from Sf21 cells] and TnUSP (USP from High Five cells) matched more closely to MsUSP-2 than to MsUSP-1. The TnHR4 showed most similarity to a recently cloned Bombyx mori GRF. While EcR and USP were constitutively expressed in both cell lines, HR4 was barely detectable by Northern blot analysis in High Five cells. Treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and agonist RH-5992 enhanced transcription of EcR in both cell lines, while the transcription of USP was suppressed in High Five cells. Such suppressed USP transcription was not observed in Sf21 cells. Transcription of TnEcR could also be enhanced by ecdysone and 3-dehydroecdysone, whereas transcription of SfEcR was unchanged with these two ecdysteroid compounds. Induction of HR4 transcription was also observed with 20E, RH-5992, ecdysone and 3-dehydroecdysone. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, superinduced expression of EcR and HR4 and restored the 20E/RH-5992-suppressed expression of TnUSP in the cells. Northern blot analysis also revealed that PCR, using degenerate USP primers, was able to amplify some other orphan nuclear receptors and their expression was inducible by 20E and RH-5992 and some of them were superinducible by cycloheximide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Life Sciences Building, Crown Street, L69 7ZB, UK.
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52
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Suzuki Y, Matsuoka T, Iimura Y, Fujiwara H. Ecdysteroid-dependent expression of a novel cuticle protein gene BMCPG1 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2002; 32:599-607. [PMID: 12020834 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(01)00136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
When insects molt, the exoskeleton is renewed under the controls of insect hormones via the biosynthesis and degradation of cuticle proteins. To understand the hormonal control of cuticle formation, we used the differential display method to look for stage-specific cuticle genes, and identified a novel cDNA named Bombyx mori Cuticle Protein GlyGlyTyr-repeat 1 (BMCPG1). Expression of BMCPG1 mRNA peaked sharply immediately after a pulse of ecdysteroid during the fourth molt and pre-pupal stages, concurrent with the expression of genes for FTZF1 and dopa decarboxylase. BMCPG1 was expressed only in the epidermis, but not in any other tissue. We cultured the larval epidermis and found that BMCPG1 expression is not induced by the continuous presence of ecdysteroid. Removal of ecdysteroid from the medium, which constitutes a pulse treatment, is required for the induction of BMCPG1 transcription. These results explain well the stage-specific expression of BMCPG1 by ecdysteroid in vivo. Based on its expression patterns and unique structure, we propose that BMCPG1 may be a novel component of epicuticle of B. mori, and is probably involved in cross-linking of proteins via its GGY repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Suzuki
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Bioscience Building 501, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
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53
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Durica DS, Wu X, Anilkumar G, Hopkins PM, Chung ACK. Characterization of crab EcR and RXR homologs and expression during limb regeneration and oocyte maturation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002; 189:59-76. [PMID: 12039065 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(01)00740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report here complete coding sequences for the Uca pugilator homologs of the ecdysteroid (UpEcR) and retinoid-X receptors (UpRXR). Library screenings recovered cDNA clones containing a unique amino terminal open-reading frame (A/B domain) for each gene, most similar to insect B1 EcR and USP1/RXR isoforms. Splicing variants in the UpRXR ligand-binding domain were also identified, in a region critical for folding of Drosophila and lepidopteran USP. UpEcR and UpRXR proteins were able to associate, and both are required for binding to an ecdysteroid HRE; these interactions were not hormone-dependent. Ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) were conducted using A/B domain and 'common' (C or E) domain probes on RNA isolated from various stages of regenerating limb buds and ovaries. For several of the limb bud and ovarian stages examined, the relative level of A/B domain sequence protected was significantly less than common domain suggesting alternative amino terminal isoforms other than those isolated through cloning. This is the first report of UpEcR and UpRXR transcription during ovarian maturation, implicating the ovary as a potential target for hormonal control in Crustacea.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Durica
- Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
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54
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Nakagawa Y, Smagghe G, Tirry L, Fujita T. Quantitative structure-activity studies of insect growth regulators: XIX. Effects of substituents on the aromatic moiety of dibenzoylhydrazines on larvicidal activity against the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2002; 58:131-138. [PMID: 11852637 DOI: 10.1002/ps.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Larvicidal activity against the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), was measured after topical treatment for a series of N-tert-butyl-dibenzoylhydrazines having various substituents in the benzoyl (A-ring) moiety closer to the tert-butyl group, the other benzoyl (B-ring) moiety being unsubstituted. The effects of substituents on the larvicidal activity were analyzed using the classical quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) procedure. Introduction of hydrophobic substituents with a small volume into any position was favourable to activity. The existence of electron-withdrawing substituents at ortho positions was also favourable to activity. For multi-substituted compounds, physico-chemically unknown unfavourable factors were suggested to remain after separating common substituent effects derived from QSAR for mono-substituted analogues. With the exception of the unsubstituted compound RH-5849, the effect of substituents in the A-ring moiety on the larvicidal activity was similar to those found with the lepidopteran rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker). The larvicidal activity of RH-5849 against S exigua was significantly lower than the value predicted from the correlation between activities against S exigua and C suppressalis. Topical treatment with piperonyl butoxide, a synergist inhibiting oxidative metabolism, slightly enhanced the larvicidal activity of RH-5849 against S exigua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
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55
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Abstract
Environmental and hormonal regulators of diapause have been reasonably well defined, but our understanding of the molecular regulation of diapause remains in its infancy. Though many genes are shut down during diapause, others are specifically expressed at this time. Classes of diapause-upregulated genes can be distinguished based on their expression patterns: Some are upregulated throughout diapause, and others are expressed only in early diapause, late diapause, or intermittently throughout diapause. The termination of diapause is accompanied by a rapid decline in expression of the diapause-upregulated genes and, conversely, an elevation in expression of many genes that were downregulated during diapause. A comparison of insect diapause with other forms of dormancy in plants and animals suggests that upregulation of a subset of heat shock protein genes may be one feature common to different types of dormancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Denlinger
- Department of Entomology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
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56
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Zee MC, Weeks JC. Developmental change in the steroid hormone signal for cell-autonomous, segment-specific programmed cell death of a motoneuron. Dev Biol 2001; 235:45-61. [PMID: 11412026 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2001.0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During metamorphosis of the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta, accessory planta retractor (APR) motoneurons undergo a segment-specific pattern of programmed cell death (PCD): e.g., APRs from abdominal segment six [APR(6)s] die at pupation in direct response to the prepupal rise in 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), whereas APR(4)s survive through the pupal stage and die at eclosion (adult emergence). The hypothesis that the death of APR(4)s is triggered by the decline in 20E at eclosion was supported by findings that injection of 20E into developing pupae to delay the fall in 20E delayed APR(4) death. Furthermore, abdomen isolation to advance the fall in 20E caused precocious APR(4) death. In other experiments, APR(4)s were placed in primary cell culture 4 days before eclosion in medium containing 1 microg/ml 20E. A switch to hormone-free medium induced PCD in a significant proportion of APR(4)s, compared to APR(4)s that remained in 20E. Process fragmentation was a reliable early indicator of PCD. These results show that a decline in 20E triggers cell-autonomous PCD of APR(4)s, in contrast to the rise in 20E that triggers cell-autonomous PCD of APR(6)s. Thus, the PCD of homologous motoneurons in different body segments at different developmental times is triggered by different steroid hormone signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Zee
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-1254, USA
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57
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Smagghe G, Carton B, Decombel L, Tirry L. Significance of absorption, oxidation, and binding to toxicity of four ecdysone agonists in multi-resistant cotton leafworm. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2001; 46:127-139. [PMID: 11276070 DOI: 10.1002/arch.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of last-instar larvae of multi-resistant cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis with four dibenzoylhydrazines, methoxyfenozide (RH-2485), tebufenozide (RH-5992), halofenozide (RH-0345), and RH-5849, resulted in premature molting leading to death. Methoxyfenozide was the most toxic followed by tebufenozide, halofenozide, and RH-5849. To explain differences in toxicity, especially between multi-resistant and laboratory strains, absorption in the body tissues and oxidative metabolism were tested with 14C-labeled ecdysone agonist and a Lineweaver-Burk assay, respectively. Then to address different compound potencies in multi-resistant strains, the potency of the four ecdysone agonists was measured based on their ability to mimic the natural insect molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) by inducing evagination in isolated imaginal wing discs. Using monoclonal antibody 9B9, the presence of ecdysteroid receptors in imaginal discs in vitro was confirmed. In parallel, Scatchard plot analysis with whole imaginal wing discs cultured with different concentrations of 3H-labeled ponasterone A indicated no significant difference in affinity and in number of target sites for binding between multi-resistant and susceptible laboratory strains. The four compounds tested caused the effect as agonists of 20E in vitro, and typically the order of their toxicities (LC50s) corresponded with that for evagination-induction with whole imaginal discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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58
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Riddiford LM, Cherbas P, Truman JW. Ecdysone receptors and their biological actions. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2001; 60:1-73. [PMID: 11037621 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(00)60016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L M Riddiford
- Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-1800, USA
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59
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Langelan RE, Fisher JE, Hiruma K, Palli SR, Riddiford LM. Patterns of MHR3 expression in the epidermis during a larval molt of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta. Dev Biol 2000; 227:481-94. [PMID: 11071768 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2000.9895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MHR3, an ecdysone-induced transcription factor, was shown to appear in the abdominal epidermis of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta in a pattern-specific manner as the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titer rises for the larval molt. The crochet epidermis that forms the hooked setae on the proleg is first to show MHR3 mRNA and protein followed sequentially by the spiracle, the dorsal intrasegmental annuli, the interannular regions, and finally the trichogen and tormogen cells. The protein appears in the nuclei about 8 h before the onset of cuticle formation, is present during the outgrowth of the setae, and disappears after epicuticle formation. In vitro studies showed that MHR3 mRNA induction in the crochet epidermis by 20E was more sensitive (EC(50) = 10(-6) M; 50% induction by 2 h exposure to 4 x 10(-6) M 20E) and did not require protein synthesis for maximal accumulation compared to the dorsal epidermis. The ecdysone receptor complex is present in both tissues at the outset of the molt and therefore is not a determining factor in these responses. Thus, in addition to the ecdysone receptor complex, region-specific factors govern both sensitivity and timing of responsiveness of MHR3 to 20E to ensure that this transcription factor will be present when needed for its differentiative role.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Langelan
- Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195-1800, USA
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60
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Gilbert LI, Granger NA, Roe RM. The juvenile hormones: historical facts and speculations on future research directions. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2000; 30:617-644. [PMID: 10876106 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(00)00034-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L I Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Campus Box #3280 Coker Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3280, USA.
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61
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Perera SC, Palli SR, Ladd TR, Krell PJ, Retnakaran A. The ultraspiracle gene of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana: cloning of cDNA and developmental expression of mRNA. DEVELOPMENTAL GENETICS 2000; 22:169-79. [PMID: 9581288 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6408(1998)22:2<169::aid-dvg6>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cloning and characterization of a Choristoneura fumiferana ultraspiracle (Cfusp) cDNA are described. First, a PCR fragment and then a cDNA clone (4.4 kb) were isolated from spruce budworm cDNA libraries. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of this cDNA with the sequences in Genbank showed that this sequence had high homology with the ultraspiracle cDNAs cloned from Drosophila melanogaster (Dmusp), Bombyx mori (Bmusp), Manduca sexta (Msusp), and Aedes aegypti (Aausp). The Cfusp cDNA contained all the regions that are typical for a steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily member. The DNA binding domain or C region was the most conserved sequence among all the usps. The A/B, D, and E regions also showed high amino acid identity with the amino acid sequences of Dmusp, Msusp, Bmusp, and Aausp. The Cfusp 4.5-kb mRNA was present in the embryos, in all larval stages, and in the pupae. The Cfusp mRNA levels in the midgut increased during the sixth-instar larval development and reached peak levels during the ecdysteroid raises for the pupal molt. However, Cfusp mRNA levels remained unchanged in the midgut of fifth-instar larvae, and in the epidermis and fat body of sixth-instar larvae indicating both a tissue- and stage-specific regulation of Cfusp mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Perera
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
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62
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Wurtz JM, Guillot B, Fagart J, Moras D, Tietjen K, Schindler M. A new model for 20-hydroxyecdysone and dibenzoylhydrazine binding: a homology modeling and docking approach. Protein Sci 2000; 9:1073-84. [PMID: 10892801 PMCID: PMC2144669 DOI: 10.1110/ps.9.6.1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The ecdysone receptor (ECR), a nuclear transcription factor controlling insect development, is a novel target for insecticides such as dibenzoylhydrazines with low environmental and toxicological impacts. To understand the high selectivity of such synthetic molecules toward ECR, two homology models of the Chironomus tentans ECR ligand-binding domain (LDB) have been constructed by taking as templates the known LBD crystal structures of the retinoic acid and vitamin D receptors. Docking of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and dibenzoylhydrazines to the receptor suggests a novel superposition of the natural and synthetic molecules; the N-tert-butyl substituent of the dibenzoylhydrazines extends significantly beyond the 20E volume. Our ECR-LBD protein models rationalize how 20E and dibenzoylhydrazines interact with the ligand-binding pocket. The homology model complexes provide new insights that can be exploited in the rational design of new environmentally safe insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Wurtz
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, Illkirch, C.U. de Strasbourg, France.
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63
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Wang SF, Ayer S, Segraves WA, Williams DR, Raikhel AS. Molecular determinants of differential ligand sensitivities of insect ecdysteroid receptors. Mol Cell Biol 2000; 20:3870-9. [PMID: 10805730 PMCID: PMC85723 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.20.11.3870-3879.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional receptor for insect ecdysteroid hormones is a heterodimer consisting of two nuclear hormone receptors, ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and the retinoid X receptor homologue Ultraspiracle (USP). Although ecdysone is commonly thought to be a hormone precursor and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), the physiologically active steroid, little is known about the relative activity of ecdysteroids in various arthropods. As a step toward characterization of potential differential ligand recognition, we have analyzed the activities of various ecdysteroids using gel mobility shift assays and transfection assays in Schneider-2 (S2) cells. Ecdysone showed little activation of the Drosophila melanogaster receptor complex (DmEcR-USP). In contrast, this steroid functioned as a potent ligand for the mosquito Aedes aegypti receptor complex (AaEcR-USP), significantly enhancing DNA binding and transactivating a reporter gene in S2 cells. The mosquito receptor also displayed higher hormone-independent DNA binding activity than the Drosophila receptor. Subunit-swapping experiments indicated that the EcR protein, not the USP protein, was responsible for ligand specificity. Using domain-swapping techniques, we made a series of Aedes and Drosophila EcR chimeric constructs. Differential ligand responsiveness was mapped near the C terminus of the ligand binding domain, within the identity box previously implicated in the dimerization specificity of nuclear receptors. This region includes helices 9 and 10, as determined by comparison with available crystal structures obtained from other nuclear receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that Phe529 in Aedes EcR, corresponding to Tyr611 in Drosophila EcR, was most critical for ligand specificity and hormone-independent DNA binding activity. These results demonstrated that ecdysone could function as a bona fide ligand in a species-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Wang
- Programs in Genetics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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64
