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Subahar R, Huang A, Wijaya RS, Nur LSE, Susanto L, Firmansyah NE, Yulhasri Y, El Bayani GF, Dwira S. First report on evaluation of commercial eugenol and piperine against Aedes aegypti L (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae: Mortality, detoxifying enzyme, and histopathological changes in the midgut. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102813. [PMID: 37793471 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Dengue fever is a worldwide public health problem, and efforts to eradicate it have focused on controlling the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti. This study aims to assess the toxicity and effect of commercial eugenol and piperine on Ae. aegypti larvae through enzyme detoxification and histopathological changes in the midgut. Laboratory-reared Ae. aegypti larvae were treated with various concentrations of commercial eugenol and piperine and observed after 24, 48, and 72 h. Biochemical methods were used to assess detoxification enzyme activity for acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase, and oxidase, and changes in the midgut were examined using routine histological examination. In terms of larvicidal activity, piperine exceeded eugenol. Piperine and eugenol had LC50 and LC90 values of 3.057 and 5.543 μM, respectively, and 6.421 and 44.722 μM at 24 h. Piperine and eugenol reduced oxidase activity significantly (p < 0.05), but increased acetylcholinesterase and glutathione S-transferase activity significantly (p < 0.05). After being exposed to piperine and eugenol, the food bolus and peritrophic membrane ruptured, the epithelial layer was interrupted and irregular, the epithelial cells shrank and formed irregularly, and the microvilli became irregular in shape. Commercial piperine and eugenol behave as potential larvicides, with processes involving altered detoxifying enzymes, specifically decreased oxidase function and increased GST activity, as well as midgut histological abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizal Subahar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia.
| | - Ayleen Huang
- Medical Doctor Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | | | - Lia Savitri Eka Nur
- Medical Doctor Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Lisawati Susanto
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Nurhadi Eko Firmansyah
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Yulhasri Yulhasri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Gulshan Fahmi El Bayani
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Surya Dwira
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
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2
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Habich A, Unterweger D. Investigating Secretion Systems and Effectors on Galleria mellonella. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:601-608. [PMID: 37930555 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Infection experiments with Galleria mellonella enable the measurement of virulence that is mediated by secretion systems and their effector proteins in vivo. G. mellonella has an innate immune system and shares similarities with the complex host environment of mammals. Unlike other invertebrate model systems, experiments can be performed at mammalian body temperature. Here, we describe the systemic infection of G. mellonella with Pseudomonas aeruginosa with and without functional secretion systems. A Kaplan-Meier curve is constructed showing the percent survival of animals over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Habich
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
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3
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Freires IA, Morelo DFC, Soares LFF, Costa IS, de Araújo LP, Breseghello I, Abdalla HB, Lazarini JG, Rosalen PL, Pigossi SC, Franchin M. Progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2329-2342. [PMID: 37394624 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell culture and invertebrate animal models reflect a significant evolution in scientific research by providing reliable evidence on the physiopathology of diseases, screening for new drugs, and toxicological tests while reducing the need for mammals. In this review, we discuss the progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research, with a special focus on drug toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irlan Almeida Freires
- Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
| | - David Fernando Colon Morelo
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Henrique Ballassini Abdalla
- Laboratory of Neuroimmune Interface of Pain Research, São Leopoldo Mandic Institute and Research Center, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Josy Goldoni Lazarini
- Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Luiz Rosalen
- Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Franchin
- School of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
- Bioactivity and Applications Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Liu Y, Hasegawa E, Nose A, Zwart MF, Kohsaka H. Synchronous multi-segmental activity between metachronal waves controls locomotion speed in Drosophila larvae. eLife 2023; 12:e83328. [PMID: 37551094 PMCID: PMC10409504 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to adjust the speed of locomotion is essential for survival. In limbed animals, the frequency of locomotion is modulated primarily by changing the duration of the stance phase. The underlying neural mechanisms of this selective modulation remain an open question. Here, we report a neural circuit controlling a similarly selective adjustment of locomotion frequency in Drosophila larvae. Drosophila larvae crawl using peristaltic waves of muscle contractions. We find that larvae adjust the frequency of locomotion mostly by varying the time between consecutive contraction waves, reminiscent of limbed locomotion. A specific set of muscles, the lateral transverse (LT) muscles, co-contract in all segments during this phase, the duration of which sets the duration of the interwave phase. We identify two types of GABAergic interneurons in the LT neural network, premotor neuron A26f and its presynaptic partner A31c, which exhibit segmentally synchronized activity and control locomotor frequency by setting the amplitude and duration of LT muscle contractions. Altogether, our results reveal an inhibitory central circuit that sets the frequency of locomotion by controlling the duration of the period in between peristaltic waves. Further analysis of the descending inputs onto this circuit will help understand the higher control of this selective modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingtao Liu
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of TokyoKashiwaJapan
| | - Eri Hasegawa
- Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of TokyoKashiwaJapan
| | - Akinao Nose
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of TokyoKashiwaJapan
| | - Maarten F Zwart
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Centre of Biophotonics, University of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUnited Kingdom
| | - Hiroshi Kohsaka
- Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of TokyoKashiwaJapan
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-CommunicationsTokyoJapan
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Copplestone D, Coates CJ, Lim J. Low dose γ-radiation induced effects on wax moth (Galleria mellonella) larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162742. [PMID: 36906041 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162742] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella are common pests of beehives and commercial apiaries, and in more applied settings, these insects act as alternative in vivo bioassays to rodents for studying microbial virulence, antibiotic development, and toxicology. In the current study, our aim was to assess the putative adverse effects of background gamma radiation levels on G. mellonella. To achieve this, we exposed larvae to low (0.014 mGy/h), medium (0.056 mGy/h), and high (1.33 mGy/h) doses of caesium-137 and measured larval pupation events, weight, faecal discharge, susceptibility to bacterial and fungal challenges, immune cell counts, activity, and viability (i.e., haemocyte encapsulation) and melanisation levels. The effects of low and medium levels of radiation were distinguishable from the highest dose rates used - the latter insects weighed the least and pupated earlier. In general, radiation exposure modulated cellular and humoral immunity over time, with larvae showing heightened encapsulation/melanisation levels at the higher dose rates but were more susceptible to bacterial (Photorhabdus luminescens) infection. There were few signs of radiation impacts after 7 days exposure, whereas marked changes were recorded between 14 and 28 days. Our data suggest that G. mellonella demonstrates plasticity at the whole organism and cellular levels when irradiated and offers insight into how such animals may cope in radiologically contaminated environments (e.g. Chornobyl Exclusion Zone).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Copplestone
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
| | - Christopher J Coates
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; Zoology, Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Jenson Lim
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK.
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Sabockytė A, McAllister S, Coates CJ, Lim J. Effect of acute ultraviolet radiation on Galleria mellonella health and immunity. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 198:107899. [PMID: 36806465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107899] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
For humans, acute and chronic overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause tissue damage in the form of sunburn and promote cancer(s). The immune-modulating properties of UV radiation and health-related consequences are not well known. Herein, we used the larvae of the wax moth Galleria mellonella, to determine UV-driven changes in cellular components of innate immunity. From immune cell (haemocyte) reactivity and the production of antimicrobial factors, these insects share many functional similarities with mammalian cellular innate immunity. After exposing insects to UVA or UVB for up to two hours, we monitored larval viability, susceptibility to infection, haemolymph (blood) physiology and faecal discharge. Prolonged exposure of larvae to UVB coincided with decreased survival, enhanced susceptibility to bacterial challenge, melanin synthesis in the haemolymph, compromised haemocyte functionality and changes in faecal (bacterial) content. We contend G. mellonella is a reliable in vivo model for assessing the impact of UV exposure at the whole organism and cellular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aušrinė Sabockytė
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Samuel McAllister
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Christopher J Coates
- Zoology, Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Jenson Lim
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
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Grizanova EV, Krytsyna TI, Kalmykova GV, Sokolova E, Alikina T, Kabilov M, Coates CJ, Dubovskiy IM. Virulent and necrotrophic strategies of Bacillus thuringiensis in susceptible and resistant insects, Galleria mellonella. Microb Pathog 2023; 175:105958. [PMID: 36572197 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105958] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of the most common entomopathogenic bacteria used as a biopesticide, and source of endotoxin genes for generating insect-resistant transgenic plants. The mechanisms underpinning an insect's susceptibility or resistance to B. thuringiensis are diverse. The bacterial lifecycle does not end with the death of a host, they continue to exploit the cadaver to reproduce and sporulate. Herein, we studied the progression of B. thuringiensis subsp. galleriae infection in two populations of wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella) to gain further insight into the "arms race" between B. thuringiensis virulence and insect defences. Two doses of B. thuringiensis subsp. galleriae (spore and crystalline toxin mixtures) were administered orally to compare the responses of susceptible (S) and resistant (R) populations at ∼30% mortality each. To investigate B. thuringiensis-insect antibiosis, we used a combination of in vivo infection trials, bacterial microbiome analysis, and RNAi targeting the antibacterial peptide gloverin. Within 48 h post-inoculation, B. thuringiensis-resistant insects purged the midgut of bacteria, i.e., colony forming unit numbers fell below detectable levels. Second, B. thuringiensis rapidly modulated gene expression to initiate sporulation (linked to quorum sensing) when exposed to resistant insects in contrast to susceptible G. mellonella. We reinforce earlier findings that elevated levels of antimicrobial peptides, specifically gloverin, are found in the midgut of resistant insects, which is an evolutionary strategy to combat B. thuringiensis infection via its main portal of entry. A sub-population of highly virulent B. thuringiensis can survive the enhanced immune defences of resistant G. mellonella by disrupting the midgut microbiome and switching rapidly to a necrotrophic strategy, prior to sporulation in the cadaver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Grizanova
