Tissue-specific transcriptome effects of nicotine in the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni (Hubner)

Agricultural insect pests cause significant damage to plants, leading to costly reductions in agricultural production. Insect pests are often exposed to toxic compounds present in the various plants they consume. Synthetic pesticides are most commonly used to control insect pest populations by targeting the nervous system. While they are effective, they can have negative off-target effects. A comprehensive understanding of how insects eliminate toxins is crucial to improved insecticide development. This study uses RNA-seq technology to evaluate the effects of dietary nicotine on tissue-specific gene expression patterns in the midgut and Malpighain tubules of the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni.