Expression and RNA interference of salivary polygalacturonase genes in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris

Abstract

Three genes encoding polygalacturonase (PG) have been identified in Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Miridae: Hemiptera). Earlier studies showed that the three PG gene transcripts are exclusively expressed in the feeding stages of L. lineolaris. In this report, it is shown that all three transcripts are specifically expressed in salivary glands indicating that PGs are salivary enzymes. Transcriptional profiles of the three PGs were evaluated with respect to diet, comparing live cotton plant material to artificial diet. PG2 transcript levels were consistently lower in cotton-fed insects than those reared on artificial diet. RNA interference was used to knock down expression of PG1 mRNA in adult salivary glands providing the first demonstration of the use of this method in the non-model insect, L. lineolaris.

Keywords

extraoral digestion; gene expression; gene knockdown; RNAi; salivary enzyme

Published in

Journal of Insect Science
2010, volume: 10, number: 1, article number: 173
Publisher: UNIV ARIZONA

SLU Authors

• Walker, William

  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

UKÄ Subject classification

Zoology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1673/031.010.14133

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/88036