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Nakagawa Y, Hattori K, Minakuchi C, Kugimiya S, Ueno T. Relationships between structure and molting hormonal activity of tebufenozide, methoxyfenozide, and their analogs in cultured integument system of Chilo suppressalis Walker. Steroids 2000; 65:117-23. [PMID: 10699589 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(99)00091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The molting hormonal activity of methoxyfenozide (RH-2485), tebufenozide (RH-5992), five analogs with various alkyl groups, and 18 acyl analogs was measured by using cultured integument of rice stem borers, Chilo suppressalis Walker. The hormonal activity of methoxyfenozide was remarkably high (EC(50) = 1.1 x 10(-9) M), being equivalent to that of tebufenozide (RH-5992). The hormonal activity of several tebufenozide analogs with varying alkyl groups such as CH(3), n-C(3)H(7), i-C(3)H(7), n-C(4)H(9) and n-C(5)H(11) at the para-position of the benzene ring furthest from the tert-butyl group was lower than that of tebufenozide (alkyl group is C(2)H(5)). The activity decreased to varying degrees as a result of replacement of the 3,5-dimethylphenyl moiety of tebufenozide with either a phenyl, naphthyl, or cyclohexyl group. Both 1- and 2-naphthyl derivatives were very active (EC(50) = 4.3 x 10(-8) M and 3.2 x 10(-8) M, respectively) without any significant difference between them. The activity of the 1-cyclohexenyl analog (EC(50) = 1.0 x 10(-7) M) was about 40x that of the corresponding 3-cyclohexenyl analog (EC(50) = 4.4 x 10(-6) M), but 1/100 that of tebufenozide. The activity varied parabolically with respect to the molecular hydrophobicity, and decreased with longer acyl moieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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65
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Jayachandran G, Fallon AM. Evidence for expression of EcR and USP components of the 20-hydroxyecdysone receptor by a mosquito cell line. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2000; 43:87-96. [PMID: 10644973 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6327(200002)43:2<87::aid-arch5>3.0.co;2-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine whether the C7-10 cell line from the mosquito, Aedes albopictus, expresses transcripts encoding 20-hydroxyecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) isoforms known to constitute a functional 20-hydroxyecdysone receptor. Here we describe recovery and analysis of products with high similarity to the EcR and to the USP isoform "a" that have been reported from the related mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The C7-10 EcR was 97% identical to Aedes aegypti EcR in amino acid sequence. Key features of the nuclear/steroid hormone receptor superfamily, including the zinc fingers, proximal (P)-box, and distal (D)-box were well conserved. However, the C7-10 EcR contained 5 additional amino acids in the C-terminal domain F, which required introduction of gaps to maximize alignment. The 5'-untranslated regions of the two mosquito EcRs were 98% identical, but the function of this region remains unknown. The C7-10 USP was 95% identical in amino acid sequence to the longer Aedes aegypti isoform "a." Although only the C7-10 EcR was detected on Northern blots using total RNA from the cell line, transcripts for both EcR and USP were detected using the RT-PCR procedure. These transcripts appeared to be expressed constitutively and expression levels were not affected by treatment of cells with 20-hydroxyecdysone. Arch.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Jayachandran
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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66
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Wang SF, Li C, Zhu J, Miura K, Miksicek RJ, Raikhel AS. Differential expression and regulation by 20-hydroxyecdysone of mosquito ultraspiracle isoforms. Dev Biol 2000; 218:99-113. [PMID: 10644414 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.1999.9575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ultraspiracle (USP), the insect homologue of the vertebrate retinoid X receptor, is an obligatory dimerization partner for the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR). Two USP isoforms, USP-A and USP-B, with distinct N-termini, occur in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. In the fat body and ovary, USP-A mRNA is highly expressed during the pre- and late vitellogenic stages, corresponding to a period of low ecdysteroid titer, while USP-B mRNA exhibits its highest levels during the vitellogenic period, correlating with a high ecdysteroid titer. Remarkably, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) has opposite effects on USP isoform transcripts in in vitro fat body culture. This steroid hormone upregulates USP-B transcription and its presence is required to sustain a high level of USP-B expression. In contrast, 20E inhibits activation of USP-A transcription. Although EcR.USP-A recognizes the same ecdysteroid-responsive elements, EcR.USP-B binds them with an affinity twofold higher than that of EcR.USP-A. Likewise, EcR.USP-B transactivates a reporter gene in CV-1 cells twofold more strongly than EcR.USP-A. These results suggest that USP-B functions as a major heterodimerization partner for EcR during the vitellogenic response to 20E in the mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Wang
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
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67
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68
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Emlen DJ, Nijhout HF. The development and evolution of exaggerated morphologies in insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2000; 45:661-708. [PMID: 10761593 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.45.1.661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We discuss a framework for studying the evolution of morphology in insects, based on the concepts of "phenotypic plasticity" and "reaction norms." We illustrate this approach with the evolution of some of the most extreme morphologies in insects: exaggerated, sexually selected male ornaments and weapons, and elaborate social insect soldier castes. Most of these traits scale with body size, and these scaling relationships are often nonlinear. We argue that scaling relationships are best viewed as reaction norms, and that the evolution of exaggerated morphological traits results from genetic changes in the slope and/or shape of these scaling relationships. After reviewing literature on sexually selected and caste-specific structures, we suggest two possible routes to the evolution of exaggerated trait dimensions: (a) the evolution of steeper scaling relationship slopes and (b) the evolution of sigmoid or discontinuous scaling relationship shapes. We discuss evolutionary implications of these two routes to exaggeration and suggest why so many of the most exaggerated insect structures scale nonlinearly with body size. Finally, we review literature on insect development to provide a comprehensive picture of how scaling relationships arise and to suggest how they may be modified through evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Emlen
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula 59812-1002, USA.
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69
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Halling BP, Yuhas DA, Eldridge RR, Gilbey SN, Deutsch VA, Herron JD. Expression and purification of the hormone binding domain of the Drosophila ecdysone and ultraspiracle receptors. Protein Expr Purif 1999; 17:373-86. [PMID: 10600455 DOI: 10.1006/prep.1999.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli vectors were constructed for the production of a protein complex that mimics the native ecdysone receptor (EcR) isolated from Drosophila. The two steroid receptors, ultraspiracle (USP) and EcR, were expressed as truncations, retaining primarily the hormone binding domains. The recombinant receptor complex was able to mimic the pharmacology of the native receptor with respect to both synthetic and natural agonists. USP and EcR fusion proteins could be expressed in separate cell lines and then recombined following isolation to yield a ligand binding preparation with a dissociation constant (K(D)) for Ponasterone A of 1.5 nM and a total yield of 1.9 pmol ligand binding sites/mg protein. Alternatively, the simultaneous coexpression of both receptors increased yields by several orders of magnitude to 6 nmol ligand binding sites/mg protein with a K(D) of 0.6 nM. Chromatographic analysis under native conditions showed that EcR, when expressed alone, migrated as a variety of complexes, mostly coming out in the void volume as denatured, insoluble, aggregate. In contrast, purified extracts of coexpressed EcR and USP eluted as a single peak with a mobility indicating a heterodimer. The majority of the coexpressed fusion receptors, following purification, formed functional steroid binding sites. A detailed scheme is provided for the expression and isolation of milligram quantities of highly purified receptor dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Halling
- FMC Corporation, Route 1 and Plainsboro Road, Princeton, New Jersey, 08543, USA
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71
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Mouillet JF, Bousquet F, Sedano N, Alabouvette J, Nicolaï M, Zelus D, Laudet V, Delachambre J. Cloning and characterization of new orphan nuclear receptors and their developmental profiles during Tenebrio metamorphosis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1999; 265:972-81. [PMID: 10518792 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Five PCR fragments corresponding to a part of the DNA-binding domain of different hormone nuclear receptors were isolated from Tenebrio molitor mRNAs. The sequence identity of three of them with known Drosophila nuclear receptors strongly suggests that they are the Tenebrio orthologs of seven-up, DHR3 and beta-FTZ-F1, and thus named Tmsvp, TmHR3 and TmFTZ-F1. The full-length sequences of the other two were established. TmHR78 is either a new receptor of the DHR78 family or the same gene which has evolved rapidly, particularly in the E domain. TmGRF belongs to the GCNF1 family and its in vitro translated product binds to the extended half site TCAAGGTCA with high affinity. The periods of expression of the corresponding transcripts in epidermal cells during Tenebrio metamorphosis were analyzed as a function of 20-hydroxyecdysone titers measured in the hemolymph of the animals taken for RNA extraction. Comparison of the expression profiles of these nuclear receptors with those observed during Drosophila metamorphosis revealed similar temporal correlations as a function of ecdysteroid variations, which further supported the sequence identity data for TmSVP, TmHR3, TmFTZ-F1 and TmHR78.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites/genetics
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA Primers/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/metabolism
- Drosophila/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Genes, Insect
- Metamorphosis, Biological
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Species Specificity
- Tenebrio/genetics
- Tenebrio/growth & development
- Tenebrio/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Mouillet
- Institut für Zellbiologie, ETH-Hönggerberg, Zurich, Switzerland
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72
