Xiaojie Liu , Kai Chen , Jia Xuan

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0018
Received: 07 Jun., 2024    Accepted: 15 Jul., 2024    Published: 28 Jul., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Liu X.J., Chen K., and Xuan J., 2024, Molecular responses of earwigs to environmental stress: a study on heat shock proteins, detoxification enzymes, and ecological adaptability, Molecular Entomology, 15(4): 146-153 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0018)

Earwigs, as ecologically important insects, face various environmental stressors, including temperature fluctuations and pesticide exposure, that challenge their survival and adaptability. This study investigates the molecular responses of earwigs, particularly focusing on the role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and detoxification enzymes in stress tolerance and adaptation. The gene regulation of HSPs under heat stress and the expression of detoxification enzymes, such as P450, in response to pesticide exposure are analyzed to understand the molecular basis of earwig adaptability. A comparative analysis of HSP expression under different stress conditions and the regulation of detoxification enzyme genes provides insights into how these proteins contribute to the ecological fitness of earwig populations. A case study conducted in an agricultural environment further elucidates how these molecular mechanisms enable earwigs to survive under pesticide pressure, offering key observations on their adaptive strategies. The findings highlight the intricate cross-talk between HSPs and detoxification enzymes in stress resilience, with significant ecological and agricultural implications. This study provides a foundation for future research aimed at enhancing the resilience of earwigs as beneficial insects in agroecosystems.

Earwigs; Heat shock proteins; Detoxification enzymes; Stress adaptation; Pesticide exposure