Identification of two clip domain serine proteases involved in the pea aphid's defense against bacterial and fungal infection

In this study, we identified five clip domain serine proteases in the pea aphids. The messenger RNA levels of two of them, Ap_SPLP and Ap_VP, were upregulated by Gram ‐positive bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus and fungusBeauveria bassiana infections. Double ‐stranded RNA‐based expression knockdown of these two genes resulted in reduced PO activity of the aphid hemolymph, higher loads ofS. aureus andB. bassiana in the aphids, and lower survival rates of the aphids after infections. Our data suggest that Ap_SPLP and Ap_VP are involved in PPO activation pathway in the pea aphid.

Source: Insect Science - May 6, 2019 Category: Biology Authors: Li Ma, Feng Chen, Wen Wang, Lu Xu, Zhi ‐Qiang Lu Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research