Functional studies of McSTE24, McCYP305a1, and McJHEH, three essential genes act in cantharidin biosynthesis in the blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae)

Journal of Insect Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(4)

Published: July 1, 2024

Abstract Cantharidin is a toxic defensive substance secreted by most blister beetles when attacked. It has been used to treat many complex diseases since ancient times and recently regained popularity as an anticancer agent. However, the detailed mechanism of cantharidin biosynthesis not completely addressed. In this study, we cloned McSTE24 (encoding STE24 endopeptidase) from terpenoid backbone pathway, McCYP305a1 cytochrome P450, family 305) McJHEH [encoding subfamily A, polypeptide 1 juvenile hormone (JH) epoxide hydrolase] associated JH synthesis/degradation in beetle Mylabris cichorii (Linnaeus, 1758, Coleoptera: Meloidae). Expression pattern analyses across developmental stages adult males revealed that expressions 3 transcripts were closely linked titer exclusively during peak period synthesis (20–25 days old). contrast, at other stages, these genes may primarily regulate different biological processes. When RNA interference with double-stranded suppressed individually, significant reductions production observed also females following knockdown, indicating might contribute males, but females, while could self-synthesis small amount cantharidin. These findings support previously hypothesized sexual dimorphism phase. collaborates its upstream gene biosynthesis, independently regulates males.

Language: Английский

Contributions to the Knowledge of Nemognathinae (Coleoptera: Meloidae) from China

Insects, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. 338 - 338

Published: May 8, 2024

Despite being the most widespread blister beetle subfamily, Nemognathinae is unfairly understudied in China. In this study, a new genus and species, Sinostenoria yangi Pan, from northern China described illustrated. The antennae, elytra, hind wings, claws of form truly unique set characteristics never observed other genera Nemognathini Laporte de Castelnau, 1840. Three species are newly recorded illustrated: Megatrachelus sibiricus (Tauscher, 1812), Zonitomorpha dollei (Fairmaire 1889), Stenodera djakonovi Aksentjev, 1978. Oreomeloe Tan, 1981, transferred tribe Meloini Gyllenhal, 1910, to based on an examination types. Aiming test morphology-based placement genus, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses using two mitochondrial (COI, 16S) three nuclear markers (28S, CAD, ITS2). results confirm our tribal assignment support clade that consists Sinostenoriagen. n., Longizonitis Pan Bologna, 2018, Stenoria cf. grandiceps, Ctenopus persicus.

Language: Английский