Affiliation:
1. Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Maritim 37, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Abstract
Insect metamorphosis originated around the middle Devonian, associated with the innovation of the final molt; this occurs after the histolysis of the prothoracic gland (PG; which produces the molting hormone) in the first days of adulthood. We previously hypothesized that transcription factor E93 was crucial in the emergence of metamorphosis, since it triggers metamorphosis in extant insects. This work on the cockroach Blattella germanica reveals that E93 also plays a crucial role in the histolysis of PG, which fits the above hypothesis. Previous studies have shown that the transcription factor FTZ-F1 is essential for PG histolysis. We have found that FTZ-F1 depletion, towards the end of the final nymphal instar, downregulates the expression of E93, while E93-depleted nymphs molt to adults that retain a functional PG. Interestingly, these adults are able to molt again, which is exceptional in insects. The study of insects able to molt again in the adult stage may reveal clues as to how nymphal epidermal cells definitively become adult cells, and if it is possible to revert this process.
Funder
Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
Comissió Interdepartamental de Recerca i Innovació Tecnològica
Publisher
The Company of Biologists
Subject
Developmental Biology,Molecular Biology
Cited by
10 articles.
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