Aphids, the major insect pests of agricultural crops, reproduce sexually and asexually depending upon environmental factors such as the photoperiod and temperature. Nuclear receptors, a unique family of ligand-dependent transcription factors, control insect development and growth including morphogenesis, molting, and metamorphosis. However, the structural features and biological functions of the aphid estrogen-related receptor (ERR) are largely unknown. Here, we cloned full-length cDNA encoding the ERR in the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (MpERR) and demonstrated that the MpERR modulated glycolytic gene expression and aphid fecundity. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MpERR originated in a unique evolutionary lineage distinct from those of hemipteran insects. Moreover, the AF-2 domain of the MpERR conferred nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. The overexpression of the MpERR significantly upregulated the gene expression of rate-limiting enzymes involved in glycolysis such as phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase by directly binding to ERR-response elements in their promoters. Moreover, ERR-deficient viviparous female aphids showed decreased glycolytic gene expression and produced fewer offspring. These results suggest that the aphid ERR plays a pivotal role in glycolytic transcriptional control and fecundity.

蚜虫是农作物的主要害虫，根据光周期和温度等环境因素进行有性和无性繁殖。核受体是一个独特的配体依赖性转录因子家族，控制昆虫的发育和生长，包括形态发生、蜕皮和变态。然而，蚜虫雌激素相关受体（ERR）的结构特征和生物学功能在很大程度上是未知的。在这里，我们在桃蚜 Myzus persicae 中克隆了编码 ERR 的全长 cDNA, (Sulzer) (半翅目：蚜科) (MpERR) 并证明 MpERR 调节糖酵解基因表达和蚜虫繁殖力。系统发育分析表明，MpERR 起源于与半翅目昆虫不同的独特进化谱系。此外，MpERR 的 AF-2 域赋予核定位和转录活性。MpERR 的过表达通过直接结合其启动子中的 ERR 反应元件，显着上调参与糖酵解的限速酶的基因表达，例如磷酸果糖激酶和丙酮酸激酶。此外，ERR 缺陷的胎生雌性蚜虫显示糖酵解基因表达减少，产生更少的后代。这些结果表明蚜虫 ERR 在糖酵解转录控制和繁殖力中起着关键作用。