Studies On Gene Expression Pattern Of Immune Response Of The Silkworm,Bombyx Mori To Bacillus Thuringiensis

In this study, gene expression pattern of the silkworm, Bombyx mori orally infected by Bacillus thuringiensis is measured, and expression levels of genes involved in immune response of the silkworm to B. thuringiensis are also analyzed. The results are mainly showed as follows:(1)Gene expression pattern of B. mori at the3rd day after orally infected by B. thuringiensis was changed significantly. There are1089genes, about8.9%of silkworm genomic genes, showed changes in their expression levels, in which501genes up-regulated and588genes down-regulated. These genes are mainly involved in the function of physiological process, catalytic activity, and cellular process. The genes involved in physiological process are mainly up-regulated, which participate carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, metabolism of amino acid and nitrogen metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism and important genetic information process and transcription. It suggested that the metabolism process of material and energy accelerated in order to meet the loss of nutrition due to B. thuringiensis infection and propagation, as well as matter and energy demand in response to B. thuringiensis infection.(2) Infection of B. thuringiensis caused silkworm immune defense-related genes differentially expressed, mainly related to cellular and humoral immunity. The differentially expressed genes involved in cellular immunity included lysozymes, lectins, scavenger recptores, and immunoglobulin superfamilies, while humoral immunity including CLIP serine proteases, serine protease inhibitors, and C-type lectins.(3) The results of this study could contribute to understanding of silkworm molecular immune mechanisms, screening and breeding for disease resistance resources of silkworm.