U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein is essential for early larval development in silkworm, Bombyx mori

U1 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U1 snRNP) associates with 5' splice sites in the form of ribonucleoprotein particles, is highly conserved among species. The physiological functions of U1 snRNP in a lepidopteran model insect Bombyx mori is mostly unknown. Here we showed that U1 snRNP plays an important role in the development of silkworm. Knockout of U1 snRNP in silkworm showed either delayed or stationary 1st-instar larva development compared with the wild type group. U1 snRNP deletion mutants exhibited abnormal cellular phenotypes with enlarged cell nucleus, scanty cytoplasm, and enlarged nuclei. RNA-seq analysis revealed that genes involved in metabolic pathway, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and steroid hormone biosynthesis were significantly affected by U1 snRNP depletion. Taken together, our study suggests that U1 snRNP homeostasis plays an important role in silkworm development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.