Meeting Abstract
Metamorphosis is characterized by dramatic morphological changes during the life cycle of an organism. In many insects, metamorphosis is triggered by a size-dependent mechanism, which involves the interaction of prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), ecdysone, and juvenile hormone (JH). However, how these endocrine regulators interact to influence the transcriptional regulation of hormone production remains unclear. The POU (Pit-Oct-Unc) factor Ventral veins lacking (Vvl) has been shown to play an important role in the transcriptional regulation of insect metamorphosis. Thus, the expressions of vvl and cytochrome P450 genes in the prothoracic glands of Manduca sexta were evaluated in hormone treated and starved animals. Our findings suggest that nutrition and hormones affect the transcription of vvl and the ecdysteroid biosynthesis genes in Manduca. We discuss how these gene expression profiles relate to known body size thresholds in Manduca.
