1
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Castaños CE, Boyce MC, Bates T, Millar AH, Flematti G, Lawler NG, Grassl J. Lipidomic features of honey bee and colony health during limited supplementary feeding. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:658-675. [PMID: 37477164 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12864] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Honey bee nutritional health depends on nectar and pollen, which provide the main source of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids to individual bees. During malnutrition, insect metabolism accesses fat body reserves. However, this process in bees and its repercussions at the colony level are poorly understood. Using untargeted lipidomics and gene expression analysis, we examined the effects of different feeding treatments (starvation, sugar feeding and sugar + pollen feeding) on bees and correlated them with colony health indicators. We found that nutritional stress led to an increase in unsaturated triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols, as well as a decrease in free fatty acids in the bee fat body. Here, we hypothesise that stored lipids are made available through a process where unsaturations change lipid's structure. Increased gene expression of three lipid desaturases in response to malnutrition supports this hypothesis, as these desaturases may be involved in releasing fatty acyl chains for lipolysis. Although nutritional stress was evident in starving and sugar-fed bees at the colony and physiological level, only starved colonies presented long-term effects in honey production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara E Castaños
- Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Honey Bee Products, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Honey Bee Health Research Group, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mary C Boyce
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tiffane Bates
- Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Honey Bee Products, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Honey Bee Health Research Group, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - A Harvey Millar
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gavin Flematti
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nathan G Lawler
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julia Grassl
- Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Honey Bee Products, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Honey Bee Health Research Group, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Baldacchino F, Spagnoletta A, Lamaj F, Vitale ML, Verrastro V. First Optimization of Tomato Pomace in Diets for Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:854. [PMID: 37999053 PMCID: PMC10672421 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Tomato pomace (TP), an agricultural industrial waste product from the tomato processing industry, is valorized as a rearing substrate for Tenebrio molitor (L.). This study evaluated bran-based diets with increasing tomato pomace (0%, 27%, 41%, and 100%). Protein sources, such as brewer's spent grain and yeast, were used in TP27 and TP41 diets to ensure equal protein contents to the control diet. Results showed no different for larval and pupal weights between diets; however, the time of development significantly increases in TP100 compared to all diets. The feed conversion rate progressively increases from 2.7 to 4.3, respectively, from the control to the TP100 diet. Conversely, lycopene and β-carotene increase in the larvae. The fatty acid composition improves by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly α-linoleic acid). Although the best nutritional quality was obtained in T100, the TP41 is the optimal diet for balance between larval performance and qualitative improvement of larvae. Therefore, tomato pomace is suitable for the formulation of mealworm diets, even in high dosages, when supplemented with sustainable protein and carbohydrate sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Baldacchino
- Laboratory of Bioproducts and Bioprocess, ENEA—Trisaia Research Centre, S.S. Jonica 106, Km 419+500, I-75026 Rotondella, Italy
| | - Anna Spagnoletta
- Laboratory of Bioproducts and Bioprocess, ENEA—Trisaia Research Centre, S.S. Jonica 106, Km 419+500, I-75026 Rotondella, Italy
| | - Flutura Lamaj
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Vitale
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Verrastro
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy
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3
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Cheng JQ, Tao YM, Li J, Chen YZ, Hu HY. Characterization of male-biased fatty acid desaturase in the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis and its role in pheromone production. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2022; 338:421-429. [PMID: 34995007 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23120] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Linoleic acid is the material for biosynthesis of sex attracting and blocking (postmating) pheromones in Nasonia vitripennis, it is synthesized from oleic acid by a male-biased fatty acid desaturase (SCD5a). In this study, we developed a specific antibody and further characterized the expression patterns of SCD5a in males at different mating stages by western blot. SCD5a was mainly expressed in male heads rather than in abdomens. Along with the aging process (from Day 1 to Day 3), SCD5a increased significantly. Compared with virgin males, mated males showed higher levels of SCD5a. Likewise, abdomen dipping frequency, during which males release attracting pheromone, increased with age and mating. Moreover, real-time quantitative PCR revealed that genes responsible for the first three steps of attracting pheromone biosynthesis were more highly expressed in head than in abdomen, but the final gene for transformation of attracting pheromone was more highly expressed in abdomen than in head. These results suggest that linoleic acid for biosynthesis of attracting pheromones may also originate from the head rather than only synthesized at the rectal vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Qiu Cheng
