A collaborative research group led by Assistant Professor Yoshiyasu Ishimaru and Associate Professor Taro Mito in the Department of Biomolecular Function, Faculty of Bioresources and Industry, Tokushima University, has discovered a new mechanism for controlling the change (transformation) from larvae to adults. Announced.This result is a result of joint research between Tokushima University and Okayama University.

 Juvenile hormone (JH) is a hormone that promotes the growth of larvae and suppresses metamorphosis into adults, and it is necessary to suppress the synthesis of JH for metamorphosis.It has been reported that methyltransferase (jhamt) is important for the JH synthesis, but the mechanism of regulation of jhamt expression was unknown.

 This time, the research group used crickets to investigate the function of the TGF-β signal, which is one of the major cell proliferation signals. When the function of Dpp / gbb, which is a TGF-β family factor, was suppressed, the JH concentration decreased due to the decreased expression of jhmat, and the body size was reduced and precocious metamorphosis occurred at all stages of the last-instar larvae.In addition, in individuals that suppressed the function of Myoglianin, which is a TGF-β family factor, jhamt expression and JH level increased and could not be transformed into adults, and excessive molting was repeated as larvae, eventually growing into giant larvae. bottom.From this, the Dpp / gbb signal positively regulates jhamt expression (ON), while the Myoglianin signal functions as a negative (OFF) inhibitory action, which induces metamorphosis and adultification. Turned out.Furthermore, we clarified the molecular mechanism of new JH synthesis that suppresses jhamt expression.

 In the future, we will proceed with the development of a new pest control agent (insect growth inhibitor) focusing on the TGF-β signal pathway, and insects (especially crickets) are attracting attention as a new protein source. It will be applied to the production of edible and feed for crickets.On the other hand, Myoglianin is a muscle formation inhibitor, and we hope to contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of muscle mass increase due to the inhibition.

Tokushima University

Learn for yourself and deepen your quest. Fostering "human power = power to live better"

In 2019, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of our founding, and it is a comprehensive university with 6 faculties (faculty of science, medical school, dentistry, pharmacy, science and engineering, faculty of bioresource industry) and 2 campuses.Through a wide range of academic fields, we develop human resources who have a broad perspective, take a bird's-eye view of things, and are backed by high ethics and are rich in humanity.The whole university is united […]

Okayama University

Promote the creation of an environment and system that can fly as a practitioner who can play an active role globally

A national university with 150 faculties, 10 graduate schools, and 7 research institutes, which is about 4 years old.Based on the results of advanced research activities, we can cultivate the ability of students to participate in "creation of knowledge" independently, and foster a rich humanity through close dialogues and discussions between students and faculty members. In a wide range of fields both domestically and internationally […]

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