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Published on: September 13, 2018
Identification of Host Molecules Involved in the Proliferation of Nucleopolyhedrovirus in Bombyx mori
Jing Xu1,2,3, Xiaole Xie1, Qiuqin Ma1
1Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Abstract:
The Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), a foodborne infectious virus, is the pathogen causing nuclear polyhedrosis and high lethality in the silkworm. In this study, we characterized the molecules involved in BmNPV-silkworm interaction by RNA sequencing of the fat body isolated from the virus-susceptible strain P50. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation showed that the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in translation, signal transduction, folding, sorting, and degradation, as well as transport and catabolism, while the downregulated DEGs were predominantly enriched in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids at 72 h post BmNPV infection. Knockout of the upregulated somatomedin-B and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein, probable allantoicase, trifunctional purine biosynthetic protein adenosine-3, and Psl and pyoverdine operon regulator inhibited the proliferation of BmNPV, while knockout of the downregulated clip domain serine protease 3 and carboxylesterase clade H, member 1 promoted it. The molecules herein identified provide a foundation for developing strategies and designing drugs against BmNPV.
Insights
Researchers identified key molecules in silkworm-Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) interactions. Targeting specific upregulated or downregulated genes can inhibit or promote BmNPV proliferation, offering new strategies against this silkworm pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) causes significant mortality in silkworms, impacting sericulture.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of BmNPV-silkworm interaction is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize molecules involved in the interaction between BmNPV and the silkworm (Bombyx mori).
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for combating BmNPV infections in silkworms.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing of the silkworm fat body (strain P50) at 72 hours post-infection with BmNPV.
- Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Gene knockout experiments to assess the impact on BmNPV proliferation.
Main Results:
- Upregulated DEGs were associated with translation, signal transduction, and protein processing.
- Downregulated DEGs were enriched in carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism pathways.
- Knockout of specific upregulated genes (e.g., somatomedin-B and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein) inhibited BmNPV proliferation.
- Knockout of specific downregulated genes (e.g., clip domain serine protease 3) promoted BmNPV proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Identified key genes influencing BmNPV proliferation in silkworms.
- These findings provide a foundation for developing novel antiviral strategies and drugs against BmNPV.
