miR-92a-3p regulates egg fertilization through ribogenesis in the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda

Understanding the epigenetic molecular mechanisms (EMMs) of reproduction is crucial for developing advanced and targeted control strategies for Spodoptera frugiperda. Differential expression analysis revealed 11 known miRNAs with varying expression levels, including nine upregulated and two downregulated miRNAs, in virgin females compared with males. The predictive analysis identified 426 target genes for these miRNAs, with ribogenesis highlighted as a key process in oogenesis and egg fertilization. This study also investigated the expression of miRNAs in both virgin and mated male and female S. frugiperda, with a focus on their roles in reproduction. A strong negative correlation was observed between miRNA expression levels and their target hub genes, confirming the transcriptional regulation by miRNAs. Additionally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network identified the gene CG5033 (BOP1), as a central hub, was also predicted to be the target of miR-92a-3p in S. frugiperda, is involved in the maturation of large ribosomal RNA subunits. This study further provided experimental evidence that either the depletion of miR-92a-3p in virgin females or the knockdown of BOP1 in virgin males led to the production of infertile eggs post-mating. These findings validate the regulatory role of the miR-92a-3p - BOP1 interaction and underscore its importance in oogenesis and fertilization.