Female insects undergo a wide set of post-mating changes synergistically affecting behavior, metabolism, gene regulation, and, ultimately, fitness. The main determinants of these variations are the act of mating itself, the ejaculate transferred by the male upon mating, the female microbiome, and potential still unknown factors. The identity, biosynthetic pathways and mode of action on female physiology of countless metabolites in the ejaculates as well as their interactions with female-derived molecules within the reproductive tract tissues are still elusive. Over the last few decades, technological advances in the field of omics, three-dimensional analyses of the morphology of the female reproductive tract during and after mating, and high resolution microscopy have enabled the development of more comprehensive strategies to study insect reproductive physiology, pointing to the establishment of a holistic approach to trace the dynamic processes following mating.
This Research Topic will focus on describing the latest findings as well as the novel technological approaches for the study of female post-mating physiology in insects. We welcome researchers to submit original research and state-of-art review Articles that will contribute to expand our understanding of this multifaceted field, particularly in model species as well as in agricultural pests and disease vectors.
Aiming at providing a comprehensive view of female post-mating physiology at multiple and interacting levels as well as novel approaches to address relevant biological questions for both scientists working in the field of basic and applied entomology, potential sub-topics may include, but are not limited to:
• Novel approaches for characterizing the composition and function of ejaculates and female post-mating response (e.g. proteins, small RNAs, low-molecular weight compounds)
• Techniques for visualization of insect mating and post-mating effects
• Impact of endosymbionts on ejaculate production and female post-mating response
• Morphological studies to obtain a more detailed characterization of male and female reproductive tissues
• Ageing and ejaculate composition and function
Female insects undergo a wide set of post-mating changes synergistically affecting behavior, metabolism, gene regulation, and, ultimately, fitness. The main determinants of these variations are the act of mating itself, the ejaculate transferred by the male upon mating, the female microbiome, and potential still unknown factors. The identity, biosynthetic pathways and mode of action on female physiology of countless metabolites in the ejaculates as well as their interactions with female-derived molecules within the reproductive tract tissues are still elusive. Over the last few decades, technological advances in the field of omics, three-dimensional analyses of the morphology of the female reproductive tract during and after mating, and high resolution microscopy have enabled the development of more comprehensive strategies to study insect reproductive physiology, pointing to the establishment of a holistic approach to trace the dynamic processes following mating.
This Research Topic will focus on describing the latest findings as well as the novel technological approaches for the study of female post-mating physiology in insects. We welcome researchers to submit original research and state-of-art review Articles that will contribute to expand our understanding of this multifaceted field, particularly in model species as well as in agricultural pests and disease vectors.
Aiming at providing a comprehensive view of female post-mating physiology at multiple and interacting levels as well as novel approaches to address relevant biological questions for both scientists working in the field of basic and applied entomology, potential sub-topics may include, but are not limited to:
• Novel approaches for characterizing the composition and function of ejaculates and female post-mating response (e.g. proteins, small RNAs, low-molecular weight compounds)
• Techniques for visualization of insect mating and post-mating effects
• Impact of endosymbionts on ejaculate production and female post-mating response
• Morphological studies to obtain a more detailed characterization of male and female reproductive tissues
• Ageing and ejaculate composition and function