Abstract: 【Aim】 This study aims to identify the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes expressed in the fat body of the female adults of Locusta migratoria, and uncover their functions in egg development and ovarian growth of L. migratoria. 【Methods】 Based on the previously obtained transcriptome data of the fat body of the female adults of L. migratoria during the first gonadotropic cycle, identification and cluster analysis of GPCR genes were performed. qRT-PCR was employed to measure the tissue-specific expression patterns of GPCR genes in the brain, thoracic and abdominal ganglia, fat body, ovary and midgut of vitellogenic female adults of L. migratoria. RNAi experiments were carried out to analyze the functions of GPCR genes in egg development and ovarian growth. 【Results】 A total of 29 GPCR genes were newly identified from the fat body transcriptome of female adults of L. migratoria. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that PTH/PTHrPR1 and MSR were significantly highly expressed in the fat body and thoracic and abdominal ganglia of female adults of L. migratoria, respectively, while Mthl4, Mthl6 and GPR119Lwere significantly highly expressed in the midgut, and the expression levels of Octβ1R, CrzR, CCAPR, LGR2, mGluR and GABABR in the brain were significantly higher than those in the other tissues. RNAi screening revealed that knockdown of five GPCR genes, CCAPR, PTH/PTHrPR1, ADGRL3, Mthl15 and DHR, significantly inhibited the primary oocyte development and ovarian growth of L. migratoria. 【Conclusion】 Findings in the present study are helpful for unveiling the regulatory networks of powerful fecundity of insects and exploring novel targets for insect pest control.

Key words: Locusta migratoria, G protein-coupled receptor, transcriptome, RNA interference, fecundity regulation