Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL SCIENCE, cilt.12, sa.4, ss.992-1006, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Drosophila suzukii (Spotted-winged drosophila) is an invasive fruit pest
in Türkiye. Chitinases (Cht) are glycoside hydrolase 18 family enzymes
that degrade chitin, while imaginal disc growth factors (Idgf) are
non-enzymatic chitinase-like proteins vital for insect development.
However, chitinase and chitinase-like genes have not yet been identified
in the D. suzukii genome, and limited information is available about
them. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the Cht and
Idgf genes in D. suzukii was performed using a bioinformatics approach.
Fifteen genes (11 Cht and 4 Idgf) were identified in the D. suzukii
genome, and their sequences, domain structures, and phylogenetic
relationships were characterized. Gene structure analysis revealed
considerable diversity in exon-intron organization and gene lengths.
Fifteen conserved protein motifs were analyzed, and motifs 1, 6, and 8
were detected in all members and others unique to subsets of genes,
highlighting both shared and specialized functional regions.
Cis-regulatory elements analysis uncovered 543 cis-regulatory elements
(including core promoters, stress-responsive elements,
enhancers/silencers, and insulators), suggesting complex regulation of
these genes. A protein–protein interaction network analysis grouped the
Cht/Idgf proteins into three clusters, with DsCht2, DsCht5-2, and DsCht7
emerging as central nodes in chitin metabolism pathways. 3D structural
models were predicted for all proteins, and it was determined that the
model confidence scores for the proteins varied. In addition, it was
confirmed that the catalytic domain features were conserved for these
proteins. Finally, RNA-Seq expression profiles showed tissue-specific
expression patterns, notably high expression of DsIdgf4 in antennae and
DsCht7 in multiple tissues, implying roles in sensory function and
chitin metabolism. These findings provide the first comprehensive
overview of the chitinase and chitinase-like gene family in D. suzukii,
laying a foundation for further functional characterization studies and
potential pest management strategies targeting chitin metabolic
pathways.