The deubiquitinase Usp10 regulates Drosophila reproduction through modulating border cell migration

Abstract Pests are a major cause of agricultural and economic losses. Their high reproduction rate remains a considerable challenge for pest control. Insects with impaired border cell migration during oogenesis are unable to reproduce, offering a potential method to reduce their population growth. To fully understand the effects of the deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) family on border cell migration, we generated 38 transgenic fly lines overexpressing distinct DUBs, using Gal4/UAS technology to drive their expression in border cells. Overexpression of usp10 led to reductions in ovary size, egg production, and egg hatchability. Interestingly, knockdown of usp10 also resulted in the same defects, indicating the importance of maintaining proper Usp10 levels for oogenesis. In addition, the immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy analysis revealed that either overexpression or knockdown of usp10 disrupts adherens junctions and actin filament distribution, ultimately leading to delayed border cell migration. Taken together, this study highlights the critical role of Usp10 in Drosophila fertility, and suggests Usp10 as a potential target for pest management.