RNA interference of eclosion hormone gene reveals its roles in the control of ecdysis behavior inHeortia vitessoidesMoore

摘要

Eclosion hormone (EH) is an important neuropeptide that regulates growth and development. This study predicted the EH gene (HvEH) ofHeortia vitessoidesMoore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from the transcriptome database and its expression patterns were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.HvEHwas expressed in all developmental stages and especially in the head area. RNA interference-mediated silencing ofHvEH(2 mu g/individual) with double-strandedHvEHRNA (dsHvEH) was achieved within 48 hr. Abnormal phenotypes appeared in the pupa and adult stages. dsHvEHinjection suppressed pupation and eclosion rates.HvEHexpression increased upon treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone but decreased at extreme temperatures. These results suggest thatHvEHplays an essential role in ecdysis and wing formation inH.vitessoides.