Characterization of three glutathione S-transferases potentially associated with adaptation of the wheat blossom midge Sitodiplosis mosellana to host plant defense

BACKGROUND: Insect glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), a multifunctional protein family, play a crucial role in detoxification of plant defensive compounds. However, they have been rarely investigated in Sitodiplosis mosellana, a destructive pest of wheat worldwide. In this study, we characterized for the first time a delta (SmGSTd1) and two epsilon GST genes (SmGSTe1 and SmGSTe2) and analyzed their expression patterns and functions associated with adaptation to host plant defense in this species.RESULTS: Expression of these SmGST genes greatly increased in S. mosellana larvae feeding on resistant wheat varieties Kenong1006, Shanmai139 and Jinmai47 which contain higher tannin and ferulic acid, the major defensive compounds of wheat against this pest, compared with those feeding on susceptible varieties Xinong822, Xinong88 and Xiaoyan22. Their expression was also tissue-specific, most predominant in larval midgut. Recombinant SmGSTs expressed in Escherichia coli could catalyze the conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, with activity peak at pH around 7.0 and temperature between 30 and 40 degree celsius. Notably, they could metabolize tannin and ferulic acid, with the strongest metabolic ability by SmGSTe2 against two compounds, followed by SmGSTd1 on tannin, and SmGSTe1 on ferulic acid.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that these SmGSTs are important in metabolizing wheat defensive chemicals during feeding, which may be related to host plant adaptation of S. mosellana. Our study has provided information for future investigation and development of strategies such as host-induced gene silencing of insect-detoxifying genes for managing pest adaptation. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.