Jinggangmycin stimulates reproduction and increases CHCs-dependent desiccation tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster

Jinggangmycin (JGM), an agricultural antibiotic compound, is mainly used against the rice sheath blight (RSB) Rhizoctonia solani. However, its application may lead to unexpected consequences in insects. In this study, the effects of JGM on the physiological parameters of Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. The results showed that 0.005 g/ml JGM exposure increased female daily egg production and extended the oviposition period, while there was no significant effect on reproduction at 0.016 g/ml. At the same time, desiccation tolerance increased in flies fed 0.005 g/ml JGM. The RT-qPCR results revealed that FAS1 and FAS3 expression were upregulated in 0.005 g/ml JGM treated flies. Consistently, the amount of CHCs accumulated on the cuticle surface increased upon JGM treatment at 0.005 g/ml. Moreover, RNAi for FAS3 decreased desiccation tolerance of JGM-treated flies. These results suggest that JGM affects fatty acid biosynthesis, which in turn enhances reproduction and desiccation tolerance in Drosophila.

Automated summary

The effects of Jinggangmycin (JGM) on the physiological parameters of Drosophila melanogaster were investigated in this study. The results showed that exposure to 0.005 g/ml JGM increased female daily egg production and extended the oviposition period, while there was no significant effect on reproduction at 0.016 g/ml. Flies fed 0.005 g/ml JGM exhibited increased desiccation tolerance. The upregulated expression of FAS1 and FAS3, as well as the accumulation of CHCs on the cuticle surface, were observed in JGM treated flies at 0.005 g/ml. Moreover, knockdown of FAS3 decreased desiccation tolerance in JGM-treated flies.