The functions of caspase in whitefly Bemisia tabaci apoptosis in response to ultraviolet irradiation

• DOI: 10.1111/imb.12515
• Publication Date: 2018-06-12T04:36:03Z
• Authors: X.‐R. Wang; C. Wang; X.‐W. Wang; L.‐X. Qian; Y. Chi; S.‐S. Liu; Y.‐Q. Liu; X.‐W. Wang
• Keywords: Whitefly; NLRP1; Caspase 2; Intrinsic apoptosis

Abstract Whiteflies ( Bemisia tabaci ) are phloem feeders, and some invasive species composed of cryptic complexes that cause extensive crop damage, particularly via the direct transmission plant viruses. Apoptosis is a type programmed cell death essential for organismal development tissue homeostasis. The caspases belong to family cysteine proteases play central role in initiation apoptosis many organisms. Here, we employed comprehensive genomics approach identity B. Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), an whitefly carries complex devastating crops. Four caspase genes were identified, their motif compositions predicted. Structures relatively conserved both putative effector initiator caspases. Expression patterns differed across insect developmental stages. Three induced immediately after ultraviolet (UV) treatment. levels Bt‐caspase‐1 Bt‐caspase‐3b increased midgut salivary glands during by UV treatments, whereas silencing reduced UV‐triggered apoptosis. Our study demonstrates Bt‐caspase‐3b, respectively, act as apoptotic MEAM1 whitefly.