Genetics, Development and Functional Genes 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 April 2025 | Viewed by 1029

Special Issue Editors


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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
College of Life Science, Tongji Univesity, Shanghai, China
Interests: insect genetics; insect development; insect gut microorganism; insect immunity; insect chemical ecology

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Guest Editor
College of Life Science, Hubei Univesity, Wuhan, China
Interests: speciation and genetic diversity; biodiversity protection; natural enemy–pest model; insect visual behavior; biological control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Insects exhibit remarkable genetic diversity within and between species. This diversity plays a crucial role in their adaptation to different environments and ecological niches. Insects often exist in large populations, and the study of genetic variation within and between populations provides insights into evolutionary processes and adaptation. Genetic diversity can be observed within a single insect species (intraspecific) and between different species (interspecific), which is crucial for conservation and pest management.

The development of insects is a complex and highly regulated process that involves distinct stages, from egg to adult. This complex life cycle is regulated by intricate genetic and hormonal mechanisms. Juvenile hormones and ecdysteroids play crucial roles in orchestrating the transitions between developmental stages. These hormones regulate molting, metamorphosis and the development of specific structures. Understanding the development of insects is crucial for various fields, including agriculture, ecology and entomology. The study of developmental biology provides insights into the mechanisms that drive the incredible diversity of insect forms and life histories.

Functional genes in insects are responsible for a variety of biological processes, including development, reproduction, metabolism and responses to the environment. These genes contribute to the diverse adaptations and behaviors observed in different insect species. For example, insect olfactory genes, including odorant-binding proteins, chemosensory proteins and odorant receptors, are often highly specific, allowing them to respond to particular pheromones or odors associated with food sources or mates. When an odor molecule binds to an olfactory receptor, it triggers a series of molecular events leading to a nerve signal that is interpreted by the insect's brain. Understanding these molecular processes helps researchers decipher how insects perceive and respond to different scents. Olfactory molecular biology involves studying the genes and genetic mechanisms that underlie the development and function of olfactory receptors. This knowledge can be crucial for manipulating insect behavior or developing novel pest control strategies.

Prof. Dr. Hui Ai
Dr. Qian Wang
Prof. Dr. Jie Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • insect chemical ecology
  • insect olfactory molecular biology
  • insect development
  • insect gut microorganism
  • insect immunity
  • speciation and genetic diversity
  • biodiversity protection
  • natural enemy–pest model

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 6947 KiB  
Article
Toxic Effect of Methyl-Thiophanate on Bombyx mori Based on Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis
by Zhen He, Yang Fang, Fengchao Zhang, Yang Liu, Xiaoli Wen, Cui Yu, Xinkai Cheng, Dechen Li, Liang Huang, Hui Ai and Fan Wu
Genes 2024, 15(10), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15101279 - 29 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: The utilization of methyl-thiophanate (MT) in vegetables and fruits is widespread due to its broad efficiency, yet its potential impact on silkworm growth remains uncertain. This study aims to examine the effects of MT on the growth of silkworms. Specifically, we assessed [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The utilization of methyl-thiophanate (MT) in vegetables and fruits is widespread due to its broad efficiency, yet its potential impact on silkworm growth remains uncertain. This study aims to examine the effects of MT on the growth of silkworms. Specifically, we assessed the weights of fifth-instar larvae that were fed mulberry leaves saturated with three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL) of MT, as well as the weights of a control group. Methods: TEM was used to show the status of the silkworm midgut after MT supplementation. Oxidative stress was evaluated in the presence of MT. Furthermore, a transcriptomic sequencing experiment was conducted to investigate the mechanism through which the development of silkworms is induced by MT. Results: Our findings indicate that the supplementation of MT hindered larval growth compared to the control group, suggesting a toxic effect of MT on silkworms. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show that MT supplementation induced autophagy in the silkworm midgut. MT was also found to induce oxidative stress in silkworms through the activation of reactive oxygen (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities. Subsequent transcriptomic analysis revealed 1265 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to MT. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that these DEGs were associated with antioxidant defense, detoxification processes, lysosome biogenesis, and metabolic pathways. Conclusions: These findings suggest that MT toxicity in silkworm larvae is mediated through the induction of oxidative stress and alterations in metabolism. This study contributes to our understanding of the impacts of MT exposure on silkworms and provides insights into potential pesticides for use in mulberry gardens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Development and Functional Genes of Insects)
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