Host transfer-induced transcriptomic changes in generalist and specialist aphids

This RNA-seq dataset delves into the plant-induced transcriptional plasticity in aphids, with a focus on the generalist Myzus persicae and two specialist species, Brevicoryne brassicae and Rhopalosiphum padi. The study is designed to elucidate the genetic and regulatory mechanisms that underpin the broad adaptability of generalist aphids compared to the narrow host range of specialists. By transferring aphids between Brassica napus and Zea mays, we induced distinct transcriptional changes, revealing the coordinated gene expression patterns in generalist aphids in response to host plants and in specialist aphids in response to non-host plants. Additionally, we utilized null-mutants of the Arabidopsis jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) pathways to conduct plant-change experiments, aiming to further dissect the role of these defense pathways in triggering the plant-induced transcriptional plasticity of both types of aphids. This approach allowed us to explore how plant resistance factors influence the plant-induced transcriptional plasticity of aphids. We highlight the coordinated gene expression patterns in response to host plants in generalist aphids and the patterns in response to non-host plants in specialist aphids. The dataset serves as a comprehensive resource, underscoring the role of transcriptional plasticity in insect adaptation and the directionality of these adaptations in the context of plant resistance.