Transcriptomic responses to developmental temperature in two field-collected Spodoptera exigua populations from Korea

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Molecular Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Temperature is a critical factor influencing insect development and seasonal distribution.
• Transcriptomic responses of field-collected beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) populations to thermal regimes are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the transcriptomic responses of two Korean Spodoptera exigua populations to different developmental temperature regimes.
• To identify population-specific molecular mechanisms underlying thermal adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Two field-collected Spodoptera exigua populations (Haenam and Jeju) were reared under three fluctuating temperature regimes (low, middle, high).
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to analyze differential gene expression.
• Functional enrichment analysis was used to identify affected biological pathways.

Main Results:

• Significant population-associated variations in transcriptomic responses were observed across developmental temperatures.
• The Haenam population showed a greater number of differentially expressed genes under high temperatures, indicating higher sensitivity.
• Functional analyses revealed differences in heat response, metabolism, cytoskeletal organization, cuticle, and immune pathways between populations.

Conclusions:

• Field-collected Spodoptera exigua populations exhibit distinct transcriptomic profiles in response to developmental temperatures.
• These findings provide insights into the molecular basis of population-specific thermal adaptation in insects.
• RNA-seq analysis can identify molecular markers for understanding insect responses to environmental temperature changes.