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Matrix metalloproteinases promote fat body cell dissociation and ovary development in Bombyx mori

Qiangqiang Jia1, Xiaoxi Chen1, Lixian Wu2

  • 1Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.

Journal of Insect Physiology
|October 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps) are crucial for tissue remodeling in silkworms. This study shows Mmps drive fat body cell dissociation, essential for ovary development in female pupae.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Insect Physiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps) are enzymes involved in tissue remodeling.
  • Three Mmp genes exist in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, with expression patterns linked to fat body cell changes.
  • Fat body cell dissociation is observed during early pupal stages in silkworms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional role of Mmps in silkworm fat body cell dissociation.
  • To determine the necessity of Mmps for ovary development in Bombyx mori.
  • To explore the relationship between Mmp activity and developmental processes.

Main Methods:

  • Loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments were employed.
  • RNA interference (RNAi) was used to knock down individual Mmp genes.
  • Inhibitor treatments were applied to modulate Mmp activity.

Main Results:

  • Inhibition of Mmps delayed or blocked fat body cell dissociation and ovary development, leading to lethality in severe cases.
  • RNAi knockdown of Mmp genes individually delayed fat body cell dissociation, with Mmp3 having the strongest effect and Mmp1 the weakest.
  • Overexpression of Mmp genes promoted fat body cell dissociation and ovary development, with Mmp3 showing the strongest and Mmp1 the weakest effects.

Conclusions:

  • Mmps are functionally required for fat body cell dissociation in silkworms.
  • Mmps-induced fat body cell dissociation is essential for ovary development in female pupae.
  • This study provides the first evidence of Mmps inducing fat body cell dissociation in Lepidoptera.
Keywords:
Cell dissociationFat bodyMatrix metalloproteinaseOvary development

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