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Cui YL, Guo JS, Zhang CX, Yu XP, Li DT. Silencing NlFAR7 destroyed the pore canals and related structures of the brown planthopper. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:350-361. [PMID: 38430546 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12903] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
Fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) is one of the key enzymes, which catalyses the conversion of fatty acyl-CoA to the corresponding alcohols. Among the FAR family members in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), NlFAR7 plays a pivotal role in both the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons and the waterproofing of the cuticle. However, the precise mechanism by which NlFAR7 influences the formation of the cuticle structure in N. lugens remains unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of NlFAR7 through RNA interference, transmission electron microscope, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and lipidomics analysis. FIB-SEM is employed to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the pore canals and related cuticle structures in N. lugens subjected to dsNlFAR7 and dsGFP treatments, enabling a comprehensive assessment of changes in the cuticle structures. The results reveal a reduction in the thickness of the cuticle and disruptions in the spiral structure of pore canals, accompanied by widened base and middle diameters. Furthermore, the lipidomics comparison analysis between dsNlFAR7- and dsGFP-treated N. lugens demonstrated that there were 25 metabolites involved in cuticular lipid layer synthesis, including 7 triacylglycerols (TGs), 5 phosphatidylcholines (PCs), 3 phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and 2 diacylglycerols (DGs) decreased, and 4 triacylglycerols (TGs) and 4 PEs increased. In conclusion, silencing NlFAR7 disrupts the synthesis of overall lipids and destroys the cuticular pore canals and related structures, thereby disrupting the secretion of cuticular lipids, thus affecting the cuticular waterproofing of N. lugens. These findings give significant attention with reference to further biochemical researches on the substrate specificity of FAR protein, and the molecular regulation mechanisms during N. lugens life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Cui
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Shen Guo
- Center of Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan-Ting Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
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Liu Y, Zhang H, Xu J, He R, Ma J, Chen C, Liu L. A New Strategy for Consumption of Functional Lipids from Ericerus pela (Chavannes): Study on Microcapsules and Effervescent Tablets Containing Insect Wax-Derived Policosanol. Foods 2023; 12:3567. [PMID: 37835219 PMCID: PMC10572909 DOI: 10.3390/foods12193567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we addressed various challenges associated with the consumption of functional lipids from the Ericerus pela (Chavannes), including unfavorable taste, insolubility in water, difficulty in oral intake, low bioavailability, and low psychological acceptance. Our study focused on the microencapsulation of policosanol, the key active component of insect wax, which is a mixture of functional lipids secreted by the Ericerus pela (Chavannes). We developed two innovative policosanol products, microcapsules, and effervescent tablets, and optimized their preparation conditions. We successfully prepared microcapsules containing insect wax-derived policosanol using the spray-drying method. We achieved 92.09% microencapsulation efficiency and 61.67% powder yield under the following conditions: maltodextrin, starch sodium octenyl succinate, and (2-hydroxy)propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) at a ratio of 1:1:1, core-to-wall materials at a ratio of 1:10, 15% solid content, spray dryer feed temperature at 60 °C, inlet air temperature at 140 °C, and hot-air flow rate at 0.5 m3/min. The microcapsules exhibited a regular spherical shape with a minimal water content (1.82%) and rapid dispersion in water (within 143.5 s). These microcapsules released policosanol rapidly in simulated stomach fluid. Moreover, effervescent tablets were prepared using the policosanol-containing microcapsules. The tablets showed low friability (0.32%), quick disintegration in water (within 99.5 s), and high bubble volume. The microcapsules and effervescent tablets developed in this study presented effective solutions to the insolubility of policosanol in water. These products were portable and offered customizable tastes to address the psychological discomfort related to insect-based foods, thus providing a novel strategy for the consumption and secondary processing of insect lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Liu
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (Y.L.)
- Research Center of Efficient Breeding and Deep Processing Engineering Technology of Gallnut, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Wufeng 443400, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Juan Xu
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Rui He
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (Y.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Jinju Ma
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (Y.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Chiqing Chen
- Research Center of Efficient Breeding and Deep Processing Engineering Technology of Gallnut, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Wufeng 443400, China
| | - Lanxiang Liu
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (Y.L.)
- Research Center of Engineering and Technology of Characteristic Forest Resources, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming 650233, China
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Fan X, Zhang W. Genome-wide identification of FAR gene family and functional analysis of NlFAR10 during embryogenesis in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 223:798-811. [PMID: 36375673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) catalyze the synthesis of fatty alcohols from corresponding fatty acid precursors in organisms. However, the function of FARs in insect fecundity and embryogenesis remains largely unclear. Here, a total of 22 putative FAR proteins were identified in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a hemipteran insect pest of rice, and most of them were highly expressed in embryonic stages. Among them, NlFAR10 was specifically and highly expressed in the later embryogenesis, but was promiscuously expressed in tissues of adults. The heterologously expressed NlFAR10 was able to produce the intermediate fatty acid alcohols from the corresponding acyl-CoA precursors. When NlFAR10 was silenced through RNAi in vivo, the embryogenesis was obviously inhibited, resulting in low hatching rates. Moreover, the metabolome analyses indicated that loss of NlFAR10 affected lipid metabolism and purine metabolism during embryogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a FAR member affecting insect embryogenesis, thus providing a new target for future pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, No. 1 Beichen WestRoad, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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Fatty acyl-CoA reductase influences wax biosynthesis in the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1108. [PMID: 36261606 PMCID: PMC9582030 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mealybugs are highly aggressive to a diversity of plants. The waxy layer covering the outermost part of the integument is an important protective defense of these pests. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying wax biosynthesis in mealybugs remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed multi-omics data on wax biosynthesis by the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and found that a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) gene, which was highly expressed in the fat bodies of female mealybugs, contributed to wax biosynthesis by regulating the production of the dominant chemical components of wax, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). RNA interference (RNAi) against PsFAR by dsRNA microinjection and allowing mealybugs to feed on transgenic tobacco expressing target dsRNA resulted in a reduction of CHC contents in the waxy layer, and an increase in mealybug mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments. In conclusion, PsFAR plays crucial roles in the wax biosynthesis of mealybugs, thereby contributing to their adaptation to water loss and insecticide stress. The role of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) in wax biosynthesis of cotton mealybug is investigated, RNAi against PsFAR resulted in insects with lower generation of waxy filaments and higher mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments.
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Identification of the Key Pathways and Genes Involved in the Wax Biosynthesis of the Chinese White Wax Scale Insect ( Ericerus pela Chavannes) by Integrated Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081364. [PMID: 36011275 PMCID: PMC9407328 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The white wax secreted by the male insects of the Chinese white wax scale (CWWS) is a natural high-molecular-weight compound with important economic value. However, its regulatory mechanism of wax biosynthesis is still unclear. In this study, a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to analyze transcriptome data of first- and second-instar females, early and late female adults, and first- and second-instar males. A total of 19 partitioned modules with different topological overlaps were obtained, and three modules were identified as highly significant for wax secretion (p < 0.05). A total of 30 hub genes were obtained through screening, among which elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids protein (ELOVL) and fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) are important catalytic enzymes of fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, their metabolic catalytic products are involved in the synthesis of wax biosynthesis. The results demonstrate that WGCNA can be used for insect transcriptome analysis and effectively screen out the key genes related to wax biosynthesis.
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Liang X, Chen Q, Wu C, Liu Y, Han Z, Wu M. Reference Gene Selection for Analyzing the Transcription Patterns of Two Fatty Acyl-CoA Reductase Genes From Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6380835. [PMID: 34605547 PMCID: PMC8489056 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), known as the papaya mealybug, could cause considerable yield loss of several plants. To date, there is no molecular-based study of P. marginatus. Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) are key enzymes involved in wax synthesis. In the present study, we cloned and characterized coding sequences (CDS) of two FAR genes from P. marginatus. The results showed that PmFAR1 and PmFAR2 CDS were 1,590 and 1,497 bp in length, respectively, and sequence analysis indicated that these two genes both had the conservative motifs belonging to FAR_C superfamily. Furthermore, seven candidate reference genes were analyzed for their expression stability by using common algorithms including comparative ΔCq method, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. Eventually, β-actin and GAPDH were the best reference genes in evaluating the expression of those two FAR genes. We found that PmFAR1 and PmFAR2 showed distinct expression patterns in different life stages. Moreover, the transcription of PmFAR1 and PmFAR2 in P. marginatus fed on resistant cassava cultivars was significantly lower compared with those fed on susceptible ones, indicating the potential function of FAR genes in cassava resistance to P. marginatus. The present study might help in better understanding the molecular mechanism of cassava resistance to mealybug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, Hainan 571101, China
- Sanya Research Academy, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture Science/Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China
- College of Plant Protection of Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, Hainan 571101, China
- Sanya Research Academy, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture Science/Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China
- College of Plant Protection of Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Chunling Wu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, Hainan 571101, China
- Sanya Research Academy, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture Science/Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China
- College of Plant Protection of Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, Hainan 571101, China
- Sanya Research Academy, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture Science/Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China
- College of Plant Protection of Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Zhiling Han
- College of Plant Protection of Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Mufeng Wu
- College of Plant Protection of Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
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Hou Z, Shi F, Ge S, Tao J, Ren L, Wu H, Zong S. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the newly discovered insect vector of the pine wood nematode in China, revealing putative genes related to host plant adaptation. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:189. [PMID: 33726671 PMCID: PMC7968331 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many insect species, the larvae/nymphs are unable to disperse far from the oviposition site selected by adults. The Sakhalin pine sawyer Monochamus saltuarius (Gebler) is the newly discovered insect vector of the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in China. Adult M. saltuarius prefers to oviposit on the host plant Pinus koraiensis, rather than P. tabuliformis. However, the genetic basis of adaptation of the larvae of M. saltuarius with weaken dispersal ability to host environments selected by the adult is not well understood. RESULTS In this study, the free amino and fatty acid composition and content of the host plants of M. saltuarius larvae, i.e., P. koraiensis and P. tabuliformis were investigated. Compared with P. koraiensis, P. tabuliformis had a substantially higher content of various free amino acids, while the opposite trend was detected for fatty acid content. The transcriptional profiles of larval populations feeding on P. koraiensis and P. tabuliformis were compared using PacBio Sequel II sequencing combined with Illumina sequencing. The results showed that genes relating to digestion, fatty acid synthesis, detoxification, oxidation-reduction, and stress response, as well as nutrients and energy sensing ability, were differentially expressed, possibly reflecting adaptive changes of M. saltuarius in response to different host diets. Additionally, genes coding for cuticle structure were differentially expressed, indicating that cuticle may be a potential target for plant defense. Differential regulation of genes related to the antibacterial and immune response were also observed, suggesting that larvae of M. saltuarius may have evolved adaptations to cope with bacterial challenges in their host environments. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides comprehensive transcriptome resource of M. saltuarius relating to host plant adaptation. Results from this study help to illustrate the fundamental relationship between transcriptional plasticity and adaptation mechanisms of insect herbivores to host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehai Hou
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengming Shi
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Sixun Ge
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Ren
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Dangerous Forest Pest Management and Control, Shenyang, China
| | - Shixiang Zong
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
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Holze H, Schrader L, Buellesbach J. Advances in deciphering the genetic basis of insect cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis and variation. Heredity (Edinb) 2021; 126:219-234. [PMID: 33139902 PMCID: PMC8027674 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have two fundamental functions in insects. They protect terrestrial insects against desiccation and serve as signaling molecules in a wide variety of chemical communication systems. It has been hypothesized that these pivotal dual traits for adaptation to both desiccation and signaling have contributed to the considerable evolutionary success of insects. CHCs have been extensively studied concerning their variation, behavioral impact, physiological properties, and chemical compositions. However, our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of CHC biosynthesis has remained limited and mostly biased towards one particular model organism (Drosophila). This rather narrow focus has hampered the establishment of a comprehensive view of CHC genetics across wider phylogenetic boundaries. This review attempts to integrate new insights and recent knowledge gained in the genetics of CHC biosynthesis, which is just beginning to incorporate work on more insect taxa beyond Drosophila. It is intended to provide a stepping stone towards a wider and more general understanding of the genetic mechanisms that gave rise to the astonishing diversity of CHC compounds across different insect taxa. Further research in this field is encouraged to aim at better discriminating conserved versus taxon-specific genetic elements underlying CHC variation. This will be instrumental in greatly expanding our knowledge of the origins and variation of genes governing the biosynthesis of these crucial phenotypic traits that have greatly impacted insect behavior, physiology, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Holze
- Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Lukas Schrader
- Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Buellesbach
- Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California-Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall #3114, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3114, USA.
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Li DT, Dai YT, Chen X, Wang XQ, Li ZD, Moussian B, Zhang CX. Ten fatty acyl-CoA reductase family genes were essential for the survival of the destructive rice pest, Nilaparvata lugens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:2304-2315. [PMID: 31994314 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty alcohols are the precursors of sex pheromone components, wax esters and hydrocarbons in insects. Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) are important enzymes required for the reduction of fatty alcohol and thereby contribute to the production of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC). RESULTS Based on bioinformatics analyses we identified 17 FAR genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. RNA interference against these genes demonstrated that ten NlFAR genes were essential for the survival of N. lugens. For instance, knockdown of NlFAR5, 6, 11 or 15 was lethal and caused a slender body shape, while the old cuticles of the respective animals remained attached to the abdomen or failed to split open from the nota. Knockdown of NlFAR9 resulted in a phenotype, with a smooth body surface and a decrease in CHC amounts. Similarly, CHC deficiency in N. lugens resulted in increased adhesion of water droplets and secreted honeydew to the insect surface and the inability of N. lugens to survive in paddy fields with varying humidity. Knockdown of NlFAR1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 13 additionally resulted in female adult infertility. CONCLUSION The present study illustrates the structural and functional differences of FAR family genes and provides potential targets for RNA interference-based rice planthopper management. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yi-Ting Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Qiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Parc Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Qi Q, Lv P, Chen XM, Chen H, Chen MS, Yang P. Sexual Dimorphism in Wax Secretion Offers Ecological Adaptability During Ericerus pela (Hemiptera: Coccidae) Evolution. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:410-418. [PMID: 30759210 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The scale insect, Ericerus pela Chavannes, shows a typical sexual dimorphism. Males and females are different not only in morphology, but also in their ability to secrete wax and ecological adaptability. Here we report the morphological and structural characteristics of wax glands on E. pela females and males. The differences in wax glands and wax secretion between females and males reflect their different needs for living habitats and different ecological strategies. Sciophilous male nymphs are with five types of wax glands, and the wax glands on the dorsum secrete a layer of wax filaments plausibly for protection against direct light irradiation. On the other hand, five types of wax glands were found on the abdomen of females. Heliophilous female nymphs hardly secrete any wax, but the wax glands located along the spiracle on the abdomen may help this insect to breathe. Female adults secrete wax filaments on eggs to protect them from predators and prevent themselves from sticking to each other. In summary, males appear to secreted wax for creating a shaded niche that fits their sciophilous life style, whereas females are likely to adopt an ecological strategy with thickened epidermis for heliophilous acclimatization and overwintering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Qi
- Key Laboratory of Cultivating and Utilization of Resources Insects of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Resources Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Pin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Cultivating and Utilization of Resources Insects of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Resources Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cultivating and Utilization of Resources Insects of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Resources Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cultivating and Utilization of Resources Insects of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Resources Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ming-Shun Chen
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Pu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cultivating and Utilization of Resources Insects of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Resources Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Li DT, Chen X, Wang XQ, Zhang CX. FAR gene enables the brown planthopper to walk and jump on water in paddy field. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 62:1521-1531. [PMID: 30810963 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Many insects can live on water and survive being caught in the rain. Current research has shown that insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) confer desiccation resistance to maintain water balance. In this study, we identified a fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene (NlFAR) of the rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens that is essential for the production of CHCs, and found that NlFAR is essential for N. lugens to walk and jump on water when moving from one rice plant to another in paddy fields. NlFAR was mainly expressed in the integument at the beginning of each molt. Cuticular surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy and characterization of CHC extracts indicated that N. lugens with knockdown of NlFAR using RNA inference (RNAi) had a neater epicuticle layer and a significant decrease in CHC contents. Knockdown of NlFAR did not influence the desiccation resistance of N. lugens, but the dsNlFAR-treated insects were easily adhered and moistened by water droplets or their own secreted honeydew and unable to walk or jump on water. These results suggested that NlFAR is a crucial enzyme for CHC biosynthesis and cuticle waterproofing, but not for water retention of N. lugens, which may provide a potential strategy for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin-Qiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Tupec M, Buček A, Janoušek V, Vogel H, Prchalová D, Kindl J, Pavlíčková T, Wenzelová P, Jahn U, Valterová I, Pichová I. Expansion of the fatty acyl reductase gene family shaped pheromone communication in Hymenoptera. eLife 2019; 8:e39231. [PMID: 30714899 PMCID: PMC6361591 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acyl reductases (FARs) are involved in the biosynthesis of fatty alcohols that serve a range of biological roles. Insects typically harbor numerous FAR gene family members. While some FARs are involved in pheromone biosynthesis, the biological significance of the large number of FARs in insect genomes remains unclear. Using bumble bee (Bombini) FAR expression analysis and functional characterization, hymenopteran FAR gene tree reconstruction, and inspection of transposable elements (TEs) in the genomic environment of FARs, we uncovered a massive expansion of the FAR gene family in Hymenoptera, presumably facilitated by TEs. The expansion occurred in the common ancestor of bumble bees and stingless bees (Meliponini). We found that bumble bee FARs from the expanded FAR-A ortholog group contribute to the species-specific pheromone composition. Our results indicate that expansion and functional diversification of the FAR gene family played a key role in the evolution of pheromone communication in Hymenoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Tupec
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Aleš Buček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate UniversityOkinawaJapan
| | - Václav Janoušek
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of EntomologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Darina Prchalová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jiří Kindl
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Tereza Pavlíčková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Petra Wenzelová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Ullrich Jahn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Irena Valterová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Iva Pichová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
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13
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MacLean M, Nadeau J, Gurnea T, Tittiger C, Blomquist GJ. Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) CYP4Gs convert long and short chain alcohols and aldehydes to hydrocarbons. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 102:11-20. [PMID: 30243802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Hydrocarbon biosynthesis in insects involves the elongation of fatty acyl-CoAs to very-long chain fatty acyl-CoAs that are then reduced and converted to hydrocarbon, with the last step involving the oxidative decarbonylation of an aldehyde to hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide. Cytochromes P450 in the 4G family decarbonylate aldehydes to hydrocarbon. All insect acyl-CoA reductases studied to date reduce fatty acyl-CoAs to alcohols. The results of the work reported herein demonstrate that CYP4G55 and CYP4G56 from the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae, expressed as fusion proteins with house fly cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), convert both long chain aldehydes and long chain alcohols to hydrocarbons. CYP4G55 and CYP4G56 appear to prefer primary alcohols to aldehydes as substrates. These data strongly suggest that hydrocarbon biosynthesis in insects occurs by the two-step reduction of very long chain fatty acyl-CoAs to alcohols, which are then oxidized to aldehydes and then oxidatively decarbonylated to hydrocarbon by CYP4G enzymes. In addition, both CYP4G55 and CYP4G56 fusion proteins convert C10 alcohols and aldehydes to hydrocarbons, including the conversion of (Z)-7-decenal, a putative intermediate in the exo-brevicomin pheromone biosynthetic pathway, to (Z)-3-nonene. These data demonstrate that the highly conserved CYP4G enzymes accept a broad range of carbon chain lengths, including C10 and C18, and have evolved to function in cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis and pheromone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina MacLean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557, United States.
| | - Jeffrey Nadeau
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557, United States.
| | - Taylor Gurnea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557, United States.
| | - Claus Tittiger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557, United States.
| | - Gary J Blomquist
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557, United States.
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