Disruption of Zfh3 abolishes mulberry-specific monophagy in silkworm larvae

Feeding behavior is critical for insect survival and fitness. Most researchers have explored the molecular basis of feeding behaviors by identifying and elucidating the function of olfactory receptors (ORs) and gustatory receptors (GRs). Other types of genes, such as transcription factors, have rarely been investigated, and little is known about their potential roles. The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is a well-studied monophagic insect which primarily feeds on mulberry leaves, but the genetic basis of its monophagy is still not understood. In this report, we focused on a transcription factor encoded by the Zfh3 gene, which is highly expressed in the silkworm central and peripheral nervous systems, including brain, antenna, and maxilla. To investigate its function, Zfh3 was abrogated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) mutagenesis. Since Zfh3 knockout homozygotes are not viable, we studied feeding behavior in heterozygotes, and found that disruption of Zfh3 affects both gustation and olfaction. Mutant larvae lose preference for mulberry leaves, acquire the ability to consume an expanded range of diets, and exhibit improved adaptation to the M0 artificial diet, which contains no mulberry leaves. These results provide the first demonstration that a transcription factor modulates feeding behaviors in an insect.

Salidroside promotes healthy longevity by interfering with HSP90 activity

Aging is a risk factor for human health and quality of life. Screening and development of novel supplements and medications to combat aging and delay the incidence of age-related diseases are of great significance. In this study, salidroside (SA), a primary natural small molecule from Rhodiola rosea, was investigated regarding its effects on life and healthspan and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of anti-aging and antioxidation. Our results showed that SA effectively prolonged lifespan and exhibited anti-aging and antioxidative properties. Computer-assisted methods, label-free interaction analysis, and in vitro assays showed that SA directly bound heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Furthermore, SA significantly inhibited the ATPase activity of HSP90, affecting the interaction between HSP90 and its interacting proteins and the expression of downstream genes to regulate lifespan and the oxidative stress response. Our findings provided new insights into the pharmacological properties of SA across multiple species and its potential as an anti-aging drug.

Flat-Silk-Cocoon-Based Wearable Flexible Piezoresistive Sensor and Its Performance

Flexible sensors are becoming the focus of research because they are very vital for intelligent products, real-time data monitoring, and recording. The flat silk cocoon (FSC), as a special form of cocoon, has all the advantages of silk, which is an excellent biomass carbon-based material and a good choice for preparing flexible sensors. In this work, a flexible piezoresistive sensor was successfully prepared by encapsulating carbonized flat silk cocoons (CFSCs) using an elastic matrix polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The sensing performance of the material is 0.01 kPa-1, and the monitoring range can reach 680.57 kPa. It is proved that the sensor can detect human motion and has excellent durability (>800 cycles). In addition, a sensor array for a keyboard based on CFSCs was explored. The sensor has a low production cost and a simple preparation process, and it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Thus, it may have potential applications in wearable devices and human-computer interactions.