Original paper

PKA/CREB regulation of spider appendage regeneration compensates for loss in biological control of insect pests

Chen, Yunru; Wang, Jingting; Tao, Tianpeng; Zhang, Huihui; Lin, Xumin; Yang, Zhiming; Yu, Na; Liu, Zewen

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Entomologia Generalis Volume 45 Number 3 (2025), p. 817 - 826

published: Aug 19, 2025
published online: Jun 27, 2025
manuscript accepted: Apr 27, 2025
manuscript revision received: Apr 14, 2025
manuscript revision requested: Mar 24, 2025
manuscript received: Dec 9, 2024

DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/3205

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ArtNo. ESP146004503020, Price: 29.00 €

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Abstract

Spiders in farmlands are important natural enemies in reducing insect pest populations. Faced with the risk of injury or death during intense interactions including insect predation and intraspecific competition, spiders often employ autotomy as a survival strategy, sacrificing appendages to escape dangers. In this study, we found that the leg loss in Pardosa pseudoannulata significantly impacted its predatory behavior, decreasing its control effectiveness on insect pests. To compensate for this loss, spiders regenerate their appendages through molting. The regeneration process including melanogenesis lasts for more than 8 days, and the early two days decide the normal regeneration and subsequent melanogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differential expression of key genes involved in melanogenesis, particularly in PKA/CREB signaling pathway, including cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (TYR). Silencing three genes resulted in the developmental deformity and incomplete melanization, indicating importance of PKA/CREB pathway in appendage regeneration. This study provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying spider appendage regeneration, which would be helpful in spider population conservation and effective pest control.

Keywords

Melanogenesis • Autotomy • Tyrosinase (TYR) • Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) •
Pardosa pseudoannulata
• Biocontrol • Predatory behavior • Integrated pest management (IPM)