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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
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Published on: May 13, 2011
The RNA helicase DDX3 is required for ovarian development and oocyte maturation in Locusta migratoria
Junxiu Wang1,2, Tingting Li1,2, Sufang Deng1,2
1Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
Abstract:
DDX3 represents a well-defined subfamily of DEAD-box RNA helicase and exerts multiple functions in RNA metabolism, cell cycle, tumorigenesis, signal pathway, and fertility. Our previous study has shown that LmDDX3, the ortholog of DDX3 in Locusta migratoria, is ubiquitously expressed, and with a high abundance in testis and ovary. Knockdown of LmDDX3 results in a lethal phenotype in nymph, but it still remains unclear for its role in reproductive process. In this study, we therefore characterized LmDDX3 expression in female adult locust and analyzed its function in oocyte development. LmDDX3 was expressed in all tissues examined with significant more transcripts in ovary and hindgut. In ovary, a strong expression level was detected at the day just after adult eclosion, and a dramatic reduction then occurred during the oocyte development. LmDDX3 RNAi led to a reduced vitellogenin (Vg) expression in fat body via partially at least, the JH signaling pathway, and caused an upregulation of vitellogenin receptor (VgR) in ovary, and thus blocked the ovarian development and oocyte maturation. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that LmDDX3 was closely related to termite DDX3. Taken together, these data reveal a critical role for LmDDX3 in regulating the transcription of Vg and VgR, two major factors in vitellogenesis that is a key process required for ovary development and oocyte maturation in locust, and contribute thereof a new putative target for locust biological control.
Insights
Locusta migratoria DEAD-box RNA helicase 3 (LmDDX3) is crucial for female locust reproduction. It regulates vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor expression, essential for oocyte development and maturation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX3 family proteins are involved in various cellular processes, including reproduction.
- Locusta migratoria DEAD-box RNA helicase 3 (LmDDX3) is abundant in locust gonads, but its reproductive role is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of LmDDX3 in female adult locusts.
- To elucidate the function of LmDDX3 in oocyte development and ovarian maturation.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR to determine LmDDX3 expression levels in different tissues.
- RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down LmDDX3 expression.
- Analysis of downstream gene expression (vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor) and ovarian development.
Main Results:
- LmDDX3 is highly expressed in the adult locust ovary, with peak levels post-eclosion, decreasing during oocyte development.
- LmDDX3 RNAi resulted in reduced vitellogenin expression in the fat body, partly via the JH signaling pathway.
- LmDDX3 RNAi led to upregulation of the vitellogenin receptor in the ovary, blocking ovarian development and oocyte maturation.
Conclusions:
- LmDDX3 plays a critical role in locust vitellogenesis by regulating vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor transcription.
- These findings highlight LmDDX3's importance in ovarian development and oocyte maturation.
- LmDDX3 represents a potential target for biological control strategies against locusts.
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