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Arch Insect Biochem Physiol

Title:		Cyp15F1: a novel cytochrome P450 gene linked to juvenile hormone-dependent caste differention in the termite Reticulitermes flavipes
Author(s):		Tarver MR; Coy MR; Scharf ME;
Address:		"Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA"
Journal Title:		Arch Insect Biochem Physiol
Year:		2012
Volume:		20120430
Issue:		2
Page Number:		92 - 108
DOI:		10.1002/arch.21030
ISSN/ISBN:		1520-6327 (Electronic) 0739-4462 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Termites are eusocial insects that jointly utilize juvenile hormone (JH), pheromones, and other semiochemicals to regulate caste differentiation and achieve caste homeostasis. Prior EST sequencing from the symbiont-free gut transcriptome of Reticulitermes flavipes unexpectedly revealed a number of unique cytochrome P450 (Cyp) transcripts, including fragments of a Cyp15 family gene (Cyp15F1) with homology to other insect Cyp15s that participate in JH biosynthesis. The present study investigated the role of Cyp15F1 in termite caste polyphenism and specifically tested the hypothesis that it plays a role in JH-dependent caste differentiation. After assembling the full-length Cyp15F1 cDNA sequence, we (i) determined its mRNA tissue expression profile, (ii) investigated mRNA expression changes in response to JH and the caste-regulatory primer pheromones gamma-cadinene (CAD) and gamma-cadinenal (ALD), and (iii) used RNA interference (RNAi) in combination with caste differentiation bioassays to investigate gene function at the phenotype level. Cyp15F1 has ubiquitous whole-body expression (including gut tissue); is rapidly and sustainably induced from 3 h to 48 h by JH, CAD, and ALD; and functions at least in part by facilitating JH-dependent soldier caste differentiation. These findings provide the second example of a termite caste regulatory gene identified through the use of RNAi, and significantly build upon our understanding of termite caste homeostatic mechanisms. These results also reinforce the concept of environmental caste determination in termites by revealing how primer pheromones, as socioenvironmental factors, can directly influence Cyp15 expression and caste differentiation"
Keywords:		"Amino Acid Sequence Animals Base Sequence Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/*genetics Gene Expression Gene Knockdown Techniques Genes, Insect Insect Proteins/*genetics Isoptera/*genetics/growth & development/metabolism Juvenile Hormones/metabolism Molecular;"
Notes:		"MedlineTarver, Matthew R Coy, Monique R Scharf, Michael E eng Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. 2012/05/03 Arch Insect Biochem Physiol. 2012 Jul; 80(2):92-108. doi: 10.1002/arch.21030. Epub 2012 Apr 30"