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RNA interference‐mediated silencing of the bursicon gene induces defects in wing expansion of silkworm
Author(s) -
Huang Jianhua,
Zhang Yong,
Li Minghui,
Wang Sibao,
Liu Wenbin,
Couble Pierre,
Zhao Guoping,
Huang Yongping
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.01.034
Subject(s) - rna interference , gene silencing , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , interference (communication) , rna silencing , wing , chemistry , rna , biology , genetics , telecommunications , physics , computer science , channel (broadcasting) , thermodynamics
We studied the role of the bursicon gene in wing expansion. First, we investigated its expression at different developmental stages in the silkworm, Bombyx mori . Bursicon gene was expressed at low levels in larvae, high levels in pupae, and low levels again in adults. Then, we injected the double‐stranded bursicon RNA into B. mori pupae to test RNA interference. The level of bursicon mRNA was reduced significantly in pupae, and a deficit in wing expansion was observed in adults. In addition, the differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (DD‐RT‐PCR) was used to reveal differences in the expression of transcripts in response to the inhibition of bursicon. In conclusion, bursicon plays a key role in the stereotyped behavioral program involved in wing expansion.