Identification and Functional Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Response to Trans-anethole

• Published in: Journal of insect science (Tucson, Ariz.) Ariz.), 2022-01, Vol.22 (1)
• Main Authors: Ding, Chao-Yang, Ma, Yu-Meng, Li, Bin, Wang, Yun, Zhao, Le, Peng, Jiang-Nan, Li, Mao-Ye, Liu, Su, Li, Shi-Guang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allylbenzene Derivatives - pharmacology; Animals; Anisoles - pharmacology; Aphididae; Aphids - drug effects; Aphids - genetics; Control; Environmental aspects; Gene Expression; Genetic aspects; Insect Proteins - genetics; Materia medica, Vegetable; Molecular Entomological Genetics; Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Physiological aspects; Plant extracts; RNA sequencing; Star anise
• ISSN: 1536-2442; 1536-2442
• DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab094

Abstract Plant essential oils, with high bioactivity and biodegradability, provide promising alternatives to synthetic pesticides for pest control. Trans-anethole is the major component of essential oil from star anise, Illicium verum Hook. The compound has a strong contact toxicity against the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), which is a major insect pest of many vegetables and crops. However, little information is known about how M. persicae responds to trans-anethole at the molecular level. We conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis of M. persicae in response to a LD50 dose of trans-anethole. A total of 559 differentially expressed genes were detected in the treated individuals, with 318 genes up-regulated, and 241 genes down-regulated. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these genes were classified into different biological processes and pathways. We also found that genes encoding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, DnaJ, and cuticle proteins were dramatically up-regulated in response to trans-anethole. To study the function of these genes, we performed RNA interference (RNAi) analysis. Knockdown of an ABC transporter gene (ABCG4) and a DnaJ gene (DnaJC1) resulted in a significantly increased mortality rate in M. persicae following trans-anethole exposure, indicating the involvement of these two genes in the toxicity response to trans-anethole. The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of M. persicae in coping with plant essential oils.