Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: FELIPE MARINHO COUTINHO DE SOUZA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : FELIPE MARINHO COUTINHO DE SOUZA
DATE: 04/03/2026
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: Auditório da PPRPG, UFRPE, Recife - PE
TITLE:

Unraveling the functions of GATA-type transcription factors in Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): A functional approach using RNA interference (RNAi)

KEY WORDS:

GATA transcription factors, RNAi, Tenebrio molitor, metamorphosis

PAGES: 21
BIG AREA: Ciências Agrárias
AREA: Agronomia
SUBÁREA: Fitossanidade
SPECIALTY: Entomologia Agrícola
SUMMARY:

GATA-type transcription factors constitute a family of proteins that play crucial roles in
regulating gene expression across diverse organisms, including insects. These proteins
are essential for development, cellular differentiation, and environmental stress
responses. In insects, GATA factors are associated with various biological pathways,
such as hematopoiesis, immune regulation, metamorphosis, and embryonic
development. Furthermore, they are fundamental in regulating genes involved in
cuticular protein synthesis, which is critical for growth and molting. In this study, we
employed RNA interference (RNAi) to investigate the functional roles of GATA
transcription factors in the model beetle Tenebrio molitor. We identified five GATA genes
in the T. molitor genome. RNAi-mediated knockdown of two of these genes resulted in
approximately 50% mortality. Silencing these genes also delayed development and
induced significant morphological aberrations. These developmental abnormalities were
particularly evident during the pupal-to-adult transition, manifesting as incomplete
metamorphosis, wing misfolding, and defective cuticle shedding. Survival analysis over
30 days revealed prolonged larval stages and reduced adult survival. Our findings
demonstrate that GATA factors are essential for T. molitor metamorphosis and adult
viability. We conclude that T. molitor serves as an excellent model for functional gene
validation, particularly regarding lethal phenotypes. These results contribute to the
identification of essential genes in Coleoptera, offering potential targets for the
management of agronomically important pests.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - JOSE DIJAIR ANTONINO DE SOUZA JUNIOR
Interno - ***.976.374-** - MARCELO HENRIQUE SANTOS PAIVA - UFPE
Externo à Instituição - DIOGO MANZANO GALDEANO - UFV