Molecular Model Systems in the Lepidoptera

This volume is a diverse collection of self-contained articles on molecular-level research using Lepidoptera.

Marian R. Goldsmith (Edited by), Adam S. Wilkins (Edited by)

9780521028271, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 November 2006

560 pages, 80 b/w illus. 22 tables
24.4 x 17 x 2.9 cm, 0.878 kg

'This book succeeds extremely well in highlighting the research carried out with moths and butterflies … each chapter provides a broad overview of an important area in lepidopteran research.' James B. Nardi, Science

This book presents 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 fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Topics include: genetics, mobile elements, embryogenesis, silk gland and chorion gene regulation, hormone action, neurobiology, the immune response and engineered baculoviruses. Molecular and developmental biologists at graduate and researcher levels will find this book of great interest.

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.

Subject Areas: Molecular biology [PSD], Genetics [non-medical PSAK]