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Verras M, Mavroidis M, Kokolakis G, Gourzi P, Zacharopoulou A, Mintzas AC. Cloning and characterization of CcEcR. An ecdysone receptor homolog from the mediterranean fruit fly ceratitis capitata. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1999; 265:798-808. [PMID: 10504412 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00788.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand the role that 20-hydroxyecdysone plays during development of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (medfly), a major agricultural pest, we have cloned a Ceratitis ecdysone receptor (CcEcR) and studied its expression and its binding properties to an ecdysone response element. Using the conserved DNA binding region of the Drosophila melanogaster ecdysone receptor (DmEcR) B1 cDNA as a probe, we isolated a medfly cDNA clone containing the coding region, a part of the 5'-untranslated region and the complete 3'-untranslated region of a CcEcR. The deduced CcEcR polypeptide contained all five domains typical of a nuclear receptor. Alignment comparisons and phylogenetic analyses indicated that CcEcR most closely resembled the B1 isoform of DmEcR and Lucilia cuprina EcR homolog (LcEcR) relative to all other known ecdysone receptors. In situ hybridization analysis showed that the CcEcR gene is mapped in the region 53B of the 4R chromosome arm, while Northern hybridization analysis showed that CcEcR transcripts have a size of approximately 8 kb. Significant levels of CcEcR transcripts were detected in eggs, middle and late embryos, late third instar larvae and middle prepupae. The levels of the CcEcR transcripts during the other larval stages as well as during pupal and adult stages were much lower, while during the early stages of embryogenesis were very low. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that CcEcR binds specifically to the Drosophila hsp27 ecdysone response element as a heterodimer with Drosophila USP, the product of the ultraspiracle gene. Our structural and biochemical data suggest that CcEcR is the functional homolog of the B1 isoform of DmEcR.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Verras
- Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Greece
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73
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Lan Q, Hiruma K, Hu X, Jindra M, Riddiford LM. Activation of a delayed-early gene encoding MHR3 by the ecdysone receptor heterodimer EcR-B1-USP-1 but not by EcR-B1-USP-2. Mol Cell Biol 1999; 19:4897-906. [PMID: 10373539 PMCID: PMC84291 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.19.7.4897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MHR3, a homolog of the retinoid orphan receptor (ROR), is a transcription factor in the nuclear hormone receptor family that is induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in the epidermis of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Its 2.7-kb 5' flanking region was found to contain four putative ecdysone receptor response elements (EcREs) and a monomeric (GGGTCA) nuclear receptor binding site. Activation of this promoter fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter by 2 micrograms of 20E per ml in Manduca GV1 cells was similar to that of endogenous MHR3, with detectable CAT by 3 h. When the ecdysone receptor B1 (EcR-B1) and Ultraspiracle 1 (USP-1) were expressed at high levels under the control of a constitutive promoter, CAT levels after a 3-h exposure to 20E increased two- to sixfold. In contrast, high expression of EcR-B1 and USP-2 caused little increase in CAT levels in response to 20E. Moreover, expression of USP-2 prevented activation by EcR-B1-USP-1. Deletion experiments showed that the upstream region, including the three most proximal putative EcREs, was responsible for most of the 20E activation, with the EcRE3 at -671 and the adjacent GGGTCA being most critical. The EcRE1 at -342 was necessary but not sufficient for the activational response but was the only one of the three putative EcREs to bind the EcR-B1-USP-1 complex in gel mobility shift assays and was responsible for the silencing action of EcR-B1-USP-1 in the absence of hormone. EcRE2 and EcRE3 each specifically bound other protein(s) in the cell extract, but not EcR and USP, and so are not EcREs in this cellular context. When cell extracts were used, the EcR-B1-USP-2 heterodimer showed no binding to EcRE1, and the presence of excess USP-2 prevented the binding of EcR-B1-USP-1 to this element. In contrast, in vitro-transcribed-translated USP-1 and USP-2 both formed heterodimeric complexes with EcR-B1 that bound ponasterone A with the same Kd (7 x 10(-10) M) and bound to both EcRE1 and heat shock protein 27 EcRE. Thus, factors present in the cell extract appear to modulate the differential actions of the two USP isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Lan
- Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1800, USA
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74
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Perera SC, Ladd TR, Dhadialla TS, Krell PJ, Sohi SS, Retnakaran A, Palli SR. Studies on two ecdysone receptor isoforms of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1999; 152:73-84. [PMID: 10432225 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(99)00058-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA clone corresponding to the Choristoneura fumiferana ecdysone receptor-A isoform (CfEcR-A) was isolated. The deduced amino acid sequence of CfEcR-A differed from CfEcR-B in the NH2-terminal region of the A/B domain. The CfEcR-A-specific region showed high amino acid identity with EcR-A isoforms of Manduca sexta, Bombyx mori, Drosophila melanogaster and Tenebrio molitor. Isoform-specific probes were used to study the expression of EcR-A and EcR-B mRNAs. Both probes detected 6 kb mRNAs that were present in second-sixth larval instars and in the pupae. Both EcR-A and EcR-B mRNA levels increased during the molting periods. In the sixth instar larvae, the increase in EcR-A and EcR-B mRNA levels were more pronounced in the midgut than in epidermis and fat body. Both EcR-A and EcR-B mRNAs were induced in CF-203 cells (a cell line developed from C. fumiferana midgut) grown in the presence of 4 x 10(-6) M 20E. EcR-B specific mRNAs were induced within 1 h of exposure to 20E, but EcR-A specific mRNAs were induced only after 3 h of exposure to 20E. Induction of mRNAs for both isoforms was unaffected by the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor, cyclohexamide, in the culture medium. RH-5992, a stable ecdysone agonist, caused a similar induction pattern of EcR-A and EcR-B mRNAs in the midgut, epidermis and fat body of sixth instar larvae. In vitro translated CfEcR-A, CfEcR-B and CfUSP proteins were used to study the DNA binding and ligand binding properties of EcR-A/USP and EcR-B/USP protein complexes. The Kd values indicated that both complexes have similar binding affinities for ecdysone response elements and ponasterone A.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Perera
- Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont
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75
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Harshman LG, Loeb AM, Johnson BA. Ecdysteroid titers in mated and unmated Drosophila melanogaster females. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 1999; 45:571-577. [PMID: 12770342 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1910(99)00038-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Radioimmunoassay was used to determine ecdysteroid titers in mated or unmated Drosophila melanogaster females. Whole-body ecdysteroid titers increase after mating and this response is more pronounced after 12-24 hours than it is immediately after mating. In one experiment, females were mated to transgenic males deficient in accessory gland proteins to test whether these peptides mediate the observed increase in female whole-body ecdysteroid titers. Females mated to such transgenic males do not show a pronounced increase in whole-body ecdysteroid titers. The effect of mating on female hemolymph ecdysteroid titers was also investigated. Hemolymph ecdysteroid titers decrease after mating. The ecdysteroid titer change in the hemolymph may result from yolk protein uptake of ecdysteroids into developing vitellogenic oocytes as a consequence of male accessory gland protein stimulation of female oocyte maturation and yolk protein synthesis following mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G. Harshman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, USA
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77
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78
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Mao H, Kaufman WR. DNA binding properties of the ecdysteroid receptor in the salivary gland of the female ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1998; 28:947-957. [PMID: 9887511 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(98)00078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Salivary gland degeneration in the female tick, Amblyomma hebraeum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) is controlled by an ecdysteroid hormone. In an earlier study (Mao, H., McBlain, W.A., Kaufman, W.R., 1995. Some properties of the ecdysteroid receptor in the salivary gland of the ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 99, 340-348), we demonstrated that a protein component of a salivary gland extract binds to ponasterone A (Pon A) with high affinity (Kd-1 nM), suggesting a tick ecdysteroid receptor (EcR). In this study, the Pon A binding protein bound to calf thymus DNA; this binding could be dissociated by Drosophila hsp27 EcRE. The binding protein shifted the [32P]hsp27 EcRE band on a gel mobility shift assay; formation of the complex with hsp27 EcRE required KCl (optimal concentration was approximately 75 mM). A number of physiologically effective ecdysteroids enhanced the binding with the following order of potency: Pon A > Mur A > Mak A > 20E > ecdysone, whereas vertebrate steroids (estradiol, cholesterol, corticosterone, progesterone, testosterone) had no such effect. Using monoclonal antibodies against Drosophila EcR and USP, we found that AG 10.2 recognized three bands (90.5, 87.3 and 84 kDa for EcR) and AB11 recognized at least two major bands (50.3 and 47.1 kDa for USP) in the salivary gland extract by western blot analysis. In addition, AB11 supershifted the tick EcR-hsp27 EcRE band on a gel mobility shift assay, indicating that the tick EcR heterodimerized with a USP-like protein for DNA binding. Furthermore, selective mutations to the 15-basepair palindrome of hsp27 EcRE at positions-5, + 2, or adding a base to the spacer, resulted in considerably reduced affinity to the tick EcR/USP. We thus propose a sequence similarity of EcREs between A. hebraeum and its insect counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mao
