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Zhang C, He L, Ding B, Yang H. Identification and functional characterization of the chitinase and chitinase-like gene family in Myzus persicae (Sulzer) during molting. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39319496 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The crucial role of insect chitinase in molting, pupation, and emergence renders it a promising target for pest control strategies. Despite the extensive investigation of chitinase genes in various pests, there is still a lack of systematic identification and functional analysis related to aphid chitinase. RESULTS We systematically identified a total of nine chitinase/chitinase-like genes and one ENGase gene, which included eight Cht genes, one IDGF gene, and one ENGase gene. Through phylogenetic analysis, the chitinase proteins were classified into nine distinct groups (I, II, III, V, VI, VIII, X, other, and ENGase). The expression profile revealed that the epidermis exhibited relatively high expression levels for three chitinase genes: MpCht5, MpCht7, and MpCht10. Furthermore, transcriptional levels of nine chitinase genes were up-regulated following treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) hormone. Silencing MpCht3, MpCht5, MpCht7, MpCht10, and MpCht11-2 via RNA interference (RNAi) during the molting stage resulted in nymph shrinking, hindering normal molting and leading to death. Additionally, it was observed that silencing of MpIDGF induced the body color of the aphids to change from reddish brown to colorless after molting, culminating in eventual mortality. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that chitinase/chitinase-like genes play a crucial role in the molting process of Myzus persicae. Utilizing RNAi technology, we aimed to elucidate the precise function of MpCht genes in the molting mechanism of M. persicae, this discovery establishes a significant theoretical foundation for future research on aphid control, with chitinase as the target. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
| | - Li He
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Forestry Development Centre, Zhenfeng County Forestry Bureau, Southwest Guizhou Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou, P. R. China
| | - Bo Ding
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang, P. R. China
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Shi JF, Cheng MH, Zhou W, Zeng MZ, Chen Y, Yang JX, Wu H, Ye QH, Tang H, Zhang Q, Fu KY, Guo WC. Crucial roles of specialized chitinases in elytral and hindwing cuticles construction in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4437-4449. [PMID: 38656531 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a major potato (Solanum tuberosum) pest, infesting over 16 million km2 and causing substantial economic losses. The insect cuticle forms an apical extracellular matrix (ECM) envelope covering exposed organs to direct morphogenesis and confer structural protection. While select chitinase (Cht) genes have proven essential for larval development, their potential activities directing ECM remodeling underlying adult wing maturation remain undefined. RESULTS We investigated the expression patterns and performed an oral RNA interference (RNAi) screen targeting 19 LdChts in late-instar L. decemlineata larvae. Subsequently, we assessed their effects on adult eclosion and wing characteristics. Knockdown of LdCht5, LdCht7, LdCht10, LdIDGF2, and LdIDGF4, as well as others from Group IV (LdCht15, LdCht12, LdCht17, and LdCht13) and Groups VII-X (LdCht2, LdCht11, LdCht1, and LdCht3), resulting in shrunken, misshapen elytra with reduced areal density, as well as transverse wrinkling and impaired wing-tip folding in hindwings. Scanning electron micrographs revealed eroded elytral ridges alongside thinned, ruptured hindwing veins, indicative of mechanical fragility post-LdCht suppression. Spectroscopic analysis uncovered biomolecular alterations underlying the elytral anomalies, including decreases in peaks representing chitin, proteins, and lipids. This loss of essential ECM components provides evidence for the fragility, wrinkling, and shrinkage observed in the RNAi groups. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidate the crucial role of chitinases in the turnover of chitinous cuticles on beetle wings, offering insights into RNAi-based control strategies against this invasive pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Feng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Man-Hong Cheng
- Chongqing College of Humanities, Science and Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mu-Zi Zeng
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Xin Yang
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Ye
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Tang
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Yun Fu
- Ministry of Agriculture/Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety, Institute of Plant Protection Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Oasis, Urumqi, China
| | - Wen-Chao Guo
- Ministry of Agriculture/Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety, Institute of Plant Protection Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Oasis, Urumqi, China
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Barbole RS, Sharma S, Patil Y, Giri AP, Joshi RS. Chitinase inhibition induces transcriptional dysregulation altering ecdysteroid-mediated control of Spodoptera frugiperda development. iScience 2024; 27:109280. [PMID: 38444606 PMCID: PMC10914475 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chitinases and ecdysteroid hormones are vital for insect development. Crosstalk between chitin and ecdysteroid metabolism regulation is enigmatic. Here, we examined chitinase inhibition effect on Spodoptera frugiperda ecdysteroid metabolism. In vitro studies suggested that berberine inhibits S. frugiperda chitinase 5 (SfCht5). The Berberine feeding resulted in defective S. frugiperda development. Berberine-fed insects showed higher SfCht5 and Chitinase 7 expression and cumulative chitinase activity. Chitinase inhibition led to overexpression of chitinases, ecdysteroid biosynthesis, and responsive genes. SfCht5 silencing and overexpression resulted in ecdysone receptor deregulation. Transcription factors, like Broad Complex Z4, regulate the ecdysteroid metabolism and showed high expression upon berberine ingestion. Broad Complex Z4 binding in 5' UTR of Ecdysone receptor, SfCht5, Chitinase 7, Phantom, Neverland, and other ecdysteroid biosynthesis genes might lead to their upregulation in berberine-fed insects. As a result, berberine-fed insects showed ecdysone overaccumulation. These findings underscore chitinase activity's impact on ecdysone biosynthesis and its transcriptional crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit S. Barbole
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shivani Sharma
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yogita Patil
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok P. Giri
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rakesh S. Joshi
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Kim M, Noh MY, Mun S, Muthukrishnan S, Kramer KJ, Arakane Y. Functional importance of groups I and II chitinases, CHT5 and CHT10, in turnover of chitinous cuticle during embryo hatching and post-embryonic molting in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 166:104087. [PMID: 38295884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Chitinases (CHT) comprise a large gene family in insects and have been classified into at least eleven subgroups. Many studies involving RNA interference (RNAi) have demonstrated that depletion of group I (CHT5s) and group II (CHT10s) CHT transcripts causes lethal molting arrest in several insect species including the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, presumably due to failure of degradation of chitin in their old cuticle. In this study we investigated the functions of CHT5 and CHT10 in turnover of chitinous cuticle in T. castaneum during embryonic and post-embryonic molting stages. RNAi and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses indicate that CHT10 is required for cuticular chitin degradation at each molting period analyzed, while CHT5 is essential for pupal-adult molting only. We further analyzed the functions of these genes during embryogenesis in T. castaneum. Real-time qPCR analysis revealed that peak expression of CHT10 occurred prior to that of CHT5 during embryonic development as has been observed at post-embryonic molting periods in several other insect species. With immunogold-labeling TEM analysis using a fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated chitin-binding domain protein (FITC-CBD) probe, chitin was detected in the serosal cuticle but not in any other regions of the eggshell including the chorion and vitelline membrane layers. Injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for CHT5 (dsCHT5), CHT10 (dsCHT10) or their co-injection (dsCHT5/10) into mature adult females had no effect on their fecundity and the resulting embryos developed normally inside the egg. There were no obvious differences in the morphology of the outer chorion, inner chorion and vitelline membrane among eggs from these dsRNA-treated females. However, unlike dsCHT5 eggs, dsCHT10 and dsCHT5/10 eggs exhibited failure of turnover of the serosal cuticle in which the horizontal chitinous laminae remained intact, resulting in lethal embryo hatching defects. These results indicate that group I CHT5 is essential for pupal-adult molting, whereas group II CHT10 plays an essential role in cuticular chitin degradation in T. castaneum during both embryonic hatching and all of the post-embryonic molts. CHT10 can serve in place of CHT5 in chitin degradation, except during the pupal-adult molt when both enzymes are indispensable to complete eclosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongjin Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
| | - Seulgi Mun
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Karl J Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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Dong L, Shen S, Jiang X, Ding B, Yang M, Chen W, Liu Y, Chen Z, Cao Q, Gao Y, Ma S, Zhang L, Dong J, Yang Q. Identification of Triazolo-quinazolinone Derivatives as Novel and Potent Chitinase OfChi-h Inhibitors Based on Structure-Based Virtual Screening. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37909051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Insect chitinase, OfChi-h, from Ostrinia furnacalis, is considered as a promising target for the development of green pesticides. On the basis of the crystal structure of OfChi-h, we successfully obtained a triazolo-quinazolinone scaffold as the novel class of OfChi-h inhibitor via a structure-based virtual screening approach. Rational compound screening enabled us to acquire a potent OfChi-h inhibitor TQ19 with a Ki value of 0.33 μM. Furthermore, the in vivo biological activity of target compounds was assayed. The results showed that compounds TQ8 and TQ19 could dramatically inhibit the growth and development of Ostrinia nubilalis larvae, and most of the compounds showed higher insecticidal activity than hexaflumuron. This present work reveals that triazolo-quinazolinone derivatives can serve as novel candidates for insect growth regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Dong
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengqiang Shen
- Tingo Exosomes Technology Company, Limited, Tianjin 300301, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518120, People's Republic of China
| | - Baokang Ding
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiling Yang
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaxin Liu
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyang Chen
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingnan Cao
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongming Gao
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujie Ma
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingao Dong
- College of Plant Protection/State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518120, People's Republic of China
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Lee Y, Muthukrishnan S, Kramer KJ, Sakamoto T, Tabunoki H, Arakane Y, Noh MY. Functional importance of groups I and II chitinases in cuticle chitin turnover during molting in a wood-boring beetle, Monochamus alternatus. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105496. [PMID: 37532355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Insects must periodically replace their old cuticle/exoskeleton with a new one in a process called molting or ecdysis to allow for continuous growth through sequential developmental stages. Many RNA interference (RNAi) studies have demonstrated that certain chitinases (CHTs) play roles in this vital physiological event because knockdown of these CHT genes resulted in developmental arrest during the ensuing molting period in several insect species. In this research we analyzed the functions of group I (MaCHT5) and group II (MaCHT10) CHT genes in molting of the Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus, an important forest pest known as a major vector of the pinewood nematode. Real-time qPCR revealed that these two CHT genes differ in their expression patterns during late stages of development. Depletion of either MaCHT5 or MaCHT10 transcripts by RNAi resulted in lethal larval-pupal and pupal-adult molting defects depending on the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection timing during development. The insects were unable to shed their old cuticle and died. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed that, unlike dsEGFP-treated controls, dsMaCHT5- and dsMaCHT10-treated pharate adults exhibited a failure of degradation of the endocuticular layer of their old pupal cuticle, retaining nearly intact horizontal chitinous laminae and vertical pore canal fibers. Both enzymes were indispensable for complete turnover of the chitinous old endocuticle, which is critical for insect molting. The possible functions of two spliced variants of MaCHT10, namely, MaCHT10a and MaCHT10b, are also discussed. Our results add to the knowledge base for further functional studies of insect chitin catabolism by revealing the relative importance of both MaCHT5 and MaCHT10 in chitin turnover with subtle differences in their action. These essential genes and their encoded proteins are potential targets to manipulate for controlling populations of M. alternatus and other pest insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngseo Lee
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Karl J Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Takuma Sakamoto
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tabunoki
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.
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Lu Q, Xie H, Qu M, Liu T, Yang Q. Group h Chitinase: A Molecular Target for the Development of Lepidopteran-Specific Insecticides. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37038745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture requires insecticides that are selective between insects and mammals and even between harmful and beneficial insects. Lepidoptera includes the largest number of insect pests that threaten crops, and Hymenoptera contains the natural enemies for these pests. Discovery of lepidopteran-specific molecular targets is one route to develop such selective pesticides. Group h chitinase (Chi-h) is an ideal target for lepidopteran-specific insecticides because it is only distributed in Lepidoptera and is critical to their molting processes. This minireview focuses on the latest progress in developing Chi-h as a lepidopteran-specific insecticide target. We describe the biological function, crystal structure, and small-molecule inhibitors of the enzyme. Notably, two unique pockets were discovered in the crystal structure of Chi-h for the binding of the selective inhibitors, phlegmacin B1 and lynamicin B. Moreover, lynamicin B was found to exhibit significant insecticidal activity toward lepidopteran pests but is harmless toward their natural enemies. These findings are advancing the development of selective insecticides to meet the needs of sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Lu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijie Xie
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingbo Qu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518120, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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Adeyinka OS, Nasir IA, Tabassum B. Host-induced silencing of the CpCHI gene resulted in developmental abnormalities and mortality in maize stem borer (Chilo partellus). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280963. [PMID: 36745624 PMCID: PMC9901779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAi-based insecticides for crop protection have witnessed rapid improvement over the years. However, their potential to efficiently control maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) pests has remained underexplored. In this study, double-stranded C. partellus chitinase (dsCHI) toxicity was investigated in C. partellus larvae. Furthermore, we developed transgenic maize lines expressing dsRNA targeted against C. partellus chitinase transcripts and performed detached leaf insect feeding bioassays. Our results revealed that C. partellus chitinase transcript expression was significantly downregulated by 57% and 82% in the larvae. Larvae exhibited various phenotypic distortion levels across developmental stages, and 53% mortality occurred in transgenic fed larvae compared to those fed on nontransgenic leaves. In conclusion, we have identified the C. partellus chitinase gene as a potential target for RNAi-mediated control and demonstrated that oral delivery via bacteria and plant-mediated delivery are viable means of achieving C. partellus RNAi-mediated control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olawale Samuel Adeyinka
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences Jackson state University, Jackson, MS, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Idrees Ahmad Nasir
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Tabassum
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Zhang T, Huo Y, Dong Q, Liu W, Gao L, Zhou J, Li D, Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhang M. LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 Promote the Degradation of Serosal and Pro-Nymphal Cuticles during Locust Embryonic Development. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121778. [PMID: 36552286 PMCID: PMC9775170 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The success of the degradation of the extraembryonic serosal cuticle and the second embryonic cuticle (pro-nymphal cuticle) is essential for the development and molting of nymph from egg in Orthoptera Locusta migratoria. Chitinase 5 is an important gene for chitin degradation in nymphs and in the egg stage. In this study, we investigated the important roles of chitinase 5-1 (LmCht5-1) and chitinase 5-2 (LmCht5-2) in the degradation of the serosal and pro-nymphal cuticles during locust embryonic development. The serosal cuticle degrades from 7-day-old embryos (E7) to E13, along with the degradation of the pro-nymphal cuticle, which begins at E12 to E14. The mRNA and protein of LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 are expressed during the degradation process of the serosal cuticle and the pro-nymphal cuticle. RNAi experiments at the embryonic stage show that both dsLmCht5-1 and dsLmCht5-2 contribute to the failure of development in early and late embryogenesis. Further, during the serosal cuticle molting process, ultra-structure analysis indicated that dsLmCht5-1 prevented the loss of the coarse chitin layer in the upper part in both early and late embryogenesis. Meanwhile, dsLmCht5-2 blocked the degradation of the lower fine chitin layer at the early stage and blocked the chitin degradation of loose coarse chitin in the late molting process. During the degradation of the pro-nymphal cuticle, dsLmCht5-1 suppresses chitin degradation between layers in the procuticle, while dsLmCht5-2 suppresses chitin degradation into filaments inside of the layer. In summary, our results suggest that both LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 contribute to the degradation of the serosal and pro-nymphal cuticles during the locust embryonic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Correspondence: (T.Z.); (M.Z.)
| | - Yanjun Huo
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Qing Dong
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jiannan Zhou
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Daqi Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Xueyao Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Correspondence: (T.Z.); (M.Z.)
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10
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Qu MB, Guo XX, Kong L, Hou LJ, Yang Q. A midgut-specific lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase of Locusta migratoria is indispensable for the deconstruction of the peritrophic matrix. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1287-1298. [PMID: 35150068 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are important enzymes that boost the hydrolysis of recalcitrant polysaccharides, such as chitin. They are found extensively in different insect species and are classified as auxiliary activities family 15 (AA15) LPMOs (LPMO15). Some of them were identified from the insect midgut and proven to act on chitin. However, knowledge about their physiological roles during insect growth and development remains limited. Here, we found that midgut-specific LPMO15s are widely distributed in different insect orders, such as the orthopteran Locusta migratoria and the lepidopteran Bombyx mori. Using L. migratoria as a model insect, the function of midgut-specific LmLPMO15-3 during development was investigated. Double-stranded RNA-mediated downregulation of LmLPMO15-3 expression at the 4th or 5th instar nymph stage severely decreased the survival rate and resulted in lethal phenotypes. Hematoxylin and eosin staining results indicated that the deficient individuals exhibited incompletely digested peritrophic matrix (PM), which suggested that LmLPMO15-3 is essential for the deconstruction of the PM during molting. This study provides direct evidence of the physiological importance of a midgut-specific LPMO15 during insect development. As L. migratoria is one of the most destructive agricultural pests, LmLPMO15-3 is a potential target for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Bo Qu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Guo
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lin Kong
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ling-Jie Hou
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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11
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Dong L, Shen S, Jiang X, Liu Y, Li J, Chen W, Wang Y, Shi J, Liu J, Ma S, Zhang L, Dong J, Yang Q. Discovery of Azo-Aminopyrimidines as Novel and Potent Chitinase O fChi-h Inhibitors via Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Rational Lead Optimization. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:12203-12210. [PMID: 36121180 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c03997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase OfChi-h, from the destructive agricultural pest Ostrinia furnacalis, is considered as a promising target for green pest control and management. In this study, structure-based virtual screening and rational molecular optimization led to the synthesis of a series of azo-aminopyrimidine derivatives as a novel class of OfChi-h inhibitors. Among them, the most potent compound 8f, with a benzyl on the amino group at the 4-position of pyrimidine, exhibited a Ki value of 64.7 nM against OfChi-h. In addition, molecular docking studies were carried out to investigate the basis for the potency of the aminopyrimidines against OfChi-h. Furthermore, the insecticidal activity of the target compounds against Plutella xylostella and Ostrinia nubilalis was assessed, and the potent OfChi-h inhibitors 8f and 8i showed higher insecticidal activity than the control pesticide hexaflumuron. The present work revealed that the azo-aminopyrimidine skeletons characterized by concise chemical structure and high efficiency could be further developed as potential pesticides for the control of lepidopteran pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Dong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Shengqiang Shen
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Yaxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yizhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Jiakun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Shujie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Jingao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
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12
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Jiao Z, Su P, Li Y, Zhao W, Yang L, Sun C, Xiu J, Shang X, Guo G. Identification and function analysis of chitinase 2 gene in housefly, Musca domestica. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 259:110717. [PMID: 35017045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chitinases are hydrolytic enzymes that play important roles in chitin degradation during the insect development process, and thus are considered as the potential targets for pest management. Here, we identified and characterized the group VII chitinase gene from health pest Musca domestica (MdCht2). We found that MdCht2 was 1932 bp in length with an open reading frame of 1530 bp, which encodes a polypeptide of 509 amino acid residues. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MdCht2 gene was homologs with other closed insects, and belong to the group VII chitinases. Moreover, Real-time PCR analysis indicated that MdCht2 mRNA was highly expressed in pupa stage, as well as in integument and trachea. However, RNAi-mediated knockdown of MdCht2 resulted in high mortality rates and abnormal eclosion. Therefore, we hypothesized that MdCht2 was a crucial gene required for housefly development, which was supported by the transcription level of MdCht2 could be induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), and the dsMdCht2 could resulted in decrease of the chitinase activity and increase of the chitin content. Taken together, our findings suggested that MdCht2 regulated the chitin content via chitinases, thereby leading to abnormal development. Our results provide a potential target for M. domestica management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlong Jiao
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Peipei Su
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Lixia District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Yan Li
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Longbing Yang
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chaoqin Sun
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiangfan Xiu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiaoli Shang
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guo Guo
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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13
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Zhou M, Shen Q, Wang S, Li G, Wu Y, Xu C, Tang B, Li C. Regulatory function of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene TPS3 on chitin metabolism in brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:241-250. [PMID: 34923699 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is one of the important pests that damage rice. Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) is a key enzyme responsible for catalysing the biosynthesis of trehalose, which is the energy substance of insects. In this study, combined with the reported N. lugens TPS1, TPS2 and newly discovered TPS3, we studied the regulation of TPS in chitin metabolism by RNA interference. Firstly, we found that the relative expression levels of TRE1-1, TRE1-2 and TRE2 increased significantly after 48 h of dsTPS3 injection, and the activity of TRE1 enhanced significantly. Secondly, abnormal and lethal phenotypes were observed after dsTPS3 and dsTPSs injection. The relative expression levels of PGM2, G6PI2, Cht1-4, Cht6-10 and IDGF decreased significantly after 48 h of dsTPS3 injection. At 72 h after injection of dsTPS3, the relative expression levels of CHS1, Cht2, Cht4, Cht7 and Cht8 reduced significantly, but the expression levels of G6PI1, Cht5 and ENGase increased significantly. The relative expression levels of GFAT, UAP, PGM2, G6PI2, CHS1, CHS1a, CHS1b, Cht2, Cht4, Cht8, Cht9 and Cht10 decreased significantly after 48 h of dsTPSs injection. However, at 72 h after the injection of dsTPSs, the expression levels of GNPNA, UAP, PGM1, G6PI1, HK, CHS1, CHS1a, CHS1b, Cht3, Cht5, Cht7 and ENGase increased significantly. Finally, the chitin content decreased in dsTPS1, dsTPS2 and dsTPSs treatments. In conclusion, the inhibition of TPS expression affected the metabolism of trehalose and chitin in N. lugens. The related research results provide a theoretical basis for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qida Shen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoyong Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Caidi Xu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Tang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Can Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
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14
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Wang Y, Zou H, Lai J, Zhang Z, Sun W. The miR-282-5p regulates larval moulting process by targeting chitinase 5 in Bombyx mori. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:190-201. [PMID: 34862684 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Moulting is critical for growth, development and survival in insects. As the main components of cuticle, dynamic change of chitin is consistent with the moulting process. Chitinase is the main enzyme to mediate chitin metabolism in the old cuticle. To avoid over-degrading chitin from the new cuticle, the expression of chitinase must be precisely regulated. In this study, we performed microRNA-sequencing to investigate expression change of microRNAs in silkworm epidermis during the moulting process. A comparative microRNA transcriptomic analysis from different moulting stages and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment identified bmo-miR-282-5p as a candidate. By the bioinformatic analysis, chitinase 5 (BmCht5) was predicted to be a target of bmo-miR-282-5p. Meanwhile, a temporal expression analysis revealed that BmCht5 only expressed at moulting D3 stage, whereas bmo-miR-282-5p showed a converse pattern, in which its transcript signal disappeared at this time point. Furthermore, a luciferase assay and agomir treatment demonstrated that bmo-miR-282-5p suppressed transcript of BmCht5 in vivo. As a result, injection of 282-5p agomir triggered 40% death due to moulting failure. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of BmCht5 caused 30% developmental defect. Taken together, our data demonstrate the coordinated regulation of chitinase 5 by conserved miR-282-5p, and the 20E signalling pathway is essential for the normal moulting process in the domesticated silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbin Zou
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Lai
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Kottaipalayam-Somasundaram SR, Jacob JP, Aiyar B, Merzendorfer H, Nambiar-Veetil M. Chitin metabolism as a potential target for RNAi-based control of the forestry pest Hyblaea puera Cramer (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:296-303. [PMID: 34487617 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyblaea puera, commonly known as the teak defoliator, is a serious pest in teak plantations. Despite the availability of control measures, this pest causes losses in yield and quality of timber through voracious feeding. RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising strategy for the control of this pest. Chitin metabolism, which is vital for the growth and development of arthropods, is a potential target for developing RNAi-based insecticides. RESULTS To assess the effects of chitin metabolism inhibition, H. puera larvae were treated with a chitin synthesis inhibitor, diflubenzuron (DFB). DFB treatment caused pupal deformities and disrupted eclosion. Partial gene sequences for three key genes of H. puera chitin metabolism were cloned and sequenced: chitin synthase 1 (HpCHS1), chitinase-h (HpChi-h) and ecdysone receptor (HpEcR). Feeding dsRNA cognate for these three target genes to the first instar of H. puera resulted in mortality and reduction in the corresponding transcript levels as assessed through qRT-PCR. This is the first report of RNAi in this forestry pest. The highest mortality was 45.9%, in response to dsHpEcR treatment; HpChi-h transcripts were the most down-regulated in response to dsHpEcR feeding. DsHpEcR RNAi resulted in growth inhibition and molting arrest. The mortalities were 29.7% and 32.4% for dsHpCHS1 and dsHpChi-h feeding, respectively. CONCLUSION Chitin metabolism could be a potential target for RNAi-based control of H. puera, and HpCHS1, HpChi-h and HpEcR could be suitable target genes. However, the RNAi efficacy needs to be improved through formulations that improve stability and uptake, and employing better delivery strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmiya R Kottaipalayam-Somasundaram
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
- Department Biology/Chemistry, Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - John P Jacob
- Forest Protection Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
| | - Balasubramanian Aiyar
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Department Biology/Chemistry, Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Mathish Nambiar-Veetil
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
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16
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Lu Q, Xu L, Liu L, Zhou Y, Liu T, Song Y, Ju J, Yang Q. Lynamicin B is a Potential Pesticide by Acting as a Lepidoptera-Exclusive Chitinase Inhibitor. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:14086-14091. [PMID: 34797675 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c05385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect group h chitinase is a promising target for designing non-target safe pesticides in that it is exclusively distributed in lepidopteran insects, over 80% of which are agricultural pests. In this work, lynamicin B was discovered to be an inhibitor of OfChi-h, the group h chitinase from the lepidopteran pest Ostrinia furnacalis. Lynamicin B was revealed to competitively inhibit OfChi-h with a Ki value of 8.76 μM and does not significantly inhibit other chitinases. The co-crystal structure of lynamicin B and OfChi-h revealed that the dichloroindolyl group of lynamicin B occupies an unexplored pocket below subsites +1 and +2 of the substrate-binding cleft, which is vital for its selectivity. Feeding experiments demonstrated that lynamicin B exhibited high insecticidal activities against other lepidopteran pests Mythimna separata and Spodoptera frugiperda besides O. furnacalis. Moreover, lynamicin B did not affect Trichogramma ostriniae, a natural enemy of O. furnacalis. This study provides a natural-derived potent pesticide for the control of lepidopteran pests, leaving its natural enemy unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Lu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Liping Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, RNAM Center for Marine Microbiology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- Academy of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yongxiang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, RNAM Center for Marine Microbiology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Jianhua Ju
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, RNAM Center for Marine Microbiology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
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17
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Yang X, Zhou C, Long G, Yang H, Chen C, Jin D. Characterization and functional analysis of chitinase family genes involved in nymph-adult transition of Sogatella furcifera. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:901-916. [PMID: 32536018 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase degrades chitin in the old epidermis or peritrophic matrix of insects, which ensures normal development and metamorphosis. In our previous work, we comprehensively studied the function of SfCht7 in Sogatella furcifera. However, the number and function of chitinase genes in S. furcifera remain unknown. Here, we identified 12 full-length chitinase transcripts from S. furcifera, which included nine chitinase (Cht), two imaginal disc growth factor (IDGF), and one endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) genes. Expression analysis results revealed that the expression levels of eight genes (SfCht3, SfCht5, SfCht6-1, SfCht6-2, SfCht7, SfCht8, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2) with similar transcript levels peaked prior to molting of each nymph and were highly expressed in the integument. Based on RNA interference (RNAi), description of the functions of each chitinase gene indicated that the silencing of SfCht5, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2 led to molting defects and lethality. RNAi inhibited the expressions of SfCht5, SfCht7, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2, which led to downregulated expressions of chitin synthase 1 (SfCHS1, SfCHS1a, and SfCHS1b) and four chitin deacetylase genes (SfCDA1, SfCDA2, SfCDA3, and SfCDA4), and caused a change in the expression level of two trehalase genes (TRE1 and TRE2). Furthermore, silencing of SfCht7 induced a significant decrease in the expression levels of three wing development-related genes (SfWG, SfDpp, and SfHh). In conclusion, SfCht5, SfCht7, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2 play vital roles in nymph-adult transition and are involved in the regulation of chitin metabolism, and SfCht7 is also involved in wing development; therefore, these genes are potential targets for control of S. furcifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xibin Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Cao Zhou
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guiyun Long
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- College of Tobacco Science of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Daochao Jin
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture, Guiyang, China
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18
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Zhu L, Chen L, Shao X, Cheng J, Yang Q, Qian X. Novel Inhibitors of an Insect Pest Chitinase: Design and Optimization of 9-O-Aromatic and Heterocyclic Esters of Berberine. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:7526-7533. [PMID: 34212716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OfChi-h, a lepidopteran-exclusive glycoside hydrolase family 18 (GH18) chitinase from the agricultural insect pest Ostrinia furnacalis, is a promising molecular target candidate for pest control and management. Berberine (BER), a traditional Chinese medicine, binds to a wide variety of glycosyl hydrolases via an identical mechanism, showing potential as a pesticide lead compound. In this work, we found that BER was a moderate inhibitor of OfChi-h with a Ki of 16.1 μM. To improve its efficacy, a series of BER derivatives featuring an ester bond linked to an aromatic or heterocyclic aromatic ring at the 9-position were designed and evaluated as effective OfChi-h inhibitors. The most potent compound, compound 19e with a nicotinate group, exhibited a Ki of 0.093 μM. Molecular docking analysis suggested that the common binding mode of BER derivatives featured a network of π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions and that the group at the 9-position enhanced the van der Waals and hydrogen bonding interactions. Administration of the BER derivative 19c to 4th-instar O. furnacalis larvae in an artificial diet led to their impaired growth and metamorphosis. This work provides a new starting point for the modification of BER for use in pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Xusheng Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiagao Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Xuhong Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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19
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Han Q, Wu N, Li HL, Zhang JY, Li X, Deng MF, Zhu K, Wang JE, Duan HX, Yang Q. A Piperine-Based Scaffold as a Novel Starting Point to Develop Inhibitors against the Potent Molecular Target OfChtI. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:7534-7544. [PMID: 34185539 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c08119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The insect chitinase OfChtI from the agricultural pest Ostrinia furnacalis (Asian corn borer) is a promising target for green insecticide design. OfChtI is a critical chitinolytic enzyme for the cuticular chitin degradation at the stage of molting. In this study, piperine, a natural amide compound isolated from black pepper, Piper nigrum L., was discovered for the first time to have inhibitory activity toward OfChtI. The compound-enzyme interaction was presumed to take place between the piperine benzo[d][1,3] dioxole skeleton and subsite -1 of the substrate-binding pocket of OfChtI. Hence, on the basis of the deduced inhibitory mechanism and crystal structure of the substrate-binding cavity of OfChtI, compounds 5a-f were designed and synthesized by introducing a butenolide scaffold into the lead compound piperine. The enzymatic activity assay indicated that compounds 5a-f (Ki = 1.03-2.04 μM) exhibited approximately 40-80-fold higher inhibitory activity than the lead compound piperine (I) (Ki = 81.45 μM) toward OfChtI. The inhibitory mechanism of the piperonyl butenolide compounds was elucidated by molecular dynamics, which demonstrated that the introduced butenolide skeleton improved the binding affinity to OfChtI. Moreover, the in vivo activity assay indicated that these compounds also displayed moderate insecticidal activity toward O. furnacalis. This work introduces the natural product piperine as a starting point for the development of novel insecticides targeting OfChtI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Han
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Lin Li
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yu Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Fei Deng
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-E Wang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Xia Duan
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People's Republic of China
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20
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Qu MB, Sun SP, Liu YS, Deng XR, Yang J, Yang Q. Insect group II chitinase OfChtII promotes chitin degradation during larva-pupa molting. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:692-704. [PMID: 32306549 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The insect group II chitinase (ChtII, also known as Cht10) is a unique chitinase with multiple catalytic and chitin-binding domains. It has been proven genetically to be an essential chitinase for molting. However, ChtII's role in chitin degradation during insect development remains poorly understood. Obtaining this knowledge is the key to fully understanding the chitin degradation system in insects. Here, we investigated the role of OfChtII during the molting of Ostrinia furnacalis, a model lepidopteran pest insect. OfChtII was expressed earlier than OfChtI (OfCht5) and OfChi-h, at both the gene and protein levels during larva-pupa molting as evidenced by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. A truncated OfChtII, OfChtII-B4C1, was recombinantly expressed in Pichia pastoris cells and purified to homogeneity. The recombinant OfChtII-B4C1 loosened compacted chitin particles and produced holes in the cuticle surface as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. It synergized with OfChtI and OfChi-h when hydrolyzing insoluble α-chitin. These findings suggested an important role for ChtII during insect molting and also provided a strategy for the coordinated degradation of cuticular chitin during insect molting by ChtII, ChtI and Chi-h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Bo Qu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shao-Peng Sun
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuan-Sheng Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Deng
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhang S, Kong X, Liu F, Zhang Z. RNAi-Mediated Silencing of the Chitinase 5 Gene for Fall Webworm ( Hyphantria cunea) Can Inhibit Larval Molting Depending on the Timing of dsRNA Injection. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050406. [PMID: 33946562 PMCID: PMC8147239 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chitinases, which are crucial enzymes required for chitin degradation and reconstruction, are often selectively considered to be effective molecular targets for pest control due to their critical roles in insect development. Although the Hyphantria cunea chitinase gene has been reported previously, its sequence characteristics, gene function, and feasibility as a potential target for pest management were absent. In the present study, we characterized the H. cunea chitinase gene and designated it HcCht5. Phylogenic and domain structure analysis suggested that HcCht5 contained the typical chitinase features and was clustered into chitinase group I. Tissue-specific and developmental expression pattern analysis with Real-Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that HcCht5 was mainly expressed in the integument tissues and that the transcript levels peaked during molting. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of HcCht5 caused 33.3% (2 ug) and 66.7% (4 ug) mortality rates after double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection. Importantly, the interference efficiency of HcCht5 depended on the injection time of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), as the pre-molting treatment achieved molt arrest more effectively. In addition, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of RNAi samples demonstrated silencing of the down-regulated HcCht5 genes related to chitin metabolism and molting hormone signaling, as well as genes related to detoxification metabolism. Our results indicate the essential role of HcCht5 in H. cunea development and detail the involvement of its gene function in the larval molting process.
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22
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Ali MW, Khan MM, Song F, Wu L, He L, Wang Z, Zhang ZY, Zhang H, Jiang Y. RNA Interference-Based Silencing of the Chitin Synthase 1 Gene for Reproductive and Developmental Disruptions in Panonychus citri. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11110786. [PMID: 33187256 PMCID: PMC7697958 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The Chitin Synthase 1 gene, when suppressed with RNAi, imparts differences in the structural development, physiology, and synthesis of epidermal chitin, which ultimately leads to the mortality of the target pest. The results presented here will help to illuminate the molecular mechanism and function of the PcCHS1 gene, which regulates the egg-laying potential in adult citrus red mites. Using the leaf dip method, we found that dsRNA was potent and effective, and significantly reduced the egg-laying potential and hatching of citrus red mite eggs. These results show the potential utility of the PcCHS1 gene in the development of novel RNA interference strategies for controlling the citrus red mite. Abstract Chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) is an essential gene regulating chitin during different developmental stages of arthropods. In the current study, we explored for the first time the role of CHS1 gene regulation in the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), by silencing its expression using (RNA interference) RNAi-based strategies. The results reveal that P. citri tested in different developmental stages, including larvae, protonymphs, deutonymphs, and adults fed on sweet orange leaves dipped in various concentrations (200, 400, 600, and 800 ng/μL) of dsRNA-PcCHS1, resulted in a continuous reduction in their gene expression, and the extent of transcript knockdown was positively correlated with the concentration of dsRNA. Concentration–mortality response assays revealed a mortality of more than 50% among all the studied developmental stages, except for adulthood. Furthermore, the target gene dsRNA-PcCHS1 treatment of larvae, protonymphs, deutonymphs, and females at a treatment rate of 800 ng/mL of dsRNA significantly decreased the egg-laying rates by 48.50%, 43.79%, 54%, and 39%, respectively, and the hatching rates were also considerably reduced by 64.70%, 70%, 64%, and 52.90%, respectively. Moreover, using the leaf dip method, we found that the RNA interference effectively reduced the PcCHS1 transcript levels by 42.50% and 42.06% in the eggs and adults, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that the RNAi of PcCHS1 can dramatically reduce the survival and fecundity of P. citri, but the dsRNA concentrations and developmental stages can significantly influence the RNAi effects. These findings indicate the potential utility of the PcCHS1 gene in causing developmental irregularities, which could aid in the development of effective and novel RNAi-based strategies for controlling P. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqar Ali
- Institute of Fruit and Tea, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (M.W.A.); (F.S.); (L.W.); (L.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Muhammad Musa Khan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Fang Song
- Institute of Fruit and Tea, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (M.W.A.); (F.S.); (L.W.); (L.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Liming Wu
- Institute of Fruit and Tea, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (M.W.A.); (F.S.); (L.W.); (L.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Ligang He
- Institute of Fruit and Tea, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (M.W.A.); (F.S.); (L.W.); (L.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhijing Wang
- Institute of Fruit and Tea, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (M.W.A.); (F.S.); (L.W.); (L.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhen-yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Correspondence: (H.Z.); (Y.J.)
| | - Yingchun Jiang
- Institute of Fruit and Tea, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (M.W.A.); (F.S.); (L.W.); (L.H.); (Z.W.)
- Correspondence: (H.Z.); (Y.J.)
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23
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Chen W, Yang Q. Development of Novel Pesticides Targeting Insect Chitinases: A Minireview and Perspective. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:4559-4565. [PMID: 32239934 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c00888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) is an enzyme to breakdown β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in chitin and chitooligosaccharides. The loss of chitinase enzymatic activity in insects results in severe exoskeleton defects and lethality at all developmental stages, indicating that insect chitinases can be promising pesticide targets. However, there are no pesticides known to target chitinases. This perspective will focus on the latest research progress of insect chitinases, paying special attention to crystal structures and chemical biology advances in the field. The physiological importance and unique structural features of insect chitinases may ensure the development of new pesticides through a novel acting mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People's Republic of China
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24
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Zhang L, Guan Z, Pan Z, Ge H, Zhou D, Xu J, Zhang W. Functional expression of the Spodoptera exigua chitinase to examine the virtually screened inhibitor candidates. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 109:741-751. [PMID: 31113496 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485319000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase is responsible for insect chitin hydrolyzation, which is a key process in insect molting and pupation. However, little is known about the chitinase of Spodoptera exigua (SeChi). In this study, based on the SeChi gene (ADI24346) identified in our laboratory, we constructed the recombinant baculovirus P-Chi for the expression of recombinant SeChi (rSeChi) in Hi5 cells. The rSeChi was purified by chelate affinity chromatography, and the purified protein showed activity comparable with that of a commercial SgChi, suggesting that we harvested active SeChi for the first time. The purified protein was subsequently tested for enzymatic properties and revealed to exhibit its highest activity at pH 8 and 40 C. Using homology modeling and molecular docking techniques, the three-dimensional model of SeChi was constructed and screened for inhibitors. In two rounds of screening, twenty compounds were selected. With the purified rSeChi, we tested each of the twenty compounds for inhibitor activity against rSeChi, and seven compounds showed obvious activity. This study provided new information for the chitinase of beet armyworm and for chitinase inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Z Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Z Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - H Ge
- Medical College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - D Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - J Xu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - W Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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25
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Liu X, Cooper AMW, Yu Z, Silver K, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Progress and prospects of arthropod chitin pathways and structures as targets for pest management. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 161:33-46. [PMID: 31685194 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Chitin is a structural component of the arthropod cuticular exoskeleton and the peritrophic matrix of the gut, which play crucial roles in growth and development. In the past few decades, our understanding of the composition, biosynthesis, assembly, degradation, and regulation of chitinous structures has increased. Many chemicals have been developed that target chitin biosynthesis (benzoyphenyl ureas, etoxazole), chitin degradation (allosamidin, psammaplin), and chitin regulation (benzoyl hydrazines), thus resulting in molting deformities and lethality. In addition, proteins that disrupt chitin structures, such as lectins, proteases, and chitinases have been utilized to halt feeding and induce mortality. Chitin-degrading enzymes, such as chitinases are also useful for improving the efficacy of bio-insecticides. Transgenic plants, baculoviruses, fungi, and bacteria have been engineered to express chitinases from a variety of organisms for control of arthropod pests. In addition, RNA interference targeting genes involved in chitin pathways and structures are now being investigated for the development of environmentally friendly pest management strategies. This review describes the chemicals and proteins used to target chitin structures and enzymes for arthropod pest management, as well as pest management strategies based upon these compounds, such as plant-incorporated-protectants and recombinant entomopathogens. Recent advances in RNA interference-based pest management, and how this technology can be used to target chitin pathways and structures are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | | | - Zhitao Yu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China.
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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26
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Omar MAA, Ao Y, Li M, He K, Xu L, Tong H, Jiang M, Li F. The functional difference of eight chitinase genes between male and female of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:550-567. [PMID: 30739379 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous insect that attacks tens of plant and causes substantial economic loss. Insect chitinases are required to remove the old cuticle to allow for continued growth and development. Though insect chitinases have been well studied in tens of insects, their functions in mealybug are still not addressed. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of adult males and females, from which eight chitinase genes were identified. We then used the method of rapid amplification of cDNA ends to amplify their full length. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these genes clustered into five subgroups. Among which, group II PsCht2 had the longest transcript and was highly expressed at second instar nymph. PsCht10, PsCht3-3 and PsIDGF were highly expressed in the adult females, whereas PsCht4 and PsCht4-1 were significantly expressed at the male pupa and adult male. Next, we knocked down all eight chitinase genes by feeding the double-stranded RNA. Knockdown of PsCht4 or PsCht4-1 led to the failure of moult and, silencing PsCht5 resulted in pupation defect, while silencing PsCht10 led to small body size, suggesting these genes have essential roles in development and can be used as a potential target for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A A Omar
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Y Ao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - M Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - K He
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - L Xu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H Tong
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - M Jiang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - F Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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27
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Zhu B, Shan J, Li R, Liang P, Gao X. Identification and RNAi-based function analysis of chitinase family genes in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:1951-1961. [PMID: 30578597 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect chitinases play a vital part in chitin degradation in exoskeletons and gut linings during the molting process, and therefore are considered potential targets for new insecticide designs or RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management. Systematic functional analysis of chitinase genes has already been conducted in several insect pests, but not Plutella xylostella. RESULTS In this study, 13 full-length chitinase transcripts were obtained in P. xylostella. Developmental and tissue-specific expression pattern analysis revealed that seven chitinase transcripts were periodically expressed during molting stage and mainly expressed in the integument or midgut, including PxCht3, PxCht5, PxCht6-2, PxCht7, PxCht8, PxCht10 and PxCht-h. RNAi-mediated knockdown of these specific expressed genes revealed that PxCht5 and PxCht10 were essential in larval molting, pupation and eclosion, and PxCht7 was indispensable only in eclosion. No significant effects were observed on insect survival or normal development when the rest chitinase transcripts were suppressed by RNAi. CONCLUSION Our results indicated the function of P. xylostella chitinase family genes during the molting process, and may provide potential targets for RNAi-based management of P. xylostella. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinqiong Shan
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Liang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H, Arakane Y, Yang Q. Chitin Organizing and Modifying Enzymes and Proteins Involved In Remodeling of the Insect Cuticle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:83-114. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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29
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Zhang Q, Dou W, Pan D, Chen EH, Niu JZ, Smagghe G, Wang JJ. Genome-Wide Analysis of MicroRNAs in Relation to Pupariation in Oriental Fruit Fly. Front Physiol 2019; 10:301. [PMID: 30967796 PMCID: PMC6439999 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect metamorphosis is a complex process involving drastic morphological and physiological changes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that play key roles in regulating various biological processes, including metamorphosis, by post-transcriptional repression of mRNAs. The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the most destructive insect pests in many Asian countries and the Pacific Islands. The regulatory role of miRNAs in B. dorsalis metamorphosis is unclear. To better understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in pupariation, Illumina sequencing of the wandering stage (WS), the late WS and the white puparium stage of B. dorsalis were performed. Two hundred forty-nine miRNAs, including 184 known miRNAs and 65 novel miRNAs, were obtained. Among these miRNAs, 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed in pupariation, and eight miRNAs showed relative high expression levels (>50 TPM), of which five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) had target differentially expressed genes (DEGs) predicted by the expected miRNA-mRNA negative regulation pattern using the Illumina HiSeq data. Four sets of DEMs and their predicted target DEGs were confirmed by qPCR. Of the four miRNAs, two miRNAs were down-regulated: miR-981, which may target pdpc, and Bdo-novel-mir-55, which potentially regulates spsX1, psB/C, and chit3. The other two miRNAs were up-regulated: let-7a-3p, which possibly controls lap, and Bdo-novel-mir-24, which may regulate ipc and sp1/2. This study provides a useful resource to elucidate the regulatory role of miRNAs and understand the molecular mechanisms of metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control Between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing, China.,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control Between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing, China.,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Deng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control Between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing, China.,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Er-Hu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control Between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing, China.,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Zhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control Between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing, China.,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control Between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing, China.,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control Between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing, China.,Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Harðardóttir HM, Male R, Nilsen F, Eichner C, Dondrup M, Dalvin S. Chitin synthesis and degradation in Lepeophtheirus salmonis: Molecular characterization and gene expression profile during synthesis of a new exoskeleton. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 227:123-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tetreau G, Wang P. Chitinous Structures as Potential Targets for Insect Pest Control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:273-292. [PMID: 31102251 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chitinous structures are physiologically fundamental in insects. They form the insect exoskeleton, play important roles in physiological systems and provide physical, chemical and biological protections in insects. As critically important structures in insects, chitinous structures are attractive target sites for the development of new insect-pest-control strategies. Chitinous structures in insects are complex and their formation and maintenance are dynamically regulated with the growth and development of insects. In the past few decades, studies on insect chitinous structures have shed lights on the physiological functions, compositions, structural formation, and regulation of the chitinous structures. Current understanding of the chitinous structures has indicated opportunities for exploring new target sites for insect control. Mechanisms to disrupt chitinous structures in insects have been studied and strategies for the potential development of new means of insect control by targeting chitinous structures have been proposed and are practically to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Tetreau
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, 14456, USA.
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Liu X, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Chitin in Arthropods: Biosynthesis, Modification, and Metabolism. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:169-207. [PMID: 31102247 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chitin is a structural constituent of extracellular matrices including the cuticle of the exoskeleton and the peritrophic matrix (PM) of the midgut in arthropods. Chitin chains are synthesized through multiple biochemical reactions, organized in several hierarchical levels and associated with various proteins that give their unique physicochemical characteristics of the cuticle and PM. Because, arthropod growth and morphogenesis are dependent on the capability of remodeling chitin-containing structures, chitin biosynthesis and degradation are highly regulated, allowing ecdysis and regeneration of the cuticle and PM. Over the past 20 years, much progress has been made in understanding the physiological functions of chitinous matrices. In this chapter, we mainly discussed the biochemical processes of chitin biosynthesis, modification and degradation, and various enzymes involved in these processes. We also discussed cuticular proteins and PM proteins, which largely determine the physicochemical properties of the cuticle and PM. Although rapid advances in genomics, proteomics, RNA interference, and other technologies have considerably facilitated our research in chitin biosynthesis, modification, and metabolism in recent years, many aspects of these processes are still partially understood. Further research is needed in understanding how the structural organization of chitin synthase in plasma membrane accommodate chitin biosynthesis, transport of chitin chain across the plasma membrane, and release of the chitin chain from the enzyme. Other research is also needed in elucidating the roles of chitin deacetylases in chitin organization and the mechanism controlling the formation of different types of chitin in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China.
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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Zhao X, Situ G, He K, Xiao H, Su C, Li F. Functional analysis of eight chitinase genes in rice stem borer and their potential application in pest control. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:835-846. [PMID: 30058753 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Insect chitinases participate in numerous physiological processes such as nutrition, parasitism, morphogenesis and immunity. These properties make chitinases good targets for pest control. Rice striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis Walker, is one of the most destructive pests of rice causing huge yield losses. In our previous work, we reported the identification of 12 SSB chitinase (CsCht) genes, and studied the functions of CsCht1 to 4. Here, we have extended our study to investigate the expression patterns and functions of CsCht5 to 12. All eight chitinase genes displayed distinct temporospatial expression profiles. We looked at the effect of knocking down each gene at the developmental stage where highest expression was observed. Knocking down CsCht5, CsCht6 and CsCht8 resulted in high mortality and delayed development. Although silencing CsCht7, CsCht9, CsCht10, CsCht11 and CsCht12 had no apparent effect on development, knocking down CsCht10 in SSB individuals that were simultaneously treated with Beauveria bassiana (Bb84) led to higher mortality rates and quicker death, suggesting CsCht10 has an essential role in protecting SSB from exogenous microorganisms. In summary, we elucidated the functions of eight SSB chitinase genes and found that CsCht10 could be a good candidate for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - G Situ
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - K He
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, China
| | - C Su
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - F Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Zhang T, Liu W, Li D, Gao L, Ma E, Zhu KY, Moussian B, Li S, Zhang J. LmCht5-1 promotes pro-nymphal molting during locust embryonic development. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 101:124-130. [PMID: 30196080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases, key enzymes involved in degradation of chitin, have been repeatedly shown to play an indispensable role during insect post-embryonic molting processes at stage transitions. However, how chitinases affect insect embryonic development remains to be analyzed. In this study, we investigated the role of chitinase 5-1 (LmCht5-1) during embryonic development of the hemimetabolous insect Locusta migratoria. LmCht5-1 transcript levels were high in pro-nymphs during late embryogenesis. The respective protein localized to both the pro-nymphal and, to a much lesser extent, the newly formed nymphal cuticle. After injection of double stranded RNA against LmCht5-1 into 8 days old embryos, LmCht5-1 transcripts were strongly reduced. Most of dsLmCht5-1-injected pro-nymphs failed to develop to first-instar nymphs and died at or before hatching. Histological analyzes showed that degradation of the pro-nymph cuticle was blocked in these animals. At the ultra-structural level, we found that LmCht5-1 was needed for the degradation of the lamellar procuticle, while the separation of the procuticle from the epicuticle and epidermis (apolysis) was independent of LmCht5-1 function. Taken together, our results indicate that LmCht5-1 and other yet unknown degrading enzymes act in parallel at distinct positions of the cuticle during molting of the pro-nymph to the first-instar nymph during locust embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Daqi Li
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China; Institute of Plant Protection, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030031, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Enbo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | | | - Sheng Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Sciences and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China.
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Liu SH, Li HF, Yang Y, Yang RL, Yang WJ, Jiang HB, Dou W, Smagghe G, Wang JJ. Genome-wide identification of chitinase and chitin deacetylase gene families in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2018; 27:13-22. [PMID: 29733998 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases (Chts) and chitin deacetylases (CDAs) are important enzymes required for chitin metabolism in insects. In this study, 12 Cht-related genes (including seven Cht genes and five imaginal disc growth factor genes) and 6 CDA genes (encoding seven proteins) were identified in Bactrocera dorsalis using genome-wide searching and transcript profiling. Based on the conserved sequences and phylogenetic relationships, 12 Cht-related proteins were clustered into eight groups (group I-V and VII-IX). Further domain architecture analysis showed that all contained at least one chitinase catalytic domain, however, only four (BdCht5, BdCht7, BdCht8 and BdCht10) possessed chitin-binding domains. The subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven CDAs were clustered into five groups (group I-V), and all had one chitin deacetylase catalytic domain. However, only six exhibited chitin-binding domains. Finally, the development- and tissue-specific expression profiling showed that transcript levels of the 12 Cht-related genes and 6 CDA genes varied considerably among eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, as well as among different tissues of larvae and adults. Our findings illustrate the structural differences and expression patterns of Cht and CDA genes in B. dorsalis, and provide important information for the development of new pest control strategies based on these vital enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Huo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Hong-Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Rui-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Wen-Jia Yang
- Key & Special Laboratory of Guizhou Education Department for Pest Control and Resource Utilization, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550005, PR China
| | - Hong-Bo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China.
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Noh MY, Muthukrishnan S, Kramer KJ, Arakane Y. A chitinase with two catalytic domains is required for organization of the cuticular extracellular matrix of a beetle. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007307. [PMID: 29590098 PMCID: PMC5891080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect cuticle or exoskeleton is an extracellular matrix formed primarily from two different structural biopolymers, chitin and protein. During each molt cycle, a new cuticle is deposited simultaneously with degradation of the inner part of the chitinous procuticle of the overlying old exoskeleton by molting fluid enzymes including epidermal chitinases. In this study we report a novel role for an epidermal endochitinase containing two catalytic domains, TcCHT7, from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, in organizing chitin in the newly forming cuticle rather than in degrading chitin present in the prior one. Recombinant TcCHT7 expressed in insect cells is membrane-bound and capable of hydrolyzing an extracellular chitin substrate, whereas in vivo, this enzyme is also released from the plasma membrane and co-localizes with chitin in the entire procuticle. RNAi of TcCHT7 reveals that this enzyme is nonessential for any type of molt or degradation of the chitinous matrix in the old cuticle. In contrast, TcCHT7 is required for maintaining the integrity of the cuticle as a compact structure of alternating electron-dense and electron-lucent laminae. There is a reduction in thickness of elytral and leg cuticles after RNAi for TcCHT7. TcCHT7 is also required for formation of properly oriented long chitin fibers inside pore canals that are vertically oriented columnar structures, which contribute to the mechanical strength of a light-weight, yet rigid, adult cuticle. The conservation of CHT7-like proteins harboring such a unique domain configuration among many insect and other arthropod species indicates a critical role for the group III class of chitinases in the higher ordered organization of chitin fibers for development of the structural integrity of many invertebrate exoskeletons. Insect cuticle or exoskeleton is an extracellular matrix consisting of three major morphologically distinct layers, the water-proofing envelope, the protein-rich epicuticle and the chitin/protein-rich procuticle. To accommodate growth, insects must periodically replace their cuticles in a process called “molting or ecdysis”. During each molt cycle a new cuticle is deposited simultaneously with degradation of the inner part of the chitinous procuticle of the old one by molting fluid enzymes including epidermal chitinases. We show that a chitinase, CHT7, from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, belonging to a subfamily (group III) of chitinases that have two catalytic domains, is necessary for organization of chitin-containing structures in nascent cuticle, which contributes to the rigidity of the extracellular matrix. This unexpected function is distinct from that of other groups of epidermal chitinases that catalyze the turnover of chitin in old cuticle during the molting process. Because group III chitinases are highly conserved among insect and other arthropod species, we propose that these enzymes have a novel function in processing nascent chitin chains during cuticle assembly and organization into higher order structures that include horizontally stacked laminae and vertically oriented pore canals of many invertebrate cuticular extracellular matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Young Noh
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Karl J. Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- * E-mail:
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Identification and Functional Analysis of a Novel Cytochrome P450 Gene CYP9A105 Associated with Pyrethroid Detoxification in Spodoptera exigua Hübner. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030737. [PMID: 29510578 PMCID: PMC5877598 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s or CYPs) are known to be involved in the detoxification and metabolism of insecticides, leading to increased resistance in insect populations. Spodoptera exigua is a serious polyphagous insect pest worldwide and has developed resistance to various insecticides. In this study, a novel CYP3 clan P450 gene CYP9A105 was identified and characterized from S. exigua. The cDNAs of CYP9A105 encoded 530 amino acid proteins, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that CYP9A105 was expressed at all developmental stages, with maximal expression observed in fifth instar stage larvae, and in dissected fifth instar larvae the highest transcript levels were found in midguts and fat bodies. The expression of CYP9A105 in midguts was upregulated by treatments with the insecticides α-cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fenvalerate at both LC15 concentrations (0.10, 0.20 and 5.0 mg/L, respectively) and LC50 concentrations (0.25, 0.40 and 10.00 mg/L, respectively). RNA interference (RNAi) mediated silencing of CYP9A105 led to increased mortalities of insecticide-treated 4th instar S. exigua larvae. Our results suggest that CYP9A105 might play an important role in α-cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fenvalerate detoxification in S. exigua.
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Zhao X, Qin Z, Liu W, Liu X, Moussian B, Ma E, Li S, Zhang J. Nuclear receptor HR3 controls locust molt by regulating chitin synthesis and degradation genes of Locusta migratoria. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 92:1-11. [PMID: 29113754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
During growth and development of insects, the steroid hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) regulates the molting process through activation of a series of genes including E74, E75 and HR3 by the 20E receptor EcR. Here, we analyzed the function of LmHR3 in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria. By sequence comparison, we first identified and characterized the putative nuclear receptor protein (LmHR3) based on L. migratoria transcriptome data. The full length cDNA is 2272 bp long encoding a protein of 455 amino acids that contains a DNA binding domain (zinc finger) and a ligand binding domain. Phylogenetic analyses showed that LmHR3 has a high homology with the ortholog from Blattaria. RT-qPCR results revealed that LmHR3 has a low level expression in the early days of 5th instar nymphs, and then increases and peaks at day 6, followed by a decrease to low levels before ecdysis. The LmHR3, hence, coincides with the profile of circulating 20E levels. Indeed, we show that transcription of LmHR3 is induced by 20E in vivo, and significantly suppressed by successfully knocking down expression of LmEcR. After injection of dsRNA for LmHR3 (dsLmHR3) at day 2 of earlier instar nymphs (3rd and 4th instar) and final instar nymphs (5th instar), none of the nymphs were able to molt normally, and eventually died. Chitin staining and ultra-structural analysis showed that both the synthesis of the new cuticle and the degradation of the old cuticle were blocked in the dsLmHR3 treated nymphs. Especially, chitin synthesis genes (LmUAP1 and LmCHS1) and chitinase genes (LmCHT5 and LmCHT10) were significantly down-regulated in the dsLmHR3 treatment group. Together, our results suggest that LmHR3 is involved in the control of chitin synthesis and degradation during L. migratoria molting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhao
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Zhongyu Qin
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Angewandte Zoologie, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, Dresden 01217, Germany; iBV, Universit e Nice, Parc Valrose, Nice 06000, France
| | - Enbo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Sciences and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China.
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Liu T, Zhu W, Wang J, Zhou Y, Duan Y, Qu M, Yang Q. The deduced role of a chitinase containing two nonsynergistic catalytic domains. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2018; 74:30-40. [PMID: 29372897 PMCID: PMC5786006 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798317018289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinases degrade or alter chitin. Multiple catalytic domains in a glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinase function synergistically during chitin degradation. Here, an insect group III chitinase from the agricultural pest Ostrinia furnacalis (OfChtIII) is revealed to be an arthropod-conserved chitinase that contains two nonsynergistic GH18 domains according to its catalytic properties. Both GH18 domains are active towards single-chained chitin substrates, but are inactive towards insoluble chitin substrates. The crystal structures of each unbound GH18 domain, as well as of GH18 domains complexed with hexa-N-acetyl-chitohexaose or penta-N-acetyl-chitopentaose, suggest that the two GH18 domains possess endo-specific activities. Physiological data indicated that the developmental stage-dependent gene-expression pattern of OfChtIII was the same as that of the chitin synthase OfChsA but significantly different from that of the chitinase OfChtI, which is indispensable for cuticular chitin degradation. Additionally, immunological staining indicated that OfChtIII was co-localized with OfChsA. Thus, OfChtIII is most likely to be involved in the chitin-synthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weixing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, People’s Republic of China
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Vatanparast M, Kim Y. Optimization of recombinant bacteria expressing dsRNA to enhance insecticidal activity against a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183054. [PMID: 28800614 PMCID: PMC5553977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been applied to control insect pests due to its induction of RNA interference (RNAi) of a specific target gene expression. However, developing dsRNA-based insecticidal agent has been a great challenge especially against lepidopteran insect pests due to variations in RNAi efficiency. The objective of this study was to screen genes of chymotrypsins (SeCHYs) essential for the survival of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, to construct insecticidal dsRNA. In addition, an optimal oral delivery method was developed using recombinant bacteria. At least 7 SeCHY genes were predicted from S. exigua transcriptomes. Subsequent analyses indicated that SeCHY2 was widely expressed in different developmental stages and larval tissues by RT-PCR and its expression knockdown by RNAi caused high mortality along with immunosuppression. However, a large amount of dsRNA was required to efficiently kill late instars of S. exigua because of high RNase activity in their midgut lumen. To minimize dsRNA degradation, bacterial expression and formulation of dsRNA were performed in HT115 Escherichia coli using L4440 expression vector. dsRNA (300 bp) specific to SeCHY2 overexpressed in E. coli was toxic to S. exigua larvae after oral administration. To enhance dsRNA release from E. coli, bacterial cells were sonicated before oral administration. RNAi efficiency of sonicated bacteria was significantly increased, causing higher larval mortality at oral administration. Moreover, targeting young larvae possessing weak RNase activity in the midgut lumen significantly enhanced RNAi efficiency and subsequent insecticidal activity against S. exigua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Vatanparast
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Bu-Ali Sina, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Chen L, Liu T, Duan Y, Lu X, Yang Q. Microbial Secondary Metabolite, Phlegmacin B 1, as a Novel Inhibitor of Insect Chitinolytic Enzymes. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:3851-3857. [PMID: 28457127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b01710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Periodic chitin remodeling during insect growth and development requires a synergistic action of two glycosyl hydrolase (GH) family enzymes, GH18 chitinase and GH20 β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex). Inhibiting either or both of these enzymes is a promising strategy for pest control and management. In this study, OfChi-h (a GH18 chitinase) and OfHex1 (a GH20 Hex) from Ostrinia furnacalis were used to screen a library of microbial secondary metabolites. Phlegmacin B1 was found to be the inhibitor of both OfChi-h and OfHex1 with Ki values of 5.5 μM and 26 μM, respectively. Injection and feeding experiments demonstrated that phlegmacin B1 has insecticidal effect on O. furnacalis's larvae. Phlegmacin B1 was predicted to bind to the active pockets of both OfChi-h and OfHex1. Phlegmacin B1 also showed moderate inhibitory activities against other bacterial and insect GH18 enzymes. This work provides an example of exploiting microbial secondary metabolites as potential pest control and management agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering and School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian 116024, China
| | - Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering and School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian 116024, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanwei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering and School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xinhua Lu
- New Drug Research & Development Center, North China Pharmaceutical Group Corporation , Shijiazhuang 050015, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering and School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian 116024, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100193, China
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Song Y, Villeneuve DL, Toyota K, Iguchi T, Tollefsen KE. Ecdysone Receptor Agonism Leading to Lethal Molting Disruption in Arthropods: Review and Adverse Outcome Pathway Development. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:4142-4157. [PMID: 28355071 PMCID: PMC6135102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Molting is critical for growth, development, reproduction, and survival in arthropods. Complex neuroendocrine pathways are involved in the regulation of molting and may potentially become targets of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Based on several known ED mechanisms, a wide range of pesticides has been developed to combat unwanted organisms in food production activities such as agriculture and aquaculture. Meanwhile, these chemicals may also pose hazards to nontarget species by causing molting defects, and thus potentially affecting the health of the ecosystems. The present review summarizes the available knowledge on molting-related endocrine regulation and chemically mediated disruption in arthropods (with special focus on insects and crustaceans), to identify research gaps and develop a mechanistic model for assessing environmental hazards of these compounds. Based on the review, multiple targets of EDCs in the molting processes were identified and the link between mode of action (MoA) and adverse effects characterized to inform future studies. An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) describing ecdysone receptor agonism leading to incomplete ecdysis associated mortality was developed according to the OECD guideline and subjected to weight of evidence considerations by evolved Bradford Hill Criteria. This review proposes the first invertebrate ED AOP and may serve as a knowledge foundation for future environmental studies and AOP development.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Song
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
- Corresponding Author: Knut Erik Tollefsen, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00, , You Song, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00,
| | | | - Kenji Toyota
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | - Knut Erik Tollefsen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Department of Environmental Sciences (IMV). P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
- Corresponding Author: Knut Erik Tollefsen, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00, , You Song, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00,
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Zhang X, Zheng S. 20-hydroxyecdysone enhances the expression of the chitinase 5 via Broad-Complex Zinc-Finger 4 during metamorphosis in silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:243-253. [PMID: 28032930 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Insect chitinases are hydrolytic enzymes required for the degradation of chitin. They are essential for insect moulting and metamorphosis. In this study, the regulation mechanism of a chitinase gene, Bombyx mori chitinase 5 (BmCHT5), was studied. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that BmCHT5 was up-regulated during the larval-larval and larval-pupa transitions and notably induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Analysis of the BmCHT5 promoter revealed the presence of one Bombyx mori Broad-Complex Zinc-Finger Isoform 4 (BR-C Z4), two BR-C Z2 and two ecdysone-induced protein 74A (E74A) cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that are related to 20E. qRT-PCR showed that the expression of both BmBR-C Z4 and BmBR-C Z2 during metamorphosis, and when induced by 20E, was anastomotic with the variations in BmCHT5 mRNA level. In contrast, BmE74A did not follow this trend. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay did not retrieve a binding partner for the two BR-C Z2 CREs in the BmN cell line nuclear extract, whereas BR-C Z4 CRE specifically bound to BmBR-C Z4. Besides, luciferase activity analysis confirmed that BmBR-C Z4 could enhance the activity of the BmCHT5 promoter with BR-C Z4 CRE and could not enhance the promoter activity by mutating BR-C Z4 CRE. Taken together, these data suggest that the transcription factor BmBR-C Z4 enhances the expression of BmCHT5 during metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - S Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Liu T, Chen L, Zhou Y, Jiang X, Duan Y, Yang Q. Structure, Catalysis, and Inhibition of OfChi-h, the Lepidoptera-exclusive Insect Chitinase. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:2080-2088. [PMID: 28053084 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.755330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitinase-h (Chi-h) is of special interest among insect chitinases due to its exclusive distribution in lepidopteran insects and high sequence identity with bacterial and baculovirus homologs. Here OfChi-h, a Chi-h from Ostrinia furnacalis, was investigated. Crystal structures of both OfChi-h and its complex with chitoheptaose ((GlcN)7) reveal that OfChi-h possesses a long and asymmetric substrate binding cleft, which is a typical characteristics of a processive exo-chitinase. The structural comparison between OfChi-h and its bacterial homolog SmChiA uncovered two phenylalanine-to-tryptophan site variants in OfChi-h at subsites +2 and possibly -7. The F232W/F396W double mutant endowed SmChiA with higher hydrolytic activities toward insoluble substrates, such as insect cuticle, α-chitin, and chitin nanowhisker. An enzymatic assay demonstrated that OfChi-h outperformed OfChtI, an insect endo-chitinase, toward the insoluble substrates, but showed lower activity toward the soluble substrate ethylene glycol chitin. Furthermore, OfChi-h was found to be inhibited by N,N',N″-trimethylglucosamine-N,N',N″,N″'-tetraacetylchitotetraose (TMG-(GlcNAc)4), a substrate analog which can be degraded into TMG-(GlcNAc)1-2 Injection of TMG-(GlcNAc)4 into 5th-instar O. furnacalis larvae led to severe defects in pupation. This work provides insights into a molting-indispensable insect chitinase that is phylogenetically closer to bacterial chitinases than insect chitinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Liu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China and
| | - Lei Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China and
| | - Yong Zhou
- From the State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China and
| | - Xi Jiang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China and
| | - Yanwei Duan
- From the State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China and
| | - Qing Yang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China and .,Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, China
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Liao ZH, Kuo TC, Kao CH, Chou TM, Kao YH, Huang RN. Identification of the chitinase genes from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 106:769-780. [PMID: 27417424 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316000511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases have an indispensable function in chitin metabolism and are well characterized in numerous insect species. Although the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella, which has a high reproductive potential, short generation time, and characteristic adaptation to adverse environments, has become one of the most serious pests of cruciferous plants worldwide, the information on the chitinases of the moth is presently limited. In the present study, using degenerated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends-PCR strategies, four chitinase genes of P. xylostella were cloned, and an exhaustive search was conducted for chitinase-like sequences from the P. xylostella genome and transcriptomic database. Based on the domain analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences and the phylogenetic analysis of the catalytic domain sequences, we identified 15 chitinase genes from P. xylostella. Two of the gut-specific chitinases did not cluster with any of the known phylogenetic groups of chitinases and might be in a new group of the chitinase family. Moreover, in our study, group VIII chitinase was not identified. The structures, classifications and expression patterns of the chitinases of P. xylostella were further delineated, and with this information, further investigations on the functions of chitinase genes in DBM could be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z H Liao
- Department of Life Science,National Central University,Chung-Li,Taoyuan,Taiwan 320,ROC
| | - T C Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry,Taipei Medical University,250 Wu-Hsing Street,Taipei 110,Taiwan
| | - C H Kao
- Applied Zoology Division,Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute,Council of Agriculture,Executive Yua,Wufeng,Taichung 41362,Taiwan
| | - T M Chou
- Applied Zoology Division,Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute,Council of Agriculture,Executive Yua,Wufeng,Taichung 41362,Taiwan
| | - Y H Kao
- Department of Life Science,National Central University,Chung-Li,Taoyuan,Taiwan 320,ROC
| | - R N Huang
- Department of Entomology,College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University,Taipei 106,Taiwan
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Xia WK, Shen XM, Ding TB, Niu JZ, Zhong R, Liao CY, Feng YC, Dou W, Wang JJ. Functional analysis of a chitinase gene during the larval-nymph transition in Panonychus citri by RNA interference. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 70:1-15. [PMID: 27388447 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases are hydrolytic enzymes that are required for chitin degradation and reconstruction in arthropods. In this study, we report a cDNA sequence encoding a putative chitinase (PcCht1) from the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri. The PcCht1 (564 aa) possessed a signal peptide, a conserver domain, and a chitin-binding domain. Structural and phylogenetic analyses found that PcCht1 had high sequence similarity to chitinases in Tetranychus urticae. Real-time quantitative PCR analyses showed that the transcript levels of PcCht1 peaked periodically in larval and nymph stages. Moreover, significant increase of PcCht1 transcript level in the larvae was observed upon the exposure of diflubenzuron. In contrast, exposures of the larvae to diflubenzuron resulted in the decreased chitin content. Furthermore, through a feeding-based RNA interference approach, we were able to reduce the PcCht1 transcript level by 59.7 % in the larvae, and consequently the treated larvae showed a very low molting rate compared with the control. Our results expanded the understanding of the important role of PcCht1 in the growth and development of P. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Kai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Xiao-Min Shen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Tian-Bo Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jin-Zhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Rui Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Chong-Yu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Ying-Cai Feng
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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Su C, Tu G, Huang S, Yang Q, Shahzad MF, Li F. Genome-wide analysis of chitinase genes and their varied functions in larval moult, pupation and eclosion in the rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:401-412. [PMID: 27080989 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Some insect chitinases are required to degrade chitin and ensure successful metamorphosis. Although chitinase genes have been well characterized in several model insects, no reports exist for the rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, a highly destructive pest that causes huge yield losses in rice production. Here, we conducted a genome-level analysis of chitinase genes in C. suppressalis. After amplification of full-length transcripts with rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we identified 12 chitinase genes in C. suppressalis. All these genes had the conserved domains and motifs of glycoside hydrolase family 18 and grouped phylogenetically into five subgroups. C. suppressalis chitinase 1 (CsCht1) was highly expressed in late pupae, whereas CsCht3 was abundant in early pupae. Both CsCht2 and CsCht4 were highly expressed in larvae. CsCht2 was abundant specifically in the third-instar larvae and CsCht4 showed periodic high expression in 2- to 5-day-old larvae in each instar. Tissue specific expression analysis indicated that CsCht1 and CsCht3 were highly expressed in epidermis whereas CsCht2 and CsCht4 were specifically abundant in the midgut. Knockdown of CsCht1 resulted in adults with curled wings, indicating that CsCht1 might have an important role in wing expansion. Silencing of CsCht2 or CsCht4 arrested moulting, suggesting essential roles in larval development. When the expression of CsCht3 was interfered, defects in pupation occurred. Overall, we provide here the first catalogue of chitinase genes in the rice striped stem borer and have elucidated the functions of four chitinases in metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Su
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - G Tu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - S Huang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang, China
| | - Q Yang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - M F Shahzad
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - F Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- MOA Key Lab of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Brent CS, Wang M, Miao YG, Hull JJ. ECDYSTEROID AND CHITINASE FLUCTUATIONS IN THE WESTERN TARNISHED PLANT BUG (Lygus hesperus) PRIOR TO MOLT INDICATE ROLES IN DEVELOPMENT. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 92:108-126. [PMID: 27192063 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Vital physiological processes that drive the insect molt represent areas of interest for the development of alternative control strategies. The western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus Knight) is a pest of numerous agronomic and horticultural crops but the development of novel control approaches is impeded by limited knowledge of the mechanisms regulating its molt. To address this deficiency, we examined the fundamental relationship underlying the hormonal and molecular components of ecdysis. At 27°C L. hesperus exhibits a temporally controlled nymph-adult molt that occurs about 4 days after the final nymph-nymph molt with ecdysteroid levels peaking 2 days prior to the final molt. Application of exogenous ecdysteroids when endogenous levels had decreased disrupted the nymphal-adult molt, with treated animals exhibiting an inability to escape the old exoskeleton and resulting in mortality compared to controls. Using accessible transcriptomic data, we identified 10 chitinase-like sequences (LhCht), eight of which had protein motifs consistent with chitinases. Phylogenetic analyses revealed orthologous relationships to chitinases critical to molting in other insects. RT-PCR based transcript profiling revealed that expression changes to four of the LhChts was coordinated with the molt period and ecdysteroid levels. Collectively, our results support a role for ecdysteroid regulation of the L. hesperus molt and suggest that cuticle clearance is mediated by LhCht orthologs of chitinases that are essential to the molt process. These results provide the initial hormonal and molecular basis for future studies to investigate the specific roles of these components in molting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin S Brent
- Arid Land Agricultural Center, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, Arizona, USA
| | - Meixian Wang
- Arid Land Agricultural Center, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, Arizona, USA
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Gen Miao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Arid Land Agricultural Center, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, Arizona, USA
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Li YL, Song HF, Zhang XY, Li DQ, Zhang TT, Ma EB, Zhang JZ. Heterologous expression and characterization of two chitinase 5 enzymes from the migratory locust Locusta migratoria. INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 23:406-416. [PMID: 26792119 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Insect chitinases are involved in degradation of chitin from the exoskeleton or peritrophic metrix of midgut. In Locusta migratoria, two duplicated Cht5s (LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2) have been shown to have distinct molecular characteristics and biological roles. To explore the protein properties of the two LmCht5s, we heterologously expressed both enzymes using baculovirus expression system in SF9 cells, and characterized kinetic and carbohydrate-binding properties of purified enzymes. LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 exhibited similar pH and temperature optimums. LmCht5-1 has lower Km value for the oligomeric substrate (4MU-(GlcNAc)3 ), and higher Km value for the longer substrate (CM-Chitin-RBV) compared with LmCht5-2. A comparison of amino acids and homology modeling of catalytic domain presented similar TIM barrel structures and differentiated amino acids between two proteins. LmCht5-1 has a chitin-binding domain (CBD) tightly bound to colloidal chitin, but LmCht5-2 does not have a CBD for binding to colloidal chitin. Our results suggested both LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2, which have the critical glutamate residue in region II of catalytic domain, exhibited chitinolytic activity cleaving both polymeric and oligomeric substrates. LmCht5-1 had relatively higher activity against the oligomeric substrate, 4MU-(GlcNAc)3 , whereas LmCht5-2 exhibited higher activity toward the longer substrate, CM-Chitin-RBV. These findings are helpful for further research to clarify their different roles in insect growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Long Li
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Song
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xue-Yao Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Da-Qi Li
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - En-Bo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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Mamta, Reddy KRK, Rajam MV. Targeting chitinase gene of Helicoverpa armigera by host-induced RNA interference confers insect resistance in tobacco and tomato. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 90:281-92. [PMID: 26659592 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-015-0414-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a devastating agricultural insect pest with broad spectrum of host range, causing million dollars crop loss annually. Limitations in the present conventional and transgenic approaches have made it crucial to develop sustainable and environmental friendly methods for crop improvement. In the present study, host-induced RNA interference (HI-RNAi) approach was used to develop H. armigera resistant tobacco and tomato plants. Chitinase (HaCHI) gene, critically required for insect molting and metamorphosis was selected as a potential target. Hair-pin RNAi construct was prepared from the conserved off-target free partial HaCHI gene sequence and was used to generate several HaCHI-RNAi tobacco and tomato plants. Northern hybridization confirmed the production of HaCHI gene-specific siRNAs in HaCHI-RNAi tobacco and tomato lines. Continuous feeding on leaves of RNAi lines drastically reduced the target gene transcripts and consequently, affected the overall growth and survival of H. armigera. Various developmental deformities were also manifested in H. armigera larvae after feeding on the leaves of RNAi lines. These results demonstrated the role of chitinase in insect development and potential of HI-RNAi for effective management of H. armigera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - K R K Reddy
- Sri Biotech Laboratory India Ltd., Street No. 2, Sagar Society, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500034, India
| | - M V Rajam
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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