The heterodimer of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (Usp), members of the nuclear receptors superfamily, is considered as the functional receptor for ecdysteroids initiating molting and metamorphosis in insects. Here we report the 1.95 A structure of the complex formed by the DNA-binding domains (DBDs) the EcR and the Usp, bound to the natural pseudopalindromic response element. Co...

A number of insect ecdysteroids, plant ecdysteroids and juvenoids were assayed for their ability to activate Drosophila nuclear receptors in transfected tissue culture cells. Discrete modifications to 20-hydroxyecdysone, the apparent natural ligand for the ecdysone receptor (EcR), conferred dramatic changes on the transcriptional activity of this receptor, suggesting that other biologically rel...

A microwave discharge ion source (MDIS) operating at the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud of INFN, Catania has been used to compare the traditional electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) heating with an innovative mechanisms of plasma ignition based on the electrostatic Bernstein waves (EBW). EBW are obtained via the inner plasma electromagnetic-to-electrostatic wave conversion and they are absorbed by...

The esterase B gene is amplified 32-fold in an organophosphorus insecticide resistant strain, Shinjuku, of Culex pipiens molestus. The amplified gene was revealed to cluster in single extended chromosomal region (ECR) of chromosome 2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization on salivary gland chromosomes. The ECR appeared to be homogeneously non-staining with DAPI, orcein or Giemsa stains. In the F...

This study investigated selenium uptake and transport from the soil to 12 plant species in the mining area of Gumuskoy (Kutahya), Turkey. Plant samples and their associated soils were collected and analyzed for Se content by ICP-MS. Mean Se values in the soils, roots, and shoots of all plants were 0.9, 0.6, and 0.8 mg kg, respectively. The mean enrichment factors for roots (ECR) and shoots (ECS...

The insect steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) acts through a specific nuclear receptor complex, ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP). EcR and USP are FXR/LXR and RXR orthologs, respectively, which play critical roles in the regulation of lipid metabolism in mammals. Lipid concentration in Bombyx hemolymph and lipase activity in fat body peaked during molting and pupation, sugge...

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from selection papers published in Journal Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity researchers (ECRs) working experimental biology during our centenary year, but also huge variety animals physiological systems that are essential for ‘comparative’ approach. Anna Cressman an author on ‘ Impacts mechanisms CO...

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from selection papers published in Journal Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity researchers (ECRs) working experimental biology during our centenary year but also huge variety animals physiological systems that are essential for ‘comparative’ approach. Frederik Püffel an author on ‘ Strong positive allo...