Table_4_Genome-Wide Profiling of Cardinium-Responsive MicroRNAs in the Exotic Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype Q.XLSX

Although the bacterial symbiont Cardinium has profound effects on the ecological adaptation of its host, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype Q (hereafter referred to as B. tabaci Q), the molecular mechanism underlying interactions between these two organisms is not yet fully understood. In this study, sRNA libraries were constructed, amplified, and sequenced for Cardinium-infected (C+) and uninfected (C∗−) B. tabaci Q with identical genetic backgrounds. Subsequently, the genes targeted by the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by integrating the B. tabaci Q genome data. A total of 125 known and 100 novel miRNAs were identified, among which 23 significant differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in both libraries. It is noteworthy that an analysis of target genes showed that Cardinium-responsive miRNA-regulated genes were functional in apoptosis, reproduction, development, immune response, thermotolerance and insecticide resistance. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that some miRNA-target genes are closely associated with energy metabolism. A major finding of this study was the identification of several miRNAs that may be involved in physiological processes in response to environmental stress, i.e., insecticides and high temperatures. This information will provide a foundation to help further elucidate the functions of Cardinium in B. tabaci Q.

尽管细菌共生体卡迪诺菌对其宿主白飞虱（Bemisia tabaci Gennadius）生物型Q（以下简称B. tabaci Q）的生态适应性产生了深远影响，但这两者之间相互作用的分子机制尚不完全明了。在本研究中，通过构建、扩增和测序感染卡迪诺菌（C+）及未感染（C∗−）的B. tabaci Q的sRNA文库，且具有相同的遗传背景。随后，通过整合B. tabaci Q基因组数据，预测了由差异表达miRNA靶向的基因。共鉴定出125个已知和100个新型miRNA，其中在两个文库中均鉴定出23个显著差异表达的miRNA。值得注意的是，对靶基因的分析显示，卡迪诺菌响应的miRNA调控基因在细胞凋亡、繁殖、发育、免疫反应、耐热性和农药抗性等方面具有功能。GO和KEGG通路分析揭示了某些miRNA靶基因与能量代谢密切相关。本研究的一个重要发现是鉴定出几个可能参与对环境应激（如农药和高温）生理反应过程的miRNA。这些信息将为进一步阐明卡迪诺菌在B. tabaci Q中的功能提供基础。