ABC transporter subfamily E is critical for gametogenesis and eclosion in Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Authors: Hull, Jimmy; Van Ekert, Evelien; SCHUTZE, INANA - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE); Fabrick, Jeffrey; Brent, Colin

Submitted to: Insects
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/18/2026
Publication Date: 4/23/2026
Citation: Hull, J.J., Van Ekert, E., Schutze, I.X., Fabrick, J.A., Brent, C.S. 2026. ABC transporter subfamily E is critical for gametogenesis and eclosion in Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae). Insects. 17(5):446. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17050446.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17050446

Interpretive Summary: While the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily typically mediates substrate transport across membranes, members of the ABCE subfamily impact protein biosynthesis by regulating ribosome biogenesis and recycling. Given this critical role, targeted disruption of ABCE function could form the basis of a novel pest management approach. Few studies, however, have examined ABCE function in piercing-sucking agriculture pests, such as the western tarnished plant bug (WTPB). Using RNA interference methods that disrupt gene function in WTPB, we show that ABCE is essential for the molt that transitions WTBP from the nymphal form to the adult form. In addition, ABCE is critical for gamete development in both sexes. Knockdown in females completely inhibited egg production, whereas in males knockdown reduced both sperm abundance and male fertility. This study shows that the negative effects of ABCE disruption on the nymphal-adult transition and gamete production in both sexes could be leveraged for novel management of agricultural pests like WTPB.

Technical Abstract: Although the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily of proteins typically facilitates the movement of compounds across cellular membranes, the ABC E subfamily (ABCE) influences protein synthesis via non-transporter roles in ribosome biogenesis. Despite this essential role, our understanding of the impact that ABCE proteins have on insect physiology is limited. Here, we identified and characterized the ABCE gene from Lygus hesperus, a major agricultural pest of crops in North America. LhABCE transcripts were constitutively expressed throughout development and were present in all adult tissues tested. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of LhABCE transcripts in fifth instar nymphs resulted in high nymphal mortality and an incomplete molt. LhABCE knockdown in adults disrupted gametogenesis and reduced longevity. In females, oo-genesis was impaired and oocytes did not progress beyond the pre-vitellogenic phase. In males, LhABCE knockdown reduced both spermatozoa abundance and male fertility. LhABCE knockdown, however, had little to no impact on hemolymph protein levels or the levels of circulating vitellogenin. Taken together, the results indicate that LhABCE is critical for the normal progression of processes like molting and gametogenesis that require coordinated bursts of protein synthesis and suggest that ABCE may play an important role in the mechanisms underlying those bursts.