Spn-E基因在家蚕性别决定通路中的作用机制研究

性别决定是两性生物个体发育必不可少的重要环节，也是种群生存繁衍的基础。昆虫是种类和数量最多的动物群体，其性别决定方式呈现高度多样性。家蚕是重要的经济昆虫，也是鳞翅目模式生物，其性别决定机制目前仍不清晰。我们前期的研究表明，参与piRNA合成的Spn-E基因可能在家蚕性别决定中发挥重要功能。本项目拟以家蚕为研究对象，运用CRISPR/Cas9基因组编辑技术和转基因过表达等研究手段阐明Spn-E在家蚕性别决定中的功能机制，通过pull-down和免疫共沉淀等技术鉴定其互作蛋白并进行功能分析，探究Spn-E蛋白及其互作蛋白与已鉴定性别决定基因间的上下游关系，阐明piRNA通路基因调控家蚕性别决定网络。本项目的研究将能够为鳞翅目昆虫的遗传调控提供理论基础，推动益虫利用和害虫防治技术的发展。

Sex determination is not only indispensable process for the development of sexual reproduction organism, but also the basis for survival of species. The mechanisms of sex determination are highly diverse in different species of insects, which are the largest animal group in terms of species and amounts. The silkworm, Bombyx mori is not only an economically important insect but also the model insect for Lepidoptera, however, its sex determination mechanism is still unclear. Our previous work suggested that Spn-E gene, which is involved in piRNA biogenesis, may play vital roles in sex determination in silkworm. In the current study, we plan to exploit the roles of Spn-E in sex determination. The first step of our plan is performing functional analysis of Spn-E using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and transgenic overexpression system. The second step is to identify proteins interacts with Spn-E and exploit their functions. The third step is to elucidate the relationship among Spn-E and known proteins. Finally, we expect to demonstrate the mechanism of piRNA pathway genes in the silkworm sex determination. Our project will provide theoretical basis for the genetic regulation of lepidopteran insects, which is helpful for beneficial insect application and pest control.