Characterization of Juvenile Hormone Related Genes Regulating Cantharidin Biosynthesis in Epicauta chinensis.

ABSTRACT: Cantharidin is a defensive toxin biosynthesized by blister beetles. It is well known for medical applications and toxicity. However, the biosynthesis process of cantharidin is still not well understood. In the present study, three genes (methyl farnesoate epoxidase (EcMFE), juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (EcJHAMT) and juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (EcJHEH)) were identified from Epicauta chinensis. The temporal and spatial expression patterns of these three genes revealed that the expression levels of EcMFE and EcJHEH were high in the first instar larval stage of E. chinensis with EcJHEH transcripts highest in the fifth larval instar. The expression level of EcJHAMT was significantly higher in the 2^nd and 3^rd larval instars. The transcripts of EcMFE, Ec

SUBMITTER: Jiang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5442126 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature