The analysis of dimorphic sperm formation in lepidopteran insect

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15537
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 39050:Insect science-related
• Research Institution: National Agriculture and Food Research Organization
• Principal Investigator: Sakai Hiroki 国立研究開発法人農業・食品産業技術総合研究機構, 生物機能利用研究部門, 研究員 (30814660)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 有核精子 / 無核精子 / カイコ / 雄性前核

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Lepidopteran insect forms “Eupyrene sperm” and “Apyrene sperm”. Eupyrene　sperm have a nucleus and are used for fertilization with eggs. On the other hand, apyrene sperm do not have a nucleus. In this study, to investigate the characteristics of eupyrene and apyrene sperm in silkworm, we focused on the gene expression and morphological characteristics of these sperm. As a result of this study, analysis of comparative transcriptome data yielded multiple genes specifically expressed in apyrene sperm.

Free Research Field

蚕糸科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

無核精子を利用した受精システムは、鱗翅目昆虫の繁栄をもたらした重要な生殖戦略の一つである。この仕組みを解明することは生物がもたらす多様な生殖戦略の理解につながる。また、カイコの生殖について理解することは、効率的な遺伝子組換えカイコ作出や、遺伝子組換えカイコの拡散防止技術につながる。