- School of Ecology and Environment, Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Yu-Mei Tao
- School of Ecology and Environment, Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Yong-Zhuo Chen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Hao-Yuan Hu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
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4
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Wu C, Hong B, Jiang S, Luo X, Lin H, Zhou Y, Wu J, Yue X, Shi H, Wu R. Recent advances on essential fatty acid biosynthesis and production: Clarifying the roles of Δ12/Δ15 fatty acid desaturase. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.108306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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5
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Kaczmarek A, Boguś M. The metabolism and role of free fatty acids in key physiological processes in insects of medical, veterinary and forensic importance. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12563. [PMID: 35036124 PMCID: PMC8710053 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are the most widespread group of organisms and more than one million species have been described. These animals have significant ecological functions, for example they are pollinators of many types of plants. However, they also have direct influence on human life in different manners. They have high medical and veterinary significance, stemming from their role as vectors of disease and infection of wounds and necrotic tissue; they are also plant pests, parasitoids and predators whose activities can influence agriculture. In addition, their use in medical treatments, such as maggot therapy of gangrene and wounds, has grown considerably. They also have many uses in forensic science to determine the minimum post-mortem interval and provide valuable information about the movement of the body, cause of the death, drug use, or poisoning. It has also been proposed that they may be used as model organisms to replace mammal systems in research. The present review describes the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in key physiological processes in insects. By focusing on insects of medical, veterinary significance, we have limited our description of the physiological processes to those most important from the point of view of insect control; the study examines their effects on insect reproduction and resistance to the adverse effects of abiotic (low temperature) and biotic (pathogens) factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Biomibo, Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Kühn J, Henning V, Ruess L. Improving the application of quantitative fatty acid signature analysis in soil food webs: The effects of diet fat content. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11065-11076. [PMID: 34429903 PMCID: PMC8366837 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) as a biochemical tool to study the diet composition of predators is frequently used in marine ecology to infer trophic links in vertebrate consumers. However, the potential and challenges of this method in other ecosystems have only recently been studied. The application in soil ecosystems leads to hurdles not encountered in the marine, such as the low similarity of fatty acid signatures between resource and consumer. So far, diet estimation attempts have been semisuccessful, necessitating to adapt QFASA for use in soil food webs. Dietary fat content may play an important role, as it influences consumer metabolism, and thus calibration coefficients for fatty acid trophic transfer. A series of feeding trials with baker's yeast spiked with five different pure fatty acids at various concentrations was conducted with Collembola, and the changes in calibration coefficients were observed. From there, equations were gained through regression analysis and new sets of calibration coefficients were calculated. QFASA was applied on a range of basal resources and the results compared with previously defined calibration coefficients. Calibration coefficients changed with the proportion of fatty acids in the diet and differed between the three Collembolan species. The re-estimation of diets showed an improvement of model performance by the new calibration coefficients and indicated several modes of fatty acid assimilation. These greatly influence the outcome of diet estimation, for example, algal and bacterial diets are likely underestimated due to high metabolic turnover rates. The application of QFASA in soil ecosystems remains challenging. The variation in calibration coefficients and the resulting decrease in estimation deviation indicate the merit of calculating calibration coefficients from consumer signatures through linear or exponential equations. Ideally, the method should, when extended to the entire fatty acid signature, allow correct determination of consumer diets in soil food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Kühn
- Institute of BiologyEcology GroupHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Vanessa Henning
- Institute of BiologyEcology GroupHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Liliane Ruess
- Institute of BiologyEcology GroupHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
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7
