Arpc2 integrates ecdysone and juvenile hormone metabolism to influence metamorphosis and reproduction in Tribolium castaneum

Abstract BACKGROUND Actin‐related protein 2/3 complex regulates actin polymerization and the formation of branched actin networks. However, the function and evolutionary relationship of this complex subunit 2 (Arpc2) has been poorly understood in insects. RESULTS To address these issues, we performed comprehensive analysis of Arpc2 in Tribolium castaneum . Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Arpc2 was originated from one ancestral gene in animals but evolved independently between vertebrates and insects after species differentiation. T. castaneum Arpc2 has a 906‐bp coding sequence and consists of 4 exons. Arpc2 transcripts were abundantly detected in embryos and pupae but less so in larvae and adults, while it had high expression in the gut, fat body and head but low expression in the epidermis of late‐stage larvae. Knockdown of it at the late larval stage inhibited the pupation and resulted in arrested larvae. Silencing it in 1‐day pupae impaired eclosion, which caused adult wings to fail to close. Injection of Arpc2 dsRNAs into 5‐day pupae made adults have smaller testis and ovary and could not lay eggs. The expression of vitellogenin 1 ( Vg1 ), Vg2 and Vg receptor ( VgR ) was downregulated after knocking down Arpc2 5 days post‐adult emergence. Arpc2 silencing reduced 20‐hydroxyecdysone titer by affecting the enzymes of its biosynthesis and catabolism but increased juvenile biosynthesis via upregulating JHAMT3 expression. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Arpc2 is associated with the metamorphosis and reproduction by integrating ecdysone and juvenile hormone metabolism in T. castaneum . This study provides theoretical basis for developing Arpc2 as a potential RNA interference target for pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.