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
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A county judge could rule as early as Monday on Ohio’s law banning virtually a2024-05-21Royal Challengers Bengaluru stay alive with win over Gujarat Titans in IPL
AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — Will Jacks unleashed a batting barrage at the Narendra Modi Stadium as Royal2024-05-21Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon out for Game 4 against Avalanche with lacerated hand
DENVER (AP) — Winnipeg defenseman Brenden Dillon will miss Game 4 on Sunday against Colorado with a2024-05-21Kawhi Leonard ruled out with knee issue as Clippers face Mavs in Game 4
DALLAS (AP) — Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out of Sunday’s Game 4 of a2024-05-21Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
Lynn Williams scored her 79th league goal, becoming the National Women’s Soccer League all-time scor2024-05-21Salma Hayek dresses up as Frida Kahlo to join Madonna on stage at her Mexico concert
Salma Hayek channeled one of her most famous roles while taking the stage at Madonna's Celebration T2024-05-21
atest comment