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Comparative Gene Expression Patterns of Two EcobNPV Strains in Ectropis grisescens Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis
Xinxin Zhang1,2, Yang Mei3, Guoqing Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 311401, China.
Microorganisms
|July 28, 2026
Summary
A highly virulent nucleopolyhedrovirus strain (EcobNPV-QF4) shows accelerated gene expression, leading to faster infection cycles and enhanced pest control efficacy against Ectropis obliqua. This study reveals key transcriptional differences driving baculovirus virulence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ectropis obliqua nucleopolyhedrovirus (EcobNPV) is crucial for controlling Ectropis obliqua and E. grisescens.
- A strain, EcobNPV-QF4, displays superior virulence compared to EcobNPV-QV, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcriptional differences between EcobNPV-QF4 and EcobNPV-QV to understand the molecular basis of their varying virulence.
- To elucidate how transcriptional dynamics influence the infection cycle and efficiency of baculoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Comparative time-course transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) of E. grisescens infected with EcobNPV-QF4 and EcobNPV-QV.
- Validation of RNA-seq data using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).
- Leaf-dipping bioassays to confirm virulence differences.
Main Results:
- EcobNPV-QF4 demonstrated significantly higher larval and pupal mortality rates compared to EcobNPV-QV.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed that EcobNPV-QF4 initiates gene expression approximately 6 hours earlier than EcobNPV-QV.
- Genes involved in midgut escape, virion assembly, and viral DNA replication were coordinately and preferentially expressed in the EcobNPV-QF4 infection.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced virulence of EcobNPV-QF4 is attributed to a synergistic, accelerated transcriptional progression, potentially shortening the infection cycle.
- These findings offer insights into baculovirus virulence mechanisms and provide a foundation for further research into viral pathogenesis and biocontrol strategies.
