Messenger RNA

Alternative splicing

Ecdysone

Insect

Biology

Gene

Metamorphosis

microRNA

Oogenesis

Regulation of gene expression

Larva

Ecology

RNA splicing

Signal transduction

Embryogenesis

Cell biology

Genetics

Juvenile hormone

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

Metamorphic transformation from larvae to adults along with the high fecundity is key to insect success. Insect metamorphosis and reproduction are governed by two critical endocrines, juvenile hormone (JH), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Recent studies have established a crucial role of microRNA (miRNA) in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. While miRNAs target genes involved in JH and 20E-signaling pathways, these two hormones reciprocally regulate miRNA expression, forming regulatory loops of miRNA with JH and 20E-signaling cascades. Insect metamorphosis and oogenesis rely on the coordination of hormones, cognate genes, and miRNAs for precise regulation. In addition, the alternative splicing of genes in JH and 20E-signaling pathways has distinct functions in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We, therefore, focus in this review on recent advances in post-transcriptional regulation, with the emphasis on the regulatory role of miRNA and alternative splicing, in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We will highlight important new findings of miRNA interactions with hormonal signaling and alternative splicing of JH receptor heterodimer gene Taiman.

Post-transcriptional regulation of insect metamorphosis and oogenesis