Genome-wide identification of genes involved in beetle odoriferous defensive stink gland function recognizes Laccase2 as the phenoloxidase responsible for toxic para-benzoquinone synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Exocrine glands have evolved several times independently in Coleoptera to produce defensive chemical compounds with repellent, antimicrobial, or toxic effects. Research on such glands had focused on morphological or chemical ecology methods. However, modern genetic approaches were missing to better understand this biological process. With the rise of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model for studies of development and pest biology, molecular genetic tools are now available to also study the safe generation of toxic compounds in defensive stink glands. Using the RNA-interference-based, genome-wide, phenotypic screen "iBeetle" and the re-analysis of gland-specific transcriptomics based on a significantly improved genome annotation, we could identify 490 genes being involved i

SUBMITTER: Atika B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12716784 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature