Bursicon

Bursicon (from Greek bursikos, pertaining to tanning) is an insect peptide neurohormone referred to originally as a putative tanning hormone thought to be responsible for the initiation of tanning (melanization) and sclerotization of the new insect cuticle in the final stages of molting (Fraenkel and Hsiao, 1965; Fraenkel et al, 1966; for review of early work see also: Honegger et al, 2008). Bursicon is a heterodimer secreted from the central nervous system into the hemolymph and consists of two cystine knot proteins, which are highly conserved among arthropods and also echinoderms. Dewey et al (2004) have reported that the Drosophila melanogaster gene CG13419 (called also burs and designated burs-alpha [ ... ... ... ... ... Subscribe to continue reading! ... ...