Identification of pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) loading response genes in Japanese pine sawyer (Monochamus alternatus) through comparative genomics and transcriptomics

Abstract BACKGROUND Pine wood nematode (PWN; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus ) is the causative agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), which is considered the most dangerous biohazard to conifer trees globally. The transmission of PWN relies on insect vectors, particularly the Japanese pine sawyer (JPS; Monochamus alternatus ). However, the molecular mechanism underlying PWN‐JPS assembly remains largely unknown. RESULTS Here, we found that both geographical and gender could significantly affect the PCA (PWN carrying amount) of JPS; thus, JPS transcriptomes from diverse locations and genders were explored regard to PWN loading. Due to the shortage of genomes, we developed a full‐length reference transcriptome for analyzing next‐generation sequencing data. A comparative genomic study was performed, and 11 248 potential PWN‐carrying associate genes (β) were nominated in JPS by using the reported genomes of PWN and non‐PWN carrier insect species. Then, 151 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs), 28 of them overlapped with β, correlated with the PCA of JPS were nominated by RNA‐Seq, and found that fatty acid β‐oxidation might be the key factor that affected the PCA of JPS. Furthermore, JPS fatty acid β‐oxidation rates were experimentally decreased using the inhibitor Etomoxir, leading to an increased PCA of JPS. Meanwhile, silencing MaCPT1 in JPS by RNA interference led to a decreased fatty acid β‐oxidation rate and increased PCA of JPS. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, MaCPT1 was able to decrease the PWN‐JPS assembly formation through the fatty acid β‐oxidation of JPS. These results provide new insights for exploring the impact of PWN invasion on JPS. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.