... structure with high permeability of the peritrophic matrix and epithelial barrier. The findings of the present study indicate that neural control is crucial for maintaining the barrier function of the gut, and provide a route for genetic dissection of the complex brain–gut axis in adults of the model...

...Gunnar Broehan; Lars Zimoch; Anton Wessels; Beyhan Ertas; Hans Merzendorfer SUMMARY The chitin portion of the peritrophic matrix in the midgut of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta , is produced by chitin synthase 2 (CHS2), a transmembrane family II glycosyltransferase, located at the apical tips...

... genes may themselves constitute potent biocides since they could perturb peritrophic matrix function of infected insects, leading to enhanced susceptibility to other harmful compounds. Insect chitinases have even been alienated to induce insect resistance in plants by expressing a truncated but active...