Identification of microRNAs in Trichogramma pretiosum and functional analysis of tetracycline-responsive microRNAs
Author of the article:XIAO An-Qi1, 2** SHEN Jia-An1 LI Ying-Rui1 WU Meng1 CAO Rui3 DONG Xu1 ZHANG Hai-Yan1, 2, 3*** LIU Cong-He1, 2, 3*** LI Peng4
Author's Workplace：1. Agricultural College, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China; 2. Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Daqing 163319, China; 3. Heilongjiang Straw Resource Utilization Engineering Technology Research Center, Daqing 163319, China; 4. Heilongjiang Provincial Plant Protection Station, Harbin 150090, China
Key Words：Trichogramma pretiosum; microRNA; whole transcriptome; parthenogenesis; reproductive mechanism
Abstract：[Aim] To explore functional miRNAs and their target genes related to the reproduction of Trichogramma pretiosum, an important egg parasitoid of agricultural and forestry pests. [Methods] The third generation of T. pretiosum parthenogenetic strain was continuously fed with 2.5 mg/mL tetracycline hydrochloride honey solution. Parasitic rate, eclosion rate and female ratio were calculated.The Illumina platform was used to sequence the small RNA transcriptome of T. pretiosum parthenogenetic strain adults. Differentially expressed genes were screened and GO/KEGG/COG analysis was performed. The expression levels of 10 differentially expressed genes ( novel_miR_124, novel_miR_311, novel_miR_176, novel_miR_99, novel_miR_510, novel_miR_48, novel_miR_96, novel_miR_315, novel_miR_280, novel_ miR_92) in the transcriptome data of T. pretiosum were detected by RT-qPCR. [Results] The entire transcriptome of T. pretiosum was sequenced and a total of 79 differentially expressed microRNAs identified, 67 of which were up-regulated and 12 down-regulated. A total of 4 129 target genes were predicted, of which, 1 224 were differentially expressed. GO analysis indicated that these target genes were involved in transcriptional regulation, transmembrane transport, catalytic activity, and other functions. KEGG analysis suggests that the ECM, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Mapk, and TGF-beta and Hippo, signaling pathways play key roles in regulating thelytoky in T. pretiosum after Wolbachia infection. [Conclusion] This study demonstrates that the target genes and signaling pathways of novel_miR_280, novel_miR_99, novel_miR_48, and novel_miR_311, are crucial for regulating thelytoky in T. pretiosum, and that abnormal meiosis and first mitosis are indispensable for the transformation of its reproductive mechanism. Additionally, this study provides a comprehensive transcriptome reference information for epigenetic research on the reproductive mechanism of this species after alteration.