Multi-omics analysis reveals diapause-associated lipid remodeling in the fat body of Colorado potato beetle.

Background: The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major pest of potato that undergoes diapause (hibernation) to survive harsh winter conditions. Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in diapause preparation and maintenance. However, the specific changes in lipid composition and their molecular regulation remain unclear. This study integrates lipidomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to investigate diapause-associated metabolic shifts in the fat body of L. decemlineata.

Results: We identified significant increases in monounsaturated (e.g., oleic acid) and polyunsaturated (e.g., linoleic acid) fatty acids, as well as phosphatidylethanolamines (membrane lipids) enriched in unsaturated fatty acids during diapause. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the differential expression of genes related to energy metabolism and lipid processing, while qualitative proteomics identified some calcium-associated protein isoforms (regucalcin-like and annexin B9-like) that are uniquely present in diapause. Correlation analysis suggested that specific transcripts, such as carboxyl ester lipase, are associated with the regulation of key lipid molecules, including oleic acid and linoleic acid, during diapause. These findings advance our understanding of lipid regulation during diapause and highlight potential molecular targets for disrupting overwintering strategies, which could inform novel pest control approaches.

Conclusions: Diapause in the Colorado potato beetle is associated with changes in lipid composition in the fat body, which is mediated through changes at the transcriptome and proteome levels.