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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #279679
Title: Ecdysteroid receptors in Drosophila melanogaster adult females

Author
item Handler, Alfred - Al
item MAROY, PETER - University Of Szeged

Submitted to: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/5/1989
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: Handler, A.M., Maroy, P. 1989. Ecdysteroid receptors in Drosophila melanogaster adult females. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 63:103-109.

Interpretive Summary: Ecdysteroid receptors were identified and partially characterized from total cell extracts of whole animals and dissected tissues from Drosophila melanogaster adult females by scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida. Binding studies indicated the presence of two ecdysteroid binding components having high affinity and specificity consistent with receptors previously identified in embryos and larvae. The highest affinity binding component in 3- to 4-day females had a dis-sociation constant of 9.2 × 10-10 M and a maximal binding con-centration of approximately 90 pmol/g protein, with a lower affinity component having a dissociation constant of 2.94 × 10-9 M. Receptors at similar concentrations were also observed in abdominal walls containing adult fat body, with relatively lower receptor levels observed in ovaries. These results indicate that the observed ecdysteroid hormone concentrations in adult females can account for a physiological stimulatory effect on yolk protein synthesis in adult fat body.

Technical Abstract: Ecdysteroid receptors were identified and partially characterized from total cell extracts of whole animals and dissected tissues from Drosophila melanogaster adult females. Binding studies indicated the presence of two ecdysteroid binding components having high affinity and specificity consistent with receptors previously identified in embryos and larvae. The highest affinity binding component in 3- to 4-day females had a dissociation constant of 9.2 × 10-10 M and a maximal binding concentration of approximately 90 pmol/g protein, with a lower affinity component having a dissociation constant of 2.94 × 10-9 M. Receptors at similar concentrations were also observed in abdominal walls containing adult fat body, with relatively lower receptor levels observed in ovaries. These results indicate that the observed ecdysteroid hormone concentrations in adult females can account for a physiological stimulatory effect on yolk protein synthesis in adult fat body.