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Ma L, Liu S, Shi M, Chen XX, Li S. Ras1CA-upregulated BCPI inhibits cathepsin activity to prevent tissue destruction of the Bombyx posterior silk gland. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:1924-34. [PMID: 23438485 DOI: 10.1021/pr400005g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Using the GAL4/UAS transgenic system established in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, we have previously reported that overexpression of the Ras1(CA) oncogene specifically in the posterior silk gland (PSG) resulted in improved fibroin synthesis, silk yield, and other phenotypic effects. However, the detailed molecular mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. Using 2D-DIGE-MS/MS analyses, we compared the proteomic profiles of PSGs from the wild type (WT) and Ras1(CA)-overexpressed silkworms. Among the 24 Ras1(CA)-enhanced proteins, the Bombyx cysteine protease inhibitor (BCPI) was increased 2.4-fold at the protein level and 3.4-fold at the mRNA level. Consistent with the developmental profiles, injection of recombinant BCPI into the WT silkworms at the early wandering stage inhibited cathepsin activity, prevented tissue destruction of the PSG, and delayed pupation. Moreover, injection of small-molecule inhibitors of cathepsin into the WT silkworms prevented PSG destruction and delayed pupation, confirming the role of BCPI in inhibiting cathepsin activity. Furthermore, injection of chemical inhibitors of the Ras downstream effectors into the Ras1(CA)-overexpressed and WT silkworms revealed that both Raf-MAPK and PI3K-TORC1 pathways were required for Ras1 to induce bcpi expression. Taken together, we conclude that via the downstream Raf-MAPK and PI3K-TORC1 pathways, Ras1(CA) upregulates bcpi, which inhibits cathepsin activity thus preventing PSG destruction in Bombyx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200032, China
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Zhang Y, Lu YX, Liu J, Yang C, Feng QL, Xu WH. A regulatory pathway, ecdysone-transcription factor relish-cathepsin L, is involved in insect fat body dissociation. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003273. [PMID: 23459255 PMCID: PMC3573115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect fat body is the organ for intermediary metabolism, comparable to vertebrate liver and adipose tissue. Larval fat body is disintegrated to individual fat body cells and then adult fat body is remodeled at the pupal stage. However, little is known about the dissociation mechanism. We find that the moth Helicoverpa armigera cathepsin L (Har-CL) is expressed heavily in the fat body and is released from fat body cells into the extracellular matrix. The inhibitor and RNAi experiments demonstrate that Har-CL functions in the fat body dissociation in H. armigera. Further, a nuclear protein is identified to be transcription factor Har-Relish, which was found in insect immune response and specifically binds to the promoter of Har-CL gene to regulate its activity. Har-Relish also responds to the steroid hormone ecdysone. Thus, the dissociation of the larval fat body is involved in the hormone (ecdysone)-transcription factor (Relish)-target gene (cathepsin L) regulatory pathway. Insect fat body is the intermediary metabolism organ and the main source of hemolymph components, and it is crucial for insect development and metamorphosis. However, molecular mechanism for the fat body remodeling is almost unknown other than in Drosophila melanogaster. A pupal diapause species the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Har), is a useful model to study individual or tissue remodeling, because larval fat body will remain integral in diapause-type pupae for months, whereas the dissociation of larval fat body will start on day 0 after pupation in nondiapause-type ones. Here, we find that H. armigera cathepsin L (Har-CL) is released from fat body cells into the extracellular matrix for tissue dissociation. A nuclear protein is identified to be transcription factor Har-Relish, which regulates the promoter activity of Har-CL gene. Har-Relish also responds to the steroid hormone ecdysone. Thus, a new regulatory mechanism, ecdysone-Relish-cathepsin L signaling pathway, is involved in the larval fat body dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Cui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Li Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Hua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Li J, Li X, Chen Y, Yang Z, Guo S. Solexa sequencing based transcriptome analysis of Helicoverpa armigera larvae. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:11051-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Santamaría ME, Hernández-Crespo P, Ortego F, Grbic V, Grbic M, Diaz I, Martinez M. Cysteine peptidases and their inhibitors in Tetranychus urticae: a comparative genomic approach. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:307. [PMID: 22784002 PMCID: PMC3407033 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cysteine peptidases in the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae are involved in essential physiological processes, including proteolytic digestion. Cystatins and thyropins are inhibitors of cysteine peptidases that modulate their activity, although their function in this species has yet to be investigated. Comparative genomic analyses are powerful tools to obtain advanced knowledge into the presence and evolution of both, peptidases and their inhibitors, and could aid to elucidate issues concerning the function of these proteins. Results We have performed a genomic comparative analysis of cysteine peptidases and their inhibitors in T. urticae and representative species of different arthropod taxonomic groups. The results indicate: i) clade-specific proliferations are common to C1A papain-like peptidases and for the I25B cystatin family of inhibitors, whereas the C1A inhibitors thyropins are evolutionarily more conserved among arthropod clades; ii) an unprecedented extensive expansion for C13 legumain-like peptidases is found in T. urticae; iii) a sequence-structure analysis of the spider mite cystatins suggests that diversification may be related to an expansion of their inhibitory range; and iv) an in silico transcriptomic analysis shows that most cathepsin B and L cysteine peptidases, legumains and several members of the cystatin family are expressed at a higher rate in T. urticae feeding stages than in embryos. Conclusion Comparative genomics has provided valuable insights on the spider mite cysteine peptidases and their inhibitors. Mite-specific proliferations of C1A and C13 peptidase and I25 cystatin families and their over-expression in feeding stages of mites fit with a putative role in mite’s feeding and could have a key role in its broad host feeding range.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Estrella Santamaría
- Department of Biology WSC 339/341, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
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55
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Wang JL, Liu XS, Zhang Q, Zhao HB, Wang YF. Expression profiles of six novel C-type lectins in response to bacterial and 20E injection in the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 37:221-232. [PMID: 22516747 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectins can act as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and play an important role in innate immunity. Two C-type lectins (HaCTL1 and HaCTL2) have been previously identified in the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). Here we isolate six C-type lectins from H. armigera (HaCTL3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). All six new HaCTLs encode a signal peptide (or partial signal peptide) and complete tandem carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs). HaCTL4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 mRNA increased in the fat body after injection with both killed Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, whereas HaCTL3 mRNA was upregulated following E. coli injection only. Recombinant HaCTL3 exhibited agglutinating activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in a calcium-dependent manner. Agglutination inhibitory analysis indicated that rHaCTL3 recognizes maltose, trehalose, peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharides. HaCTL3 and HaCTL8 mRNA showed upregulation while HaCTL4, 5, and 6 mRNA downregulation post 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) injection. Our results indicate that the six novel C-type lectins of H. armigera may play important roles in defending against bacteria as PRRs and the hormone 20E can function in regulating immunity through lectins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Science, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
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56
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Waniek PJ, Pacheco Costa JE, Jansen AM, Costa J, Araújo CAC. Cathepsin L of Triatoma brasiliensis (Reduviidae, Triatominae): sequence characterization, expression pattern and zymography. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 58:178-187. [PMID: 22100382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2011] [Revised: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Triatoma brasiliensis is considered one of the main vectors of Chagas disease commonly found in semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil. These insects use proteases, such as carboxypeptidase B, aminopeptidases and different cathepsins for blood digestion. In the present study, two genes encoding cathepsin L from the midgut of T. brasiliensis were identified and characterized. Mature T. brasiliensis cathepsin L-like proteinases (TBCATL-1, TBCATL-2) showed a high level of identity to the cathepsin L-like proteinases of other insects, with highest similarity to Rhodnius prolixus. Both cathepsin L transcripts were highly abundant in the posterior midgut region, the main region of the blood digestion. Determination of the pH in the whole intestine of unfed T. brasiliensis revealed alkaline conditions in the anterior midgut region (stomach) and acidic conditions in the posterior midgut region (small intestine). Gelatine in-gel zymography showed the activity of at least four distinct proteinases in the small intestine and the cysteine proteinase inhibitors transepoxysuccinyl-l-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane (E-64) and cathepsin B inhibitor and N-(l-3-trans-propylcarbamoyl-oxirane-2-carbonyl)-l-isoleucyl-l-proline (CA-074) were employed to characterize enzymatic activity. E-64 fully inhibited cysteine proteinase activity, whereas in the samples treated with CA-074 residual proteinase activity was detectable. Thus, proteolytic activity could at least partially be ascribed to cathepsin L. Western blot analysis using specific anti cathepsin L antibodies confirmed the presence of cathepsin L in the lumen of the small intestine of the insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Waniek
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Saikia M, Singh YT, Bhattacharya A, Mazumdar-Leighton S. Expression of diverse midgut serine proteinases in the sericigenous Lepidoptera Antheraea assamensis (Helfer) is influenced by choice of host plant species. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 20:1-13. [PMID: 20854480 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2010.01048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Antheraea assamensis is reared on various species of the Lauraceae family from north-east India for its distinctive cocoon silk. We demonstrate differential expression of digestive trypsin and chymotrypsins in larvae feeding on a primary host, Persea bombycina Kosterm., in comparison to larvae feeding on Litsea monopetala Roxb. using in vitro proteolytic assays, zymogram analyses with proteinase inhibitors, restriction digestion of RNA-PCR amplicons and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Eight novel members of the serine proteinase gene family were identified, including an intron-spliced trypsin (AaPb4) and seven putative chymotrypsins (AaPb2, AaPb4, AaPb12, AaLm4, AaLm6, AaLm19 and AaLm29). Midgut transcript levels of the putative trypsin were higher in larvae fed P. bombycina whereas levels of transcripts encoding putative chymotrypsins were higher in larvae reared on L. monopetala. Complex, differential expression of sequence divergent midgut serine proteinases may reflect the ability of lepidopteran larvae to feed on different species of host plants. Possible implications of host plant choice on the digestive physiology of A. assamensis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Saikia
- Insect-Plant Interactions Group, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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58
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Tang B, Chen J, Yao Q, Pan Z, Xu W, Wang S, Zhang W. Characterization of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene from Spodoptera exigua and its function identification through RNA interference. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 56:813-821. [PMID: 20193689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Trehalose is an important disaccharide and a key regulation factor for the development of many organisms, including plants, bacteria, fungi and insects. In order to study the trehalose synthesis pathway, a cDNA for a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase from Spodoptera exigua (SeTPS) was cloned which contained an open reading frame of 2481 nucleotides encoding a protein of 826 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 92.65kDa. The SeTPS genome has 12 exons and 11 introns. Northern blot and RT-PCR analyses showed that SeTPS mRNA was expressed in the fat body and in the ovary. Competitive RT-PCR revealed that SeTPS mRNA was expressed in the fat body at different developmental stages and was present at a high level in day 1 S. exigua pupae. The concentrations of trehalose and glucose in the hemolymph were determined by HPLC and showed that they varied at different developmental stages and were negatively correlated to each other. The survival rates of the insects injected with dsRNA corresponding to SeTPS gene reached 53.95%, 49.06%, 34.86% and 33.24% for 36, 48, 60 and 204h post-injection respectively which were significantly lower than those of the insects in three control groups. These findings provide new data on the tissue distribution, expression patterns and potential function of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
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59
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Broehan G, Arakane Y, Beeman RW, Kramer KJ, Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H. Chymotrypsin-like peptidases from Tribolium castaneum: a role in molting revealed by RNA interference. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 40:274-283. [PMID: 19897036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/31/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Chymotrypsin-like peptidases (CTLPs) of insects are primarily secreted into the gut lumen where they act as digestive enzymes. We studied the gene family encoding CTLPs in the genome of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Using an extended search pattern, we identified 14 TcCTLP genes that encode peptidases with S1 specificity pocket residues typically found in chymotrypsin-like enzymes. We further analyzed the expression patterns of seven TcCTLP genes at various developmental stages. While some TcCTLP genes were exclusively expressed in feeding larval and adult stages (TcCTLP-5A/B, TcCTLP-6A), others were also detected in non-feeding embryonic (TcCTLP-5C, TcCTLP-6D) and pupal stages (TcCTLP-5C, TcCTLP-6C/D/E). TcCTLP genes were expressed predominantly in the midgut, where they presumably function in digestion. However, TcCTLP-6C and TcCTLP-5C also showed considerable expression in the carcass. The latter two genes might therefore encode peptidases that act as molting fluid enzymes. To test this hypothesis, we performed western blots using protein extracts from larval exuviae. The extracts reacted with antibodies to TcCTLP-5C and TcCTLP-6E suggesting that the corresponding peptidases are secreted into the molting fluid. Finally, we performed systemic RNAi experiments. While injections of five TcCTLP-dsRNAs into penultimate larvae did not affect growth or development, injection of dsRNA for TcCTLP-5C and TcCTLP-6C resulted in severe molting defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Broehan
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, Division of Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastr. 11, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany
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Wang LF, Chai LQ, He HJ, Wang Q, Wang JX, Zhao XF. A cathepsin L-like proteinase is involved in moulting and metamorphosis in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 19:99-111. [PMID: 20002797 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2009.00952.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Holometabolous insects undergo larval moulting and metamorphosis within their life cycle. A cDNA encoding the cathepsin L-like proteinase Ha-cathL has been cloned from Helicoverpa armigera. It has a sequence of 1826 bp and encodes a 550-residue protein with a molecular mass of 63 kDa. Northern blot analysis indicated that Ha-cathL is specifically expressed in haemocytes, with increased expression during larval moulting and metamorphosis. In vivo experimentation revealed that Ha-cathL is up-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone. Meanwhile, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry revealed that Ha-cathL mRNA is mainly expressed in granulocytes and plasmatocytes. Knock down of cathepsin L by RNA interference results in larvae death before pupation or the formation of a chimeric pupa containing a larval head and thorax, abnormal wings and the pupal abdomen. The reason for this is that the affected haemocytes cannot become granulated, and therefore cannot participate in fat body remodelling and wing development. These facts suggest that Ha-cathL is involved in larval moulting and metamorphosis by participating in the functioning of haemocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-F Wang
- School of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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He HJ, Wang Q, Zheng WW, Wang JX, Song QS, Zhao XF. Function of nuclear transport factor 2 and Ran in the 20E signal transduction pathway in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. BMC Cell Biol 2010; 11:1. [PMID: 20044931 PMCID: PMC2830935 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-11-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nuclear transport factor 2 and small GTPase Ran participate in the nucleo-cytoplasm transport of macromolecules, but their function in the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signal transduction pathway are not well known. Results A 703 bp encoding Ntf2 and a 1233 bp encoding Ran full-length cDNAs were cloned from Helicoverpa armigera, and named Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran, respectively. Northern blot and immunoblotting revealed that Ha-Ntf2 had an obviously higher expression levels in the head-thorax and integument of the metamorphically committed larvae. In contrast, the expression of Ha-Ran did not show obvious variation at various developmental stages in four tissues by immunoblotting analysis, except in the midgut, which showed increased expression from 5th-36 h (molting) to 6th-48 h. Both expressions of Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran could be upregulated by 20E in vitro. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran were primarily localized in the nucleus of various tissues. Protein binding assay and co-immunoprecipitation indicated that Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran can combine with each other in vitro and in vivo. Knock down of Ha-Ntf2 or Ha-Ran by RNAi resulted in the suppression of other 20E regulated genes including EcR-B1, USP1, E75B, BR-CZ2, HHR3 and Ha-eIF5c. In addition, the knockdown of Ha-Ntf2 resulted in Ha-Ran being prevented in the cytoplasm. The nuclear location of the ecdysone receptor b1 (EcR-B1) was also blocked after the knockdown of Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran. Conclusion These evidences suggested that Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran participated in the 20E signal transduction pathway by regulating the location of EcR-B1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Juan He
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, Shandong, PR China
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Liu Y, Sui YP, Wang JX, Zhao XF. Characterization of the trypsin-like protease (Ha-TLP2) constitutively expressed in the integument of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 72:74-87. [PMID: 19557747 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Trypsins belong to the serine endoproteases. They are the most important proteases in insects because of their key roles in food digestion and zymogens activation. But there has been little study of the trypsins in the integuments of insects. In this work, we cloned a trypsin-like protease gene from Helicoverpa armigera and named it trypsin-like protease 2 (Ha-TLP2). Semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that Ha-TLP2 is constitutively expressed in the integument and can be down-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and up-regulated by the juvenile hormone (JH) analog methoprene. Immunohistochemistry showed that Ha-TLP2 is located not only in the epidermis, but also in new and old cuticles. Immunoblotting and gelatin-SDS-PAGE revealed that Ha-TLP2 is constitutively expressed with activity in the integument during larval feeding, molting, and metamorphosis. This evidence suggests that Ha-TLP2 is involved in the remodeling of the integument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, Shandong, China
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Pyati PS, Bell HA, Fitches E, Price DRG, Gatehouse AMR, Gatehouse JA. Cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (DcCathL) from Delia coarctata (wheat bulb fly): basis of insecticidal activity. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 39:535-546. [PMID: 19481148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A cDNA encoding a cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (DcCathL) was prepared from gut tissue of larvae of wheat bulb fly (Delia coarctata: Diptera). The predicted protein is a homologue of the product of Drosophila melanogaster gene Cp-1 (CG6692), and is similar to a sub-family of cysteine proteinases found in other insects which have roles in tissue remodelling during development, and moulting. Recombinant DcCathL was produced using the yeast Pichia pastoris as expression host, and showed hydrolytic activity in vitro towards the synthetic substrate Z-Phe-Arg-AMC with a pH optimum of 4.5. DcCathL was insecticidal to lepidopteran larvae when injected into haemolymph, causing mortality that was accompanied by systemic melanisation, suggesting that DcCathL was affecting the immune-related proteolytic activation cascade leading to production of active phenoloxidase. This process is normally negatively regulated by serpins in the haemolymph. Recombinant serpins from cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) did not inhibit DcCathL, and were susceptible to degradation by the enzyme in vitro in buffer and extracted haemolymph. When M. brassicae larvae were co-injected with a lethal dose of DcCathL and exogenous recombinant serpins, no mortality or systemic melanisation was observed, suggesting that the insecticidal effects of DcCathL in vivo result from degradation of endogenous serpins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S Pyati
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, UK
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64
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Sui YP, Liu XB, Chai LQ, Wang JX, Zhao XF. Characterization and influences of classical insect hormones on the expression profiles of a molting carboxypeptidase A from the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 18:353-363. [PMID: 19523067 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2009.00879.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Molting is a very important physiological behavior to arthropods. During molting, integument apolysis occurs, which is the digestion and absorption of the old endocuticle for new cuticle formation. Proteases play critical roles in this process. Molting carboxypeptidase A (Ha-CPA) is characterized from Helicoverpa armigera. The Ha-CPA transcript was mainly present in the integument from the 5th instar larvae. In the integument, the transcription level of the gene reached its peak at the 5th instar molting stage and the 6th instar prepupal stage, respectively. The examination of immunohistochemistry revealed that Ha-CPA could distribute into the molting fluid in the molting- and prepupal-stage larvae. The expression of Ha-CPA could be up-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). These facts indicate that Ha-CPA participates in the apolysis of the integument during larval molting and metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-P Sui
- Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Serbielle C, Moreau S, Veillard F, Voldoire E, Bézier A, Mannucci MA, Volkoff AN, Drezen JM, Lalmanach G, Huguet E. Identification of parasite-responsive cysteine proteases inManduca sexta. Biol Chem 2009; 390:493-502. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2009.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractParasites have evolved different virulence strategies to manipulate host physiological functions. The parasitoid waspCotesia congregatainduces developmental arrest and immune suppression of its Lepidopteran hostManduca sexta. In this interaction, a symbiotic virus (C. congregataBracovirus, CcBV) associated with the wasp is essential for parasitism success. The virus is injected into the host with wasp eggs and virus genes are expressed in host tissues. Among potential CcBV virulence genes, cystatins, which are tight binding inhibitors of C1A cysteine proteases, are suspected to play an important role in the interaction owing to their high level of expression. So far, however, potentialin vivotargets inM. sextaare unknown. Here, we characterized for the first time fourM. sextaC1A cysteine proteases corresponding to cathepsin L and cathepsin B and two different ‘26–29 kDa’ cysteine proteases (MsCath1 and MsCath2). Our analyses revealed that MsCath1 and MsCath2 are transcriptionally downregulated in the course of parasitism. Moreover, viral Cystatin1 and MsCath1 co-localize in the plasma following parasitism, strongly suggesting that they interact. We also show that parasitism induces a general increase of cysteine protease activity which is later controlled. The potential involvement of cysteine proteases in defense against parasitoids is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Serbielle
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université François Rabelais, UMR CNRS 6035, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France
| | - Sébastien Moreau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université François Rabelais, UMR CNRS 6035, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France
| | - Florian Veillard
- INSERM U 618 ‘Protéases et Vectorisation Pulmonaires’ IFR 135 ‘Imagerie Fonctionnelle’, Université François Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, F-37032 Tours cedex, France
| | - Emilien Voldoire
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université François Rabelais, UMR CNRS 6035, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France
| | - Annie Bézier
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université François Rabelais, UMR CNRS 6035, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France
| | - Marie-Anne Mannucci
- Biologie Intégrative et Virologie des Insectes, UMR1231 INRA – Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, F-34095 Montpellier cedex, France
| | - Anne-Nathalie Volkoff
- Biologie Intégrative et Virologie des Insectes, UMR1231 INRA – Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, F-34095 Montpellier cedex, France
| | - Jean-Michel Drezen
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université François Rabelais, UMR CNRS 6035, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France
| | - Gilles Lalmanach
- INSERM U 618 ‘Protéases et Vectorisation Pulmonaires’ IFR 135 ‘Imagerie Fonctionnelle’, Université François Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, F-37032 Tours cedex, France
| | - Elisabeth Huguet
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université François Rabelais, UMR CNRS 6035, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France
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Li H, Tang H, Sivakumar S, Philip J, Harrison RL, Gatehouse JA, Bonning BC. Insecticidal activity of a basement membrane-degrading protease against Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:777-789. [PMID: 18395222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Revised: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ScathL is a cathepsin L-like cysteine protease derived from the flesh fly Sarcophaga peregrina that functions in basement membrane (BM) remodeling during insect development. A recombinant baculovirus expressing ScathL (AcMLF9.ScathL) kills larvae of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens, significantly faster than the wild-type virus. Here, we show that the occurrence of larval melanization prior to death was closely associated with the onset of high cysteine protease activity of ScathL in the hemolymph of fifth instars infected with AcMLF9.ScathL, but not with AcMLF9.ScathL.C146A, a recombinant baculovirus expressing a catalytic site mutant of ScathL. Fragmented fat body, ruptured gut and malpighian tubules, and melanized tracheae were observed in AcMLF9.ScathL-infected larvae. Phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph was unchanged, but the pool of prophenoloxidase was significantly reduced in virus-infected larvae and further reduced in AcMLF9.ScathL-infected larvae. The median lethal dose (LD(50)) for purified ScathL injected into fifth-instar H. virescens was 11.0 microg/larva. ScathL was also lethal to adult pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum with a similar loss of integrity of the gut and fat body. Injection with purified ScathL.C146A or bovine trypsin at 20 microg/larva did not produce any effect in either insect. These results illustrate the potent insecticidal effects of ScathL cysteine protease activity and the potential for use of ScathL in development of insect resistant transgenic plants when combined with an appropriate delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huarong Li
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, 418 Science II, Ames, IA 50011-3222, USA
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67
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Tang H, Li H, Lei SM, Harrison RL, Bonning BC. Tissue specificity of a baculovirus-expressed, basement membrane-degrading protease in larvae of Heliothis virescens. Tissue Cell 2007; 39:431-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2007.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Revised: 07/24/2007] [Accepted: 08/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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68
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Simpson RM, Newcomb RD, Gatehouse HS, Crowhurst RN, Chagné D, Gatehouse LN, Markwick NP, Beuning LL, Murray C, Marshall SD, Yauk YK, Nain B, Wang YY, Gleave AP, Christeller JT. Expressed sequence tags from the midgut of Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2007; 16:675-690. [PMID: 18092997 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2007.00763.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The midgut is a key tissue in insect science. Physiological roles include digestion and peritrophic membrane function, as well as being an important target for insecticides. We used an expressed sequence tag (EST) approach to identify candidate genes and gene families involved in these processes in the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Two cDNA libraries were constructed from dissected midgut of third to fifth instar larvae. Clustering analysis of 6416 expressed sequence tags produced 1178 tentative unique genes comprising 725 tentative contigs and 453 singletons. The sequences show similar codon usage to sequences from other lepidopterans, a Kozak consensus sequence similar to Drosophila and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected at a frequency of 1.35/kb. The identity of the most common Interpro families correlates well with major known functions of the midgut. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on representative sequences from selected multigene families. Gene families include a broad range of digestive proteases, lipases and carbohydrases that appear to have degradative capacity against the major food components found in leaves, the diet of these larvae; and carboxylesterases, glutathione-S-transferases and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, potentially involved in xenobiotic degradation. Two of the larger multigene families, serine proteases and lipases, expressed a high proportion of genes that are likely to be catalytically inactive.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Simpson
- Horticulture and Food Research Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Synthesis dynamic and developmental profile of prothoracicotropic hormone between diapause- and nondiapause-destined individuals in Helicoverpa armigera. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-007-0310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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70
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Xu J, Su J, Shen J, Xu W. Molecular characterization and developmental expression of the gene encoding the prothoracicotropic hormone in the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 50:466-72. [PMID: 17653666 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-007-0060-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2006] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), a neuropeptide hormone stimulating the prothoracic glands to synthesize ecdysone, plays an important role in regulating postembryonic development in insects. The cDNA encoding PTTH was isolated and sequenced from the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Spe). The deduced amino acid sequence is composed of a signal peptide, a peptide (65 amino acids) of unknown function, and a mature PTTH molecule (111 amino acids). The Spe-PTTH shows similarities (45.5%-70.3%) to other known PTTHs reported in Lepidoptera species, but 7 cysteine residues and the hydrophobic regions were conserved. Whole-mount immunocytochemistry by using an antiserum against recombinant Helicoverpa armigera PTTH showed that Spe-PTTH was synthesized in two pairs of neurosecretory cells in the S. exigua brain. Northern blot analysis demonstrates the presence of a 1.2-kb transcript in the brain. The Spe-PTTH mRNA is detectable at high levels at the wandering larval stage, early pupal stage, and pharate adult stage, suggesting that the Spe-PTTH gene might be correlated with molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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Identification and expression profile of a putative basement membrane protein gene in the midgut of Helicoverpa armigera. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2007; 7:76. [PMID: 17597546 PMCID: PMC1925069 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-7-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Accepted: 06/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The midgut undergoes histolysis and remodeling during the larval to adult transition in holometabolous insects, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not well understood. RESULTS Using Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH), we identified a 531 bp cDNA predicted to encode a 176 amino acid protein, which we call hmg176. Northern and western blot analysis suggested that high levels of hmg176 are expressed in the midgut during molting, but not during metamorphosis. HMG176 protein was detected by immunofluorescence within the membrane of fat bodies and the basement membrane of the midgut of both molting and feeding larvae, but not in metamorphically committed larvae. In situ hybridization revealed that hmg176 transcripts mainly localized to the columnar cells of the midgut. Interestingly, a non-steroidal ecdysone agonist, RH-2485, significantly upregulated expression of hmg176. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that hmg176 encodes a larval-specific protein that may participate in sustaining larval midgut during larval development, possibly in response to ecdysteroid in vivo. This study will enlighten our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of tissue histolysis during metamorphosis.
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Identification of genes differentially expressed during larval molting and metamorphosis of Helicoverpa armigera. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2007; 7:73. [PMID: 17588272 PMCID: PMC1925068 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-7-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2006] [Accepted: 06/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larval molting and metamorphosis are important physiological processes in the life cycle of the holometabolous insect. We used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to identify genes differentially expressed during larval molting and metamorphosis. RESULTS We performed SSH between tissues from a variety of developmental stages, including molting 5th and feeding 6th instar larvae, metamorphically committed and feeding 5th instar larvae, and feeding 5th instar and metamorphically committed larvae. One hundred expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified and included 73 putative genes with similarity to known genes, and 27 unknown ESTs. SSH results were further characterized by dot blot, Northern blot, and RT-PCR. The expression levels of eleven genes were found to change during larval molting or metamorphosis, suggesting a functional role during these processes. CONCLUSION These results provide a new set of genes expressed specifically during larval molt or metamorphosis that are candidates for further studies into the regulatory mechanisms of those stage-specific genes during larval molt and metamorphosis.
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