Nuclear Receptor FTZ-F1 Controls Locust Molt by Regulating the Molting Process of .

Fushi-tarazu factor 1 (FTZ-F1) is a class of transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily and an important molting regulator in insects; however, its detailed function in the molting process of is still unclear. This study identified two FTZ-F1 transcripts ( and ) in . The classical domains of FTZ-F1 were present in their protein sequences and distinguished based on their variable N-terminal domains. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that and were highly expressed in the integument. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to explore the function of s in the molting of the third-instar nymph. Separate or silencing did not affect the normal development of third-instar nymphs; however, the simultaneous RNAi of and caused the nymphs to be trapped in the third instar stage and finally die. Furthermore, the hematoxylin-eosin and chitin staining of the cuticle showed that the new cuticles were thickened after silencing the s compared to the controls. RNA-seq analysis showed that genes encoding four cuticle proteins, two chitin synthesis enzymes, and cytochrome P450 303a1 were differentially expressed between ds- and dss-injected groups. Taken together, and are involved in the ecdysis of locusts, possibly by regulating the expression of genes involved in cuticle formation, chitin synthesis, and other key molting processes.