A novel gene REPTOR2 activates the autophagic degradation of wing disc in pea aphid.

ABSTRACT: Wing dimorphism in insects is an evolutionarily adaptive trait to maximize insect fitness under various environments, by which the population could be balanced between dispersing and reproduction. Most studies concern the regulatory mechanisms underlying the stimulation of wing morph in aphids, but relatively little research addresses the molecular basis of wing loss. Here, we found that, while developing normally in winged-destined pea aphids, the wing disc in wingless-destined aphids degenerated 30-hr postbirth and that this degeneration was due to autophagy rather than apoptosis. Activation of autophagy in first instar nymphs reduced the proportion of winged aphids, and suppression of autophagy increased the proportion. REPTOR2, associated with TOR signaling pathway, was identifi

SUBMITTER: Yuan E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10030113 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature