Identification and characterization of sexually dimorphic neurons that express the sex-determining gene doublesex in the brain of silkmoth Bombyx mori

Sexual differences in behavior are generated by sexually dimorphic neural circuits animals. In insects, a highly conserved sex-determining gene doublesex (dsx) plays essential roles the development of sexual dimorphisms. present study, to elucidate basis behaviors silkmoth Bombyx mori, we investigated mori dsx (Bmdsx) expression brains through development. brain, Bmdsx was differentially expressed sex- and developmental stage-dependent manners. BmDSX protein-expressing cells were located dorsomedial region pupal adult brains, constituted two one clusters males females, respectively. The number BmDSX-positive developmentally regulated peaked at early middle stages, suggesting that established during this period. detection activity marker protein BmHR38 suggested not active both male female moths, even though vicinity cell active. These results imply circuits, but related silkmoths.