Work

BmMed6 modulates mating behavior by ORs and antennae structural genes in the silkworm

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Gene expression is under strict and precise control to regulate organism development and maintain various physiological functions. The Mediator complex is a regulator of gene transcription. Our study focused on BmMed6 , a component of the Mediator complex in the Bombyx mori . We construct BmMed6 mutants using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. The mutants exhibited abnormal growth patterns in their antennae, which limited their mating behavior. RNA-seq and gene expression analysis have revealed that the expression of genes associated with structural constituents of the cuticle in the antennae of the mutant was aberrant. Moreover, the deficiency of BmMed6 also caused the downregulation of olfactory receptor genes. Our findings offer novel insights into the biological role of BmMed6 in antenna growth, revealing its crucial role in regulating antenna structure and olfactory gene expression to influence mating behaviors. This discovery identifies BmMed6 as a viable new target gene for pest control.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112017

Authors: Zhang Liying, Yang Dehong, Tang Longhao, Wei Xiangyi, Li Kai, Huang Yongping

Institutions: East China Normal University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai University of Engineering Science

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China