The direct regulation of Aalbdsx on AalVgR is indispensable for ovarian development in Aedes albopictus

作者：Jin, Binbin; Zhao, Yijie; Liu, Peiwen; Sun, Yan; Li, Xiaocong; Zhang, Xin; Chen, Xiao-Guang; Gu, Jinbao^*

来源：Pest Management Science, 2021, 77(4): 1654-1667.

DOI：10.1002/ps.6185

• Aedes albopictus
• sex differentiation
• doublesex
• mosquito control
• vitellogenin
• vitellogenin receptor

BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus is an important vector with an extensive worldwide distribution. Only female mosquitoes play a significant role in the transmission of pathogens. Doublesex (dsx) is a central nexus gene in the insect somatic sex determination hierarchy. @@@ RESULTS: In this study, we characterized the full-length sex-specific splicing forms of the Ae. albopictus dsx (Aalbdsx) gene. Then, we identified 15 direct target genes of DSX in adult females using digital gene expression combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) by performing a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay with specific DSX antibodies. Knockdown of Aalbdsx suppressed ovarian development and decreased the transcript levels of the Aalbdsx target vitellogenin receptor (VgR) gene, whereas vitellogenin (Vg) expression showed an increase in the fat body. Genes in the major Vg regulatory pathway were also up-regulated. @@@ CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that both Vg and VgR are direct target genes of Aalbdsx and that direct regulation of Aalbdsx on VgR is indispensable for ovarian development in Ae. albopictus, which not only provides a reference for the further elucidation of the evolutionarily conserved role of dsx in Ae. albopictus sexual differentiation but also reveals potential molecular targets for application to the development of sterile male mosquitoes to be released for vector control.

• 单位
  南方医科大学