Abstract
Bombyx mori presents several types of egg color mutations, all of which have been extensively discussed in sericulture. While the red egg mutation has been previously observed, lethal red-egg mutants have not been reported. In the present work, the red egg mutant Fuyin-lre (Fuyin-lethal red egg) was discovered from the Fuyin germplasm resource of B. mori. This mutant features red-colored eggs and embryonic lethality. Genetic analysis showed that Fuyin-lre follows recessive inheritance, with the red egg gene re governing the egg color, and the embryonic lethality of Fuyin-lre may be caused by mutations of other genes closely linked to re. Digital gene expression (DGE) was employed to compare the transcription profiles of Fuyin and Fuyin-lre eggs after 24 and 48 h of incubation. A total of 48 differentially expressed genes followed the same expression patterns in both groups at both time points (FDR < 0.01 and log 2 Ratio ≥ 1). Further analyses indicated that 8 out of the 48 genes (including re) were closely linked to re. These 8 genes were highly expressed in wild-type Fuyin and the red egg mutant re but showed nearly absent expression in Fuyin-lre. Sequencing of the re gene confirmed that the re gene itself does not induce embryonic lethality, and structure analysis showed that the structural variation of the region where the 8 genes were located may be associated with the embryonic lethality of Fuyin-lre. The present work provides a good foundation for future studies on the mechanism of embryonic lethality and embryonic development in Fuyin-lre.
Highlights
Bombyx mori of the order Lepidoptera is an agriculturally and economically important insect
Silkworms have been used as experimental insects for studies in genetics, modern molecular biology, and genetic engineering
Genetic analysis of Fuyin-lre revealed that the Fuyin-lre mutant is recessive and that the recessive homozygote presents embryonic lethality
Summary
Bombyx mori (domesticated silkworm) of the order Lepidoptera is an agriculturally and economically important insect. Since the Silkworm Genome Research Program was completed [3], various mutated gene resources of B. mori have become important materials for studies on gene functions. 76.7% of the genomic fragments and 82.2% of the genes have been localized to their respective B. mori chromosomes These advances have greatly accelerated the localization and identification of the mutated genes. Fuyin-lre is a novel red egg mutant that was first discovered in the B. mori germplasm resources of Fuyin. This mutant differs from previously reported red egg mutants because Fuyin-lre presents embryonic lethality. We analyzed the embryonic development and mode of inheritance of Fuyin-lre and compared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in wild Fuyin and mutant Fuyin-lre embryos at different developmental stages. The present work provides a good reference for future research on the mechanisms of embryonic lethality and development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
