AUTHOR=Yao Shuangyan , Zhang Yunhui , Chang Yanpeng , Li Xiang , Zhao Wenli , An Shiheng 

TITLE=Pyruvate Kinase Is Required for Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis in Helicoverpa armigera

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.707389

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2021.707389

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p>Pyruvate kinase (PYK) is a speed-limited enzyme of glycolysis that catalyzes the formation of pyruvate, and plays an important role in acetyl-CoA synthesis. The acetyl-CoA is the precursor of sex pheromone biosynthesis in <italic>Helicoverpa armigera</italic>. However, the role of PYK in sex pheromone biosynthesis remains elusive. Here, <italic>PYK</italic> in <italic>H. armigera</italic> (<italic>HaPYK</italic>) was found to be highly expressed in the pheromone glands (PGs). The developmental expression profile of <italic>HaPYK</italic> was consistent with the fluctuation of sex pheromone release. Function analysis revealed that the knockdown of <italic>HaPYK</italic> led to a decrease in the levels of pyruvic acid and acetyl-CoA in PGs, which in turn caused a significant decrease in cis-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16: Ald) production, female capability to attract males, and mating frequency. Further study demonstrated that sugar feeding (5% sugar) increased the transcription and enzyme activity of HaPYK, thereby facilitating sex pheromone biosynthesis. Moreover, pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) upregulated HaPYK activity through protein kinase C (PKC), as shown by PKC-specific inhibitor analysis. Altogether, our results revealed that PBAN activated HaPYK by Ca<sup>2+</sup>/PKC, thereby regulating the synthesis of pyruvate and subsequent acetyl-CoA, ensuring the supply of sex pheromone precursor, and finally facilitating sex pheromone biosynthesis and mating behavior.</p>