Genome‐Wide Analysis of the ATP‐Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporter Gene Family in the Bean Flower Thrips, <i>Megalurothrips usitatus</i>

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters constitute a ubiquitous transmembrane protein family that are required for several physiological and metabolic processes in insects. While their structure and function have been discussed in Lepidopteran, Dipteran, Coleopteran, and various other insects, their role in Thysanoptera remains uncharacterized. Here, a genome-wide identification of ABC transporters in Megalurothrips usitatus (MusABCs) were performed using comparative genomics, structural validation, and phylogenetic analysis. Expression analysis and validation were conducted via transcriptomics and qRT-PCR. A total of 53 MusABCs were identified, which were classified into eight subfamilies (ABCA-ABCH), with notable clusters in ABCG (19 genes), ABCC (13 genes), and ABCH (7 genes). The expansion of MusABCC, MusABCG, and MusABCH subfamilies may suggest their critical roles in M. usitatus. Structural analysis suggested MusABCs containing motifs 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 may be associated with substrate transport and drug efflux. All MusABCs were expressed throughout the development of M. usitatus, with MusABCC3, MusABCG18, and MusABCH3 varying significantly across the stages. Furthermore, MusABCC3, MusABCH3, along with MusABCB1 and MusABCC10 exhibited distinct responses to different insecticides (spinetoram, thiamethoxam, and beta-cypermethrin). MusABCH3 exhibited the most prominent upregulation by 9.33-fold with LC₁₀ of spinetoram and 11.32-fold with LC₃₀ of thiamethoxam, and uniquely upregulated by beta-cypermethrin among the four genes. A total of 41 orthologous MusABCs were identified, and their potential function in the development and insecticide resistance has been discussed. This study provides a comprehensive genomic resource for MusABCs, offering potential targets for management strategies on thrips.