Genetic Basis of Coleopteran Vectorial Capacity for Bean pod mottle virus Transmission

为什么一些以叶为食的节肢动物传播植物病原体，而另一些则不传播？此外，为什么通常只有一种媒介物种中的一小部分人擅长传播特定的病原体？相当数量的鞘翅目甲虫传播病毒，使经济上重要的蔬菜和农作物得病。然而，甲虫物种内部和物种之间携带和传播病原体的能力的差异程度是显著的(即它们的媒介能力)。毫无疑问，载体的基因构成对病原体感染和传播的易感性有很大贡献，然而影响载体能力的特定基因的特征被证明是难以捉摸的。这项拟议研究的长期目标是了解昆虫传播病原体的遗传相互作用和机制。识别干扰病原体媒介传播的基因将为疾病控制带来新的和有希望的途径。这项拟议的研究将利用大豆病理系统的独特属性，由三种甲虫组成，它们在传播流行于北美的大豆病毒的能力上表现出个体和物种水平的差异，

Why do some leaf–feeding arthropods transmit plant pathogens while others do not? Moreover, why typically are only a small minority of individuals within a vector species proficient at transmitting a particular pathogen? A considerable number of coleopteran beetles transmit viruses that cause disease to economically important vegetables and crops. However, the degree of variation within and among beetle species in their ability to harbor and transmit pathogens is remarkable (i.e. their vector competence). The genetic makeup of the vector undoubtedly contributes significantly to its susceptibility to pathogen infection and transmission, yet characterization of specific genes that influence vector competence has proven elusive. The long–term goal of the proposed research is to understand the genetic interactions and mechanisms of pathogen transmission by insects. Identifying genes that disrupt vector-mediated pathogen transmission will lead to novel and promising avenues for disease control. The proposed research will harness the unique attributes of a soybean pathosystem, consisting of three beetle species that exhibit individual and species level variation in their ability to vector a soybean virus that is prevalent in North America,