Embryonic RNAi analysis in the firebrat, <i>Thermobia domestica</i>:<i>Distal-less</i> is required to form caudal filament

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  • Embryonic RNAi analysis in the firebrat, Thermobia domestica: Distal-less is required to form caudal filament

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Abstract

Ametabolous insects are important for understanding the mechanism of insect evolution based on their phylogenetic position. Thus, the development and application of an effective gene functional analysis using the RNA interference (RNAi) method is an important step in research on ametabolous insects. We tested RNAi utility in the firebrat, Thermobia domestica (Zygentoma, Lepismatidae) by focusing on the homeobox gene, Distal-less (Dll), based on its conserved sequence and obvious loss-of-function phenotype. Thermobia nymphs that were injected with Dll double-stranded RNA at an early embryonic stage displayed truncated appendages, and thus, we concluded that the RNAi method is useful for analyzing gene function in Thermobia. Remarkably, Dll RNAi induced truncation of the caudal appendage, cerci and the caudal non-appendage outgrowth, caudal filament. It is known that although these two caudal structures look similar, they have different origins. Our data suggests that these two types of outgrowths may be formed by similar developmental program, at least with respect to Dll, despite their different origins and that Dll even plays a role in a non-appendage structure.<br>

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