Mitochondrial dysfunction blocks wing development and ecdysis resulting in insects with three layers of cuticles (larval, pupal and adult)

Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to common diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases. Insects are widely used as models to study human diseases. However, the role of mitochondria in insect postembryonic development, especially in metamorphosis, is largely unknown. This study showed that mitochondrial dysfunction achieved by knocking down TcLRPPRC, a mitochondrial regulator, or the transcription initiation complex components induces failure of Tribolium castaneum ecdysis, but surprisingly results in unfolded pharate adults stuck inside pupal and adult cuticles. Meanwhile, mitochondrial dysfunction adversely affects wing development and causes wingless or short wing phenotypes. This study helps to advance our understanding of the function of mitochondria in animal postembryonic development and addresses the role of mitochondria in insect wing size determination.