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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79
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Saleh DS, Zhang J, Wyatt GR, Walker VK. Cloning and characterization of an ecdysone receptor cDNA from Locusta migratoria. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1998; 143:91-9. [PMID: 9806353 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(98)00131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To facilitate studies on the hormonal control of development in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, we have undertaken the cloning of cDNAs for nuclear hormone receptors. Sequences obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed homology with receptor family members including the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR). A cDNA clone corresponding to the EcR fragment includes an open reading frame of 1622 nucleotides, predicting a 59 kDa protein showing clear homology with EcRs and distinct from other classes of nuclear receptors. Northern analysis revealed a major transcript of 9.2 kb. In fifth instar fat body, the transcript was most abundant at the end of the instar when ecdysone titres are highest. There was no obvious evidence of EcR regulation by a juvenile hormone analog. Although its role in development may be similar, the locust ecdysone receptor (LmEcR) is divergent from EcRs characterized from insects belonging to the dipteran and lepidopteran orders, presumably reflecting the more ancestral sequence in the relatively primitive locust.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Saleh
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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80
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Suhr ST, Gil EB, Senut MC, Gage FH. High level transactivation by a modified Bombyx ecdysone receptor in mammalian cells without exogenous retinoid X receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:7999-8004. [PMID: 9653129 PMCID: PMC20918 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.14.7999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Our studies of the Bombyx mori ecdysone receptor (BE) revealed that, unlike the Drosophila melanogaster ecdysone receptor (DE), treatment of BE with the ecdysone agonist tebufenozide stimulated high level transactivation in mammalian cells without adding an exogenous heterodimer partner. Gel mobility shift and transfection assays with both the ultraspiracle gene product (Usp) and retinoid X receptor heterodimer partners indicated that this property of BE stems from significantly augmented heterodimer complex formation and concomitant DNA binding. We have mapped this "gain of function" to determinants within the D and E domains of BE and demonstrated that, although the D domain determinant is sufficient for high affinity heterodimerization with Usp, both determinants are necessary for high affinity interaction with retinoid X receptor. Modified BE receptors alone used as replication-defective retroviruses potently stimulated separate "reporter" viruses in all cell types examined, suggesting that BE has potentially broad utility in the modulation of transgene expression in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Suhr
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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81
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Champlin DT, Truman JW. Ecdysteroids govern two phases of eye development during metamorphosis of the moth, Manduca sexta. Development 1998; 125:2009-18. [PMID: 9570766 DOI: 10.1242/dev.125.11.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The eye primordium of the moth, Manduca sexta, shows two different developmental responses to ecdysteroids depending on the concentration to which it is exposed. Tonic exposure to moderate levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) or its precursor, ecdysone, are required for progression of the morphogenetic furrow across the primordium. Proliferation, cell-type specification and organization of immature ommatidial clusters occur in conjunction with furrow progression. These events can be reversibly started or stopped in cultured primordia simply by adjusting levels of ecdysteroid to be above or below a critical threshold concentration. In contrast, high levels of 20E cause maturation of the photoreceptors and the support cells that comprise the ommatidia. Ommatidial maturation normally occurs after the furrow has crossed the primordium, but premature exposure to high levels of 20E at any time causes precocious maturation. In such cases, the furrow arrests irreversibly and cells behind the furrow produce a well-formed, but miniature, eye. Precocious and catastrophic metamorphosis occurs throughout such animals, suggesting that ecdysteroids control development of other tissues in a manner similar to the eye. The threshold concentrations of 20E required for furrow progression versus ommatidial maturation differ by about 17-fold. This capacity to regulate distinct phases of development by different concentrations of a single hormone is probably achieved by differential sensitivity of target gene promoters to induction by the hormone-bound receptor(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Champlin
- Department of Zoology, University of Washington, BOX 351800, Seattle, WA 98195-1800, USA.
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82
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Chung AC, Durica DS, Clifton SW, Roe BA, Hopkins PM. Cloning of crustacean ecdysteroid receptor and retinoid-X receptor gene homologs and elevation of retinoid-X receptor mRNA by retinoic acid. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1998; 139:209-27. [PMID: 9705089 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(98)00056-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report the cloning and analysis of ecdysteroid receptor (bpEcR) and retinoid-X receptor (UpRXR) cDNA homologs from the fiddler crab Uca pugilator. The deduced amino acid sequence of this crustacean EcR most closely resembles the insect EcRs within the DNA binding and ligand binding domains (LBDs). For UpRXR, the DNA binding domain (DBD) shares greatest identity to the insect USPs. The ligand binding domain, however, is closer to vertebrate RXRs but may have a nonfunctional AF-2 domain. Probes derived from these clones were used to examine transcript levels in blastemas during early limb regeneration. Both UpEcR and UpRXR transcripts were detected in low amounts 1 day after limb loss, but increased during the next 4 days. Immersion of crabs in sea water containing all-trans retinoic acid increased the steady state concentrations of UpRXR transcript and altered the pattern of circulating ecdysteroids. These effects correlate with the disruptive effects of retinoic acid on blastemal differentiation observed in earlier studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Chung
- Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman 73019, USA
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83
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Rauch P, Grebe M, Elke C, Spindler KD, Spindler-Barth M. Ecdysteroid receptor and ultraspiracle from Chironomus tentans (Insecta) are phosphoproteins and are regulated differently by molting hormone. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1998; 28:265-275. [PMID: 9684334 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(98)00026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Three different isotypes of the ecdysteroid receptor (cEcR) (66, 68 and 70 kDa) and several molecular variants of the dimerization partner "ultraspiracle" (cUSP) (58-77 kDa) can be separated electrophoretically in homogenates of the epithelial cell line from Chironomus tentans. After phosphatase treatment the bands with the lowest electrophoretic mobility disappear in both cases. Phosphorylation occurs exclusively at ser/thr in EcR and USP. Binding studies with 3H-ponasterone A using 0.4 M NaCl extracts revealed two classes of high-affinity binding (KD1 = 0.47 and KD2 = 7.2 nM) competable either with 20-OH-ecdysone or muristerone A. At least KD2 and Bmax2 are unchanged after dephosphorylation. In hormonally naive cells a considerable part of EcR and USP is already present in nuclei. The phosphorylation pattern of both transcription factors is the same in cytosol and nuclear fractions. Incubation with 20-OH-ecdysone (1 microM, up to 4 days) does not alter the extent and mode of phosphorylation of EcR, although EcR concentration increases. In contrast USP concentration remains constant but phosphorylation is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rauch
- Lehrstuhl für Hormon-u. Entwicklungsphysiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Germany
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84
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Steroid and neuronal regulation of ecdysone receptor expression during metamorphosis of muscle in the moth, Manduca sexta. J Neurosci 1998. [PMID: 9465003 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.18-05-01786.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids regulate the remodeling of the dorsal external oblique 1 (DEO1) muscle during metamorphosis in Manduca sexta (). We show that the temporal and spatial patterning of the A and B1 isoforms of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) within muscle DEO1 corresponds with the developmental fates of the fibers. Using antibodies directed to specific isoforms of EcR, we show that the expression of various EcR isoforms in myonuclei differ among the five fibers of DEO1 and correspond with the developmental response of the muscle to the changing steroid titers and to the pattern of innervation. Muscle degeneration and apoptosis of myonuclei in all fibers are correlated with the expression of only EcR-A just before pupal ecdysis and then with the expression of low levels of both EcR-A and EcR-B1 shortly after pupation. Only the first fiber of muscle DEO1 participates in the regrowth of the adult muscle, and only this fiber shows an upregulation of EcR-B1 that is evident at 3 d after pupal ecdysis. Denervation of the muscle prevents both the upregulation of EcR-B1 and myoblast proliferation. We conclude that the developmental fate of muscle DEO1 during metamorphosis is orchestrated by interactions between rising and falling ecdysteroid titers, the pattern of expression of EcR isoforms by the muscle, and interactions with other cells in the local environment.
