Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals regional specialization of gene expression in larval silkworm (Bombyx mori) midgut

Abstract

Insect midgut plays a central role in food digestion and nutrition absorption. Larval silkworm midgut could be divided into 3 distinct regions based on their morphological colors. However, it remains rudimentary of regional gene expression and physiological function in larval silkworm midgut. Through transcriptome sequencing of 3 midgut compartments, a comprehensive analysis of gene expression atlas along the anterior–posterior axis was conducted. Posterior midgut was found transcriptionally divergent from anterior and middle midgut. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed the regional specialization of digestive enzyme production, transmembrane transport, chitin metabolism, and hormone regulation in different midgut regions. In addition, gene subsets of pan‐midgut and region‐specific transcription factors (TFs) along the length of midgut were also identified. The results suggested that homeobox TFs might play an essential role in transcriptional variations across the midgut. Altogether, our study provided the first fundamental resource to investigate physiological function and regulation mechanism in larval midgut compartmentalization.

Proteomics Analysis to Explore the Resistance Genes of Silkworm to Bombyx mori Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus

“…At 96 h, the midguts of Su were severely ulcerated, which seemed to be a symptom of protein degradation. Differential gene expression generally only upregulates expression or downregulates expression to cause differences, and there is rarely a phenomenon that gene expression is completely silenced [28,29]. In our study, many macromolecular midgut proteins of Su disappeared on the 2-DE map at 96 h. Thus, we speculate that viral infection leads to the gradual degradation of midgut proteins, rather than the inhibition of macromolecular protein expression and the promotion of small molecule protein expression.…”

Multi-tissue metabolomic profiling reveals potential mechanisms of cocoon yield in silkworms (Bombyx mori) fed formula feed versus mulberry leaves

“…Thus, the content of propyl gallate was affected by the diet treatment. Propyl gallate is absorbed after ingestion ( Becker, 2007 ), and thus showed a relatively higher concentration in the MG, which plays important roles in digestion and absorption ( Shen et al, 2022 ). The HL, a circulatory system for nutrients and metabolites, also contained more propyl gallate in the FF group.…”

“…However, the non-specific characteristic of the HL restricts the explain validity to some issues. The midgut (MG) plays a crucial role in nutrient digestion and absorption ( Shen et al, 2022 ), and thus warrants further nutrition metabolism studies. Posterior silk gland (PSG) is the locus of fibroin production ( Shigematsu and Koyasako, 1962 ), which is closely associated with various cocoon performance traits.…”

Cytotoxicity of AuCu–Cu2S Nanocomposites: Implications for Biological Evaluation of the Nanocomposite Effect on Bombyx mori Silkworms and Cell Lines

“…The insect midgut is a crucial organ that controls the insect's physiology by digesting food, absorbing nutrients, signal transduction, and immune defense. 41 The midgut of the larvae is fully equipped for sugar and amino acid absorption that occurs through the transcellular pathway, implying the presence of specific transporters. 42 This study revealed that AuCu−Cu 2 S exposure in silkworms could affect gene expression in several metabolic pathways.…”