INCITE

INCITE: Insect Clock Initial Training Experience

Objectives: The aim of the project is to characterise the contribution of growth-related neuroendocrine pathways to the effect of photoperiod on developmental time and body weight. Developmental time and final weight are important parameters for livestock production. In insects, developmental time and final body weight are tightly linked and are under control of two major neuroendocrine pathways: insulin- and prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) signalling. Signals from these pathways are integrated in the prothoracic gland (PG) and modulate the production of the key developmental hormone, the steroid ecdysone. In insects (including Drosophila), the photoperiod during development has a strong influence on developmental time and body weight. The underlying neuroendocrine and physiological mechanisms are, however, unclear.

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