The vitellogenin receptor gene contributes to mating and host-searching behaviors in parasitoid wasps

• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106298
• Publication Date: 2023-03-01T07:20:54Z
• Authors: Yifeng Sheng; Jiani Chen; Hanyu Jiang; Yueqi Lu; Zhi Dong; Lan Pang; Junwei Zhang; Ying Wang; Xuexin Chen; Jianhua Huang
• Keywords: Vitellogenin

Vitellogenin receptor (VgR) is essential to vitellogenin uptaking and dominates ovary maturation in insects. However, the function of VgR parasitoid wasps largely unknown. Here, we applied Drosophila Leptopilina boulardi as a study model investigate parasitoids. Despite conserved sequence characteristics with other insect VgRs, found L. (LbVgR) gene was highly expressed head but lower ovary. In addition, that LbVgR had no effects on development, participated host-searching behavior female mating male boulardi. Comparative transcriptome analysis further revealed might play crucial roles regulating expression some important chemoreception genes adjust behaviors. These results will broaden our knowledge insects, contribute develop advanced pest management strategies using parasitoids biocontrol agents.