Effects of tachykinin-related peptides on the reproductive system of Tenebrio molitor females: implications for insect breeding and pest control

Abstract

The global population, which is expected to reach 10.4 billion by 2086, will significantly increase the demand for sustainable food sources. Edible insects such as Tenebrio molitor are promising alternatives because of their nutritional value, low environmental footprint, and suitability for mass rearing. However, the efficiency of industrial production depends on the optimization of reproductive processes. Moreover, T. molitor is also a pest species that contributes to grain loss, highlighting the dual need for strategies that increase reproduction under farming conditions and suppress fertility in pest populations. Neuropeptides, including tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs), are known regulators of metabolism and immunity, but their role in reproduction remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether TRPs are involved in female T. molitor reproduction. Expression analyses revealed strong correlations between TRP, TRPR and vitellogenin (Vg) gene expression, suggesting TRP-mediated stimulation of yolk precursor synthesis. The application of Tenmo-TRP-7 affects basic reproductive parameters, including egg production, follicular epithelium permeability, and terminal oocyte volume. These effects are confirmed by the use of dsRNA directed against the gene encoding TRP precursor. These findings show that TRPs regulate reproduction at multiple levels, positioning them as molecular targets for both enhancing insect farming and developing environmentally safe pest control strategies.