Importance of core microRNA pathway genes and microRNAs associated with the defense of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) against Serratia marcescens infection

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding small regulatory RNAs involved in diverse biological processes. Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is a polyphagous agroforestry pest that causes economic damage to agroforestry. Serratia marcescens is a bacterium with great potential for control this insect. However, knowledge about the miRNA pathway and the role of miRNAs in O. formosanus defense against SM1 is limited. In this study, OfAgo1, OfDicer1 and OfDrosha were differentially expressed in different castes and tissues. SM1 infection affected the expression of all three genes in O. formosanus. Then, we used specific double-stranded RNAs to silence OfAgo1, OfDicer1 and OfDrosha. Knockdown of these genes enhanced the virulence of SM1 to O. formosanus, suggesting that miRNAs were critical in the defense of O. formosanus against SM1. Furthermore, we sequenced miRNAs from SM1-infected and uninfected O. formosanus. 33 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified, whereby 22 were upregulated and 11 were downregulated. Finally, the miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed, which further suggested the important role of miRNAs in the defense of O. formosanus against SM1. Totally, O. formosanus miRNA core genes defend against SM1 infection by regulating miRNA expression. This study elucidates the interactions between O. formosanus and SM1 and provides new theories for biological control.