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The LncRNA Expression Profile and Regulatory Network of Microsporidian During the Infection of Western Honeybee
Wei Wang1, Jiarun Yang1, Kaiyao Zhang1,2,3
1College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
Abstract:
Vairimorpha ceranae is a fungal pathogen that infects the honeybee midgut and poses a serious threat to colony health. However, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) of V. ceranae in its infection of the host remains poorly understood. Using lncRNA-seq data from the midguts of Apis mellifera workers at 7 and 10 days post-inoculation with V. ceranae (NcT1L and NcT2L groups), along with controls inoculated with spores (NcCKL group), we performed transcriptome-wide identification and structural characterization of lncRNAs. We identified lncRNAs in V. ceranae and analyzed the regulatory network of the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs). A total of 27 V. ceranae lncRNAs were identified in the midguts. The 19, 21, and 4 DElncRNAs were identified in the NcCKL vs. NcT1L, NcCKL vs. NcT2L, and NcT1L vs. NcT2L comparison groups. These DElncRNAs were predicted to regulate 26, 27, and 2 upstream/downstream genes. Furthermore, 15, 23, and 4 DElncRNAs were found to target 195, 211, and 94 miRNAs, which in turn targeted 204, 216, and 73 mRNAs into the respective comparisons. The ceRNA network prediction revealed that DElncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs form a complex regulatory network. This study presents the expression profile of lncRNAs during V. ceranae infection and highlights their potential regulatory functions in pathogenesis. Our findings provide new molecular insights into host-pathogen interactions at the RNA level and establish a foundation for developing targeted strategies to control nosemosis.
Insights
This study identified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the honeybee pathogen Vairimorpha ceranae. These lncRNAs form complex regulatory networks, offering new insights into V. ceranae pathogenesis and potential nosemosis control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Entomology
- Pathogenomics
Background:
- Vairimorpha ceranae is a significant honeybee pathogen affecting midgut health.
- The role of V. ceranae long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in host infection is largely unknown.
- Understanding these molecular interactions is crucial for honeybee colony health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize lncRNAs in V. ceranae during Apis mellifera infection.
- To analyze the regulatory networks of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs).
- To explore the potential role of lncRNAs in V. ceranae pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome-wide identification and structural characterization of lncRNAs using lncRNA-seq.
- Analysis of DElncRNAs in honeybee midguts at different infection time points.
- Prediction of regulatory networks involving DElncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs (ceRNA network).
Main Results:
- 27 V. ceranae lncRNAs were identified in honeybee midguts.
- Differential expression analysis revealed multiple DElncRNAs between infected and control groups.
- Complex regulatory networks involving lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were predicted, suggesting a role in pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first expression profile of lncRNAs during V. ceranae infection.
- Identified lncRNAs and their regulatory networks offer molecular insights into host-pathogen interactions.
- Findings lay the groundwork for developing novel strategies to combat nosemosis.
