Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology最新文献

{"title":"Towards CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing in Spodoptera frugiperda: A Proof-of-Concept Targeting Wing and Eye Color Genes.","authors":"Subramanian Geerthana, Dhawane Yogi, Akshay Kumar, Ramasamy Asokan, Krishnasamy Suresh, Nalini Prabhakar, Balakrishnan Usha Rani, Kandasamy Thangaraj, Mariappan Paramasivam, Vijayakumar Kaninika, Rampura Kidinethra Chiranth, A M Shankarnarayan, Chalapathi Pradeep, Maligeppagol Manamohan","doi":"10.1002/arch.70161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.70161","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a globally significant destructive lepidopteran invasive pest, has recently invaded Africa and Asia, threatening food security. Conventional method of management, including chemical insecticides, are often ineffective due to various reasons compelling the need to explore alternative strategies. In this regard, CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool for functional genomics in insects, enabling to introduce site-specific mutations for various purposes. In this study, we applied multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) injections to disrupt two key genes in S. frugiperda: the spalt (Sfspalt), which regulates wing patterning, and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (Sfto/vermillion) gene, involved in eye pigmentation. Microinjection of sgRNA/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex into freshly laid eggs resulted in distinct phenotypic alterations, including altered wing pigmentation and modified eyespot patterns, as well as golden-yellow eye color mutants. Genotyping and ICE analysis confirmed the presence of frameshift mutations in the target loci, supporting the phenotypic changes. Notably, while mutations were detected, only a single individual was confirmed to carry mutations in both genes simultaneously. These results demonstrate the technical feasibility of multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 editing in S. frugiperda, but also reveal a low frequency of confirmed events under the present experimental conditions. Therefore, this study is considered a proof of concept establishing a preliminary workflow in multiplex platform. The findings provide foundational insights for further optimization of genome editing strategies targeting sex related genes in this agriculturally important pest.</p>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"122 1","pages":"e70161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147810047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbiome Simplification During Metamorphosis in Larva and Adults of Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett, 1898) (Culicidae) Revealed by Shotgun Metagenomics","authors":"Manash Pratim Sarmah,&nbsp;K. Zoramthara,&nbsp;Roselyn Manngaihsiam,&nbsp;Hathorkhi Hala Boro,&nbsp;Abdelgani Gumaa Abdelmuala Baraka,&nbsp;Ahmed-Laskar Saeed,&nbsp;Guruswami Gurusubramanian,&nbsp;Kiran R. Kharat","doi":"10.1002/arch.70159","DOIUrl":"10.1002/arch.70159","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Armigeres subalbatus</i> is medically significant vector for filarial worms and the Japanese encephalitis virus. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was employed to investigate the bacterial communities in <i>A. subalbatus</i> mosquitoes. The diversity metrics (Shannon H′, Simpson 1-D, Berger-Parker) were calculated for larval and adult stages. De novo assembly and binning were used to recover metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) with &gt; 82% completeness and &lt; 4% contamination. Functional profiling assessed gene expression via transcripts per million (TPM) and clusters of orthologous groups (COG) categories. Larval microbiomes showed high alpha diversity (Shannon H′ ≈ 1.336 ± 0.163, Simpson 1-D = 0.684 ± 0.046), dominated by Gammaproteobacteria (<i>Aeromonas</i>, <i>Morganella,</i> and <i>Yersinia</i>) and Bacteroidota, with persistent Shewanella and Acinetobacter. Adult microbiomes exhibited low diversity (Shannon H′ = 0.637 ± 0.100, Berger-Parker = 0.682 ± 0.026), near-monoculture dominated by <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i>, alongside low-abundance <i>Stenotrophomonas</i>, <i>Pseudomonas</i>, and <i>Microbacterium</i>. Six high-quality MAGs were recovered: larval (<i>Bacteroidota</i>, <i>Shewanella,</i> and <i>Acinetobacter</i>); adult (<i>Acinetobacter</i>, <i>Stenotrophomonas,</i> and <i>Shewanella</i>), confirming persistence of Shewanella and Acinetobacter, absence of Bacteroidota, and emergence of Stenotrophomonas in adults. Adult microbiomes displayed metabolic hyperactivity, with 1.5–4 times higher transcriptional output across COG categories compared to larvae. Chemotaxis [Methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein (MCP), K03406: ~6000 TPM in adults vs. &lt; 1000 TPM in larvae] and ABC transporters (PF00005: &gt; 10,000 TPM in adults) dominated adults, while larval expression was balanced among housekeeping functions. The microbiome undergoes significant restructuring during