Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway annotation in Diaphorina citri can reveal potential targets for RNAi based pest management

Ubiquitination is an ATP-dependent process that targets proteins for degradation by the proteasome. In this study, we annotated 15 genes from the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. This psyllid vector has come to prominence in the last decade due to its role in the transmission of the devastating bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). Infection of citrus crops by this pathogen causes Huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening disease) and results in the eventual death of citrus trees. The identification and correct annotation of these genes in D. citri will be useful for functional genomic studies that aid in the development of RNAi-based management strategies aimed at reducing the spread of HLB. Investigating the effects of CLas infection on the expression of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway genes may provide new information regarding the role that these genes play in the acquisition and transmission of CLas by D. citri.