Comparative RNA-sequencing analysis of mthl1 functions and signal transductions in Tribolium castaneum

• 812 DEGs were identified between ds-Tcmthl1 and control.
• These DEGs were classified into 47 functional groups.
• Knock-down of Tcmthl1 suppressed both of Toll and IMD immunity pathways.
• Tcmthl1 affected the development, lifespan, stress resistance by reducing insect innate immunity.
• Blimp-1, Ftz-F1, E74, Timeless modulated the effect of Tcmthl1 on development and reproduction.

Methuselah-like 1 of Tribolium castaneum (TcMthl1) has been reported to play crucial roles in development, lifespan, stress resistance and reproduction. However, the signaling system of TcMthl1 is unknown. Thus, we compare the transcriptome profile of RNAi treated larvae (ds-Tcmthl1) and control larvae of T. castaneum by RNA-sequencing, and obtained 14,613,514 sequence reads aligned with 13,533 genes; 812 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. These DEGs were classified into 47 GO functional groups, including such functions as the immune system process, the response to stimulus, the developmental process and reproduction. Interestingly, knock-down of Tcmthl1 suppressed both of Toll and IMD immunity pathways which most likely modulated the effects of Tcmthl1 on lifespan and stress resistance. Additionally, the DEGs encoding Blimp-1, Ftz-F1, E74 and Timeless may participate in the development and reproduction of ds-Tcmthl1 insects. The findings of these DEGs and pathways will provide valuable insight into TcMthl1 signaling and regulation system.