Modulation of fatty acid elongation sustains sexually dimorphic hydrocarbons and female attractiveness in Blattella germanica (L.)

摘要: Insect cuticular compounds serve multiple functions. As important intersexual signaling chemicals, they show variation between the sexes, but little is known about underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we report that sexually dimorphic hydrocarbons (SDHCs) are generated by a fatty acid elongase gene regulated sex-differentiation genes in German cockroach, Blattella germanica. Sexually mature females possess more C29 (CHCs), especially contact sex pheromone precursor 3,11-DimeC29. An RNAi screen and heterologous expression revealed BgElo12 BgElo24 were involved HC production, only was responsible for SDHCs. Repressing female-enriched masculinized female CHC profile, decreased level, reduced sexual attractiveness. Moreover, of BgTra or BgDsx modulated both transcripts profiles males. The SDHCs shaped selection, as use them to generate high levels pheromone.