The Genetic Network of Forkhead Gene Family in Development of Brown Planthoppers

We identified 18 distinct Fox genes in the genome of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, and further found a novel insect-specific subfamily that we temporarily named FoxT. A total of 16 genes were highly expressed in the eggs, while NlFoxL2 and NlFoxT are female- and male-specific genes, respectively. Large scale RNAi and RNA-seq analyses were used to reveal the functions and potential targets of NlFoxs. In the eggs, NlFoxA, NlFoxN1 and NlFoxN2 are indispensable to early embryogenesis by regulating different target genes; NlFoxG and NlFoxQ co-regulate NlSix3 for brain development; and NlFoxC, NlFoxJ1 and NlFoxP have complementary effects on late embryogenesis. Moreover, NlFoxA, NlFoxNl and NlFoxQ have pleiotropism. NlFoxA and NlFoxQ regulate the expression of NlCHS1 and cuticular proteins, respectively, thereby participating in the formation of cuticles. NlFoxN1, which regulates the expression of NlKrt9 is involved in the formation of intermediate filament frameworks. Our previous studies have revealed that NlFoxL2 and NlFoxO play important roles in chorion formation and wing polyphenism. Altogether, N. lugens Fox genes exhibit functional diversity in embryonic development and organogenesis. This comprehensive study combines genomics, transcriptomics and phenomics, thereby constructing a complex genetic network that spans the entire life cycle of the brown planthopper.

FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND POSTPARTUM PERIOD IN PATIENTS WITH ADENOMYOSIS

Objective: to assess the course of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period in patients with adenomyosis 1 and 2 degrees.Materials and methods: the course of pregnancy and its outcomes were analyzed in 153 primordial women with a history of adenomyosis of 1–2 degrees (I group), the control group (II group) — 150 conditionally healthy primordial women. Results: in preterm patients with adenomyosis of 1 and 2 degrees, in the absence of problems with conception and somatic pathology, statistically significantly increases the number of early reproductive losses and premature birth during pregnancy statistically significantly more often formed placental insufficiency and increases the frequency of hypertension disorders, increases the frequency of pathology of labor and postpartum period, mainly associated with increased blood loss. Conclusion: complications of gestation, pathology of labor and postpartum period in patients even with 1 stage of adenomyosis are largely associated with histological, immunohistochemical and immunological features of the structure of the transition zone «endometrium-myometrium». Pathological processes occurring in the zone of remodeling of spiral arterioles may lead to abnormal chorion formation, which causes most obstetric complications.

Natural history of Corythucha juglandis and Gargaphia tiliae (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Ontario and Québec, Canada

The natural history of Corythucha juglandis (Fitch) and Gargaphia tiliae (Walsh) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) was studied in Ontario and Québec, Canada. These univoltine species overwinter as adults in leaf litter in a state of reproductive diapause and become active in April or May. They are specific to their host plants. Adults, eggs, and nymphs of both species were collected from the underside of leaves of host plants. The reproductive systems of both male and female, as well as eggs, nymphs, and operculum of the eggs of the two species, are described and illustrated. Fecundity, incubation period, development of nymphs, feeding, mating, and oviposition were studied. Mating was end-to-end at an angle of 35–40°. The reproductive potential, oviposition pattern, and site selection in the two species were investigated. Parental care of eggs and brood of G. tiliae is also reported and illustrated. Ocelli, true spermathecae, true egg micropyles, and true egg burster are absent in the two species. Fertilisation takes place before chorion formation. Adults, nymphs, and new generation aggregate on the underside of leaves of their host or nearby deciduous plants. In October they fly a short distance to overwintering sites within leaf litter.

Forkhead box transcription factor L2 activates Fcp3C to regulate insect chorion formation

Most animals are oviparous. However, the genes regulating egg shell formation remain not very clear. In this study, we found that Nilaparvata lugens Forkhead box transcription factor L2 ( Nl FoxL2) directly activated follicle cell protein 3C ( NlFcp3C ) to regulate chorion formation. NlFoxL2 and NlFcp3C had a similar expression pattern, both highly expressed in the follicular cells of female adults. Knockdown of NlFoxL2 or NlFcp3C also resulted in the same phenotypes: obesity and female infertility. RNA interference (RNAi) results suggested that NlFcp3C is a downstream gene of NlFoxL2 . Furthermore, transient expression showed that Nl FoxL2 could directly activate the NlFcp3C promoter. These results suggest that NlFcp3C is a direct target gene of Nl FoxL2. Depletion of NlFoxL2 or NlFcp3C prevented normal chorion formation. Our results first revealed the functions of Fcp3C and FoxL2 in regulation of oocyte maturation in an oviparous animal.