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85
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Chung AC, Durica DS, Hopkins PM. Tissue-specific patterns and steady-state concentrations of ecdysteroid receptor and retinoid-X-receptor mRNA during the molt cycle of the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1998; 109:375-89. [PMID: 9480745 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.1997.7046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, we have investigated the temporal expression of receptors in various tissues using probes that encode Uca ecdysteroid receptor (UpEcR) and retinoid-X-receptor (UpRXR) gene homologs. During molt stages C4 through D1-4, UpEcR and UpRXR transcripts are expressed in regenerating limb buds, gills, eyestalks, hypodermis, hepatopancreas, muscle from nonregenerating walking legs, and the large cheliped. Some of these tissues have not previously been recognized as ecdysteroid-target tissues. Levels of ecdysteroids in the hemolymph fluctuate significantly during the molt cycle of U. pugilator. The variation in steady-state concentrations of UpEcR transcripts in tissues from C4 to D1-4 implies molt cycle-related differences in the potential of these tissues to respond to changing titers of ecdysteroids in the hemolymph. In singly autotomized crabs, highest concentrations of UpEcR transcript in some tissues did not coincide with the highest levels of circulating ecdysteroids, suggesting that UpEcR expression in these tissues is not dependent on high ecdysteroid titers and may be induced by low or rising concentrations of ecdysteroids. UpEcR and UpRXR genes were expressed simultaneously in tissues, supporting the possibility of heterodimerization for EcR and RXR in vivo. In some tissues, however, levels of transcripts differed, suggesting other possible receptor interactions. Moreover, UpEcR expression in tissues from multiply autotomized crabs differed from the expression patterns in tissues from singly autotomized crabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Chung
- Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman 73019, USA
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86
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Harshman LG, James AA. Differential gene expression in insects: transcriptional control. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 1998; 43:671-700. [PMID: 9444758 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.43.1.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Studies on transcriptional control of gene expression play a pivotal role in many areas of biology. In non-Drosophilid insects, the cuticle, chorion, immune response, silk gland, storage proteins, and vitellogenin are foci for advances in basic research on promoter elements and transcription factors. Insects offer other advantages for gene regulation studies, including the availability of applied problems. In non-Drosophilid insects, the most serious problem for transcriptional control studies is the lack of homologous in vivo expression systems. Once this deficiency is addressed, the full impact of research on transcription control will be realized throughout the field of entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G Harshman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 68588-0118, USA.
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87
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Dhadialla TS, Carlson GR, Le DP. New insecticides with ecdysteroidal and juvenile hormone activity. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 1998; 43:545-569. [PMID: 9444757 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.43.1.545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 407] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Agrochemical research over the last two decades has resulted in the discovery of chemically novel insecticides that mimic the action of the two insect growth and developmental hormones, the steroidal 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH). Bisacylhydrazines are non-steroidal agonists of 20E and exhibit their insecticidal activity via interaction with the ecdysteroid receptor proteins. Interestingly, two of the bisacylhydrazine (tebufenozide and RH-2485) insecticides are very selectively toxic to lepidopteran pests. These insecticides are safe to beneficial insects and have a benign ecotoxicological profile. Aromatic non-terpenoidal insecticides (fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen) mimic the action of JHs. However, like the JHs, their exact mode of action is not well understood. These insecticides are toxic to a broad spectrum of insects during their embryonic, last larval, or reproductive stages. The insecticidal, ecotoxicological properties and the mode of action of the two groups of insecticides are reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Dhadialla
- Rohm and Haas Company, Insecticide Research Laboratories, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, USA.
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88
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Guo X, Harmon MA, Laudet V, Mangelsdorf DJ, Palmer MJ. Isolation of a functional ecdysteroid receptor homologue from the ixodid tick Amblyomma americanum (L.). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1997; 27:945-962. [PMID: 9501418 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(97)00075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are assumed to be the major steroid hormones in arthropods. However, with the exception of insects and crustaceans, very little is known about ecdysteroid action in other arthropods. To determine if ecdysteriods play a functional role in the ixodid tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), we isolated cDNAs encoding three presumed ecdysteroid receptor isoforms (AamEcRA1, AamEcRA2, and AamEcRA3) that have common DNA and ligand binding domains linked to distinct amino termini. The DNA and ligand binding domains share an average of 86 and 64% identity, respectively with DNA and ligand binding domains from insect EcR proteins. The amino termini are highly divergent and the AamEcRs lack the 'F' domain found in the insect EcRs. Analysis of AamEcR cDNAs show that processing of the AamEcR gene is complex, producing multiple transcripts with unique 5' and 3' termini as well as splicing variants with incomplete open reading frames. AamEcR mRNA profiles in whole animals and isolated tissues are consistent with complex regulation of AamEcR expression. We also examined the ability of AamEcRA1, when paired with an AamRXR, to activate transcription of an ecdysone response element containing reporter, and demonstrate that the AamEcR gene encodes a functional ecdysteroid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Guo
- Department of Entomology, Oklahoma State University Stillwater 74078, USA
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89
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Song Q, Alnemri ES, Litwack G, Gilbert LI. An immunophilin is a component of the insect ecdysone receptor (EcR) complex. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1997; 27:973-982. [PMID: 9501420 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(97)00080-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The ecdysone receptor (EcR) complex has been identified in the prothoracic gland of Manduca sexta by specific immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses, and includes EcR, ultraspiracle (USP) and FKBP46. The EcR complex binds ponasterone A in a dose-dependent manner with a Kd of 7.04 x 10(-9) M. Immunocytochemistry revealed that EcR, USP and FKBP46 were localized within the nucleus of the prothoracic gland cells, and suggested that the developmental expression patterns of EcR and USP changed in concert with the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer whereas that of FKBP46 did not. The composite results suggest that the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer, of which 20 hydroxyecdysone is the major component, modulates the expression of both EcR and USP in the prothoracic gland to achieve feedback regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Song
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-3280, USA
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90
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Dinan L, Whiting P, Girault JP, Lafont R, Dhadialla TS, Cress DE, Mugat B, Antoniewski C, Lepesant JA. Cucurbitacins are insect steroid hormone antagonists acting at the ecdysteroid receptor. Biochem J 1997; 327 ( Pt 3):643-50. [PMID: 9581538 PMCID: PMC1218839 DOI: 10.1042/bj3270643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Two triterpenoids, cucurbitacins B and D, have been isolated from seeds of Iberis umbellata (Cruciferae) and shown to be responsible for the antagonistic activity of a methanolic extract of this species in preventing the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E)-induced morphological changes in the Drosophila melanogaster BII permanent cell line. With a 20E concentration of 50 nM, cucurbitacins B and D give 50% responses at 1.5 and 10 microM respectively. Both cucurbitacins are able to displace specifically bound radiolabelled 25-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone (ponasterone A) from a cell-free preparation of the BII cells containing ecdysteroid receptors. The Kd values for cucurbitacins B and D (5 and 50 microM respectively) are similar to the concentrations required to antagonize 20E activity with whole cells. Cucurbitacin B (cucB) prevents stimulation by 20E of an ecdysteroid-responsive reporter gene in a transfection assay. CucB also prevents the formation of the Drosophila ecdysteroid receptor/Ultraspiracle/20E complex with the hsp27 ecdysteroid response element as demonstrated by gel-shift assay. This is therefore the first definitive evidence for the existence of antagonists acting at the ecdysteroid receptor. Preliminary structure/activity studies indicate the importance of the Delta23-22-oxo functional grouping in the side chain for antagonistic activity. Hexanorcucurbitacin D, which lacks carbon atoms C-22 to C-27, is found to be a weak agonist rather than an antagonist. Moreover, the side chain analogue 5-methylhex-3-en-2-one possesses weak antagonistic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dinan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Washington Singer Laboratories, Perry Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QG, U.K
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91
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Hojyo T, Fujiwara H. Reciprocal transplantation of wing discs between a wing deficient mutant (fl) and wild type of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Dev Growth Differ 1997; 39:599-606. [PMID: 9338595 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-169x.1997.t01-4-00007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The wingless mutant flügellos (fl) of the silkworm lacks all four wings. Although wing discs of the fl seem to develop normally until the fourth larval instar, wing morphogenesis stops after the fourth larval ecdysis, probably caused by aberrant expression of an unidentified factor, referred to as fl. To characterize factor fl, the wing discs dissected from the wild-type (WT) and fl larvae were transplanted into other larvae and developmental changes of the discs were examined. When the wing disc from a WT larva was transplanted into another WT larva and allowed to grow until emergence, a small wing appeared that was covered with scales. Thus, the transplanted wing discs can develop autonomously, form scales and evert from adult skin. The WT wing discs transplanted into the fl larvae also developed at a high rate. However, the fl wing discs transplanted into the WT larvae did not develop during the larval to pupal developmental stages. These data suggest that the fl gene product (factor fl) works in the wing disc cells during wing morphogenesis. Its function cannot be complemented by hemolymph in the WT larva. It is also implied that the level of humoral factors and hormones required for wing morphogenesis are normally maintained in the fl larva.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hojyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan
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92
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Shimizu B, Nakagawa Y, Hattori K, Nishimura K, Kurihara N, Ueno T. Molting hormonal and larvicidal activities of aliphatic acyl analogs of dibenzoylhydrazine insecticides. Steroids 1997; 62:638-42. [PMID: 9381509 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(97)00049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dibenzoylhydrazines are the nonsteroidal ecdysone agonists. Using comparative molecular field analysis, we previously found that the alkyl side chain of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is three-dimensionally superposable with one of their two aryl moieties. To identify the aryl moiety that is better superposable on the alkyl chain, we synthesized compounds in which one of the two aryl groups of tebufenozide (N-t-butyl-N-3,5-dimethylbenzoyl-N'-4-ethylbenzoylhydrazine) is replaced by alkyl groups such as C4H9, C5H11, and C6H13. The molting hormonal activity of these compounds was measured using cultured integuments prepared from rice stem borers, Chilo suppressalis Walker, in terms of stimulation of incorporation of N-acetyl-[14C]glucosamine. N-t-Butyl-N-3,5-dimethylbenzoyl-N'-acylhydrazines with a hexanoyl or heptanoyl group were about 20-fold higher than that of 20E, whereas N-acyl-N-t-butyl-N'-4-ethylbenzoylhydrazines with a hexanoyl or heptanoyl group were much weaker than 20E. Their larvicidal activity was also measured against rice stem borers. The former series of compounds were much more active than the other series as well as 20E. Thus, the benzoyl moiety of dibenzoylhydrazines, which is bound to the secondary nitrogen atom (-NH-), is replaceable by aliphatic acyl groups without greatly affecting the biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Shimizu
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Kyoto University, Japan
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93
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Kamimura M, Tomita S, Kiuchi M, Fujiwara H. Tissue-specific and stage-specific expression of two silkworm ecdysone receptor isoforms -- ecdysteroid-dependent transcription in cultured anterior silk glands. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1997; 248:786-93. [PMID: 9342230 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1997.t01-1-00786.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we isolated a cDNA clone for the ecdysone receptor B1 isoform of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (BmEcR-B1). Here we report the cloning of a cDNA that encodes the Bombyx ecdysone receptor A isoform (BmEcR-A) and mRNA expression of the two BmEcR isoforms during molting and metamorphosis. At larval-pupal transformation, mRNA expression of BmEcR-B1 was predominant in most tissues examined, including three larval tissues (midgut, epidermis, and fat body) and the wing imaginal disc. The anterior silk gland was the only tissue where BmEcR-A was predominant. These expression patterns were different from observations demonstrated in Drosophila. In the anterior silk gland, both EcR isoforms were expressed synchronously during the fifth larval instar, while expression of the A isoform preceded that of the B1 isoform by two days in the fourth instar. Precedence of BmEcR-A during the fourth instar and synchronization of both isoforms during the fifth instar were also observed in the middle and posterior silk glands, suggesting that transcription of BmEcR in the silk gland is regulated differently in these two instars. In the cultured anterior silk glands of day 0 of the fifth instar, transcription of BmEcR-A and BmEcR-B1 was induced dose dependently by more than 5 ng/ml 20-hydroxyecdysone. BmEcR-A and BmEcR-B1 mRNAs were induced within 2 h and 1 h, respectively, of the addition of 20-hydroxyecdysone. These results suggest that the increase of BmEcR mRNAs during the fifth instar is induced in vivo by a small increase in ecdysteroids.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Bombyx/genetics
- Bombyx/growth & development
- Bombyx/metabolism
- Cloning, Molecular
- Culture Techniques
- DNA, Complementary
- Drosophila melanogaster/chemistry
- Ecdysone/metabolism
- Ecdysterone/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Insect Proteins/biosynthesis
- Insect Proteins/chemistry
- Insect Proteins/genetics
- Larva/metabolism
- Manduca/chemistry
- Metamorphosis, Biological
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Organ Specificity
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Steroid/chemistry
- Receptors, Steroid/genetics
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kamimura
- National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science, Tsukuba, Japan
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94
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Mouillet JF, Delbecque JP, Quennedey B, Delachambre J. Cloning of two putative ecdysteroid receptor isoforms from Tenebrio molitor and their developmental expression in the epidermis during metamorphosis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1997; 248:856-63. [PMID: 9342239 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1997.00856.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Using the Drosophila EcR-B1 cDNA as a probe, we have cloned the putative ecdysteroid receptor from the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. We have isolated two cDNAs with different 5' termini that contain a complete open reading frame. These two cDNAs encode two proteins with distinct N-terminal regions corresponding to two isoforms. The coleopteran receptor is obviously related to the ecdysteroid receptor of other insects, but shares only 89% and 61% amino acid identities with the DNA-binding and ligand-binding domains of the Drosophila receptor, respectively. Its expression pattern has been examined in the epidermis during the last larval instar and pupal stage of T. molitor, in correlation with the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer. Hybridizations revealed two transcripts of 7 kb and 6.5 kb detected in most stages during metamorphosis and corresponding to the A and B1 isoforms. These two mRNAs are highly evident just before the rise of each ecdysteroid peak both in prepupae and in pupae. They show almost the same expression pattern in epidermis except for the second part of the pupal stage, during which only the A isoform is detected.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Northern
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA, Complementary
- Drosophila melanogaster/chemistry
- Ecdysterone/metabolism
- Epidermis/chemistry
- Epidermis/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Hemolymph/chemistry
- Invertebrate Hormones/metabolism
- Larva/metabolism
- Metamorphosis, Biological
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Pupa/genetics
- Pupa/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/chemistry
- Receptors, Steroid/genetics
- Receptors, Steroid/metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Tenebrio/genetics
- Tenebrio/growth & development
- Tenebrio/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Mouillet
- Institut für Zellbiologie, ETH-Hönggerberg, Zürich, Switzerland
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95
