Transcriptomic Analysis of Octanoic Acid Response in Drosophila sechellia Using RNA-Sequencing

摘要: The dietary specialist fruit fly Drosophila sechellia has evolved to specialize on the toxic of its host plant Morinda citrifolia . Toxicity is primarily due high levels octanoic acid (OA). Using RNA interference (RNAi), prior work found that knockdown Osiris family genes 6 ( Osi6 ), Osi7 , and Osi8 led increased susceptibility OA in adult D. melanogaster flies, likely representing underlying a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for resistance While this major effect locus are beginning be revealed, shown at least five regions genome contribute resistance. Here, we identify new candidate by performing differential gene expression analysis using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) control OA-exposed flies. We 104 significantly differentially expressed with annotated orthologs including six members, consistent previous functional studies analyses. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment showed significant cuticle development upregulated immune defense responses downregulated genes, suggesting important aspects physiology may play role In addition, identified potentially underlie QTL peaks outside region, promising future studies.