Competing endogenous RNA networks in insects: Methodologies, physiological functions, and implications for pest management

The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis has reshaped our understanding of post-transcriptional regulation by revealing that coding and non-coding RNAs communicate through shared microRNA response elements. Insects, characterized by dramatic metamorphosis, complex life cycles, and strong environmental adaptability, are exceptional models for dissecting ceRNA networks. Recent advances in whole-transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled systematic identification of ceRNA components-mRNAs, microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs-across insect taxa, facilitating network construction in development, reproduction, immunity, and insecticide resistance. This review synthesizes current methodologies, including component identification, target prediction, network assembly, and multi-level experimental validation through RT-qPCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and RNA immunoprecipitation. We highlight key progress in circRNA/lncRNA-mediated regulation of intestinal development, chitin metabolism, molting, and senescence; sex-dimorphic modulation of fertility and oogenesis through nutrient-sensing axes; innate immune orchestration against fungal, bacterial, viral, and symbiotic challenges through Toll/Imd and redox pathways; and the dual contribution of cuticular barrier remodeling and detoxification enzyme activation to insecticide resistance. Despite these advances, major bottlenecks persist-a gap between omics-driven discovery and functional validation, ambiguous interaction specificity, scarcity of spatiotemporal and single-cell data, and fragmented links from molecular events to phenotypes. Future priorities include high-throughput functional screening, dynamic network modeling integrating temporal and spatial transcriptomics, stoichiometric quantification of competitive efficiency, multi-omics integration with transcriptional/epigenetic regulation, and RNAi-based strategies targeting core ceRNA nodes for green pest management. Elucidating the regulatory logic of insect ceRNA networks will reveal fundamental principles of post-transcriptional control and provide molecular targets for sustainable pest and vector control.