Mating-induced DNA replication factor minichromosome maintenance protein 10 promotes oogenesis in Plutella xylostella

During oogenesis, the cell cycle becomes arrested during the DNA replication phase and resumes after mating facilitating crucial processes, including vitellogenesis and chorion formation. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating oogenesis in Plutella xylostella (L.) remain largely unexplored. Here, comparative transcriptomics analysis identified 1200 differentially expressed genes induced by mating. Among the 769 upregulated genes, minichromosome maintenance protein complex 10 (MCM10) may be a potential target for post-mating DNA replication initiation. The P. xylostella genome encodes 11 MCM genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that MCM proteins are relatively conserved across species but form distinct clades. PxMCM10 exhibited expression specificity in adult females and eggs, particularly in the ovaries. Furthermore, PxMCM10 knockdown impaired DNA replication initiation and oocyte development while increasing apoptosis in follicle cells. This downregulated vitellogenin, vitellogenin receptor, and chorion gene transcription, resulted in abnormal ovarian development, defective vitellogenesis, and impaired chorion formation. Hence, PxMCM10 may regulate DNA replication reinitiation post-mating by influencing follicle cell function to control chorion formation. We offer insights into the molecular mechanisms governing oogenesis in P. xylostella and other lepidopteran pests. Furthermore, PxMCM10 could be a potential target for innovative genetic strategies in pest management.