Functional characterization of a diuretic hormone receptor associated with desiccation, starvation and temperature tolerance in gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar

Variety of diuretic hormone neuropeptides is known to regulate water and ion balance in invertebrates. By activating their specific neuropeptide, diuretic hormone receptor (DHR) transmits extracellular signals into the cell, and then produces functional cell activity, which plays an important role in regulating physiology and behavior. However, little is known about the function of DHR gene in Lymantria dispar . DHR gene was firstly identified in L. dispar and its physiological functions were investigated using RNA interference (RNAi) technology . The results showed that except for the 6 th instar larvae, the expression levels of DHR gene in the larval stages are higher than that in the egg, pupal and adult stages. The DHR gene is highly expressed in hindgut and midgut tissues. The L. dispar larvae significantly increased their water content and high temperature tolerance after the DHR was silenced, while decreasing excretion and feeding behavior. The physiological function of DHR is associated with desiccation, high temperature and starvation resistance. DHR could contribute to future development of novel insecticide to manage this global forest pest population. Diuretic hormone receptor (DHR) expressed in developmental stages and tissues, especially larvae, hindgut and midgut in Lymantria dispar . Based on RNA interference technology, the physiological function of DHR is confirmed to be associated with desiccation and resistance to high temperature and starvation. Therefore, DHR is a potential target for developing friendly insecticide to manage this worldwide forest pest. • DHR gene is highly expressed in larvae, hindgut and midgut tissues in L. dispar . • DHR gene was firstly identified to be associated with adverse environmental stresses. • DHR could be used for a potential target of novel insecticide developing.