Melanin biosynthesis and functional roles in insects: insights into immunological defense, physiological regulation, and environmental adaptation

Melanin, a biopolymer synthesized from tyrosine, plays diverse and essential roles in insect physiology, encompassing immune defense, thermoregulation, and environmental adaptation. This review synthesizes three decades of research (1990-2024) to elucidate the enzymatic pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and adaptive functions of melanin across insect taxa. Key enzymes such as phenoloxidase and tyrosinase mediate melanin biosynthesis and are central to pathogen encapsulation and wound healing, while also contributing to thermal regulation and ultraviolet radiationprotection in extreme environments. The review integrates recent advances on hormonal and genetic regulation, emphasizing the roles of juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and transcription factors in modulating melanogenesis. It also identifies critical gaps in understanding transcriptional, epigenetic, and environmental regulation of melanin synthesis. By highlighting melanin's multifunctionality and evolutionary significance, this review provides a framework for future studies linking molecular mechanisms with ecological adaptation and offers potential applications in pest management and insect resilience under climate change.