Hemimetabolous insects elucidate the origin of sexual development via alternative splicing

eLife, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 8

Published: Sept. 3, 2019

Insects are the only known animals in which sexual differentiation is controlled by sex-specific splicing. The doublesex transcription factor produces distinct male and female isoforms, both essential for development. dsx splicing depends on transformer, also alternatively spliced such that functional Tra present females. This pathway has evolved from an ancestral mechanism where was independent of tra expressed required males. To reconstruct this transition, we examined three basal, hemimetabolous insect orders: Hemiptera, Phthiraptera, Blattodea. We show have functions these insects, reflecting different stages changeover a transcription-based to splicing-based mode differentiation. propose canonical tra-dsx via merger between expanding function (from males sexes) narrowing general dedicated regulator dsx).

Language: Английский

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A history of the genetic and molecular identification of genes and their functions controlling insect sex determination

Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 151, P. 103873 - 103873

Published: Nov. 15, 2022

The genetics of the sex determination regulatory cascade in Drosophila melanogaster has a fascinating history, interlinked with foundation Genetics discipline itself. discovery that alternative splicing rather than differential transcription is molecular mechanism underlying upstream control differences model system was surprising. This notion now fully integrated into scientific canon, appearing many textbooks and online education resources. In last three decades, it key reference point for starting evolutionary studies other insect species by using homology-based approaches. review will introduce very brief history genetics. It describe genetic approaches applied identifying cloning genes involved species. These comparative analyses led to supporting idea sex-determining pathways have evolved mainly recruiting different signals/genes while maintaining widely conserved intermediate downstream genes. also provides examples link between technological advances research achievements, stimulate reflections on how science produced. aims hopefully strengthen related historical conceptual knowledge general readers disciplines younger geneticists, often focused latest technical-molecular

Language: Английский

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RNAi-Based Functional Genomics in Hemiptera

Insects, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11(9), P. 557 - 557

Published: Aug. 20, 2020

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful approach for sequence-specific gene silencing, displaying tremendous potential functional genomics studies in hemipteran insects. Exploiting RNAi allows the biological roles of critical genes to be defined and aids development RNAi-based biopesticides. In this review, we provide context rapidly expanding field We highlight most widely used delivery strategies, including microinjection, oral ingestion topical application. Additionally, discuss key variables affecting efficacy insects, insect life-stage, selection, presence nucleases, role core machinery. conclusion, summarise application Hemiptera, focusing on involved reproduction, behaviour, metabolism, immunity chemical resistance across 33 species belonging 14 families.

Language: Английский

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Gene Editing and Genetic Control of Hemipteran Pests: Progress, Challenges and Perspectives

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: June 7, 2022

The origin of the order Hemiptera can be traced to late Permian Period more than 230 MYA, well before flowering plants 100 MY later in during Cretaceous period. Hemipteran species consume their liquid diets using a sucking proboscis; for phytophagous hemipterans mouthparts (stylets) are elegant structures that enable voracious feeding from plant xylem or phloem. This adaptation has resulted some hemipteran becoming globally significant pests agriculture resulting annual crop losses. Due reliance on chemical insecticides control insect agricultural settings, many have evolved resistance an urgent need develop new, species-specific and environmentally friendly methods pest control. rapid advances CRISPR/Cas9 technologies model insects such as Drosophila melanogaster , Tribolium castaneum Bombyx mori, Aedes aegypti spurred new round innovative genetic strategies Diptera Lepidoptera increased interest assessing Hemiptera. Genetic approaches have, date, been largely overlooked due problems introducing material into germline these insects. high frequency CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis suggest that, if delivery problem could solved, then gene editing might quickly achieved. Significant realized nine over past 4 years. Here we review progress discuss challenges opportunities extending contemporary this agriculturally important r.

Language: Английский

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Doublesex regulates male sexual development in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus

Insect Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 11, 2025

Abstract Insects have evolved a diversity of regulatory mechanisms to determine their sex. Understanding the molecular regulation insect sex determination is great significance in revealing general law and providing potential routes for genetic manipulation pest species. Although cascade doublesex ( dsx ) gene functions been well described some holometabolous insects, little known about this hemimetabolous insects. In study, we identified homolog Gryllus bimaculatus , which belongs Orthoptera order an important model developmental evolutionary biology. We found that Gbdsx has two alternative splicing isoforms (male‐specific M non‐sex‐specific C ). Using RNAi‐mediated knock‐down 6th‐instar nymphs resulted adult male forewings showing feminized vein development abnormal external genitalia. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout embryos males becoming pseudofemales, with internal Additionally, pseudofemales created by demonstrated normal courtship trends aggressive behavior but no actual mating behavior. However, female crickets does not affect sexual traits or fertility. Our results suggest plays critical role cricket traits, behavior, furthers our understanding

