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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
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Studying Mitochondrial Structure and Function in Drosophila Ovaries
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A conserved Piezo-mRPL2/Jun axis controls reproduction via mitochondrial bioenergetics
Jiangwen Luo1, Yaru Lu1, Zhiruo Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|October 12, 2025
Summary
The Piezo channel is crucial for silkworm fertility and embryonic diapause. Restoring Piezo2 function in silkworms rescued reproductive defects by reactivating a conserved pathway linking mechanical sensing to mitochondrial energy production.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Piezo channels are vital mechanosensors, but their reproductive roles are unclear.
- Understanding mechanosensation in reproduction is key to fertility research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of BmPiezo in silkworm fertility and embryonic diapause.
- Elucidate the downstream regulatory mechanisms of BmPiezo in reproduction.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create BmPiezo knockout silkworms.
- Analysis of gene expression, ATP production, and reproductive phenotypes.
- Cross-species expression analysis and transgenic rescue experiments.
Main Results:
- BmPiezo knockout caused male sterility, loss of embryonic diapause, and reduced ATP levels.
- Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L2 (BmmRPL2) and BmJun were identified as key downstream effectors.
- Transgenic expression of murine Piezo2 rescued reproductive defects and restored ATP levels.
Conclusions:
- BmPiezo plays a critical role in silkworm reproduction via a conserved pathway.
- This pathway links mechanical sensing to mitochondrial bioenergetics for reproductive regulation.
- Findings offer insights into conserved fertility mechanisms across species.
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