Ecdysone receptors and their biological actions

Improvement of pest resistance in transgenic tobacco plants expressing dsRNA of an insect-associated gene EcR

The adoption of pest-resistant transgenic plants to reduce yield loss and pesticide utilization has been successful in the past three decades. Recently, transgenic plant expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting pest genes emerges as a promising strategy for improving pest resistance in crops. The steroid hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), predominately controls insect molting via its nuclear receptor complex, EcR-USP. Here we report that pest resistance is improved in transgenic tobacco plants expressing dsRNA of EcR from the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, a serious lepidopteran pest for a variety of crops. When H. armigera larvae were fed with the whole transgenic tobacco plants expressing EcR dsRNA, resistance to H. armigera was significantly improved in transgenic plants. Meanwhile, when H. armigera larvae were fed with leaves of transgenic tobacco plants expressing EcR dsRNA, its EcR mRNA level was dramatically decreased causing molting defects and larval lethality. In addition, the transgenic tobacco plants expressing H. armigera EcR dsRNA were also resistant to another lepidopteran pest, the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, due to the high similarity in the nucleotide sequences of their EcR genes. This study provides additional evidence that transgenic plant expressing dsRNA targeting insect-associated genes is able to improve pest resistance.

Hormonal activation of let-7-C microRNAs via EcR is required for adult Drosophila melanogaster morphology and function

Steroid hormones and their nuclear receptors drive developmental transitions in diverse organisms, including mammals. In this study, we show that the Drosophila steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and its nuclear receptor directly activate transcription of the evolutionarily conserved let-7-complex (let-7-C) locus, which encodes the co-transcribed microRNAs miR-100, let-7 and miR-125. These small RNAs post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes, and are required for the remodeling of the Drosophila neuromusculature during the larval-to-adult transition. Deletion of three 20E responsive elements located in the let-7-C locus results in reduced levels of let-7-C microRNAs, leading to neuromuscular and behavioral defects in adults. Given the evolutionary conservation of let-7-C microRNA sequences and temporal expression profiles, these findings indicate that steroid hormone-coupled control of let-7-C microRNAs is part of an ancestral pathway controlling the transition from larval-to-reproductive animal forms.

The transcription factor Krüppel homolog 1 is linked to the juvenile hormone-dependent maturation of sexual behavior in the male moth, Agrotis ipsilon

In the male moth, Agrotis ipsilon, the behavioral response and neuronal sensitivity in the primary olfactory center, the antennal lobe (AL), to sex pheromone increase with age and juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis. Although JH has been shown to control this age-dependent plasticity, the underlying signaling pathway remains obscure. In this context, we cloned a full cDNA encoding the Krüppel homolog 1 transcription factor (AipsKr-h1) of A. ipsilon, which was found to be predominantly expressed in ALs, where its amount increased concomitantly with age and sex pheromone responses. Conversely, the expression of AipsKr-h1 protein in the antenna was age-independent. Moreover, the administration of JH in immature males or fluvastatin, an inhibitor of JH biosynthesis, in mature males induced an increase or a decline of the AipsKr-h1 protein level in ALs, respectively. This effect was suppressed with a combined injection of fluvastatin and JH. Our results showed that Aipskr-h1 is a JH-upregulated gene that might mediate JH action on central pheromone processing, modulating sexual behavior in A. ipsilon.

20-hydroxyecdysone upregulates apoptotic genes and induces apoptosis in the Bombyx fat body

During insect metamorphosis, obsolete larval tissues are removed by programed cell death (PCD), mainly apoptosis and autophagy, which is directed by the molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the 20E-triggered transcriptional cascade. Here, we investigated how 20E regulates apoptosis at the transcriptional level in the fat body of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. As detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL), apoptosis weakly occurred during the fourth larval molting, decreased to undetected levels during the early fifth instar, and gradually increased from day 4 of fifth instar to the wandering stage to the prepupal stage. Meanwhile, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR, eight genes involved in apoptosis, including Apaf-1, Nedd2 like1, Nedd2 like2, ICE1, ICE3, ICE5, Arp, and IAP, were highly expressed during molting and pupation, when the 20E titer is high. Injection of 20E into day 2 of fifth instar larvae significantly induced apoptosis and upregulated apoptotic genes after 6 h of treatment, and in vitro treatment of larval fat body tissues with 20E upregulated all the eight apoptotic genes. Moreover, RNAi knockdown of USP, a component of the 20E receptor complex EcR-USP, at the early-wandering stage reduced apoptosis and downregulated apoptotic genes after 24 h of treatment. Taken together, we infer that 20E upregulates apoptotic genes and thus induces apoptosis in the Bombyx fat body during larval molting and the larval-pupal transition.

Insect neuropeptide bursicon homodimers induce innate immune and stress genes during molting by activating the NF-κB transcription factor Relish

Background

Bursicon is a heterodimer neuropeptide composed of two cystine knot proteins, bursicon α (burs α) and bursicon β (burs β), that elicits cuticle tanning (melanization and sclerotization) through the Drosophila leucine-rich repeats-containing G protein-coupled receptor 2 (DLGR2). Recent studies show that both bursicon subunits also form homodimers. However, biological functions of the homodimers have remained unknown until now.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this report, we show in Drosophila melanogaster that both bursicon homodimers induced expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in neck-ligated adults following recombinant homodimer injection and in larvae fat body after incubation with recombinant homodimers. These AMP genes were also up-regulated in 24 h old unligated flies (when the endogenous bursicon level is low) after injection of recombinant homodimers. Up-regulation of AMP genes by the homodimers was accompanied by reduced bacterial populations in fly assay preparations. The induction of AMP expression is via activation of the NF-κB transcription factor Relish in the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway. The influence of bursicon homodimers on immune function does not appear to act through the heterodimer receptor DLGR2, i.e. novel receptors exist for the homodimers.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results reveal a mechanism of CNS-regulated prophylactic innate immunity during molting via induced expression of genes encoding AMPs and genes of the Turandot family. Turandot genes are also up-regulated by a broader range of extreme insults. From these data we infer that CNS-generated bursicon homodimers mediate innate prophylactic immunity to both stress and infection during the vulnerable molting cycle.

Control of adult stem cells in vivo by a dynamic physiological environment: diet-dependent systemic factors in Drosophila and beyond

Adult stem cells are inextricably linked to whole-body physiology and nutrient availability through complex systemic signaling networks. A full understanding of how stem cells sense and respond to dietary fluctuations will require identifying key systemic mediators, as well as elucidating how they are regulated and integrated with local and intrinsic factors across multiple tissues. Studies focused on the Drosophila germline have generated valuable insights into how stem cells are controlled by diet-dependent pathways, and increasing evidence suggests that diverse adult stem cell populations respond to nutrients through similar mechanisms. Systemic signals, including nutrients themselves and diet-regulated hormones such as Insulin/Insulin-like growth factor or steroid hormones, can directly or indirectly affect stem cell behavior by modifying local cell-cell communication or intrinsic factors. The physiological regulation of stem cells in response to nutritional status not only is a fascinating biological problem, but also has clinical implications, as research in this field holds the key to noninvasive approaches for manipulating stem cells in vivo. In addition, given the known associations between diet, stem cells, and cancer risk, this research may inspire novel anticancer therapies.