mosquito development, shifting from diverse larval communities to metabolically active, low-diversity adult assemblages. Recovered MAGs provide a genomic basis for future studies on mosquito microbiota dynamics and functions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147687397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"GC-MS Based Study of Haemolymph Metabolomics in Male Spodoptera mauritia Boisduval, on Post-Treatment of Flufenoxuron","authors":"V. Reshma,&nbsp;E. M. Manogem","doi":"10.1002/arch.70157","DOIUrl":"10.1002/arch.70157","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Flufenoxuron exhibits excellent chitin-inhibiting activity against several insect species, including Lepidoptera. The disruption of the chitin synthesis process can have a significantly negative impact on several developmental systems of insects. However, current knowledge of the metabolomic effect on <i>Spodoptera mauritia</i> larvae remains underdeveloped. This study employed Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics to investigate the changes in metabolic activity and biochemical effects of flufenoxuron in <i>S. mauritia</i> haemolymph, thereby illustrating the possible mode of action. Metabolomic analysis of haemolymph was conducted on exposure to two different sublethal concentrations of flufenoxuron (0.00068 and 0.00015 µg) in the sixth instar stage of <i>S. mauritia</i>. The effect of flufenoxuron was investigated on selected differently abundant metabolites in GC-MS-based metabolomics results. Notably, carbohydrate and fatty acid levels were significantly reduced, indicating severe nutritional and energetic stress. Pathway analysis indicated that carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism are strongly associated with the effects of the chitin synthesis inhibitor. The findings substantiate the flufenoxuron-mediated disturbance in metabolites and metabolic pathways. The findings of the study deepen our understanding of the physiological disruptions caused by flufenoxuron, highlighting its potential hazards in agricultural applications against <i>S. mauritia</i>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147669623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insect Laccase Like Multi Copper Oxidases: Enzymatic Functions and Applications","authors":"Priscila G. Polo,&nbsp;José Galián","doi":"10.1002/arch.70155","DOIUrl":"10.1002/arch.70155","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Laccases are multicopper oxidases (MCOs) widely distributed across plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals, where they catalyze the oxidation of aromatic and non-aromatic substrates coupled to the four-electron reduction of molecular oxygen to water. Although microbial laccases have been extensively exploited for bioremediation and industrial catalysis, insect laccases represent a comparatively understudied but functionally diverse group with key roles in physiology, development, and ecological adaptation. Insects typically encode at least two highly conserved laccases, laccase 1 (MCO1) and laccase 2 (MCO2), along with additional paralogs in specific lineages. These enzymes participate in the detoxification of plant allelochemicals, cuticle sclerotization and pigmentation, immune responses, iron homeostasis, reproductive processes, and interactions with symbiotic microorganisms. Here, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the molecular diversity, evolutionary implications, and physiological functions of insect laccases. We also highlight emerging biotechnological applications, including their contributions to lignocellulose processing, the degradation of xenobiotics, and the oxidative priming of synthetic polymers within insect microbiota. Finally, we outline future research directions aimed at harnessing insect laccases and their microbial counterparts as alternative oxidative biocatalysts for sustainable biotechnology.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147669738","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transgenerational Effects of the Flavonoid Rutin on Population Fitness and Metabolic Dynamics in Spodoptera frugiperda","authors":"Xin Zhang,&nbsp;Yuanhong Luo,&nbsp;Zhujun Han,&nbsp;Ruonan Meng,&nbsp;Shubao Geng,&nbsp;Yunhui Zhang,&nbsp;Mengfang Du,&nbsp;Risong Na,&nbsp;Xiaoguang Liu,&nbsp;Shiheng An","doi":"10.1002/arch.70156","DOIUrl":"10.1002/arch.70156","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 <p><i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> is a highly destructive agricultural pest that poses a significant threat to crops worldwide. While traditional insecticides offer effective control, their environmental impact and potential for fostering pest resistance raise critical concerns. Present study investigates the effect of rutin, a plant-derived flavonoid, on the ecological fitness of FAW larvae. Our bioassays demonstrate that flavonoid rutin exposure leads to a significant reduction in body weight and size in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, an analysis using age-stage, two-sex life tables reveal detrimental effects on survival rates