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].

Core Insights - The research team led by Zhan Shuai from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified the core biological clock gene Cycle as a key regulator of diapause variation in silkworms, revealing the genetic basis for the diversity in their life history [1][4] - Insects, being the most widely distributed animal group on Earth, require effective seasonal adaptation strategies such as diapause to cope with adverse environmental conditions [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The study utilized temperature-induced diapause and non-diapause silkworm strains to construct mapping populations, pinpointing the main effect locus regulating diapause variation to the end of the Z chromosome [3] - A genome-wide association analysis involving 255 silkworm strains identified critical variation sites within the 5' end of the Cycle gene [3] - The Cycle gene encodes three isoforms through alternative splicing, with a specific 1-bp deletion in the C isoform of non-diapause strains leading to a frameshift mutation, while not affecting other isoforms [3] Group 2: Implications and Applications - The research provides new theoretical insights into the role of environmental factors in the phenotypic plasticity of insects, particularly in relation to diapause [4] - The findings highlight the significant role of the biological clock gene Cycle in the seasonal adaptation of insects, elucidating the specific variation mechanisms involved in adaptive evolution [4] - The molecular mechanisms uncovered in this study could inform pest management strategies, enabling the development of effective control measures and resource utilization in agriculture [4]