RNA sequencing analysis during the DL3 formation of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

DNA methylation is a pivotal process that regulates gene expression and facilitates rapid adaptation to challenging environments. The pine wood nematode (PWN; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), the causative agent of pine wilt disease, survives and spreads at low temperatures through third-stage dispersal larvae, making it a major pathogen for pine wood in Asia. To comprehend the impact of DNA methylation on the formation and environmental adaptation of third-stage dispersal larvae, we conducted whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptional sequencing on both the third-stage dispersal larvae and three other stages propagative larvae of PWN. Analysis of environmental adaptability of four different developmental stages of pine wood nematode：L2, second-stage propagative larvae; L3, third-stage propagative larvae; L4, fourth-stage propagative larvae; DL3, third-stage dispersal larvae.Analysis using whole genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing.