Hexokinase Is Required for Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis in Helicoverpa armigera

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Sex pheromone is an essential chemical signal for insect reproduction. Acetyl-CoA, which is generated from glycolysis, is the precursor of sex pheromone biosynthesis in Helicoverpa armigera. As the first speed-limited enzyme in glycolysis, the function of Hexokinase (HK) in sex pheromone biosynthesis remains elusive. This article employed H. armigera as a model. Results exhibited that the transcription profile of HaHK in female moth PGs was consistent with the release trend of sex pheromone. Knockdown of HaHK in female PGs caused significant decreases in acetyl-CoA content, sex pheromone production, and mating behaviors. Sugar feeding increased the transcription and enzymatic activity of HK. PBAN signal phospho-activated HaHK in PGs and Sf9 cells via PKA. In general, our study confirmed that PBAN/cAMP/PKA signal activated HaHK activity, and HaHK is required for sex pheromone biosynthesis in H. armigera. ABSTRACT: Acetyl-CoA, the precursor of sex pheromone biosynthesis in Helicoverpa armigera, is generated from glycolysis. As the first speed-limited enzyme in glycolysis, Hexokinase (HK) plays an important role in acetyl-CoA production. However, the function of HK in sex pheromone production remains unclear. This study employed H. armigera as material to explore the role of HK in sex pheromone production. Results demonstrated that the transcription profile of HaHK in female moth pheromone glands (PGs) was consistent with the release fluctuation of sex pheromone. Interference of HaHK prevented the increase of acetyl-CoA content induced by PBAN. Therefore, knockdown of HaHK in female PGs caused significant decreases in (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) production, female capability to attract males, and mating rate. Furthermore, sugar feeding (5% sugar) increased the transcription and enzymatic activity of HK. Pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) signal phospho-activated HaHK in PGs and Sf9 cells via protein kinase A (PKA), as shown by pharmacological inhibitor analysis. In general, our study confirmed that PBAN/cAMP/PKA signal activated HaHK, in turn promoted glycolysis to ensure the supply of acetyl-CoA, and finally facilitated sex pheromone biosynthesis and subsequent mating behavior.