Refined CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in the pea aphid uncovers the essential roles of Laccase2 in overwintering egg adaptation.

ABSTRACT: The production of overwintering eggs is a critical adaptation for winter survival among many insects. Melanization contributes to eggshell pigmentation and hardening, consequently enhancing resistance to environmental stress. The complex life cycle of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), a model hemipteran insect with remarkable reproductive capacity, involves cyclical parthenogenesis. It enables the production of black overwintering eggs that undergo obligate diapause to survive under unfavorable conditions. Laccase2 (Lac2) is essential for cuticle sclerotization and pigmentation in other insects. We hypothesized that Lac2 plays a critical role in aphid eggshell pigmentation and survival during diapause. To test the hypothesis, we used CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein microinjections and a n

SUBMITTER: Shigenobu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313077 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature