Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are highly conserved across numerous taxa, from bacteria to humans. Recently, MMPs have been identified in several insect species and are hypothesized to function in immunity and development. In this study, we identify a putative MMP and correlate its proteolytic activity and gene and protein expression in the tracheae with developmental stage. Ms-MMP gene expression increases 10-fold during molting, which is accompanied by an increase in both protein expression and gelatinolytic activity. To directly test the hypothesis that Ms-MMP plays a critical role in juvenile development of Manduca sexta, we injected a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor and recorded its effects on growth and development. Inhibition of MMPs caused a delay in juvenile development and decreased growth rates. Understanding the function of MMPs will help us better understand molting and control of body size in insects. Furthermore, elucidating functions for MMPs in lower taxa may yield critical information about the evolution of the numerous MMPs found in vertebrates. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B:105–117, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highlights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of zinc‐dependent endopeptidases that are highly conserved across numerous taxa, from bacteria to humans
Ms‐MMP has a conserved cysteine switch motif PRCGVXD in the pro‐domain, which is characteristic of most MMPs (Fig. 1A; position 106–112)
We identify a novel MMP in the caterpillar, M. sexta, that is involved in juvenile development, slowing 5th instar growth and delaying the larval–pupal transition
Summary
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of zinc‐dependent endopeptidases that are highly conserved across numerous taxa, from bacteria to humans. Two MMPs have been identified in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (Dm1‐MMP and Dm2‐MMP; Llano et al, 2000; Llano et al, 2002); one in the waxmoth, Galleria mellonella (Gm1‐MMP; Altincicek and Vilcinskas, 2008); and three in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Knorr et al, 2009) Both Dm‐MMPs are critical for larval tracheal growth, metamorphosis, and tissue remodeling (Page‐McCaw et al, 2003; Glasheen et al, 2010). These insects were unable to complete pupation and died during metamorphosis While both Dm1‐MMP mutant larvae and MMP knockdown beetle larvae exhibited broken tracheal system trunks during juvenile development, these defects were only lethal in Drosophila (Altincicek and Vilcinskas, 2008; Glasheen et al, 2010)
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