Hexatnerin Receptor and its Activation in Insect:Possible Nongenomic Action of Ecdysteroids

Hexamerins are insect storage proteins utilized during metamorphosis of holometabolous insects and play important role in reproduction. They are synthesized by the larval fat body and released into the haemolymph. Shortly before pupation, a rise in the ecdysteroid titer induces the uptake of hexamerin by the fat body cells. The hexamerin receptor is responsible for the uptake of hexamerin into the fat body of insects. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a role in the uptake of hexamerin by activating the hexamerin receptor.