Does the Nuclear Receptor USP Integrate Methyl Farnesoate Signaling During Metamorphosis?

该研究项目将调查昆虫中一种以前未被怀疑的激素机制，该机制参与调节未成熟组织成熟为成虫形式。 具体而言，该项目将询问无脊椎动物核激素受体Ultraspicacle是否有必要与激素甲基法呢酸结合，以使未成熟的器官和组织适当分化为成年对应物（特别是在变态期间）。 这一假设将在活的模式生物果蝇中从两个不同的方向进行测试：（1）通过挑战在果蝇中发现的天然内部法尼酸甲酯结合突变的核受体的能力，以及（2）通过用非天然水平的法尼酸甲酯挑战天然受体。 该项目将对美国的科学和经济产生两个重大影响。 首先，该项目将为本科生提供现代分子生物学技术的高级培训。 第二，该项目可能提供关于昆虫特有的一种新的和脆弱的激素途径的重要信息（包括那些对经济上重要的作物造成损害的昆虫）。 这些知识可以用于开发选择性的靶标，因此是安全的昆虫控制剂

This research project will investigate a previously unsuspected hormonal mechanism in insects that is involved in regulating the maturation of immature tissues into their adult form. Specifically, the project will ask whether it is necessary for the invertebrate nuclear hormone receptor Ultraspiracle to bind to the hormone methyl farnesoate for proper differentiation of immature organs and tissues into their adult counterpart (especially during metamorphosis). This hypothesis will be tested in a living model organism, the fruit fly, from two different directions: (1) by challenging the ability of the natural internal methyl farnesoate found in the fly to bind mutated nuclear receptors, and (2) by challenging the natural receptor with unnatural levels of methyl farnesoate. This project will have two significant impacts on science and the economy in the United States. First, this project will provide advanced training for undergraduates in modern techniques of molecular biology. Second, this project may provide important information on a new and vulnerable hormonal pathway, specific to insects (including those that cause damage to economically important crops). This knowledge can be used in the development of target of selective, and therefore safe, insect control agents