1
|
Shi Q, Xie J, Wu J, Chen S, Sun G, Zhang J. Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of an endemic species in China, Aulocera merlina (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) and phylogenetic analysis within Satyrinae. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11355. [PMID: 38694754 PMCID: PMC11061544 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used as molecular markers in determining the insect phylogenetic relationships. In order to resolve the relationships among tribes and subtribes of Satyrinae at the mitochondrial genomic level, we obtained the complete mitogenome of Aulocera merlina (Oberthür, 1890) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) with a size of 15,259 bp. The mitogenome consisted of 37 typical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and an A + T-rich region. The gene organization and arrangement were similar to those of all other known Satyrinae mitogenomes. All PCGs were initiated with the canonical codon pattern ATN, except for the cox1 gene, which used an atypical CGA codon. Nine PCGs used the complete stop codon TAA, while the remaining PCGs (cox1, cox2, nad4, and nad5) were terminated with a single T nucleotide. The canonical cloverleaf secondary structures were found in all tRNAs, except for trnS1 which lacked a dihydrouridine arm. The 448 bp A + T-rich region was located between rrnS and trnM, and it included the motif ATAGA followed by a 19-bp poly-T stretch and a microsatellite-like (TA)6 element preceded by the ATTTA motif. The phylogenetic tree, inferred using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods, generated similar tree topologies, revealing well-supported monophyletic groups at the tribe level and recovering the relationship ((Satyrini + Melanitini) + ((Amathusiini + Elymniini) + Zetherini)). The close relationship between Satyrina and Melanargiina within the Satyrini was widely accepted. Additionally, Lethina, Parargina, and Mycalesina were closely related and collectively formed a sister group to Coenonymphina. Moreover, A. merlina was closely related to Oeneis buddha within the Satyrina. These findings will provide valuable information for future studies aiming to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of Satyrinae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Shi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and UtilizationSanming UniversitySanmingChina
| | - Jinling Xie
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and UtilizationSanming UniversitySanmingChina
| | - Jialing Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and UtilizationSanming UniversitySanmingChina
| | - Shengchung Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and UtilizationSanming UniversitySanmingChina
| | - Gang Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and UtilizationSanming UniversitySanmingChina
| | - Juncheng Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and UtilizationSanming UniversitySanmingChina
- Medical Plant Exploitation and Utilization Engineering Research CenterSanming UniversitySanmingChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Murugesan SN, Monteiro A. Butterfly eyespots exhibit unique patterns of open chromatin. F1000Res 2023; 12:1428. [PMID: 38778811 PMCID: PMC11109672 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.133789.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: How the precise spatial regulation of genes is correlated with spatial variation in chromatin accessibilities is not yet clear. Previous studies that analysed chromatin from homogenates of whole-body parts of insects found little variation in chromatin accessibility across those parts, but single-cell studies of Drosophila brains showed extensive spatial variation in chromatin accessibility across that organ. In this work we studied the chromatin accessibility of butterfly wing tissue fated to differentiate distinct colors and patterns in pupal wings of Bicyclus anynana. Methods: We dissected small eyespot and adjacent control tissues from 3h pupae and performed ATAC-Seq to identify the chromatin accessibility differences between different sections of the wings. Results: We observed that three dissected wing regions showed unique chromatin accessibilities. Open chromatin regions specific to eyespot color patterns were highly enriched for binding motifs recognized by Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)), Krüppel (Kr), Buttonhead (Btd) and Nubbin (Nub) transcription factors. Genes in the vicinity of the eyespot-specific open chromatin regions included those involved in wound healing and SMAD signal transduction pathways, previously proposed to be involved in eyespot development. Conclusions: We conclude that eyespot and non-eyespot tissue samples taken from the same wing have distinct patterns of chromatin accessibility, possibly driven by the eyespot-restricted expression of potential pioneer factors, such as Kr.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Y, Li H, Yi TC, Shen J, Zhang J. Notch Signaling in Insect Development: A Simple Pathway with Diverse Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14028. [PMID: 37762331 PMCID: PMC10530718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway which functions between adjacent cells to establish their distinct identities. Despite operating in a simple mechanism, Notch signaling plays remarkably diverse roles in development to regulate cell fate determination, organ growth and tissue patterning. While initially discovered and characterized in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster, recent studies across various insect species have revealed the broad involvement of Notch signaling in shaping insect tissues. This review focuses on providing a comprehensive picture regarding the roles of the Notch pathway in insect development. The roles of Notch in the formation and patterning of the insect embryo, wing, leg, ovary and several specific structures, as well as in physiological responses, are summarized. These results are discussed within the developmental context, aiming to deepen our understanding of the diversified functions of the Notch signaling pathway in different insect species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Haomiao Li
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Tian-Ci Yi
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Junzheng Zhang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Banerjee TD, Murugesan SN, Connahs H, Monteiro A. Spatial and temporal regulation of Wnt signaling pathway members in the development of butterfly wing patterns. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg3877. [PMID: 37494447 PMCID: PMC10371022 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling members are involved in the differentiation of cells associated with eyespot and band color patterns on the wings of butterflies, but the identity and spatio-temporal regulation of specific Wnt pathway members remains unclear. Here, we explore the localization and function of Armadillo/β-catenin dependent (canonical) and Armadillo/β-catenin independent (noncanonical) Wnt signaling in eyespot and band development in Bicyclus anynana by localizing Armadillo (Arm), the expression of all eight Wnt ligand and four frizzled receptor transcripts present in the genome of this species and testing the function of some of the ligands and receptors using CRISPR-Cas9. We show that distinct Wnt signaling pathways are essential for eyespot and band patterning in butterflies and are likely interacting to control their active domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tirtha Das Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117557
| | | | - Heidi Connahs
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117557
| | - Antόnia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117557
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore - 138527
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Atencio GWG, Zanini R, Deprá M, Romanowski HP. Preliminary population studies of the grassland swallowtail butterfly Euryades corethrus (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae). AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20210503. [PMID: 37341269 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320210503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Euryades corethrus is a Troidini butterfly (Papilionidae, Papilioninae), endemic to grasslands in southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Formerly abundant, nowadays it is in the Red list of endangered species for those areas. During its larval stage, it feeds on Aristolochia spp, commonly found in southern grasslands. These native grassland areas are diminishing, being converted to crops and pastures, causing habitat loss for Aristolochia and E. corethrus. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history of E. corethrus. We sampled eight populations from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and based on Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) molecular marker, our results suggest a low genetic variability between populations, presence of gene flow and, consequently, lack of population structure. A single maternally inherited-genetic marker is insufficient for population-level decisions, but barcoding is a useful tool during early stages of population investigation, bringing out genomic diversity patterns within the target species. Those populations likely faced a bottleneck followed by a rapid expansion during the last glaciation and subsequent stabilization in effective population size. Habitat loss is a threat, which might cause isolation, loss of genetic variability and, ultimately, extinction of E. corethrus if no habitat conservation policy is adopted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Wagner G Atencio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43433, Sala 214, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43435, Sala 218, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Edifício C2, 5.º piso, Sala 2.5.46, Código Postal 1749-016, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rebeca Zanini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Drosophila, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43323, Sala 210, Agronomia, 90650-001 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Laboratório de Biomedicina Integrativa, Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico 5, Código Postal 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maríndia Deprá
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43433, Sala 214, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Drosophila, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43323, Sala 210, Agronomia, 90650-001 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43312 M, Caixa Postal 15053, Agronomia, 90650-001 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena P Romanowski
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43433, Sala 214, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43435, Sala 218, Agronomia, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Anthwal N, Urban DJ, Sadier A, Takenaka R, Spiro S, Simmons N, Behringer RR, Cretekos CJ, Rasweiler JJ, Sears KE. Insights into the formation and diversification of a novel chiropteran wing membrane from embryonic development. BMC Biol 2023; 21:101. [PMID: 37143038 PMCID: PMC10161559 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01598-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through the evolution of novel wing structures, bats (Order Chiroptera) became the only mammalian group to achieve powered flight. This achievement preceded the massive adaptive radiation of bats into diverse ecological niches. We investigate some of the developmental processes that underlie the origin and subsequent diversification of one of the novel membranes of the bat wing: the plagiopatagium, which connects the fore- and hind limb in all bat species. RESULTS Our results suggest that the plagiopatagium initially arises through novel outgrowths from the body flank that subsequently merge with the limbs to generate the wing airfoil. Our findings further suggest that this merging process, which is highly conserved across bats, occurs through modulation of the programs controlling the development of the periderm of the epidermal epithelium. Finally, our results suggest that the shape of the plagiopatagium begins to diversify in bats only after this merging has occurred. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates how focusing on the evolution of cellular processes can inform an understanding of the developmental factors shaping the evolution of novel, highly adaptive structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neal Anthwal
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel J Urban
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, USA
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Biology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
| | - Alexa Sadier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Risa Takenaka
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Nancy Simmons
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Biology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | | | - John J Rasweiler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Karen E Sears
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
One genome, multiple phenotypes: decoding the evolution and mechanisms of environmentally induced developmental plasticity in insects. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:675-689. [PMID: 36929376 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Plasticity in developmental processes gives rise to remarkable environmentally induced phenotypes. Some of the most striking and well-studied examples of developmental plasticity are seen in insects. For example, beetle horn size responds to nutritional state, butterfly eyespots are enlarged in response to temperature and humidity, and environmental cues also give rise to the queen and worker castes of eusocial insects. These phenotypes arise from essentially identical genomes in response to an environmental cue during development. Developmental plasticity is taxonomically widespread, affects individual fitness, and may act as a rapid-response mechanism allowing individuals to adapt to changing environments. Despite the importance and prevalence of developmental plasticity, there remains scant mechanistic understanding of how it works or evolves. In this review, we use key examples to discuss what is known about developmental plasticity in insects and identify fundamental gaps in the current knowledge. We highlight the importance of working towards a fully integrated understanding of developmental plasticity in a diverse range of species. Furthermore, we advocate for the use of comparative studies in an evo-devo framework to address how developmental plasticity works and how it evolves.
Collapse
|
8
|
Cunha C, Narotamo H, Monteiro A, Silveira M. Detection and measurement of butterfly eyespot and spot patterns using convolutional neural networks. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280998. [PMID: 36780440 PMCID: PMC9925015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Butterflies are increasingly becoming model insects where basic questions surrounding the diversity of their color patterns are being investigated. Some of these color patterns consist of simple spots and eyespots. To accelerate the pace of research surrounding these discrete and circular pattern elements we trained distinct convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for detection and measurement of butterfly spots and eyespots on digital images of butterfly wings. We compared the automatically detected and segmented spot/eyespot areas with those manually annotated. These methods were able to identify and distinguish marginal eyespots from spots, as well as distinguish these patterns from less symmetrical patches of color. In addition, the measurements of an eyespot's central area and surrounding rings were comparable with the manual measurements. These CNNs offer improvements of eyespot/spot detection and measurements relative to previous methods because it is not necessary to mathematically define the feature of interest. All that is needed is to point out the images that have those features to train the CNN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cunha
- Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hemaxi Narotamo
- Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Margarida Silveira
- Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang S, Teng D, Li X, Yang P, Da W, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Liu G, Zhang X, Wan W, Dong Z, Wang D, Huang S, Jiang Z, Wang Q, Lohman DJ, Wu Y, Zhang L, Jia F, Westerman E, Zhang L, Wang W, Zhang W. The evolution and diversification of oakleaf butterflies. Cell 2022; 185:3138-3152.e20. [PMID: 35926506 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Oakleaf butterflies in the genus Kallima have a polymorphic wing phenotype, enabling these insects to masquerade as dead leaves. This iconic example of protective resemblance provides an interesting evolutionary paradigm that can be employed to study biodiversity. We integrated multi-omic data analyses and functional validation to infer the evolutionary history of Kallima species and investigate the genetic basis of their variable leaf wing patterns. We find that Kallima butterflies diversified in the eastern Himalayas and dispersed to East and Southeast Asia. Moreover, we find that leaf wing polymorphism is controlled by the wing patterning gene cortex, which has been maintained in Kallima by long-term balancing selection. Our results provide macroevolutionary and microevolutionary insights into a model species originating from a mountain ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dequn Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xueyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Peiwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wa Da
- Tibet Plateau Institute of Biology, Lhasa, Tibet 850001, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yubo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guichun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | | | - Wenting Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Zhiwei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Donghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; National Teaching Center for Experimental Biology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhisheng Jiang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qingyi Wang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - David J Lohman
- Biology Department, City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA; Ph.D. Program in Biology, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; Entomology Section, National Museum of Natural History, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Yongjie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Fenghai Jia
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Erica Westerman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Institute for Tibetan Plateau Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wee JLQ, Das Banerjee T, Prakash A, Seah KS, Monteiro A. Distal-less and spalt are distal organisers of pierid wing patterns. EvoDevo 2022; 13:12. [PMID: 35659745 PMCID: PMC9164424 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-022-00197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two genes, Distal-less (Dll) and spalt (sal), are known to be involved in establishing nymphalid butterfly wing patterns. They function in several ways: in the differentiation of the eyespot’s central signalling cells, or foci; in the differentiation of the surrounding black disc; in overall scale melanisation (Dll); and in elaborating marginal patterns, such as parafocal elements. However, little is known about the functions of these genes in the development of wing patterns in other butterfly families. Here, we study the expression and function of Dll and sal in the development of spots and other melanic wing patterns of the Indian cabbage white, Pieris canidia, a pierid butterfly. In P. canidia, both Dll and Sal proteins are expressed in the scale-building cells at the wing tips, in chevron patterns along the pupal wing margins, and in areas of future scale melanisation. Additionally, Sal alone is expressed in the future black spots. CRISPR knockouts of Dll and sal showed that each gene is required for the development of melanic wing pattern elements, and repressing pteridine granule formation, in the areas where they are expressed. We conclude that both genes likely play ancestral roles in organising distal butterfly wing patterns, across pierid and nymphalid butterflies, but are unlikely to be differentiating signalling centres in pierids black spots. The genetic and developmental mechanisms that set up the location of spots and eyespots are likely distinct in each lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Liang Qi Wee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S2 01-03, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
| | - Tirtha Das Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S2 01-03, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Anupama Prakash
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S2 01-03, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Kwi Shan Seah
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S2 01-03, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Antonia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S2 01-03, Singapore, 117558, Singapore. .,Yale-NUS College, College Ave West, Singapore, 138527, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu JL, Bao TT, Sun G, Xiao Y, Fang Y, Shi QH. Complete mitochondrial genome of the Woodland Brown, Lopinga achine Scopoli, 1763 (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) and its phylogenetic analysis. Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2022; 7:747-749. [PMID: 35528255 PMCID: PMC9068012 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2022.2070042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ling Wu
- Medical Plant Exploitation and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
| | - Ting-Ting Bao
- Medical Plant Exploitation and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
| | - Gang Sun
- Medical Plant Exploitation and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Medical Plant Exploitation and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
| | - Yan Fang
- Medical Plant Exploitation and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Hui Shi
- Medical Plant Exploitation and Utilization Engineering Research Center, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Monitoring & Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Suzuki TK. Phenotypic systems biology for organisms: Concepts, methods and case studies. Biophys Physicobiol 2022; 19:1-17. [PMID: 35749096 PMCID: PMC9159793 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v19.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Design principles of phenotypes in organisms are fundamental issues in physical biology. So far, understanding "systems" of living organisms have been chiefly promoted by understanding the underlying biomolecules such as genes and proteins, and their intra- and inter-relationships and regulations. After a long period of sophistication, biophysics and molecular biology have established a general framework for understanding 'molecular systems' in organisms without regard to species, so that the findings of fly studies can be applied to mouse studies. However, little attention has been paid to exploring "phenotypic systems" in organisms, and thus its general framework remains poorly understood. Here I review concepts, methods, and case studies using butterfly and moth wing patterns to explore phenotypes as systems. First, I present a unifying framework for phenotypic traits as systems, termed multi-component systems. Second, I describe how to define components of phenotypic systems, and also show how to quantify interactions among phenotypic parts. Subsequently, I introduce the concept of the macro-evolutionary process, which illustrates how to generate complex traits. In this point, I also introduce mathematical methods, "phylogenetic comparative methods", which provide stochastic processes along molecular phylogeny as bifurcated paths to quantify trait evolution. Finally, I would like to propose two key concepts, macro-evolutionary pathways and genotype-phenotype loop (GP loop), which must be needed for the next directions. I hope these efforts on phenotypic biology will become one major target in biophysics and create the next generations of textbooks. This review article is an extended version of the Japanese article, Biological Physics in Phenotypic Systems of Living Organisms, published in SEIBUTSU-BUTSURI Vol. 61, p. 31-35 (2021).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takao K. Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Luecke D, Rice G, Kopp A. Sex-specific evolution of a Drosophila sensory system via interacting cis- and trans-regulatory changes. Evol Dev 2022; 24:37-60. [PMID: 35239254 PMCID: PMC9179014 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of gene expression via cis-regulatory changes is well established as a major driver of phenotypic evolution. However, relatively little is known about the influence of enhancer architecture and intergenic interactions on regulatory evolution. We address this question by examining chemosensory system evolution in Drosophila. Drosophila prolongata males show a massively increased number of chemosensory bristles compared to females and males of sibling species. This increase is driven by sex-specific transformation of ancestrally mechanosensory organs. Consistent with this phenotype, the Pox neuro transcription factor (Poxn), which specifies chemosensory bristle identity, shows expanded expression in D. prolongata males. Poxn expression is controlled by nonadditive interactions among widely dispersed enhancers. Although some D. prolongata Poxn enhancers show increased activity, the additive component of this increase is slight, suggesting that most changes in Poxn expression are due to epistatic interactions between Poxn enhancers and trans-regulatory factors. Indeed, the expansion of D. prolongata Poxn enhancer activity is only observed in cells that express doublesex (dsx), the gene that controls sexual differentiation in Drosophila and also shows increased expression in D. prolongata males due to cis-regulatory changes. Although expanded dsx expression may contribute to increased activity of D. prolongata Poxn enhancers, this interaction is not sufficient to explain the full expansion of Poxn expression, suggesting that cis-trans interactions between Poxn, dsx, and additional unknown genes are necessary to produce the derived D. prolongata phenotype. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of epistatic gene interactions for evolution, particularly when pivotal genes have complex regulatory architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Luecke
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California – Davis,Current Address: Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University
| | - Gavin Rice
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California – Davis,Current Address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Artyom Kopp
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California – Davis
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Butterfly eyespots evolved via cooption of an ancestral gene-regulatory network that also patterns antennae, legs, and wings. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2108661119. [PMID: 35169073 PMCID: PMC8872758 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108661119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Where do butterfly eyespots come from? One of the long-standing questions in the field of evolution concerns addressing where novel complex traits come from. Here we show that butterfly eyespots, a novel complex trait, likely originated from the redeployment of a preexisting gene-regulatory network regulating antennae, legs, and wings, to novel locations on the wing. Butterfly eyespots are beautiful novel traits with an unknown developmental origin. Here we show that eyespots likely originated via cooption of parts of an ancestral appendage gene-regulatory network (GRN) to novel locations on the wing. Using comparative transcriptome analysis, we show that eyespots cluster most closely with antennae, relative to multiple other tissues. Furthermore, three genes essential for eyespot development, Distal-less (Dll), spalt (sal), and Antennapedia (Antp), share similar regulatory connections as those observed in the antennal GRN. CRISPR knockout of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) for Dll and sal led to the loss of eyespots, antennae, legs, and also wings, demonstrating that these CREs are highly pleiotropic. We conclude that eyespots likely reused an ancient GRN for their development, a network also previously implicated in the development of antennae, legs, and wings.
Collapse
|
15
|
Matsuoka Y, Monteiro A. Hox genes are essential for the development of eyespots in Bicyclus anynana butterflies. Genetics 2021; 217:1-9. [PMID: 33683353 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The eyespot patterns found on the wings of nymphalid butterflies are novel traits that originated first in hindwings and subsequently in forewings, suggesting that eyespot development might be dependent on Hox genes. Hindwings differ from forewings in the expression of Ultrabithorax (Ubx), but the function of this Hox gene in eyespot development as well as that of another Hox gene Antennapedia (Antp), expressed specifically in eyespots centers on both wings, are still unclear. We used CRISPR-Cas9 to target both genes in Bicyclus anynana butterflies. We show that Antp is essential for eyespot development on the forewings and for the differentiation of white centers and larger eyespots on hindwings, whereas Ubx is essential not only for the development of at least some hindwing eyespots but also for repressing the size of other eyespots. Additionally, Antp is essential for the development of silver scales in male wings. In summary, Antp and Ubx, in addition to their conserved roles in modifying serially homologous segments along the anterior-posterior axis of insects, have acquired a novel role in promoting the development of a new set of serial homologs, the eyespot patterns, in both forewings (Antp) and hindwings (Antp and Ubx) of B. anynana butterflies. We propose that the peculiar pattern of eyespot origins on hindwings first, followed by forewings, could be due to an initial co-option of Ubx into eyespot development followed by a later, partially redundant, co-option of Antp into the same network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Matsuoka
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore.,Science Division, Yale-NUS College, 138609 Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tong X, Qiao L, Luo J, Ding X, Wu S. The evolution and genetics of lepidopteran egg and caterpillar coloration. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:140-146. [PMID: 34030080 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Insect colors and color patterns have fascinated biologists for centuries. While extensive research has focused on the adult colors of Drosophila and butterflies, our understanding of how colors are generated and diversified in embryonic and larval stages remains limited, especially, the genetics behind the protective coloration of the immobile embryonic and larval stages. Lepidoptera, one of the most widespread and species-rich insect orders, are extremely helpful uncovering those mechanisms due to their remarkable diverse colors in eggs and caterpillars within or among species, and these colors usually are variable in different developmental stages or in response to different environments. Here we review the recent progress on coloration of lepidopteran eggs and caterpillars, focusing on the genetic basis, developmental mechanisms, ecology, and evolution underlying the remarkable color diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Liang Qiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jiangwen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Songyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Beldade P, Monteiro A. Eco-evo-devo advances with butterfly eyespots. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:6-13. [PMID: 33434722 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Eyespots on the wings of different nymphalid butterflies have become valued models in eco-evo-devo. They are ecologically significant, evolutionarily diverse, and developmentally tractable. Their study has provided valuable insight about the genetic and developmental basis of inter-specific diversity and intra-specific variation, as well as into other key themes in evo-evo-devo: evolutionary novelty, developmental constraints, and phenotypic plasticity. Here we provide an overview of eco-evo-devo studies of butterfly eyespots, highlighting previous reviews, and focusing on both the most recent advances and the open questions expected to be solved in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Beldade
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal; CE3C: Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Changes, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande C2, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore 138614, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ortiz‐Acevedo E, Gomez JP, Espeland M, Toussaint EFA, Willmott KR. The roles of wing color pattern and geography in the evolution of Neotropical Preponini butterflies. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:12801-12816. [PMID: 33304495 PMCID: PMC7713932 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversification rates and evolutionary trajectories are known to be influenced by phenotypic traits and the geographic history of the landscapes that organisms inhabit. One of the most conspicuous traits in butterflies is their wing color pattern, which has been shown to be important in speciation. The evolution of many taxa in the Neotropics has also been influenced by major geological events. Using a dated, species-level molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for Preponini, a colorful Neotropical butterfly tribe, we evaluated whether diversification rates were constant or varied through time, and how they were influenced by color pattern evolution and biogeographical events. We found that Preponini originated approximately 28 million years ago and that diversification has increased through time consistent with major periods of Andean uplift. Even though some clades show evolutionarily rapid transitions in coloration, contrary to our expectations, these shifts were not correlated with shifts in diversification. Involvement in mimicry with other butterfly groups might explain the rapid changes in dorsal color patterns in this tribe, but such changes have not increased species diversification in this group. However, we found evidence for an influence of major Miocene and Pliocene geological events on the tribe's evolution. Preponini apparently originated within South America, and range evolution has since been dynamic, congruent with Andean geologic activity, closure of the Panama Isthmus, and Miocene climate variability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ortiz‐Acevedo
- Departamento de Química y BiologíaUniversidad del NorteBarranquillaColombia
- Florida Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Juan Pablo Gomez
- Departamento de Química y BiologíaUniversidad del NorteBarranquillaColombia
| | | | | | - Keith R. Willmott
- Florida Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Deshmukh R, Lakhe D, Kunte K. Tissue-specific developmental regulation and isoform usage underlie the role of doublesex in sex differentiation and mimicry in Papilio swallowtails. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200792. [PMID: 33047041 PMCID: PMC7540742 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive phenotypes often arise by rewiring existing developmental networks. Co-option of transcription factors in novel contexts has facilitated the evolution of ecologically important adaptations. doublesex (dsx) governs fundamental sex differentiation during embryonic stages and has been co-opted to regulate diverse secondary sexual dimorphisms during pupal development of holometabolous insects. In Papilio polytes, dsx regulates female-limited mimetic polymorphism, resulting in mimetic and non-mimetic forms. To understand how a critical gene such as dsx regulates novel wing patterns while maintaining its basic function in sex differentiation, we traced its expression through metamorphosis in P. polytes using developmental transcriptome data. We found three key dsx expression peaks: (i) eggs in pre- and post-ovisposition stages; (ii) developing wing discs and body in final larval instar; and (iii) 3-day pupae. We identified potential dsx targets using co-expression and differential expression analysis, and found distinct, non-overlapping sets of genes-containing putative dsx-binding sites-in developing wings versus abdominal tissue and in mimetic versus non-mimetic individuals. This suggests that dsx regulates distinct downstream targets in different tissues and wing colour morphs and has perhaps acquired new, previously unknown targets, for regulating mimetic polymorphism. Additionally, we observed that the three female isoforms of dsx were differentially expressed across stages (from eggs to adults) and tissues and differed in their protein structure. This may promote differential protein-protein interactions for each isoform and facilitate sub-functionalization of dsx activity across its isoforms. Our findings suggest that dsx employs tissue-specific downstream effectors and partitions its functions across multiple isoforms to regulate primary and secondary sexual dimorphism through insect development.
Collapse
|
20
|
Banerjee TD, Ramos D, Monteiro A. Expression of Multiple engrailed Family Genes in Eyespots of Bicyclus anynana Butterflies Does Not Implicate the Duplication Events in the Evolution of This Morphological Novelty. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
21
|
McMillan WO, Livraghi L, Concha C, Hanly JJ. From Patterning Genes to Process: Unraveling the Gene Regulatory Networks That Pattern Heliconius Wings. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
|
22
|
Temporal flexibility of gene regulatory network underlies a novel wing pattern in flies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11589-11596. [PMID: 32393634 PMCID: PMC7261121 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002092117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental genes can be coopted to generate evolutionary novelties by changing their spatial regulation. However, developmental genes seldom act independently, but rather work in a gene regulatory network (GRN). How is it possible to recruit a single gene from a whole GRN? What are the properties that allow parallel cooptions of the same genes during evolution? Here, we show that a novel engrailed gene expression underlies a novel wing color pattern in flies. We show that cooption is facilitated 1) because of GRN flexibility over development and 2) because every single gene of the GRN has its own functional time window. We suggest these two temporal properties could explain why the same gene can be independently recruited several times during evolution. Organisms have evolved endless morphological, physiological, and behavioral novel traits during the course of evolution. Novel traits were proposed to evolve mainly by orchestration of preexisting genes. Over the past two decades, biologists have shown that cooption of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) indeed underlies numerous evolutionary novelties. However, very little is known about the actual GRN properties that allow such redeployment. Here we have investigated the generation and evolution of the complex wing pattern of the fly Samoaia leonensis. We show that the transcription factor Engrailed is recruited independently from the other players of the anterior–posterior specification network to generate a new wing pattern. We argue that partial cooption is made possible because 1) the anterior–posterior specification GRN is flexible over time in the developing wing and 2) this flexibility results from the fact that every single gene of the GRN possesses its own functional time window. We propose that the temporal flexibility of a GRN is a general prerequisite for its possible cooption during the course of evolution.
Collapse
|
23
|
On the specificity of gene regulatory networks: How does network co-option affect subsequent evolution? Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 139:375-405. [PMID: 32450967 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The process of multicellular organismal development hinges upon the specificity of developmental programs: for different parts of the organism to form unique features, processes must exist to specify each part. This specificity is thought to be hardwired into gene regulatory networks, which activate cohorts of genes in particular tissues at particular times during development. However, the evolution of gene regulatory networks sometimes occurs by mechanisms that sacrifice specificity. One such mechanism is network co-option, in which existing gene networks are redeployed in new developmental contexts. While network co-option may offer an efficient mechanism for generating novel phenotypes, losses of tissue specificity at redeployed network genes could restrict the ability of the affected traits to evolve independently. At present, there has not been a detailed discussion regarding how tissue specificity of network genes might be altered due to gene network co-option at its initiation, as well as how trait independence can be retained or restored after network co-option. A lack of clarity about network co-option makes it more difficult to speculate on the long-term evolutionary implications of this mechanism. In this review, we will discuss the possible initial outcomes of network co-option, outline the mechanisms by which networks may retain or subsequently regain specificity after network co-option, and comment on some of the possible evolutionary consequences of network co-option. We place special emphasis on the need to consider selectively-neutral outcomes of network co-option to improve our understanding of the role of this mechanism in trait evolution.
Collapse
|
24
|
Rivera-Colón AG, Westerman EL, Van Belleghem SM, Monteiro A, Papa R. Multiple Loci Control Eyespot Number Variation on the Hindwings of Bicyclus anynana Butterflies. Genetics 2020; 214:1059-1078. [PMID: 32019848 PMCID: PMC7153931 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying genetic changes that regulate the appearance and disappearance of repeated traits, or serial homologs, remain poorly understood. One hypothesis is that variation in genomic regions flanking master regulatory genes, also known as input-output genes, controls variation in trait number, making the locus of evolution almost predictable. Another hypothesis implicates genetic variation in up- or downstream loci of master control genes. Here, we use the butterfly Bicyclus anynana, a species that exhibits natural variation in eyespot number on the dorsal hindwing, to test these two hypotheses. We first estimated the heritability of dorsal hindwing eyespot number by breeding multiple butterfly families differing in eyespot number and regressing eyespot numbers of offspring on midparent values. We then estimated the number and identity of independent genetic loci contributing to eyespot number variation by performing a genome-wide association study with restriction site-associated DNA sequencing from multiple individuals varying in number of eyespots sampled across a freely breeding laboratory population. We found that dorsal hindwing eyespot number has a moderately high heritability of ∼0.50 and is characterized by a polygenic architecture. Previously identified genomic regions involved in eyespot development, and novel ones, display high association with dorsal hindwing eyespot number, suggesting that homolog number variation is likely determined by regulatory changes at multiple loci that build the trait, and not by variation at single master regulators or input-output genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel G Rivera-Colón
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, 00925, Puerto Rico
| | - Erica L Westerman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Steven M Van Belleghem
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, 00925, Puerto Rico
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
- Yale-NUS College, Singapore 138609
| | - Riccardo Papa
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, 00925, Puerto Rico
- Molecular Sciences and Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bhardwaj S, Jolander LSH, Wenk MR, Oliver JC, Nijhout HF, Monteiro A. Origin of the mechanism of phenotypic plasticity in satyrid butterfly eyespots. eLife 2020; 9:49544. [PMID: 32041684 PMCID: PMC7012602 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity is often regarded as a derived adaptation to help organisms survive in variable but predictable environments, however, we currently lack a rigorous, mechanistic examination of how plasticity evolves in a large comparative framework. Here, we show that phenotypic plasticity in eyespot size in response to environmental temperature observed in Bicyclus anynana satyrid butterflies is a complex derived adaptation of this lineage. By reconstructing the evolution of known physiological and molecular components of eyespot size plasticity in a comparative framework, we showed that 20E titer plasticity in response to temperature is a pre-adaptation shared by all butterfly species examined, whereas expression of EcR in eyespot centers, and eyespot sensitivity to 20E, are both derived traits found only in a subset of species with eyespots. A well-known family of butterflies have circular patterns on their wings that look like eyes. These eye-like markings help deflect predators away from the butterfly’s body so they attack the outer edges of their wings. However, in certain seasons, such as the dry season in Africa, the best way for this family to survive is by not drawing any attention to their bodies. Thus, butterflies born during this season shrink the size of their eyespots so they can hide among the dry leaves. How this family of butterflies are able to change the size of these eye-like spots has only been studied in the species Bicyclus anynana. During development low temperatures, which signify the beginning of the dry season, reduce the amount of a hormone called 20E circulating in the blood of this species. This changes the behavior of hormone-sensitive cells in the eyespots making them smaller in size. But it remains unclear how B. anynana evolved this remarkable tactic and whether its relatives have similar abilities. Now, Bhardwaj et al. show that B. anynana is the only one of its relatives that can amend the size of its eyespots in response to temperature changes. In the experiments, 13 different species of butterflies, mostly from the family that has eyespots, were developed under two different temperatures. Low temperatures caused 20E hormone levels to decrease in all 13 species. However, most of these species did not develop smaller eyespots in response to this temperature change. This includes species that are known to have larger and smaller eyespots depending on the season. Like B. anynana, four of the species studied have receptors for the 20E hormone at the center of their eyespots. However, changing 20E hormone levels in these species did not reduce eyespot size. These results show that although temperature changes alter hormone levels in a number of species, only B. anynana have taken advantage of this mechanism to regulate eyespot size. In addition, Bhardwaj et al. found that this unique mechanism evolved from several genetic changes over millions of years. Other species likely use other environmental cues to trigger seasonal changes in the size of their eyespots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Bhardwaj
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lim Si-Hui Jolander
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Markus R Wenk
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeffrey C Oliver
- Office of Digital Innovation & Stewardship, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | | | - Antonia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Banerjee TD, Monteiro A. Molecular mechanisms underlying simplification of venation patterns in holometabolous insects. Development 2020; 147:dev.196394. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.196394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
How mechanisms of pattern formation evolve has remained a central research theme in the field of evolutionary and developmental biology. The mechanism of wing vein differentiation in Drosophila is a classic text-book example of pattern formation using a system of positional-information, yet very little is known about how species with a different number of veins pattern their wings, and how insect venation patterns evolved. Here, we examine the expression pattern of genes previously implicated in vein differentiation in Drosophila in two butterfly species with more complex venation Bicyclus anynana and Pieris canidia. We also test the function of some of these genes in B. anynana. We identify both conserved as well as new domains of decapentaplegic, engrailed, invected, spalt, optix, wingless, armadillo, blistered, and rhomboid gene expression in butterflies, and propose how the simplified venation in Drosophila might have evolved via loss of decapentaplegic, spalt and optix gene expression domains, silencing of vein inducing programs at Spalt-expression boundaries, and changes in gene expression of vein maintenance genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tirtha Das Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Yale-NUS College, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Interplay between Developmental Flexibility and Determinism in the Evolution of Mimetic Heliconius Wing Patterns. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3996-4009.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
28
|
Connahs H, Tlili S, van Creij J, Loo TYJ, Banerjee TD, Saunders TE, Monteiro A. Activation of butterfly eyespots by Distal-less is consistent with a reaction-diffusion process. Development 2019; 146:dev169367. [PMID: 30992277 PMCID: PMC6526720 DOI: 10.1242/dev.169367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Eyespots on the wings of nymphalid butterflies represent colorful examples of pattern formation, yet the developmental origins and mechanisms underlying eyespot center differentiation are still poorly understood. Using CRISPR-Cas9 we re-examine the function of Distal-less (Dll) as an activator or repressor of eyespots, a topic that remains controversial. We show that the phenotypic outcome of CRISPR mutations depends upon which specific exon is targeted. In Bicyclus anynana, exon 2 mutations are associated with both missing and ectopic eyespots, and also exon skipping. Exon 3 mutations, which do not lead to exon skipping, produce only null phenotypes, including missing eyespots, lighter wing coloration and loss of scales. Reaction-diffusion modeling of Dll function, using Wnt and Dpp as candidate morphogens, accurately replicates these complex crispant phenotypes. These results provide new insight into the function of Dll as a potential activator of eyespot development, scale growth and melanization, and suggest that the tuning of Dll expression levels can generate a diversity of eyespot phenotypes, including their appearance on the wing.This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Connahs
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558
| | - Sham Tlili
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Jelle van Creij
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558
| | - Tricia Y J Loo
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558
| | - Tirtha Das Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558
| | - Timothy E Saunders
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*Star, Proteos, Singapore 138673
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558
- Yale-NUS College, Singapore 138527
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Prakash A, Monteiro A. apterous A specifies dorsal wing patterns and sexual traits in butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2017.2685. [PMID: 29467265 PMCID: PMC5832707 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Butterflies have evolved different colour patterns on their dorsal and ventral wing surfaces to serve different signalling functions, yet the developmental mechanisms controlling surface-specific patterning are still unknown. Here, we mutate both copies of the transcription factor apterous in Bicyclus anynana butterflies using CRISPR/Cas9 and show that apterous A, expressed dorsally, functions both as a repressor and modifier of ventral wing colour patterns, as well as a promoter of dorsal sexual ornaments in males. We propose that the surface-specific diversification of wing patterns in butterflies proceeded via the co-option of apterous A or its downstream effectors into various gene regulatory networks involved in the differentiation of discrete wing traits. Further, interactions between apterous and sex-specific factors such as doublesex may have contributed to the origin of sexually dimorphic surface-specific patterns. Finally, we discuss the evolution of eyespot number diversity in the family Nymphalidae within the context of developmental constraints due to apterous regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Prakash
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore .,Yale-NUS College, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sourakov A. Emperors, admirals and giants, zebras, tigers and woolly bears: casting a broader net in exploring heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns. F1000Res 2018; 7:1842. [PMID: 33335710 PMCID: PMC7722536 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16926.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies of heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns have been restricted to a small number of species. I report observations from experiments on a broader range of taxa, including first results from swallowtails, tiger moths and microlepidoptera. Methods: Heparin injections were made in prepupae and pupae of Junonia coenia (common buckeyes), Agraulis vanillae (gulf fritillaries), Heliconius charithonia (zebra longwings), Asterocampa clyton (tawny emperors) , Danaus plexippus (monarchs), Vanessa atalanta (red admirals); Heraclides cresphontes (giant swallowtails), Pterourus troilus (spicebush swallowtails), Protographium marcellus (zebra swallowtails), Battus polydamas (polydamas swallowtails); Hypercompe scribonia (giant leopard moths), Estigmene acrea (acrea moths), Hyphantria cunea (fall webworm moths) , Utetheisa ornatrix (ornate bella moths); Glyphodes sibillalis (mulberry leaftier). Results: Heparin sometimes altered the entire pattern in a dramatic way, sometimes caused changes locally. In buckeyes, the previous heparin study conducted on pupae was compared to injections made at a prepupal stage. In gulf fritillaries, zebra longwings and tawny emperors, the dramatic changes occurred throughout their wings, while in monarchs, changes were restricted to wing margins. Changes achieved in red admirals, show that heparin action is unrelated to the original color. In swallowtails, transformations were restricted to border system, indicating higher levels of stability and compartmentalization of wing patterns. In mulberry leaftier, changes were restricted to the marginal bands. In tiger moths, elongation of black markings led to merging of spots; in the ornate bella moth, it was accompanied by an expansion of the surrounding white bands, and results were compared to the effects of colder temperatures. Conclusions: Using pharmaceutical intervention demonstrates that there are many similarities and some very significant differences in the ways wing patterns are formed in different Lepidoptera lineages. By creating a range of variation one can demonstrate how one pattern can easily evolve into another, aiding in understanding of speciation and adaptation processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Sourakov
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sourakov A. Leopards and giants, tigers and woolly bears: casting a broader net in exploring heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns. F1000Res 2018; 7:1842. [PMID: 33335710 PMCID: PMC7722536 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16926.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 03/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies of heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns have been restricted to a small number of species. I report observations from experiments on a broader range of taxa, including first results from swallowtails, tiger moths and microlepidoptera. Methods: Heparin injections were made in prepupal and early pupal stages of the following species representing several Lepidoptera lineages: Junonia coenia, Agraulis vanillae, Asterocampa clyton (Nymphalidae); Heraclides cresphontes, Pterourus troilus, Eurytides marcellus (Papilionidae); Hypercompe scribonia, Estigmene acrea, Hyphantria cunea (Erebidae); and Glyphodes sibillalis (Crambidae). Heparin-induced changes in wing pattern are illustrated, and advantages of using prepupal vs. pupal stages for this type of pharmacological manipulation of wing patterns are discussed. Results: In buckeyes, heparin-induced changes consisted of loss of orange parafocal elements as marginal and submarginal bands shifted basally. In gulf fritillaries, changes in black and silver markings were similar to those found in wild aberrant individuals. In tawny emperor, intermediate and extreme levels of transformation were achieved, pointing to homology of this species' unusual eyespots to those of other nymphalids. In swallowtails, heparin-induced changes were much more restricted and proved harder to achieve, possibly indicating higher levels of stability and compartmentalization of wing patterns in this butterfly family. In tiger moths, elongation of black markings occurred so that normally distinct spots sometimes merged; in leopard moth, these changes were restricted to areas adjacent to discal spot. In pyraloid moth, changes were mostly restricted to expansion of wing marginal bands and hindwing border. Conclusions: Variation in wing pattern response to heparin found between different species and families in this study warrants further taxonomic widening of exploration of wing pattern formation mechanisms in Lepidoptera. While there are many similarities, there also seem to be very significant differences in the ways wing patterns are formed in different families of butterflies and moths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Sourakov
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wound healing, calcium signaling, and other novel pathways are associated with the formation of butterfly eyespots. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:788. [PMID: 29037153 PMCID: PMC5644175 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4175-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One hypothesis surrounding the origin of novel traits is that they originate from the co-option of pre-existing genes or larger gene regulatory networks into novel developmental contexts. Insights into a trait’s evolutionary origins can, thus, be gained via identification of the genes underlying trait development, and exploring whether those genes also function in other developmental contexts. Here we investigate the set of genes associated with the development of eyespot color patterns, a trait that originated once within the Nymphalid family of butterflies. Although several genes associated with eyespot development have been identified, the eyespot gene regulatory network remains largely unknown. Results In this study, next-generation sequencing and transcriptome analyses were used to identify a large set of genes associated with eyespot development of Bicyclus anynana butterflies, at 3-6 h after pupation, prior to the differentiation of the color rings. Eyespot-associated genes were identified by comparing the transcriptomes of homologous micro-dissected wing tissues that either develop or do not develop eyespots in wild-type and a mutant line of butterflies, Spotty, with extra eyespots. Overall, 186 genes were significantly up and down-regulated in wing tissues that develop eyespots compared to wing tissues that do not. Many of the differentially expressed genes have yet to be annotated. New signaling pathways, including the Toll, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) and/or Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways are associated for the first time with eyespot development. In addition, several genes involved in wound healing and calcium signaling were also found to be associated with eyespots. Conclusions Overall, this study provides the identity of many new genes and signaling pathways associated with eyespots, and suggests that the ancient wound healing gene regulatory network may have been co-opted to cells at the center of the pattern to aid in eyespot origins. New transcription factors that may be providing different identities to distinct wing sectors, and genes with sexually dimorphic expression in the eyespots were also identified. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4175-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
33
|
Single master regulatory gene coordinates the evolution and development of butterfly color and iridescence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:10707-10712. [PMID: 28923944 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1709058114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The optix gene has been implicated in butterfly wing pattern adaptation by genetic association, mapping, and expression studies. The actual developmental function of this gene has remained unclear, however. Here we used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to show that optix plays a fundamental role in nymphalid butterfly wing pattern development, where it is required for determination of all chromatic coloration. optix knockouts in four species show complete replacement of color pigments with melanins, with corresponding changes in pigment-related gene expression, resulting in black and gray butterflies. We also show that optix simultaneously acts as a switch gene for blue structural iridescence in some butterflies, demonstrating simple regulatory coordination of structural and pigmentary coloration. Remarkably, these optix knockouts phenocopy the recurring "black and blue" wing pattern archetype that has arisen on many independent occasions in butterflies. Here we demonstrate a simple genetic basis for structural coloration, and show that optix plays a deeply conserved role in butterfly wing pattern development.
Collapse
|
34
|
Deshmukh R, Baral S, Gandhimathi A, Kuwalekar M, Kunte K. Mimicry in butterflies: co-option and a bag of magnificent developmental genetic tricks. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 7. [PMID: 28913870 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Butterfly wing patterns are key adaptations that are controlled by remarkable developmental and genetic mechanisms that facilitate rapid evolutionary change. With swift advancements in the fields of genomics and genetic manipulations, identifying the regulators of wing development and mimetic wing patterns has become feasible even in nonmodel organisms such as butterflies. Recent mapping and gene expression studies have identified single switch loci of major effects such as transcription factors and supergenes as the main drivers of adaptive evolution of mimetic and polymorphic butterfly wing patterns. We highlight several of these examples, with emphasis on doublesex, optix, WntA and other dynamic, yet essential, master regulators that control critical color variation and sex-specific traits. Co-option emerges as a predominant theme, where typically embryonic and other early-stage developmental genes and networks have been rewired to regulate polymorphic and sex-limited mimetic wing patterns in iconic butterfly adaptations. Drawing comparisons from our knowledge of wing development in Drosophila, we illustrate the functional space of genes that have been recruited to regulate butterfly wing patterns. We also propose a developmental pathway that potentially results in dorsoventral mismatch in butterfly wing patterns. Such dorsoventrally mismatched color patterns modulate signal components of butterfly wings that are used in intra- and inter-specific communication. Recent advances-fuelled by RNAi-mediated knockdowns and CRISPR/Cas9-based genomic edits-in the developmental genetics of butterfly wing patterns, and the underlying biological diversity and complexity of wing coloration, are pushing butterflies as an emerging model system in ecological genetics and evolutionary developmental biology. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e291. doi: 10.1002/wdev.291 This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms Comparative Development and Evolution > Regulation of Organ Diversity Comparative Development and Evolution > Evolutionary Novelties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saurav Baral
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - A Gandhimathi
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Sun D, Guo Z, Liu Y, Zhang Y. Progress and Prospects of CRISPR/Cas Systems in Insects and Other Arthropods. Front Physiol 2017; 8:608. [PMID: 28932198 PMCID: PMC5592444 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and the CRISPR-associated gene Cas9 represent an invaluable system for the precise editing of genes in diverse species. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an adaptive mechanism that enables bacteria and archaeal species to resist invading viruses and phages or plasmids. Compared with zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has the advantage of requiring less time and effort. This efficient technology has been used in many species, including diverse arthropods that are relevant to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and public health; however, there is no review that systematically summarizes its successful application in the editing of both insect and non-insect arthropod genomes. Thus, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive and impartial overview of the progress of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in different arthropods, reviewing not only fundamental studies related to gene function exploration and experimental optimization but also applied studies in areas such as insect modification and pest control. In addition, we also describe the latest research advances regarding two novel CRISPR/Cas systems (CRISPR/Cpf1 and CRISPR/C2c2) and discuss their future prospects for becoming crucial technologies in arthropods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- Longping Branch, Graduate School of Hunan UniversityChangsha, China.,Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Zhaojiang Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Longping Branch, Graduate School of Hunan UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Özsu N, Chan QY, Chen B, Gupta MD, Monteiro A. Wingless is a positive regulator of eyespot color patterns in Bicyclus anynana butterflies. Dev Biol 2017; 429:177-185. [PMID: 28668322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Eyespot patterns of nymphalid butterflies are an example of a novel trait yet, the developmental origin of eyespots is still not well understood. Several genes have been associated with eyespot development but few have been tested for function. One of these genes is the signaling ligand, wingless, which is expressed in the eyespot centers during early pupation and may function in eyespot signaling and color ring differentiation. Here we tested the function of wingless in wing and eyespot development by down-regulating it in transgenic Bicyclus anynana butterflies via RNAi driven by an inducible heat-shock promoter. Heat-shocks applied during larval and early pupal development led to significant decreases in wingless mRNA levels and to decreases in eyespot size and wing size in adult butterflies. We conclude that wingless is a positive regulator of eyespot and wing development in B. anynana butterflies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nesibe Özsu
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
| | - Qian Yi Chan
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Bin Chen
- Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Shapingba, 400047 Chongqing, China
| | - Mainak Das Gupta
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Yale-NUS College, Singapore 138614, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dunning LT, Lundgren MR, Moreno-Villena JJ, Namaganda M, Edwards EJ, Nosil P, Osborne CP, Christin PA. Introgression and repeated co-option facilitated the recurrent emergence of C 4 photosynthesis among close relatives. Evolution 2017; 71:1541-1555. [PMID: 28395112 PMCID: PMC5488178 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The origins of novel traits are often studied using species trees and modeling phenotypes as different states of the same character, an approach that cannot always distinguish multiple origins from fewer origins followed by reversals. We address this issue by studying the origins of C4 photosynthesis, an adaptation to warm and dry conditions, in the grass Alloteropsis. We dissect the C4 trait into its components, and show two independent origins of the C4 phenotype via different anatomical modifications, and the use of distinct sets of genes. Further, inference of enzyme adaptation suggests that one of the two groups encompasses two transitions to a full C4 state from a common ancestor with an intermediate phenotype that had some C4 anatomical and biochemical components. Molecular dating of C4 genes confirms the introgression of two key C4 components between species, while the inheritance of all others matches the species tree. The number of origins consequently varies among C4 components, a scenario that could not have been inferred from analyses of the species tree alone. Our results highlight the power of studying individual components of complex traits to reconstruct trajectories toward novel adaptations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke T Dunning
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Marjorie R Lundgren
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Jose J Moreno-Villena
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | | | - Erika J Edwards
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912
| | - Patrik Nosil
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Osborne
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal-Antoine Christin
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Beldade P, Peralta CM. Developmental and evolutionary mechanisms shaping butterfly eyespots. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 19:22-29. [PMID: 28521939 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Butterfly eyespots are visually compelling models to study the reciprocal interactions between evolutionary and developmental processes that shape phenotypic variation. They are evolutionarily diversified, ecologically relevant, and developmentally tractable, and have made key contributions to linking genotype, development, phenotype and fitness. Advances in the availability of analytical tools (e.g. gene editing and visualization techniques) and resources (e.g. genomic and transcriptomic data) are boosting the detailed dissection of the mechanisms underlying eyespot development and evolution. Here, we review current knowledge on the ecology, development, and evolution of butterfly eyespots, with focus on recent advances. We also highlight a number of unsolved mysteries in our understanding of the patterns and processes underlying the diversification of these structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Beldade
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal; UMR5174, University of Toulouse, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pham T, Day SM, Glassford WJ, Williams TM, Rebeiz M. The evolutionary origination of a novel expression pattern through an extreme heterochronic shift. Evol Dev 2017; 19:43-55. [PMID: 28116844 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary origins of morphological structures are thought to often depend upon the redeployment of old genes into new developmental settings. Although many examples of cis-regulatory divergence have shown how pre-existing patterns of gene expression have been altered, only a small number of case studies have traced the origins of cis-regulatory elements that drive new expression domains. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary history of a novel expression pattern of the yellow gene within the Zaprionus genus of fruit flies. We observed a unique pattern of yellow transcript accumulation in the wing disc during the third larval instar, a stage that precedes its typical expression pattern associated with cuticular melanization by about a week. The region of the Zaprionus wing disc that expresses yellow subsequently develops into a portion of the thorax, a tissue for which yellow expression has been reported for several fruit fly species. Tests of GFP reporter transgenes containing the Zaprionus yellow regulatory region revealed that the wing disc pattern arose by changes in the cis-regulatory region of yellow. Moreover, the wing disc enhancer activity of yellow depends upon a short conserved sequence with ancestral thoracic functions, suggesting that the pupal thorax regulatory sequence was genetically reprogrammed to drive expression that commences much earlier during development. These results highlight how novel domains of gene expression may arise by extreme shifts in timing during the origins of novel traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pham
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Day
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William J Glassford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Mark Rebeiz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Connahs H, Rhen T, Simmons RB. Physiological Perturbation Reveals Modularity of Eyespot Development in the Painted Lady Butterfly, Vanessa cardui. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161745. [PMID: 27560365 PMCID: PMC4999082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Butterfly eyespots are complex morphological traits that can vary in size, shape and color composition even on the same wing surface. Homology among eyespots suggests they share a common developmental basis and function as an integrated unit in response to selection. Despite strong evidence of genetic integration, eyespots can also exhibit modularity or plasticity, indicating an underlying flexibility in pattern development. The extent to which particular eyespots or eyespot color elements exhibit modularity or integration is poorly understood, particularly following exposure to novel conditions. We used perturbation experiments to explore phenotypic correlations among different eyespots and their color elements on the ventral hindwing of V. cardui. Specifically, we identified which eyespots and eyespot features are most sensitive to perturbation by heat shock and injection of heparin-a cold shock mimic. For both treatments, the two central eyespots (3 + 4) were most affected by the experimental perturbations, whereas the outer eyespot border was more resistant to modification than the interior color elements. Overall, the individual color elements displayed a similar response to heat shock across all eyespots, but varied in their response to each other. Graphical modeling also revealed that although eyespots differ morphologically, regulation of eyespot size and colored elements appear to be largely integrated across the wing. Patterns of integration, however, were disrupted following heat shock, revealing that the strength of integration varies across the wing and is strongest between the two central eyespots. These findings support previous observations that document coupling between eyespots 3 + 4 in other nymphalid butterflies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Connahs
- Biology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Turk Rhen
- Biology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
| | - Rebecca B. Simmons
- Biology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang L, Reed RD. Genome editing in butterflies reveals that spalt promotes and Distal-less represses eyespot colour patterns. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11769. [PMID: 27302525 PMCID: PMC4912622 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Butterfly eyespot colour patterns are a key example of how a novel trait can appear in association with the co-option of developmental patterning genes. Little is known, however, about how, or even whether, co-opted genes function in eyespot development. Here we use CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to determine the roles of two co-opted transcription factors that are expressed during early eyespot determination. We found that deletions in a single gene, spalt, are sufficient to reduce or completely delete eyespot colour patterns, thus demonstrating a positive regulatory role for this gene in eyespot determination. Conversely, and contrary to previous predictions, deletions in Distal-less (Dll) result in an increase in the size and number of eyespots, illustrating a repressive role for this gene in eyespot development. Altogether our results show that the presence, absence and shape of butterfly eyespots can be controlled by the activity of two co-opted transcription factors. Transcription factors Distal-less(Dll) and spalt were co-opted during the evolution of butterfly eyespots. Here, Zhang and Reed use CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to show that while spalt is a positive regulator of eyespots as predicted, Dll knockouts have positive effects on both eyespot size and number, thus suggesting that Dll is an eyespot repressor, not an activator as previously thought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, New York 14853-7202, USA
| | - Robert D Reed
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, New York 14853-7202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Schachat SR, Brown RL. Forewing color pattern in Micropterigidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera): homologies between contrast boundaries, and a revised hypothesis for the origin of symmetry systems. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:116. [PMID: 27230100 PMCID: PMC4880886 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0687-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the great importance of lepidopteran wing patterns in various biological disciplines, homologies between wing pattern elements in different moth and butterfly lineages are still not understood. Among other reasons, this may be due to an incomplete understanding of the relationship between color pattern and wing venation; many individual wing pattern elements have a known relationship with venation, but a framework to unite all wing pattern elements with venation is lacking. Though plesiomorphic wing veins are known to influence color patterning even when not expressed in the adult wing, most studies of wing pattern evolution have focused on derived taxa with a reduced suite of wing veins. Results The present study aims to address this gap through an examination of Micropterigidae, a very early-diverged moth family in which all known plesiomorphic lepidopteran veins are expressed in the adult wing. The relationship between wing pattern and venation was examined in 66 species belonging to 9 genera. The relationship between venation and pattern element location, predicted based on moths in the family Tortricidae, holds for Sabatinca just as it does for Micropterix. However, the pattern elements that are lightly colored in Micropterix are dark in Sabatinca, and vice-versa. When plotted onto a hypothetical nymphalid wing in accordance with the relationship between pattern and venation discussed here, the wing pattern of Sabatinca doroxena very closely resembles the nymphalid groundplan. Conclusions The color difference in pattern elements between Micropterix and Sabatinca indicates that homologies exist among the contrast boundaries that divide wing pattern elements, and that color itself is not a reliable indicator of homology. The similarity between the wing pattern of Sabatinca doroxena and the nymphalid groundplan suggests that the nymphalid groundplan may have originated from a Sabatinca-like wing pattern subjected to changes in wing shape and reduced expression of venation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0687-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra R Schachat
- Mississippi Entomological Museum, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. .,Department of Paleobiology, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA.
| | - Richard L Brown
- Mississippi Entomological Museum, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Connahs H, Rhen T, Simmons RB. Transcriptome analysis of the painted lady butterfly, Vanessa cardui during wing color pattern development. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:270. [PMID: 27030049 PMCID: PMC4815134 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Butterfly wing color patterns are an important model system for understanding the evolution and development of morphological diversity and animal pigmentation. Wing color patterns develop from a complex network composed of highly conserved patterning genes and pigmentation pathways. Patterning genes are involved in regulating pigment synthesis however the temporal expression dynamics of these interacting networks is poorly understood. Here, we employ next generation sequencing to examine expression patterns of the gene network underlying wing development in the nymphalid butterfly, Vanessa cardui. RESULTS We identified 9, 376 differentially expressed transcripts during wing color pattern development, including genes involved in patterning, pigmentation and gene regulation. Differential expression of these genes was highest at the pre-ommochrome stage compared to early pupal and late melanin stages. Overall, an increasing number of genes were down-regulated during the progression of wing development. We observed dynamic expression patterns of a large number of pigment genes from the ommochrome, melanin and also pteridine pathways, including contrasting patterns of expression for paralogs of the yellow gene family. Surprisingly, many patterning genes previously associated with butterfly pattern elements were not significantly up-regulated at any time during pupation, although many other transcription factors were differentially expressed. Several genes involved in Notch signaling were significantly up-regulated during the pre-ommochrome stage including slow border cells, bunched and pebbles; the function of these genes in the development of butterfly wings is currently unknown. Many genes involved in ecdysone signaling were also significantly up-regulated during early pupal and late melanin stages and exhibited opposing patterns of expression relative to the ecdysone receptor. Finally, a comparison across four butterfly transcriptomes revealed 28 transcripts common to all four species that have no known homologs in other metazoans. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive list of differentially expressed transcripts during wing development, revealing potential candidate genes that may be involved in regulating butterfly wing patterns. Some differentially expressed genes have no known homologs possibly representing genes unique to butterflies. Results from this study also indicate that development of nymphalid wing patterns may arise not only from melanin and ommochrome pigments but also the pteridine pigment pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Connahs
- Biology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Turk Rhen
- Biology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Rebecca B Simmons
- Biology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Adhikari K, Otaki JM. A Single-Wing Removal Method to Assess Correspondence Between Gene Expression and Phenotype in Butterflies: The Case of Distal-less. Zoolog Sci 2016; 33:13-20. [PMID: 26853864 DOI: 10.2108/zs150113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is often desirable but difficult to retrieve information on the mature phenotype of an immature tissue sample that has been subjected to gene expression analysis. This problem cannot be ignored when individual variation within a species is large. To circumvent this problem in the butterfly wing system, we developed a new surgical method for removing a single forewing from a pupa using Junonia orithya; the operated pupa was left to develop to an adult without eclosion. The removed right forewing was subjected to gene expression analysis, whereas the non-removed left forewing was examined for color patterns. As a test case, we focused on Distal-less (Dll), which likely plays an active role in inducing elemental patterns, including eyespots. The Dll expression level in forewings was paired with eyespot size data from the same individual. One third of the operated pupae survived and developed wing color patterns. Dll expression levels were significantly higher in males than in females, although male eyespots were smaller in size than female eyespots. Eyespot size data showed weak but significant correlations with the Dll expression level in females. These results demonstrate that a single-wing removal method was successfully applied to the butterfly wing system and suggest the weak and non-exclusive contribution of Dll to eyespot size determination in this butterfly. Our novel methodology for establishing correspondence between gene expression and phenotype can be applied to other candidate genes for color pattern development in butterflies. Conceptually similar methods may also be applicable in other developmental systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Adhikari
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Joji M Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chazot N, Panara S, Zilbermann N, Blandin P, Le Poul Y, Cornette R, Elias M, Debat V. Morpho morphometrics: Shared ancestry and selection drive the evolution of wing size and shape inMorphobutterflies. Evolution 2016; 70:181-94. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Chazot
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| | - Stephen Panara
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| | - Nicolas Zilbermann
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| | - Patrick Blandin
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| | - Yann Le Poul
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| | - Raphaël Cornette
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| | - Marianne Elias
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| | - Vincent Debat
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; Sorbonne Universités; 57 rue Cuvier, CP50, F-75005 Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Taira W, Otaki JM. Butterfly Wings Are Three-Dimensional: Pupal Cuticle Focal Spots and Their Associated Structures in Junonia Butterflies. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146348. [PMID: 26731532 PMCID: PMC4701663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Butterfly wing color patterns often contain eyespots, which are developmentally determined at the late larval and early pupal stages by organizing activities of focal cells that can later form eyespot foci. In the pupal stage, the focal position of a future eyespot is often marked by a focal spot, one of the pupal cuticle spots, on the pupal surface. Here, we examined the possible relationships of the pupal focal spots with the underneath pupal wing tissues and with the adult wing eyespots using Junonia butterflies. Large pupal focal spots were found in two species with large adult eyespots, J. orithya and J. almana, whereas only small pupal focal spots were found in a species with small adult eyespots, J. hedonia. The size of five pupal focal spots on a single wing was correlated with the size of the corresponding adult eyespots in J. orithya. A pupal focal spot was a three-dimensional bulge of cuticle surface, and the underside of the major pupal focal spot exhibited a hollowed cuticle in a pupal case. Cross sections of a pupal wing revealed that the cuticle layer shows a curvature at a focal spot, and a positional correlation was observed between the cuticle layer thickness and its corresponding cell layer thickness. Adult major eyespots of J. orithya and J. almana exhibited surface elevations and depressions that approximately correspond to the coloration within an eyespot. Our results suggest that a pupal focal spot is produced by the organizing activity of focal cells underneath the focal spot. Probably because the focal cell layer immediately underneath a focal spot is thicker than that of its surrounding areas, eyespots of adult butterfly wings are three-dimensionally constructed. The color-height relationship in adult eyespots might have an implication in the developmental signaling for determining the eyespot color patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Joji M. Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ho S, Schachat SR, Piel WH, Monteiro A. Attack risk for butterflies changes with eyespot number and size. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:150614. [PMID: 26909190 PMCID: PMC4736945 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Butterfly eyespots are known to function in predator deflection and predator intimidation, but it is still unclear what factors cause eyespots to serve one function over the other. Both functions have been demonstrated in different species that varied in eyespot size, eyespot number and wing size, leaving the contribution of each of these factors to butterfly survival unclear. Here, we study how each of these factors contributes to eyespot function by using paper butterfly models, where each factor is varied in turn, and exposing these models to predation in the field. We find that the presence of multiple, small eyespots results in high predation, whereas single large eyespots (larger than 6 mm in diameter) results in low predation. These data indicate that single large eyespots intimidate predators, whereas multiple small eyespots produce a conspicuous, but non-intimidating signal to predators. We propose that eyespots may gain an intimidation function by increasing in size. Our measurements of eyespot size in 255 nymphalid butterfly species show that large eyespots are relatively rare and occur predominantly on ventral wing surfaces. By mapping eyespot size on the phylogeny of the family Nymphalidae, we show that these large eyespots, with a potential intimidation function, are dispersed throughout multiple nymphalid lineages, indicating that phylogeny is not a strong predictor of eyespot size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ho
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sandra R. Schachat
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
- Department of Paleobiology, Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, MRC 121, Washington, DC 20013, USA
| | - William H. Piel
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Yale-NUS College, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Yale-NUS College, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dhungel B, Ohno Y, Matayoshi R, Iwasaki M, Taira W, Adhikari K, Gurung R, Otaki JM. Distal-less induces elemental color patterns in Junonia butterfly wings. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2016; 2:4. [PMID: 26937287 PMCID: PMC4774158 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-016-0040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The border ocellus, or eyespot, is a conspicuous color pattern element in butterfly wings. For two decades, it has been hypothesized that transcription factors such as Distal-less (Dll) are responsible for eyespot pattern development in butterfly wings, based on their expression in the prospective eyespots. In particular, it has been suggested that Dll is a determinant for eyespot size. However, functional evidence for this hypothesis has remained incomplete, due to technical difficulties. RESULTS Here, we show that ectopically expressed Dll induces ectopic elemental color patterns in the adult wings of the blue pansy butterfly, Junonia orithya (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae). Using baculovirus-mediated gene transfer, we misexpressed Dll protein fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in pupal wings, resulting in ectopic color patterns, but not the formation of intact eyespots. Induced changes included clusters of black and orange scales (a basic feature of eyespot patterns), black and gray scales, and inhibition of cover scale development. In contrast, ectopic expression of GFP alone did not induce any color pattern changes using the same baculovirus-mediated gene transfer system. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that Dll plays an instructive role in the development of color pattern elements in butterfly wings, although Dll alone may not be sufficient to induce a complete eyespot. This study thus experimentally supports the hypothesis of Dll function in eyespot development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bidur Dhungel
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ohno
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| | - Rie Matayoshi
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| | - Mayo Iwasaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| | - Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| | - Kiran Adhikari
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| | - Raj Gurung
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| | - Joji M. Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Liseki SD, Vane-Wright RI. Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of Mount Kilimanjaro: Nymphalidae subfamilies Libytheinae, Danainae, Satyrinae and Charaxinae. J NAT HIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1091106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
50
|
Differential Expression of Ecdysone Receptor Leads to Variation in Phenotypic Plasticity across Serial Homologs. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005529. [PMID: 26405828 PMCID: PMC4583414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bodies are often made of repeated units, or serial homologs, that develop using the same core gene regulatory network. Local inputs and modifications to this network allow serial homologs to evolve different morphologies, but currently we do not understand which modifications allow these repeated traits to evolve different levels of phenotypic plasticity. Here we describe variation in phenotypic plasticity across serial homologous eyespots of the butterfly Bicyclus anynana, hypothesized to be under selection for similar or different functions in the wet and dry seasonal forms. Specifically, we document the presence of eyespot size and scale brightness plasticity in hindwing eyespots hypothesized to vary in function across seasons, and reduced size plasticity and absence of brightness plasticity in forewing eyespots hypothesized to have the same function across seasons. By exploring the molecular and physiological causes of this variation in plasticity across fore and hindwing serial homologs we discover that: 1) temperature experienced during the wandering stages of larval development alters titers of an ecdysteroid hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), in the hemolymph of wet and dry seasonal forms at that stage; 2) the 20E receptor (EcR) is differentially expressed in the forewing and hindwing eyespot centers of both seasonal forms during this critical developmental stage; and 3) manipulations of EcR signaling disproportionately affected hindwing eyespots relative to forewing eyespots. We propose that differential EcR expression across forewing and hindwing eyespots at a critical stage of development explains the variation in levels of phenotypic plasticity across these serial homologues. This finding provides a novel signaling pathway, 20E, and a novel molecular candidate, EcR, for the regulation of levels of phenotypic plasticity across body parts or serial homologs. One of the most exquisite types of organismal adaptations in nature occurs when organisms are able to change the way they develop in anticipation of the different selective environments they will experience as adults. This leads to variation in adult morphologies that are adaptive. Environmental cues experienced during development often lead to variation in hormonal titers that can have profound effect on the way genes are regulated and on the adult morphology. Here we examine the hormonal and molecular mechanisms that allow specific traits that are repeated in an organism (butterfly eyespots) to either be sensitive to environmental cues–and develop different morphologies—or insensitive to these cues and develop the same morphology. We discover that a specific gene, a hormone receptor, that is expressed in the sensitive eyespots but absent in the insensitive eyespots, is responsible for regulating the level of sensitivity of each of the eyespots to an environmental cue. We identify a molecule that is regulating levels of environmental sensitivity, or phenotypic plasticity, across repeated traits in an organism.
Collapse
|