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Histone acetyltransferase p300/CBP regulates reproductive diapause via the juvenile hormone pathway in the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi

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Jul 14, 2025 version files 663.61 MB

Abstract

Juvenile hormone (JH) serves as a pivotal endocrine regulator of reproductive diapause in insects, though the molecular mechanisms governing JH signaling remain poorly characterized. This investigation assesses the roles of the histone acetyltransferase p300/CBP in mediating reproductive diapause through JH signaling in the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi. RNA interference-mediated suppression of p300/CBP in reproductive female adults induced diapause-like phenotypes, including arrested ovarian maturation, suppressed vitellogenesis, enhanced lipid storage, and upregulated expression of diapause-associated genes. Along with downregulation of key JH biosynthetic enzymes and signaling components. While exogenous JH application decreased lipid accumulation, it failed to rescue ovarian developmental arrest. Parallel experiments in diapausing females with p300/CBP knockdown yielded similar results - JH analog treatment reduced lipid reserves without stimulating ovarian development. These findings collectively demonstrate that p300/CBP regulates photoperiodic reproductive diapause through dual regulation of JH biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways in C. bowringi. Our results establish p300/CBP as a critical mediator of JH biosynthesis and signaling during photoperiod-induced reproductive diapause. This work advances our understanding of epigenetic regulation in insect diapause and provides a molecular framework for future studies on environmental adaptation strategies in insects.