摘要：SummaryEclosion hormone (EH) was originally identified as a brain-derived hormone capable of inducing the behavioral sequences required for molting across insect species. However, its role in this process (called ecdysis) has since been confounded by discrepancies in the effects of genetic and cellular manipulations of EH function inDrosophila. Although knock-out of theEhgene results in severe ecdysis-associated deficits accompanied by nearly complete larval lethality, ablation of the only neurons known to express EH (i.e. Vmneurons) is only partially lethal and surviving adults emerge, albeit abnormally. Using new tools for sensitively detectingEhgene expression, we show that EH is more widely expressed than previously thought, both within the nervous system and in somatic tissues, including trachea. Ablating allEh-expressing cells has effects that closely match those ofEhgene knock-out; developmentally suppressing them severely disrupts eclosion. Our results thus clarify and extend the scope of EH action.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Ehis expressed in non-neuronal peripheral tissues including trachea•Ehexpression is found in neurons other than the Vmneurons in pharate adults•Non-Vmexpression is essential for eclosion•Non-neuronalEhexpression is required for normal larval ecdysisBiological Sciences; Developmental Neuroscience; Developmental Biology