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Broschwitz B, Prager L, Pokorny T, Ruther J. De novo biosynthesis of linoleic acid is widespread in parasitic wasps. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 107:e21788. [PMID: 33817829 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21788] [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] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Linoleic acid (C18:2∆9,12 , LA) is an important metabolite with numerous essential functions for growth, health, and reproduction of organisms. It has long been assumed that animals lack ∆12-desaturases, the enzymes needed to produce LA from oleic acid (C18:1∆9 , OA). There is, however, increasing evidence that this is not generally true for invertebrates. In the insect order Hymenoptera, LA biosynthesis has been shown for only two parasitic wasp species of the so-called "Nasonia group," but it is unknown whether members of other taxa are also capable of synthesizing LA. Here, we demonstrate LA biosynthesis in 13 out of 14 species from six families of parasitic wasps by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis using two different stable isotope labeling techniques. Females of the studied species converted topically applied fully 13 C-labeled OA into LA and/or produced labeled LA after feeding on fully 13 C-labeled α- d-glucose. These results indicate that ∆12-desaturases are widespread in parasitic Hymenoptera and confirm previous studies demonstrating that these insects are capable of synthesizing fatty acids de novo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorena Prager
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Pokorny
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Ruther
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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8
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Lawal KG, Kavle RR, Akanbi TO, Mirosa M, Agyei D. Enrichment in specific fatty acids profile of Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens larvae through feeding. FUTURE FOODS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2021.100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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9
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Nachtschatt M, Okada S, Speight R. Integral Membrane Fatty Acid Desaturases: A Review of Biochemical, Structural, and Biotechnological Advances. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.202000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Nachtschatt
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Clunies Ross St. Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- Queensland University of Technology 2 George St. Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
| | - Shoko Okada
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Clunies Ross St. Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Robert Speight
- Queensland University of Technology 2 George St. Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
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10
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Determination of allosteric and active sites responsible for catalytic activity of delta 12 fatty acid desaturase from Geotrichum candidum and Mortierella alpina by domain swapping. Enzyme Microb Technol 2020; 138:109563. [PMID: 32527532 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2020.109563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cheese lacks essential fatty acids (EFAs). Delta 12 fatty acid desaturase (FADS12) is a critical enzyme required for EFA biosynthesis in fermentation of the predominant strains of cheese. Previously, we identified the FADS12 gene and characterized its function for the first time in Geotrichum candidum, a dominant strain used to manufacture soft cheese with white rind. In this study, we analyzed the molecular mechanism of FADS12 function by swapping domains from Mortierella alpina and G. candidum that had, respectively, high and low oleic acid conversion rates. The results revealed three regions that are essential to this process, including regions from the end of the second transmembrane domain to the beginning of the third transmembrane domain, from the end of the third transmembrane domain to the beginning of the fourth transmembrane domain, and from the 30-amino acid from the end of the sixth transmembrane domain to the C-terminal end region. Based on our domain swapping analyses, nine pairs of amino acids including H112, S118, H156, Q161, K301, R306, E307, A309 and S323 in MaFADS12 (K123, A129, N167, M172, T302, D307, I308, E310 and D324 in GcFADS12) were identified as having a significantly effect on FADS12 catalytic efficiency, and linoleic acid and its analogues (12,13-cyclopropenoid fatty acid) were found to inhibit the catalytic activity of FADS12 and related recombinant enzymes. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of FADS12 inhibition was analyzed. The results revealed two allosteric domains, including one domain from the N-terminal region to the beginning of the first transmembrane domain and another from the 31st amino acid from the end of the sixth transmembrane domain to the C terminus. Y4 and F398 amino acid residues from MaFADS12 and eight pairs of amino acids including G56, L60, L344, G10, Q13, S24, K326 and L344 in MaFADS12 (while Y66, F70, F345, F20, Y23, Y34, F327 and F345 in GcFADS12) played a pivotal role in FADS12 inhibition. Finally, we found that both allosteric and active sites were responsible for the catalytic activity of FADS12 at various temperatures, pH, and times. This study offers a solid theoretical basis to develop preconditioning methods to increase the rate at which GcFADS12 converts oleic and linoleic acids to produce higher levels of EFAs in cheese.
