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Ushima R, Sugimoto R, Sano Y, Ogi H, Ino R, Hayakawa H, Shimada K, Tsuchida T. New Gall-Forming Insect Model, Smicronyx madaranus: Critical Stages for Gall Formation, Phylogeny, and Effectiveness of Gene Functional Analysis. INSECTS 2024; 15:63. [PMID: 38249069 PMCID: PMC10816246 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying insect gall formation remain unclear. A major reason for the inability to identify the responsible genes is that only a few systems can be experimentally validated in the laboratory. To overcome these problems, we established a new galling insect model, Smicronyx madaranus. Our manipulation experiments using nail polish sealing and insecticide treatment revealed an age-dependent change in gall formation by S. madaranus; adult females and larvae are responsible for gall induction and enlargement, respectively. Furthermore, it has been suggested that substances released during oviposition and larval feeding are involved in each process. Phylogenetic analysis showed that gall-forming weevils, including S. madaranus, belong to two distinct lineages that utilize different host plants. This may indicate that gall-forming traits evolved independently in these Smicronyx lineages. The efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) in S. madaranus was confirmed by targeting the multicopper oxidase 2 gene. It is expected that the mechanisms of gall formation will be elucidated by a comprehensive functional analysis of candidate genes using RNAi and the S. madaranus galling system in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Ushima
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering for Education, University of Toyama, Toyama City 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryoma Sugimoto
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering for Education, University of Toyama, Toyama City 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yota Sano
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering for Education, University of Toyama, Toyama City 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hinako Ogi
- School of Science, University of Toyama, Toyama City 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Ino
- School of Science, University of Toyama, Toyama City 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hayakawa
- Museum of Natural and Environmental History, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City 422-8017, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Ishikawa Museum of Natural History, Ri-441, Choshi-Machi, Kanazawa City 920-1147, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Tsuchida
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama City 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
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