昆虫性别决定的分子机制研究进展

Research Progress of Molecular Mechanism of Sex Determination in Insects

模式昆虫果蝇的性别决定是由一系列基因通过级联形式调控的,其中Sxl是果蝇性别决定的关键基因,调控体细胞性别决定、剂量补偿和种系分化。目前的研究表明,果蝇性别决定级联X∶A>Sxl>tra>dsx在昆虫中是部分保守的。性别决定的研究是人们进行昆虫性别控制的基础,阐明其分子机制将使人们更有效地防治害虫和利用益虫。

Sex determination is regulated by a hierarchy composed of a series of genes in the insect model fruitfly. Among these genes, Sxl is a key sex-determining gene, which controls sex determination in somatic cells, dosage compensation and germline sex determination. Studies suggest that the Drosophila sex determi- nation hierarchy X： A 〉 Sxl 〉 tra 〉 dsx is not shared completely in insects. Studies on sex determination provide the foundation for man to control sexes artificially in insects. An understanding of sex determination mechanism may help in controlling pests and utilizing beneficial insects effectively.