The transcription factor Krüppel homolog 1 is linked to the juvenile hormone-dependent maturation of sexual behavior in the male moth, Agrotis ipsilon

In the male moth, Agrotisipsilon, the behavioral response and neuronal sensitivity in the primary olfactory center, the antennal lobe (AL), to sex pheromone increase with age and juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis. Although JH has been shown to control this age-dependent plasticity, the underlying signaling pathway remains obscure. In this context, we cloned a full cDNA encoding the Krüppel homolog 1 transcription factor (AipsKr-h1) of A. ipsilon, which was found to be predominantly expressed in ALs, where its amount increased concomitantly with age and sex pheromone responses. Conversely, the expression of AipsKr-h1 protein in the antenna was age-independent. Moreover, the administration of JH in immature males or fluvastatin, an inhibitor of JH biosynthesis, in mature males induced an increase or a decline of the AipsKr-h1 protein level in ALs, respectively. This effect was suppressed with a combined injection of fluvastatin and JH. Our results showed that Aipskr-h1 is a JH-upregulated gene that might mediate JH action on central pheromone processing, modulating sexual behavior in A. ipsilon.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We cloned a Krüppel homolog transcription factor (Aipskr-h1) in the moth, A. ipsilon.
► In antennal lobes, the AipsKr-h1 protein increased with age and pheromone responses.
► The injection of fluvastatin decreased the expression of AipsKr-h1 in antennal lobes.
► This effect was suppressed with the injection of fluvastatin + juvenile hormone (JH).
► Aipskr-h1 is a JH-regulated gene that may mediate JH action on pheromone processing.