Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis of the Developmental Stages of <i>Antheraea pernyi</i> Pupae: Dynamic Changes in Metabolite Profiles and Gene Expression

This study integrated non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics to investigate dynamic changes in <i>Antheraea pernyi</i> pupae across five developmental stages. Metabolomic analysis identified 1246 metabolites, primarily organic acids, lipids, heterocyclic compounds, and oxygen-cont...

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Main Authors: Shuhui Ma, Yongxin Sun, Yajie Li, Xuejun Li, Zhixin Wen, Rui Mi, Nan Meng, Xingfan Du
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Insects
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/7/745
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Summary:This study integrated non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics to investigate dynamic changes in <i>Antheraea pernyi</i> pupae across five developmental stages. Metabolomic analysis identified 1246 metabolites, primarily organic acids, lipids, heterocyclic compounds, and oxygen-containing organics. Principal component analysis revealed stage-specific metabolic profiles: amino acid derivatives (pyruvate, proline, lysine) declined, while pyrimidines (cytidine, uridine, β-alanine) and monosaccharides (glucose, mannose) increased. 18β-glycyrrhetinic and ursolic acids accumulated significantly in the middle and late stages. Transcriptomic analysis identified 7230 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 366, 1705, and 5159 significantly differentially expressed genes in the T1, T3, and T5 comparison groups, respectively. KEGG enrichment highlighted ABC transporters, amino acid/pyrimidine metabolism, and tyrosine pathways as developmentally critical, with aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis upregulated in later phases. Integrated multi-omics analysis revealed coordinated shifts in metabolites and genes across developmental phases, reflecting dynamic nutrient remodeling during pupal maturation. This study systematically delineates the molecular transitions driving pupal development in <i>Antheraea pernyi</i> pupae, uncovering conserved pathway interactions and mechanistic insights into nutrient metabolism. These findings provide a scientific foundation for leveraging pupal resources in functional food innovation and bioactive compound discovery for pharmaceutical applications.
ISSN:2075-4450