Expression of nuclear receptor-transcription factor genes during Aedes aegypti midgut metamorphosis and the effect of methoprene on expression

Abstract

Exposure of mosquito 4th instars to the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene prevents the emergence of adults by interfering with metamorphosis. One metamorphic processes that is disrupted is midgut remodeling. To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs, the pattern of transcription factor gene expression during the Aedes aegypti (L.) 4th instar was investigated by the method of real time PCR. The results indicate that in untreated larvae, expression of transcription factors genes AHR3 and AaE75B increases within 24 h after the last larval–larval molt, transcription of AaEcR-B, AaUSP-a and AaßFTZ -F1 increases approximately 24 h later, and transcription of AaE75A increases just before the larval–pupal molt. There is uniform expression of AaUSP-b throughout the 4th instar. The effect of methoprene exposure on transcription factor gene expression during midgut remodeling was investigated. The results indicate that, in a dose and stage dependent manner, methoprene affects increases in expression that normally occur during midgut remodeling. The coincident effects of methoprene on metamorphic midgut remodeling and on transcription factor gene expression suggests that the two processes are related.