%0 Journal Article
%T CRY1 is involved in the take-off behaviour of migratory Cnaphalocrocis medinalis individuals.
%A Sun T
%A Yang F
%A Zhang H
%A Yang Y
%A Lu Z
%A Zhai B
%A Xu H
%A Lu J
%A Lu Y
%A Wang Y
%A Guo J
%A Hu G
%J BMC Biol
%V 22
%N 1
%D 2024 Aug 13
%M 39135045
%F 7.364
%R 10.1186/s12915-024-01964-4
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Numerous insect species undertake long-distance migrations on an enormous scale, with great implications for ecosystems. Given that take-off is the point where it all starts, whether and how the external light and internal circadian rhythm are involved in regulating the take-off behaviour remains largely unknown. Herein, we explore this issue in a migratory pest, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, via behavioural observations and RNAi experiments.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The results showed that C. medinalis moths took off under conditions where the light intensity gradually weakened to 0.1 lx during the afternoon or evening, and the take-off proportions under full spectrum or blue light were significantly higher than that under red and green light. The ultraviolet-A/blue light-sensitive type 1 cryptochrome gene (Cmedcry1) was significantly higher in take-off moths than that of non-take-off moths. In contrast, the expression of the light-insensitive CRY2 (Cmedcry2) and circadian genes (Cmedtim and Cmedper) showed no significant differences. After silencing Cmedcry1, the take-off proportion significantly decreased. Thus, Cmedcry1 is involved in the decrease in light intensity induced take-off behaviour in C. medinalis.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study can help further explain the molecular mechanisms behind insect migration, especially light perception and signal transmission during take-off phases.