Molecular Mechanisms of Transcription Activation by Juvenile Hormone: A Critical Role for bHLH-PAS and Nuclear Receptor Proteins

Juvenile hormone (JH) is responsible for controlling many biological processes. In several insect species JH has been implicated as a key regulator of developmental timing, preventing the premature onset of metamorphosis during larval growth periods. However, the molecular basis of JH action is not well-understood. In this review, we highlight recent advances which demonstrate the importance of transcription factors from the bHLH-PAS and nuclear receptor families in mediating the response to JH.

Desenvolvimento e produção de seda do Bombyx mori L. exposto a análogos do hormônio juvenil

O crescimento dos insetos é regulado por um complexo hormonal que inclui o hormônio juvenil, que assegura ao inseto a retenção de suas características larvais, prevenindo a maturação. A aplicação de análogos do hormônio juvenil em Bombyx mori tem promovido o incremento da produção de seda; entretanto, altas doses podem provocar efeitos deletérios sobre a biologia do inseto. Este estudo avaliou a pulverização de diferentes análogos do hormônio juvenil sobre o bicho-da-seda e seus efeitos sobre o desenvolvimento larval e a produção de seda. Lagartas foram expostas a piriproxifeno, metopreno e fenoxicarbe a doses de 20, 2 e 0,02 ppb de ingrediente ativo, respectivamente, através da pulverização dos insetos e do alimento a 48 horas após a quarta ecdise. A administração de análogos do hormônio juvenil promoveu aumentos no período larval, massa de glândulas sericígenas, peso de casulos e de pupas. Os produtos testados afetaram negativamente a taxa de encasulamento. Metopreno promoveu o maior incremento na produção de seda e menor taxa de mortalidade, podendo seu uso ser recomendado na sericicultura.

Coordinating growth and maturation - insights from Drosophila

Adult body size in higher animals is dependent on the amount of growth that occurs during the juvenile stage. The duration of juvenile development, therefore, must be flexible and responsive to environmental conditions. When immature animals experience environmental stresses such as malnutrition or disease, maturation can be delayed until conditions improve and normal growth can resume. In contrast, when animals are raised under ideal conditions that promote rapid growth, internal checkpoints ensure that maturation does not occur until juvenile development is complete. Although the mechanisms that regulate growth and gate the onset of maturation have been investigated for decades, the emerging links between childhood obesity, early onset puberty, and adult metabolic disease have placed a new emphasis on this field. Remarkably, genetic studies in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have shown that the central regulatory pathways that control growth and the timing of sexual maturation are conserved through evolution, and suggest that this aspect of animal life history is regulated by a common genetic architecture. This review focuses on these conserved mechanisms and highlights recent studies that explore how Drosophila coordinates developmental growth with environmental conditions.

Nuclear receptor HR4 plays an essential role in the ecdysteroid-triggered gene cascade in the development of the hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica

Despite the differences in the developmental strategies between hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects, a common feature between both types of development is that periodic pulses of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) dictate each developmental transition. Although the molecular action of 20E has been extensively studied in holometabolous insects, data on hemimetabolous is scarce. To address this, we have used the German cockroach Blattella germanica to show that 20E signals through a transcriptional cascade of the nuclear hormone receptor-encoding genes BgE75, BgHR3 and BgFTZ-F1. Here, we report the isolation and functional characterization of BgHR4, another nuclear receptor involved in this cascade. Expression studies along with tissue incubations and RNAi experiments show that cross-regulation between BgE75 and BgHR3 directs the expression of BgHR4. Finally, we have also shown that BgHR4 is an essential gene required for successfully completing nymphal-nymphal and nymphal-adult transitions, by allowing the appropriate delay in the induction of BgFTZ-F1.

Modulation in the mRNA expression of ecdysone receptor gene in aquatic midge, Chironomus riparius upon exposure to nonylphenol and silver nanoparticles

Chironomus riparius, a non-biting midge (Chironomidae, Diptera), is extensively used as a model organism in aquatic ecotoxicological studies, although little is known about its genome sequences. Ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that play an important role in development, growth, moulting of larva, and reproduction in Chironomus spp. The effect of ecdysteroids is mediated by their binding to the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR). To study the effect of environmental stressors, nonylphenol and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), on the modulation of EcR mRNA, in this study, full length cDNA of C. riparius ecdysone receptor (CrEcR) was identified from the Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) database and expression of the corresponding mRNA was analyzed following exposure to nonylphenol and AgNPs. The CrEcR cDNA was 2548 base pairs (bp) in length, with a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 242 bp and a 3' UTR of 684 bp. The open reading frame contains 1617 nucleotides, encoding 539 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 61 kDa and pI of 5.89, and revealed the presence of several domains associated with DNA binding, dimerization, ligand binding and transcriptional activation characteristic of steroid receptor family members. It was found that the expression level of CrEcR was significantly up-regulated on exposure to nonylphenol and significant up or down regulation was observed on exposure to AgNPs. These finding shows that nonylphenol as well as AgNPs could modulate the ecdysone nuclear receptor and may have significant implications in different developmental stages in C. riparius.

Regulation of chromatin organization and inducible gene expression by a Drosophila insulator

Insulators are multiprotein-DNA complexes thought to affect gene expression by mediating inter- and intrachromosomal interactions. Drosophila insulators contain specific DNA-binding proteins plus common components, such as CP190, that facilitate these interactions. Here, we examine changes in the distribution of Drosophila insulator proteins during the heat-shock and ecdysone responses. We find that CP190 recruitment to insulator sites is the main regulatable step in controlling insulator function during heat shock. In contrast, both CP190 and DNA-binding protein recruitment are regulated during the ecdysone response. CP190 is necessary to stabilize specific chromatin loops and for proper activation of transcription of genes regulated by this hormone. These findings suggest that cells may regulate recruitment of insulator proteins to DNA to activate insulator activity at specific sites and create distinct patterns of nuclear organization that are necessary to achieve proper gene expression in response to different stimuli.

Coordinated regulation of niche and stem cell precursors by hormonal signaling

In the developing Drosophila ovary, the ecdysone signaling pathway controls the differentiation of both niche and germ line stem cell precursors.

Stem cells and their niches constitute units that act cooperatively to achieve adult body homeostasis. How such units form and whether stem cell and niche precursors might be coordinated already during organogenesis are unknown. In fruit flies, primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of germ line stem cells (GSCs), and somatic niche precursors develop within the larval ovary. Together they form the 16–20 GSC units of the adult ovary. We show that ecdysone receptors are required to coordinate the development of niche and GSC precursors. At early third instar, ecdysone receptors repress precocious differentiation of both niches and PGCs. Early repression is required for correct morphogenesis of the ovary and for protecting future GSCs from differentiation. At mid-third instar, ecdysone signaling is required for niche formation. Finally, and concurrent with the initiation of wandering behavior, ecdysone signaling initiates PGC differentiation by allowing the expression of the differentiation gene bag of marbles in PGCs that are not protected by the newly formed niches. All the ovarian functions of ecdysone receptors are mediated through early repression, and late activation, of the ecdysone target gene broad. These results show that, similar to mammals, a brain-gland-gonad axis controls the initiation of oogenesis in insects. They further exemplify how a physiological cue coordinates the formation of a stem cell unit within an organ: it is required for niche establishment and to ensure that precursor cells to adult stem cells remain undifferentiated until the niches can accommodate them. Similar principles might govern the formation of additional stem cell units during organogenesis.

