The Expression and Function of <i>Notch</i> Involved in Ovarian Development and Fecundity in <i>Basilepta melanopus</i>
Yifei Xie,
Yifan Tan,
Xuanye Wen,
Wan Deng,
Jinxiu Yu,
Mi Li,
Fanhui Meng,
Xiudan Wang,
Daohong Zhu
Affiliations
Yifei Xie
Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Yifan Tan
Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Xuanye Wen
Center for Biological Disaster Prevention and Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang 110031, China
Wan Deng
Institute of Forestry and Grassland Protection, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China
Jinxiu Yu
Institute of Forestry and Grassland Protection, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China
Mi Li
Institute of Forestry and Grassland Protection, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China
Fanhui Meng
Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Xiudan Wang
Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Daohong Zhu
Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway in the reproductive system of B. melanopus. The functional domains and expression patterns of Bmnotch were analyzed. Bmnotch contains 45 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) domains, one negative regulatory region, one NODP domain and one repeat-containing domain superfamily. The qPCR reveals heightened expression in early developmental stages and specific tissues like the head and ovaries. The RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of notch decreased its expression by 52.1%, exhibiting heightened sensitivity to dsNotch at lower concentrations. Phenotypic and mating experiments have demonstrated that dsNotch significantly impairs ovarian development, leading to reduced mating frequencies and egg production. This decline underscores the Notch pathway’s crucial role in fecundity. The findings advocate for RNAi-based, Notch-targeted pest control as an effective and sustainable strategy for managing B. melanopus populations, signifying a significant advancement in forest pest control endeavors.
