Transcriptome analysis of the reproduction of silkworm (Bombyx mori) under dimethoate stress

Abstract

Dimethoate (DMT) is an organophosphorus pesticide which is widely used to prevent and control agricultural diseases and pests. But it also remains in crops and the environment, affecting other non-target organisms. Existing research mainly focuses on aquatic invertebrates, and research on terrestrial invertebrates is still relatively weak. This study selected the lepidopteran model insect silkworm (Bombyx mori) as the research object and revealed the influence of DMT on the reproduction of silkworms. This study used digital gene expression (DGE) and RT-qPCR analysis to compare gene expression changes in eggs laid by silkworms under the exposure of DMT (200 mg/L). A total of 320 differential genes were detected, of which 211 genes were up-regulated and 109 genes were down-regulated. The GO enrichment analysis bar graph shows those differential genes enriched in the BP's metabolic process, cellular process, CC's membrane part, cell, MF's catalytic activity, binding. KEGG enrichment analysis showed more differential genes enriched in signal transduction, endocrine system, cancers: Overview pathway. The results showed that the differential genes were mainly concentrated on promoting trehalase transporter genes, stress response-related genes, zinc finger protein genes, epidermal protein genes, and 5-HT pathway-related genes. The results of this study will provide important gene sequence information for insect toxicology studies, and also clarify the mechanism of influence of DMT on silkworm reproduction at the transcription level.