ARS | Publication request: STRESS PROTEINS: A ROLE IN INSECT DIAPAUSE.

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: January 25, 2001
Publication Date: July 29, 2001
Citation: Denlinger, D.L., Rinehart, J.P., Yocum, G.D. 2001. Stress proteins: A role in insect diapause. In: Denlinger, D.L., Giebultowicz, J., Saunders, D., editors. Insect Timing: Circadian Rhythmicity to Seasonality. Elsevier Press. p. 155-171.

Technical Abstract: The theme of this book is insect seasonality: our chapter focuses on the role of stress proteins during diapause. Diapause is a key life strategy enabling insects to survive adverse environmental conditions and to synchronize their life cycles with both abiotic and biotic factors needed for development and reproduction. The molecular basis of insect diapause is currently unknown. Genes encoding certain stress proteins (hsp23 and hsp70) are highly upregulated during diapause, while others are either unaffected (Hsc70) or are downregulated (Hsp90). This disynchrony of expression is in marked contrast to the uniform upregulation of all the stress protein genes in response to other stresses such as heat shock or cold shock. Upregulation of these genes during diapause may be linked to a cryoprotection function of the proteins or a possible role in shutting down the cell cycle. The involvement of the stress proteins in the dormancies of other animals and plants suggests a conserved mechanism contributing to the arrestment of development.