Tissue-specific stem cells reside in specialized microenvironments (niches). How the generation of niche cells and resident stem cells is coordinated, and how their correct numerical ratios are regulated, remains poorly understood. Here, we examine the potential mechanisms of this process by analyzing the formation of the fly ovary. Specifically, we uncover a role for ecdysone, which is a steroid hormone renowned for its role in insect molting but that also controls many aspects of larval development in flies and mammals. We find that ecdysone signaling in fly larvae coordinates the development of niche cells relative to their resident germ line stem cells (GSCs). Ecdysone receptors initially serve as repressors of differentiation, allowing precursor cells of both niches and GSCs time to proliferate and attain correct cell numbers. Later, ecdysone receptors allow differentiation of niches while simultaneously maintaining GSC precursors in an undifferentiated state, until the newly formed niches can accommodate them. Finally, ecdysone induces the differentiation of GSC precursors that are not incorporated in niches. Our work exemplifies one possible solution to coordinating stem cell and niche development: using a common signal to affect both cell types. A further understanding of these and other mechanisms will offer novel insights into regeneration and could help guide cell-based therapies for various diseases.

Identification of common and cell type specific LXXLL motif EcR cofactors using a bioinformatics refined candidate RNAi screen in Drosophila melanogaster cell lines

Background

During Drosophila development, titers of the steroid ecdysone trigger and maintain temporal and tissue specific biological transitions. Decades of evidence reveal that the ecdysone response is both unique to specific tissues and distinct among developmental timepoints. To achieve this diversity in response, the several isoforms of the Ecdysone Receptor, which transduce the hormone signal to the genome level, are believed to interact with tissue specific cofactors. To date, little is known about the identity of these cofactor interactions; therefore, we conducted a bioinformatics informed, RNAi luciferase reporter screen against a subset of putative candidate cofactors identified through an in silico proteome screen. Candidates were chosen based on criteria obtained from bioinformatic consensus of known nuclear receptor cofactors and homologs, including amino acid sequence motif content and context.

Results

The bioinformatics pre-screen of the Drosophila melanogaster proteome was successful in identifying an enriched putative candidate gene cohort. Over 80% of the genes tested yielded a positive hit in our reporter screen. We have identified both cell type specific and common cofactors which appear to be necessary for proper ecdysone induced gene regulation. We have determined that certain cofactors act as co-repressors to reduce target gene expression, while others act as co-activators to increase target gene expression. Interestingly, we find that a few of the cofactors shared among cell types have a reversible roles to function as co-repressors in certain cell types while in other cell types they serve as co-activators. Lastly, these proteins are highly conserved, with higher order organism homologs also harboring the LXXLL steroid receptor interaction domains, suggesting a highly conserved mode of steroid cell target specificity.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we submit these cofactors as novel components of the ecdysone signaling pathway in order to further elucidate the dynamics of steroid specificity.

Oral toxicity of Photorhabdus culture media on gene expression of the adult sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci

The oral toxicity of culture media of the symbiotic bacteria, Photorhabdus temperata, mutually associated with entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis megidis and Photorhabdus luminescens ssp. laumondii (TT01) mutually associated with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, were investigated in the adults of Bemisia tabaci. The oral ingestion of sucrose diet solutions (20%) containing bacteria-free supernatant of the culture media from symbiotic bacteria gradually increased mortalities and was completely lethal at 60 h after the treatments, whereas the mortalities of the controls, sucrose solutions with or without media that uncultured with bacteria, were less than 17% up to 84 h of incubation. The effects of oral ingestion of symbiont culture media were demonstrated on the expression rates of several genes of B. tabaci using quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. Genes associated with immunity (knottin) and nervous system (acetylcholine receptor, acetylcholine esterase and sodium channel) were up-regulated while genes involved in metabolism (cytochromep450 and carboxylesterase) were down-regulated, but genes involved in development (ecdysone receptor), reproduction (vitellogenin) and stress (hsp70, hsp90 and shsp) did not change transcription rates. Our results provide information for the understanding of the mechanism of symbiont pathogenic factors for the manipulation of host physiology at the transcription level.

Cloning and expression pattern of the ecdysone receptor and retinoid X receptor from the centipede Lithobius peregrinus (Chilopoda, Lithobiomorpha)

In arthropods, molting events are mediated by the binding of the ecdysone hormone to a heterodimer of two nuclear receptors: the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the retinoid X receptor (RXR), a homolog of ultraspiracle (USP). We have cloned partial sequences of several isoforms for EcR and RXR genes from the centipede Lithobius peregrinus, and studied their expression profile during the second post-embryonic stage. LpEcR and LpRXR inferred amino acid sequences are very similar to other arthropod orthologs, especially to those of chelicerates and hemimetabolous insects, and their expression levels are significantly higher during the 48 h that precede the molt. Results obtained in this study represent the first data on the genetic basis of the ecdysone signal pathway for a myriapod, and in particular for an animal that, through a stereotyped developmental schedule paced by the molt cycle, completes trunk segmentation during post-embryonic life.

Flickin' the ubiquitin switch: the role of H2B ubiquitylation in development

The reversible ubiquitylation of histone H2B has long been implicated in transcriptional activation and gene silencing. However, many questions regarding its regulation and effects on chromatin structure remain unanswered. In addition, while several studies have uncovered an involvement of this modification in the control of certain developmental processes, a more general understanding of its requirement is lacking. Herein, we present a broad overview of the pathways known to be regulated by H2B ubiquitylation, while drawing parallels between findings in disparate organisms, in order to facilitate continued delineation of its spatiotemporal role in development. Finally, we integrate the findings of recent studies into how H2B ubiquitylation affects chromatin, and cast an eye over emerging areas for future research.

An unusual barrier to gene flow: perpetually immature larvae from inter-population crosses in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

We genetically characterize an unusual hybrid incompatibility phenotype manifest in F(1) offspring of crosses between two populations of Tribolium castaneum. Hybrid larvae cease development at the third larval instar, persisting as 'perpetually immature larvae' thereafter. Although unable to produce viable adult hybrid offspring with one another, each population produces abundant, fertile hybrids with other populations, indicating a recent origin of the incompatibility and facilitating genetic studies. We mapped the paternal component of the hybrid phenotype to a single region, which exhibits two characteristics common to hybrid incompatibility: marker transmission ratio distortion within crosses and elevated genetic divergence between populations. The incompatible variation and an elevation in between-population genetic divergence is associated with a region containing the T. castaneum ecdysone receptor homologue, a major regulatory switch, controlling larval moults, pupation and metamorphosis. This contributes to understanding the genetics of speciation in the Coleoptera, one of the most speciose of all arthropod taxa.

Isoform-specific regulation of a steroid hormone nuclear receptor by an E3 ubiquitin ligase in Drosophila melanogaster

The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) regulates gene transcription through the heterodimeric nuclear receptor composed of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle (USP). The EcR gene encodes three protein isoforms--A, B1, and B2--with variant N-terminal domains that mediate tissue and developmental stage-specific responses to 20E. Ariadne-1a is a conserved member of the RING finger family of ubiquitin ligases first identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Loss-of-function mutations at key cysteines in either of the two RING finger motifs, as well as general overexpression of this enzyme, cause lethality in pupae, which suggests a requirement in metamorphosis. Here, we show that Ariadne-1a binds specifically the isoform A of EcR and ubiquitylates it. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that the full sequence of EcRA is required for this binding. Protein levels of EcRA and USP change in opposite directions when those of ARI-1a are genetically altered. This is an isoform-specific, E3-dependent regulatory mechanism for a steroid nuclear receptor. Further, qRT-PCR experiments show that the ARI-1a levels lead to the transcriptional regulation of Eip78C, Eip74EF, Eip75B, and Br-C, as well as that of EcR and usp genes. Thus, the activity of this enzyme results in the regulation of dimerizing receptors at the protein and gene transcription levels. This fine-tuned orchestration by a conserved ubiquitin ligase is required during insect metamorphosis and, likely, in other steroid hormone-controlled processes across species.

The Drosophila FTZ-F1 nuclear receptor mediates juvenile hormone activation of E75A gene expression through an intracellular pathway

Juvenile hormone (JH) regulates a wide variety of biological activities in holometabolous insects, ranging from vitellogenesis and caste determination in adults to the timing of metamorphosis in larvae. The mechanism of JH signaling in such a diverse array of processes remains either unknown or contentious. We previously found that the nuclear receptor gene E75A is activated in S2 cells as a primary response to JH. Here, by expressing an intracellular form of JH esterase, we demonstrate that JH must enter the cell in order to activate E75A. To find intracellular receptors involved in the JH response, we performed an RNAi screen against nuclear receptor genes expressed in this cell line and identified the orphan receptor FTZ-F1. Removal of FTZ-F1 prevents JH activation of E75A, whereas overexpression enhances activation, implicating FTZ-F1 as a critical component of the JH response. FTZ-F1 is bound in vivo to multiple enhancers upstream of E75A, suggesting that it participates in direct JH-mediated gene activation. To better define the role of FTZ-F1 in JH signaling, we investigated interactions with candidate JH receptors and found that the bHLH-PAS proteins MET and GCE both interact with FTZ-F1 and can activate transcription through the FTZ-F1 response element. Removal of endogenous GCE, but not MET, prevents JH activation of E75A. We propose that FTZ-F1 functions as a competence factor by loading JH signaling components to the promoter, thus facilitating the direct regulation of E75A gene expression by JH.

Ecdysone receptor expression and activity in adult Drosophila melanogaster

Disrupting components of the ecdysone/EcR/USP signaling pathway in insects leads to morphological defects and developmental arrest. In adult Drosophila melanogaster decreased EcR function affects fertility, lifespan, behavior, learning, and memory; however we lack a clear understanding of how EcR/USP expression and activity impacts these phenotypes. To shed light on this issue, we characterized the wild-type expression patterns and activity of EcR/USP in individual tissues during early adult life. EcR and usp were expressed in numerous adult tissues, but receptor activity varied depending on tissue type and adult age. Receptor activity did not detectably change in response to mating status, environmental stress, ecdysone treatment or gender but is reduced when a constitutively inactive ecdysone receptor is present. Since only a subset of adult tissues expressing EcR and usp contain active receptors, it appears that an important adult function of EcR/USP in some tissues may be repression of genes containing EcRE's.

The steroid hormone ecdysone functions with intrinsic chromatin remodeling factors to control female germline stem cells in Drosophila

Steroid hormones are known systemic regulators of multiple normal and cancerous tissues; however, whether or how they impact the fate and function of adult stem cells is unclear. In the Drosophila ovary, insulin signals modulate the proliferation and self-renewal of germline stem cells (GSCs), yet despite evidence that additional systemic factors control GSC activity, these have remained largely unknown. Here, we report that ecdysone, a steroid hormone structurally related to mammalian sex steroids, directly regulates adult GSC proliferation and self-renewal independently of insulin signaling. Ecdysone controls GSCs through a functional interaction with the chromatin remodeling factors ISWI, an intrinsic epigenetic factor required for GSC fate and activity, and Nurf301, the largest subunit of the ISWI-containing NURF chromatin remodeling complex. Our findings support a link between systemic steroid hormones and the intrinsic chromatin remodeling machinery as a potential mechanism to promote broad transcriptional programs required for adult stem cell self-renewal.

Evolution of promiscuous nuclear hormone receptors: LXR, FXR, VDR, PXR, and CAR

Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) are transcription factors that work in concert with co-activators and co-repressors to regulate gene expression. Some examples of ligands for NHRs include endogenous compounds such as bile acids, retinoids, steroid hormones, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D. This review describes the evolution of liver X receptors α and β (NR1H3 and 1H2, respectively), farnesoid X receptor (NR1H4), vitamin D receptor (NR1I1), pregnane X receptor (NR1I2), and constitutive androstane receptor (NR1I3). These NHRs participate in complex, overlapping transcriptional regulation networks involving cholesterol homeostasis and energy metabolism. Some of these receptors, particularly PXR and CAR, are promiscuous with respect to the structurally wide range of ligands that act as agonists. A combination of functional and computational analyses has shed light on the evolutionary changes of NR1H and NR1I receptors across vertebrates, and how these receptors may have diverged from ancestral receptors that first appeared in invertebrates.

An epidermis-specific chitin synthase CDNA in Choristoneura fumiferana: cloning, characterization, developmental and hormonal-regulated expression

Chitin synthase catalyzes chitin synthesis in the exoskeleton, tracheal system and gut during insect development. A chitin synthase 1 (CfCHS1) cDNA was identified and cloned from the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. The CfCHS1 cDNA is 5,300 bp in length and codes a 1,564-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 178 kDa. The deduced protein contains 16 transmembrane helixes in its domains A and C. The single copy CfCHS1 gene expressed during each of the larval molts from the 3rd to the 6th instar. The gene expressed highly and periodically in the epidermis during each of molts, whereas no transcripts were detected in the midgut and fat body. 20-hydroxyecdysone and the ecdysone agonist RH5992 suppressed CfCHS1 expression, whereas the juvenile hormone analog methoprene induced CfCHS1 expression. These results implicate that CfCHS1 is involved in the chitin synthase and new chitin formation during molting in the insect.

