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Digital gene expression analysis in the midgut of 4008 silkworm strain infected with cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus
Kun Gao1, Xiang-yuan Deng2, He-ying Qian3
1College of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu, China; Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212018, Jiangsu, China; Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Digital Gene Expression was performed to investigate the midgut transcriptome profile of 4008 silkworm strain orally infected with BmCPV. A total of 4,498,263 and 4,258,240 clean tags were obtained from the control and BmCPV-infected larvae. A total of 752 differentially expressed genes were detected, of which 649 were upregulated and 103 were downregulated. Analysis results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway showed that 334 genes were involved in the ribosome and RNA transport pathways. Moreover, 408 of the 752 differentially expressed genes have a GO category and can be categorized into 41 functional groups according to molecular function, cellular component and biological process. Differentially expressed genes involved in signaling, gene expression, metabolic process, cell death, binding, and catalytic activity changes were detected in the expression profiles. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to verify the expression of these genes. The upregulated expression levels of Calreticulin, FK506-binding protein, and protein kinase c inhibitor gene probably led to a calcium-dependent apoptosis in the BmCPV-infected cells. The results of this study may serve as a basis for future research not only on the molecular mechanism of BmCPV invasion but also on the anti-BmCPV mechanism of silkworm.
Insights
Digital gene expression analysis reveals significant changes in silkworm midgut following Bombyx mori multiple cypovirus (BmCPV) infection. Key genes involved in apoptosis and cellular processes were identified, offering insights into viral invasion and host defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- The Bombyx mori multiple cypovirus (BmCPV) poses a significant threat to silkworm production.
- Understanding the molecular interactions between BmCPV and silkworms is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the midgut transcriptome profile of the 4008 silkworm strain after oral infection with BmCPV.
- To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and elucidate their roles in the host response to BmCPV.
Main Methods:
- Digital Gene Expression (DGE) analysis was employed to compare gene expression profiles between control and BmCPV-infected silkworm larvae.
- Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) categorization were used to analyze the functions of DEGs.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to validate the expression levels of selected genes.
Main Results:
- A total of 752 DEGs were identified, with 649 upregulated and 103 downregulated in BmCPV-infected larvae.
- KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in ribosome and RNA transport pathways.
- GO analysis categorized 408 DEGs into 41 functional groups, highlighting changes in signaling, gene expression, metabolic processes, cell death, binding, and catalytic activity.
- Upregulation of Calreticulin, FK506-binding protein, and protein kinase c inhibitor genes suggests a role in calcium-dependent apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive transcriptome profile of BmCPV-infected silkworms.
- Identified DEGs and pathways offer insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying BmCPV invasion and silkworm antiviral responses.
- Findings lay the groundwork for future research on BmCPV pathogenesis and silkworm resistance mechanisms.
