Pest management science · 2026
Uncovering a novel role of otu in lepidopteran Bombyx mori male fertility.
СтатьяНазвание и аннотация: Перевод в очереди
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Duan Xiaohui, Wu Songyuan, Zhou Yuhao, Song Jiangbo, Chen Junzhuo, Zhang Jianming, Tong Xiaoling, Dai Fangyin
Аннотация
BACKGROUND: Male infertility has emerged as a global concern, with dysfunctional spermatogenesis being a major cause. A significant proportion of agricultural pests belong to lepidopteran species, making it valuable to explore the conserved genes involved in spermatogenesis within the lepidopteran model, Bombyx mori. Identifying these genes could reveal potential targets for pest control and enhance insect sterility technologies. Although the ovarian tumor (otu) gene is essential for oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, its role in Lepidoptera remains largely unexplored.
RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated that the Bmotu gene plays an essential role in the development of genital glands in silkworms. A CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss-of-function mutation in Bmotu resulted in a 13.7% reduction in egg production. Notably, Bmotu-deficient males exhibited complete sterility without any detectable alterations in copulatory behavior. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed abnormal sperm bundle morphology, suggesting impaired spermatogenesis in Bmotu mutant males. Transcriptome analysis identified 869 differentially expressed genes between Bmotu mutant and control testes. KEGG enrichment highlighted pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, steroid biosynthesis, and signal transduction, implying possible roles for Bmotu in regulating sperm development via metabolic and signaling processes. Phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses revealed that otu is highly conserved across lepidopteran species and has undergone purifying selection, underscoring its evolutionary importance in reproductive regulation.
CONCLUSION: These findings uncover a previously uncharacterized role of otu in regulating spermatogenesis and male fertility in insects. As the otu gene is highly conserved in lepidopterans, it might be a potential molecular target for genetics-based pest management. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated that the Bmotu gene plays an essential role in the development of genital glands in silkworms. A CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss-of-function mutation in Bmotu resulted in a 13.7% reduction in egg production. Notably, Bmotu-deficient males exhibited complete sterility without any detectable alterations in copulatory behavior. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed abnormal sperm bundle morphology, suggesting impaired spermatogenesis in Bmotu mutant males. Transcriptome analysis identified 869 differentially expressed genes between Bmotu mutant and control testes. KEGG enrichment highlighted pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, steroid biosynthesis, and signal transduction, implying possible roles for Bmotu in regulating sperm development via metabolic and signaling processes. Phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses revealed that otu is highly conserved across lepidopteran species and has undergone purifying selection, underscoring its evolutionary importance in reproductive regulation.
CONCLUSION: These findings uncover a previously uncharacterized role of otu in regulating spermatogenesis and male fertility in insects. As the otu gene is highly conserved in lepidopterans, it might be a potential molecular target for genetics-based pest management. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.