Comprehensive Annotation of Olfactory and Gustatory Receptor Genes and Transposable Elements Revealed Their Evolutionary Dynamics in Aphids.

ABSTRACT: Gene duplication and transposable elements (TEs) are major drivers of genomic innovation that can fuel adaptation. While the roles of duplication and TE-driven diversification are documented in plant pathogens, they remain insufficiently explored in insect pests such as aphids, where olfactory (OR) and gustatory receptor (GR) genes are key to host recognition. We analyzed 521 OR and 399 GR genes, alongside TEs, across 12 aphid genomes with varying host ranges. Aphid lineages with broader host ranges exhibited higher evolutionary rates, driven by gene family expansions linked to host interaction, including lipid metabolism, immune function, and transposase activity. OR and GR genes evolved through proximal and tandem duplications and were shaped by diversifying selection, with bursts of pos

SUBMITTER: Olvera-Vazquez SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12684182 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature