It is well known that the JNK pathway regulates AMP production against pathogenic infection in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Tenebrio molitor hep (Tmhep) is an homolog of MAP kinase kinase in mammals. Here, we investigate the immunological function of Tmhep in responses in microbial infection using RNA interference technology. The results showed that silencing of Tmhep increased the larval mortality against microbial challenge, as well as reduced AMP production compared to the control group (dsEGFP-treated group). Conclusively, Tmhep plays an critical role in antimicrobial defense in T. molitor larvae.

• Seo Jin Lee(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University)
• Ho Am Jang(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University)
• Sung Min Ku(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University)
• Jea Hui Kim(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University)
• Dong Woo Kang(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University)
• So Yeon Choi(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University)
• Yong Seok Lee(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University)
• Yeon Soo Han(Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University)
• Yong Hun JoYong Hun Jo(Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University) | Yong Hun Jo