Molecular Model Systems in the Lepidoptera

by Marian R. Goldsmith, Adam S. Wilkins

Overview

The contributors present a diverse collection of chapters on basic research at the molecular level using Lepidoptera as model systems. This volume, however, is more than just a compendium of information about insect systems in general, or the Lepidoptera in particular. Each chapter is a self-contained treatment of a broad subject area, providing sufficient background information to give readers a sense of the guiding principles and central questions associated with each topic, in addition to major methodologies and findings. Comparisons with other major model systems are emphasized, with special attention given to the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. Topics include: an historical overview of research using Lepidopteran models, silkworm genetics, mobile elements of Lepidopteran genomes, experimental embryogenesis and homeotic genes, hormone action in the central nervous system, the molecular genetics of moth olfaction, and use of engineered baculoviruses for basic biological studies and insect pest control.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521028271
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/02/2006
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	560
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 1.14(d)

Table of Contents

List of contributors; Preface; 1. A brief history of Lepidoptera as model systems Judith H. Willis, Adam S. Wilkins and Marian R. Goldsmith; 2. Genetics of the silkworm: revisiting an ancient model system Marian R. Goldsmith; 3. Mobile elements of lepidopteran genomes Thomas H. Eickbush; 4. Lepidopteran phylogeny and applications to comparative studies of development Jerome C. Regier, Timothy Friedlander, Robert F. Leclerc, Charles Mitter and Brian M. Wiegmann; 5. A summary of lepidopteran embryogenesis and experimental embryology Lisa M. Nagy; 6. Roles of homeotic genes in the Bombyx body plan Kohji Ueno, Toshifumi Nagata and Yoshiaki Suzuki; 7. Chorion genes: an overview of their structure, function, and transcriptional regulation Fotis C. Kafatos, George Tzertzinis, Nikolaus A. Spoerel and Hanh T. Nguyen; 8. Chorion genes: molecular models of evolution Thomas H. Eickbush and John A. Izzo; 9. Regulation of the silk protein genes and the homeobox genes in silk gland development Chi-chung Hui and Yoshiaki Suzuki; 10. Control of transcription by Bombyx mori RNA polymerase III Karen U. Sprague; 11. Hormonal regulation of gene expression during lepidopteran development Lynn M. Riddiford; 12. Lepidoptera as model systems for studies of hormone action on the central nervous system James W. Truman; 13. Molecular genetics of moth olfaction: a model for cellular identity and temporal assembly of the nervous system Richard G. Vogt; 14. Molecular biology of the immune response Amy B. Mulnix and Peter E. Dunn; 15. Engineered baculoviruses: molecular tools for lepidopteran developmental biology and physiology and potential agents for insect pest control Kostas Iatrou; 16. Epilogue: Lepidopterans as model systems - questions and prospects Adam S. Wilkins and Marian R. Goldsmith; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...succeeds extremely well in highlighting the research carried out with moths and butterflies and reminding the reader that these colorful creatures are really the unsung heroes of many contemporary lines of research." James B. Nardi, Science

"In conclusion, the book contains a diverse collection of chapters on basic research at the molecular level using lepidopteran model systems. The chapters are well written, each having a sound introduction that provides the setting for the detailed body of information to come. Though presumably aimed at the researcher and graduate student level, undoubtedly some chapters could form an excellent source of information for senior undergraduates....a valuable resource in university and research institution libraries." Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada

From the Publisher