RNA sequencing and transcriptome analyses reveal differentially expressed genes in the defensive glands of the medicinal beetle Blaps rhynchopetera

Blaps rhynchopetera (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a beetle that is widely used in folk medicine in Southwest China. The defensive glands of B. rhynchopetera secrete a complex mixture of defensive fluids, which are invaluable sources of bioactive substances for potential biotechnological applications. To provide broader insight into the genetic and biochemical basis of these defensive secretions, we performed RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis on the defensive glands of B. rhynchopetera. We also identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the defensive gland tissue using selected muscle tissue as a control.