生物钟基因调控昆虫的众多节律性行为，而性信息素对于蛾类昆虫两性通讯、交配及繁殖至关重要，其在雌蛾性信息素腺体中的合成及释放具有明显的节律性，那么这种节律性行为是如何被生物钟基因所调控？哪些基因参与到这个调控过程？本项目拟以重要农业害虫斜纹夜蛾为对象，在前期初步筛选到2个生物钟基因（SlitPer和SlitCry2）的基础上，通过CRISPR/Cas9技术分别构建SlitPer-/-、SlitCry2-/-的纯合敲除品系，并分析敲除和野生品系雌蛾在目的基因表达动态、性信息素滴度动态规律、相关行为（求偶、交配、产卵）等方面的差异，明确2个生物钟基因的调控作用；同时采用比较转录组学等技术，分析敲除和野生品系在性信息素合成路径中的差异表达基因，进一步探讨调控的分子机制。研究结果可为进一步明确生物钟基因调控蛾类性信息素合成及释放节律行为的机制，以及开发新型害虫行为控制技术，提供科学依据。

Circadian clock genes regulate many rhythmic behaviors of insects, and sex pheromones are essential for sexual communication, mating and reproduction of moths. Biosynthesis and release of sex pheromones from the sex pheromone gland of female moths occurs with obvious rhythm, so how do circadian clock genes regulate this rhythmic behavior? Which genes are involved in this regulatory process? Based on preliminary screening, this project will characterize the role of two circadian clock genes (SlitPer and SlitCry2) in temporal regulation of sex pheromone biosynthesis in the important agricultural pest Spodoptera litura. To clarify the regulatory role of each gene, we plan to construct the homozygous knockout lines SlitPer-/-, SlitCry2-/- by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and analyze differences between homozygous mutant and wild-type female moths in the expression dynamics of target genes, sex pheromone titer dynamics, and related behaviors (courtship, mating, oviposition). At the same time, comparative transcriptome technology will be used to analyze sex pheromone biosynthesis pathway genes that are differentially expressed between knockout and wild-type lines, to explore molecular mechanisms of regulation. The results can provide a scientific basis for further investigation into the regulatory effect of circadian clock genes on the rhythmic biosynthesis and release of sex pheromones in moths, and may aid development of novel, effective, behavior-based pest control strategies.