Settling in: how entomopathogenic nematodes establish infection at the molecular level
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| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are insect parasites that are capable of killing their hosts. Virulence of EPNs is boosted by symbiotic bacteria which cause fatal septicaemia in the insects. Unlike most parasitic nematodes that harm humans, animals, or crops, EPNs are seen as beneficial because they offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides in pest control. Our research explores the molecular strategies employed by Heterorhabditis bacteriophora during the early stages of infection. This species invades insect hosts through active penetration by infective juveniles (IJs), the third-stage larvae specialised for host entry. Using Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) larvae as a model, we conducted RNA-seq analysis across five critical time points (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 hours post-infection) to capture the dynamic gene expression changes during infection. To overcome the challenge of limited IJ retrieval from infected wax moth larvae, we applied a single-cell RNA library preparation protocol, followed by high-throughput sequencing on the DNBSEQ-G400 (MGI) platform with the FCL PE100 kit. Differential expression analysis revealed key transcripts, with peptidases and their inhibitors showing some of the highest levels of regulation. Given the pivotal role of proteolysis in modulating insect immune responses, our findings suggest that these proteins may play a crucial role in immunosuppression during the establishment of infection. |
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