- Department of Plant Protection, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tatiana I Krytsyna
- Department of Plant Protection, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Galina V Kalmykova
- Faculty of Physical Engineering, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Elina Sokolova
- Department of Plant Protection, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tatyana Alikina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Marsel Kabilov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Christopher J Coates
- Zoology, Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
| | - Ivan M Dubovskiy
- Department of Plant Protection, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia.
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Quansah E, Ramoji A, Thieme L, Mirza K, Goering B, Makarewicz O, Heutelbeck A, Meyer-Zedler T, Pletz MW, Schmitt M, Popp J. Label-free multimodal imaging of infected Galleria mellonella larvae. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20416. [PMID: 36437287 PMCID: PMC9701796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24846-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-linear imaging modalities have enabled us to obtain unique morpho-chemical insights into the tissue architecture of various biological model organisms in a label-free manner. However, these imaging techniques have so far not been applied to analyze the Galleria mellonella infection model. This study utilizes for the first time the strength of multimodal imaging techniques to explore infection-related changes in the Galleria mellonella larvae due to massive E. faecalis bacterial infection. Multimodal imaging techniques such as fluorescent lifetime imaging (FLIM), coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), and second harmonic generation (SHG) were implemented in conjunction with histological HE images to analyze infection-associated tissue damage. The changes in the larvae in response to the infection, such as melanization, vacuolization, nodule formation, and hemocyte infiltration as a defense mechanism of insects against microbial pathogens, were visualized after Enterococcus faecalis was administered. Furthermore, multimodal imaging served for the analysis of implant-associated biofilm infections by visualizing biofilm adherence on medical stainless steel and ePTFE implants within the larvae. Our results suggest that infection-related changes as well as the integrity of the tissue of G. mellonella larvae can be studied with high morphological and chemical contrast in a label-free manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsie Quansah
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) and Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany ,grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Anuradha Ramoji
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) and Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany ,grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Lara Thieme
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Kamran Mirza
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Bianca Goering
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794ena University Hospital, Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, J, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Oliwia Makarewicz
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Astrid Heutelbeck
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794ena University Hospital, Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, J, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Meyer-Zedler
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) and Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany ,grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mathias W. Pletz
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Schmitt
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) and Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany ,grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) and Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany ,grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Jena University Hospital, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Ahlawat S, Sharma KK. Lepidopteran insects: emerging model organisms to study infection by enteropathogens. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2022; 68:181-196. [PMID: 36417090 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-022-01014-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The in vivo analysis of a pathogen is a critical step in gaining greater knowledge of pathogen biology and host-pathogen interactions. In the last two decades, there has been a notable rise in the number of studies on developing insects as a model for studying pathogens, which provides various benefits, such as ethical acceptability, relatively short life cycle, and cost-effective care and maintenance relative to routinely used rodent infection models. Furthermore, lepidopteran insects provide many advantages, such as easy handling and tissue extraction due to their large size relative to other invertebrate models, like Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, insects have an innate immune system that is highly analogous to vertebrates. In the present review, we discuss the components of the insect's larval immune system, which strengthens its usage as an alternative host, and present an updated overview of the research findings involving lepidopteran insects (Galleria mellonella, Manduca sexta, Bombyx mori, and Helicoverpa armigera) as infection models to study the virulence by enteropathogens due to the homology between insect and vertebrate gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Ahlawat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurgaon-Badli Road Chandu, Budhera, Gurugram, 122505, Haryana, India.
| | - Krishna Kant Sharma
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Recombinant DNA Technology, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
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Zhang X, Zhang F, Lu X. Diversity and Functional Roles of the Gut Microbiota in Lepidopteran Insects. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061234. [PMID: 35744751 PMCID: PMC9231115 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lepidopteran insects are one of the most widespread and speciose lineages on Earth, with many common pests and beneficial insect species. The evolutionary success of their diversification depends on the essential functions of gut microorganisms. This diverse gut microbiota of lepidopteran insects provides benefits in nutrition and reproductive regulation and plays an important role in the defence against pathogens, enhancing host immune homeostasis. In addition, gut symbionts have shown promising applications in the development of novel tools for biological control, biodegradation of waste, and blocking the transmission of insect-borne diseases. Even though most microbial symbionts are unculturable, the rapidly expanding catalogue of microbial genomes and the application of modern genetic techniques offer a viable alternative for studying these microbes. Here, we discuss the gut structure and microbial diversity of lepidopteran insects, as well as advances in the understanding of symbiotic relationships and interactions between hosts and symbionts. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the function of the gut microbiota, including in host nutrition and metabolism, immune defence, and potential mechanisms of detoxification. Due to the relevance of lepidopteran pests in agricultural production, it can be expected that the research on the interactions between lepidopteran insects and their gut microbiota will be used for biological pest control and protection of beneficial insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancui Zhang
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China;
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Xingmeng Lu
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China;
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (X.L.)
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Özgör E. The Effects of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae Infection on Survival and Phenoloxidase Gene Expression in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Galleriidae) Compared to Apis mellifera. INSECTS 2021; 12:953. [PMID: 34680722 PMCID: PMC8538655 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The study aims to prove the possibility of colonization of N. apis and N. ceranae to the intestine of the greater wax moth, detect the differences of greater wax moth based on the presence of Nosema species and examine the effect of Nosema species on the phenoloxidase level of greater wax moth compared with honeybees. Each group was fed on the 1st day of the experiment with its appropriate diet containing 106 Nosema spores per insect. Each group was checked daily, and dead insects were counted. Furthermore, changes in the level of expression of the phenoloxidase-related gene after Nosema spp. treatment on the 6th, 9th and 12th days, which was detected by Q-PCR, and the mRNA level of phenoloxidase gene were measured in all experiment groups with the CFX Connect Real-Time PCR Detection System. This study shows that Apis mellifera L. has a 66.7% mortality rate in mixed Nosema infections, a 50% mortality rate in N. ceranae infection, a 40% mortality rate in N. apis infection, while there is no death in G. mellonella. A significant difference was found in the mixed Nosema infection group compared to the single Nosema infection groups by means of A. mellifera and G. mellonella (Duncan, p < 0.05). G. mellonella histopathology also shows that Nosema spores multiply in the epithelial cells of greater wax moth without causing any death. The increase in the mRNA level of Phenoloxidase gene in A. mellifera was detected (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05), while the mRNA level of the Phenoloxidase gene did not change in G. mellonella (Kruskal-Wallis, p > 0.05). These findings prove that the Nosema species can colonize into the greater wax moth, which contributes to the dissemination of these Nosema species between beehives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkay Özgör
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cyprus International University, 99258 Mersin-10, Turkey; ; Tel.: +90-3926711111
- Cyprus Bee and Bee Products Research Centre, Cyprus International University, 99258 Mersin-10, Turkey
