Meeting Abstract
Hormones are necessary for the proper growth and development of multicellular organisms. However, the development of endocrine glands and transcriptional regulation of hormone biosynthesis remain elusive. Recent studies have demonstrated that the POU transcription factor, Ventral veins lacking (Vvl), plays a major role in ecdysone and juvenile hormone production in several holometabolous insects. In this project, we explored the roles of Vvl in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, and the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, and examined the potential mechanism by which Vvl regulates hormone biosynthesis. Knockdown of Vvl prevented molting in both species and vvl expression was found in the prothoracic glands of both species. Our current efforts are directed towards investigating the mechanism of gland development in Tribolium and possible interactions with other major signaling pathways. Given that POU factors also play major endocrine roles in vertebrates, regulation of endocrine processes may share deep homology.
