PPARs Activity Affects the Hatchability Through Lipid Metabolism Regulation in Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

Lipid metabolism serves as the primary energy source for organisms. Silkworm eggs for spring use are divided into two types: autumn-produced eggs for next spring rearing (AS) and spring-produced eggs for next spring rearing (SS). Production practice revealed significant differences in hatching rates between these two types of silkworm production strain QiufengA. In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily enriched in energy metabolism pathways. In particular, the PPARs are involved in energy regulation through lipid metabolism. Furthermore, both AS and SS contained the same eight long-chain fatty acids but in different amounts. Interference with PPARs activity in silkworm eggs disrupted the expression of key genes in this pathway, resulting in a significant decrease in hatching rate. Additionally, knockdown of the pathway key gene <i>BmPlin4</i> led to the reduction in lipid droplets. In conclusion, PPARs regulates the hatching rate of silkworms mainly by affecting lipid metabolism. This study proved the importance of PPARs for hatching and identifies them as potential target genes for population control.