Effect of sugar transporter 1 on reproduction of Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and trehalose metabolism

Abstract Sugar transporters play a crucial role in insect life activities, especially in energy metabolism and carbohydrate management. Sugar transporter 1 (St1) is a facilitative glucose transporter highly expressed in the midgut of Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), however its physiological function remains unclear. To explore its pest control potential, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to investigate St1’s effects on sugar metabolism and female reproduction. Silencing St1 lowered membrane-bound trehalase (TRE2) activity and inhibited the hydrolysis of trehalose into glucose, impeding glycogen accumulation and glucose availability. Our findings show St1 regulates female reproduction by modulating trehalase activity. This study reveals St1’s crucial role in insect physiology and highlights it as a potential target for new, eco-friendly insecticides.