Abstract
Proteins containing the basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) domain function as transcription factors and play important roles during the development of various metazoans including insects, nematodes and vertebrates. Insect genomes contain more than 50 bHLH transcription factors, but the function of only a few of these proteins in regulation of female reproduction is known. Using RNA interference, we have tested knock-down in the expression of genes coding for bHLH transcription factors in newly emerged adult females to determine their function in regulation of female reproduction in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Knock-down in the expression of genes coding for four bHLH transcription factors (TcSRC, TcSim1, TcAsh and TcDaughterless) caused mortality in the female beetles. In addition, knocking-down the expression of 16 bHLH genes affected oogenesis and knock-down in the expression of 13 genes affected embryogenesis. Two genes TcSide1 and TcSpineless are required for both oogenesis and embryogenesis. Thus, the data reported here showed that 31 bHLH transcription factors are required for female survival, reproduction and embryogenesis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1481-1489 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Journal of Insect Physiology |
| Volume | 56 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 2010 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We dedicate this paper to Professor Judy Willis in gratitude for the guidance she provided throughout the career development of one of the authors (SRP). This work was supported by National Institutes of Health ( GM070559-06 ) and National Science Foundation ( IBN-0421856 ). This is contribution number 10-08-047 from the Kentucky Agricultural Experimental Station.
Keywords
- Embryogenesis
- Oogenesis
- RNA interference
- Red flour beetle
- Vitellogenin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Insect Science