Graminella nigrifrons Transcriptome or Gene expression

The black-faced leafhopper (Graminella nigrifrons) has been identified as the only known vector for Maize fine streak virus (MFSV), an emerging plant pathogen within the Rhabdoviridae. Within G. nigrifrons populations, individuals can be experimentally separated into three vector types based on their capacity for viral transmission: transmitters, acquirers and non-acquirers. In this study, we compared the expression profiles and genetic variation of 10 transcripts putatively functioning in insect immune response among the 3 vector types of G. nigrifrons by real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Genetic variation was also detected among vector types, including a non-synonymous SNP in the MFSV-N gene, identified only in transmitters.