Role of AMP‐activated protein kinase in regulating hatching of Nilaparvata lugens

Abstract BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) has been proposed as a promising strategy for sustainable and eco‐friendly pest management. Nutrient and energy signals are vital for embryonic development and hatching in insects. A key player in cellular energy sensing is adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which functions in embryonic development and hatching, and remains poorly understood. RESULTS In this study, we identified the three subunits of the NlAMPK gene, NlAMPKα , NlAMPKβ , and NlAMPKγ , in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens . Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis showed that all these three subunits were highly expressed in eggs and ovaries. RNAi of NlAMPKα , NlAMPKβ , and NlAMPKγ in newly emerged BPH females resulted in hatching failure of the eggs they laid. Transcriptomic analysis identified a significant down‐regulation of a chitinase ( NlChit ) gene's transcription on the NlAMPK subunits’ knockdown. Notably, NlChit knockdown led to up‐regulation of the three NlAMPK subunits, and reduced hatchability and thicker serosal cuticle. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that NlAMPK could serve as a potential RNAi target for BPH control, and its mechanism is probably by down‐regulating the expression of NlChit . © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.