The RNA helicase DDX3 is required for ovarian development and oocyte maturation in Locusta migratoria. Issue 3 (28th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Junxiu; Li, Tingting; Deng, Sufang; Ma, Enbo; Zhang, Jianzhen; Xing, Shuping
• Is Part Of: Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology. Volume 106:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-02-28
• Subjects: DDX3 -- Locusta migratoria -- oocyte maturation -- ovarian development -- RNA helicases -- RNAi; Insects -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Insect biochemistry -- Periodicals; 595.701572
• DOI: 10.1002/arch.21775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-4462

Abstract

Abstract: DDX3 represents a well‐defined subfamily of DEAD‐box RNA helicase and exerts multiple functions in RNA metabolism, cell cycle, tumorigenesis, signal pathway, and fertility. Our previous study has shown that LmDDX3, the ortholog of DDX3 in Locusta migratoria, is ubiquitously expressed, and with a high abundance in testis and ovary. Knockdown of LmDDX3 results in a lethal phenotype in nymph, but it still remains unclear for its role in reproductive process. In this study, we therefore characterized LmDDX3 expression in female adult locust and analyzed its function in oocyte development. LmDDX3 was expressed in all tissues examined with significant more transcripts in ovary and hindgut. In ovary, a strong expression level was detected at the day just after adult eclosion, and a dramatic reduction then occurred during the oocyte development. LmDDX3 RNAi led to a reduced vitellogenin ( Vg ) expression in fat body via partially at least, the JH signaling pathway, and caused an upregulation of vitellogenin receptor ( VgR ) in ovary, and thus blocked the ovarian development and oocyte maturation. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that LmDDX3 was closely related to termite DDX3. Taken together, these data reveal a critical role for LmDDX3 in regulating the transcription of Vg and VgR, two major factors in vitellogenesis that is a key process required for ovary development and oocyte maturation in locust, and contribute thereof a new putative target for locust biological control. Abstract : A provided model for LmDDX3 function in locust ovarian development and oocyte maturation. LmDDX3 directly or indirectly promotes LmVg, at least partially via JH signaling pathway, and regulates LmVgR for oocyte maturation and ovarian growth. The circles filled with gray color denote nuclei in fat body cell or in the developing oocytes. Research Highlights: 1. LmDDX3 is an evolutionarily conserved DEAD‐box RNA helicase in Locusta migratoria . 2. LmDDX3 promotes vitellogenin ( Vg ) expression in fat body via partially the JH signaling pathway, and is essential for ovarian development and oocyte maturation.