Impact of JH Signaling on Reproductive Physiology of the Classical Insect Model, <i>Rhodnius prolixus</i>
In adult females of several insect species, juvenile hormones (JHs) act as gonadotrophic hormones, regulating egg production. JH binds to its nuclear receptor, Methoprene tolerant (Met), triggering its dimerization with the protein Taiman (Tai). The resulting active complex induces transcription of...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2022-11-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/22/13832 |
| Summary: | In adult females of several insect species, juvenile hormones (JHs) act as gonadotrophic hormones, regulating egg production. JH binds to its nuclear receptor, Methoprene tolerant (Met), triggering its dimerization with the protein Taiman (Tai). The resulting active complex induces transcription of JH response genes, such as Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1). In this study we report for the first time the participation of the isoform JH III skipped bisepoxide (JHSB<sub>3</sub>) and its signaling pathway in the reproductive fitness of the classical insect model <i>Rhodnius prolixus</i>. The topical application of synthetic JHSB<sub>3</sub> increases transcript and protein expression of yolk protein precursors (YPPs), mainly by the fat body but also by the ovaries, the second source of YPPs. These results are also confirmed by ex vivo assays. In contrast, when the JH signaling cascade is impaired via RNA interference by downregulating <i>RhoprMet</i> and <i>RhoprTai</i> mRNA, egg production is inhibited. Although <i>RhoprKr-h1</i> transcript expression is highly dependent on JHSB<sub>3</sub> signaling, it is not involved in egg production but rather in successful hatching. This research contributes missing pieces of JH action in the insect model in which JH was first postulated almost 100 years ago. |
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| ISSN: | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |