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Wang Z, Zhou Y, Li X, Tang F. Importance of core microRNA pathway genes and microRNAs associated with the defense of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) against Serratia marcescens infection. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 201:105864. [PMID: 38685240 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding small regulatory RNAs involved in diverse biological processes. Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is a polyphagous pest that causes economic damage to agroforestry. Serratia marcescens is a bacterium with great potential for controlling this insect. However, knowledge about the miRNA pathway and the role of miRNAs in O. formosanus defense against SM1 is limited. In this study, OfAgo1, OfDicer1 and OfDrosha were differentially expressed in different castes and tissues. SM1 infection affected the expression of all three genes in O. formosanus. Then, we used specific double-stranded RNAs to silence OfAgo1, OfDicer1 and OfDrosha. Knockdown of these genes enhanced the virulence of SM1 to O. formosanus, suggesting that miRNAs were critical in the defense of O. formosanus against SM1. Furthermore, we sequenced miRNAs from SM1-infected and uninfected O. formosanus. 33 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified, whereby 22 were upregulated and 11 were downregulated. Finally, the miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed, which further suggested the important role of miRNAs in the defense of O. formosanus against SM1. Totally, O. formosanus miRNA core genes defend against SM1 infection by regulating miRNA expression. This study elucidates the interactions between O. formosanus and SM1 and provides new theories for biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yujingyun Zhou
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
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Zhang Z, Jin F, Huang J, Mandal SD, Zeng L, Zafar J, Xu X. MicroRNA Targets PAP1 to Mediate Melanization in Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) Infected by Metarhizium anisopliae. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1140. [PMID: 38256210 PMCID: PMC10816858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in important biological processes by regulating post-transcriptional gene expression and exhibit differential expression patterns during development, immune responses, and stress challenges. The diamondback moth causes significant economic damage to crops worldwide. Despite substantial advancements in understanding the molecular biology of this pest, our knowledge regarding the role of miRNAs in regulating key immunity-related genes remains limited. In this study, we leveraged whole transcriptome resequencing data from Plutella xylostella infected with Metarhizium anisopliae to identify specific miRNAs targeting the prophenoloxidase-activating protease1 (PAP1) gene and regulate phenoloxidase (PO) cascade during melanization. Seven miRNAs (pxy-miR-375-5p, pxy-miR-4448-3p, pxy-miR-279a-3p, pxy-miR-3286-3p, pxy-miR-965-5p, pxy-miR-8799-3p, and pxy-miR-14b-5p) were screened. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that pxy-miR-279a-3p binds to the open reading frame (ORF) and pxy-miR-965-5p to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of PAP1. Our experiments demonstrated that a pxy-miR-965-5p mimic significantly reduced PAP1 expression in P. xylostella larvae, suppressed PO activity, and increased larval mortality rate. Conversely, the injection of pxy-miR-965-5p inhibitor could increase PAP1 expression and PO activity while decreasing larval mortality rate. Furthermore, we identified four LncRNAs (MSTRG.32910.1, MSTRG.7100.1, MSTRG.6802.1, and MSTRG.22113.1) that potentially interact with pxy-miR-965-5p. Interference assays using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) revealed that silencing MSTRG.7100.1 and MSTRG.22113.1 increased the expression of pxy-miR-965-5p. These findings shed light on the potential role of pxy-miR-965-5p in the immune response of P. xylostella to M. anisopliae infection and provide a theoretical basis for biological control strategies targeting the immune system of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoxia Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.Z.); (F.J.); (J.H.); (S.D.M.); (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
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Alves TC, Queiroz FR, de Melo Neto AB, da Rocha Fernandes G, Pais FSM, de Jesus Jeremias W, Babá EH, de Moraes Mourão M, Morais ER, Cabral FJ, do Amaral LR, Caldeira RL, Zech Coelho PM, de Souza Gomes M. Identification and characterization of microRNAs in Biomphalaria tenagophila and comparative analysis of their expression in Schistosoma mansoni-resistant and -susceptible snail populations. Gene 2023; 884:147742. [PMID: 37634882 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma and affects over 240 million people worldwide. One of the most prominent causative agents is Schistosoma mansoni, which develops inside the intermediate host. Biomphalaria tenagophila is the second most important vector of schistosomiasis in Brazil and the Taim population is completely resistant to infection by S. mansoni. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify and characterize B. tenagophila microRNAs (miRNAs) and evaluate their differential expression in S. mansoni-susceptible and -resistant populations of B. tenagophila. METHODS Two populations of B. tenagophila snails, susceptible and resistant to S. mansoni infection, were used to investigate the small RNA response of these snails after being infected with the parasite. Small RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to identify and validate differentially expressed miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify miRNA precursors and mature and evaluate their differential expression. FINDINGS The study predicted 173 mature miRNAs and 123 precursors. Among them were six Lophotrochozoa-specific miRNAs, three mollusk-specific miRNAs, and six pre-miRNAs in a cluster. The small RNA sequencing and RT-PCR of B. tenagophila samples allowed assessing the expression patterns of miRNAs. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The results obtained may support future studies in Biomphalaria spp., generating a global impact on disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Caixeta Alves
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Analysis Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Fábio Ribeiro Queiroz
- René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Angelo Borges de Melo Neto
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Analysis Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Elio Hideo Babá
- René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Enyara Rezende Morais
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Analysis Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberta Lima Caldeira
- René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Matheus de Souza Gomes
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Analysis Laboratory, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil.
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Yang LY, Zhu QH, Chen JY, Lin LB, Liang MZ, Zhang QL. Genome-wide transcriptomics and microRNAomics analyses uncover multi-faceted mechanisms to cope with copper stress in ancient macrobenthos amphioxus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131594. [PMID: 37330373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the toxicity of environmental stress are unclear for marine macrobenthos. Copper/Cu has posed the most serious threats to amphioxus, an ancient and model benthic cephalochordate. Herein, a dynamic change in the physiological parameters (GR, SOD, ATP, and MDA) was detected with ROS accumulation in Branchiostoma belcheri exposed to 0.3 mg·L-1 Cu. Transcriptomes and microRNAomes of B. belcheri were generated to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which this amphioxus copes with Cu exposure. Time-specific genes identified at different time points after exposure were involved in the stimulus and immune response, detoxification and ionic homeostasis, aging and the nervous system, sequentially, with prolongation of exposure time, forming a dynamic process of molecular response to Cu stress. In total, 57 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified under Cu stress. Transcriptomics-miRNAomics analyses indicate that these miRNAs targeted genes associated with many key biological processes such as xenobiotics degradation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism. The constructed miRNA-mRNA-pathway network uncovered a broad post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in B. belcheri to cope with Cu stress. Overall, this integrated analyses show that enhanced defense response, accelerated ROS elimination, and repressed ATP production constitute a comprehensive strategy to cope with Cu toxicity in the ancient macrobenthos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yu Yang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Qian-Hua Zhu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jun-Yuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lian-Bing Lin
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ming-Zhong Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China.
| | - Qi-Lin Zhang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China.
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Zafar J, Huang J, Xu X, Jin F. Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNA-Mediated Regulatory Networks of Plutella xylostella in Response to Metarhizium anisopliae Infection. INSECTS 2022; 13:916. [PMID: 36292864 PMCID: PMC9604237 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a diverse class of RNAs that are structurally similar to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) but do not encode proteins. Growing evidence suggests that in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, the lncRNAs play crucial regulatory roles in plants and animals. However, the potential role of lncRNAs during fungal infection has yet to be characterized in Plutella xylostella, a devastating pest of cruciferous crops. In the current study, we performed a strand-specific RNA sequencing of Metarhizium anisopliae-infected (Px36hT, Px72hT) and uninfected (Px36hCK, Px72hCK) P. xylostella fat body tissues. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis revealed a total of 5665 and 4941 lncRNAs at 36 and 72-h post-infection (hpi), including 563 (Px36hT), 532 (Px72hT) known and 5102 (Px36hT), 4409 (Px72hT) novel lncRNA transcripts. These lncRNAs shared structural similarities with their counterparts in other species, including shorter exon and intron length, fewer exon numbers, and a lower expression profile than mRNAs. LncRNAs regulate the expression of neighboring protein-coding genes by acting in a cis and trans manner. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of cis-acting lncRNAs revealed their role in several immune-related genes, including Toll, serpin, transferrin, βGRP etc. Furthermore, we identified multiple lncRNAs acting as microRNA (miRNA) precursors. These miRNAs can potentially regulate the expression of mRNAs involved in immunity and development, suggesting a crucial lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA complex. Our findings will provide a genetic resource for future functional studies of lncRNAs involved in P. xylostella immune responses to M. anisopliae infection and shed light on understanding insect host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (F.J.); Tel.: +86-135-6047-8369 (F.J.)
| | - Fengliang Jin
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (F.J.); Tel.: +86-135-6047-8369 (F.J.)
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Physiological and Molecular Response Modifications by Ultraviolet-C Radiation in Plutella xylostella and Its Compatibility with Cordyceps fumosorosea. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179800. [PMID: 36077199 PMCID: PMC9456147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation significantly impacts living organisms. UV-C radiation can also be used as a pest management tool. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of UV-C radiation on the physiology and gene expression level of Plutella xylostella, a destructive vegetable pest. Results showed that, after exposure to UV-C radiation for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, the activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) of P. xylostella increased, while the activity of PPO (polyphenol oxidase), POD (peroxidase), AChE (acetylcholinesterase), CarE (carboxylesterase), and ACP (acid phosphatase) decreased with increased exposure time. Correlation coefficient analyses indicated that the activity of CAT correlated positively, while PPO and CarE correlated negatively, with exposure time. Gene regulation analysis via qRT-PCR confirmed a significant increase in regulation in CAT, CarE, and PPO-related genes. We also investigated the effect of UV-C exposure on the virulence of Cordyceps fumosorosea against P. xylostella. Here, results indicated that when the fungal treatment was applied to larvae before UV-C radiation, the virulence of C. fumosorosea was significantly reduced. However, this decline in virulence of C. fumosorosea due to UV-C exposure remained only for one generation, and no effect was observed on secondary infection. On the other hand, when larvae were exposed to UV-C radiation before fungal application, the mortality rate significantly increased as the exposure time to UV-C radiation increased. From the current study, it could be concluded that UV-C exposure suppressed the immunity to P. xylostella, which later enhanced the virulence of entomopathogenic fungi. Moreover, the study also suggested that UV irradiation is an effective pest management tool that could be incorporated into pest management strategies, which could help reduce pesticide application, be economically beneficial for the farmer, and be environmentally safe.
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Zafar J, Zhang Y, Huang J, Freed S, Shoukat RF, Xu X, Jin F. Spatio-Temporal Profiling of Metarhizium anisopliae-Responsive microRNAs Involved in Modulation of Plutella xylostella Immunity and Development. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:942. [PMID: 34829229 PMCID: PMC8620415 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metarhizium anisopliae, a ubiquitous pathogenic fungus, regulates a wide array of the insect pest population. The fungus has been employed to control Plutella xylostella, an insecticide-resistant destructive lepidopteran pest, which causes substantial economic losses in crops worldwide. Integration of modern gene-silencing technologies in pest control strategies has become more crucial to counter pesticide-resistant insects. MicroRNAs (miRNA) play essential roles in the various biological process via post-transcriptional gene regulation. In the present study, RNA-seq analysis of control (CK36h, CK72h) and fungal-infected (T36h, T72h) midguts was performed to reveal underlying molecular mechanisms occurring in larval midgut at different time courses. We aimed at exploring M. anisopliae-responsive miRNAs and their target genes involved in development and immunity. After data filtration, a combined set of 170 miRNAs were identified from all libraries. Interestingly, miR-281, miR-263, miR-1, miR-6094 and miR-8 were listed among the most abundantly expressed conserved miRNAs. Furthermore, we experimentally studied the role of differentially expressed miR-11912-5p in regulating corresponding target trypsin-like serine proteinase (Px_TLSP). The luciferase assay (in vitro) revealed that miRNA-11912-5p significantly downregulated its target gene, suggesting it might play a crucial role in defense mechanism of P. xylostella against M.+ anisopliae infection. We used synthetic miRNA mimic/inhibitor (in vivo), to overexpress/silence miRNA, which showed harmful effects on larval duration, survival and adult fecundity. Additionally, fungal application in the presence of mimics revealed enhanced sensitivity of P. xylostella to infection. Our finding provides an insight into the relatively obscure molecular mechanisms involved in insect midgut during the fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Zafar
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Junlin Huang
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Shoaib Freed
- Laboratory of Insect Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 66000, Pakistan;
| | - Rana Fartab Shoukat
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Fengliang Jin
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (R.F.S.)
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Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Nilaparvata lugens microRNAs during Challenge with the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040295. [PMID: 33919937 PMCID: PMC8070897 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The resistance of the notorious rice pest Nilaparvata lugens to many insecticides has caused significant concerns. Our previous study demonstrated that the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae CQMa421 shows great potential for the control of this pest, but the interactions between them are still unclear. Thus, we further investigated fungal infection-related microRNAs (miRNAs) in N. lugens during M. anisopliae CQMa421 challenge using Illumina sequencing. In this study, we constructed twenty-four small RNA libraries over different time courses (i.e., 4 h, 8 h, 16 h, and 24 h). A total of 478.62 M clean reads were collected, with each sample producing more than 13.37 M reads, after the removal of low-quality reads. We identified 2324 miRNAs and their 11,076 target genes within the twenty-four libraries by bioinformatics analysis. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), including 58 (32 upregulated vs. 26 downregulated), 62 (30 upregulated vs. 32 downregulated), 126 (71 upregulated vs. 55 downregulated), and 109 (40 upregulated vs. 69 downregulated) DEmiRNAs were identified at 4 h, 8 h, 16 h, and 24 h post-infection, respectively. We further conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis to predict the functions of all target genes of DEmiRNAs. These DEmiRNAs targets identified during 24 h of infection were primarily involved in energy metabolism, lysine degradation, the FoxO signaling pathway, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, the mRNA surveillance pathway, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, our results provide essential information for further study of the interactions between the entomopathogenic fungus M. anisopliae and N. lugens at the posttranscriptional level.
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Zhang S, Shen M, Yin H, Huang H, Li T, Zhao W, Guo X, Wu P. Expression profile analysis of circular RNAs in BmN cells (Bombyx mori) upon BmNPV infection. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 105:e21735. [PMID: 32881053 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The disease caused by Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) has always been difficult to control, resulting in tremendous economic losses in the sericulture industry. Although much has been learned about the impact of noncoding RNAs on pathogenesis, the role of circular RNA (circRNA) in insect immunity remains unclear. To explore circRNA regulation involved in BmNPV infection, we used transcriptome analysis of BmN cells with or without BmNPV infection to generate circRNA data set. A total of 444 novel circRNAs were identified in BmN cells, with 198 pervasively distributed both in the control group and BmNPV-infection group. The host genes were enriched inMAPK signaling pathway, dorso-ventral axis formation, and ECM-receptor interaction, which were required for the normal larval growth. A total of 75 circRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) on BmNPV infection. Six downregulated circRNAs were validated by Sanger sequencing and qRT-PCR. DEcircRNA-miRNA-DEmRNA network was constructed based on the six validated circRNAs. Pathway analysis indicated that the predicted target genes were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathway and immune-related signaling pathway. Our results may provide a basis for further studies on circRNA function in BmN cells challenged by BmNPV infection and offer an insight into the molecular mechanism on silkworm-virus interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolun Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Manman Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haotong Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoling Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xijie Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Wang C, Jin F, De Mandal S, Zeng L, Zhang Y, Hua Y, Hong Y, Zhao C, Li J, Li D, Xu X. Insights into the venom protein components of the egg parasitoid Anastatus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:2113-2126. [PMID: 31951096 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitoid venom is composed of a complex mixture of various active substances with different biological functions and is injected in the host during the parasitoid oviposition. Anastatus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is an egg parasite of Tessaratoma papillosa (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). Although the venom of this egg parasitoid plays an important role in the parasitic process, relatively little work has been done to address the mechanism. RESULTS In the present study, proteomic analysis was performed to identify the proteins that play an important role in the parasitic process of A. japonicus. A total of 2084 proteins were identified, including 81 putative venom proteins, most of which were identified as Hexamerin, Chitinase 2, Calreticulin, Heat shock protein 83-like, Serine protease, Arginine kinase, Phosphoserine aminotransferase and Actin protein. Together the before (Be) and after (Af) parasitization venom contains 1628 proteins, including 212 DEPs with 181 and 31 significantly up-regulated and down-regulated respectively. In addition, 10 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) with fold change ≥8.71 were subjected to RT-qPCR to validate the proteomic data. The differential expression analysis revealed that nine proteins were specifically present in the pre-parasitic venom, whereas 26 proteins were specific to the post-parasitic treatments. Results of RT-qPCR analysis showed high expression of the selected DEPs which further validated our proteomics data. CONCLUSION These new proteomic data greatly enrich our current knowledge about key venom proteins associated with parasitic process in A. japonicus and contribute to better understanding of the parasitic mechanisms leading to the development of new biological control strategies. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxing Wang
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Plant Protection Research Institute, , Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Fengliang Jin
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Surajit De Mandal
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zeng
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Hua
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Hong
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Plant Protection Research Institute, , Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Junzhai Li
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Plant Protection Research Institute, , Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Dunsong Li
- Plant Protection Research Institute, , Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Shakeel M, Xu X, De Mandal S, Jin F. Role of serine protease inhibitors in insect-host-pathogen interactions. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 102:e21556. [PMID: 31050038 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins), evolutionary old, structurally conserved molecules, are a superfamily of proteins found in almost all living organisms. Serpins are relatively large, typically 350-500 amino acids in length, with three β-sheets and seven to nine α-helices folding into a conserved tertiary structure with a reactive center loop. Serpins perform various physiological functions in insects, including development, digestion, host-pathogen interactions, and innate immune response. In insects, the innate immune system is characterized as the first and major defense system against the invasion of microorganisms. Serine protease cascades play a critical role in the initiation of innate immune responses, such as melanization and the production of antimicrobial peptides, and are strictly and precisely regulated by serpins. Herein, we provide a microreview on the role of serpins in the insect-host-pathogen interactions, emphasizing their role in immune responses, particularly in diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), highlighting the important discoveries and also the gaps that remain to be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Surajit De Mandal
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengliang Jin
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Zhang LL, Jing XD, Chen W, Wang Y, Lin JH, Zheng L, Dong YH, Zhou L, Li FF, Yang FY, Peng L, Vasseur L, He WY, You MS. Host Plant-Derived miRNAs Potentially Modulate the Development of a Cosmopolitan Insect Pest, Plutella xylostella. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100602. [PMID: 31614786 PMCID: PMC6843310 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been reported to be involved in the cross-kingdom regulation of specific cellular and physiological processes in animals. However, little of this phenomenon is known for the communication between host plant and insect herbivore. In this study, the plant-derived miRNAs in the hemolymph of a cruciferous specialist Plutella xylostella were identified by small RNAs sequencing. A total of 39 miRNAs with typical characteristics of plant miRNAs were detected, of which 24 had read counts ≥ 2 in each library. Three plant-derived miRNAs with the highest read counts were validated, and all of them were predicted to target the hemocyanin domains-containing genes of P. xylostella. The luciferase assays in the Drosophila S2 cell demonstrated that miR159a and novel-7703-5p could target BJHSP1 and PPO2 respectively, possibly in an incomplete complementary pairing mode. We further found that treatment with agomir-7703-5p significantly influenced the pupal development and egg-hatching rate when reared on the artificial diet. The developments of both pupae and adults were severely affected upon their transfer to Arabidopsis thaliana, but this might be independent of the cross-kingdom regulation of the three plant-derived miRNAs on their target genes in P. xylostella, based on expression analysis. Taken together, our work reveals that the plant-derived miRNAs could break the barrier of the insect mid-gut to enter the circulatory system, and potentially regulate the development of P. xylostella. Our findings provide new insights into the co-evolution of insect herbivore and host plant, and novel direction for pest control using plant-derived miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xiao-Dong Jing
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jun-Han Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Ling Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Yu-Hong Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Fei-Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Fei-Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S3A1, Canada.
