The mode of action of juvenile hormone and ecdysone: towards an epi-endocrinological paradigm?

摘要: In some insect species, two sites of juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis have been reported: the very well documented corpora allata that secrete JH for "general use", and reproductive system, in particular male accessory glands, which function sometimes huge amounts (e.g. Hyalophora cecropia) remains to be clarified. A recent finding Schistocerca gregaria, namely suppression ecdysteroid peak preceding a molt by RNAi Halloween genes spook, phantom shade does not impede normal molting, challenges (never experimentally proven) classical concept such is causally linked molt. Recent developments epigenetic control gene expression both honey bee locusts suggest that, addition scheme hormone-receptor (membrane- and/or nuclear) mode action, there may third way. Upon combining these other orphan data do fit commonly accepted textbook schemes, we here advance working hypothesis ecdysone might important but overlooked players expression, at extreme concentrations (peak values or total absence). this review, put forward how epi-endocrinology can complement arthropod endocrinology.