Next week PLOS journal will publish an exciting article featuring a new biological discovery. Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered critical information regarding insect development.
This study uncovers the use of DNA as an organism’s biological clock in sexual development, or metamorphosis in insects. With applications in new cancer treatments, agriculture, human health and potential applications in zoology, this study opens gateways of undiscovered information. This is one exciting example of the potential in research and the intersectionality in life science, molecular biology and biotechnology supplies.
With the aid of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, Dr. Yamanaka and his team of scientists found that without duplication of cells, the insects continue to produce hormones increasing the size of the nucleus. Flooding the cells with the steroidogenic hormone ecdysone creates an enlarged nucleus filled with the hormones that tell the insect when to develop. The hormone was found to be responsible for activating the exact gene expression required for development. When the insect reaches a critical weight with adequate nutrition, development occurs irreversibly.
Dr. Yamanaka used recent advances in genomic research and tools such as microcentrifuge tubes along with primary and secondary antibodies supplied by biotechnology companies including but not limited to Millipore Sigma and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Photo courtesy of: https://ucrtoday.ucr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/DrosophilaPG-002-603x244.jpg
For more information regarding the tools and techniques used in this research and other projects at UC Riverside, please come to our 12th Annual Biotechnology Research Product Faire. Meet biotech suppliers at the event to speed up research results. The event will be held on February 2, 2017 in the Highlander Union Building or the HUB from 10am-2:30pm.
UC Riverside has an R&D budget of over 7.5 million dollars. With a focus on neuroscience, genetics, plant pathology and agricultural research we can look forward to new publications regarding developments in these areas. Laboratory equipment suppliers interested in marketing their products at this prestigious university can visit the link below or call (530) 272-6675 for more information about exhibiting.
Citation: Ohhara Y, Kobayashi S, Yamanaka N (2017) Nutrient-Dependent Endocycling in Steroidogenic Tissue Dictates Timing of Metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS Genet 13(1): e1006583. doi:10.1371/journal