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11
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Czumaj A, Śledziński T. Biological Role of Unsaturated Fatty Acid Desaturases in Health and Disease. Nutrients 2020; 12:E356. [PMID: 32013225 PMCID: PMC7071289 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered one of the most important components of cells that influence normal development and function of many organisms, both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Unsaturated fatty acid desaturases play a crucial role in the synthesis of PUFAs, inserting additional unsaturated bonds into the acyl chain. The level of expression and activity of different types of desaturases determines profiles of PUFAs. It is well recognized that qualitative and quantitative changes in the PUFA profile, resulting from alterations in the expression and activity of fatty acid desaturases, are associated with many pathological conditions. Understanding of underlying mechanisms of fatty acid desaturase activity and their functional modification will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies in diseases associated with qualitative and quantitative disorders of PUFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Czumaj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
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12
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Prager L, Bruckmann A, Ruther J. De novo biosynthesis of fatty acids from α-D-glucose in parasitoid wasps of the Nasonia group. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 115:103256. [PMID: 31655163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acids are indispensable primary metabolites for virtually any organism on earth and thus enzymatic machinery enabling de novo production of fatty acids from carbohydrates is highly conserved. A series of studies has questioned the ubiquity of lipogenesis in parasitoid wasps suggesting that the vast majority of species have lost the ability to synthesize fatty acids de novo. One such species is Nasonia vitripennis, which, like the congeneric species N. giraulti and N. longicornis, uses a fatty acid-derived male sex pheromone for sexual communication. Here we demonstrate by feeding fully 13C-labeled α-D-glucose and analyzing insect-derived fatty acid methyl esters and the male sex pheromone by coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry that both males and females of N. vitripennis as well as N. giraulti and N. longicornis are capable of synthesizing fatty acids de novo. We furthermore show by a proteomics approach that predicted fatty acid synthase, ATP-citrate synthase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, key enzymes of lipogenesis, are expressed in the male pheromone gland of N. vitripennis and N. giraulti. Labeling experiments with Urolepis rufipes, a closely related species producing a male sex pheromone independently of fatty acids via the mevalonate pathway, revealed that both sexes are likewise able to synthesize fatty acids de novo. We conclude that the parasitoid wasp species studied here, irrespective of the biosynthetic origin of their sex pheromones, are capable of responding flexibly to lipid shortage during their adult life by keeping enzymatic machinery for lipogenesis running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Prager
- University of Regensburg, Institute of Zoology, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- University of Regensburg, Institute of Biochemistry Genetics and Microbiology, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Joachim Ruther
- University of Regensburg, Institute of Zoology, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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13
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Mair MM, Ruther J. Chemical Ecology of the Parasitoid Wasp Genus Nasonia (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae). Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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14
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Semmelmann F, Kabeya N, Malcicka M, Bruckmann A, Broschwitz B, Straub K, Merkl R, Monroig O, Sterner R, Ruther J, Ellers J. Functional characterisation of two Δ12-desaturases demonstrates targeted production of linoleic acid as pheromone precursor in Nasonia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.201038. [PMID: 31019064 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.201038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Insect pheromones are often derived from fatty acid metabolism. Fatty acid desaturases, enzymes introducing double bonds into fatty acids, are crucial for the biosynthesis of these chemical signals. Δ12-desaturases catalyse the biosynthesis of linoleic acid by introducing a second double bond into oleic acid, but have been identified in only a few animal species. Here, we report the functional characterisation of two Δ12-desaturases, Nvit_D12a and Nvit_D12b, from the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis. We demonstrate that Nvit_D12a is expressed in the rectal vesicle of males where they produce a linoleic acid-derived sex pheromone to attract virgin females. 13C-labelling experiments with Urolepis rufipes, a closely related species belonging to the 'Nasonia group', revealed that females, but not males, are able to synthesise linoleic acid. U. rufipes males produce an isoprenoid sex pheromone in the same gland and do not depend on linoleic acid for pheromone production. This suggests that Δ12-desaturases are common in the 'Nasonia group', but acquired a specialised function in chemical communication of those species that use linoleic acid as a pheromone precursor. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that insect Δ12-desaturases have evolved repeatedly from Δ9-desaturases in different insect taxa. Hence, insects have developed a way to produce linoleic acid independent of the omega desaturase subfamily which harbours all of the eukaryotic Δ12-desaturases known so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Semmelmann
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Naoki Kabeya
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8657 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miriama Malcicka
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Broschwitz
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Straub
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Merkl
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oscar Monroig
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes 12595, Spain
| | - Reinhard Sterner
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Ruther
