The beta-1, 4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 gene, selected by domestication and breeding, is involved in cocoon construction of Bombyx mori.

ABSTRACT: Holometabolous insects have distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages. The pupal stage is typically immobile and can be subject to predation, but cocoon offers pupal protection for many insect species. The cocoon provides a space in which the pupa to adult metamorphosis occurs. It also protects the pupa from weather, predators and parasitoids. Silk protein is a precursor of the silk used in cocoon construction. We used the silkworm as a model species to identify genes affecting silk protein synthesis and cocoon construction. We used quantitative genetic analysis to demonstrate that β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 (BmGlcNase1) is associated with synthesis of sericin, the main composite of cocoon. BmGlcNase1 has an expression pattern coupled with silk gland development and cocoon shell weight

SUBMITTER: Li C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7363074 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature