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Shirai Y, Ono H, Daimon T. Redundant actions of neuropeptides encoded by the dh-pban gene for larval color pattern formation in the oriental armyworm Mythimnaseparata. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 157:103955. [PMID: 37146697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The pyrokinin (PK)/pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) family, which is defined by a conserved C-terminal pentapeptide (FXPRLamide), is involved in many physiological processes in insects. In the oriental armyworm Mythimna separata, the larvae exhibit a variety of color patterns in response to changes in population density, which are caused by melanization and a reddish coloration hormone (MRCH), which is a member of the FXPRLamide neuropeptides. Interestingly, in some lepidopteran insects, MRCH is known as a PBAN, which activates the pheromone gland to produce sex pheromones. PBAN is encoded by a single gene, dh-pban, which encodes additional FXPRLamide neuropeptides, such as the diapause hormone (DH) and subesophageal ganglion neuropeptides (SGNPs). To determine the roles of the dh-pban gene, which produces multiple types of FXPRLamide neuropeptides after post-transcriptional cleavage of the precursor protein, we performed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis in M. separata. We demonstrated that knockout armyworm larvae lost density-dependent cuticular melanization and retained yellow body color, even when reared under crowded conditions. Moreover, our rescue experiments using the synthetic peptides showed that not only PBAN but also β- and γ-SGNPs significantly induce the cuticular melanization in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, our results provide genetic evidence that neuropeptides encoded by the single dh-pban gene act redundantly to control density-dependent color pattern formation in M. separata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shirai
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hajime Ono
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takaaki Daimon
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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Francikowski J, Krzyżowski M, Kochańska B, Potrzebska M, Baran B, Chajec Ł, Urbisz A, Małota K, Łozowski B, Kloc M, Kubiak J. Characterisation of white and yellow eye colour mutant strains of house cricket, Acheta domesticus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216281. [PMID: 31059541 PMCID: PMC6502451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Two eye-colour mutant strains, white (W) and yellow (Y) of house cricket Acheta domesticus were established in our laboratory. We phenotyped and genotyped the mutants, performed genetic crossings and studied the eye structure and pigment composition using light and electron microscopy and biochemical analysis. We show that W and Y phenotypes are controlled by a single autosomal recessive allele, as both traits are metabolically independent. The analysis of the mutants`eye structure showed a reduced number of dark pigment granules while simultaneously, and an increased amount of light vacuoles in white eye mutants was observed. Significant differences in eye pigment composition between strains were also found. The Y mutant had a lower number of ommochromes, while the W mutant had a lower number of ommochromes and pteridines. This indicates that mutated genes are involved in two different, independent metabolic pathways regulating tryptophan metabolism enzymes, pigment transporter granules or pigment granule formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Francikowski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Michał Krzyżowski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Kochańska
- The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marta Potrzebska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Bartosz Baran
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Chajec
- Department of Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Urbisz
- Department of Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Karol Małota
- Department of Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Bartosz Łozowski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston,Texas, United States of America
- The Houston Methodist Hospital, Department of Surgery, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Genetics, Houston Texas, United States of America
| | - Jacek Kubiak
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), Warsaw, Poland
- UnivRennes, CNRS, IGDR (Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes), UMR 6290, Cell Cycle Group, Faculty of Medicine, Rennes, France
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3
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Genetic Basis of Melanin Pigmentation in Butterfly Wings. Genetics 2017; 205:1537-1550. [PMID: 28193726 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.196451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the variety, prominence, and adaptive significance of butterfly wing patterns, surprisingly little is known about the genetic basis of wing color diversity. Even though there is intense interest in wing pattern evolution and development, the technical challenge of genetically manipulating butterflies has slowed efforts to functionally characterize color pattern development genes. To identify candidate wing pigmentation genes, we used RNA sequencing to characterize transcription across multiple stages of butterfly wing development, and between different color pattern elements, in the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui This allowed us to pinpoint genes specifically associated with red and black pigment patterns. To test the functions of a subset of genes associated with presumptive melanin pigmentation, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome editing in four different butterfly genera. pale, Ddc, and yellow knockouts displayed reduction of melanin pigmentation, consistent with previous findings in other insects. Interestingly, however, yellow-d, ebony, and black knockouts revealed that these genes have localized effects on tuning the color of red, brown, and ochre pattern elements. These results point to previously undescribed mechanisms for modulating the color of specific wing pattern elements in butterflies, and provide an expanded portrait of the insect melanin pathway.
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Hanley D, Miller NG, Flockhart DT, Norris DR. Forewing pigmentation predicts migration distance in wild-caught migratory monarch butterflies. Behav Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/art037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Hiruma K, Riddiford LM. The molecular mechanisms of cuticular melanization: the ecdysone cascade leading to dopa decarboxylase expression in Manduca sexta. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 39:245-253. [PMID: 19552890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 01/13/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Many insect developmental color changes are known to be regulated by both ecdysone and juvenile hormone. Yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation have not been well understood. This review highlights the hormonal mechanisms involved in the regulation of two key enzymes [dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and phenoloxidase] necessary for insect cuticular melanization, and the molecular action of 20-hydroxyecdysone on various transcription factors leading to DDC expression at the end of a larval molt in Manduca sexta. In addition, the ecdysone cascade found in M. sexta is compared with that of other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Hiruma
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan.
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Zheng L, Lytle C, Njauw CN, Altstein M, Martins-Green M. Cloning and characterization of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor gene in Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Gene 2007; 393:20-30. [PMID: 17379458 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 12/27/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In noctuid moths cuticular pigmentation is regulated by the pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PK/PBAN) family, which also mediates a variety of other functions in moths and other insects. Numerous studies have shown that these neuropeptides exert their functions through activation of the PBAN receptor (PBAN-R), with subsequent Ca(2+) influx, followed by either activation of cAMP or direct activation of downstream kinases. Recently, several PBAN-Rs have been identified, all of which are from the pheromone gland of adult female moths, but evidence shows that functional PK/PBAN-Rs can also be expressed in insect larvae, where they mediate melanization and possibly other functions (e.g., diapause). Here, we identified a gene encoding a G-protein-coupled receptor from the 5th instar larval tissue of the moth Spodoptera littoralis. The cDNA of this gene contains an open reading frame with a length of 1050 nucleotides, which translates to a 350-amino acid, 42-kDa protein that shares 92% amino acid identity with Helicoverpa zea and Helicoverpa armigera PBAN-R, 81% with Bombyx mori PBAN-R and 72% with Plutella xylostella PBAN-R. The S. littoralis PBAN-R gene was stably expressed in NIH3T3 cells and transiently in HEK293 cells. We show that it mediates the dose-dependent PBAN-induced intracellular Ca(2+) response and activation of the MAP kinase via a PKC-dependent but Galphai-independent signaling mechanism. Other PK/PBAN family peptides (pheromonotropin and a C-terminally PBAN-derived peptide PBAN(28-33)NH(2)) also triggered MAP kinase activation. This receptor, together with the previously cloned PBAN-R, may facilitate our understanding of the cell-specific responses and functional diversities of this diverse neuropeptide family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zheng
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
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7
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Ben-Aziz O, Zeltser I, Bhargava K, Davidovitch M, Altstein M. Backbone cyclic pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) antagonists: inhibition of melanization in the moth Spodoptera littoralis (Insecta, Lepidoptera). Peptides 2006; 27:2147-56. [PMID: 16730096 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2006] [Revised: 04/02/2006] [Accepted: 04/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Antagonistic and agonistic activities of backbone cyclic (BBC) pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) analogues were evaluated in an attempt to identify potent melanotropic antagonists, to gain an insight into their structure-activity relationship (SAR), and to discover molecules with selective and non-selective melanotropic and pheromonotropic properties. Eight potent melanotropic BBC antagonists and seven agonists were disclosed. SAR studies revealed that the structural requirements of the melanotropic and pheromonotropic agonists and antagonists are different. The cyclic structure of the BBC peptides was unimportant for antagonistic activity, and linearization retained their melanotropic and pheromonotropic antagonistic properties. Comparison of the antagonistic activities of the BBC and precyclic peptides with respect to both functions revealed eight selective antagonists (six that were selective melanotropic antagonists and two selective pheromonotropic antagonists) and four non-selective (melanotropic and pheromonotropic) antagonists. The selective melanotropic antagonists exhibited both, pure or mixed agonistic/antagonistic activities. The selective pheromonotropic compounds were pure antagonists. All non-selective compounds were pure antagonists. Comparison of the agonistic activities of the BBC peptides with respect to both functions revealed six selective melanotropic agonists and one non-selective agonistic compound. All compounds (whether selective or non-selective) exhibited pure agonistic activity. Discovery of the selective compounds hints at the possibility that the receptors that mediate the respective activities may have different properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna Ben-Aziz
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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8
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Ben-Aziz O, Zeltser I, Altstein M. PBAN selective antagonists: inhibition of PBAN induced cuticular melanization and sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2005; 51:305-314. [PMID: 15749113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2004.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2004] [Revised: 11/18/2004] [Accepted: 11/19/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A D-Phe scan (sequential D-Phe replacement) library of linear peptides, synthesized on the basis of a slightly modified active sequence of PBAN (YFSPRL-amide) was employed to detect potential inhibitors of cuticular melanization in Spodoptera littoralis larvae and to compare their stimulatory and inhibitory melanization activity with their pheromonotropic agonistic and antagonistic activities. A quantitative melanotropic assay was used to monitor the extent of cuticular melanization elicited by Hez-PBAN1-33NH2 in S. littoralis larvae in the presence and absence of the D-Phe peptides. The data revealed the presence of two partial melanotropic antagonists, and disclosed the presence of selective pure melanotropic agonists and pure pheromonotropic antagonists indicating differences in the inhibitory and stimulatory patterns of the library with respect to both activities. The differences between the pheromonotropic and melanotropic inhibitory patterns of the peptides hints at the possibility that sex pheromone biosynthesis in the pheromone gland of Heliothis peltigera females and induction of cuticular melanization in S. littoralis may be mediated by different receptors (that may result either from presence of different receptor sub-types or may reflect species differences in receptor structure and/or properties) despite the fact that they are induced by the same peptide (PBAN1-33NH2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna Ben-Aziz
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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9
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Raina AK, Kingan TG, Kochansky JP. A pheromonotropic peptide of Helicoverpa zea, with melanizing activity, interaction with PBAN, and distribution of immunoreactivity. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2003; 53:147-157. [PMID: 12886513 DOI: 10.1002/arch.10094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The sequence of an 18-amino acid residue peptide was deduced from the gene encoding PBAN and other peptides with common C-termini in Helicoverpa zea. The peptide caused melanization in larvae and pheromone production in females of H. zea, and was designated pheromonotropic melanizing peptide (Hez-PMP). The peptide has a 83% sequence homology with a pheromonotropic peptide isolated from Pseudaletia separata. PMP caused melanization and mortality when injected into larvae just before molting. Whereas intense melanization was caused with a dose of 1,000 pmol, peak mortality occurred at 100 pmol, with 50% of larvae dying within 48 h after injection. Pheromonotropic activity of PMP was dose dependent. Co-injection of Hez-PMP and Hez-PBAN into a female resulted in suppression of the pheromonotropic effect of PBAN. Whole-mount immunocytochemical studies revealed PMP-like immunoreactivity in frontal ganglion, subesophageal, thoracic, and abdominal ganglia as well as the esophageal nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok K Raina
- Formosan Subterranean Termite Research unit, USDA, ARS, New Orleans, Louisiana 70179, USA.
