Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Precise and Quantifiable Method for Collecting Hemolymph from Small Arthropods
Published on: April 28, 2023
GC-MS-based metabonomic analysis of silkworm haemolymph reveals four-stage metabolic responses to
Zhenyue Su1, Yi Li2, Zihan Lin1
1Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
Silkworm, Bombyx mori, an economically significant insect, plays a crucial role in silk production. However, silkworm breeding is highly susceptible to various pathogens, particularly the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), which poses a serious threat. Recent metabonomic studies have provided insights into the metabolic changes associated with BmNPV infection. BmNPV infection has obvious temporal characteristics. However, few studies have investigated the silkworms infected in different periods. This study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to perform a comprehensive analysis of haemolymph metabolites in silkworms at 48, 72, 96 and 120 h post-infection (h.p.i.). Through the integration of time-course analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, the study revealed distinct four-stage metabolic characteristics in the silkworm's response to BmNPV infection. At Stage 1 (48 h.p.i.), silkworms activate antioxidant defence mechanisms, with significant enrichment in metabolic pathways involving key antioxidants such as glutathione, to mitigate oxidative stress induced by viral invasion. By Stage 2 (72 h.p.i.), pathways related to amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis become active, indicating an increase in protein synthesis. In Stage 3 (96 h.p.i.), energy metabolism and substance transport pathways are significantly upregulated to support the rapid viral replication and the enhanced locomotor behaviour of silkworm. Finally, at Stage 4 (120 h.p.i.), there is a further enhancement of pathways related to energy metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis, and substance transport, which align with peak viral assembly and release. These findings contribute to an in-depth understanding of the biochemical basis of silkworm resistance to NPV.
Insights
Silkworm immune responses to Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection show distinct metabolic shifts over time. These stages involve antioxidant defense, amino acid metabolism, energy production, and viral replication support.
Area of Science:
- * Insect pathology and molecular biology
- * Metabolomics and systems biology
- * Biochemistry and immunology
Background:
- * Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is vital for silk production but vulnerable to pathogens like Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV).
- * Understanding BmNPV infection dynamics is crucial for silkworm health and industry.
- * Previous studies highlight temporal metabolic changes, but detailed stage-specific analyses are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To comprehensively analyze silkworm haemolymph metabolites during BmNPV infection across different time points.
- * To identify distinct metabolic stages and pathways involved in the silkworm's response to BmNPV.
- * To elucidate the biochemical basis of silkworm resistance against viral pathogens.
Main Methods:
- * Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for comprehensive metabolite profiling.
- * Time-course analysis of haemolymph samples collected at 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours post-infection (h.p.i.).
- * Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis.
Main Results:
- * Four distinct metabolic stages identified in response to BmNPV infection.
- * Stage 1 (48 h.p.i.): Activation of antioxidant defenses (e.g., glutathione) against oxidative stress.
- * Stage 2 (72 h.p.i.): Upregulation of amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis pathways.
- * Stage 3 (96 h.p.i.): Enhanced energy metabolism and substance transport to support viral replication and behavior.
- * Stage 4 (120 h.p.i.): Further boosts in energy metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis, and transport during peak viral assembly.
Conclusions:
- * Silkworm's metabolic response to BmNPV infection is a dynamic, multi-stage process.
- * Metabolic shifts reflect a coordinated effort involving defense, synthesis, energy production, and viral propagation.
- * Findings provide critical insights into silkworm antiviral mechanisms and potential targets for disease management.
More Related Videos
06:25Localization and Quantification of Begomoviruses in Whitefly Tissues by Immunofluorescence and Quantitative PCR
Published on: February 8, 2020
11:12Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm
Published on: April 12, 2017