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Characterization Of Larval Lepidopteran Gut Stem Cell Markers, Zilan Li

All Theses

The larval lepidopteran midgut is a complex tissue system that shows significant structure-function relationships related to its roles in digestive and absorptive processes. δ-endotoxins (Cry toxins) produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis disrupt the midgut epithelium of target insects has been used extensively to control pests. However, insects, including several lepidopteran species, evolve resistance to Cry toxins which causes a great threat to their continued utility. Understanding the physiology of the midgut, including that of the stem cells which are responsible for midgut growth, development, and regeneration, may improve the sustainability of midgut-targeted control like Cry toxins. Historically, lepidopteran midgut …