Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Profiling of Sugar Transporter Family in the Whitefly, (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

Sugar transporters () play pivotal roles in the growth, development, and stress responses of phloem-sucking insects, such as the whitefly, . In this study, 137 sugar transporters () were identified based on analysis of the genome and transcriptome of MEAM1. MEAM1 encodes a larger number of than other selected insects. Phylogenetic and molecular evolution analysis showed that the 137 formed three expanded clades and that the genes in Sternorrhyncha expanded clades had accelerated rates of evolution. sugar transporters () were divided into three groups based on their expression profiles across developmental stages; however, no host-specific was found in fed on different host plants. Feeding of adults with feeding diet containing dsRNA significantly reduced the transcript level of the target genes in and mortality was significantly improved in fed on dsRNA compared to the control, which indicates the sugar transporters may be used as potential RNAi targets for bio-control. These results provide a foundation for further studies of in .