Chapter 100 – Methyl Farnesoate

Methylfarnesoate (MF) was first identified from a species of crustacean in 1987 as a JH-like factor produced by the mandibular organs (MOs). Since then, MF has been found in more than 35 crustacean species. MF is also present in several insect species, and a species of mite. Similarly to JH in insects, MF has multiple functions in crustaceans, including the regulation of reproduction, molting, metamorphosis, polyphenism, and sex determination. The action of MF varies with the developmental stage and species of crustacean. MF is synthesized through the mevalonate pathway and MF-specific pathway. MF biosynthesis in MOs is negatively regulated by neuropeptides in the form of mandibular organ inhibitory hormones (MOIHs), which are produced by the X-organ sinus gland complex in the eyestalk. MF receptor has recently been revealed to be the heterodimer of Met and SRC in Daphnia; however, the MF signal transduction pathway downstream of the MF receptor is still largely unknown.