High-resolution silkworm pan-genome provides genetic insights into artificial selection and ecological adaptation.

The silkworm Bombyx mori is an important economic insect for producing silk, the "queen of fabrics". The currently available genomes limit the understanding of its genetic diversity and the discovery of valuable alleles for breeding. Here, we deeply re-sequence 1,078 silkworms and assemble long-read genomes for 545 representatives.

Effect of Wear-Induced Surface Deformation on Stick-Slip Friction of Galvanized Automotive Steels.

This study examined the influence of worn surfaces on the stick-slip friction of galvanized automotive steel and revealed the intrinsic role of surface topography parameters in the stick-slip friction with wear. The results show that the surface deformation induced by wear significantly affects the stick-slip friction. The stick-slip friction can be suppressed by increasing the vertical area of the surface deformation because of reductions in the difference between the static and kinetic friction coefficients.

The evolution and genetics of lepidopteran egg and caterpillar coloration.

Insect colors and color patterns have fascinated biologists for centuries. While extensive research has focused on the adult colors of Drosophila and butterflies, our understanding of how colors are generated and diversified in embryonic and larval stages remains limited, especially, the genetics behind the protective coloration of the immobile embryonic and larval stages. Lepidoptera, one of the most widespread and species-rich insect orders, are extremely helpful uncovering those mechanisms due to their remarkable diverse colors in eggs and caterpillars within or among species, and these colors usually are variable in different developmental stages or in response to different environments.

synthesis of superorganism-like Au NPs within microgels with ultra-wide absorption in visible and near-infrared regions for combined cancer therapy.

The whole is a collection of parts and fulfills specific functions that the parts do not have. In this work, 50 nm Au NPs were in situ synthesized and close packed into a superorganism-like superstructure by means of microgel 3D networks. The combined microgel is endowed with ultra-wide absorption in visible and near-infrared regions between 500 and 1100 nm in spite of Au NPs not having this property.

Molecular basis of the silkworm mutant re causing red egg color and embryonic death.

The coloration and hatchability of insect eggs can affect individual and population survival. However, few genetic loci have been documented to affect both traits, and the genes involved in regulating these two traits are unclear. The silkworm recessive mutant re shows both red egg color and embryo mortality.

Flight Muscle and Wing Mechanical Properties are Involved in Flightlessness of the Domestic Silkmoth, .

Flight loss has occurred in many winged insect taxa. The flightless silkmoth , is domesticated from the wild silkmoth, , which can fly. In this paper, we studied morphological characteristics attributed to flightlessness in silkmoths.

gene encoding a C2H2 zinc finger protein is required for wing development in the silkworm .

Cys2-His2 zinc finger (C2H2-ZF) proteins represent the most common class of transcription factors. These factors have great potential for the management of developmental progression by regulating the specific spatiotemporal expression of genes. In this study, we cloned one C2H2-ZF protein gene of , , that is orthologous to (); we thus named it as ().

Comparative analysis of integument transcriptomes identifies genes that participate in marking pattern formation in three allelic mutants of silkworm, Bombyx mori.

The diversity markings and pigment patterns in insects are outcomes of adaptive evolution. The elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying variations in pigment patterns may improve our understanding of the origin and evolution of these spectacular diverse phenotypes. Melanin, ommochrome, and pteridine are the three main types of insect pigments, and the genes that directly participate in pigment biosynthesis have been extensively studied.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the C2H2-type zinc finger protein genes in the silkworm .

Cys2-His2 zinc finger (C2H2-ZF) proteins comprise the largest class of putative eukaryotic transcription factors. The zinc finger motif array is highly divergent, indicating that most proteins will have distinctive binding sites and perform different functions. However, the binding sites and functions of the majority of C2H2-ZF proteins remain unknown.

Comparative Analysis of the Integument Transcriptomes between Mutant and Wild-Type Silkworms.

In insects, the integument provides mechanical support for the whole body and protects them from infections, physical and chemical injuries, and dehydration. Diversity in integument properties is often related to body shape, behavior, and survival rate. The () silkworm is a spontaneous mutant with a stick-like larval body that is firm to the touch and, thus, less flexible.

Disruption of PTPS Gene Causing Pale Body Color and Lethal Phenotype in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase () gene or by defects in the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis pathway. Here, by positional cloning, we report that the 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase () gene, encoding a key enzyme of BH4 biosynthesis, is responsible for the (albino C) mutation that displays pale body color, head shaking, and eventually lethality after the first molting in silkworm. Compared to wild type, the mutant produced more substrates (phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr)) and generated less DOPA and dopamine.

Body Shape and Coloration of Silkworm Larvae Are Influenced by a Novel Cuticular Protein.

The genetic basis of body shape and coloration patterns on caterpillars is often assumed to be regulated separately, but it is possible that common molecules affect both types of trait simultaneously. Here we examine the genetic basis of a spontaneous cuticle defect in silkworm, where larvae exhibit a bamboo-like body shape and decreased pigmentation. We performed linkage mapping and mutation screening to determine the gene product that affects body shape and coloration simultaneously.

Comparative analysis of the integument transcriptomes of the black dilute mutant and the wild-type silkworm Bombyx mori.

The insect cuticle is a critical protective shell that is composed predominantly of chitin and various cuticular proteins and pigments. Indeed, insects often change their surface pigment patterns in response to selective pressures, such as threats from predators, sexual selection and environmental changes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the construction of the epidermis and its pigmentation patterns are not fully understood.

Aspartate Decarboxylase is Required for a Normal Pupa Pigmentation Pattern in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori.

The pigmentation pattern of Lepidoptera varies greatly in different development stages. To date, the effects of key genes in the melanin metabolism pathway on larval and adult body color are distinct, yet the effects on pupal pigmentation remains unclear. In the silkworm, Bombyx mori, the black pupa (bp) mutant is only specifically melanized at the pupal stage.

Effects of altered catecholamine metabolism on pigmentation and physical properties of sclerotized regions in the silkworm melanism mutant.

Catecholamine metabolism plays an important role in the determination of insect body color and cuticle sclerotization. To date, limited research has focused on these processes in silkworm. In the current study, we analyzed the interactions between catecholamines and melanin genes and their effects on the pigmentation patterns and physical properties of sclerotized regions in silkworm, using the melanic mutant melanism (mln) silkworm strain as a model.

[Effects and significance of gas explosion on expression of NF-kappaB and ICAM1 in lung tissue of rats].

Objective: To explore the expression of NF-kappaB and ICAM-1 in the gas explosion wounded lung of rats and the relationship.

Methods: Digoxin labeled NF-kappaB was used as probe. In situ hybridization was performed to detect the NF-kappaB mRNA.

[A study on relationship between rat brain tissues hurts of the gas explosion and the expression of protein kinase CamRNA and c-fos gene.].

Objectives: To explore relationship between rat brain tissues hurts of gas explosion and the expression of Protein Kinase C alpha mRNA.

Methods: Build up rat hurt model of gas explosion. In Situ Hybridization (IDH) technique was used to test Protein Kinase C alpha mRNA.