RNA interference against the putative insulin receptor substrate gene IRS1 affects growth and development in the pest natural enemy Pardosa pseudoannulata

Abstract BACKGROUND Insulin signalling pathways play crucial roles in regulating growth and development in insects, but their effects on the growth and development of Arachnids, such as spiders, have rarely been studied. As a valuable pest natural enemy in agricultural fields, the molecular mechanisms of insulin signalling pathway‐mediated growth and development of the wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata , are of particular interest. RESULTS In this study, we identified and characterized six insulin signalling pathway genes – InR , InR2 , IRS1 , PI3K1 , PI3K2 , and PDK – in Pardosa pseudoannulata . Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results were used to analyse the relative expression levels of the six genes in different developmental instars and tissues, and in response to starvation treatment. In addition, the function of the insulin receptor substrate ( IRS1 ) gene was investigated using RNA interference technology, which found that IRS1 significantly influenced nutrient content, developmental duration, body weight, and gonad development. CONCLUSION This study revealed the roles of six key insulin signalling pathway genes in Pardosa pseudoannulat a, and in particular the importance of the IRS1 gene in regulating growth and development in the spider. The results lay the foundation for further research on the internal regulation mechanisms of growth and development in Araneae species, and also provide a reference for the artificial breeding of spiders. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.