Comparative expression profiles of carboxylesterase orthologous

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Insect carboxylesterases (CXEs) are vital for detoxification and sensory processes.
• Limited data exists on CXEs in closely related moth species.
• Understanding CXE diversity is key for developing sustainable pest management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the expression profiles of orthologous CXE genes (EoblCXE14 and EgriCXE14) in two sibling geometrid moth species, Ectropis obliqua and Ectropis grisescens.
• To investigate the functional diversity of these CXEs.
• To identify potential targets for tea geometrid pest control.

Main Methods:

• Gene cloning and sequence analysis of EoblCXE14 and EgriCXE14.
• Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.
• Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to compare gene expression levels across developmental stages and tissues.
• Examination of potential Wolbachia effects on CXE14.

Main Results:

• EoblCXE14 and EgriCXE14 share conserved motifs and phylogenetic relationships.
• EoblCXE14 is predominantly expressed in E. obliqua larvae, while EgriCXE14 is abundant in E. grisescens across multiple stages.
• Both CXEs are highly expressed in the larval midgut, with EoblCXE14 showing significantly higher expression in E. obliqua.
• The influence of symbiotic bacteria Wolbachia on CXE14 was explored.

Conclusions:

• Comparative expression analysis of orthologous CXE genes in sibling geometrid moths provides novel insights.
• Expression patterns of EoblCXE14 and EgriCXE14 differ significantly between the two species.
• These findings contribute to understanding CXE functions and offer potential targets for tea geometrid pest management.