Abstract
BackgroundDestruxin A (DA) is a microbial insecticide with potent bioactivity against Spodoptera litura larvae. A previous proteomic analysis of S. litura (SL-1) cells exposed to DA showed the abnormal expression of wing disc-like protein of S. litura (SLAWD). To further understand the effect of DA on SLAWD expression, a functional study was carried out.Principal FindingsThe SLAWD gene (SLAWD) was cloned and an open reading frame of 537 bp encoding a polypeptide of 178 amino acids was detected. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) suggested that SLAWD is expressed in all developmental stages of S. litura, but expression was highest during the pupal and adult stages. RNAi knockdown of SLAWD expression in 6th-stage larvae was achieved by the microinjection of a specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results showed a significant decrease in SLAWD mRNA expression levels between the prepupal and adult stages. Interestingly, SLAWD expression was similarly down-regulated by treating 6th-stage larvae with DA. Growth- and development-related statistics confirmed the observed abnormalities in S. litura development after either RNAi or DA treatment.Conclusions SLAWD appears to have a biosynthetic function in the pupal and adult stages of S. litura. The toxic effect of DA on S. litura development is due the negative effect of DA on SLAWD gene expression.
Highlights
The imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster are larval structures that form the epidermis of the adult head, thorax, and genitalia [1]
SLAWD appears to have a biosynthetic function in the pupal and adult stages of S. litura
764 bp of the SLAWD transcript was sequenced, We detected an open reading frame (ORF) of 537 nucleotides with the potential to encode for a protein of 178 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 20.10 kDa and a pI of 8.94 (Fig. 1)
Summary
The imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster are larval structures that form the epidermis of the adult head, thorax, and genitalia [1]. AWD of Drosophila is homologous to the nm gene of mammals, whose expression is altered in metastatic tumors [9,10,11,12] Both genes encode a protein subunit with nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDP kinase) activity [13,14]. In a lepidopteran model in the silkworm Bombyx mori, AWD (BmAWD) expression is closely linked to wing development, as it controls the entire process of wing integrity and function [15]. In this model, development of the wing imaginal disc is dependent on hormones and other factors present in the hemolymph [16,17]. To further understand the effect of DA on SLAWD expression, a functional study was carried out
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.
