MicroRNA Lse-miR-2944c-3p regulates female reproduction in Lasioderma serricorne by targeting the heat shock protein LsHSP70-3.

BACKGROUND

The reproductive plasticity of female insects is governed by the complex structure and function of their ovaries. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian development in Lasioderma serricorne, a globally significant pest of stored products, remain largely unexplored. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating genes associated with reproduction remains poorly characterized.

RESULTS

This study investigated the regulatory mechanisms involving the LsHSP70-3 gene, which encodes a heat shock protein, and its associated miRNA in the reproductive processes of female L. serricorne. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of LsHSP70-3 markedly impaired ovarian development and reduced female fecundity. In silico predictions, validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, identified Lse-miR-2944c-3p as the cognate miRNA targeting LsHSP70-3. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down experiments confirmed the interaction between Lse-miR-2944c-3p and the 3' untranslated region of LsHSP70-3, resulting in the repression of its expression. Microinjection of Lse-miR-2944c-3p mimics led to reduced expression of LsHSP70-3 and down-regulation of vitellogenin (Vg) and Vg receptor (VgR) transcripts, culminating in impaired ovarian development, decreased oviposition, and reduced egg hatchability. Conversely, administration of an Lse-miR-2944c-3p inhibitor elevated the expression of LsHSP70-3, LsVg, and LsVgR, thereby promoting oogenesis and increasing egg production. Rescue experiments involving the co-injection of the miRNA inhibitor and dsLsHSP70-3 corroborated that Lse-miR-2944c-3p modulates reproduction by fine-tuning LsHSP70-3 expression.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that LsHSP70-3 deficiency impairs reproductive development in L. serricorne females. Lse-miR-2944c-3p and its target, LsHSP70-3, represent potential molecular targets for the control of L. serricorne. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.