Resumen de Endocrine control of insect metamorphosis: Characterization of the "metamorphic gene network
Insect metamorphosis is controlled by several genes that are regulated by two hormones, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH). These genes, E93, Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) and Broad-complex (Br-C), form a network of transcription factors defined as the “Gene Metamorphic Network” (MGN). Changes in the regulation of the MGN underlie evolution of complete metamorphosis. However, knowledge about the MGN in different insect types is scarce. This thesis works towards the characterization of the regulation and function of the MGN. First, we have characterized two larval size-assessment checkpoints that regulate the onset of metamorphosis in the coleopteran Tribolium castaneum by controlling the stage-specific expression of the MGN. Second, we have characterized the MGN in the neotenic Strepsipteran Xenos vesparum, and found that neoteny could result from modifications in E93, Br-C and Kr-h1 expression. Finally, we have characterized the role of the EGFR pathway in the regulation of 20E biosynthesis in T. castaneum
