The α(2)δ Calcium Channel Subunit Accessorily and Independently Affects the Biological Function of Ditylenchus destructor

The α(2)δ subunit is a high-voltage activated (HVA) calcium channel (Ca(v)1 and Ca(v)2) auxiliary subunit that increases the density and function of HVA calcium channels in the plasma membrane of mammals. However, its function in plant parasitic nematodes remains unknown. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA sequence of the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) α(2)δ subunit (named DdCa(v)α(2)δ) in Ditylenchus destructor. We found that DdCa(v)α(2)δ tends to be expressed in the egg stage, followed by the J3 stage. RNA-DIG in situ hybridization experiments showed that the DdCa(v)α(2)δ subunit was expressed in the body wall, esophageal gland, uterus, post uterine, and spicules of D. destructor. The in vitro application of RNA interference (RNAi) affected the motility, reproduction, chemotaxis, stylet thrusting, and protein secretion of D. destructor to different degrees by targeting DdCα1D, DdCα1A, and DdCa(v)α(2)δ in J3 stages, respectively. Based on the results of RNAi experiments, it was hypothesized that L-type VGCC may affect the motility, chemotaxis, and stylet thrusting of D. destructor. Non-L-type VGCC may affect the protein secretion and reproduction of D. destructor. The DdCa(v)α(2)δ subunit gene also affected the motility, chemotaxis, and reproduction of D. destructor. These findings reveal the independent function of the VGCC α(2)δ subunit in D. destructor as well as give a theoretical foundation for future research on plant parasitic nematode VGCC.