arrow
Return

Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics define 20E-driven developmental reprogramming in silkworm wing disc

delete2026-02-23
delete0
PRE
AI
刘青松 cover
刘青松 (Qingsong Liu)
H
Hao Chen
Y
Yongfen Zhang
W
Wanshun Li
X
Xue Zhang
X
Xiaoyang Wang
H
Hongyan Li
H
Hongni Li
D
Dongsheng Ran
Z
Zhangchen Tang
Y
Yanan Wu
L
Lin Zhu
Z
Zhang, Xingju
G
Guoli Li
L
Longxing Wang
X
Xiangyu Cai
J
Jian He
L
Liu, Xiao
F
Feng Xi
L
Linshengzhe Ji
G
Guibo Li
林英 (Ying Lin)
G
Guocheng Liu
L
Lingyan Wang
X
Xun Xu
P
Ping Zhao
A
Ao Chen *
M
Min Xie *
Q
Qingyou Xia *
DOI:10.1038/s41467-026-69518-6delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Insect wing development involves tissue patterning, cell fate transitions, and hormone signaling, yet its spatiotemporal logic remains unclear. The silkworm, with large wing discs and defined stages, provides an ideal model for high resolution analysis. Here, we construct a spatiotemporal single-cell atlas of the silkworm wing disc across 10 timepoints, identifying 12 major cell types and their developmental transitions. Wing morphogenesis (Wm) cells act as central progenitors, differentiating into epithelial and cuticle lineages under lineage-specific transcription factors. Time-resolved snRNA-seq reveals hierarchical transcriptional reprogramming, with Wm cells functioning as early signaling hubs. Functional modules and signaling pathways were activated in spatiotemporal controlled manner. 20-hydroxyecdysone treatment rapidly accelerates fate transitions and gene expression, recapitulating natural development within hours. Integration of morphology, hormone levels, and gene expression supports a five-stage Gene Transition Model describing progressive fate resolution. This work reveals wing development in silkworm and provides insights into hormone-driven organogenesis and potential manipulation of insect development in agriculture.
Keywords:
DROSOPHILA
GENE
RECEPTORS
CYTONEMES
EVOLUTION
PROTEIN
DORSAL

Journal

Nature Communications cover
Nature Communications
IF:
15.7
Papers:
9.2W
Citations:
91.2W

Organization

S
southwest university - china
Scholars:
2.6W
Papers: 1.9W
Citations: 21
C
chongqing university of posts & telecommunications
Scholars:
6.7K
Papers: 5.3K
Citations: 5
B
beijing genomics institute (bgi)
Scholars:
5.2K
Papers: 2.1K
Citations: 7
researcher View more organizations