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Grizanova EV, Coates CJ, Butt TM, Dubovskiy IM. RNAi-mediated suppression of insect metalloprotease inhibitor (IMPI) enhances Galleria mellonella susceptibility to fungal infection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 122:104126. [PMID: 33965446 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104126] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The co-evolutionary arms race between disease-causing agents and their insect victims is ancient and complex - leading to the development of specialised attack and defence strategies. Among such strategies is the capacity of fungal and oomycete pathogens to deploy degradative enzymes, notably proteases, to facilitate infection directly across the integument. To counter these proteases, insects such as the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella release metalloprotease inhibitors and other immune factors to thwart the invading fungus. To date, molecular-based confirmation of insect metalloprotease inhibitor's incontrovertible role in antifungal defence has been lacking. We targeted the IMPI gene for suppression using RNAi and exposed those insects to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum ARSEF4556. Levels of IMPI were reduced significantly in the integument (10-fold) and fat body (5-fold) of RNAi-treated insects when compared to control larvae, and displayed a significantly higher mortality rate. We also surveyed candidate immune/detoxification gene expression levels (e.g., DOPA decarboxylase, galiomycin) in three tissues (integument, midgut, fat body) in order to gauge any potential non-target effects of RNAi. The loss of IMPI via RNAi compromises antifungal defences and leaves G. mellonella vulnerable to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Grizanova
- Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Laboratory of Biological Plant Protection and Biotechnology, Dobrolubova Str. 160, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Christopher J Coates
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
| | - Tariq M Butt
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Ivan M Dubovskiy
- Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Laboratory of Biological Plant Protection and Biotechnology, Dobrolubova Str. 160, 630039, Novosibirsk, Russia; Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia.
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Emery H, Traves W, Rowley AF, Coates CJ. The diarrhetic shellfish-poisoning toxin, okadaic acid, provokes gastropathy, dysbiosis and susceptibility to bacterial infection in a non-rodent bioassay, Galleria mellonella. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3361-3376. [PMID: 34374792 PMCID: PMC8448676 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diarrhetic shellfish-poisoning (DSP) toxins such as okadaic acid and dinophysistoxins harm the human gastrointestinal tract, and therefore, their levels are regulated to an upper limit of 160 μg per kg tissue to protect consumers. Rodents are used routinely for risk assessment and studies concerning mechanisms of toxicity, but there is a general move toward reducing and replacing vertebrates for these bioassays. We have adopted insect larvae of the wax moth Galleria mellonella as a surrogate toxicology model. We treated larvae with environmentally relevant doses of okadaic acid (80–400 μg/kg) via intrahaemocoelic injection or gavage to determine marine toxin-related health decline: (1) whether pre-exposure to a sub-lethal dose of toxin (80 μg/kg) enhances susceptibility to bacterial infection, or (2) alters tissue pathology and bacterial community (microbiome) composition of the midgut. A sub-lethal dose of okadaic acid (80 μg/kg) followed 24 h later by bacterial inoculation (2 × 105Escherichia coli) reduced larval survival levels to 47%, when compared to toxin (90%) or microbial challenge (73%) alone. Histological analysis of the midgut depicted varying levels of tissue disruption, including nuclear aberrations associated with cell death (karyorrhexis, pyknosis), loss of organ architecture, and gross epithelial displacement into the lumen. Moreover, okadaic acid presence in the midgut coincided with a shift in the resident bacterial population over time in that substantial reductions in diversity (Shannon) and richness (Chao-1) indices were observed at 240 μg toxin per kg. Okadaic acid-induced deterioration of the insect alimentary canal resembles those changes reported for rodent bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Emery
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - William Traves
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Andrew F Rowley
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Christopher J Coates
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK.
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Emery H, Butt TM, Coates CJ. Nutraceutical intervention protects against bacterial and chemical-induced gastrotoxicity in a non-mammalian model, Galleria mellonella. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 154:112354. [PMID: 34146620 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Preparations of the fungus Cordyceps sinensis and bovine colostrum are considered nutraceuticals due to their anti-inflammatory, repair and gut alimentation properties in mammalian models. To reduce the reliance on rodents in routine experimentation, we gauged the capacity of nutraceuticals to alleviate gastric damage in an insect surrogate, Galleria mellonella. Larvae were reared on standard or supplemented diets - 10% (w/w) colostrum, 10% (w/w) C. sinensis, or 5% + 5% each - prior to receiving an oral dose of the NSAID indomethacin (30 mg/kg) or challenged with the bacterial pathogen Campylobacter jejuni (1-3 x106) via two inoculation routes. Insects reared on a cordyceps-supplemented diet proved most resistant to indomethacin-induced gut leakiness, and displayed stable health indices after C. jejuni challenge (~77% survival). Insects reared on a colostrum-supplemented diet also showed recalcitrance in the gut, but were more sensitive to C. jejuni when injected directly into the body cavity (50% survival). The nutraceutical blend yielded improved health outcomes when compared to the standard diet, but was not as effective as either nutraceutical alone. Our findings represent clear evidence that insects were more resistant to known chemical and microbial agitators when reared on nutraceutical-supplemented diets - toxicological endpoints that are shared with vertebrate studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Emery
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Tariq M Butt
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Christopher J Coates
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
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A toxin complex protein from Photorhabdus akhurstii conferred oral insecticidal activity against Galleria mellonella by targeting the midgut epithelium. Microbiol Res 2020; 242:126642. [PMID: 33191102 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2020.126642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The nematode-bacterium pair Heterorhabditis indica-Photorhabdus akhurstii is a malleable model system to investigate mutualistic relations. A number of toxins produced by P. akhurstii allow the bacterium to kill the insect host. However, a few of these heterologously expressed toxins are orally active against different insects which possibly caused neglected attention to Photorhabdus toxins compared to Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). In the current study, a functional subunit of orally active toxin complex (Tc) protein, TcaB (63 kDa), isolated from two strains of P. akhurstii namely IARI-SGHR2 and IARI-SGMS1, was tested for biological activity against Galleria mellonella. A force feeding-based administration of the toxin translated into LD50 values of 45.63-58.90 ng/g which was even lower compared to injection LD50 values (51.48-64.30 ng/g) at 48 h after inoculation. An oral uptake of 500 ng toxin caused extensive gut damage in G. mellonella during 6-24 h incubation period coupled with a gradual disruption of gut integrity leading to escape of TcaB into the hemocoel. This finding was supported by the cytotoxic and immune-stimulatory effect of TcaB in the insect hemocoel at 6-24 h after force feeding. The circulatory hemocyte numbers and cell viability was markedly reduced to 0.66-0.68 × 106 ml-1 and 49-52 %, respectively, in TcaB force fed insect at 24 h, compared to control (2.55 × 106 ml-1; 100 %). The hemolymph phenoloxidase (PO) activity was elevated by 10.2-fold in force fed larvae than control at 24 h. An in silico docking study revealed that TcaB putatively interacts with a number of G. mellonella receptor proteins in order to become a gut-active toxin. Present research reinforces the potential of gut-active Photorhabdus toxins for their inclusion in sustainable insect management tactics and strengthens the existing Bt-dominated management repository.
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Ciociola T, Zanello PP, D’Adda T, Galati S, Conti S, Magliani W, Giovati L. A Peptide Found in Human Serum, Derived from the C-Terminus of Albumin, Shows Antifungal Activity In Vitro and In Vivo. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1627. [PMID: 33096923 PMCID: PMC7588913 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for alternative strategies to combat infections. From this perspective, there is a considerable interest in natural molecules obtained from different sources, which are shown to be active against microorganisms, either alone or in association with conventional drugs. In this paper, peptides with the same sequence of fragments, found in human serum, derived from physiological proteins, were evaluated for their antifungal activity. A 13-residue peptide, representing the 597-609 fragment within the albumin C-terminus, was proved to exert a fungicidal activity in vitro against pathogenic yeasts and a therapeutic effect in vivo in the experimental model of candidal infection in Galleria mellonella. Studies by confocal microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the peptide penetrates and accumulates in Candida albicans cells, causing gross morphological alterations in cellular structure. These findings add albumin to the group of proteins, which already includes hemoglobin and antibodies, that could give rise to cryptic antimicrobial fragments, and could suggest their role in anti-infective homeostasis. The study of bioactive fragments from serum proteins could open interesting perspectives for the development of new antimicrobial molecules derived by natural sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (P.P.Z.); (T.D.); (W.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Pier Paolo Zanello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (P.P.Z.); (T.D.); (W.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Tiziana D’Adda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (P.P.Z.); (T.D.); (W.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Serena Galati
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy;
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (P.P.Z.); (T.D.); (W.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (P.P.Z.); (T.D.); (W.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (P.P.Z.); (T.D.); (W.M.); (L.G.)