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Bien T, Gadau J, Schnapp A, Yew JY, Sievert C, Dreisewerd K. Detection of very long-chain hydrocarbons by laser mass spectrometry reveals novel species-, sex-, and age-dependent differences in the cuticular profiles of three Nasonia species. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:2981-2993. [PMID: 30957203 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-01736-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Long-chain cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) are key components of chemical communication in many insects. The parasitoid jewel wasps from the genus Nasonia use their CHC profile as sex pheromone and for species recognition. The standard analytical tool to analyze CHC is gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS). This method reliably identifies short- to long-chain alkanes and alkenes, but CHC with more than 40 carbon atoms are usually not detected. Here, we applied two laser mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, namely direct laser desorption/ionization (d)LDI and silver-assisted (Ag-)LDI MS, respectively, to analyze CHC profiles of N. vitripennis, N. giraulti, and N. longicornis directly from the cuticle or extracts. Furthermore, we applied direct analysis in real-time (DART) MS as another orthogonal technique for extracts. The three methods corroborated previous results based on GC/MS, i.e., the production of CHC with carbon numbers between C25 and C40. However, we discovered a novel series of long-chain CHC ranging from C41 to C51/C52. Additionally, several previously unreported singly and doubly unsaturated alkenes in the C31-C39 range were found. Use of principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the composition of the newly discovered CHC varies significantly between species, sex, and age of the animals. Our study adds to the growing literature on the presence of very long-chain CHC in insects and hints at putative roles in insect communication. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Bien
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gadau
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Andreas Schnapp
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Joanne Y Yew
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Christian Sievert
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Dreisewerd
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, 48149, Münster, Germany. .,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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Vuts J, Woodcock CM, König L, Powers SJ, Pickett JA, Szentesi Á, Birkett MA. Host shift induces changes in mate choice of the seed predator Acanthoscelides obtectus via altered chemical signalling. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206144. [PMID: 30427867 PMCID: PMC6235263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of host shift in phytophagous insects are poorly understood. Among the many proposed processes involved, sexual selection via semiochemicals has recently been suggested. This hypothesizes that sexual communication using pheromones is modified as a result of development on a new host, and such plant-induced phenotypic divergence in mate recognition cues can lead to reproductive isolation between host lines. We tested this hypothesis on Acanthoscelides obtectus, an oligophagous bruchid of Phaseolus vulgaris beans worldwide, which also develops in acceptable non-hosts, such as chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Male sex pheromone blends of the bean, chickpea and chickpea/bean host lines during artificially induced host shifts showed different composition. Bean-reared females did not distinguish between blends, whereas chickpea and chickpea/bean females preferred the chickpea male pheromone. However, electrophysiological (EAG) responses to male odour of antennae of the three female host lines were similar, all preferring bean-reared males. Egg-laying choice tests revealed a uniform preference for bean seeds across female host lines, even after multiple generations, whereas larvae did not distinguish between bean and chickpea seeds. We conclude that the development of divergent chemical signalling systems during host shifts does not facilitate the evolution of host races in A. obtectus, because oviposition preferences remain unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Vuts
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Christine M. Woodcock
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | | | - Stephen J. Powers
- Department of Computational and Analytical Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - John A. Pickett
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Árpád Szentesi
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Michael A. Birkett
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
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17
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Mair MM, Ruther J. Territoriality and behavioural strategies at the natal host patch differ in two microsympatric Nasonia species. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Menzel R, Geweiler D, Sass A, Simsek D, Ruess L. Nematodes as Important Source for Omega-3 Long-Chain Fatty Acids in the Soil Food Web and the Impact in Nutrition for Higher Trophic Levels. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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19
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A Midgut Digestive Phospholipase A 2 in Larval Mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Enzyme Res 2018; 2018:9703413. [PMID: 29862070 PMCID: PMC5976925 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9703413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a secretory digestive enzyme that hydrolyzes ester bond at sn-2 position of dietary phospholipids, creating free fatty acid and lysophospholipid. The free fatty acids (arachidonic acid) are absorbed into midgut cells. Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus digestive PLA2 was characterized using a microplate PLA2 assay. The enzyme showed substantial activities at 6 and 8 μg/μl of protein concentration with optimal activity at 20 and 25 μg/μl of substrate concentration in Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, respectively. PLA2 activity from both mosquitoes increased in a linear function up to 1 hour of the reaction time. Both enzymes were sensitive to pH and temperature. PLA2 showed higher enzyme activities in pH 8.0 and pH 9.0 from Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, respectively, at 40°C of incubation. The PLA2 activity decreased in the presence of 5 mM (Aedes albopictus) and 0.5 mM (Culex quinquefasciatus) site specific PLA2 inhibitor, oleyloxyethylphosphorylcholine. Based on the migration pattern of the partially purified PLA2 on SDS-PAGE, the protein mass of PLA2 is approximately 20–25 kDa for both mosquitoes. The information on PLA2 properties derived from this study may facilitate in devising mosquitoes control strategies especially in the development of inhibitors targeting the enzyme active site.
