Ecdysone

Steroidal prohormone of the major insect molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone - A member of the ecdysteroid family - Ecdysone receptor (EcR) agonist - Induces the expression of genes coding for proteins that the larva requires, and it causes chromosome puffs (sites of high expression) to form in polytene chromosomes - Plays a key role in insect development, cell proliferaton, growth and apoptosis by controlling gene expression involved in moulting and metamorphosis. It acts through a heterodimeric receptor comprising the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle proteins (USP) - Appears in many plants mostly as a protection agent (toxins or antifeedants) against herbivorous insects - Used for controlled gene expression in scientific research, agriculture and medicine - Used for the development of selective insect growth regulators for use as environmentally benign insecticides.