Genes of Cuticular Proteins and Their Regulation

Abstract

In this chapter, recent development of the analysis of cuticular protein (CP) genes and the regulation of their expression are covered. Genomic analysis and annotation of CP genes have elucidated the overall number and kind of CP gene. The nomenclature and structure of cuticle layers are described first. The factors that regulate CP gene expression are described next. Expression of CP genes is regulated mainly by ecdysone responsive transcription factors (ERTFs). Ecdysone activates target ERTFs through its receptor complex. ERTFs interaction determines the expression pattern of themselves, resulting in the induction of their target genes. Ecdysone is known also to trigger chromatin remodeling by recruiting chromatin-remodeling factors that act by chromatin loosening. Juvenile hormone affects the type of cuticle layers through BR-C and HR38 and determines the type of CPs. Recent genomic analysis has generated new findings for the cuticle research. Annotation enabled to specify the kinds and number of all cuticular proteins. Now we can discuss cuticular layers depending on the classical studies. Genomic, proteomic and transcriptomic analysis brought about new findings. Clustering CP genes have been identified in several insects. Overall expression, its regulation, binding site analysis, genomic structure of CP genes, regulation of larval, pupal adult CP layers were described.