Regulatory Determinants of JH-esterase Activity Polymorphism

该提案的基本目标是确定导致蟋蟀Gryllus rubens个体产生高或低量的关键酶幼年激素酯酶的生理机制。高酶浓度使个体发育成长翅膀，分散形式，而低酶浓度导致发育成短翅膀，不会飞的成虫。这项研究将阐明激素调控昆虫重要发育过程的机制。由于产生的幼年激素酯酶的数量是由遗传决定的，因此这项研究对于确定激素调控发育的遗传方面将特别重要。此外，这些高酶基因型和低酶基因型在田间自然发现。因此，这项研究还将确定进化是如何改变发育以产生新的表型（在这种情况下是短翼，不飞行的形式）。这是目前进化中最重要但却鲜为人知的方面之一。最后，本研究提供了昆虫发育调控方面的信息，为试图通过破坏昆虫发育来控制昆虫种群的应用研究提供了重要的背景信息。//

The basic goal of this proposal is to determine the physiological mechanisms that cause individuals of the cricket Gryllus rubens to produce either a high or low amount of the key enzyme juvenile hormone esterase. High enzyme concentration causes individuals to develop into a long-winged, dispersing form while low enzyme concentration causes the development of short-winged, flightless adults. This research will clarify the mechanisms by which hormones regulate important developmental processes in insects. Since amount of juvenile hormone esterase produced is genetically determined, this study will be especially important in identifying genetic aspects of the hormonal regulation of development. In addition, these high and low-enzyme genotypes of G. rubens are found naturally in the field. Thus, this study will also identify how evolution is altering development to produce a new phenotype (short-winged, non-flying form in this case). This is currently one of the most important but poorly understood aspects of evolution. Last, by providing information on the regulation of development, this study will provide important background information for applied studies that attempt to disrupt development to control insect populations. //