Mechanisms and significance of nuclear receptor auto- and cross-regulation

The number of functional hormone receptors expressed by a cell in large part determines its responsiveness to the hormonal signal. The regulation of hormone receptor gene expression is therefore a central component of hormone action. Vertebrate steroid and thyroid hormones act by binding to nuclear receptors (NR) that function as ligand-activated transcription factors. Nuclear receptor genes are regulated by diverse and interacting intracellular signaling pathways. Nuclear receptor ligands can regulate the expression of the gene for the NR that mediates the hormone's action (autoregulation), thus influencing how a cell responds to the hormone. Autoregulation can be either positive or negative, the hormone increasing or decreasing, respectively, the expression of its own NR. Positive autoregulation (autoinduction) is often observed during postembryonic development, and during the ovarian cycle, where it enhances cellular sensitivity to the hormonal signal to drive the developmental process. By contrast, negative autoregulation (autorepression) may become important in the juvenile and adult for homeostatic negative feedback responses. In addition to autoregulation, a NR can influence the expression other types of NRs (cross-regulation), thus modifying how a cell responds to a different hormone. Cross-regulation by NRs is an important means to temporally coordinate cell responses to a subsequent (different) hormonal signal, or to allow for crosstalk between hormone signaling pathways.

Two Tor genes in the silkworm Bombyx mori

Target of rapamycin (TOR), a member of the phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase family, plays a critical role in the regulation of growth, metabolism, development and survival, at both the cellular and the organismal levels. Two paralogous Tor genes, BmTor1 and BmTor2, were identified as a pair of inverted repeats in the genome of the silkworm Bombyx mori. The synteny of BmTor1 and CG8360 indicates that BmTor1 is the orthologue while BmTor2 is a duplicate. Analyses of the two BmTor genes at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels reveal that they are evolutionally and structurally conserved. The two BmTor genes had similar expression patterns of tissue distribution with highest levels in the nervous system, and nearly identical developmental change profiles with maximal levels during the 4(th) -larval-moulting and the larval-pupal transition stages. Furthermore, both BmTor genes were up-regulated by either starvation or the moulting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), while BmTor2 was more sensitive to both treatments than BmTor1. For the first time, we have identified two copies of the Tor gene in a higher eukaryote, which are induced by starvation and 20E during the larval moulting and the larval-pupal transition stage.

Autophagy, apoptosis, and ecdysis-related gene expression in the silk gland of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) during metamorphosis

Degeneration of larval-specific tissues during insect metamorphosis has been suggested to be the result of apoptosis and autophagy and is triggered by ecdysteroids. However, the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis pathways and the mechanism of regulation by ecdysteroids remain to be elucidated. This study examined the events of autophagy, apoptosis, and the expression of ecdysis-related genes in the silk gland of the silkworm ( Bombyx mori L., 1758) during the larval to pupal transformation. The results indicated that autophagic features appeared in the silk gland at the wandering and spinning stages of the larvae, whereas the apoptotic features such as apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation occurred at the prepupal or early-pupal stages. The autophagic granules fused with each other to form large vacuoles where the cytoplasmic material was degraded. Autophagosomes, autolysosomes, and apoptotic bodies were found later in the degenerating silk-gland cells. Expression of the ecdysone receptor gene BmEcR and the transcription factor genes BmE74A and BmBR-C preceded the onset of autophagy and apoptosis, indicating that they may be responsible for triggering these programmed cell death pathways in the silk gland. The results suggest that both autophagy and apoptosis occur in the silk-gland cells during degeneration, but autophagy precedes apoptosis.

Genome-wide regulation of innate immunity by juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone in the Bombyx fat body

Background

Insect innate immunity can be affected by juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), but how innate immunity is developmentally regulated by these two hormones in insects has not yet been elucidated. In the silkworm, Bombyx mori, JH and 20E levels are high during the final larval molt (4 M) but absent during the feeding stage of 5^th instar (5 F), while JH level is low and 20E level is high during the prepupal stage (PP). Fat body produces humoral response molecules and hence is considered as the major organ involved in innate immunity.

Results

A genome-wide microarray analysis of Bombyx fat body isolated from 4 M, 5 F and PP uncovered a large number of differentially-expressed genes. Most notably, 6 antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes were up-regulated at 4 M versus PP suggesting that Bombyx innate immunity is developmentally regulated by the two hormones. First, JH treatment dramatically increased AMP mRNA levels and activities. Furthermore, 20E treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on AMP mRNA levels and activities, and RNA interference of the 20E receptor EcR-USP had the opposite effects to 20E treatment.

Conclusion

Taken together, we demonstrate that JH acts as an immune-activator while 20E inhibits innate immunity in the fat body during Bombyx postembryonic development.

Ecdysone receptor homologs from mollusks, leeches and a polychaete worm

The genomes of the mollusk Lottia gigantea, the leech Helobdella robusta and the polychaete worm Capitella teleta each have a gene encoding an ecdysone receptor homolog. Publicly available genomic and EST sequences also contain evidence for ecdysone receptors in the seahare Aplysia californica, the bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis. Three-dimensional models of the ligand binding domains of these predicted ecdysone receptor homologs suggest that each of them could potentially bind an ecdysone-related steroid. Thus, ecdysone receptors are not limited to arthropods and nematodes.

Steroid hormone regulation of C. elegans and Drosophila aging and life history

In the last two decades it has become clear that hormones and gene mutations in endocrine signaling pathways can exert major effects on lifespan and related life history traits in worms, flies, mice, and other organisms. While most of this research has focused on insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling, a peptide hormone pathway, recent work has shown that also lipophilic hormones play an important role in modulating lifespan and other life history traits. Here we review how steroid hormones, a particular group of lipophilic hormones, affect life history traits in the nematode worm (Caenorhabditis elegans) and the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), with a particular focus on longevity. Interestingly, a comparison suggests that parallel endocrine principles might be at work in worms and flies in these species and that steroid hormones interact with the gonad to affect lifespan.

Developmental regulation of glycolysis by 20-hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone in fat body tissues of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) control a variety of physiological events during insect development and metamorphosis. To understand how 20E and JH developmentally regulate energy metabolism in insects, we performed a genome-wide microarray analysis of fat body tissues isolated from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Many genes involved in energy metabolism, including genes in the glycolytic pathway, were down-regulated during molting and pupation, when 20E levels are high. Notably, 20E treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on key glycolytic enzyme mRNA levels and activities, and RNA interference of the 20E receptor EcR-USP had the opposite effects to 20E treatment. Meanwhile, JH treatment stimulated both mRNA levels and activities of the key glycolytic enzymes, presumably via antagonizing the 20E action. Taken together, we conclude that 20E acts as a general blocker for glycolysis in the Bombyx fat body during molting and pupation, whereas the physiological role of JH is contrast with 20E during molting.

