Proteomic profile of aphids exposed to wheat with different contents of benzoxazinoids

Abstract

Abstract. Benzoxazinoids are key defence chemicals in cereals that are known to affect several aspects of aphid biology. However, little is known about how they affect aphid physiology. In the present study, we report changes in the whole-body proteomic profiles of a 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA)-susceptible genotype of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) after being exposed to wheat cultivars containing contrasting levels of DIMBOA. The proteome is analyzed after 14 days (short term) and 28 days (long term) of rearing on these cultivars. Seventy-two proteins are differentially regulated among the treatments and 49 are identified. Exposure to high-DIMBOA plants results in a higher number of proteins regulated long term. DIMBOA exposure in S. avenae initially generates greater cellular activities, mostly involving cytoskeleton function and possibly related to detoxification. This function appears to be unimportant at long term and is eventually replaced by effects on metabolism function and homeostasis. Taken together, the results of the present study show that the responses of aphids to the secondary plant compounds, such as DIMBOA, exhibit a temporal dynamic in the proteome, possibly helping aphids to overcome the effect of these toxic compounds.

Facultative endosymbionts modulate the aphid reproductive performance on wheat cultivars differing in contents of benzoxazinoids

“…27,28 The main benzoxazinoid in wheat is DIMBOA, which affects insect cells by increasing the activity of proteins related with cytoskeleton and detoxification. 46,47 In general, DIMBOA causes a decrease in aphid performance due to toxicity and antifeeding effects, 25,41 48 as well as an increase in the activity of aphid detoxification enzymes, 49,50 and changes in the energy allocation in winged aphids. 51 Due to these characteristics, benzoxazinoid-containing cereals have been targeted for plant breeding to control aphid populations.…”