SPSL1 is essential for spermatophore formation and sperm activation in Spodoptera frugiperda

Abstract

The reproductive process in various species has undergone evolutionary adaptations at both the physiological and molecular levels, playing a significant role in maintaining their populations. In lepidopteran insects, the spermatophore is a unique structure formed in the female reproductive system, in which sperm storage and activation take place. It is known that the formation of the spermatophore is regulated by seminal fluid proteins derived from males. However, studies investigating the genetic mechanisms behind spermatophore formation in lepidopterans have been limited. In this study, our focus was on SPSL1, a gene that encodes a trypsin-type seminal fluid protein in Spodoptera frugiperda, a pest species with global invasive tendencies. Our findings revealed that SPSL1 expression was predominantly observed in the male reproductive tracts, and the disruption of this gene resulted in male sterility. Surprisingly, fluorescence analysis indicated that the absence of SPSL1 did not affect spermatogenesis or sperm migration within the male reproductive system. However, when females mated with SPSL1-mutant males, several defects were observed. These included disruptions in spermatophore formation, sperm activation in the copulatory bursae, and sperm migration into the spermathecae. Additionally, mass spectrometry analysis highlighted reduced levels of energy-related metabolites, suggesting that SPSL1 plays an essential role in promoting hydrolysis reactions during copulation. Consequently, our study demonstrates that SPSL1 is crucial for male fertility due to its functions in spermatophore formation and sperm activation. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic factors underlying reproductive processes in lepidopteran insects and sheds light on potential strategies for controlling invasive pest populations.