Interactions of the crustacean nuclear receptors HR3 and E75 in the regulation of gene transcription

Endocrine signal transduction occurs through cascades that involve the action of both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent nuclear receptors. In insects, two such nuclear receptors are HR3 and E75 that interact to transduce signals initiated by ecdysteroids. We have cloned these nuclear receptors from the crustacean Daphnia pulex to assess their function as regulators of gene transcription in this ecologically and economically important group of organisms. Both nuclear receptors from D. pulex (DappuHR3 (group NR1F) and DappuE75 (group NR1D)) exhibit a high degree of sequence similarity to other NR1F and NR1D group members that is indicative of monomeric binding to the RORE (retinoid orphan receptor element). DappuE75 possesses key amino acid residues required for heme binding to the ligand-binding domain. Next, we developed a gene transcription reporter assay containing a luciferase reporter gene driven by the RORE. DappuHR3, but not DappuE75, activated transcription of the luciferase gene in this system. Co-transfection experiments revealed that DappuE75 suppressed DappuHR3-dependent luciferase transcription in a dose-dependent manner. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that DappuHR3 bound to the RORE. However, we found no evidence that DappuE75 similarly bound to the response element. These experiments further demonstrated that DappuE75 prevented DappuHR3 from binding to the response element. In conclusion, DappuHR3 functions as a transcriptional activator of genes regulated by the RORE and DappuE75 is a negative regulator of this activity. DappuE75 does not suppress the action of DappuHR3 by occupying the response element but presumably interacts directly with the DappuHR3 protein. Taken together with the previous demonstration that daphnid HR3 is highly induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone, these results support the premise that HR3 is a major component of ecdysteroid signaling in some crustaceans and is under the negative regulatory control of E75.

The nuclear receptor DHR3 modulates dS6 kinase-dependent growth in Drosophila

S6 kinases (S6Ks) act to integrate nutrient and insulin signaling pathways and, as such, function as positive effectors in cell growth and organismal development. However, they also have been shown to play a key role in limiting insulin signaling and in mediating the autophagic response. To identify novel regulators of S6K signaling, we have used a Drosophila-based, sensitized, gain-of-function genetic screen. Unexpectedly, one of the strongest enhancers to emerge from this screen was the nuclear receptor (NR), Drosophila hormone receptor 3 (DHR3), a critical constituent in the coordination of Drosophila metamorphosis. Here we demonstrate that DHR3, through dS6K, also acts to regulate cell-autonomous growth. Moreover, we show that the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of DHR3 is essential for mediating this response. Consistent with these findings, we have identified an endogenous DHR3 isoform that lacks the DBD. These results provide the first molecular link between the dS6K pathway, critical in controlling nutrient-dependent growth, and that of DHR3, a major mediator of ecdysone signaling, which, acting together, coordinate metamorphosis.

A role for juvenile hormone in the prepupal development of Drosophila melanogaster

To elucidate the role of juvenile hormone (JH) in metamorphosis of Drosophila melanogaster, the corpora allata cells, which produce JH, were killed using the cell death gene grim. These allatectomized (CAX) larvae were smaller at pupariation and died at head eversion. They showed premature ecdysone receptor B1 (EcR-B1) in the photoreceptors and in the optic lobe, downregulation of proliferation in the optic lobe, and separation of R7 from R8 in the medulla during the prepupal period. All of these effects of allatectomy were reversed by feeding third instar larvae on a diet containing the JH mimic (JHM) pyriproxifen or by application of JH III or JHM at the onset of wandering. Eye and optic lobe development in the Methoprene-tolerant (Met)-null mutant mimicked that of CAX prepupae, but the mutant formed viable adults, which had marked abnormalities in the organization of their optic lobe neuropils. Feeding Met(27) larvae on the JHM diet did not rescue the premature EcR-B1 expression or the downregulation of proliferation but did partially rescue the premature separation of R7, suggesting that other pathways besides Met might be involved in mediating the response to JH. Selective expression of Met RNAi in the photoreceptors caused their premature expression of EcR-B1 and the separation of R7 and R8, but driving Met RNAi in lamina neurons led only to the precocious appearance of EcR-B1 in the lamina. Thus, the lack of JH and its receptor Met causes a heterochronic shift in the development of the visual system that is likely to result from some cells 'misinterpreting' the ecdysteroid peaks that drive metamorphosis.

Expression and ecdysteroid responsiveness of the nuclear receptors HR3 and E75 in the crustacean Daphnia magna

Ecdysteroids initiate signaling along multiple pathways that regulate various aspects of development, maturation, and reproduction in arthropods. Signaling often involves the induction of downstream transcription factors that either positively or negatively regulate aspects of the pathway. We tested the hypothesis that crustaceans express the nuclear receptors HR3 (ortholog to vertebrate ROR) and E75 (ortholog to vertebrate rev-erb) in response to ecdysteroid signaling. HR3 and E75 cDNAs were cloned from the crustacean Daphnia magna. The DNA-binding domain and ligand-binding domain of the daphnid HR3 were 95% and 61% identical to those of Drosophila melanogaster. The DNA-binding domain and ligand-binding domain of the daphnid E75 were 100% and 71% identical to those of D. melanogaster. Both receptors exhibited structural characteristics of binding to DNA as a monomer. The expression of these receptor mRNAs was evaluated through the adult molt cycle and during embryo development. E75 levels were relatively constant throughout the adult molt cycle and through embryo development. HR3 levels were comparable to those of E75 during the initial phases of the adult molt cycle but were elevated approximately 30-fold at a time in the cycle co-incident with the pre-molt surge in ecdysteroid levels. HR3 mRNA levels in embryos also varied co-incident with ecdysteroid levels. To substantiate a role of ecdysteroids in the expression of HR3, daphnids were continuously exposed to 20-hydroxyecdysone and changes in gene expression were measured. HR3 levels were significantly induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone; while E75 levels were minimally affected. These results are consistent with the premise that transcription of HR3 is regulated by ecdysteroids in the crustacean D. magna and that HR3 likely serves as a mediator of ecdysteroid regulatory action in crustaceans. The marginal induction of E75 by 20-hydroxyecdysone may represent limited, tissue or cell-type-specific induction of this transcription factor.

The Drosophila nuclear receptors DHR3 and betaFTZ-F1 control overlapping developmental responses in late embryos

Studies of the onset of metamorphosis have identified an ecdysone-triggered transcriptional cascade that consists of the sequential expression of the transcription-factor-encoding genes DHR3, betaFTZ-F1, E74A and E75A. Although the regulatory interactions between these genes have been well characterized by genetic and molecular studies over the past 20 years, their developmental functions have remained more poorly understood. In addition, a transcriptional sequence similar to that observed in prepupae is repeated before each developmental transition in the life cycle, including mid-embryogenesis and the larval molts. Whether the regulatory interactions between DHR3, betaFTZ-F1, E74A and E75A at these earlier stages are similar to those defined at the onset of metamorphosis, however, is unknown. In this study, we turn to embryonic development to address these two issues. We show that mid-embryonic expression of DHR3 and betaFTZ-F1 is part of a 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E)-triggered transcriptional cascade similar to that seen in mid-prepupae, directing maximal expression of E74A and E75A during late embryogenesis. In addition, DHR3 and betaFTZ-F1 exert overlapping developmental functions at the end of embryogenesis. Both genes are required for tracheal air filling, whereas DHR3 is required for ventral nerve cord condensation and betaFTZ-F1 is required for proper maturation of the cuticular denticles. Rescue experiments support these observations, indicating that DHR3 has essential functions independent from those of betaFTZ-F1. DHR3 and betaFTZ-F1 also contribute to overlapping transcriptional responses during embryogenesis. Taken together, these studies define the lethal phenotypes of DHR3 and betaFTZ-F1 mutants, and provide evidence for functional bifurcation in the 20E-responsive transcriptional cascade.

Biosynthetic enzyme GMP synthetase cooperates with ubiquitin-specific protease 7 in transcriptional regulation of ecdysteroid target genes

Drosophila GMP synthetase binds ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) and is required for its ability to deubiquitylate histone H2B. Previously, we showed that the GMPS/USP7 complex cooperates with the Polycomb silencing system through removal of the active ubiquitin mark from histone H2B (H2Bub). Here, we explored the interplay between GMPS and USP7 further and assessed their role in hormone-regulated gene expression. Genetic analysis established a strong cooperation between GMPS and USP7, which is counteracted by the histone H2B ubiquitin ligase BRE1. Loss of either GMPS or USP7 led to increased levels of histone H2Bub in mutant animals. These in vivo analyses complement our earlier biochemical results, establishing that GMPS/USP7 mediates histone H2B deubiquitylation. We found that GMPS/USP7 binds ecdysone-regulated loci and that mutants display severe misregulation of ecdysone target genes. Ecdysone receptor (EcR) interacts biochemically and genetically with GMPS/USP7. Genetic and gene expression analyses suggested that GMPS/USP7 acts as a transcriptional corepressor. These results revealed the cooperation between a biosynthetic enzyme and a ubiquitin protease in developmental gene control by hormone receptors.

Ecdysteroid hormone action

Several reviews devoted to various aspects of ecdysone research have been published during the last few years. Therefore, this article concentrates mainly on the considerable progress in ecdysone research observed recently, and will cover the results obtained during the last 2 years. The main emphasis is put on the molecular mode of ecdysteroid receptor-mediated hormone action. Two examples of interaction with other hormonal signalling pathways are described, namely crosstalk with juvenile hormone and insulin. Some selected, recently investigated examples of the multitude of hormonal responses are described. Finally, ecological aspects and some practical applications are discussed.

Identification and expression analysis of ras gene in silkworm, Bombyx mori

Ras proteins play important roles in development especially for cell proliferation and differentiation in various organisms. However, their functions in the most insect species are still not clear. We identified three ras cDNAs from the silk worm, Bombyx mori. These sequences corresponded to three Ras of Drosophila melanogaster, but not to three mammalian Ras (H-Ras, K-Ras, N-Ras). Subsequently, the expression profiles of ras were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR using whole body of individuals from the embryonic to adult stages, and various tissues of 4th and 5th instar larvae. Each of three Bombyx ras showed different expression patterns. We also showed membrane localization of their products. These results indicate that the three Bombyx Ras are functional and have different roles.

DNA-binding properties of Drosophila ecdysone receptor isoforms and their modification by the heterodimerization partner ultraspiracle

Transcriptional activity of ecdysone receptor (EcR) isoforms varies considerably and is modified further by the heterodimerization partner and hormone treatment. To investigate whether differences in DNA binding of receptor complexes are responsible for these variations in transcriptional activity, interaction of Drosophila EcR isoforms, and variants of Ultraspiracle (Usp), the orthologue of RXR, with the ecdysone response elements (EcRE) hsp 27, PAL-1, and DR-1, were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Receptor proteins were expressed in vertebrate cells (CHO-K1) in order to rule out an influence of endogenous receptor proteins. In the absence of a heterodimerization partner, weak DNA binding of EcR was detected even without hormone with EcR-A and -B1, but not EcR-B2. In the presence of hormone, all three isoforms show increased binding to the hsp 27 EcRE. The heterodimerization partner Usp increased DNA binding considerably. The hormone effect of heterodimers is more pronounced with both EcR-B isoforms compared to EcR-A. Two specific bands were obtained for EcR-A and B1 but only one band is visible with EcR-B2. Deletion of the C-domain of Usp still allows basal DNA binding of the heterodimer, but in contrast to full-length Usp, addition of hormone decreases the intensity of the retarded receptor band of all EcR isoforms and the EcREs hsp27 and DR-1 considerably, whereas interaction with the EcRE PAL-1 is only slightly affected. Synergistic effects on transcriptional activity are associated with the formation of different receptor DNA-complexes observed with 1xhsp27 and 3xhsp27. Comparison of DNA-binding properties of EcR isoforms and EcR/Usp heterodimers revealed that binding of receptor complexes to hsp 27 EcRE is dependent on the AB domain of EcR and the AB-, C-, and D-domains of the heterodimerization partner. Interaction with the hsp 27 EcRE correlates neither with ligand binding nor with transcriptional activity of the various receptor complexes. We, therefore, conclude that the different receptor functions are regulated separately, for example, by interaction with co-modulators or post-transcriptional modifications.

MicroRNA expression profiling during the life cycle of the silkworm (Bombyx mori)

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed by a wide range of eukaryotic organisms, and function in diverse biological processes. Numerous miRNAs have been identified in Bombyx mori, but the temporal expression profiles of miRNAs corresponding to each stage transition over the entire life cycle of the silkworm remain to be established. To obtain a comprehensive overview of the correlation between miRNA expression and stage transitions, we performed a whole-life test and subsequent stage-by-stage examinations on nearly one hundred miRNAs in the silkworm.

RESULTS

Our results show that miRNAs display a wide variety of expression profiles over the whole life of the silkworm, including continuous expression from embryo to adult (miR-184), up-regulation over the entire life cycle (let-7 and miR-100), down-regulation over the entire life cycle (miR-124), expression associated with embryogenesis (miR-29 and miR-92), up-regulation from early 3rd instar to pupa (miR-275), and complementary pulses in expression between miR-34b and miR-275. Stage-by-stage examinations revealed further expression patterns, such as emergence at specific time-points during embryogenesis and up-regulation of miRNA groups in late embryos (miR-1 and bantam), expression associated with stage transition between instar and molt larval stages (miR-34b), expression associated with silk gland growth and spinning activity (miR-274), continuous high expression from the spinning larval to pupal and adult stages (miR-252 and miR-31a), a coordinate expression trough in day 3 pupae of both sexes (miR-10b and miR-281), up-regulation in pupal metamorphosis of both sexes (miR-29b), and down-regulation in pupal metamorphosis of both sexes (miR-275).

CONCLUSION

We present the full-scale expression profiles of miRNAs throughout the life cycle of Bombyx mori. The whole-life expression profile was further investigated via stage-by-stage analysis. Our data provide an important resource for more detailed functional analysis of miRNAs in this animal.

Ecdysone receptor acts in fruitless- expressing neurons to mediate drosophila courtship behaviors

In Drosophila melanogaster, fruitless (fru) encodes male-specific transcription factors (FRU(M); encoded by fru P1) required for courtship behaviors (reviewed in). However, downstream effectors of FRU(M) throughout development are largely unknown. During metamorphosis the nervous system is remodeled for adult function, the timing of which is coordinated by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysone) through the ecdysone receptor, a heterodimer of the nuclear receptors EcR (isoforms are EcR-A, EcR-B1, or EcR-B2) and Ultraspiracle (USP) (reviewed in). Here, we show that genes identified as regulated downstream of FRU(M) during metamorphosis are significantly overrepresented with genes known to be regulated in response to ecdysone or EcR. FRU(M) and EcR isoforms are coexpressed in neurons in the CNS during metamorphosis in an isoform-specific manner. Reduction of EcR-A levels in fru P1-expressing neurons of males caused a significant increase in male-male courtship activity and significant reduction in size of two antennal lobe glomeruli. Additional genes were identified that are regulated downstream of EcR-A in fru P1-expressing neurons. Thus, EcR-A is required in fru P1-expressing neurons for wild-type male courtship behaviors and the establishment of male-specific neuronal architecture.

Molecular determinants of juvenile hormone action as revealed by 3D QSAR analysis in Drosophila

BACKGROUND

Postembryonic development, including metamorphosis, of many animals is under control of hormones. In Drosophila and other insects these developmental transitions are regulated by the coordinate action of two principal hormones, the steroid ecdysone and the sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH). While the mode of ecdysone action is relatively well understood, the molecular mode of JH action remains elusive.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

To gain more insights into the molecular mechanism of JH action, we have tested the biological activity of 86 structurally diverse JH agonists in Drosophila melanogaster. The results were evaluated using 3D QSAR analyses involving CoMFA and CoMSIA procedures. Using this approach we have generated both computer-aided and species-specific pharmacophore fingerprints of JH and its agonists, which revealed that the most active compounds must possess an electronegative atom (oxygen or nitrogen) at both ends of the molecule. When either of these electronegative atoms are replaced by carbon or the distance between them is shorter than 11.5 A or longer than 13.5 A, their biological activity is dramatically decreased. The presence of an electron-deficient moiety in the middle of the JH agonist is also essential for high activity.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The information from 3D QSAR provides guidelines and mechanistic scope for identification of steric and electrostatic properties as well as donor and acceptor hydrogen-bonding that are important features of the ligand-binding cavity of a JH target protein. In order to refine the pharmacophore analysis and evaluate the outcomes of the CoMFA and CoMSIA study we used pseudoreceptor modeling software PrGen to generate a putative binding site surrogate that is composed of eight amino acid residues corresponding to the defined molecular interactions.

Juvenile hormone counteracts the bHLH-PAS transcription factors MET and GCE to prevent caspase-dependent programmed cell death in Drosophila

Juvenile hormone (JH) regulates many developmental and physiological events in insects, but its molecular mechanism remains conjectural. Here we report that genetic ablation of the corpus allatum cells of the Drosophilaring gland (the JH source) resulted in JH deficiency, pupal lethality and precocious and enhanced programmed cell death (PCD) of the larval fat body. In the fat body of the JH-deficient animals, Dronc and Drice,two caspase genes that are crucial for PCD induced by the molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), were significantly upregulated. These results demonstrated that JH antagonizes 20E-induced PCD by restricting the mRNA levels of Dronc and Drice. The antagonizing effect of JH on 20E-induced PCD in the fat body was further confirmed in the JH-deficient animals by 20E treatment and RNA interference of the 20E receptor EcR. Moreover, MET and GCE, the bHLH-PAS transcription factors involved in JH action, were shown to induce PCD by upregulating Droncand Drice. In the Met- and gce-deficient animals, Dronc and Drice were downregulated, whereas in the Met-overexpression fat body, Dronc and Drice were significantly upregulated leading to precocious and enhanced PCD, and this upregulation could be suppressed by application of the JH agonist methoprene. For the first time, we demonstrate that JH counteracts MET and GCE to prevent caspase-dependent PCD in controlling fat body remodeling and larval-pupal metamorphosis in Drosophila.

Drosophila DHR38 nuclear receptor is required for adult cuticle integrity at eclosion

DHR38 is the only Drosophila member of the NR4A subclass of vertebrate nuclear receptors, which have been implicated in multiple biological pathways, including neuronal function, apoptosis, and metabolism. Although an earlier study identified three point mutations in DHR38, none of these were shown to be a null allele for the locus, leaving it unclear whether a complete loss of DHR38 function might uncover novel roles for the receptor. Here we show that a specific DHR38 null allele, DHR38(Y214), leads to fully penetrant pharate adult lethality, similar to the most severe phenotype associated with the EMS-induced mutations. DHR38(Y214) mutants display minor effects on ecdysone-regulated transcription at the onset of metamorphosis. In contrast, cuticle gene expression is significantly reduced in DHR38(Y214) mutant pupae. These studies define the essential functions of DHR38 and provide a genetic context for further characterization of its roles during development.

Cell cycle quiescence can suppress transcription from an ecdysone receptor–based inducible promoter in mammalian cells

Inducible gene expression is a powerful tool for basic research, gene therapy and biotechnology, whose utility depends in part on consistent levels of induction regardless of metabolic status or physiological context. Here we examined the inducibility of the ecdysone receptor–based RheoSwitch mammalian inducible expression system in proliferating cells and in cell cycle–arrested cells. We found that both contact inhibition and growth arrest subsequent to serum deprivation dramatically reduced the levels of induction of reporter genes that could be achieved in 3T3 fibroblasts but in not NMuMG mammary epithelial cells. These data have implications for the use of the RheoSwitch system in inducible gene expression applications.

Hormonal and nutritional regulation of insect fat body development and function

The insect fat body is an organ analogue to vertebrate adipose tissue and liver and functions as a major organ for nutrient storage and energy metabolism. Similar to other larval organs, fat body undergoes a developmental "remodeling" process during the period of insect metamorphosis, with the massive destruction of obsolete larval tissues by programmed cell death and the simultaneous growth and differentiation of adult tissues from small clusters of progenitor cells. Genetic ablation of Drosophila fat body cells during larval-pupal transition results in lethality at the late pupal stage and changes sizes of other larval organs indicating that fat body is the center for pupal development and adult formation. Fat body development and function are largely regulated by several hormonal (i.e. insulin and ecdysteroids) and nutritional signals, including oncogenes and tumor suppressors in these pathways. Combining silkworm physiology with fruitfly genetics might provide a valuable system to understand the mystery of hormonal regulation of insect fat body development and function.

New players in the regulation of ecdysone biosynthesis

Insect ecdysone steroid hormone regulates major developmental transitions, such as molting and metamorphosis. The production of ecdysone correlates well with the timing of these transitions. Finding out how the ecdysone biosynthesis is regulated is crucial to fully understand these sophisticated developmental switches. Here we summarized recent findings in the regulation of ecdysone biosynthesis from the aspects of cell signaling, key biosynthetic enzymes and substrate cholesterol trafficking.