Molecular characterization and expression of two enzymes from Dendroctonus armandi, with phloem feeding and juvenile hormone

The Chinese white pine beetle, Dendroctonus armandi Tsai and Li, is a serious native pest in the Qinling Mountains of China. exo-Bevicomin, as the main component of bark beetle pheromone, is released by the female D. armandi. In this paper, we identified two genes encoding, (Z)-6-nonen-2-ol dehydrogenase and CYP6CR, that are known to be involved in xo-brevicomin synthesis to improve the understanding of exo-brevicomin biosynthesis in the Chinese white pine beetle. The two protiens had high homology with their orthologs in the exo-brevicomin biosynthesis pathway from D. ponderosae. The expression profiles of CYP6CR12 and DaZ-noDH in D. armandi females are closely correlated with exo-brevicomin biosynthesis. The expression levels of CYP6CR12 and DaZnoDH are also regulated by feeding behavior and juvenile hormone levels. Since they are also expressed in males, CYP6CR12 and DaZnoDH are not only important for exo-brevicomin biosynthesis that this might be potential role for the semichemical biosysthesis pathways.

Automated summary

This study identified genes encoding key enzymes involved in the synthesis of exo-brevicomin in the Chinese white pine beetle, providing insight into the biosynthesis pathway. The expression of CYP6CR12 and DaZ-noDH in female beetles is closely correlated with exo-brevicomin synthesis, indicating a potential role in semiochemical biosynthesis pathways.