Spatially differential regulation of ATF2 phosphorylation contributes to warning coloration of gregarious locusts.

ABSTRACT: Warning coloration are common defense strategies used by animals to deter predators. Pestilential gregarious locusts exhibit a notable black-brown pattern as a form of warning coloration. However, the mechanisms regulating this distinctive pattern remain largely unknown. Here, we revealed that the black and brown integuments of locusts are governed by varying amounts of β-carotene and β-carotene-binding protein (βCBP) complexes. βCBP expression is regulated by the bZIP transcription factor activation transcription factor 2 (ATF2), which is activated by protein kinase C alpha in response to crowding. Specifically, ATF2 is phosphorylated at Ser³²⁷ and translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to the βCBP promoter and stimulates overexpression. Differential phosphor

SUBMITTER: Kang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10446495 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature