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Fig. 1 | Parasites & Vectors

Fig. 1

From: 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling as a promising target for the chemical control of malaria vectors

Fig. 1

20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling in insects. a 20E biosynthesis from dietary cholesterol, based on studies in Drosophila melanogaster. Metabolites and enzymes are indicated in black and pink, respectively. The “black box” (where the exact metabolites/enzymes are unknown) is indicated by the grey area. Orthologues of these enzymes have been characterized in mosquitoes. b Once 20E binds to its heterodimer EcR/USP receptor, the latter is activated and acts as a transcription factor, binding to an enhancer region known as the ecdysone response elements (EcRE). Binding of EcR/USP to EcRE activates the transcription of early genes (E75, E74, HR3 and Broad-Complex). These four early genes in turn act as transcription factors, inducing or repressing the expression of downstream genes involved in vector competence and vector abundance. Br-C Broad complex, EcR ecdysone receptor, USP ultraspiracle

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