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Hiruma K, Böcking D, Lafont R, Riddiford LM. Action of different ecdysteroids on the regulation of mRNAs for the ecdysone receptor, MHR3, dopa decarboxylase, and a larval cuticle protein in the larval epidermis of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1997; 107:84-97. [PMID: 9208308 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.1997.6901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To determine which ecdysteroids may be biologically active in the larval epidermis of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, we studied the action of several known ecdysteroids and metabolites on the expression of the genes encoding the ecdysone receptor (EcR), Manduca hormone receptor 3 (MHR3), dopa decarboxylase (DDC), and a larval cuticle protein (LCP-14). Both Day 2 fourth- and Day 2 fifth-instar larval epidermis contained significant 3 beta-reductase activity which metabolized 3-dehydroecdysone (3DE) and 3-dehydro-20-hydroxyecdysone (3D20E) to ecdysone (E) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), respectively, but had only very low amounts of ecdysone oxidase activity (E to 3DE) and no detectable ecdysone 20-monooxygenase activity (E to 20E). When the expression of the various genes was studied in the epidermis in vitro, 20E and 3D20E had similar effects, whereas E, 3DE, 26-hydroxyecdysone and 20,26-dihydroxyecdysone were ineffective. Exposure of Day 2 fifth-instar epidermis to 500 ng/ml of either 20E or 3D20E for 24 hr caused a rapid, biphasic increase in EcR-B1 mRNA. By contrast, EcR-A mRNA showed a less rapid initial increase followed by a slow steady rise and was less responsive to 3D20E. Ecdysone in a 1:1 mixture with 20E effectively halved the concentration of 20E needed to induce EcR-B1 mRNA but showed no synergism in the induction of EcR-A mRNA. The induction of MHR3 mRNA and of DDC mRNA in Day 2 fourth-instar epidermis as well as the suppression of DDC and LCP-14 gene expression by 3D20E was indistinguishable from that of 20E. Therefore, for Manduca larval epidermis, only 20E and 3D20E are biologically active ecdysteroids. Since the 3D20E can be converted to 20E by the epidermis, its effects are likely mediated by 20E.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hiruma
- Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-1800, USA
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96
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Dhadialla TS, Tzertzinis G. Characterization and partial cloning of ecdysteroid receptor from a cotton boll weevil embryonic cell line. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1997; 35:45-57. [PMID: 9131780 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6327(1997)35:1/2<45::aid-arch5>3.0.co;2-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A cell line derived from the embryos of the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis (BRL-AG-2), was used to study morphological and biochemical responses to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). The cells respond to 10(-6) M 20E by inhibition of cell growth and enhanced production of some secreted proteins. Crude nuclear extracts containing the ecdysteroid receptor complex proteins consisting of the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) bound ponasterone A with a Kd of 6.1 nM. Bound radiolabeled ponasterone A was displaced by both 20E and the lepidopteran-specific non-steroidal ecdysteroid agonist, RH-5992, with 41- and about 1,900-fold higher Kd values, respectively. We identified the ecdysteroid receptor components in this cell line, using monoclonal antibodies against the Drosophila ecdysteroid receptor (DmEcR) and ultraspiracle (DmUSP) proteins. A predominant band of about 70 kDa was-detected with anti-EcR, and multiple bands ranging from 50-55 kDa were detected with anti-USP in the A. grandis extracts. Using degenerate primer RT-PCR, we isolated a 450 bp cDNA fragment of the putative AgEcR. Using this fragment as a probe, we identified a large mRNA of ca. 10 kb by Northern blot analysis. These results demonstrate the usefulness of this cell line for the study of ecdysone response and the isolation of the receptor components in A. grandis.
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97
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Loeb MJ, Wagner RM, Woods CW, Gelman DG, Harrison D, Bell RA. Naturally occurring analogs of Lymantria testis ecdysiotropin, a gonadotropin isolated from brains of Lymantria dispar pupae. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1997; 36:37-50. [PMID: 9243792 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6327(1997)36:1<37::aid-arch4>3.0.co;2-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Lymantria testis ecdysiotropin (LTE) was isolated from the most prominent peptide peak corresponding to an active fraction obtained by high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation of a homogenate of 13,000 Lymantria dispar pupal brains. In this work we examined the other active fractions from this separation as well as a second HPLC separation of an additional 2,300 pupal brains. Bioassay of the ecdysteroidogenic effects of each peak on L. dispar testes allowed detection of 20 peptide peaks with testis ecdysiotropic activity in addition to LTE. Of these, ten peptides were purified and sequenced. All of them were comparable to LTE in molecular weight. The amino acid sequences of five of the peptides were similar enough to LTE to be considered to be members of an LTE family. However, the other five peptides had no significant homology with LTE or with each other. A BLAST database search indicated LTE family homology with portions of inhibitory peptides such as those inhibiting cytolysis. In contrast, non-LTE ecdysiotropic peptides, in which undetermined residues designated X were assumed to be cysteine, were strikingly homologous to portions of vertebrate and invertebrate zinc finger peptides and to vertebrate and invertebrate virus proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Loeb
- Insect Neurobiology and Hormone Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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98
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Kapitskaya M, Wang S, Cress DE, Dhadialla TS, Raikhel AS. The mosquito ultraspiracle homologue, a partner of ecdysteroid receptor heterodimer: cloning and characterization of isoforms expressed during vitellogenesis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1996; 121:119-32. [PMID: 8892313 DOI: 10.1016/0303-7207(96)03847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the cloning and characterization of two isoforms of the Ultraspiracle homologue (AaUSP) from the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The 2.33-kb AaUSPa cDNA has an open reading frame (ORF) of 484 amino acids encoding a polypeptide of 54 kDa, whereas the 2.14-kb AaUSPb ORF of 459 amino acids encodes a 51.3 kDa polypeptide. The AaUSPa and AaUSPb proteins differ only in the N-terminal portion of the variable A/B domain. The AaUSP DNA-binding domain shares 92% and 97% identities with the respective domains of the Drosophila (DmUSP) and Bombyx (BmUSP) Ultraspiracles. However, the AaUSP ligand-binding domain is only 57% and 52% identical to those of DmUSP and BmUSP, respectively. In spite of the relatively low level of sequence conservation, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and hormone-binding assay clearly demonstrated that the products of the AaUSPa and AaUSPb cDNAs are functional heterodimeric partners of the mosquito ecdysteroid receptor. In vitellogenic tissues, each of the two AaUSP isoforms is expressed differently: the AaUSPa is predominant in the fat body and the AaUSPb in the ovary. The kinetics of ovarian AaUSP mRNA coincide with those of the ecdysteroid receptor, being elevated during the previtellogenic period and shortly after the onset of vitellogenesis. In contrast, the level of the AaUSP in the fat body remains relatively constant throughout most of the vitellogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kapitskaya
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA
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99
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Swevers L, Cherbas L, Cherbas P, Iatrou K. Bombyx EcR (BmEcR) and Bombyx USP (BmCF1) combine to form a functional ecdysone receptor. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1996; 26:217-221. [PMID: 8900593 DOI: 10.1016/0965-1748(95)00097-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila ecdysone receptor (DmEcR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily; it functions as an obligate heterodimer with another nuclear receptor, DmUSP. EcR homologs have now been cloned from several other insects. We report here that one such homolog, BmEcR from the commercial silkmoth, Bombyx mori, is a functional ecdysone receptor. Upon dimerization with BmCF1, the silkmoth homology of DmUSP, BmEcR binds the radiolabeled steroid ligand 125I-iodoponasterone A with Kd = 1.1 nM, indistinguishable from that exhibited by DmEcR/DmUSP. BmEcR/BmCF1 forms a specific complex with an ecdysone response element (EcRE) derived from the heat shock protein 27 (hsp27) gene promoter of Drosophila; and, as with DmEcR/DmUSP, formation of this complex is stimulated by the presence of 20-hydroxyecdysone. Finally, BmEcR can substitute for DmEcR in an EcR-deficient Drosophila tissue culture line, stimulating trans-activation of an ecdysone-inducible reporter gene construct. Thus, BmEcR and BmCF1 are the functional counterparts of DmEcR and DmUSP, respectively and, despite considerable sequence divergence between the Drosophila and Bombyx proteins, the counterparts are--at least qualitatively--functionally equivalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Swevers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Calgary, Canada
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Kamimura M, Tomita S, Fujiwara H. Molecular cloning of an ecdysone receptor (B1 isoform) homologue from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, and its mRNA expression during wing disc development. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 1996; 113:341-7. [PMID: 8653587 DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(95)02032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We reported the isolation and sequence of a clone encoding a putative ecdysone receptor B1 isoform of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The predicted open reading frame encoded 543 amino acids, with 51%, 95% and 71% identities with the Drosophila melanogaster ecdysone receptor B1 isoform in the N terminal A/B region, DNA binding domain (C region) and ligand binding domain (E region), respectively. A single 6.2 kb message for the EcR gene was abundant in wing discs and fat bodies at the onset of metamorphosis. At the same stage, however, no or a tiny amount of mRNA was shown in posterior or middle silk glands, respectively. During the final instar, the mRNA expression in wing discs was maximal on the day of wandering. These data suggest the transcription of the Bombyx EcR gene is regulated in tissue-specific and stage-specific manner during metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kamimura
- National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science, Tsukuba Ibaraki, Japan
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