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Amaro IA, Wohl MP, Pitcher S, Alfonso-Parra C, Avila FW, Paige AS, Helinski MEH, Duvall LB, Harrington LC, Wolfner MF, McMeniman CJ. Sex peptide receptor is not required for refractoriness to remating or induction of egg laying in Aedes aegypti. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae034. [PMID: 38551457 PMCID: PMC11075561 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Across diverse insect taxa, the behavior and physiology of females dramatically changes after mating-processes largely triggered by the transfer of seminal proteins from their mates. In the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster, the seminal protein sex peptide (SP) decreases the likelihood of female flies remating and causes additional behavioral and physiological changes that promote fertility including increasing egg production. Although SP is only found in the Drosophila genus, its receptor, sex peptide receptor (SPR), is the widely conserved myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) receptor. To test the functional role of SPR in mediating postmating responses in a non-Drosophila dipteran, we generated 2 independent Spr-knockout alleles in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Although SPR is needed for postmating responses in Drosophila and the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, Spr mutant Ae. aegypti show completely normal postmating decreases in remating propensity and increases in egg laying. In addition, injection of synthetic SP or accessory gland homogenate from D. melanogaster into virgin female mosquitoes did not elicit these postmating responses. Our results demonstrate that Spr is not required for these canonical postmating responses in Ae. aegypti, indicating that other, as yet unknown, signaling pathways are likely responsible for these behavioral switches in this disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margot P Wohl
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sylvie Pitcher
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | - Frank W Avila
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew S Paige
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Laura B Duvall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Conor J McMeniman
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Yang HH, Li JQ, Ma S, Yao WC, Chen YW, El Wakil A, Dewer Y, Zhu XY, Sun L, Zhang YN. RNAi-mediated silencing of SlitPer disrupts sex pheromone communication behavior in Spodoptera litura. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:3993-3998. [PMID: 37269066 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7593] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 24-h circadian rhythm is considered crucial for insect sexual communication. However, its molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, particularly the roles of the clock gene period (Per), remain largely unclear. The sex pheromone communication behavior of Spodoptera litura displays typical circadian rhythm characteristics. Thus, it represents an excellent model for functional analyses of the clock gene Per. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the potential roles of SlitPer in regulating sex pheromone communication in S. litura using RNA interference, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR), gas chromatography, and behavioral assays. The qPCR results showed that the expression levels of SlitPer and two desaturase genes (SlitDes5 and SlitDes11) in the siPer group differed significantly at most time points from those in the siNC group. Dynamic variation in the three major sex pheromone titers and calling behavior of S. litura females in the siPer group was disordered. In addition, the mating rates of siPer S. litura females decreased significantly by 33.33%. Oviposition by mated siPer females was substantially reduced by 84.84%. CONCLUSION These findings provide a fundamental basis for elucidating the molecular mechanism by which Per regulates sex pheromone communication behavior in lepidopteran species. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Jian-Qiao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Sai Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Wei-Chen Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Yu-Wen Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Abeer El Wakil
- Biological and Geological Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Xiu-Yun Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tea Quality and Safety Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
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Guan GX, Yu XP, Li DT. Post-Mating Responses in Insects Induced by Seminal Fluid Proteins and Octopamine. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1283. [PMID: 37886993 PMCID: PMC10604773 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Following insect mating, females often exhibit a series of physiological, behavioral, and gene expression changes. These post-mating responses (PMRs) are induced by seminal fluid components other than sperm, which not only form network proteins to assist sperm localization, supplement female-specific protein requirements, and facilitate the formation of specialized functional structures, but also activate neuronal signaling pathways in insects. This review primarily discusses the roles of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) and octopamine (OA) in various PMRs in insects. It explores the regulatory mechanisms and mediation conditions by which they trigger PMRs, along with the series of gene expression differences they induce. Insect PMRs involve a transition from protein signaling to neuronal signaling, ultimately manifested through neural regulation and gene expression. The intricate signaling network formed as a result significantly influences female behavior and organ function, contributing to both successful reproduction and the outcomes of sexual conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dan-Ting Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Li Y, Gao H, Zhang H, Yu R, Feng F, Tang J, Li B. Characterization and expression profiling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 44:101018. [PMID: 35994891 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Spodoptera litura is a highly destructive omnivorous pest, and they caused serious damage to various crops. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate dozens of physiological processes including reproduction, development, life span and behaviors, but the information of these receptors has been lacking in S. litura. Here, we methodically identified 122 GPCRs in S. litura and made an assay of their expression patterns in different tissues. Comparing the identified GPCRs with homologous genes of other insects, it is obvious that the subfamily A2 (biogenic amine receptors) and the subfamily A3 (neuropeptide and protein hormone receptors) of S. litura have expanded to a certain extent, which may be related to the omnivorous nature and drought environment resistance of S. litura. Besides, the large Methuselah (Mth)/Methuselah-like (Mthl) subfamily of S. litura may be involved in many physiological functions such as longevity and stress response. Apart from duplicate receptors, the loss of parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) and the bride of sevenless (Boss) receptor in the lepidopteran insects may imply a new pattern of wing formation and energy metabolism in lepidopteran insects. In addition, the high expression level of GPCRs in different tissues reflects the functional diversity of GPCRs regulating. Systemic identification and initial characterization of GPCRs in S. litura provide a basis for further studies to reveal the functions of these receptors in regulating physiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Runnan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Nie HY, Liang LQ, Li QF, Li ZHQ, Zhu YN, Guo YK, Zheng QL, Lin Y, Yang DL, Li ZG, Su SK. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of Amyellow-y gene results in melanization defect of the cuticle in adult Apis mellifera. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 132:104264. [PMID: 34081960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Visible genetic markers are critical to gene function studies using genome editing technology in insects. However, there is no report about visible phenotypic markers in Apis mellifera, which extremely influences the application of genomic editing in honey bees. Here, we cloned and characterized the Amyellow-y gene in A. mellifera. Stage expression profiles showed that Amyellow-y gene was highly expressed in 2-, 4-day-old pupae, and newly emerged bees, and a high expression level was detected in the leg, thorax, wing and sting. To understand its functional role in pigmentation, Amyellow-y edited honeybees were created using CRISPR/Cas9, and it was found that the black pigment was decreased in the cuticle of mosaic workers and mutant drones. In particular, mutant drones manifested an overall appearance of yellowish cuticle in the body and appendages, including antennae, wings and legs, indicating that mutagenesis induced by disruption of Amyellow-y with CRISPR/Cas9 are heritable. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes associated with melanin pigmentation was investigated in mutant and wild-type drones using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Transcription levels of Amyellow-y and aaNAT decreased markedly in mutant drones than that in wild-type ones, whereas laccase 2 was significantly up-regulated. Our results provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that CRISPR/Cas9 edited G1 mutant drones of A. mellifera have a dramatic body pigmentation defect that can be visualized in adults, suggesting that Amyellow-y may serve as a promising visible phenotypic marker for genome editing in honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Nie
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Li-Qiang Liang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qiu-Fang Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zheng-Han-Qing Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yong-Kang Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qiu-Lan Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yan Lin
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dong-Lin Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Zhi-Guo Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Song-Kun Su
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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