Insect UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play an important role in detoxification of substrates such as plant allelochemicals, and cuticle formation by the process of glucosidation. Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor), belonging to the order Diptera (Family: Cecidomyiidae), is a destructive pest of host wheat causing significant economic losses. In the current study, using the assembled genome, we identified thirteen genes in M. destructor that belong to the family of UGTs (MdesUGT). Expression profiling revealed differential expression of MdesUGT genes in Hessian fly feeding instars. Further, we report the molecular cloning of MdesUGT1, designated as UGT301F1, from M. destructor. Characterization of the MdesUGT1 amino acid sequence revealed a conserved signature motif and sugar donor-binding domains characteristic of UGT proteins. Further expression analysis revealed dramatic increase in transcript accumulation of MdesUGT1 in the first and second feeding instars during compatible interactions (susceptible wheat, virulent larvae) but lacked significant upregulation during incompatible wheat Hessian fly interactions. Similar increase in MdesUGT1 transcripts was also observed during interactions of Hessian fly with nonhost, Brachypodium distachyon. These findings suggest the possible early involvement of MdesUGT1 in detoxification of plant toxins, and subsequent role in cuticular formation, thus contributing to the growth and development of this dipteran insect pest. Identification and characterization of insect UGTs could provide valuable insights into the detoxification and growth inhibitory mechanisms and facilitate future plant pest management strategies.

昆虫UDP-糖基转移酶（UGT）在底物（如植物化感物质）的解毒以及糖苷化过程中形成表皮的过程中起着重要作用。属于双翅目（家庭：Cecidomyiidae）的黑森州苍蝇（Mayetiola破坏者）是寄主小麦的破坏性害虫，造成重大的经济损失。在当前的研究中，使用组装的基因组，我们在M. destructor中鉴定了属于UGT家族（MdesUGT）的13个基因。表达谱分析表明，MdesUGT基因在黑森州飞食幼虫中的差异表达。此外，我们报道了来自M. destructor的MdesUGT1分子克隆，命名为UGT301F1 。。MdesUGT1氨基酸序列的表征显示了UGT蛋白的一个保守的签名基序和糖供体结合结构域。进一步的表达分析表明，在相容相互作用（易感小麦，强毒幼虫）期间，第一和第二喂食龄期的MdesUGT1的转录积累显着增加，但在不相容小麦黑森州果蝇相互作用中缺乏明显的上调。在Hessian果蝇与非寄主Brachypodium distachyon相互作用期间，也观察到MdesUGT1转录物的类似增加。。这些发现表明，MdesUGT1可能早期参与了植物毒素的解毒过程，并随后在表皮形成中起作用，从而促进了这种二倍体昆虫害虫的生长和发育。昆虫UGT的鉴定和表征可以为解毒和生长抑制机制提供有价值的见解，并促进未来的植物病虫害防治策略。