Many insects metamorphose from antagonistic larvae into mutualistic adult pollinators, with reciprocal adaptation leading to specialized insect-plant associations.It remains unknown how such interactions are established at molecular level. Here we assembled high-quality genomes of a fig species, Ficus pumila var. pumila, and its specific pollinating wasp, Wiebesia pumilae. We combined multi-omics with validation experiments to reveal molecular mechanisms underlying this specialized interaction. In the plant, we identified the specific compound attracting pollinators and validated the function of several key genes regulating its biosynthesis. In the pollinator, we found a highly reduced number of odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes and an OBP mainly binding the attractant. During antagonistic interaction, we found similar chemical profiles and turnovers throughout the development of galled ovules and seeds, and a significant contraction of detoxification-related gene families in the pollinator. Our study detects some key genes bridging coevolved mutualists, establishing expectations for more diffuse insect-pollinator systems.

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Mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) is known as the terminal executor of necroptosis. However, its function outside of necroptosis is still not clear. Herein, we demonstrate that MLKL promotes vascular inflammation by regulating the expression of adhesion molecules ICAM1, VCAM1, and E-selectin in endothelial cells (EC). MLKL deficiency suppresses the expression of these adhesion molecules, thereby reducing EC-leukocyte interaction in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that MLKL interacts with RBM6 to promote the mRNA stability of adhesion molecules. In conclusion, this study identified a novel role of MLKL in regulating endothelial adhesion molecule expression and local EC-leukocyte interaction during acute inflammation.

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