RNAi of nuclear receptor E78 inhibits the cuticle formation in the molting process of spider mite, Tetranychus urticae.

Background: The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is an important pest mite in agriculture worldwide. E78, as a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and a downstream responsive gene of ecdysteroids, plays a crucial role in regulating physiological behaviors such as development and reproduction in insects. However, its function in mites remains unclear.