Transporter-mediated ecdysteroid trafficking across cell membranes: A novel target for insect growth regulators

Ecdysteroids are a class of steroid hormones in arthropods that control molting and metamorphosis through interaction with intracellular nuclear receptors. In contrast to the extensive literature describing their biosynthetic pathways signaling components, little has been known about how these traveling into out cells lipid bilayers cell membranes. Recently, series studies conducted fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster revealed membrane transporters have critical functions trafficking ecdysteroids across membranes, challenging classical simple diffusion model hormone transport. Here we summarize recent advances our understanding involved ecdysteroid Drosophila, particular focus on Ecdysone Importer (EcI) is uptake peripheral tissues. We then discuss potential advantage EcI blockers as novel pest management tool compared insect growth regulators.