and an extension of developmental duration in both F₀ and F₁ generations, with transgenerational impacts observed. Importantly, reduced food consumption correlates with altered gene expression and enzyme activities related to sugar and lipid metabolism in the midgut of F₀ larvae. These findings enhance our understanding of the ecological implications of phytochemicals like rutin on pest population dynamics, highlighting their potential as eco-friendly alternatives for integrated pest management strategies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147637500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resveratrol Mitigates Imidacloprid-Induced Neurotoxicity, Intestinal Dysfunction and Other Stresses in Newly Emerged Bees (Apis mellifera)","authors":"Jiali Hao,&nbsp;Wensu Han,&nbsp;Fen Li,&nbsp;Yongjun Liu,&nbsp;Qiang Wang,&nbsp;Li Zhang,&nbsp;Shuwei Wang,&nbsp;Pingli Dai,&nbsp;Jing Gao,&nbsp;Yanyan Wu","doi":"10.1002/arch.70154","DOIUrl":"10.1002/arch.70154","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Neonicotinoid imidacloprid is an environmentally contaminant that poses a high toxicity to non-target organisms, honey bees (<i>Apis mellifera</i>). Newly emerged bees are critical for colony resilience but vulnerable. This study evaluated the potential of phytochemical resveratrol in mitigating the toxicity induced by imidacloprid in newly emerged bees. To simulate a combined-stress scenario, bees were exposed to imidacloprid at a concentration (0.25 mg/L) that represents elevated field residues. Newly emerged bees were administered a diet supplemented with resveratrol. A series of assays were conducted to evaluate survival rate, physiological indices, histomorphological alterations, enzyme activities, and transcriptomic profiles. The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with resveratrol (0.6 mg/L resveratrol and 0.25 mg/L imidacloprid) exhibited significantly higher survival rates and improved food utilization efficiency compared to bees exposed to imidacloprid alone. Resveratrol mitigated imidacloprid-induced midgut injury, aberrant sucrose enzyme activity, and restored homeostasis of genes involved in energy and nutrient metabolism (e.g. ATP synthesis, lipid, carbohydrate, and tyrosine metabolism), which were dysregulated by imidacloprid. Resveratrol alleviated oxidative stress via modulated CAT/GST activity and normalized MDA level, and upregulated genes in phase I and II detoxification pathways (e.g. <i>GST</i>, <i>UGTs</i>, <i>P450</i>). Notably, resveratrol attenuated imidacloprid-induced brain injury and alleviated neurotoxicity by preserving cholinergic integrity and modulating gene expression associated with neural signaling pathway (e.g. AChE activity and the expression of <i>nAChR</i> and <i>GABA</i> receptor genes). The present work suggested the protective effects of resveratrol on the newly emerged bees in agroecosystems contaminated with neonicotinoid and provided a promising practical strategy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147637576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RNAi Targeting Chitin synthase Genes Specifically Affects Larval Performance in Tuta absoluta","authors":"Juan Peng,&nbsp;Yu-Die Zheng,&nbsp;Ya-Hao Rao,&nbsp;Lan-Lan Liao,&nbsp;Yi-Kuan Wu,&nbsp;Lin Jin,&nbsp;Guo-Qing Li","doi":"10.1002/arch.70153","DOIUrl":"10.1002/arch.70153","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>An RNA interference (RNAi)-based management strategy has a great potential for control of the tomato leafminer <i>Tuta absoluta</i>, a microlepidoptera pest damaging a broad range of Solanaceae hosts. Nevertheless, whether RNAi efficiency of the target genes is affected by dsRNA reachability and mRNA levels remains to be established in <i>T. absoluta</i>. Two chitin synthase genes, <i>TaChSA</i> and <i>TaChSB</i>, were highly expressed in ectodermally-derived cells and midgut respectively, facilitating to test dsRNA reachability using oral delivery. According to the 2⁻^ΔCT value, <i>TaChSA</i> average level was much higher than that of <i>TaChSB</i>, allowing us to compare the mRNA levels on RNAi effectiveness. We found that ingestion of bacterially-expressed ds<i>ChSA</i> or ds<i>ChSB</i> for 24 h identically decreased the target mRNA levels in whole body, and in the head, epidermis, foregut and hindgut. Feeding ds<i>ChSA</i> affected larval growth and leaf mining, caused 19.7% larval lethality and 31.6% non-emerged adults. Moreover, RNAi against <i>TaChSA</i> damaged rectum integrity, decreased cuticle thickness, and thinned tracheae. By contrast, ingesting ds<i>ChSB</i> decreased larval weight, led to 3.8% larval lethality and 43.2% of resulting pupae failing to emerge. Taken together, ds<i>ChSA</i> and ds<i>ChSB</i> might be systemically transported, and exerted a strong RNAi efficiency irrespective of target mRNA levels. Our results indicate a possible application of bacterially-expressed ds<i>ChSA</i> and ds<i>ChSB</i> in the field to protect growing crops against <i>T. absoluta</i>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147637574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Larvae