A5074485304- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Insect and Pesticide Research
- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Plant and animal studies
- Insects and Parasite Interactions
- Plant Reproductive Biology
- Cephalopods and Marine Biology
- Biochemical and Structural Characterization
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Molecular Biology Techniques and Applications
- Receptor Mechanisms and Signaling
- Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation
- Insect Pheromone Research and Control
- Plant Surface Properties and Treatments
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- RNA Research and Splicing
IMEC
2020-2025
KU Leuven
2014-2024
University of Sousse
2020
University of Toronto
2013-2015
Zoological Institute
2009-2012
Background The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) displays a fascinating type of phenotypic plasticity, designated as 'phase polyphenism'. Depending on environmental conditions, one genome can be translated into two highly divergent phenotypes, termed the solitarious and gregarious (swarming) phase. Although many underlying molecular events remain elusive, central nervous system (CNS) is expected to play crucial role in phase transition process. Locusts have also proven interesting model...
Ecdysteroid hormones influence the development and reproduction of arthropods by binding a heterodimeric complex nuclear receptors, ecdysone receptor (EcR) retinoid-X-receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP). Here, we report on in vivo role(s) complex, SchgrEcR/SchgrRXR, female reproductive physiology major phytophagous pest insect, i.e. desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Tissue temporal distribution profiles were analysed during first gonadotrophic cycle adult locusts. RNA interference was used...
Independent of the design life cycle any insect, their growth and reproduction are highly choreographed through action two versatile hormones: ecdysteroids juvenile hormones (JH). However, means by which JH can target tissues exert its pleiotropic physiological effects is currently still not completely elucidated. Although identity one receptor elusive, recent evidence seems to point product Methoprene-tolerant gene (Met) as most likely contender in transducing JH. Studies on role this...
Juvenile hormones (JHs) are key regulators of insect development and reproduction. The JH biosynthetic pathway is known to involve 13 discrete enzymatic steps. In the present study, we have characterized in cockroach Diploptera punctata. effect exogenous precursors on biosynthesis was also determined. Based sequence similarity, orthologs for genes directly involved were cloned, their spatial temporal transcript profiles shutting down adult female cockroaches studied by knocking encoding...
Abstract Insects are enclosed in a rigid exoskeleton, providing protection from desiccation and mechanical injury. To allow growth, this armour needs to be replaced regularly process called moulting. Moulting entails the production of new exoskeleton shedding old one is induced by pulse ecdysteroids, which activates peptide-mediated signalling cascade. In Holometabola, ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH) key factor Very little functional information available Hemimetabola, display different...
Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) show an extreme form of phenotypic plasticity and can transform between a cryptic solitarious phase swarming gregarious phase. The two phases differ extensively in behavior, morphology physiology but very little is known about the molecular basis these differences. We used our recently generated Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) database derived from S. gregaria central nervous system (CNS) to design oligonucleotide microarrays compare expression thousands...
Diuretic hormones (DH) related to the vertebrate Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) have been identified in diverse insect species. In migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, CRF-like DH (CRF/DH) is localized same neurosecretory cells as Ovary Maturating Parsin (OMP), a neurohormone that stimulates oocyte growth, vitellogenesis and hemolymph ecdysteroid levels adult female locusts. this study, we investigated whether can influence feeding reproduction desert Schistocerca gregaria. We two...
Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a highly researched insect neuropeptide that induces the mobilization of carbohydrates and lipids from fat body at times high physical activity, such as flight locomotion. As naturally occurring ligand, AKH has undergone quite number amino acid changes throughout evolution, in some species multiple AKHs are present. acts by binding to rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor, which related vertebrate gonadotropin-releasing receptors. In current study, we have...
Live birth (viviparity) has arisen repeatedly and independently among animals. We sequenced the genome transcriptome of viviparous Pacific beetle-mimic cockroach performed comparative analyses with two other insect lineages, tsetse flies aphids, to unravel basis underlying transition viviparity in insects. identified pathways undergoing adaptive evolution for insects, involved urogenital remodeling, tracheal system, heart development, nutrient metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis revealed...
Abstract Juvenile hormones (JH) are key endocrine regulators produced by the corpora allata (CA) of insects. Together with ecdysteroids, as well nutritional cues, JH coordinates different aspects insect postembryonic development and reproduction. The function recently characterized receptor, Methoprene-tolerant (Met), appears to be conserved in processes regulated JH. However, its functional interactions other hormonal signalling pathways seem highly dependent on feeding habits developmental...