101
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Glover Z, Hodges MD, Dravecz N, Cameron J, Askwith H, Shirras A, Broughton SJ. Loss of angiotensin-converting enzyme-related (ACER) peptidase disrupts behavioural and metabolic responses to diet in Drosophila melanogaster. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.194332. [PMID: 30940674 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.194332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila Acer (Angiotensin-converting enzyme-related) encodes a member of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) family of metallopeptidases that in mammals play roles in the endocrine regulation of blood homeostasis. ACE is also expressed in adipose tissue, where it is thought to play a role in metabolic regulation. Drosophila ACER is expressed in the adult fat body of the head and abdomen and is secreted into the haemolymph. Acer null mutants have previously been found to have reduced night-time sleep and greater sleep fragmentation. ACER may thus be part of a signalling system linking metabolism with sleep. To further understand the role of ACER in response to diet, we measured sleep and other nutrient-responsive phenotypes in Acer null flies under different dietary conditions. We show that loss of Acer disrupts the normal response of sleep to changes in nutrition. Other nutrient-sensitive phenotypes, including survival and glycogen storage, were also altered in the Acer mutant but lipid storage was not. Although the physiological substrate of the ACER peptidase has not been identified, an alteration of the normal nutrient-dependent control of Drosophila insulin-like peptide 5 protein in the Acer mutant suggests insulin/IGF-like signalling as a candidate pathway modulated by ACER in the nutrient-dependent control of sleep, survival and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Glover
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Matthew D Hodges
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Nikolett Dravecz
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Jack Cameron
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Helen Askwith
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Alan Shirras
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Susan J Broughton
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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102
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Proteasome β5 subunit overexpression improves proteostasis during aging and extends lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3170. [PMID: 30816680 PMCID: PMC6395709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39508-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The β5 subunit of the proteasome has been shown in worms and in human cell lines to be regulatory. In these models, β5 overexpression results in upregulation of the entire proteasome complex which is sufficient to increase proteotoxic stress resistance, improve metabolic parameters, and increase longevity. However, fundamental questions remain unanswered, including the temporal requirements for β5 overexpression and whether β5 overexpression can extend lifespan in other species. To determine if adult-only overexpression of the β5 subunit can increase proteasome activity in a different model, we characterized phenotypes associated with β5 overexpression in Drosophila melanogaster adults. We find that adult-only overexpression of the β5 subunit does not result in transcriptional upregulation of the other subunits of the proteasome as they do in nematodes and human cell culture. Despite this lack of a regulatory role, boosting β5 expression increases the chymotrypsin-like activity associated with the proteasome, reduces both the size and number of ubiquitinated protein aggregates in aged flies, and increases longevity. Surprisingly, these phenotypes were not associated with increased resistance to acute proteotoxic insults or improved metabolic parameters.
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103
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Singh S, Pandher S, Gupta M, Kaur G, Rathore P. Reference Gene Selection in Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Their Normalization Impact on Gene Expression in RNAi Studies. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 112:371-381. [PMID: 30329069 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Phenacoccus solenopsis, the cotton mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is one of the major cotton pests in India. Scanty information is available on molecular studies in this insect due to limited genomic or transcriptomic sequence data. With advancement in sequencing technology, enormous genomic and sequencing data are being generated, and RNAi studies are being undertaken in insects, which require reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction evaluation. These gene expression studies require normalization of mRNA levels with reference genes to account for sample variability. To supplement the molecular studies in this insect, candidate reference genes were identified and evaluated for their expression stability across various developmental stages and starvation stress. Fourteen candidate reference genes including several commonly used ones were investigated across five different stages and under starvation stress using four different statistical algorithms (NormFinder, genNorm, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). Based on this analysis, GST (third, fourth, and adult stage), Actin (Crawler, second instar), TFIID (starvation stress), SDHA, and 28s were identified as best reference genes for expression studies in mealybug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Mridula Gupta
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
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104
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Zhang Y, Gong Z, Li L, Niu L, Fu Y. Evaluation of endogenous reference genes in Bactrocera cucurbitae by qPCR under different conditions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202829. [PMID: 30557388 PMCID: PMC6296707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bactrocera cucurbitae (melon flies) are prominent invasive pests in southern China. To screen for a stable reference gene in melon flies suitable for comparing tissue samples subjected to different conditions in four categories (temperature, insect stage, days of age and gender), the expression of 12 candidate reference genes under different treatment conditions was analyzed by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The results obtained from a comprehensive analysis with geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder software showed that the most stable reference gene was RPL60, and the least stable reference gene was actin-5. We used a heat shock protein gene (HSP-90) to verify the results, and the conclusion was consistent. When the reference gene RPL60 was used as the reference gene, the relative expression of HSP-90 was essentially constant with the prolongation of treatment time. When actin-5 was used, HSP-90 expression changed markedly with treatment time. The results of this study can be used for further research on gene expression inBactrocera cucurbitae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zhi Gong
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Lei Li
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Liming Niu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yueguan Fu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
- * E-mail:
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105
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Lü J, Yang C, Zhang Y, Pan H. Selection of Reference Genes for the Normalization of RT-qPCR Data in Gene Expression Studies in Insects: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1560. [PMID: 30459641 PMCID: PMC6232608 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a reliable technique for quantifying expression levels of targeted genes during various biological processes in numerous areas of clinical and biological research. Selection of appropriate reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization is an elementary prerequisite for reliable measurements of gene expression levels. Here, by analyzing datasets published between 2008 and 2017, we summarized the current trends in reference gene selection for insect gene expression studies that employed the most widely used SYBR Green method for RT-qPCR normalization. We curated 90 representative papers, mainly published in 2013–2017, in which a total of 78 insect species were investigated in 100 experiments. Furthermore, top five journals, top 10 frequently used reference genes, and top 10 experimental factors have been determined. The relationships between the numbers of the reference genes, experimental factors, analysis tools on the one hand and publication date (year) on the other hand was investigated by linear regression. We found that the more recently the paper was published, the more experimental factors it tended to explore, and more analysis tools it used. However, linear regression analysis did not reveal a significant correlation between the number of reference genes and the study publication date. Taken together, this meta-analysis will be of great help to researchers that plan gene expression studies in insects, especially the non-model ones, as it provides a summary of appropriate reference genes for expression studies, considers the optimal number of reference genes, and reviews the average number of experimental factors and analysis tools per study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lü
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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106
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Seong KM, Coates BS, Berenbaum MR, Clark JM, Pittendrigh BR. Comparative CYP-omic analysis between the DDT-susceptible and -resistant Drosophila melanogaster strains 91-C and 91-R. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2018; 74:2530-2543. [PMID: 29656515 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are involved in the biosynthesis of endogenous intracellular compounds and the metabolism of xenobiotics, including chemical insecticides. We investigated the structural and expression level variance across all P450 genes with respect to the evolution of insecticide resistance under multigenerational dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) selection. RESULTS RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) indicated that the transcript levels of seven P450 genes were significantly up-regulated and three P450 genes were down-regulated in the DDT-resistant strain 91-R, as compared to the control strain 91-C. The overexpression of Cyp6g1 was associated with the presence of an Accord and an HMS-Beagle element insertion in the 5' upstream region in conjunction with copy number variation in the 91-R strain, but not in the 91-C strain. A total of 122 (50.2%) fixed nonsynonymous (amino acid-changing) mutations were found between 91-C and 91-R, and 20 (8.2%) resulted in amino acid changes within functional domains. Three P450 proteins were truncated as a result of premature stop codons and fixed between strains. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that a combination of changes in P450 protein-coding regions and transcript levels are possibly associated with DDT resistance, and thereby suggest that selection for variant function may occur within this gene family in response to chronic DDT exposure. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keon Mook Seong
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Brad S Coates
- USDA-ARS, Corn Insects & Crop Genetics Research Unit, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - May R Berenbaum
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - John M Clark
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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107
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Zandawala M, Yurgel ME, Texada MJ, Liao S, Rewitz KF, Keene AC, Nässel DR. Modulation of Drosophila post-feeding physiology and behavior by the neuropeptide leucokinin. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007767. [PMID: 30457986 PMCID: PMC6245514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavior and physiology are orchestrated by neuropeptides acting as central neuromodulators and circulating hormones. An outstanding question is how these neuropeptides function to coordinate complex and competing behaviors. In Drosophila, the neuropeptide leucokinin (LK) modulates diverse functions, but mechanisms underlying these complex interactions remain poorly understood. As a first step towards understanding these mechanisms, we delineated LK circuitry that governs various aspects of post-feeding physiology and behavior. We found that impaired LK signaling in Lk and Lk receptor (Lkr) mutants affects diverse but coordinated processes, including regulation of stress, water homeostasis, feeding, locomotor activity, and metabolic rate. Next, we sought to define the populations of LK neurons that contribute to the different aspects of this physiology. We find that the calcium activity in abdominal ganglia LK neurons (ABLKs), but not in the two sets of brain neurons, increases specifically following water consumption, suggesting that ABLKs regulate water homeostasis and its associated physiology. To identify targets of LK peptide, we mapped the distribution of Lkr expression, mined a brain single-cell transcriptome dataset for genes coexpressed with Lkr, and identified synaptic partners of LK neurons. Lkr expression in the brain insulin-producing cells (IPCs), gut, renal tubules and chemosensory cells, correlates well with regulatory roles detected in the Lk and Lkr mutants. Furthermore, these mutants and flies with targeted knockdown of Lkr in IPCs displayed altered expression of insulin-like peptides (DILPs) and transcripts in IPCs and increased starvation resistance. Thus, some effects of LK signaling appear to occur via DILP action. Collectively, our data suggest that the three sets of LK neurons have different targets, but modulate the establishment of post-prandial homeostasis by regulating distinct physiological processes and behaviors such as diuresis, metabolism, organismal activity and insulin signaling. These findings provide a platform for investigating feeding-related neuroendocrine regulation of vital behavior and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meet Zandawala
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria E. Yurgel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Texada
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sifang Liao
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim F. Rewitz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alex C. Keene
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
| | - Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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108
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Harbison ST, Kumar S, Huang W, McCoy LJ, Smith KR, Mackay TFC. Genome-Wide Association Study of Circadian Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Behav Genet 2018; 49:60-82. [PMID: 30341464 PMCID: PMC6326971 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-018-9932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms influence physiological processes from sleep–wake cycles to body temperature and are controlled by highly conserved cycling molecules. Although the mechanistic basis of the circadian clock has been known for decades, the extent to which circadian rhythms vary in nature and the underlying genetic basis for that variation is not well understood. We measured circadian period (Ʈ) and rhythmicity index in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) and observed extensive genetic variation in both. Seven DGRP lines had sexually dimorphic arrhythmicity and one line had an exceptionally long Ʈ. Genome-wide analyses identified 584 polymorphisms in 268 genes. We observed differences among transcripts for nine genes predicted to interact among themselves and canonical clock genes in the long period line and a control. Mutations/RNAi knockdown targeting these genes also affected circadian behavior. Our observations reveal that complex genetic interactions influence high levels of variation in circadian phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T Harbison
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. .,Laboratory of Systems Genetics, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Laboratory of Systems Genetics, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Building 10, Room 7D13, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1640, USA.
| | - Shailesh Kumar
- Laboratory of Systems Genetics, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Genetics Program and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lenovia J McCoy
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kirklin R Smith
- Laboratory of Systems Genetics, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Trudy F C Mackay
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Genetics Program and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
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109
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Yu Y, Zhang J, Huang C, Hou X, Sun X, Xiao B. Reference genes selection for quantitative gene expression studies in tea green leafhoppers, Empoasca onukii Matsuda. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205182. [PMID: 30296272 PMCID: PMC6175517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Empoasca onukii Matsuda is one of the most devastating pests of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Still, the presumed expression stability of its reference genes (RGs) has not been analyzed. RGs are essential for accurate and reliable gene expression analysis, so this absence has hampered the study of the insect’s molecular biology. To find candidate RGs for normalizing gene expression data, we cloned ten common housekeeping genes from E. onukii. Using the ΔCt method, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, we screened the RGs that were appropriate for quantifying the mRNA transcription of cellular responses under five experimental conditions. We identified the combinations of α-TUB and G6PDH, α-TUB and UBC, two RGs (α-TUB and β-TUB1) or three RGs (α-TUB, RPL13 and GAPDH), AK and UBC, or RPL13 and α-TUB as the best for analyzing gene expression in E. onukii adults of both sexes in different tissues, nymphs at different developmental stages, nymphs exposed to different temperatures or nymphs exposed to photoperiod stress. Finally, the E. onukii cysteine proteinase (Eocyp) was chosen as the target gene to validate the rationality of the proposed RGs. In conclusion, our study suggests a series of RGs with which to study the gene expression profiles of E. onukii that have been manipulated (biotically or abiotically) using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results offer a solid foundation for further studies of the molecular biology of E. onukii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchen Yu
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangjie Hou
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoling Sun
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- * E-mail: (XS); (BX)
| | - Bin Xiao
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- * E-mail: (XS); (BX)
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110
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Shaposhnikov MV, Zemskaya NV, Koval LA, Schegoleva EV, Zhavoronkov A, Moskalev AA. Effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on lifespan, locomotor activity and stress-resistance of 3 Drosophila species with different lifespans. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 10:2428-2458. [PMID: 30243020 PMCID: PMC6188487 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the sulphur-containing amino acid L-cysteine with potential anti-aging properties. We studied 3 Drosophila species with contrast longevity differences (D. virilis is longest-lived, D. kikkawai is shortest-lived and D. melanogaster has moderate lifespan) to test the effects of NAC at 8 different concentrations (from 10 nM to 100 mM) on the lifespan, stress-resistance and locomotor activity. Except the adverse effects of highest (10 mM and 100 mM) concentrations NAC demonstrated sexually opposite and male-biased effects on Drosophila lifespan, stress-resistance and locomotor activity and not satisfied the criteria of a geroprotector in terms of the reproducibility of lifespan extending effects in different model organisms. The concentration- and sex-dependent changes in the relative expression levels of the antioxidant genes (Cat/CG6871 and Sod1/CG11793) and genes involved in hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis (Cbs/CG1753, Eip55E/CG5345 and Nfs1/CG12264) suggest the involvement of hormetic mechanisms in the geroprotective effects of NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail V. Shaposhnikov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of RAS, Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - Nadezhda V. Zemskaya
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of RAS, Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - Liubov A. Koval
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of RAS, Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - Eugenia V. Schegoleva
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of RAS, Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc, JHU, Rockville, MD 21218, USA
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Moskalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of RAS, Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia
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111
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Seong KM, Coates BS, Sun W, Clark JM, Pittendrigh BR. Changes in Neuronal Signaling and Cell Stress Response Pathways are Associated with a Multigenic Response of Drosophila melanogaster to DDT Selection. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 9:3356-3372. [PMID: 29211847 PMCID: PMC5737697 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptation of insect populations to insecticidal control is a continual threat to human health and sustainable agricultural practices, but many complex genomic mechanisms involved in this adaption remain poorly understood. This study applied a systems approach to investigate the interconnections between structural and functional variance in response to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) within the Drosophila melanogaster strain 91-R. Directional selection in 6 selective sweeps coincided with constitutive gene expression differences in DDT resistant flies, including the most highly upregulated transcript, Unc-115 b, which plays a central role in axon guidance, and the most highly downregulated transcript, the angiopoietin-like CG31832, which is involved in directing vascular branching and dendrite outgrowth but likely may be under trans-regulatory control. Direct functions and protein–protein interactions mediated by differentially expressed transcripts control changes in cell migration, signal transduction, and gene regulatory cascades that impact the nervous system. Although changes to cellular stress response pathways involve 8 different cytochrome P450s, stress response, and apoptosis is controlled by a multifacetted regulatory mechanism. These data demonstrate that DDT selection in 91-R may have resulted in genome-wide adaptations that impacts genetic and signal transduction pathways that converge to modify stress response, cell survival, and neurological functions. This study implicates the involvement of a multigenic mechanism in the adaptation to a chemical insecticide, which impact interconnected regulatory cascades. We propose that DDT selection within 91-R might act systemically, wherein pathway interactions function to reinforce the epistatic effects of individual adaptive changes on an additive or nonadditive basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keon Mook Seong
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Brad S Coates
- Corn Insects & Crop Genetics Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Weilin Sun
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - John M Clark
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Barry R Pittendrigh
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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112
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Valer FB, Machado MCR, Silva-Junior RMP, Ramos RGP. Expression of Hbs, Kirre, and Rst during Drosophila ovarian development. Genesis 2018; 56:e23242. [PMID: 30114331 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Irre cell-recognition module (IRM) is a group of evolutionarily conserved and structurally related transmembrane glycoproteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily. In Drosophila melanogaster, it comprises the products of the genes roughest (rst; also known as irreC-rst), kin-of-irre (kirre; also known as duf), sticks-and-stones (sns), and hibris (hbs). In this model organism, the behavior of this group of proteins as a partly redundant functional unit mediating selective cell recognition was demonstrated in a variety of developmental contexts, but their possible involvement in ovarian development and oogenesis has not been investigated, notwithstanding the fact that some rst mutant alleles are also female sterile. Here, we show that IRM genes are dynamically and, to some extent, coordinately transcribed in both pupal and adult ovaries. Additionally, the spatial distribution of Hbs, Kirre, and Rst proteins indicates that they perform cooperative, although largely nonredundant, functions. Finally, phenotypical characterization of three different female sterile rst alleles uncovered two temporally separated and functionally distinct requirements for this locus in ovarian development: one in pupa, essential for the organization of peritoneal and epithelial sheaths that maintain the structural integrity of the adult organ and another, in mature ovarioles, needed for the progression of oogenesis beyond stage 10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Berti Valer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maiaro Cabral Rosa Machado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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113
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Identification and Validation of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Normalization in Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:1828253. [PMID: 30151374 PMCID: PMC6091413 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1828253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mythimna separata is a major agricultural pest with seasonal migrating trait in China. Formation and regulation mechanism of migration behavior has resulted in a large number of fundamental researches involving quantitative studies of gene expression in this species. Using appropriate reference gene is critical in RT-qPCR data normalization. A comprehensive study on the reference genes in M. separata is lacking. In this paper, expression stabilities of ten candidate reference genes were evaluated in M. separata under various biotic and abiotic conditions by employing four different software geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and the comparative ΔCT method. The comprehensive stabilities ranking of these genes were suggested by RefFinder. PKG as a target gene was employed to justify the number of reference genes in four larval tissues and two photoperiod treatments. Results demonstrate that the first three most stable genes were as follows: EF, CypA, and β-TUB for developmental stages; EF, CypA, and RPL12 for larval tissues; EF, TBP, and β-TUB for adult tissues. RPL12, β-TUB, and EF for densities; EF, RPL12, and GAPDH for photoperiod treatments; β-TUB, EF, and ATPase for temperature treatments. Stable reference gene combinations may reduce bias in normalization. This work provides for the first time a comprehensive list of appropriate reference genes and facilitates future studies on gene function of M. separata.
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114
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Wester JVWC, Lima CAC, Machado MCR, Zampar PV, Tavares SS, Monesi N. Characterization of a novel Drosophila melanogaster cis-regulatory module that drives gene expression to the larval tracheal system and adult thoracic musculature. Genesis 2018; 56:e23222. [PMID: 30096221 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In a previous bioinformatics analysis we identified 10 conserved Drosophila melanogaster sequences that reside upstream from protein coding genes (CGs). Here we characterize one of these genomic regions, which constitutes a Drosophila melanogaster cis-regulatory module (CRM) that we denominate TT-CRM. The TT-CRM is 646 bp long and is located in one of the introns of CG32239 and resides about 3,500 bp upstream of CG13711 and about 620 bp upstream of CG12493. Analysis of 646 bp-lacZ lines revealed that TT-CRM drives gene expression not only to the larval, prepupal, and pupal tracheal system but also to the adult dorsal longitudinal muscles. The patterns of mRNA expression of the transgene and of the CGs that lie in the vicinity of TT-CRM were investigated both in dissected trachea and in adult thoraces. Through RT-qPCR we observed that in the tracheal system the pattern of expression of 646 bp-lacZ is similar to the pattern of expression of CG32239 and CG13711, whereas in the thoracic muscles 646 bp-lacZ expression accompanies the expression of CG12493. Together, these results suggest new functions for two previously characterized D. melanogaster genes and also contribute to the initial characterization of a novel CRM that drives a dynamic pattern of expression throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Victor Wilfredo Cachay Wester
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Antonio Couto Lima
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maiaro Cabral Rosa Machado
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Vieira Zampar
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Sakagute Tavares
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadia Monesi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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115
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Machado MCR, Valer FB, Couto-Lima CA, Ramos RGP. Transcriptional cross-regulation of Irre Cell Recognition Module (IRM) members in the Drosophila pupal retina. Mech Dev 2018; 154:193-202. [PMID: 30030087 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules play a central role in morphogenesis, as they mediate the complex range of interactions between different cell types that result in their arrangement in multicellular organs and tissues. How their coordinated dynamic expression in space and time - an essential requirement for their function - is regulated at the genomic and transcriptional levels constitutes an important, albeit still little understood question. The Irre Cell Recognition Module (IRM) is a highly conserved phylogenetically group of structurally related single pass transmembrane glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily that in Drosophila melanogaster are encoded by the genes roughest (rst), kin-of-irre (kirre), sticks-and-stones (sns) and hibris (hbs). Their cooperative and often partly redundant action are crucial to major developmental processes such axonal pathfinding, myoblast fusion and patterning of the pupal retina. In this latter system rst and kirre display a tightly regulated complementary transcriptional pattern so that lowering rst mRNA levels leads to a concomitant increase in kirre mRNA concentration. Here we investigated whether other IRM components are similarly co-regulated and the extent changes in their mRNA levels affect each other as well as their collective function in retinal patterning. Our results demonstrate that silencing any of the four IRM genes in 24% APF retinae changes the levels all other group members although only kirre and hbs mRNA levels are increased. Furthermore, expression, in a rst null background, of truncated versions of rst cDNA in which the portion encoding the intracellular domain has been partially or completely removed not only can still induce changes in mRNA levels of other IRM members but also result in Kirre mislocalization. Taken together, our data point to the presence of a highly precise and fine-tuned control mechanism coordinating IRM expression that may be crucial to the functional redundancy shown by its components during the patterning of the pupal retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiaro Cabral Rosa Machado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe Berti Valer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carlos Antonio Couto-Lima
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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116
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García-Reina A, Rodríguez-García MJ, Galián J. Validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in tiger beetles across sexes, body parts, sexual maturity and immune challenge. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10743. [PMID: 30013149 PMCID: PMC6048105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28978-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reference genes are frequently used as normalizers for expression studies despite not being previously verified to present suitable stabilities. Considering the interest that tiger beetles have generated in the past years, resulting in a variety of studies, it is crucial to dispose of a validated reference gene panel for expression studies. Nine candidate genes were tested in Cicindela campestris and Calomera littoralis across several conditions and their transcription levels were assessed with geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and ΔCTmethod algorithms. Results showed high stabilities across sexes, immune challenge and gonad developmental stages for all genes tested, while body parts comparison presented less constant expression values. Only two genes are sufficient to perform a proper normalization for most of the conditions tested, except for the body parts comparison in C. littoralis, which requires the use of at least three reference genes. On the whole, no universal gene is found to be suitable for all situations, but according to the acceptable range of values, NADH, B-t, Vatpase and ArgKin seem to present the most constant expression stability, indicating their suitability as reference genes in most of the conditions. This is the first report evaluating the stability of housekeeping genes in adephagan beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés García-Reina
- University of Murcia, Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - María Juliana Rodríguez-García
- University of Murcia, Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Galián
- University of Murcia, Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100, Murcia, Spain
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117
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Moon K, Lee SH, Kim YH. Validation of quantitative real-time PCR reference genes for the determination of seasonal and labor-specific gene expression profiles in the head of Western honey bee, Apis mellifera. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200369. [PMID: 29985960 PMCID: PMC6037379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bee is not only considered an important pollinator in agriculture, but is also widely used as a model insect in biological sciences, thanks to its highly evolved sociality, specialization of labor division, and flexibility of colony management. For an intensive investigation of the seasonal and labor-dependent expression patterns of its genes, accurate quantification of the target gene transcription level is a fundamental step. To date, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) has been widely used for rapid quantification of gene transcripts, with reliable reference gene(s) for normalization. To this end, in an attempt to search for reliable reference genes, the amplification efficiencies of six candidate reference genes (rp49, rpL32, rpS18, tbp, tub, and gapdh) were determined. Subsequently, four genes (rpL32, rpS18, tbp, and gapdh) with PCR efficiencies of 90% to 110% were evaluated for their expression stabilities with three programs (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) and used for normalization of seasonal expression patterns of target genes in the forager and nurse heads. Although the three programs revealed slightly different results, two genes, rpS18 and gapdh, were suggested to be the optimal reference genes for qRT-PCR-based determination of seasonal and labor-specific gene expression profiles. Furthermore, the combined use of these two genes yielded a more accurate normalization, compared with the use of a single gene in the head of honey bee. The validated reference genes can be widely used for quantification of target gene expression in honey bee head although it is still remained to be elucidated the expression levels of the selected reference genes in specific tissues in head.
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Affiliation(s)
- KyungHwan Moon
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Ecology & Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyeock Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (YHK); (SHL)
| | - Young Ho Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Ecology & Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ecological Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (YHK); (SHL)
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118
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A role for Lin-28 in growth and metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster. Mech Dev 2018; 154:107-115. [PMID: 29908237 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Insect metamorphosis has been a classic model to understand the role of hormones in growth and timing of developmental transitions. In addition to hormones, transitions in some species are regulated by genetic programs, such as the heterochronic gene network discovered in C. elegans. However, the functional link between hormones and heterochronic genes is not clear. The heterochronic gene lin-28 is involved in the maintenance of stem cells, growth and developmental timing in vertebrates. In this work, we used gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments to study the role of Lin-28 in larval growth and the timing of metamorphosis of Drosophila melanogaster. During the late third instar stage, Lin-28 is mainly expressed in neurons of the central nervous system and in the intestine. Loss-of-function lin-28 mutant larvae are smaller and the larval-to-pupal transition is accelerated. This faster transition correlates with increased levels of ecdysone direct target genes such as Broad-Complex (BR-C) and Ecdysone Receptor (EcR). Overexpression of Lin-28 does not affect the timing of pupariation but most animals are not able to eclose, suggesting defects in metamorphosis. Overexpression of human Lin-28 results in delayed pupariation and the death of animals during metamorphosis. Altogether, these results suggest that Lin-28 is involved in the control of growth during larval development and in the timing and progression of metamorphosis.
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119
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Selection and evaluation of reference genes for expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR in the Asian Ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192521. [PMID: 29889877 PMCID: PMC5995347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a polyphagous insect that is an important biological agent used to control agricultural and forestry pests. The role of functional genes in H. axyridis based on quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is increasingly well understood to investigate biology, physiology, feeding behavior and the role of important genes in physiological processes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is a powerful and reliable technique to quantify gene expression. Using qRT-PCR, expression levels of target genes are determined based on the levels of internal reference genes; therefore, reference genes need to be stably expressed under specific experimental conditions. However, there have been no studies on the stability of reference genes used in H. axyridis. In this study, we systematically investigated expression profiles of nine candidate reference genes from H. axyridis, including β-actin (ACTIN); elongation factor 1 α (EF1A); ribosomal proteins L10, L18, L28, S13, and S15 (RPL10, RPL18, RPL28, RPS13 and RPS15); glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH); and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Four analytical methods (geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and the ΔCt method) were used to evaluate the suitability of these genes as internal reference genes for three biotic factors (developmental stage, tissue, and sex) and two abiotic treatments (temperature and photoperiod). RefFinder, a comprehensive evaluation platform integrating the four analytical methods, was used to rank the overall stability of these reference genes. Among the nine candidate genes, different reference genes were identified as having the most stable expression across biotic and abiotic factors. Genes encoding ribosomal proteins typically had the most stable expression, though EF1A was the most stable across developmental stages and photoperiods. To validate the suitability of these reference genes, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) was chosen as a target. Significant up-regulation in HSP90 expression level in response to both low and high temperature was observed when using the most suitable reference genes but not when using an arbitrarily selected reference gene. The reference genes identified in this study will provide the basis for future functional genomics research in H. axyridis and will also facilitate the establishment of a standardized qRT-PCR program for other related insects.
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120
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Delbare SYN, Chow CY, Wolfner MF, Clark AG. Roles of Female and Male Genotype in Post-Mating Responses in Drosophila melanogaster. J Hered 2018; 108:740-753. [PMID: 29036644 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating induces a multitude of changes in female behavior, physiology, and gene expression. Interactions between female and male genotype lead to variation in post-mating phenotypes and reproductive success. So far, few female molecules responsible for these interactions have been identified. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster from 5 geographically dispersed populations to investigate such female × male genotypic interactions at the female transcriptomic and phenotypic levels. Females from each line were singly-mated to males from the same 5 lines, for a total of 25 combinations. Reproductive output and refractoriness to re-mating were assayed in females from the 25 mating combinations. Female × male genotypic interactions resulted in significant differences in these post-mating phenotypes. To assess whether female × male genotypic interactions affect the female post-mating transcriptome, next-generation RNA sequencing was performed on virgin and mated females at 5 to 6 h post-mating. Seventy-seven genes showed strong variation in mating-induced expression changes in a female × male genotype-dependent manner. These genes were enriched for immune response and odorant-binding functions, and for expression exclusively in the head. Strikingly, variation in post-mating transcript levels of a gene encoding a spermathecal endopeptidase was correlated with short-term egg production. The transcriptional variation found in specific functional classes of genes might be a read-out of female × male compatibility at a molecular level. Understanding the roles these genes play in the female post-mating response will be crucial to better understand the evolution of post-mating responses and related conflicts between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Y N Delbare
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703
| | - Clement Y Chow
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703
| | - Andrew G Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703
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121
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You Y, Xie M, Vasseur L, You M. Selecting and validating reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Plutella xylostella (L.). Genome 2018; 61:349-358. [PMID: 29620473 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2017-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression analysis provides important clues regarding gene functions, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is a widely used method in gene expression studies. Reference genes are essential for normalizing and accurately assessing gene expression. In the present study, 16 candidate reference genes (ACTB, CyPA, EF1-α, GAPDH, HSP90, NDPk, RPL13a, RPL18, RPL19, RPL32, RPL4, RPL8, RPS13, RPS4, α-TUB, and β-TUB) from Plutella xylostella were selected to evaluate gene expression stability across different experimental conditions using five statistical algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, Delta Ct, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). The results suggest that different reference genes or combinations of reference genes are suitable for normalization in gene expression studies of P. xylostella according to the different developmental stages, strains, tissues, and insecticide treatments. Based on the given experimental sets, the most stable reference genes were RPS4 across different developmental stages, RPL8 across different strains and tissues, and EF1-α across different insecticide treatments. A comprehensive and systematic assessment of potential reference genes for gene expression normalization is essential for post-genomic functional research in P. xylostella, a notorious pest with worldwide distribution and a high capacity to adapt and develop resistance to insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun You
- a State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian/Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,b Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,c Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China.,d Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Miao Xie
- a State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian/Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,b Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,c Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou 350002, China.,d Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Liette Vasseur
- a State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian/Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,b Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,e Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Minsheng You
- a State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian/Taiwan Crops and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,b Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.,d Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China
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122
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Li HB, Dai CG, Zhang CR, He YF, Ran HY, Chen SH. Screening potential reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis in the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195096. [PMID: 29617430 PMCID: PMC5884543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is a major insect pest in China and other Asian countries. Unfortunately, suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) have not been previously identified in M. separata for normalizing target gene expression. In this study, we evaluated the expression stability of eight candidate genes (18S, ACT, EF1-α, GAPDH, RPS7, RPS13, RPL32 and TUB) in M. separata using the comparative ΔCt method, BestKeeper, Normfinder geNorm and ReFinder, a comprehensive software platform. The results indicated that the appropriate reference gene varied depending on the experimental conditions. We found that ACTIN, EF1-α and TUB were optimal for different developmental stages; TUB, RPS13 and EF1-α showed the most stable expresssion in different tissues; RPS13 and 18S were the best reference genes for monitoring expression under high temperature conditions; TUB, RPS13 and RPS7 exhibited the most stable expression under larval-crowding conditions; RPS7, EF1-α, RPL32 and GAPDH were the best for pesticide exposure experiments. This study provides tools for reliable normalization of qRT-PCR data and forms a foundation for functional studies of target gene expression in M. separata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang, China
- * E-mail: (HBL); (YFH)
| | - Chang-Geng Dai
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang, China
| | - Chang-Rong Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong-Fu He
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang, China
- * E-mail: (HBL); (YFH)
| | - Hai-Yan Ran
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang, China
| | - Shi-Hong Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Science, Guiyang, China
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123
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A small set of differentially expressed genes was associated with two color morphs in natural populations of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. Gene 2018; 651:23-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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124
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Singh S, Gupta M, Pandher S, Kaur G, Rathore P, Palli SR. Selection of housekeeping genes and demonstration of RNAi in cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191116. [PMID: 29329327 PMCID: PMC5766320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) commonly known as cotton leafhopper is a severe pest of cotton and okra. Not much is known on this insect at molecular level due to lack of genomic and transcriptomic data. To prepare for functional genomic studies in this insect, we evaluated 15 common housekeeping genes (Tub, B-Tub, EF alpha, GADPH, UbiCF, RP13, Ubiq, G3PD, VATPase, Actin, 18s, 28s, TATA, ETF, SOD and Cytolytic actin) during different developmental stages and under starvation stress. We selected early (1st and 2nd), late (3rd and 4th) stage nymphs and adults for identification of stable housekeeping genes using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder software. Based on the different algorithms, RP13 and VATPase are identified as the most suitable reference genes for quantification of gene expression by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Based on RefFinder which comprehended the results of three algorithms, RP13 in adults, Tubulin (Tub) in late nymphs, 28S in early nymph and UbiCF under starvation stress were identified as the most stable genes. We also developed methods for feeding double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) incorporated in the diet. Feeding dsRNA targeting Snf7, IAP, AQP1, and VATPase caused 56.17-77.12% knockdown of targeted genes compared to control and 16 to 48% mortality of treated insects when compared to control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Mridula Gupta
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
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125
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Duneau DF, Kondolf HC, Im JH, Ortiz GA, Chow C, Fox MA, Eugénio AT, Revah J, Buchon N, Lazzaro BP. The Toll pathway underlies host sexual dimorphism in resistance to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in mated Drosophila. BMC Biol 2017; 15:124. [PMID: 29268741 PMCID: PMC5740927 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-017-0466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host sexual dimorphism is being increasingly recognized to generate strong differences in the outcome of infectious disease, but the mechanisms underlying immunological differences between males and females remain poorly characterized. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster to assess and dissect sexual dimorphism in the innate response to systemic bacterial infection. RESULTS We demonstrated sexual dimorphism in susceptibility to infection by a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We found that both virgin and mated females are more susceptible than mated males to most, but not all, infections. We investigated in more detail the lower resistance of females to infection with Providencia rettgeri, a Gram-negative bacterium that naturally infects D. melanogaster. We found that females have a higher number of phagocytes than males and that ablation of hemocytes does not eliminate the dimorphism in resistance to P. rettgeri, so the observed dimorphism does not stem from differences in the cellular response. The Imd pathway is critical for the production of antimicrobial peptides in response to Gram-negative bacteria, but mutants for Imd signaling continued to exhibit dimorphism even though both sexes showed strongly reduced resistance. Instead, we found that the Toll pathway is responsible for the dimorphism in resistance. The Toll pathway is dimorphic in genome-wide constitutive gene expression and in induced response to infection. Toll signaling is dimorphic in both constitutive signaling and in induced activation in response to P. rettgeri infection. The dimorphism in pathway activation can be specifically attributed to Persephone-mediated immune stimulation, by which the Toll pathway is triggered in response to pathogen-derived virulence factors. We additionally found that, in absence of Toll signaling, males become more susceptible than females to the Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis. This reversal in susceptibility between male and female Toll pathway mutants compared to wildtype hosts highlights the key role of the Toll pathway in D. melanogaster sexual dimorphism in resistance to infection. CONCLUSION Altogether, our data demonstrate that Toll pathway activity differs between male and female D. melanogaster in response to bacterial infection, thus identifying innate immune signaling as a determinant of sexual immune dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Duneau
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France. .,CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, UMR5174 EDB, F-31062, Toulouse, France.
| | - Hannah C Kondolf
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France.,Present Address: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Joo Hyun Im
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France.,Cornell Institute of Host Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gerardo A Ortiz
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Christopher Chow
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Michael A Fox
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Ana T Eugénio
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, P-2780, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - J Revah
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France.,Cornell Institute of Host Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France.,Cornell Institute of Host Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brian P Lazzaro
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062, Toulouse, France.,Cornell Institute of Host Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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126
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Bassan MM, Angelotti-Mendonc A JS, Alves GR, Yamamoto PT, Moura O Filho FDAA. Selection of Reference Genes for Expression Studies in Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:2623-2629. [PMID: 29029285 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is considered the main vector of the bacteria associated with huanglongbing, a very serious disease that has threatened the world citrus industry. The absence of efficient control management protocols, including a lack of resistant cultivars, has led to the development of different approaches to study this pathosystem. The production of resistant genotypes relies on D. citri gene expression analyses by RT-qPCR to assess control of the vector population. High-quality, reliable RT-qPCR analyses depend upon proper reference gene selection and validation. However, adequate D. citri reference genes have not yet been identified. In the present study, we evaluated the genes EF 1-α, ACT, GAPDH, RPL7, RPL17, and TUB as candidate reference genes for this insect. Gene expression stability was evaluated using the mathematical algorithms deltaCt, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and geNorm, at five insect developmental stages, grown on two different plant hosts [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Sapindales: Rutaceae) and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Sapindales: Rutaceae)]. The final gene ranking was calculated using RefFinder software, and the V-ATPase-A gene was selected for validation. According to our results, two reference genes are recommended when different plant hosts and developmental stages are considered. Considering gene expression studies in D. citri grown on M. paniculata, regardless of the insect developmental stage, GAPDH and RPL7 have the best fit as reference genes in RT-qPCR analyses, whereas GAPDH and EF 1-α are recommended as reference genes in insect studies using C. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meire Menezes Bassan
- Departamento de Produc¸a~o Vegetal, Universidade de Sa~o Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Brazil
| | - Je Ssika Angelotti-Mendonc A
- Departamento de Produc¸a~o Vegetal, Universidade de Sa~o Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rodrigues Alves
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Universidade de Sa~o Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Brazil
| | - Pedro Takao Yamamoto
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Universidade de Sa~o Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Brazil
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127
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Gao XK, Zhang S, Luo JY, Wang CY, Lü LM, Zhang LJ, Zhu XZ, Wang L, Cui JJ. Identification and validation of reference genes for gene expression analysis in Aphidius gifuensis (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188477. [PMID: 29190301 PMCID: PMC5708624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reference genes have been utilized in estimating gene expression levels using quantitative reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Aphidius gifuensis Ashmaed is one of the most widely used biological control agents for aphids. The biological properties of this species have been studied in detail, and current investigations are focused on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms in its host However, the appropriate reference genes for target gene expression studies have not been identified. In this study, the expression profiles of 12 candidate reference genes were evaluated under different experimental conditions(development stage, sex, tissue type, diet) by using dedicated algorithms, including geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt. In addition, RefFinder was used to rank the overall stability of the candidate genes. Finally, we recommend three optimal reference genes for the normalization of qRT-PCR data in the presence of specific variables, which include ACTB, RPL13, and PPI for different developmental stages; RPS18, ACTB, and RPL13 for sexes; RPL13, PRII3, and RPS18 in different tissue types; and RPL13, RPL27, and ACTB in diverse diets. The present study has identified optimal reference genes that could be used in estimating the expression levels of specific genes under these conditions following the Minimum Information for publication of Quantitative real-time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines, which would facilitate in advancements in functional genomics research on A. gifuensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ke Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Jun-Yu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Chun-Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Li-Min Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Xiang-Zhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Jin-Jie Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
- * E-mail:
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128
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Nagy NA, Németh Z, Juhász E, Póliska S, Rácz R, Kosztolányi A, Barta Z. Evaluation of potential reference genes for real-time qPCR analysis in a biparental beetle, Lethrus apterus (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae). PeerJ 2017; 5:e4047. [PMID: 29201562 PMCID: PMC5710163 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones play an important role in the regulation of physiological, developmental and behavioural processes. Many of these mechanisms in insects, however, are still not well understood. One way to investigate hormonal regulation is to analyse gene expression patterns of hormones and their receptors by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). This method, however, requires stably expressed reference genes for normalisation. In the present study, we evaluated 11 candidate housekeeping genes as reference genes in samples of Lethrus apterus, an earth-boring beetle with biparental care, collected from a natural population. For identifying the most stable genes we used the following computational methods: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, comparative delta Ct method and RefFinder. Based on our results, the two body regions sampled (head and thorax) differ in which genes are most stably expressed. We identified two candidate reference genes for each region investigated: ribosomal protein L7A and RP18 in samples extracted from the head, and ribosomal protein L7A and RP4 extracted from the muscles of the thorax. Additionally, L7A and RP18 appear to be the best reference genes for normalisation in all samples irrespective of body region. These reference genes can be used to study the hormonal regulation of reproduction and parental care in Lethrus apterus in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta A Nagy
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Németh
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Edit Juhász
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Póliska
- Genomic Medicine and Bioinformatic Core Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rita Rácz
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - András Kosztolányi
- MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Barta
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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129
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Gene expression studies of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR: an overview in insects. Biotechnol Lett 2017; 40:227-236. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-017-2465-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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130
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Gao XK, Zhang S, Luo JY, Wang CY, Lü LM, Zhang LJ, Zhu XZ, Wang L, Lu H, Cui JJ. Comprehensive evaluation of candidate reference genes for gene expression studies in Lysiphlebia japonica (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) using RT-qPCR. Gene 2017; 637:211-218. [PMID: 28964897 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Lysiphlebia japonica (Ashmead) is a predominant parasitoid of cotton-melon aphids in the fields of northern China with a proven ability to effectively control cotton aphid populations in early summer. For accurate normalization of gene expression in L. japonica using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), reference genes with stable gene expression patterns are essential. However, no appropriate reference genes is L. japonica have been investigated to date. In the present study, 12 selected housekeeping genes from L. japonica were cloned. We evaluated the stability of these genes under various experimental treatments by RT-qPCR using four independent (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and Delta Ct) and one comparative (RefFinder) algorithm. We identified genes showing the most stable levels of expression: DIMT, 18S rRNA, and RPL13 during different stages; AK, RPL13, and TBP among sexes; EF1A, PPI, and RPL27 in different tissues, and EF1A, RPL13, and PPI in adults fed on different diets. Moreover, the expression profile of a target gene (odorant receptor 1, OR1) studied during the developmental stages confirms the reliability of the chosen selected reference genes. This study provides for the first time a comprehensive list of suitable reference genes for gene expression studies in L. japonica and will benefit subsequent genomics and functional genomics research on this natural enemy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ke Gao
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Jun-Yu Luo
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Chun-Yi Wang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Li-Min Lü
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Xiang-Zhen Zhu
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Jin-Jie Cui
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Anyang, Henan 455000, China.
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131
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Zhang L, Zhang QL, Wang XT, Yang XZ, Li XP, Yuan ML. Selection of reference genes for qRT-PCR and expression analysis of high-altitude-related genes in grassland caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Gynaephora) along an altitude gradient. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:9054-9065. [PMID: 29152197 PMCID: PMC5677504 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in gene expression patterns can reflect the adaptation of organisms to divergent environments. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) is an important tool for ecological adaptation studies at the gene expression level. The quality of the results of qRT‐PCR analysis largely depends on the availability of reliable reference genes (RGs). To date, reliable RGs have not been determined for adaptive evolution studies in insects using a standard approach. Here, we evaluated the reliability of 17 candidate RGs for five Gynaephora populations inhabiting various altitudes of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) using four independent (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and the deltaCt method) and one comprehensive (RefFinder) algorithms. Our results showed that EF1‐α, RPS15, and RPS13 were the top three most suitable RGs, and a combination of these three RGs was the most optimal for normalization. Conversely, RPS2,ACT, and RPL27 were the most unstable RGs. The expression profiles of two target genes (HSP70 and HSP90) were used to confirm the reliability of the chosen RGs. Additionally, the expression patterns of four other genes (GPI,HIF1A,HSP20, and USP) associated with adaptation to extreme environments were assessed to explore the adaptive mechanisms of TP Gynaephora species to divergent environments. Each of these six target genes showed discrepant expression patterns among the five populations, suggesting that the observed expression differences may be associated with the local adaptation of Gynaephora to divergent altitudinal environments. This study is a useful resource for studying the adaptive evolution of TP Gynaephora to divergent environments using qRT‐PCR, and it also acts as a guide for selecting suitable RGs for ecological and evolutionary studies in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Qi-Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Life Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing China
| | - Xiao-Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Xing-Zhuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Xiao-Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Ming-Long Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
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132
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The multifunctional polydnavirus TnBVANK1 protein: impact on host apoptotic pathway. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11775. [PMID: 28924205 PMCID: PMC5603617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11939-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoneuron nigriceps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) is an endophagous parasitoid of the larval stages of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). The bracovirus associated with this wasp (TnBV) is currently being studied. Several genes expressed in parasitised host larvae have been isolated and their possible roles partly elucidated. TnBVank1 encodes an ankyrin motif protein similar to insect and mammalian IκB, an inhibitor of the transcription nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Here we show that, when TnBVank1 was stably expressed in polyclonal Drosophila S2 cells, apoptosis is induced. Furthermore, we observed the same effects in haemocytes of H. virescens larvae, after TnBVank1 in vivo transient transfection, and in haemocytes of parasitised larvae. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that TnBVANK1 binds to ALG-2 interacting protein X (Alix/AIP1), an interactor of apoptosis-linked gene protein 2 (ALG-2). Using double-immunofluorescence labeling, we observed the potential colocalization of TnBVANK1 and Alix proteins in the cytoplasm of polyclonal S2 cells. When Alix was silenced by RNA interference, TnBVANK1 was no longer able to cause apoptosis in both S2 cells and H. virescens haemocytes. Collectively, these results indicate that TnBVANK1 induces apoptosis by interacting with Alix, suggesting a role of TnBVANK1 in the suppression of host immune response observed after parasitisation by T. nigriceps.
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de Oliveira Souza A, Couto-Lima CA, Rosa Machado MC, Espreafico EM, Pinheiro Ramos RG, Alberici LC. Protective action of Omega-3 on paraquat intoxication in Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:1050-1063. [PMID: 28849990 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1357345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Paraquat (PQ) (1,1'-dimethyl-4-4'-bipyridinium dichloride) is the second most widely used herbicide worldwide; however, in countries different sales and distribution remain restricted. Chronic exposure to PQ leads to several diseases related to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions including myocardial failure, cancer, and neurodegeneration and subsequently death depending upon the dose level. The aim of this study was to examine if diet supplementation with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA, omega-3 long-chain fatty acids) serves a protective mechanism against neuromuscular dysfunctions mediated by PQ using Drosophila melanogaster as a model with focus on mitochondrial metabolism. PQ ingestion (170 mg/kg b.w. for 3 d) resulted in a decreased life span and climbing ability in D. melanogaster. In the brain, PQ increased thioflavin fluorescence and reduced either 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) nuclei staining and neuronal nuclei protein (NeuN) positive neurons, indicating amyloid formation and neurodegenetation, respectively. In the thorax, PQ ingestion lowered citrate synthase activity and respiratory functions indicating a reduction in mitochondrial content. PQ elevated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) mRNA expression levels, indicative of high calcium influx from cytosol to mitochondrial matrix. In brain and thorax, PQ also increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and impaired acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Concomitant EPA/DHA ingestion (0.31/0.19 mg/kg b.w.) protected D. melanogaster against PQ-induced toxicity preserving neuromuscular function and slowing down the rate of aging. In brain and thorax, these omega-3 fatty acids inhibited excess H2O2 production and restored AChE activity. EPA/DHA delayed amyloid deposition in the brain, and restored low citrate synthase activity and respiratory functions in the thorax. The effects in the thorax were attributed to stimulated mRNA expression level of genes involved either in mitochondrial dynamics or biogenesis promoted by EPA/DHA: dynamin-related protein (DRP1), mitochondrial assembly regulatory factor (MARF), mitochondrial dynamin like GTPase (OPA1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α). In conclusion, diet supplementation with EPA/DHA appears to protect D. melanogaster muscular and neuronal tissues against PQ intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson de Oliveira Souza
- a Institute of Health and Biotechnology, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) Estrada Coari-Mamiá 305 , CEP 69460-000 , Coari-AM , Brazil
- b Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP) Avenida do Café s/nº , CEP 14040-903 , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Carlos Antônio Couto-Lima
- c Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP-USP) Avenida Bandeirantes 3900 , CEP 14049-900 , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Maiaro Cabral Rosa Machado
- c Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP-USP) Avenida Bandeirantes 3900 , CEP 14049-900 , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Enilza Maria Espreafico
- c Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP-USP) Avenida Bandeirantes 3900 , CEP 14049-900 , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Ricardo Guelerman Pinheiro Ramos
- c Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP-USP) Avenida Bandeirantes 3900 , CEP 14049-900 , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Luciane Carla Alberici
- b Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP) Avenida do Café s/nº , CEP 14040-903 , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
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134
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Płachetka-Bożek A, Augustyniak M. Evaluation of Candidate Reference Genes for Quantitative Gene Expression Analysis in Spodoptera exigu a after Long-time Exposure to Cadmium. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8338. [PMID: 28827560 PMCID: PMC5567104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the transcriptional control of gene expression play an important role in many areas of biology. Reference genes, which are often referred to as housekeeping genes, such as GAPDH, G3PDH, EF2, RpL7A, RpL10, TUBα and Actin, have traditionally been assumed to be stably expressed in all conditions, and they are frequently used to normalize mRNA levels between different samples in qPCR analysis. However, it is known that the expression of these genes is influenced by numerous factors, such as experimental conditions. The difference in gene expression underlies a range of biological processes, including development, reproduction and behavior. The aim of this study was to show the problems associated with using reference genes in the qPCR technique, in a study on inbred strains of Spodoptera exigua selected toward cadmium resistance. We present and discuss our results and observations, and give some recommendations concerning the use and limitations of housekeeping genes as internal standards, especially in research on insects. Our results suggest that holometabolism and poikilothermia, as well as time since metamorphosis and the level of exposure to the selective factor (cadmium in this case), have a significant effect on the expression of reference genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Płachetka-Bożek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, PL 40-007, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Maria Augustyniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, PL 40-007, Katowice, Poland
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135
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Tang PA, Duan JY, Wu HJ, Ju XR, Yuan ML. Reference gene selection to determine differences in mitochondrial gene expressions in phosphine-susceptible and phosphine-resistant strains of Cryptolestes ferrugineus, using qRT-PCR. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7047. [PMID: 28765619 PMCID: PMC5539111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptolestes ferrugineus is a serious pest of stored grain and has developed high levels of resistance to phosphine fumigants in many countries. Measuring differences in expression levels of certain 'resistant' genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) may provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to phosphine in C. ferrugineus, but reliable qRT-PCR results depend on suitable reference genes (RGs). We evaluated the stability of nine candidate RGs across different developmental stages and phosphine strains of C. ferrugineus, using four softwares. The results showed that RPS13 and EF1α were the most stable RGs, whereas α-TUB was the least under developmental stages. Across the different strains, RPS13 and γ-TUB were the most stable RGs, whereas CycA and GAPDH were the least. We confirmed the reliability of the selected RGs by qRT-PCR analyses of the mitochondrial cox1 gene. Expression of cox1 was not significantly different in the phosphine-resistant strain compared with the phosphine-susceptible strain, but three mitochondrial genes (nad3, atp6 and cob) were significantly down-regulated. These results suggest that alterations in the expressions of these three genes may be associated with phosphine resistance in C. ferrugineus. The findings will facilitate future functional genomics studies on the development and phosphine resistance in C. ferrugineus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-An Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Jin-Yan Duan
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Hai-Jing Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Xing-Rong Ju
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Ming-Long Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730020, China.
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136
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Liew JW, Fong MY, Lau YL. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of Anopheles dirus TEP1 and NOS during Plasmodium berghei infection, using three reference genes. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3577. [PMID: 28761783 PMCID: PMC5533154 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) has been an integral part of characterizing the immunity of Anopheles mosquitoes towards Plasmodium invasion. Two anti-Plasmodium factors of Anopheles, thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), play a role in the refractoriness of Anopheles towards Plasmodium infection and are generally expressed during infection. However, these are less studied in Anopheles dirus, a dominant malaria vector in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, most studies used a single reference gene for normalization during gene expression analysis without proper validation. This may lead to erroneous quantification of expression levels. Therefore, the present study characterized and investigated the expression profiles of TEP1 and NOS of Anopheles dirus during P. berghei infection. Prior to that, the elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1), actin 1 (Act) and ribosomal protein S7 (S7) genes were validated for their suitability as a set of reference genes. TEP1 and NOS expressions in An. dirus were found to be significantly induced after P. berghei infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W.K. Liew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mun Yik Fong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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137
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Chang YW, Chen JY, Lu MX, Gao Y, Tian ZH, Gong WR, Zhu W, Du YZ. Selection and validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis under different experimental conditions in the leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181862. [PMID: 28746411 PMCID: PMC5528903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Liriomyza trifolii is a highly-invasive leafmining insect that causes significant damage to vegetables and horticultural crops worldwide. Relatively few studies have quantified gene expression in L. trifolii using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), which is a reliable and sensitive technique for measuring gene expression. RT-qPCR requires the selection of reference genes to normalize gene expression data and control for internal differences between samples. In this study, nine housekeeping genes from L. trifolii were selected for their suitability in normalizing gene expression using geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, the ΔCt method and RefFinder. HSP21.7, which encodes heat shock protein 21.7, was used as a target gene to validate the expression of candidate reference genes. Results indicated that ACTIN and 18S were optimal for developmental stage and low temperature, TUB and 18S showed the most stable expression for sex, and GAPDH and ACTIN were the best reference genes for monitoring gene expression at high temperature. Selection and validation of appropriate reference genes are critical steps in normalizing gene expression levels, which improve the accuracy and quality of expression data. Results of this study provide vital information on reference genes and is valuable in developing a standardized RT-qPCR protocol for functional genomics research in L. trifolii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen Chang
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Yun Chen
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Alien Pests, Suzhou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Suzhou, China
| | - Ming-Xing Lu
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Alien Pests, Suzhou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Suzhou, China
| | - Zi-Hua Tian
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Station of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Rong Gong
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Station of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center of Guangling District, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Zhou Du
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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138
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Conceptual framework of the eco-physiological phases of insect diapause development justified by transcriptomic profiling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:8532-8537. [PMID: 28720705 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1707281114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects often overcome unfavorable seasons in a hormonally regulated state of diapause during which their activity ceases, development is arrested, metabolic rate is suppressed, and tolerance of environmental stress is bolstered. Diapausing insects pass through a stereotypic succession of eco-physiological phases termed "diapause development." The phasing is varied in the literature, and the whole concept is sometimes criticized as being too artificial. Here we present the results of transcriptional profiling using custom microarrays representing 1,042 genes in the drosophilid fly, Chymomyza costata Fully grown, third-instar larvae programmed for diapause by a photoperiodic (short-day) signal were assayed as they traversed the diapause developmental program. When analyzing the gradual dynamics in the transcriptomic profile, we could readily distinguish distinct diapause developmental phases associated with induction/initiation, maintenance, cold acclimation, and termination by cold or by photoperiodic signal. Accordingly, each phase is characterized by a specific pattern of gene expression, supporting the physiological relevance of the concept of diapause phasing. Further, we have dissected in greater detail the changes in transcript levels of elements of several signaling pathways considered critical for diapause regulation. The phase of diapause termination is associated with enhanced transcript levels in several positive elements stimulating direct development (the 20-hydroxyecdysone pathway: Ecr, Shd, Broad; the Wnt pathway: basket, c-jun) that are countered by up-regulation in some negative elements (the insulin-signaling pathway: Ilp8, PI3k, Akt; the target of rapamycin pathway: Tsc2 and 4EBP; the Wnt pathway: shaggy). We speculate such up-regulations may represent the early steps linked to termination of diapause programming.
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139
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Gunderson AR, King EE, Boyer K, Tsukimura B, Stillman JH. Species as Stressors: Heterospecific Interactions and the Cellular Stress Response under Global Change. Integr Comp Biol 2017; 57:90-102. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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140
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Ramat A, Hannaford M, Januschke J. Maintenance of Miranda Localization in Drosophila Neuroblasts Involves Interaction with the Cognate mRNA. Curr Biol 2017; 27:2101-2111.e5. [PMID: 28690114 PMCID: PMC5526833 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
How cells position their proteins is a key problem in cell biology. Targeting mRNAs to distinct regions of the cytoplasm contributes to protein localization by providing local control over translation. Here, we reveal that an interdependence of a protein and cognate mRNA maintains asymmetric protein distribution in mitotic Drosophila neural stem cells. We tagged endogenous mRNA or protein products of the gene miranda that is required for fate determination with GFP. We find that the mRNA localizes like the protein it encodes in a basal crescent in mitosis. We then used GFP-specific nanobodies fused to localization domains to alter the subcellular distribution of the GFP-tagged mRNA or protein. Altering the localization of the mRNA resulted in mislocalization of the protein and vice versa. Protein localization defects caused by mislocalization of the cognate mRNA were rescued by introducing untagged mRNA coding for mutant non-localizable protein. Therefore, by combining the MS2 system and subcellular nanobody expression, we uncovered that maintenance of Mira asymmetric localization requires interaction with the cognate mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ramat
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD5 1EH Dundee, UK
| | - Matthew Hannaford
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD5 1EH Dundee, UK
| | - Jens Januschke
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD5 1EH Dundee, UK.
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141
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Lawson SP, Sigle LT, Lind AL, Legan AW, Mezzanotte JN, Honegger HW, Abbot P. An alternative pathway to eusociality: Exploring the molecular and functional basis of fortress defense. Evolution 2017; 71:1986-1998. [PMID: 28608545 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Some animals express a form of eusociality known as "fortress defense," in which defense rather than brood care is the primary social act. Aphids are small plant-feeding insects, but like termites, some species express division of labor and castes of aggressive juvenile "soldiers." What is the functional basis of fortress defense eusociality in aphids? Previous work showed that the acquisition of venoms might be a key innovation in aphid social evolution. We show that the lethality of aphid soldiers derives in part from the induction of exaggerated immune responses in insects they attack. Comparisons between closely related social and nonsocial species identified a number of secreted effector molecules that are candidates for immune modulation, including a convergently recruited protease described in unrelated aphid species with venom-like functions. These results suggest that aphids are capable of antagonizing conserved features of the insect immune response, and provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the evolution of fortress defense eusociality in aphids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Lawson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824
| | - Leah T Sigle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235
| | - Abigail L Lind
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37205
| | - Andrew W Legan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14850
| | - Jessica N Mezzanotte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Hans-Willi Honegger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235
| | - Patrick Abbot
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235
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142
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Sequence Identification, Recombinant Production, and Analysis of the Self-Assembly of Egg Stalk Silk Proteins from Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7020043. [PMID: 28608840 PMCID: PMC5485732 DOI: 10.3390/biom7020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg stalk silks of the common green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea likely comprise at least three different silk proteins. Based on the natural spinning process, it was hypothesized that these proteins self-assemble without shear stress, as adult lacewings do not use a spinneret. To examine this, the first sequence identification and determination of the gene expression profile of several silk proteins and various transcript variants thereof was conducted, and then the three major proteins were recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli encoded by their native complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences. Circular dichroism measurements indicated that the silk proteins in aqueous solutions had a mainly intrinsically disordered structure. The largest silk protein, which we named ChryC1, exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior and self-assembled into fibers or film morphologies, depending on the conditions used. The second silk protein, ChryC2, self-assembled into nanofibrils and subsequently formed hydrogels. Circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed conformational changes of both proteins into beta sheet rich structures upon assembly. ChryC3 did not self-assemble into any morphology under the tested conditions. Thereby, through this work, it could be shown that recombinant lacewing silk proteins can be produced and further used for studying the fiber formation of lacewing egg stalks.
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143
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Tan Y, Zhou XR, Pang BP. Reference gene selection and evaluation for expression analysis using qRT-PCR in Galeruca daurica (Joannis). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2017; 107:359-368. [PMID: 27819206 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) has been used extensively to analyze gene expression and decipher gene function. To obtain the optimal and stable normalization factors for qRT-PCR, selection and validation of reference genes should be conducted in diverse conditions. In insects, more and more studies confirmed the necessity and importance of reference gene selection. In this study, eight traditionally used reference genes in Galeruca daurica (Joannis) were assessed, using qRT-PCR, for suitability as normalization genes under different experimental conditions using four statistical programs: geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and the comparative ΔC t method. The genes were ranked from the most stable to the least stable using RefFinder. The optimal suite of recommended reference genes was as follows: succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA) and tubulin-alpha (TUB-α) for temperature-treated larvae; ribosomal protein L32, SDHA and glutathione S-transferase were best for all developmental stages; ACT and TUB-α for male and female adults; SDHA and TUB-α were relatively stable and expressed in different tissues, both diapause and non-diapause adults. Reference gene evaluation was validated using expression of two target genes: the P450 CYP6 gene and the heat shock protein gene Hsp70. These results confirm the importance of custom reference gene selection when studies are conducted under diverse experimental conditions. A standardized qRT-PCR analysis procedure for gene functional studies is provided that could be useful in studies on other insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Tan
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolian Agricultural University,Hohhot,China
| | - X-R Zhou
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolian Agricultural University,Hohhot,China
| | - B-P Pang
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolian Agricultural University,Hohhot,China
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144
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Sagri E, Koskinioti P, Gregoriou ME, Tsoumani KT, Bassiakos YC, Mathiopoulos KD. Housekeeping in Tephritid insects: the best gene choice for expression analyses in the medfly and the olive fly. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45634. [PMID: 28368031 PMCID: PMC5377319 DOI: 10.1038/srep45634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-time quantitative-PCR has been a priceless tool for gene expression analyses. The reaction, however, needs proper normalization with the use of housekeeping genes (HKGs), whose expression remains stable throughout the experimental conditions. Often, the combination of several genes is required for accurate normalization. Most importantly, there are no universal HKGs which can be used since their expression varies among different organisms, tissues or experimental conditions. In the present study, nine common HKGs (RPL19, tbp, ubx, GAPDH, α-TUB, β-TUB, 14-3-3zeta, RPE and actin3) are evaluated in thirteen different body parts, developmental stages and reproductive and olfactory tissues of two insects of agricultural importance, the medfly and the olive fly. Three software programs based on different algorithms were used (geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper) and gave different ranking of HKG stabilities. This confirms once again that the stability of common HKGs should not be taken for granted and demonstrates the caution that is needed in the choice of the appropriate HKGs. Finally, by estimating the average of a standard score of the stability values resulted by the three programs we were able to provide a useful consensus key for the choice of the best HKG combination in various tissues of the two insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthimia Sagri
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Panagiota Koskinioti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Yiannis C Bassiakos
- Department of Economic Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 10559, Greece
| | - Kostas D Mathiopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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145
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Xu J, Lu MX, Cui YD, Du YZ. Selection and Evaluation of Reference Genes for Expression Analysis Using qRT-PCR in Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:683-691. [PMID: 28115499 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a valuable tool for estimating gene expression; however, the validity is largely dependent on the selection of stable reference genes. The suitability of various reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis was evaluated in, Chilo suppressalis (Walker). The ΔCt method, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper were used to evaluate the suitability of nine candidate reference genes for normalizing gene expression in larval tissues and organs and during high and low temperature stress. The ΔCt method, geNorm, and NormFinder produced similar stability rankings; H3, UBI, and EF1 were the most stable reference genes for monitoring gene expression in larval tissue and organs, and EF1, TUB, and AK were the optimal genes for thermal stress. However, for thermal stress, RPS11 was the most stable gene based on BestKeeper. To validate these recommendations, the expression profile of the gene encoding heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) was investigated. Hsp60 transcript levels showed significant differences when normalized to the most versus least stable reference genes. These results further confirm the importance of testing reference genes using the selected experimental parameters. The reference genes identified in the present study will improve the quality of gene expression data obtained for C. suppressalis and will facilitate future studies aimed at understanding the biology of this important insect pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China ( ; ; )
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ming-Xing Lu
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China ( ; ; )
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ya-Dong Cui
- Department of Life Science, Fuyang Normal College, Fuyang 236032, China
| | - Yu-Zhou Du
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China ( ; ; )
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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146
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Kang ZW, Liu FH, Tian HG, Zhang M, Guo SS, Liu TX. Evaluation of the reference genes for expression analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:222-234. [PMID: 26749166 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera, Aphididae), is an important cosmopolitan pest. Real time qRT-PCR has been used for target gene expression analysis on M. persicae. Using real time qRT-PCR, the expression levels are normalized on the basis of the reliable reference genes. However, to date, the stability of available reference genes has been insufficient. In this study, we evaluated nine candidate reference genes from M. persicae under diverse experimental conditions. The tested candidate genes were comprehensively ranked based on five alternative methods (RefFinder, geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and the comparative ΔCt method). 18s, Actin and ribosomal protein L27 (L27) were recommended as the most stable reference genes for M. persicae, whereas ribosomal protein L27 (L27) was found to be the least stable reference genes for abiotic studies (photoperiod, temperature and insecticide susceptibility). Our finding not only sheds light on establishing an accurate and reliable normalization of real time qRT-PCR data in M. persicae but also lays a solid foundation for further studies of M. persicae involving RNA interference and functional gene research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Wei Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for the Arid Areas, and Key Laboratory of Northwest Loess Plateau Crop Pest Management of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for the Arid Areas, and Key Laboratory of Northwest Loess Plateau Crop Pest Management of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong-Gang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for the Arid Areas, and Key Laboratory of Northwest Loess Plateau Crop Pest Management of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for the Arid Areas, and Key Laboratory of Northwest Loess Plateau Crop Pest Management of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shan-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for the Arid Areas, and Key Laboratory of Northwest Loess Plateau Crop Pest Management of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for the Arid Areas, and Key Laboratory of Northwest Loess Plateau Crop Pest Management of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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147
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Selection and validation of reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis during biological invasions: The thermal adaptability of Bemisia tabaci MED. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173821. [PMID: 28323834 PMCID: PMC5360248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species has been rapidly invading to most parts of the world owing to its strong ecological adaptability, which is considered as a model insect for stress tolerance studies under rapidly changing environments. Selection of a suitable reference gene for quantitative stress-responsive gene expression analysis based on qRT-PCR is critical for elaborating the molecular mechanisms of thermotolerance. To obtain accurate and reliable normalization data in MED, eight candidate reference genes (β-act, GAPDH, β-tub, EF1-α, GST, 18S, RPL13A and α-tub) were examined under various thermal stresses for varied time periods by using geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper algorithms, respectively. Our results revealed that β-tub and EF1-α were the best reference genes across all sample sets. On the other hand, 18S and GADPH showed the least stability for all the samples studied. β-act was proved to be highly stable only in case of short-term thermal stresses. To our knowledge this was the first comprehensive report on validation of reference genes under varying temperature stresses in MED. The study could expedite particular discovery of thermotolerance genes in MED. Further, the present results can form the basis of further research on suitable reference genes in this invasive insect and will facilitate transcript profiling in other invasive insects.
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148
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Dzaki N, Ramli KN, Azlan A, Ishak IH, Azzam G. Evaluation of reference genes at different developmental stages for quantitative real-time PCR in Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43618. [PMID: 28300076 PMCID: PMC5353741 DOI: 10.1038/srep43618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) is the most notorious vector of illness-causing viruses such as Dengue, Chikugunya, and Zika. Although numerous genetic expression studies utilizing quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) have been conducted with regards to Ae. aegypti, a panel of genes to be used suitably as references for the purpose of expression-level normalization within this epidemiologically important insect is presently lacking. Here, the usability of seven widely-utilized reference genes i.e. actin (ACT), eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha (eEF1α), alpha tubulin (α-tubulin), ribosomal proteins L8, L32 and S17 (RPL8, RPL32 and RPS17), and glyceraldeyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were investigated. Expression patterns of the reference genes were observed in sixteen pre-determined developmental stages and in cell culture. Gene stability was inferred from qPCR data through three freely available algorithms i.e. BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder. The consensus rankings generated from stability values provided by these programs suggest a combination of at least two genes for normalization. ACT and RPS17 are the most dependably expressed reference genes and therefore, we propose an ACT/RPS17 combination for normalization in all Ae. aegypti derived samples. GAPDH performed least desirably, and is thus not a recommended reference gene. This study emphasizes the importance of validating reference genes in Ae. aegypti for qPCR based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najat Dzaki
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Karima N. Ramli
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Azali Azlan
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Intan H. Ishak
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
- Vector Control and Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ghows Azzam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
- Vector Control and Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
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149
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Kim DH, Shin M, Jung SH, Kim YJ, Jones WD. A fat-derived metabolite regulates a peptidergic feeding circuit in Drosophila. PLoS Biol 2017; 15:e2000532. [PMID: 28350856 PMCID: PMC5369665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we show that the enzymatic cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) inhibits feeding in Drosophila. BH4 biosynthesis requires the sequential action of the conserved enzymes Punch, Purple, and Sepiapterin Reductase (Sptr). Although we observe increased feeding upon loss of Punch and Purple in the adult fat body, loss of Sptr must occur in the brain. We found Sptr expression is required in four adult neurons that express neuropeptide F (NPF), the fly homologue of the vertebrate appetite regulator neuropeptide Y (NPY). As expected, feeding flies BH4 rescues the loss of Punch and Purple in the fat body and the loss of Sptr in NPF neurons. Mechanistically, we found BH4 deficiency reduces NPF staining, likely by promoting its release, while excess BH4 increases NPF accumulation without altering its expression. We thus show that, because of its physically distributed biosynthesis, BH4 acts as a fat-derived signal that induces satiety by inhibiting the activity of the NPF neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Hyoung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Minjung Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Jung
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Walton D. Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
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150
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Arthur LL, Chung JJ, Jankirama P, Keefer KM, Kolotilin I, Pavlovic-Djuranovic S, Chalker DL, Grbic V, Green R, Menassa R, True HL, Skeath JB, Djuranovic S. Rapid generation of hypomorphic mutations. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14112. [PMID: 28106166 PMCID: PMC5263891 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypomorphic mutations are a valuable tool for both genetic analysis of gene function and for synthetic biology applications. However, current methods to generate hypomorphic mutations are limited to a specific organism, change gene expression unpredictably, or depend on changes in spatial-temporal expression of the targeted gene. Here we present a simple and predictable method to generate hypomorphic mutations in model organisms by targeting translation elongation. Adding consecutive adenosine nucleotides, so-called polyA tracks, to the gene coding sequence of interest will decrease translation elongation efficiency, and in all tested cell cultures and model organisms, this decreases mRNA stability and protein expression. We show that protein expression is adjustable independent of promoter strength and can be further modulated by changing sequence features of the polyA tracks. These characteristics make this method highly predictable and tractable for generation of programmable allelic series with a range of expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L. Arthur
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Joyce J. Chung
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63105, USA
| | - Preetam Jankirama
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A5B7
- Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, Ontario, Canada N5V4T3
| | - Kathryn M. Keefer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Igor Kolotilin
- Scattered Gold Biotechnology Inc. 14 Denali Terrace, London, Ontario, Canada N5X 3W2
| | - Slavica Pavlovic-Djuranovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Douglas L. Chalker
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63105, USA
| | - Vojislava Grbic
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A5B7
| | - Rachel Green
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Rima Menassa
- Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, Ontario, Canada N5V4T3
| | - Heather L. True
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- The Hope Center for Neurological Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - James B. Skeath
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Sergej Djuranovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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