Advancing insect research through cell line transcriptomics

This review emphasizes the significance of insect cell lines in transcriptomic research, highlighting their role as vital tools for uncovering cellular and molecular mechanisms of insect physiology, immune responses, and adaptation to environmental stressors. Cell lines derived from tissues such as the midgut, fat body, nervous system, and reproductive organs enable researchers to examine gene expression changes in a controlled setting, making discoveries that are difficult to achieve through whole-organism studies. High-throughput sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have identified genes linked to detoxification, stress response, development, and immune defense, offering valuable insights for future applications in agriculture, pest control, and biotechnology. To organize this information clearly, we have summarized key findings in a table, providing an accessible overview of each cell line’s important roles in transcriptomic research. This method not only highlights the adaptability of insect cell lines in functional genomics but also underscores their usefulness as model systems in pest management, virology, and bioengineering. Through utilizing transcriptomics, insect cell lines continue to advance our understanding of insect biology and foster the development of innovative strategies for sustainable crop protection and biotechnological use.