Transcriptome analysis of the Chinese white wax scale Ericerus pela with focus on genes involved in wax biosynthesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Chinese white wax scale, Ericerus pela Chavannes is economically significant for its role in wax production. This insect has been bred in China for over a thousand years. The wax secreted by the male scale insect during the second-instar larval stage has been widespread used in wax candle production, wax printing, engraving, Chinese medicine, and more recently in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. However, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for white wax biosynthesis. The characterization of its larval transcriptome may promote better understanding of wax biosynthesis.

Methodology/principal findings

In this study, characterization of the transcriptome of E. pela during peak wax secretion was performed using Illumina seq

SUBMITTER: Yang P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3334986 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature