MiR-701 modulates the humoral immune response of Coptotermes formosanus against Metarhizium anisopliae.

ABSTRACT: Termites are not only social insects but also significant global insect pests. Investigating the molecular mechanisms regulating immune defense response in termites is beneficial for developing novel approaches to termite management. Currently, research mainly focuses on coding RNAs in termite immunity, with limited exploration of non-coding RNAs. Here, we identified miR-701, a markedly downregulated microRNA (miRNA) in the globally significant termite pest Coptotermes formosanus after Metarhizium anisopliae infection, which targets the immune gene Toll4. Transcriptome analysis of termites injected with miR-701 agomir revealed that miR-701 affects the immune-related response, growth, and development of termites. Treatment with miR-701 agomir, either through injection or ingestion, resulted

SUBMITTER: Chen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12717330 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature