翅多型现象可见于诸多昆虫种类，它是昆虫与异质环境长期协同进化的产物，对种群的延续具有非常重要的意义。但迄今为止，人们对翅型分化产生的分子机制却知之甚少。稻飞虱是我国水稻上的重要害虫，具有典型的翅二型分化特征。申请人等前期以稻飞虱为模型，发现了两个翅型分化的主宰基因（Master genes），即胰岛素受体基因InR2和转录因子FoxO。近期，申请人又发现了一个新的主宰基因即Wmt（wing morph transformer）转录因子，本申请以此为立题，以Wmt调控翅发育网络基因的机制和Wmt与胰岛素途径的交互调控为主要研究内容，利用RNAi、CRISPR/Cas9、免疫组化、酵母双杂交、基因表达谱等技术与手段，明确Wmt调控稻飞虱翅型分化的分子机制。研究结果不仅引领翅型分化研究从单一通路进入到多维度模式，而且对理解翅的进化、发育及害虫防治也具有科学意义。

Wing polymorphism is common in a wide variety of insects, which was derived from co-evolution between insects and heterogeneous niches. Wing polymorphism plays critical role on population prosperity. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying wing polymorphism so far. Rice planthoppers are main pests in rice fields in China, and are characterized by wing dimorphism. Using rice planthoppers as a model system, the applicant identified two master genes, an insulin receptor InR2 and FoxO transcription factor, which determine wing morph switching in planthoppers. Recently, the applicant identified a transcription factor Wmt as a new master gene. Based on this finding, this proposal is to do research on the mechanism of how Wmt regulates wing development genes as well as the cross-talk between Wmt and insulin signaling pathway on wing dimorphism. The methods adopted in this proposal include RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, IHC, yeast hybrid system, and RNA-seq, etc. The aim of this proposal is to thoroughly understand the molecular basis of how Wmt regulates wing morph switching in rice planthoppers. The result will not only spur the research from a single signaling to multiple dimensions, but also have scientific significance on wing evolution, development and pest control.