Abstract
In insects, imaginal disk growth factors (IDGFs), an important component of the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family of chitinases, have been reported to be associated with the maintenance of the cuticle and molting. However, there is little knowledge of their function. In this study, imaginal disk growth factor 6 (Idgf6), which is an Idgf, was first identified and cloned from the guava fruit fly Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), one of the most serious pest insects in South China and surrounding Southeast Asian countries. This gene encodes IDGF6 protein with a conserved domain similar to ChiA chitinases, the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family of chitinases, according to NCBI BLAST. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Idgf6s were highly conserved among similar species. Subsequent temporal expression profiling revealed that Idgf6 was highly expressed in both the late-pupal and mid-adult stages, suggesting that this gene plays a predominant role in pupal and adult development. Furthermore, RNA interference experiments against Idgf6 in B. correcta, which led to the specific decrease in Idgf6 expression, resulted in larval death as well as adult wing malformation. The direct effects of Idgf6 silencing on B. correcta indicated its important role in development, and Idgf6 might be further exploited as a novel insecticide target in the context of pest management.
Highlights
The epithelial apical extracellular matrix (ECM) is a specialized structure comprising secreted or transmembrane fibrous proteins and polysaccharides, whose composition varies widely, from chitinaceous cuticles of insects to cellulose in plants (Özturk-Çolak et al, 2016; Vuong-Brender et al, 2017; Cosgrove, 2005)
Preliminary predictions of the conserved domains of the IDGF6 protein with NCBI BLAST showed that one conserved domain similar to ChiA chitinases, the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family of chitinases was predicted (Figure 1)
The full-length cDNA sequence of imaginal disk growth factor 6 (Idgf6) was cloned from B. correcta
Summary
The epithelial apical extracellular matrix (ECM) is a specialized structure comprising secreted or transmembrane fibrous proteins and polysaccharides, whose composition varies widely, from chitinaceous cuticles of insects to cellulose in plants (Özturk-Çolak et al, 2016; Vuong-Brender et al, 2017; Cosgrove, 2005). The glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family, due to its characteristic glycol-18 domain, is a key family in insects that is widely distributed in all kingdoms, including bacteria, plants and animals (Tsai et al, 2001; Zhu Z. et al, 2004; Zhu et al, 2008a; Arakane and Muthukrishnan, 2010; Zhang et al, 2011a; Huang et al, 2012; Hussain and Wilson, 2013). Previous studies have shown that insects utilize multiple GH18 family chitinolytic enzymes for degrading, remodeling and binding to chitin and possibly for chitin synthesis (Zhu Q.S. et al, 2004)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
