Genetic and genomic architecture of species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon variation in parasitoid wasps.

ABSTRACT: Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) serve two fundamental functions in insects: protection against desiccation and chemical signalling. How the interaction of genes shapes CHC profiles, which are essential for insect survival, adaptation and reproductive success, is still poorly understood. Here we investigate the genetic and genomic basis of CHC biosynthesis and variation in parasitoid wasps of the genus Nasonia. We mapped 91 quantitative trait loci (QTL) explaining the variation of a total of 43 CHCs in F₂ hybrid males from interspecific crosses between three Nasonia species. To identify candidate genes, we localized orthologues of CHC biosynthesis-related genes in the Nasonia genomes. We discovered multiple genomic regions where the location of QTL coincides wi

SUBMITTER: Buellesbach J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9174729 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature