Description
CREB-binding protein (CBP) is involved in co-activation of many transcription factors. Here, we have studied the role of CBP in postembryonic development in T. castaneum. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated knockdown of CBP resulted in a decrease in JH induction of Kr-h1 gene expression in T. castaneum larvae and led to a block in their development. RNA-seq and subsequent differential gene expression analysis identified CBP target genes in T. castaneum. Knockdown of CBP caused a decrease in the expression of > 1200 genes coding for transcription factors and other proteins associated with growth and development. Depletion of CBP impaired the expression of several JH and ecdysone response genes . Further, GO enrichment analyses on the downregulated genes showed enrichment in different molecular functions including transcription activation, transcription regulation, cofactor binding, and enzyme inhibition. These data suggest diverse but crucial roles for CBP during postembryonic development in the coleopteran model insect, T. castaneum.