Lynn Riddiford #IBN 9419957 Proposed are studies to elucidate the role of the nuclear 29kDa protein that specifically binds juvenile hormone (jp29) in the regulation of larval molting and metamorphosis. Studies on the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, will concentrate on three aspects: 1) isolation of other nuclear protein(s) with which jp29 may interact and their subsequent cloning and sequencing to elucidate their function, 2) immunocytochemcial localization within the nucleus, and 3) developmental and endocrine regulation of jp29. We also plan to isolate the homologous gene from Drosophila containing the Manduca jp29 cDNA under the control of a heat shock promoter will be used to determine the effects of over-expression of this protein on development, reproduction, and JH esterase production in the presence and absence of JH. Also, immunocytochemical studies will concentrate on its developmental and endocrine regulation in various tissues. This study in the two insects should help elucidate the molecular mode of action of JH in directing metamorphosis and whether jp29 has a functional role in adult responses to JH. ***
