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Proteomics analysis of digestive juice from silkworm during Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infection
Xiaolong Hu1,2, Min Zhu1, Simei Wang1
1School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Previous studies have analyzed the midgut transcriptome and proteome after challenge with Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), however little information is available on the digestive juice proteome after BmNPV challenge. This study investigated BmNPV infection-induced protein changes in the digestive juice of silkworms using shotgun proteomics and MS sequencing. From the digestive juice of normal third-day, fifth-instar silkworm larvae, 75 proteins were identified, 44 of which were unknown; from larvae 6 h after inoculation with BmNPV, 106 proteins were identified, of which 39 were unknown. After BmNPV challenge, more secreted proteins appeared that had antiviral and digestive features. GO annotation analysis clustered most proteins in the lumen into catalytic, binding, and metabolic processes. Numerous proteins were reported to have BmNPV interactions. Hsp70 protein cognate, lipase-1, and chlorophyllide A-binding protein precursor were upregulated significantly after BmNPV challenge. Levels of trypsin-like serine protease, beta-1,3-glucanase, catalase, and serine protease transcripts decreased or were not significantly change after BmNPV challenge. Taken together, these findings provided insights into the interaction between host and BmNPV and revealed potential functions of digestive juice after per os BmNPV infection.
Insights
This study reveals significant protein changes in silkworm digestive juice following Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection. Key antiviral and digestive proteins were identified, offering insights into host-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Insect pathology
- Proteomics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Previous research focused on silkworm midgut transcriptome and proteome after Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) challenge.
- Limited data exists on the digestive juice proteome alterations during BmNPV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate protein expression changes in silkworm digestive juice post-BmNPV infection.
- To identify proteins with potential antiviral and digestive functions in response to BmNPV.
Main Methods:
- Shotgun proteomics and Mass Spectrometry (MS) sequencing were employed.
- Proteins from digestive juice of normal and BmNPV-challenged silkworm larvae were analyzed.
- Gene Ontology (GO) annotation was used for functional clustering.
Main Results:
- 75 proteins identified in normal larvae, 106 in BmNPV-challenged larvae (6h post-inoculation).
- BmNPV challenge increased secreted proteins with antiviral and digestive functions.
- Hsp70, lipase-1, and chlorophyllide A-binding protein precursor showed significant upregulation; trypsin-like serine protease, beta-1,3-glucanase, catalase, and serine protease transcripts decreased or showed no significant change.
Conclusions:
- The study provides novel insights into the silkworm digestive juice proteome during BmNPV infection.
- Identified proteins highlight potential roles in host defense and digestion against BmNPV.
- Findings contribute to understanding host-pathogen interactions in silkworms.