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Piatek M, Sheehan G, Kavanagh K. UtilisingGalleria mellonella larvae for studying in vivo activity of conventional and novel antimicrobial agents. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:5917982. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe immune response of insects displays many structural and functional similarities to the innate immune response of mammals. As a result of these conserved features, insects may be used for evaluating microbial virulence or for testing the in vivo efficacy and toxicity of antimicrobial compounds and results show strong similarities to those from mammals. Galleria mellonella larvae are widely used in this capacity and have the advantage of being easy to use, inexpensive to purchase and house, and being free from the ethical and legal restrictions that relate to the use of mammals in these tests. Galleria mellonella larvae may be used to assess the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of novel antimicrobial compounds. A wide range of antibacterial and antifungal therapies have been evaluated in G. mellonella larvae and results have informed subsequent experiments in mammals. While insect larvae are a convenient and reproducible model to use, care must be taken in their use to ensure accuracy of results. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive account of the use of G. mellonella larvae for assessing the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Piatek
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Gerard Sheehan
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare W23 F2H6, Ireland
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Shankhu PY, Mathur C, Mandal A, Sagar D, Somvanshi VS, Dutta TK. Txp40, a protein from Photorhabdus akhurstii, conferred potent insecticidal activity against the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura and S. exigua. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:2004-2014. [PMID: 31867818 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Txp40, a 37 kDa protein, previously characterized from the Gram-negative bacterium Photorhabdus akhurstii (symbiotically associates with insect-parasitic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica), conferred insecticidal activity against Galleria mellonella. Here, the biological activity of Txp40 was evaluated against economically important insects, including Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura and S. exigua. RESULTS When both intra-hemocoel injected and orally fed to test insects, comparatively greater oral LD50 (187.7-522 ng g-1 ) than injection LD50 (32.33-150.6 ng g-1 ) was obtained with Txp40 derived from P. akhurstii strain IARI-SGMG3. Injection of purified Txp40 caused a dose-dependent reduction in the total circulatory hemocytes and hemocyte viability of fourth-instar larvae of the test insects at 12 h post incubation; unlike healthy cells toxin-treated ones displayed aggregated distribution. Injection of Txp40 significantly elevated the phenoloxidase activity of insect hemolymph, which potentially led to unrestrained melanization reaction and ultimately larval death. Histological analyses showed the primary site of action of Txp40 in the insect midgut. Extensive damage to midgut epithelium 24 h after injection of the Txp40 explains the access of the toxin from hemocoel to midgut via leaky septate junctions. In silico analyses suggested that Txp40 can potentially interact with H. armigera midgut receptor proteins cadherin, ATP-binding cassettes, aminopeptidase N1 and alkaline phosphatase to exert toxicity. CONCLUSION We propose Txp40 as an attractive alternative to Cry toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis, the transgenic expression of which is reported to cause resistance development in insects. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Y Shankhu
- Division of Nematology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Chetna Mathur
- Division of Nematology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Mandal
- Division of Agricultural Chemicals, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Doddachowdappa Sagar
- Division of Entomology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishal S Somvanshi
- Division of Nematology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Tushar K Dutta
- Division of Nematology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
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The Antioxidant Peptide Salamandrin-I: First Bioactive Peptide Identified from Skin Secretion of Salamandra Genus (Salamandra salamandra). Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040512. [PMID: 32230960 PMCID: PMC7226163 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibian skin is a multifunctional organ that plays key roles in defense, breathing, and water balance. In this study, skin secretion samples of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) were separated using RP-HPLC and de novo sequenced using MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Next, we used an in silico platform to screen antioxidant molecules in the framework of density functional theory. One of the identified peptides, salamandrin-I, [M + H]+ = 1406.6 Da, was selected for solid-phase synthesis; it showed free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Salamandrin-I did not show antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. In vitro assays using human microglia and red blood cells showed that salamandrin-I has no cytotoxicity up to the concentration of 100 µM. In addition, in vivo toxicity tests on Galleria mellonella larvae resulted in no mortality at 20 and 40 mg/kg. Antioxidant peptides derived from natural sources are increasingly attracting interest. Among several applications, these peptides, such as salamandrin-I, can be used as templates in the design of novel antioxidant molecules that may contribute to devising strategies for more effective control of neurological disease.
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