Embryonic transcription factors regulate trehalose metabolism throughout insect lifecycle
Research Summary: In insects, trehalose levels fluctuate across developmental stages and tissues. Its transcriptional regulation is not known. Here, we identified two embryonic TFs that potentially regulate trehalose levels in Helicoverpa armigera.
Researcher Spotlight
Dr. Meenakshi Tellis was a PhD researcher exploring the molecular insights of trehalose metabolism regulation in agricultural pest Helicoverpa armigera. Using transcriptomics, bioinformatics along with molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques, she identified various aspects of regulation. They include transporters, transcription factors and non-coding RNAs. Currently, she is employed as a Staff Scientist in Praj Matrix (R&D), Urawade, where she is looking into metabolic engineering for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates.
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenakshi-kapase-tellis-88898223
Twitter: https://x.com/MeenakshiKapase
Instagram meenakshi_tellis
Lab: Dr. Rakesh Joshi, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
Lab social media: https://sites.google.com/view/rakeshjoshi/about
What was the core problem you aimed to solve with this research?
Trehalose metabolism is a crucial metabolic pathway in insects, particularly agricultural pests. The levels of trehalose fluctuate dynamically across developmental stages, tissues and stress conditions. The transcriptional regulation of trehalose metabolism and transport is not known.
How did you go about solving this problem?
To understand the transcriptional control of trehalose metabolism, we investigated the regulatory roles of transcription factors (TF) in modulating trehalose metabolism. For this we performed promotor analysis. RNAi-mediated silencing of two embryonic TFs, Haftz, and Hadfd brought about significant transcriptional and metabolic alterations. Microscale thermophoresis and in silico docking confirmed binding of Hadfd to promoter regions, establishing it as a direct transcriptional regulator.
Our study uncovers the role of embryonic transcription factors as regulators of trehalose metabolism, linking development to metabolic control. – Dr. Rakesh Joshi
How would you explain your research outcomes (Key findings) to the non-scientific community?
Agricultural pests cause substantial damage to farmers and economy. Study of crucial sugar pathways in these pests helps understand insect physiology better and identify new targets for pest control.
What are the potential implications of your findings for the field and society?
- Deciphering the intricate transcriptional regulation of insect pests aid comprehension of overall pest physiology.
- Identification of TFs involved in regulation might open new avenues for precise metabolic disruption for pest management strategies.
What was the exciting moment during your research?
I performed in silico analysis to predict the probable TFs binding and regulating trehalose metabolism and transport. The moment I observed binding of Hadfd protein extract to the promoter probe in microscale thermophoresis, I was thrilled to know that my predictions were true and that Hadfd showed actual in vitro binding to the promoter probe.
Figure Caption: Promoter analysis, microscale thermophoresis and in silico studies pose Hadfd as promising transcriptional regulator of trehalose metabolism in Helicoverpa armigera
Paper reference: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43538-026-00686-1
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