miR‐2703 regulates the chitin biosynthesis pathway by targeting chitin synthase 1a in Nilaparvata lugens

Abstract

The chitin biosynthesis pathway is an important physiology process in arthropods. However, few microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of the chitin biosynthesis pathway in insects have been reported until now. In this study, four groups of samples that either upregulated or downregulated the chitin biosynthesis pathway were collected for deep sequencing, and a total of 15 unique mature miRNAs with significantly different expression levels were found, including 11 known miRNAs and four novel miRNAs. Subsequently, we showed that miR‐2703 and its new target gene chitin synthase 1a are important for ecdysone‐induced chitin biosynthesis in Nilaparvata lugens, a serious insect pest of rice. The nymphs showed an obvious moulting defect phenotype, lower survival rate and significantly reduced chitin content after miR‐2703 feeding or injection. Furthermore, we found that the transcription level of miR‐2703 was not repressed by 20‐hydroxyecdysone signalling after Broad‐Complex (BR‐C) double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection compared with the repressed levels after green fluorescent protein dsRNA injection, suggesting that the involvement of miR‐2703 in the 20‐hydroxyecdysone pathway contributes to BR‐C activity. miR‐2703 regulates the chitin biosynthesis pathway by targeting chitin synthase 1a in response to 20‐hydroxyecdysone signalling.

Disruption of microRNA pathway core genes inhibits molting and reproduction of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne

“…49 In other research on N. lugens, miR-2703 was shown to directly regulate chitin synthase 1a, consequently decreasing the survival rate of nymphs with molting defect phenotypes. 51 Overall, these findings indicate that miRNA pathway core genes participate in the regulation of molting during development and in the reproduction of L. serricorne by influencing the expression of miRNAs.…”

Whole-transcriptome profiling across different developmental stages of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) provides insights into chitin-related non-coding RNA and competing endogenous RNA networks

“…Previous studies have attempted to inhibit chitin synthesis in insects mainly by interrupting chitin synthase using RNA interference (RNAi) technology [ 63 – 66 ]. Some studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in chitin biosynthesis and regulate gene expression during the molting of insects [ 67 – 70 ]. The present study revealed roles of ncRNAs in chitin metabolism, providing more molecular targets for regulating chitin-related biological processes.…”

Effects of miR-306 Perturbation on Life Parameters in the English Grain Aphid, Sitobion avenae (Homoptera: Aphididae)

“…miRNA inhibitors, such as mimic (agomir) or inhibitor (antagomir), can be introduced into insects through feeding, injection, or drip infusion, offering novel approaches for pest control [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. For instance, miR-2703 targets CHS1a for chitin synthesis regulation in response to the 20E signaling pathway in brown planthopper, with the injecting miR-2703 mimic reducing the chitin synthesis, increasing mortality, and causing molting defects [ 26 ]. Similarly, miR-184 regulates the transcription level of CYP303A1 during the molting process in locusts, leading to molting abnormalities and death [ 27 ].…”

“…To comprehensively assess the effects of miR-306 agomir on the population dynamics of S. avenae , we employed the nanomaterial SPc/adjuvant carrier to precisely deliver miR-306 agomir and interfere to newly hatched nymphs within 24 h. Using the two-sex life table method, which has provided valuable insights into the population ecology of target species, serving as essential tools for assessing population fitness and dynamics [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ], we investigated the impact of miR-306 agomir on the growth, development, and reproductive capability of S. avenae . This research aims to contribute to the development of miRNA-based nucleic acid pesticides and provide new molecular targets and methodologies for effective aphid control.…”