Chinmo, a gene previously unseen in imaginal cells, inhibits wing development (left), contrary to standard wing precursor tissue (middle). However, an overabundance of Chinmo leads to excessive tissue growth, a characteristic seen in tumor formation (right). Credit: IBEResearchers have found Chimno, the gene linked to the youthful stage in insects. This gene is also found in mammals, suggesting it could significantly impact cancer progression.
The findings, published in the eLife journal, were led by the Institute for Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-UPF) and the IRB Barcelona. They demonstrated that Chinmo governs the juvenile phase in insects, while also acknowledging that the Br-C and E93 genes regulate insect maturity. These genes also exist in humans, where they promote and inhibit cancer development, respectively.
The study involved the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the German cockroach Blatella germanica. It disclosed that these genes are evolutionary staples in insects and might be crucial in metamorphosis evolution.
The Chinmo, Br-C, and E93 genes form the biological timing mechanism in insects. Insects undergoing complete metamorphosis, like flies, have three developmental stages: the embryonic stage within the egg, the larval (juvenile) stage with multiple growth phases, and the pupal stage that covers metamorphosis and adult organism formation.
Previous research identified the Br-C gene as crucial for insect pupation. In 2019, the same IBE team reported that E93 is vital for insect metamorphosis and tissue maturation into adult form. The gene responsible for the juvenile stage remained unknown until now. This current study reveals Chimno as the primary instigator of this stage.
Flies during the pupal stage. Credit: IBE
When scientists deleted the Chinmo gene in Drosophila, they noticed these insects bypassed the juvenile stage and advanced to the adult phase prematurely. Therefore, this finding confirms the necessity of Chinmo for juvenile development.
Dr. Xavier Franch, a researcher at the IBE (CSIC-UPF) who co-directed the study, stated, “We found that Chinmo drives tissue growth during Drosophila’s juvenile stage by preventing cellular differentiation. Hence, while Chinmo is present, cells cannot differentiate because it suppresses those genes accountable for creating adult tissues.”
The study concludes that inactivation of the Chinmo gene is necessary for Drosophila to transition from juvenile to pupal stage and successfully undergo metamorphosis. Furthermore, it confirms that the orderly action of the Chinmo, Br-C, and E93 genes during the larval, pupal, and adult stages is essential for the formation of the adult organism’s various organs.
Chinmo and Br-C, part of the BTB-ZF transcription factors family—proteins implicated in cancer and found in humans—are critical in cancer progression. Though Chinmo was known to be a precursor of cancer, the roles of Br-C and E93 were obscure until now.
“Understanding the molecular workings of cell growth could enhance our understanding of cancer processes. Healthy cells grow, differentiate, and mature. In contrast, cancer cells proliferate without control, do not differentiate, and fail to mature. Therefore, elucidating the roles of Chinmo, Br-C, and E93 could prove significant for future clinical studies,” says Dr. Jordi Casanova, an IRB Barcelona researcher and study co-author.
The study revealed that while Chinmo promotes tissue growth and inhibits differentiation, serving as a cancer precursor, C-Br and E93 act as tumor suppressors by activating tissue maturation.
Table of Contents
What is the Chinmo gene and its role in insects?
The Chinmo gene is responsible for the juvenile stage in insects, promoting tissue growth and preventing cellular differentiation. It keeps cells undifferentiated, suppressing the action of genes involved in forming adult tissues.
Are the Chinmo, Br-C, and E93 genes found in humans?
Yes, these genes are also present in humans. Chinmo and Br-C belong to the BTB-ZF transcription factors family, which has implications in cancer. While Chinmo acts as an oncogenic precursor, promoting tissue growth, Br-C and E93 function as tumor suppressors, driving tissue maturation.
How do these genes relate to cancer research?
The study suggests that understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell growth, as regulated by genes like Chinmo, Br-C, and E93, could enhance our understanding of cancer processes. The balance between tissue growth and differentiation is crucial in healthy cells, while imbalances can lead to uncontrolled growth seen in cancer cells.
What does this research reveal about insect metamorphosis?
The research indicates that Chinmo, Br-C, and E93 genes play significant roles in insect metamorphosis. While Chinmo and E93 are conserved in basal insects like cockroaches, the introduction of the Br-C gene allowed the development of the pupal stage and complete metamorphosis seen in insects like flies.
How might this research impact future studies and clinical research?
By unraveling the roles of Chinmo, Br-C, and E93 genes, especially in relation to cancer and metamorphosis, this research opens up avenues for future studies. Understanding these genetic mechanisms could have implications for clinical research and provide insights into cancer progression and the evolutionary origins of metamorphosis.
Related links:
- Original research article published in the eLife journal.
- Press release from the Institute for Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-UPF) and the IRB Barcelona.
3 comments
Wow, this is amazing! Scientists found the Chinmo gene that controls the “Youth Gene” in insects. It might even have a connection to cancer, which is mind-blowing! Can’t wait to see where this research leads us.
Chinmo, the gene responsible for the “Youth Gene” in bugs? Who would’ve thought! It’s so cool that these genes are found in mammals too, maybe they play a role in cancer. Science is truly fascinating!
Finally, we know the gene behind the juvenile stage in insects! Chinmo, Br-C, and E93 are like the hands of the biological clock. Understanding how they work can give us insights into cancer and even the evolution of metamorphosis. So much to explore!