Transcriptome-based identification and characterization of genes responding to imidacloprid in Myzus persicae

Myzus persicae is a serious and widespread agricultural pest, against which, imidacloprid remains an effective control measure. However, recent reports indicate that this aphid has evolved and developed resistance to imidacloprid. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and genetic basis of this resistance by conducting comparative transcriptomics studies on both imidacloprid-resistant (IR) and imidacloprid-susceptible (IS) M. persicae. The comparative analysis identified 252 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the IR and IS M. persicae transcriptomes. These candidate genes included 160 and 92 genes that were down- and up-regulated, respectively, in the imidacloprid-resistant strain. Using functional classification in the GO and KEGG databases, 187 DEGs were assigned to 303 functional subcategories and 100 DEGs were classified into 45 pathway groups. Moreover, several genes were associated with known insecticide targets, cuticle, metabolic processes, and oxidative phosphorylation. Quantitative real-time PCR of 10 DEGs confirmed the trends observed in the RNA sequencing expression profiles. These findings provide a valuable basis for further investigation into the complicated mechanisms of imidacloprid resistance in M. persicae.