Your current location:HOME >entertainment >Chinese researchers uncover secrets behind adult fireflies' light organs 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 10:53:32 Source: Internet compilationEdit:entertainment
(Xinhua) 16:42, March 11, 2024BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have recently reveal
BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have recently revealed key mechanisms related to the development of adult light organs in fireflies, providing new insights to the study of bioluminescence and the flash signal control in insects.
Adult fireflies exhibit unique flashing courtship signals, emitted by specialized light organs, which develop mostly independently from larval light organs during the pupal stage. The mechanisms of adult light organ development have not been thoroughly studied.
In this regard, researchers at the Huazhong Agricultural University used comparative genomics, comparative transcriptomics and gene interference techniques to study the light organs in the early, middle and late development of the firefly Aquatica leii.
They discovered that the key homeobox transcription factors AlAbd-B and AlUnc-4 regulate the development of adult light organs and bioluminescence in the fireflies. Interference with the expression of AlAbd-B and AlUnc-4 genes would result in undeveloped or non-luminescent adult light organs. AlAbd-B regulates AlUnc-4, and they interact with each other.
The shape and flash frequency of adult light organs are the basis of the firefly biodiversity, said Fu Xinhua, a professor at the university, adding that figuring out the development mechanisms is conducive to the protection of the firefly biodiversity.
The discovery was published in the journal Nature Communication.
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?2024-05-21 10:40
What's in the $95 billion foreign2024-05-21 09:47
The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger2024-05-21 09:32
Donald Trump Jr. says ex2024-05-21 09:31
Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer2024-05-21 09:23
Venezuela's opposition backs unknown former diplomat in latest gambit to unseat Maduro2024-05-21 09:18
As Taylor Swift reveals her heartbreak after two2024-05-21 09:09
Councilwoman chosen as new Fort Wayne mayor, its 1st Black leader, in caucus to replace late mayor2024-05-21 08:59
Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia's Kennesaw State University2024-05-21 08:52
Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel2024-05-21 08:40
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri2024-05-21 10:52
Director Romeo Castellucci drops out of Brussels Ring Cycle halfway through because of money, time2024-05-21 10:36
Napoli coach apologizes to fans after lackluster loss at Empoli worsens title defense2024-05-21 10:31
The Mets have placed catcher Francisco Alvarez on the injured list after a baserunning mishap2024-05-21 10:14
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?2024-05-21 10:00
Morning sickness? Prenatal check2024-05-21 09:49
Morgan Wallen says he's 'not proud' of behavior after arrest2024-05-21 09:09
Brentford routs Luton 52024-05-21 09:07
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?2024-05-21 08:49
Marlins lefty A.J. Puk lands on injured list with shoulder fatigue2024-05-21 08:15