【科技日报】控制昆虫“冬眠”的分子开关发现

Core Insights - The research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has discovered that insects can cleverly utilize circadian rhythm genes to regulate their seasonal rhythms, enabling adaptation to different habitats and climates [1][2]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study focuses on the Lepidoptera order of insects, which includes moths and butterflies, and identifies the biological clock gene Cycle as a key molecular "switch" controlling diapause in silkworms [1]. - The Cycle gene in silkworms and Lepidoptera insects encodes three subtypes, with some responsible for circadian regulation and others for diapause control, achieving dual regulation of circadian and seasonal rhythms [1][2]. - Tropical silkworms have lost the subtype that regulates diapause due to genetic mutations, resulting in an inability to undergo diapause [1]. Group 2: Implications - The research provides a theoretical basis for understanding the seasonal occurrence patterns of pest insects, particularly in the context of global climate change, which may affect population dynamics [2].