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Malcicka M, Visser B, Ellers J. An Evolutionary Perspective on Linoleic Acid Synthesis in Animals. Evol Biol 2017; 45:15-26. [PMID: 29497218 PMCID: PMC5816129 DOI: 10.1007/s11692-017-9436-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The diet of organisms generally provides a sufficient supply of energy and building materials for healthy growth and development, but should also contain essential nutrients. Species differ in their exogenous requirements, but it is not clear why some species are able to synthesize essential nutrients, while others are not. The unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6) plays an important role in functions such as cell physiology, immunity, and reproduction, and is an essential nutrient in diverse organisms. LA is readily synthesized in bacteria, protozoa and plants, but it was long thought that all animals lacked the ability to synthesize LA de novo and thus required a dietary source of this fatty acid. Over the years, however, an increasing number of studies have shown active LA synthesis in animals, including insects, nematodes and pulmonates. Despite continued interest in LA metabolism, it has remained unclear why some organisms can synthesize LA while others cannot. Here, we review the mechanisms by which LA is synthesized and which biological functions LA supports in different organisms to answer the question why LA synthesis was lost and repeatedly gained during the evolution of distinct invertebrate groups. We propose several hypotheses and compile data from the available literature to identify which factors promote LA synthesis within a phylogenetic framework. We have not found a clear link between our proposed hypotheses and LA synthesis; therefore we suggest that LA synthesis may be facilitated through bifunctionality of desaturase enzymes or evolved through a combination of different selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Malcicka
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Section Animal Ecology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bertanne Visser
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Section Animal Ecology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Malcicka M, Ruther J, Ellers J. De novo Synthesis of Linoleic Acid in Multiple Collembola Species. J Chem Ecol 2017; 43:911-919. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-017-0878-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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22
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Rosumek FB, Brückner A, Blüthgen N, Menzel F, Heethoff M. Patterns and dynamics of neutral lipid fatty acids in ants - implications for ecological studies. Front Zool 2017; 14:36. [PMID: 28717381 PMCID: PMC5508481 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trophic interactions are a fundamental aspect of ecosystem functioning, but often difficult to observe directly. Several indirect techniques, such as fatty acid analysis, were developed to assess these interactions. Fatty acid profiles may indicate dietary differences, while individual fatty acids can be used as biomarkers. Ants are among the most important terrestrial animal groups, but little is known about their lipid metabolism, and no study so far used fatty acids to study their trophic ecology. We set up a feeding experiment with high- and low-fat food to elucidate patterns and dynamics of neutral lipid fatty acids (NLFAs) assimilation in ants. We asked whether dietary fatty acids are assimilated through direct trophic transfer, how diet influences NLFA total amounts and patterns over time, and whether these assimilation processes are similar across species and life stages. RESULTS Ants fed with high-fat food quickly accumulated specific dietary fatty acids (C18:2n6, C18:3n3 and C18:3n6), compared to ants fed with low-fat food. Dietary fat content did not affect total body fat of workers or amounts of fatty acids extensively biosynthesized by animals (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9). Larval development had a strong effect on the composition and amounts of C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1n9. NLFA compositions reflected dietary differences, which became more pronounced over time. Assimilation of specific dietary NLFAs was similar regardless of species or life stage, but these factors affected dynamics of other NLFAs, composition and total fat. CONCLUSIONS We showed that ants accumulated certain dietary fatty acids via direct trophic transfer. Fat content of the diet had no effect on lipids stored by ants, which were able to synthesize high amounts of NLFAs from a sugar-based diet. Nevertheless, dietary NLFAs had a strong effect on metabolic dynamics and profiles. Fatty acids are a useful tool to study trophic biology of ants, and could be applied in an ecological context, although factors that affect NLFA patterns should be taken into account. Further studies should address which NLFAs can be used as biomarkers in natural ant communities, and how factors other than diet affect fatty acid dynamics and composition of species with distinct life histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix B. Rosumek
- Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, 88040-900 Brazil
| | - Adrian Brückner
- Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nico Blüthgen
- Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Florian Menzel
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Johannes-von-Müller-Weg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Heethoff
- Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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