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Bitondi MM, Mora IM, Simões ZL, Figueiredo VL. The Apis mellifera pupal melanization program is affected by treatment with a juvenile hormone analogue. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 44:499-507. [PMID: 12770170 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1910(97)00113-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Apis mellifera treated during different developmental phases with pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analogue, show profound alterations in cuticular pigmentation and sclerotization. When the treatment is effected during the feeding phase of the fifth larval instar (LF5), the pupal development is blocked and pigmentation does not occur. Treatment of older larvae, at the spinning phase of the fifth larval instar (LS5), of prepupae (PP) or pupae at the beginning of the pupal period (Pw, white-eyed, unpigmented cuticle pupae) does not impair pigmentation, but, instead, this process is accelerated, intensified and abnormal. Hormonal treatment during these developmental phases (LS5, PP and Pw) induces earlier activity of phenoloxidase, an enzyme of the reaction chain leading to melanin synthesis. Treated pupae have significantly higher enzymatic levels and show a graded response in phenoloxidase activity after treatment with 0.1, 1 or 5&mgr;g pyriproxyfen. Besides pigmentation, other developmental events were also altered in treated bees: pupal development was shortened, and the expression of esterase-6 activity, the onset of which coincides with the beginning of pigmentation, was shifted with the precocious initiation of this process in treated pupae. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the mode of hormonal action on cuticular pigmentation in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M.G. Bitondi
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Biologia, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-901 SP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Tips A, Schoofs L, Paemen L, Ma M, Blackburn M, Raina A, De Loop A. Co-localization of locustamyotropin- and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of five insect species. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(93)90501-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Hiruma K, Riddiford LM. Molecular mechanisms of cuticular melanization in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.) (Lepidoptera : Sphingidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/0020-7322(93)90003-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Sakurai S, Ohtaki T, Mori H, Fujiwhara M, Mori K. Biological activity of enantiomerically pure forms of insect juvenile hormone I and III inBombyx mori. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02027321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Matsumoto S, Isogai A, Suzuki A. Isolation and amino terminal sequence of melanization and reddish coloration hormone (MRCH) from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1986. [DOI: 10.1016/0020-1790(86)90113-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Matsumoto S, Isogai A, Suzuki A. N-terminal amino acid sequence of an insect neurohormone, melanization and reddish coloration hormone (MRCH): heterogeneity and sequence homology with human insulin-like growth factor II. FEBS Lett 1985; 189:115-8. [PMID: 3896851 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(85)80853-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
An insect neurohormone, melanization and reddish coloration hormone (MRCH), is responsible for cuticular melanization and epidermal red pigmentation in the armyworm. The three molecular forms of MRCH were isolated from adult heads of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, and their N-terminal amino acid sequences revealed a sequence homology with the C-terminal region of human insulin-like growth factor-II as well as N-terminal heterogeneity of MRCHs.
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Hiruma K, Riddiford LM. Regulation of melanization of tobacco hornworm larval cuticle in vitro. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1984; 230:393-403. [PMID: 6431050 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402300308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
When tobacco hornworm larvae (Manduca sexta) are allatectomized 5-6 hr before head capsule slippage in the molt to the fifth (final) larval instar, the new cuticle melanizes 3 hr before ecdysis. After explantation between 7 and 3 hr before the onset of melanization, the new cuticle was found to melanize in vitro in Grace's medium only if beta-alanine was removed. When explanted at the onset of melanization, the presence of beta-alanine had no effect on melanization. The addition of either dopa or dopamine was found to be necessary for complete melanization of pieces explanted before the onset of melanization with 0.3 mM of either dopa or dopamine being optimal. Both of these compounds were incorporated into the cuticular melanin. In this optimal medium, melanization occurred over about a 9-hr period after a 5- to 6-hr lag period presumably required for adjustment to the medium. Fifty ng/ml 20-hydroxyecdysone was found to inhibit melanization of pieces explanted 7 hr but not 3 hr before melanization. The hormone neither inhibited uptake of dopa into the epidermis nor prevented melanization in the cuticle once the prophenoloxidase in the premelanin granules was activated. Therefore, 20-hydroxyecdysone may inhibit the activation of the phenoloxidase in the pre-melanin granules, or may inhibit the incorporation of dopa into the granules.
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