Alternative suppression of transcription from two desaturase genes is the key for species-specific sex pheromone biosynthesis in two Ostrinia moths.
Crossing of two Ostrinia moths that use different positional isomers as sex pheromone components revealed that species-specific pheromone is produced through alternative suppression of two pheromone gland-specific desaturases at the gene transcription level. The sex pheromone of Ostrinia scapulalis (the adzuki bean borer) is a blend of (Z)-11- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetates (Z/E11-14:OAc), whereas that of Ostrinia furnacalis (the Asian corn borer) is a blend of (Z)-12- and (E)-12-tetradecenyl acetates (Z/E12-14:OAc). Delta11-Desaturase is known to be involved in the biosynthesis of Z/E11-14:OAc, and Delta14-desaturase, in that of Z/E12-14:OAc. The F1 hybrid between O. scapulalis and O. furnacalis produced both parents' sex pheromone components (Z/E11-14:OAc and Z/E12-14:OAc). Although the two species have both Delta11- and Delta14-desaturase genes, transcription from the Delta14-desaturase gene was strongly suppressed in O. scapulalis, as was transcription from the Delta11-desaturase gene in O. furnacalis. Meanwhile, both genes were transcribed into mRNA in F1. The production/non-production of Z/E11-14:OAc and Z/E12-14:OAc in F1, F2, and backcross progenies could be explained by an autosomal locus that suppresses transcription from either the Delta11-desaturase or Delta14-desaturase gene. Based on the findings, the evolution of sex pheromone biosynthesis in O. scapulalis and O. furnacalis is discussed.
Sakai
Ryota
R
Laboratory of Applied Entomology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Fukuzawa
Mai
M
Nakano
Ryo
R
Tatsuki
Sadahiro
S
Ishikawa
Yukio
Y
D000818:Animals; D015536:Down-Regulation; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009036:Moths / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012724:Sex Attractants / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D013045:Species Specificity; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D019476:Insect Proteins; D012724:Sex Attractants; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases