Identification of candidate Glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes in Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Put. (Hem.: Scutelleridae), using RNA-seq analysis

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes control vital traits for metabolism of the variety of toxins that expose insects to the environment (insecticide) or plant defense systems. Sunn pest is the most important pest of wheat and barley in the Middle East where it threats food security throughout the region. Sequencing the sunn pest's RNA provides an opportunity to identify the structure and function of the different gene families. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify 43 GST candidate genes in sunn pest using bioinformatics tools. The identified candidate genes clustered in 5 cytosolic GST (Delta, Theta, Zeta, Omega, and Sigma) and Microsomal GST using phylogenetic analysis. The Sigma subclass was identified as the biggest subclass with 22 candidate genes, while microsomal GST found to be the smallest group with one candidate gene. Given the role of GST in the interactions among the insect, toxins, and environment, our results facilitate future investigations on insecticide resistance and their utilization in pest management programs against sunn pest.