Molecular model systems in the Lepidoptera

This book presents a diverse collection of chapters on basic research at the molecular level using Lepidoptera as model systems. This volume, however, is more than just a compendium of information about insect systems in general, or the Lepidoptera in particular. Each chapter is a self-contained treatment of a broad subject area, providing sufficient background information to give readers a sense of the guiding principles and central questions associated with each topic, in addition to major methodologies and findings. Comparisons with other major model systems are emphasized, with special attention given to the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Topics include: genetics, mobile elements, embryogenesis, silk gland and chorion gene regulation, hormone action, neurobiology, the immune response and engineered baculoviruses. Molecular and developmental biologists at graduate and researcher levels will find this book of great interest.

Topics originated from 2 workshops held in 1988 and 1991.

1. A brief history of Lepidoptera as model systems / Judith H. Willis, Adam S. Wilkins and Marian R. Goldsmith -- 2. Genetics of the silkworm: revisiting an ancient model system / Marian R. Goldsmith -- 3. Mobile elements of lepidopteran genomes / Thomas H. Eickbush -- 4. Lepidopteran phylogeny and applications to comparative studies of development / Jerome C. Regier, Timothy Friedlander, Robert F. Leclerc, Charles Mitter and Brian M. Wiegmann -- 5. A summary of lepidopteran embryogenesis and experimental embryology / Lisa M. Nagy -- 6. Roles of homeotic genes in the Bombyx body plan / Kohji Ueno, Toshifumi Nagata and Yoshiaki Suzuki.