Exoskeletons across the Pancrustacea: Comparative Morphology, Physiology, Biochemistry and Genetics

The exoskeletons of pancrustaceans, as typified by decapod crustaceans and insects, demonstrate a high degree of similarity with respect to histology, ultrastructure, function, and composition. The cuticular envelope in insects and the outer epicuticle in crustaceans both serve as the primary barrie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Integrative and comparative biology 2015-11, Vol.55 (5), p.771-791
Main Authors: Roer, Robert, Abehsera, Shai, Sagi, Amir
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Shells - anatomy & histology
Animal Shells - chemistry
Animal Shells - physiology
Animals
Biochemistry
Biological Evolution
Crustacea - anatomy & histology
Crustacea - genetics
Crustacea - physiology
Crustaceans
Gene Expression Regulation
Genetics
Insecta - anatomy & histology
Insecta - genetics
Insecta - physiology
Linking Insects with Crustacea: Comparative Physiology of the Pancrustacea
Morphology
Physiology
Proteins
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Summary:The exoskeletons of pancrustaceans, as typified by decapod crustaceans and insects, demonstrate a high degree of similarity with respect to histology, ultrastructure, function, and composition. The cuticular envelope in insects and the outer epicuticle in crustaceans both serve as the primary barrier to permeability of the exoskeleton, preventing loss of water and ions to the external medium. Prior to and following ecdysis, there is a sequence of expression and synthesis of different proteins by the cuticular epithelium for incorporation into the pre-exuvial and post-exuvial procuticle of insects and the exocuticle and endocuticle of crustaceans. Both exhibit regional differences in cuticular composition, e.g., the articular (intersegmental) membranes of insects and the arthrodial (joint) membranes of crustaceans. The primary difference between these cuticles is the ability to mineralize. Crustaceans’ cuticles express a unique suite of proteins that provide for the nucleation and deposition of calcium carbonate. Orthologs of genes discussed in the present review were mined from a recently completed cuticular transcriptome of the crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, providing new insights into the nature of these proteins.
ISSN:1540-7063
1557-7023
DOI:10.1093/icb/icv080