Smoothened antagonist sonidegib affects the development of D. melanogaster larvae via suppression of epidermis formation

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is essential for the regulation of embryonic growth and development, the maintenance of stem cell autostasis, and tissue formation, whether in vertebrates or invertebrates. However, exploration into the Hh pathway antagonists in Drosophila or other pests of agricultural importance has been scant. In order to gain a better understanding of the potential utility of the antagonists in insect investigations, a conventional Hh antagonist, sonidegib, was used to evaluate the effects on the development of Drosophila larvae. The results showed that early instar larvae exposed to sonidegib exhibited new epidermal abnormalities and decreased motility after molting. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Sonidegib had a profound effect on chitin-based cuticle development throughout all stages of larvae. Physiological experiments revealed that sonidegib sup-pressed the epidermis formation and decreased the chitin content. The results of this study shed new light on the potential use of Hh antagonists in agricultural pest management.

Automated summary

Hh pathway antagonist sonidegib was found to have significant effects on the development of Drosophila larvae, causing epidermal abnormalities and decreased motility. Transcriptome analysis revealed its impact on chitin-based cuticle development. These findings shed new light on the potential use of Hh antagonists in agricultural pest management.