application-rna-interference-pinewood-nematode-bursaphelenchus

Application of RNA Interference in the Pinewood Nematode, <em>Bursaphelenchus xylophilus</em>

The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is one of the most destructive invasive species worldwide, causing the wilting and eventual death of ...

Zhejiang agricultural & forestry University

Conidiobolus obscurus is a widespread fungal entomopathogen with aphid biocontrol potential. This study focused on a de novo transcriptomic analysis of C. obscurus.

Transcriptomic insight into pathogenicity-associated factors of Conidiobolus obscurus, an obligate aphid-pathogenic fungus belonging to Entomopthoromycota.

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the most destructive invasive species, causing extensive economic losses worldwide. The sex ratio of female to male of B. xylophilus plays an important role in the nematode infestation. However, little is known about the processes of its sex determination. The double sex/mab-3-related family of transcription factors are highly conserved in animals, playing crucial roles in sex determination, spermatogenesis and ontogenesis. We therefore investigated its orthologue, Bxy-mab-3, in B. xylophilus.

The role of mab-3 in spermatogenesis and ontogenesis of pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.

The pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a destructive pest of Pinus trees worldwide and lacks effective control measures. Screening for nematotoxic proteins has been undertaken to develop new strategies for nematode control.

Transcriptomic insights into the effects of CytCo, a novel nematotoxic protein, on the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is an invasive plant-parasitic nematode causing the notorious pine wilt disease (PWD) worldwide, which results in huge economic losses. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play an essential role in mating and reproduction behavior of animals. As a unique biogenic amine in invertebrates, octopamine (OA) can regulate a variety of physiological and behavioral responses by binding specific GPCRs. These specific GPCRs are also called octopamine receptors (OARs), and octr-1 is one of them. However, Bxy-octr-1 is unknown in B. xylophilus. Therefore, we investigated the expression pattern and biological function of Bxy-octr-1. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that Bxy-octr-1 was evolutionarily conserved. The real-time quantitative PCR data revealed that Bxy-octr-1 expression was required throughout the entire life of B. xylophilus. mRNA in situ hybridization showed that Bxy-octr-1 was mainly located in the cephalopharynx, body wall muscle, intestine, and gonadal organs of B. xylophilus. RNA interference (RNAi) showed that embryo hatching rates and locomotion speeds were both dramatically decreased. Obvious abnormal phenotypes were observed in the second-stage of juveniles after RNAi treated. Furthermore, its ontogenesis was stunting. Lack of Bxy-octr-1 reduced fecundity of females, of which 31.25% of them could not successfully ovulate. In addition, the error positioning ratio of the nematode was significantly increased. Our study suggests that Bxy-octr-1 is indispensable for locomotion, early ontogenesis and mating behavior in B. xylophilus.

Kai Guo

College of Forestry and Biotechnology

Zhejiang agricultural & forestry University

Application of RNA Interference in the Pinewood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Kai Guo

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}College of Forestry and Biotechnology

Zhejiang agricultural & forestry University

Application of RNA Interference in the Pinewood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

College of Forestry and Biotechnology