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Genetics and Genomics of Insects
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Genetics and Genomics of Insects

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 March 2026 | Viewed by 262

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hui Ai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
Interests: insect chemical ecology; insect olfactory molecular biology; odorant-binding protein; chemosensory protein; olfactory receptor
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Genes hereby invites submissions for a Special Issue focused on "Genetics and Genomics of Insects". This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research in the field, emphasizing the use of biochemical and molecular biology approaches, as well as integrated genomic and related methodologies, to uncover the fundamental molecular mechanisms of insect biology and their vast potential in applied fields. We warmly welcome original research articles and reviews based on the following themes:

  1. Genomic and Gene Function Analysis: Applications of genomics, transcriptomics, and other technologies to conduct in-depth studies on agricultural pests, vector insects, or beneficial insects. The goal is to elucidate the functions of key genes in critical biological processes such as development, reproduction, resistance to insecticides, and host–pathogen interactions.
  2. Insect Molecular Systematics and Molecular Basis of Biocontrol: Research areas including DNA barcoding, phylogenetic analysis, and molecular systematics of insects, such as the ecological conservation and molecular evolution of pollinating insects; exploring the genetic and genomic mechanisms of insects used in biocontrol (e.g., parasitic wasps, predatory natural enemies) or their pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses). Studies may focus on virulence factors, host specificity, and the molecular dynamics of interactions with target pests.
  3. Applied Technologies and Prospects: Innovative pest management strategies based on molecular biology, such as gene editing, RNAi-based pest control, the development of gene drive systems, optimization of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), and trait improvement of natural enemy insects through gene editing.

This Special Issue aims to highlight how an integrated genomic approach can advance our understanding of insect gene function and ultimately provide a molecular biology foundation for developing efficient and sustainable pest control solutions. We look forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Hui Ai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • insect molecular biology
  • genomics
  • molecular systematics
  • transcriptomics
  • genetic
  • genomic
  • pest management strategies
  • gene function
  • insect chemical ecology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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14 pages, 3951 KB  
Article
The Chemoreceptive Molecular Mechanism Underlying CSP-Mediated Recognition of Seed Elaiosome from Stemona tuberosa by Hornets
by Guangyan Long, Yuying Liu, Mengyao Zhu, Kaiyu Liu, Yutao Xiao and Hui Ai
Genes 2025, 16(11), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16111265 (registering DOI) - 27 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: As crucial natural predators, hornets contribute to ecosystem function by preying on agricultural and forest pests and facilitating plant pollination. However, the predatory preference of hornets for honeybees poses a significant threat to honeybee pollination and the development of the beekeeping industry. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: As crucial natural predators, hornets contribute to ecosystem function by preying on agricultural and forest pests and facilitating plant pollination. However, the predatory preference of hornets for honeybees poses a significant threat to honeybee pollination and the development of the beekeeping industry. Foraging and pollination behaviors in hornets are largely governed by a sensitive olfactory system, but their olfactory molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: VvelCSP1 and VvelCSP4 were successfully expressed in the prokaryotic expression system and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography column. Fluorescence competitive binding assays were employed to evaluate their binding affinities to volatile compounds derived from the seed elaiosome of Stemona tuberosa and honeybees. Molecular docking was further performed to analyze key residues and interaction patterns within the binding pockets. Results: Fluorescence competitive binding assays showed that both proteins prefer long-chain alkanes yet exhibit significant substrate selectivity and high ligand specificity. VvelCSP1 specifically binds to hexacosane, while VvelCSP4 specifically recognizes docosane. Molecular docking results demonstrated that the binding process between VvelCSP1, VvelCSP4 and their respective ligands is dominated by hydrophobic interactions. Conclusions: This study provides functional evidence for investigating the olfactory molecular regulation mechanisms underlying hornet-mediated seed dispersal. These findings establish a foundation for potential applications of hornets in plant propagation, biological pest control, crop pollination and ecological balance maintenance in agroforestry systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Insects)
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15 pages, 7840 KB  
Article
The E3 Ligase UBR5/Hyd Ensures Meiotic Fidelity Through Catalysis-Independent Regulation of β2-Tubulin in Drosophila
by Lin Zhou, Lang Lin, Yan Zhang, Chenghao Shen, Yun Qi and Xinhua Lin
Genes 2025, 16(11), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16111245 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Background: Spermatogenesis depends on precise cytoskeletal regulation, particularly the microtubule system; however, the mechanisms governing tubulin homeostasis during meiosis are poorly defined. While the E3 ubiquitin ligase Hyd (Hyperplastic discs), the Drosophila homolog of UBR5 (Ubiquitin Protein Ligase E3 Component N-Recognin 5), plays [...] Read more.
Background: Spermatogenesis depends on precise cytoskeletal regulation, particularly the microtubule system; however, the mechanisms governing tubulin homeostasis during meiosis are poorly defined. While the E3 ubiquitin ligase Hyd (Hyperplastic discs), the Drosophila homolog of UBR5 (Ubiquitin Protein Ligase E3 Component N-Recognin 5), plays roles in diverse cellular processes, its precise role in male meiosis is unknown. This study aims to define the function and expression dynamics of Hyd during Drosophila spermatogenesis and elucidate whether it acts independently of its canonical ligase activity. Methods: Using Drosophila genetics, immunofluorescence, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated tagging, and mosaic clonal analysis, we characterized Hyd expression and function in the testis. Hyd knockdown and rescue experiments were performed with wild-type and catalytically inactive transgenes. β2-tubulin expression and microtubule organization were assessed in hyd mutant clones. Results: Hyd exhibits a dynamic, stage-specific expression pattern, localizing to nuclear and meiotic structures. Hyd loss led to meiotic arrest, disrupted spindle formation, aberrant centrosome behavior, and failure of spermatid elongation. Genetic rescue demonstrated that both wild-type and catalytically inactive Hyd partially restored spermatid elongation, indicating a catalysis-independent role. Furthermore, Hyd deficiency resulted in β2-tubulin overexpression, disrupted microtubule organization, and abnormal spermatocyte morphology. Conclusions: Hyd ensures meiotic fidelity in Drosophila by fine-tuning β2-tubulin expression independently of its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. These findings reveal a non-proteolytic function for UBR5/Hyd in cytoskeletal regulation during male gametogenesis, providing new insights into tubulin homeostasis in meiosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Insects)
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