Involvement of a catalase gene in lignin catalysis and immune defense against pathogenic fungus in Coptotermes formosanus: a potential new target for termite control

Abstract BACKGROUND Detoxifying enzymes are likely involved in lignin feeding and immune defense mechanisms within termites, rendering them potential targets for biological control. However, investigations into the dual functionality of termite detoxification enzymes in vivo have not been documented. RESULTS In this study, the complete cDNA of the catalase gene ( Cfcat ) derived from Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was amplified. CFCAT comprises an open reading frame spanning 1527 bp, encoding a 508‐amino acid sequence. The highest expression was observed in the epidermal tissues (including the fat body and hemolymph) followed by the foregut/salivary gland. Furthermore, we confirmed the catalase activity of the recombinant Cfcat protein. Using RNA interference (RNAi) technology, the importance of Cfcat in the lignin‐feeding of C . formosanus was demonstrated, and the role of Cfcat in innate immunity was investigated. Survival assays showed that Cfcat RNAi significantly increased the susceptibility of C . formosanus to Metarhizium anisopliae . Irrespective of the infection status, Cfcat inhibition had a significant impact on multiple factors of humoral and intestinal immunity in C . formosanus . Notably, Cfcat RNAi exhibited a more pronounced immunosuppressive effect on humoral immunity than on intestinal immunity. CONCLUSION Cfcat plays an important role in the regulation of innate immunity and lignin feeding in C . formosanus . Cfcat RNAi can weaken the immune response of termites against M . anisopliae , which may aid the biocontrol efficiency of M . anisopliae against C . formosanus . This study provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for the development of a novel biocontrol strategy targeting detoxifying enzymes of termites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.