Annotation of chitin biosynthesis genes in Diaphorina citri, the Asian citrus psyllid

• DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.23
• Publication Date: 2021-06-10T01:55:51Z
• Authors: Sherry Miller; Teresa D. Shippy; Blessy Tamayo; Prashant S. Hosmani; Mirella Flores-Go...; Lukas A. Mueller; Wayne B. Hunter; Susan J. Brown; Tom D’Elia; Surya Saha
• Keywords: Diaphorina citri

The polysaccharide chitin is critical for the formation of many insect structures, including exoskeleton, and required normal development. Here we report annotation three genes from synthesis pathway in Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), vector Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease). Most insects have two synthase (CHS) but, like other hemipterans, D. has only one. In contrast, unusual among having UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP) genes. One UAP broadly expressed, while expressed predominantly males. Our work helps pave way potential utilization these as pest control targets to reduce spread Huanglongbing.