as an Alternative Diet for the Mass Rearing of Nesidiocoris tenuis.","authors":"Juhyeok Lee, Hwal-Su Hwang, Yuyan Li, Kyeong-Yeoll Lee","doi":"10.1002/arch.70160","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.70160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nesidiocoris tenuis is an important natural enemy widely used for the biological control of small pests in vegetable crop systems. Its successful implementation in commercial programs depends on reliable and cost-effective mass rearing, which typically relies on pyralid moth eggs as a food source, although this is relatively expensive. In this study, we evaluated Tenebrio molitor larvae (mealworm) as a cost-effective alternative diet for N. tenuis, comparing them with two commonly used factitious prey, Cadra cautella eggs and hydrated Artemia cysts. Nymphal survival (n = 30 per diet) was similar when reared on C. cautella (86.7%) or T. molitor (83.3%) but markedly lower with Artemia (33.3%). Developmental periods differed significantly among diets, increasing in the order C. cautella < T. molitor < Artemia. Adult longevity did not differ significantly among diets but was longer in males (25.11 ± 4.58 days) than in females (16.09 ± 1.62 days). Pre-oviposition periods and fecundity also did not differ significantly among diets; however, reproductive parameters in the Artemia treatment group were based on a reduced sample size due to low survival and should be interpreted with caution. These results indicate that T. molitor larvae provide dietary performance comparable to that of C. cautella eggs, producing similar life-history traits in N. tenuis, whereas hydrated Artemia cysts are unsuitable under the tested conditions due to significant nymphal mortality. Thus, mealworms could serve as a practical alternative diet to moth eggs for predatory bug rearing, offering a promising approach to improving cost-effectiveness in natural enemy production.</p>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":"e70160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of Advanced Glycation End-Products in Altering Cellular Homeostasis and Suppressing Developmental Cycle in Drosophila melanogaster.","authors":"Bismita Nayak, Swastik Arya, Sarbani Ashe","doi":"10.1002/arch.70147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.70147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulate during hyperglycemia and contribute to metabolic and neurodegenerative complications. This study investigates the effects of AGEs on Drosophila melanogaster by evaluating locomotion, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and metabolic alterations. Flies subjected to an AGEs-enriched diet exhibited erratic movement patterns, indicating neuromuscular dysfunction. Increased oxidative stress markers were observed, accompanied by significant DNA damage and disruptions in cell cycle progression, indicating genotoxic stress and the induction of apoptosis. Metabolic assessment revealed disrupted glucose and lipid homeostasis, suggesting insulin resistance and metabolic reprogramming. These findings reinforce D. melanogaster as an effective model for studying AGEs-induced metabolic and neurodegenerative dysfunctions. Understanding the pathways involved in AGEs-mediated toxicity could provide insights into AGEs-related pathologies and potential therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":"e70147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distinct Host Gene Expression Patterns Induced by Covert Deformed Wing Virus Infections in Honeybees (Apis mellifera).","authors":"Ali Sinan Kara, Samet Okuyan, Hatice Nur Kaynak, Serap Sakarya, Zeynep Ebrar Yavuz, Salim Aktürk, Gökhan Akdeniz, Aydin Turkec, Stuart J Lucas","doi":"10.1002/arch.70158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.70158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is a widespread insect pathogen and a major contributor to honeybee colony losses. While overt infections cause characteristic deformities and behavioral changes, covert or low-level infections remain poorly understood. Here, we hypothesize that nonsymptomatic DWV infections induce distinct host transcriptional responses compared to symptomatic cases, which may influence the ultimate outcome of infection. Transcriptomic analysis of Apis mellifera anatoliaca worker bees from an experimental apiary revealed a high DWV RNA load in a minority of colonies. Assembly of the viral genome from these asymptomatic colonies identified a novel DWV-A/DWV-B recombinant (DWV_Ord1; GenBank Accession PX394756). Comparative gene expression analysis showed that covertly infected bees upregulated several genes associated with venom production, cuticular integrity, and light perception, suggesting heightened defensive readiness. These results provide insight into early molecular responses to DWV and identify potential biomarkers of low-level infection in honeybee colonies.</p>","PeriodicalId":8281,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"121 4","pages":"e70158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13101036/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}