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A Thermo-Sensitive Molecular Switch: Pyrexia-1 Dynamically Regulates Low-Temperature Adaptation in Chrysoperla
Yuqing Gao1, Zeyu Qin1, Zainab Haruna Abdullahi1
1College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 14, 2026
Summary
The gene Pyrexia-1 negatively regulates cold tolerance in green lacewings. Inhibiting this gene enhances insect survival by increasing cryoprotectants and heat shock proteins.
Area of Science:
- Insect physiology
- Molecular biology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Natural enemy insects are vital for biological control but face overwintering challenges.
- Green lacewings (Chrysoperla nipponensis) exhibit high mortality during winter, limiting their spring efficacy.
- Understanding low-temperature adaptation mechanisms is crucial for improving insect survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of cold tolerance in Chrysoperla nipponensis.
- To identify the role of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels in insect cold adaptation.
- To elucidate the function of the TRPA gene, Pyrexia-1, in low-temperature survival.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of the TRPA gene, Pyrexia-1, in C. nipponensis.
- RNA interference (RNAi) to knockdown Pyrexia-1 expression.
- Measurement of supercooling point and freezing point.
- Analysis of trehalase (TRE1) gene expression and trehalose accumulation.
- Assessment of heat shock protein Hsp70 expression.
Main Results:
- Pyrexia-1 expression was significantly downregulated upon cold exposure.
- RNAi-mediated knockdown of Pyrexia-1 lowered supercooling and freezing points, enhancing survival at -10 °C.
- Pyrexia-1 inhibition led to decreased TRE1 expression, trehalose accumulation, and Hsp70 upregulation.
Conclusions:
- Pyrexia-1 acts as a negative regulator of cold tolerance in C. nipponensis.
- Pyrexia-1 links temperature sensing to metabolic pathways (trehalose synthesis) and stress responses (Hsp70).
- Targeting Pyrexia-1 offers a potential strategy to enhance overwintering capacity in beneficial insects.
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