Ubx（Ultrabithorax）在昆虫前翅、后翅分化中起决定性作用。褐飞虱的长翅型成虫前后翅差异较小，短翅型成虫前后翅之间差异较大。褐飞虱翅型决定的时间可以延迟到3龄、4龄甚至5龄。为了适应翅型分化，NlUbx必须快速对翅型分化指令做出应答，启动与长翅型成虫或短翅型成虫相匹配的前后翅分化进程。与果蝇、赤拟谷盗等昆虫的Ubx相比，NlUbx拥有哪些特有的属性，使其灵活、快速响应翅型分化的信号，目前还没有相关报道。本项目拟以本室遗传稳定的褐飞虱长翅、短翅品系为材料，研究NlUbx在若虫前翅、后翅翅芽的表达模式；NlUbx对寄主营养状况、翅型分化开关基因及保幼激素的应答模式；NlUbx对靶标基因的调控模式；NlUbx结构上的特点与翅型分化的关系等方面阐明NlUbx对翅型可塑性的适应性。研究结果对揭示褐飞虱灾变的内在机制、褐飞迁飞行为进化的内在机制具有重要意义。

Ubx (Ultrabithorax) is a selector gene in forewing/hindwing differentiation in insects. In Nilaparvata lugens, the differences between forewing and hindwing in macropterous morphs are smaller than those in brachypterous morphs. The wing morph of N. lugens could be switched up to the 3rd, 4th and even to 5th instar. In order to accommodate the flexible wing morph differentiation, Nilaparvata lugens Ubx (NlUbx) should respond rapidly to the signal of wing morph differentiation, activate wing patterning gene networks of forewing/hindwing differentiation pathway in accordance with long wing or short wing requirements. Compared to the Ubx of Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum, the distinct characteristics of NlUbx adapting to flexible and prompt response to the signal of wing morph differentiation, is still unknown. In the current project, we will dig out these features of NlUbx. Using genetically defined macropterous and brachypterous strain of N. lugens constructed in our lab, we will investigate the tissue-specific expression pattern of NlUbx in the forewing pads and hindwing pads; the responding of NlUbx to host condition status, “switch” genes controlling wing morph and juvenile hormones; the mode of NlUbx regulating its target genes; the characteristics of NlUbx structure suitable for wing morph plasticity. The results from this project will shed light on the internal causes of BPH outbreak and intrinsic evolution mechanism of migratory behavior of N. lugens.