Insect metamorphosis and chitin metabolism under miRNA regulation: a review with current advances

Insect metamorphosis is a complex developmental process regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and hormonal signaling pathways.
Key genes driving insect ontogenic changes are precisely modulated by miRNAs, which interact with
20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) to coordinate developmental transitions. Over the past decade, significant
progress has been made in understanding miRNA biogenesis, their regulatory roles in gene expression, and their involvement
in critical biological processes, including metamorphosis and chitin metabolism. miRNAs are now recognized as essential
regulators of chitin metabolism and hormonal signaling, ensuring precise control of insect development. Disrupting the expression
of participating genes in hormone signaling pathways through miRNAs leads to aberrant metamorphosis and consequent
lethal outcomes, highlighting their potential as targets for pest control. This review summarizes current advances in miRNAmediated
regulation of insect metamorphosis and chitin metabolism, with a focus on their interactions with 20E and JH signaling
pathways. By integrating recent findings, we provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA function in
developmental transitions and their potential applications in insect pest management strategies.