| | - Wei-Yi He
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Min-Sheng You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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13
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Li S, Xu X, Zheng Z, Zheng J, Shakeel M, Jin F. MicroRNA expression profiling of Plutella xylostella after challenge with B. thuringiensis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 93:115-124. [PMID: 30582949 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, the main pest of brassica crops, has developed resistance to almost all major classes of insecticides as the farmers rely on insecticides to control this pest. An extensive use of broad-spectrum insecticides against P. xylostella promotes the selection of insecticide resistance, destroy natural enemies, and pollute the environment. In this scenario, it is imperative to use genetic methods such as gene silencing technology as an alternate approach against this pest. Evidence shows that microRNAs play pivotal roles in the regulation of target genes at the post-transcription level and show differential expression under various biological processes. However, the knowledge of their role in insect immunity is still in its infancy. In the present study, we aimed at exploring the response of P. xylostella miRNAs against B. thuringiensis at different time courses (6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h) by using small RNA sequencing. After data filtration, a combined set of 149 miRNAs was identified from all the libraries. Interestingly, a couple of conserved miRNAs such as miR-1, Let-7, miR-275, miR-184, and miR-10 were listed as abundantly expressed miRNAs after exposure to B. thuringiensis. It is worth mentioning that the differential expression analysis revealed that miR-2, a conserved miRNA, was up-regulated following infection. Furthermore, we experimentally validated the involvement of miR-2b-3p in the regulation of corresponding target trypsin. Our luciferase assay results revealed that miR-2b-3p mimic significantly down-regulated the target gene trypsin indicating that it might play a crucial role in the defense mechanism of P. xylostella against B. thuringiensis infection. On the whole, our findings provide insights into the possible regulatory role of miRNAs in insect immunity in response to microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhong Li
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhihua Zheng
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jinlong Zheng
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Muhammad Shakeel
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Fengliang Jin
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Li H, Wei X, Ding T, Chu D. Genome-Wide Profiling of Cardinium-Responsive MicroRNAs in the Exotic Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype Q. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1580. [PMID: 30483149 PMCID: PMC6241202 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the bacterial symbiont Cardinium has profound effects on the ecological adaptation of its host, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype Q (hereafter referred to as B. tabaci Q), the molecular mechanism underlying interactions between these two organisms is not yet fully understood. In this study, sRNA libraries were constructed, amplified, and sequenced for Cardinium-infected (C+) and uninfected (C∗−) B. tabaci Q with identical genetic backgrounds. Subsequently, the genes targeted by the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by integrating the B. tabaci Q genome data. A total of 125 known and 100 novel miRNAs were identified, among which 23 significant differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in both libraries. It is noteworthy that an analysis of target genes showed that Cardinium-responsive miRNA-regulated genes were functional in apoptosis, reproduction, development, immune response, thermotolerance and insecticide resistance. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that some miRNA-target genes are closely associated with energy metabolism. A major finding of this study was the identification of several miRNAs that may be involved in physiological processes in response to environmental stress, i.e., insecticides and high temperatures. This information will provide a foundation to help further elucidate the functions of Cardinium in B. tabaci Q.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongran Li
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoying Wei
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tianbo Ding
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dong Chu
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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