Ultrastructure and Transcriptome Analysis of the Larval Integument in Solitary and Gregarious Phases of Mythimna separata

Lingling Li ^1,2, Wenmeng Li ³, Jing Liao ¹

⁰Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China.

Insects +

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February 26, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Larvae of Mythimna separata show distinct integument differences between solitary and gregarious phases. This study reveals changes in cuticle structure and gene expression related to fatty acid synthesis and insecticide detoxification.

Area Of Science

Insect biology
Molecular ecology
Zoology

Background

Mythimna separata larvae display solitary and gregarious phases with known morphological and physiological differences.
The insect integument is crucial for survival, metabolism, and communication, but its phase-specific ultrastructure and gene expression remain poorly understood.

Purpose Of The Study

To compare the integument ultrastructure between solitary and gregarious Mythimna separata larvae.
To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the integument of these two larval phases using transcriptome analysis.

Main Methods

Comparative analysis of integument ultrastructure using microscopy.
Transcriptome sequencing (Illumina HiSeq™) to identify DEGs.
Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) for validating gene expression patterns.

Main Results

Gregarious larvae exhibited thicker integuments and more polygonal particles on the cuticle surface compared to solitary larvae.
Transcriptome analysis identified 2774 DEGs, with significant changes in genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, integument structural components, and insecticide detoxification.

Conclusions

Significant differences in integument ultrastructure and gene expression exist between solitary and gregarious Mythimna separata larvae.
The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying phase-specific adaptations in insect integument.

Keywords:

Mythimna separata gregarious phase integument transcriptome integument ultrastructure solitary phase