Chinese researchers uncover secrets behind adult fireflies' light organs
BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have recently revealed key mechanisms related to the development of adult light organs in fireflies, providing new insights to the study of bioluminescence and the flash signal control in insects.
Adult fireflies exhibit unique flashing courtship signals, emitted by specialized light organs, which develop mostly independently from larval light organs during the pupal stage. The mechanisms of adult light organ development have not been thoroughly studied.
In this regard, researchers at the Huazhong Agricultural University used comparative genomics, comparative transcriptomics and gene interference techniques to study the light organs in the early, middle and late development of the firefly Aquatica leii.
They discovered that the key homeobox transcription factors AlAbd-B and AlUnc-4 regulate the development of adult light organs and bioluminescence in the fireflies. Interference with the expression of AlAbd-B and AlUnc-4 genes would result in undeveloped or non-luminescent adult light organs. AlAbd-B regulates AlUnc-4, and they interact with each other.
The shape and flash frequency of adult light organs are the basis of the firefly biodiversity, said Fu Xinhua, a professor at the university, adding that figuring out the development mechanisms is conducive to the protection of the firefly biodiversity.
The discovery was published in the journal Nature Communication.
Related articles
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
GENEVA (AP) — Needing a win to face Novak Djokovic next at the Geneva Open, Andy Murray was saved by2024-05-21- Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21
The Making of China's Olympic Mascots
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Israel must beware all
The world had been waiting with deep foreboding to see how Tehran would respond to Israel's air stri2024-05-21California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
A congressman who represents California’s north coast has sent a letter to federal regulators asking2024-05-21'He pees ice cubes!' Ice cool Kroos key to Germany's hopes
It was up to Toni Kroos to announce the message near to breaking news.Like a company director, the R2024-05-21
atest comment