{Reference Type}: Journal Article {Title}: CRY1 is involved in the take-off behaviour of migratory Cnaphalocrocis medinalis individuals. {Author}: Sun T;Yang F;Zhang H;Yang Y;Lu Z;Zhai B;Xu H;Lu J;Lu Y;Wang Y;Guo J;Hu G; {Journal}: BMC Biol {Volume}: 22 {Issue}: 1 {Year}: 2024 Aug 13 {Factor}: 7.364 {DOI}: 10.1186/s12915-024-01964-4 {Abstract}: BACKGROUND: 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.
RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSIONS: This study can help further explain the molecular mechanisms behind insect migration, especially light perception and signal transmission during take-off phases.