miRNAs targeted transcription factors HaGATAa/b to mediate the post‐mating switch in Helicoverpa armigera female reproductive behavior

Abstract BACKGROUND The process of mating induces significant shifts in female reproductive behavior across various species, with the postmating behavioral switch playing a crucial role in insect reproduction. Previous studies have demonstrated the regulatory role of GATA transcription factors in vitellogenin transcription and egg formation in insects, while miRNAs have been implicated in modulating GATA expression and insect reproductive processes. Nevertheless, the precise regulatory mechanism underlying the interaction between miRNAs and GATA transcription factors in the postmating behavioral switch remains largely unexplored. RESULTS In this study, we identified two key GATA transcription factors, HaGATAa and HaGATAb , as central players in orchestrating the postmating behavior of H. armigera using transcriptomics and RNAi technologies. HaGATAa was found to act upstream of HaGATAb , regulating its expression. Furthermore, we observed a postmating increase in miR‐282 levels in females, targeting HaGATAa to regulate egg‐laying capacity. Conversely, the decreased expression of miR‐2 following mating functioned as a negative feedback regulator, influencing the expression of HaGATAb and thus impacting the postmating behavior of female individuals. CONCLUSION Our results revealed a signal‐mediated feedback regulatory mechanism that sustains female postmating behavior in H. armigera. These findings not only establish a strong basis for understanding the postmating behavior mechanisms in female moths, but also offer valuable insights for identifying potential targets for pest control strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.