Protocol for high-resolution 3D visualization of insect regenerating legs through micro-computed tomography.

Appendage regeneration occurs within the opaque exoskeleton in arthropods, making it challenging to visualize the regenerative processes dynamically. In this protocol, we present a strategy to scan and capture the high-resolution details of microstructural tissues at certain regeneration points through micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). We describe steps for tissue preparation, fixation, critical point drying, micro-CT scanning, and 3D visualization.

Physiological and molecular mechanisms of insect appendage regeneration.

Regeneration, as a fascinating scientific field, refers to the ability of animals replacing lost tissue or body parts. Many metazoan organisms have been reported with the regeneration phenomena, but showing evolutionarily variable abilities. As the most diverse metazoan taxon, hundreds of insects show strong appendage regeneration ability.

A single gene integrates sex and hormone regulators into sexual attractiveness.

Sex differentiation and hormones are essential for the development of sexual signals in animals, and the regulation of sexual signals involves complex gene networks. However, it is unknown whether a core gene is able to connect the upstream regulators for controlling sexual signal outputs and behavioural consequences. Here, we identify a single gene that integrates both sex differentiation and hormone signalling with sexual attractiveness in an insect model.