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Overexpression of TAT‐PTD–diapause hormone fusion protein in tobacco and its effect on the larval development of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Author(s) -
Zhou Zhou,
Li Yongli,
Yuan Chunyan,
Doucet Daniel,
Zhang Yongan,
Qu Liangjian
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4443
Subject(s) - helicoverpa armigera , noctuidae , biology , transgene , lepidoptera genitalia , green fluorescent protein , diapause , fusion protein , midgut , genetically modified crops , insect , larva , juvenile hormone , botany , biochemistry , gene , recombinant dna
BACKGROUND The diapause hormone (DH) has been shown either to induce or to terminate diapause, depending on the insect species. In a previous study we demonstrated that the DH from Clostera anastomosis (caDH) has biological activity in Helicoverpa armigera , which prompted us to examine the potential growth‐inhibiting or antiherbivory effects of the TAT‐caDH fusion protein when expressed in transgenic plants. RESULTS In this study, we produced transgenic tobacco plants expressing either the TAT‐caDH protein or a TAT‐caDH–eGFP fusion version that allowed tracking of the fluorescent protein in plant tissues. Our results indicate that H. armigera larvae feeding on transgenic tobacco expressing TAT‐caDH exhibited a significantly reduced survival rate and weight gain. However, larvae feeding on transgenic tobacco expressing TAT‐caDH–eGFP were unaffected. While fusion of the eGFP gene influenced the bioactivity of caDH in larvae, TAT‐caDH–eGFP can still penetrate the insect midgut cell membrane. CONCLUSION TAT‐caDH increases DH stability in oral delivery. Our results may help in targeting DH‐dependent physiological processes in insects for improving herbivore tolerance in economically important crops. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry