基于RNAi的昆虫几丁质合成酶类调控研究进展

Researches on the regulation of insect chitin synthesis enzymes based on RNA interference

几丁质在昆虫的生长发育中具有重要作用,与蛋白质相互作用形成角质层,保护昆虫免受外界伤害,并参与昆虫生长发育过程中周期性蜕皮等重要生理活动。几丁质的合成由糖代谢、海藻糖合成和几丁质合成等多个途径协调完成,包括海藻糖酶(TRE)和几丁质合成酶(CHS)在内的8种酶参与协同催化。RNA干扰(RNA interference,RNAi)技术是用于研究几丁质合成途径中关键酶类基因功能的重要方法之一。本文概述了昆虫几丁质生物合成途径中关键酶的基因组成,及RNAi处理后不同酶类基因的表达与昆虫表型之间的关系,为全面认识几丁质合成途径关键酶的功能、作用机理以及开发新型杀虫剂防治害虫奠定基础。

Chitin plays important roles in the development and growth of insects.Chitin and proteins are vital components of cuticle,which can protect insects from external damages.In addition,chitin also participates in periodic molting during development stages of insects.The synthesis of chitin is a complex process,coordinated by glucose metabolic,synthesis of trehalose and chitin.The whole process of chitin synthesis is catalyzed by eight kinds of enzymes,in which trehalase(TRE)and chitin synthase(CHS)are the first and last enzyme,respectively.RNA interference(RNAi)is one of the important methods used to explore functions and regulations of those enzymes involved in the chitin synthesis.According to previous researches,the genetic constitution of enzymes involved in the synthesis of inset chitin,as well as the regulation relationships among different enzyme genes were summarized in this paper.The overview of current progresses will contribute to comprehensive understanding of the function,mechanisms of regulation among enzymes,as well as exploitation of novel insecticides.