Diversity of Ecdysteroids in Animal Species

Abstract

Arthropods contain a significant diversity of ecdysteroids which are used to control their development and reproduction. This diversity is for one part connected with the diversity of the sterol precursors used. Outside Arthropods, ecdysteroids or/and closely related molecules have been found in most other Invertebrates and also in Tunicates. Definite proof for their endogenous origin is however still lacking, and their physiological functions (if any) remain to be established. It is hoped that thanks to the availability of whole genome sequencing of an increasing species number, tools will become available for answering these questions.