RNA-Seq Data

Comparative RNA-Expression Meta-Analysis of Insect Appendages and Distal-less (Dll) Gene Knockdown in Gnathocerus Cornutus

Authors:
Syed Zaheer ud Din¹, Saba Shahid², Nadeem Sheikh³, Qingfa Wu⁴
¹,⁴Life Sciences and Medicines, University of Science and Technology, Hefei, China
¹Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Germany
²,³Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14316292
Keywords:* Appendage development, sexual dimorphism, exaggerated mandibles, Gnathocerus cornutus, Heliconius melpomene, Danaus plexippus

Abstract:
This study investigates the genetic basis of appendage differentiation in insects through RNA-expression meta-analysis and gene knockdown experiments. Transcriptome data from Tribolium castaneum, Heliconius melpomene, and Danaus plexippus revealed 371 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between antennae and legs, and 278 DEGs among leg tissues. Co-expression analysis identified key networks and hub genes, with Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis highlighting antennae-specific heat sensing and leg-specific muscular pathways. Functional analysis of the conserved distal-less (dll) gene in Gnathocerus cornutus demonstrated its critical role in appendage development, with significant leg reduction observed in knockdown experiments. These findings provide insights into appendage evolution and potential applications in pest management.