PubMed · 2026-04-15
Scientists discovered that a gene called Single-minded (Sim) controls energy metabolism and fat storage in fall armyworms, one of the world's most destructive crop pests. Disabling this gene using CRISPR caused larvae to grow poorly and accumulate unhealthy levels of fat, pointing to a promising new target for pest control.
CRISPR-disabled SfSim mutant larvae showed pronounced growth retardation and reduced viability, confirming the gene is essential for larval survival.
Loss of SfSim caused excessive triglyceride accumulation driven by runaway fat synthesis (lipogenesis) combined with a failure to break fat down (lipolysis).
SfSim mutants showed significantly reduced expression of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) and its receptor — hormones analogous to insect glucagon that mobilize energy reserves.