Language: Английский

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Identification and functional analysis of the doublesex gene in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 266, P. 111150 - 111150

Published: Jan. 10, 2022

Language: Английский

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Evolutionary transition of doublesex regulation from sex-specific splicing to male-specific transcription in termites

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Aug. 6, 2021

The sex determination gene doublesex (dsx) encodes a transcription factor with two domains, oligomerization domain 1 (OD1) and OD2, is present throughout insects. Sex-specific Dsx splicing isoforms regulate the of target genes trigger differentiation in all Holometabola examined to date. However, some hemimetabolous insects, dsx not spliced sexually its sequence less conserved. Here, elucidate evolutionary changes organisation regulation termites, we searched genome and/or transcriptome databases for OD1 OD2 seven termite species their sister group (Cryptocercus woodroaches). Molecular phylogenetic synteny analyses identified sequences termites C. punctulatus that clustered regarded them as orthologues. Cryptocercus orthologue containing was sexually, previously shown other found These orthologues were encoded by single exon three which information available; they alternatively but transcribed male-specific manner species. Evolution from sex-specific may have occurred at an early stage social evolution termites.

Language: Английский

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Evolutionary History of Sexual Differentiation Mechanism in Insects

Molecular Biology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 39(7)

Published: July 1, 2022

Alternative splicing underpins functional diversity in proteins and the complexity of eukaryotes. An example is doublesex gene, key transcriptional factor arthropod sexual differentiation. controlled by sex-specific promotes both male female differentiation holometabolan insects, whereas hemimetabolan species, has isoforms but not required for How evolved to be essential development remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate ancestral states using Thermobia domestica belonging Zygentoma, sister group Pterygota, that is, winged insects. We find that, T. domestica, expresses only necessary morphology. This result supports hypothesis initially promoted during insect evolution. However, a short female-specific region upregulates expression vitellogenin homologs females, suggesting may already play some role morphogenesis common ancestor Pterygota. Reconstruction sequence prediction protein structures show isoform an extended C-terminal disordered insects nonholometabolan species. propose acquired its function through change motif structure rather than emergence exon.

Language: Английский

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Distinct developmental mechanisms influence sexual dimorphisms in the milkweed bugOncopeltus fasciatus

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 290(1992)

Published: Feb. 1, 2023

Sexual dimorphism is common in animals. The most complete model of sex determination comes from Drosophila melanogaster , where the relative dosage autosomes and X chromosomes leads indirectly to sex-specific transcripts doublesex ( dsx ). Female Dsx interacts with a mediator complex protein encoded by intersex ix ) activate female development. In males, transcription factor fruitless fru promotes male-specific behaviour. genetics have been examined small number other insects, yet several questions remain about plesiomorphic state. Is required for male development? conserved behaviour or morphology? Are components such as functionally conserved? To address these questions, we report expression functional tests hemipteran Oncopeltus fasciatus characterizing three sexual dimorphisms. prevents phenotypes all sexes dimorphic traits milkweed bug. are expressed across body, females males. also affect genitalia both sexes, but effects limited different structures sexes. These results reveal roles i x distinct demonstrate development mechanisms sexually structures.

Language: Английский

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Mutation of doublesex in Hyphantria cunea results in sex‐specific sterility

Pest Management Science, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 76(5), P. 1673 - 1682

Published: Nov. 21, 2019

Abstract BACKGROUND The gene doublesex ( dsx ) plays pivotal roles in sex determination and controls sexually dimorphic development certain insects. Importantly, it also displays a potential candidate target for pest management due to its sex‐specific splicing. Therefore, we used CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated disruption investigate the function of Hyphantria cunea , an invasive forest pest. RESULT In present study, identified from H. which showed sex‐biased expression pattern that was different other lepidopteran Referring functional analyses Bombyx mori performed site‐specific knockout Hcdsx by using CRISPR/Cas9 system, induced severe abnormalities external genitalia some incomplete reversal phenotypes, turn led reduced fecundity. An alternative splicing altered CRISPR/Cas9‐induced mutation, alterations affected downstream genes encoding pheromone binding protein 1, vg1 vg2 (encoding vitellogenin), contributed sterility phenotypes mutants. CONCLUSION important sexual differentiation . Disruption sterility, demonstrating application control this © 2019 Society Chemical Industry

Language: Английский

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