Circ-379-miR-3050-DNAH3/RNF8 axis modulates wing development in Aphis citricidus

Area of Science:

• Insect molecular biology
• Non-coding RNA research
• Developmental biology

Background:

• Wings are critical for aphid dispersal and population dynamics.
• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNAs with regulatory roles.
• The function of circRNAs in insect wing development is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of circRNAs in aphid wing development.
• To identify specific circRNAs involved in the transition to winged forms.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying circRNA-mediated wing formation.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing to identify circRNAs in Aphis citricidus across developmental stages.
• Differential expression analysis to pinpoint key circRNAs.
• Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to validate circRNA structures.
• Functional assays including gene silencing and overexpression.
• Bioinformatic analyses, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and RNA pull-down assays to identify miRNA targets and interactions.

Main Results:

• 715 circRNAs were identified; circ-379 was significantly upregulated during winged adult development.
• Silencing circ-379 led to wing deformities in Aphis citricidus.
• Circ-379 directly targets miR-3050, acting as a molecular sponge.
• miR-3050 regulates the expression of DNAH3 and RNF8, crucial for wing formation.
• Manipulating miR-3050 or its targets (DNAH3, RNF8) also resulted in wing deformities.

Conclusions:

• Circ-379 plays a vital role in ensuring proper wing formation by sponging miR-3050 and regulating DNAH3 and RNF8 expression.
• This study reveals a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis controlling wing plasticity in aphids.
• The findings advance the understanding of non-coding RNA functions in insect development and evolution.