Comparative transcriptomic analysis and endocuticular protein gene expression of alate adults, workers and soldiers of the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The insect cuticle is mainly composed of exocuticle and endocuticle layers that consist of a large number of structural proteins. The thickness and synthesis of the exocuticle depend on different castes that perform various functions in alates, workers and soldiers. However, it is not clear whether the soft endocuticle is involved in the division of labour in termite colonies. To reveal the structural characteristics of the endocuticle in different castes, we investigated the thickness of endocuticle layers in alates, workers and soldiers of the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis, and then we sequenced their transcriptome and detected the endocuticle protein genes. The differential expression levels of the endocuticular protein genes were confirmed in the three castes. RESULTS:W

SUBMITTER: Rasheed H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6794787 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature