Comparative transcriptional analysis and identification of hub genes associated with wing differentiation of male in Aphis gossypii

Abstract Background Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a worldwide polyphagous phloem-feeding agricultural pest, has three wing morphs (winged parthenogenetic female, gynopara, and male) in the life cycle. The exclusive males could fly from summer hosts to winter hosts, which are essential for gene exchanges of cotton aphid populations different or regions. However, molecular mechanism differentiation male A. remains unclear. Results Morphological observation showed that there is no distinct difference external morphologies 1st 2nd instar nymphs. obvious buds started 3rd nymph was visible via naked eyes 4th nymphal stage, then adult emerged with full wings. According morphological dynamic changes, development wings were divided into four stages: preliminary stage (the instar), prophase metaphase anaphase 5th instar). feeding behavior monitoring EPG (electrical penetration graph) technology indicated although aphids had strong desire feed (longer duration C 55.24%, F 5.05% Pd waves 2.56%), its efficiency host low (shorter E1 3.56% E2 2.63%). Dynamic transcriptome analysis at 5 developmental periods nymph, number up-regulated DEGs significant increased, time-course transcriptional pattern analyses results also numerous genes categorized clusters 3, 5, 8 highest expressed levels, consistent changes buds. These indicate critical bud males. Furthermore, through pathway enrichment WGCNA, it revealed neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Ras signaling pathway, dopaminergic synapse, circadian entrainment corresponding hub PLK1 , BUB1 SMC2 TUBG ASPM kinesin family members ( KIF23 KIF20 KIF18-19 ) novel subfamily serine/threonine (Aurora kinase A Aurora B) probably played an important role differentiation. Conclusion This study explored dynamics aphid, phenomenon winged on cotton, identified key pathways potential potentially involved .