Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Identification of Novel <i>ARSB</i> Genes Necessary for p-Benzoquinone Biosynthesis in the Larval Oral Secretion Participating in External Immune Defense in the Red Palm Weevil
oleh: Yu-Chen Pu, Xin-Yu Liang, He Zhang, Hua-Jian Zhang, Li-Na Xu, Ya-Nan Ji, Shu-Ning Huang, Juan Bai, You-Ming Hou
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2020-02-01 |
Deskripsi
External secretions, composed of a variety of chemical components, are among the most important traits that endow insects with the ability to defend themselves against predators, parasites, or other adversities, especially pathogens. Thus, these exudates play a crucial role in external immunity. Red palm weevil larvae are prolific in this regard, producing large quantities of p-benzoquinone, which is present in their oral secretion. Benzoquinone with antimicrobial activity has been proven to be an active ingredient and key factor for external immunity in a previous study. To obtain a better understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of external immune secretions, we identify genes necessary for p-benzoquinone synthesis. Three novel <i>ARSB</i> genes, namely, <i>RfARSB-0311</i>, <i>RfARSB-11581</i>, and <i>RfARSB-14322</i>, are screened, isolated, and molecularly characterized on the basis of transcriptome data. To determine whether these genes are highly and specifically expressed in the secretory gland, we perform tissue/organ-specific expression profile analysis. The functions of these genes are further determined by examining the antimicrobial activity of the secretions and quantification of p-benzoquinone after RNAi. All the results reveal that the <i>ARSB</i> gene family can regulate the secretory volume of p-benzoquinone by participating in the biosynthesis of quinones, thus altering the host’s external immune inhibitory efficiency.