CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Disruption of Seminal Fluid Protein Sfp62 Induces Male Sterility in Bombyx mori

Seminal fluid proteins provide factors necessary for development, storage, and activation of sperm. Altered expression of seminal fluid proteins can lead to defect in male infertility. We investigated the function of seminal fluid protein Sfp62 in the model lepidopteran insect using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutagenesis. The knockout of gene led to male sterility but has no effect on female fertility. The mutation did not affect growth and development of the silkworm of both sexes. Motility of sperm in male mutants was decreased and the mRNA expression levels of other genes encoding seminal fluid proteins were altered in mutants compared to the wild-type controls. The male sterility caused by mutation of was stably inherited. As the proteins encoded by genes are conserved among lepidopteran species, is a potential target for the biological management of lepidopteran pests.