Marcia Maria Gentile Bitondi

• Abstract

  The exoskeleton of insects is primarily made of proteins, the polysaccharide chitin, and lipids. From the morphological point of view, the exoskeleton is arranged as a complex, multilayered structure formed by an inner procuticle comprising the endocuticle and exocuticle, the epicuticle and an outermost envelope. The rigid exoskeleton is periodically renewed through molting episodes, whic…

  RNA-seq for characterization of the genes involved in the construction and differentiation of the insect exoskeleton using bees as a model, AP.R

• Abstract

  The exoskeleton, or cuticle, not only gives shape to the insects, but also provides other essential biological properties, such as locomotion, protection against desiccation, parasites and pathogens, to this large group of Arthropoda. This rigid (sclerotized) structure produced by epidermis is composed of a variety of proteins (cuticle proteins) and a type of polysaccharide, chitin, and i…

  Molecular genetics and hormonal regulation of exoskeleton differentiation in an insect model, Apis mellifera, AP.R

• Abstract

  With an active contribution (5021 ORESTES, deposited in the GenBank) and participation in the annotation of the recently sequenced genome of the honey bee our group now has consolidated knowledge and expertise in all aspects required for large-scale analyses of gene expression in honey bees. Following our long term questions of interest on mechanisms underlying caste and sex determination…

  Functional genomics of Apis mellifera: search for new genes and functional networks in the context of development, different castes and reproduction, AP.TEM

• Abstract

  Comparative studies from our laboratory (Laboratório de Biologia do Desenvolvimento de Abelhas-FFCLRP-USP) demonstrated differences in the progress of melanization and sclerotization of the exoskeleton (cuticle) among bee species, as well as variation in expression of two genes involved in these processes: the genes encoding the laccase 2 enzyme and the neuropeptide bursicon. These data s…

  Comparative approach of cuticular maturation heterochrony in social and solitary bees using RNA-Seq, hydrocarbons quantification and electron microscopy, BP.DR

• Abstract

  Insect hexamerins are actively synthesized by the larval fat body and stored in the hemolymph. During metamorphosis, these proteins are sequestered by the fat body to be used as an amino acid resource for reconstruction of the adult tissues. The hexamerins of some insect species can also function as a source of amino acids for eggs production. There is circumstantial evidence, however, of…

  Hexamerins of Apis mellifera: interaction between subunits, juvenile hormone and nuclear structures and proteins, BP.PD

• Abstract

  In the broadest sense, metamorphosis is a developmental process by which an immature organism is transformed into a sexually mature adult. In insects, this process is characterized by the degeneration, or remodeling, of larval tissues and formation of the adult tissues from nests of precursor cells localized to specific regions of the larval body. To our knowledge, large-scale analysis of…

  Next-generation mRNA sequencing for high-throughput analysis of the metamorphosis in Apis mellifera castes, BP.PD

(Only some records are available in English at this moment)

• Abstract

  As part of the requirements for the program of Research Internships Abroad (BEPE/FAPESP) we are submitting a research project for requesting FAPESP funds under the Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Juliana Ramos Martins (FAPESP Process number 2012/16040-9). The project consists in using the honeybee as a model insect to investigate aspects of the function of hexamerins - the most abundant prote…

  Hexamerins of Apis mellifera: interaction between subunits, juvenile hormone, and nuclear structures and proteins, BE.EP.PD