Introducing Chinmo – The Youth Gene

Researchers discover the gene responsible for the juvenile stage in insects; also found in mammals, Chinmo promotes growth and coordinates organ formation.

Insects, with their remarkable ability to undergo complete metamorphosis, have long fascinated scientists seeking to understand the underlying genetic mechanisms governing this transformative process.

Now, a recent study conducted by the Institute for Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-UPF) and the IRB Barcelona has shed light on the crucial role of three genes – Chinmo, Br-C and E93 – in orchestrating the stages of insect development. Published in eLife, this research provides valuable insights into the evolutionary origins of metamorphosis and sheds new light on the role of these genes in growth, development and cancer regulation.

My take on this: Chinmo might sound like a Pokémon character, but the truth is much more interesting. Conserved throughout the evolution of insects, scientists think it, and the more conventionally-named Br-C and E93, could play a key role in the evolution of metamorphosis, acting as the hands of the biological clock in insects. A maggot is radically different from the fly into which it changes – could understanding and leveraging the biology involved one day allow us to change cultured skin cells into replacement organs or to stop tumors in their early stages of formation?

The study focused on two model organisms: the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the cockroach Blattella germanica. Through their investigation, the researchers discovered that the Chinmo gene plays a pivotal role in establishing the juvenile stage of insects, while the Br-C and E93 genes regulate the transition to maturity. These genes are not only present in insects but also found in mammals, including humans, although they have a different function, being involved in the regulation of cancerous processes.

Discover further insights about Chinmo directly from the individuals who have conducted extensive research on it HERE.

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