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Identification of long noncoding RNAs in silkworm larvae infected with Bombyx mori cypovirus
Zhendong Zhang1,2, Ze Zhao1,2, Su Lin1,2
1School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Bombyx mori cypovirus (BmCPV) is one of the most important pathogens causing severe disease to silkworm. Emerging evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play importantly regulatory roles in virus infection and host immune response. To better understand the interaction between silkworm, Bombyx mori and BmCPV, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis on lncRNAs and mRNAs between the virus-infected and noninfected silkworm larvae midgut at two time points postinoculation. A total of 16,753 genes and 1845 candidate lncRNAs were identified, among which 356 messenger RNA (mRNAs) and 41 lncRNAs were differentially expressed (DE). Target gene prediction revealed that most of DEmRNAs (123) were coexpressed with 28 DElncRNAs, suggesting that the expression of mRNA is mainly affected through trans- regulation by BmCPV-induced lncRNAs, and a regulatory network of DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs was then constructed. According to the network, many genes involved in apoptosis, autophagy, and antiviral response, such as ATG3, PDCD6, IBP2, and MFB1, could be targeted by different DElncRNAs, implying the essential roles of these genes and lncRNAs in BmCPV infection. In all, our studies revealed for the first time the alteration of lncRNA expression in BmCPV-infected larvae and its potential influence on BmCPV replication, providing a new perspective for host-cypovirus interaction studies.
Insights
This study reveals how long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) change in silkworms infected with Bombyx mori cypovirus (BmCPV). These lncRNAs potentially regulate host genes involved in antiviral responses, offering new insights into silkworm immunity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Bombyx mori cypovirus (BmCPV) significantly impacts silkworm health.
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in host-pathogen interactions and immune responses.
- Understanding host-virus interactions is crucial for managing silkworm diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lncRNAs in Bombyx mori during BmCPV infection.
- To identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in response to BmCPV.
- To construct a regulatory network between lncRNAs and mRNAs in infected silkworms.
Main Methods:
- Comparative transcriptome analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs in BmCPV-infected and non-infected silkworm midguts.
- Identification of differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs.
- Target gene prediction and construction of a regulatory network.
Main Results:
- A total of 16,753 genes and 1845 candidate lncRNAs were identified.
- 356 mRNAs and 41 lncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed upon BmCPV infection.
- A regulatory network indicated that BmCPV-induced lncRNAs potentially regulate host genes involved in apoptosis, autophagy, and antiviral responses (e.g., ATG3, PDCD6, IBP2, MFB1).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of lncRNA expression alterations in BmCPV-infected silkworms.
- Differentially expressed lncRNAs may play critical roles in regulating host responses to BmCPV infection.
- The findings offer a new perspective on host-cypovirus interactions and potential targets for disease management.
