Biotechnological Advances in Silkworm Physiology: Genomic and Proteomic Studies for Enhanced Silk Production

Abstract

Because they can make high-quality silk fibers, silkworms, especially Bombyx mori, are very important to the silk business. As the market for silk keeps growing, new technologies are needed to make silk that meets those needs. Recent advances in biotechnology, especially in genetic and protein studies, have given us new information about how silkworms work that we didn't have before. This has led to better silk quality and output. This essay talks about the newest developments in these areas, focused on the changes at the genetic and protein levels that help make silk. Genomics research has shown the complicated genetic system that makes silk, including the finding of key genes that help make and release fibroin. Researchers have been able to change certain genes in silkworms to make them more attractive by using methods like genome sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. For example, changing the genes that make fibroin heavy chain and light chain synthesis has shown promise in increasing the production of silk filaments. Integrating microarray studies has also helped us learn more about how gene expression changes at different stages of silkworm growth, especially during the spinning phase, which is very important for making silk. Proteomic studies add to genetic results by showing how proteins interact and change after being translated, which are important for making silk fibers. Modern mass spectrometry methods have helped identify silk proteins and the systems that control them. Learning more about the proteins found in silkworms has helped us understand how certain proteins help keep silk fibers stable and strong. Also, proteome research has found possible signals for silk quality that can be used to guide breeding projects that aim to make better silk.