Collaborative Research on The Molecular Identification and Cellular Location of Bursicon, The Insect Cuticle Sclerotizing Hormone

University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

The insect neurohormone bursicon is essential for formation of the insect hard outer cuticle. Although discovered in 1935, bursicon and its action have remained poorly understood. The primary aim of this collaborative project is the characterization of the gene sequence coding for this ubiquitous insect neurohormone. Degenerate primers derived from several partial amino acid sequences of cockroach bursicon will be used to amplify bursicon cDNA from messenger RNA by reverse transcription and PCR. In addition, existing cDNA libraries from other insects will be used for screening with probes derived from PCR. Knowledge of the full sequence of bursicon will facilitate identification of the bursicon active site and its receptor. Because insects 'wear' their skeletons on the outside, they must periodically shed them as they grow or metamorphose. During each molt cycle, new cuticle must be synthesized. The hormone bursicon, triggers the hardening of the new cuticle once the old cuticle has been shed. Cuticular hardening provides not only protection, but also a framework for muscle attachment enabling locomotion. Clearly, interference with bursicon release or its actions will result in the death of the animal. This investigation will provide a basis for new methods of biological pest management by disrupting the function of bursicon.