The regulation landscape of MAPK signaling cascade for thwarting Bacillus thuringiensis infection in an insect host

Host-pathogen interactions are central components of ecological networks where the MAPK signaling pathways act as hubs these complex interactions. We have previously shown that an insect hormone modulated cascade participates a general switch to trans -regulate differential expression diverse midgut genes in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) cope with insecticidal action Cry1Ac toxin, produced by entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The relationship between topology and functions this four-tiered phosphorylation cascade, however, is uncharted territory. Here, we carried out genome-wide characterization all orthologs P . define their phylogenetic relationships confirm evolutionary conserved modules. Results from quantitative phosphoproteomic analyses, combined functional validations studies using specific inhibitors dsRNAs lead us establish “road map”, p38 ERK pathways, large part, mount resistance response against Bt toxins through regulating multiple Cry toxin receptors non-receptor paralogs midgut. These data not only advance our understanding host-pathogen agricultural pests, but also inform future development biopesticides could suppress phenotypes.