Integrated RNA interference and RNA ‐sequencing analysis of the effects of laccase2 on cuticular pigmentation and survival in Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

作者：Shao‐Xia Dang, Runqi Zhu, Shujing Wang, Juhong Chen, Yipeng Ren, Wenjun Bu, Huai‐Jun Xue · 发表于：Pest Management Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1002/ps.8944 · 被引用次数：8 · 研究领域：Studies on Chitinases and Chitosanases、Forest Insect Ecology and Management、Insect Resistance and Genetics

BACKGROUND: Laccase2 is a member of the multicopper oxidase family that plays essential roles in the sclerotization and pigmentation of the insect cuticle. Previous studies have suggested RNA interference (RNAi) targeting laccase2 often resulted in high mortality in various pests. This study aims to evaluate the potential effects of laccase2 gene knockdown on a serious pest, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). RESULTS: We identified, validated and characterized one laccase2 (Hhlac2) gene from H. halys. Quantitative real-time PCR results demonstrated that the expression of the Hhlac2 is tissue-specific and changes periodically during development. The results of RNA interference revealed that injecting nymphs with the double-stranded RNA Hhlac2 (dsHhlac2) at doses ranging from 100 to 500 ng/individual significantly suppressed Hhlac2 expression, and pigmentation was not significantly inhibited until the injection dose reached more than 500 ng/individual, while the mortality rate reached over 90% at a dose of 100 ng. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed 802 up-regulated and 1052 down-regulated genes in the dsHhlac2-injected group compared with control, and these unigenes were mainly enriched in terms of tyrosine metabolism, melanin biosynthesis, chitin, immunity and apoptosis. Notably, several key differentially expressed genes associated with metabolism (tyrosine metabolism, lipid metabolism and chitin metabolism) and innate immunity (Toll signaling pathway) were mai...