Identification and Functional Characterization of Chitinase Genes During Larva-Pupa-Adult Transitions in Tuta absoluta.

ABSTRACT: Chitinases are crucial in the molting process of insects and represent potential targets for the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based insecticidal strategies. In this study, we identified and characterized 11 chitinase genes (TaChts) in T. absoluta, each harboring at least one GH18 catalytic domain. Phylogenetic analysis placed these proteins into 11 established groups (I-X and h), revealing conserved lineage-specific patterns. Spatiotemporal expression profiling showed that most TaChts peak during key developmental transitions. TaCht1, TaCht2, TaCht3, TaCht5, TaCht6, TaCht7, TaCht10, TaCht-h, and TaIDGF were predominantly expressed in the integument, whereas TaCht8 and TaCht11 showed

SUBMITTER: Xu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12841776 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature