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Nobre ICDS, Coelho RR, de Souza FMC, Reis MA, Torres JB, Antonino JD. Insights from different reproductive gene knockdowns via RNA interference in the lady beetle Eriopis connexa: Establishing a new model for molecular studies on natural enemies. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 116:e22125. [PMID: 38973236 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Insect pest control can be achieved by the application of RNA interference (RNAi), a key molecular tool in functional genomics. Whereas most RNAi research has focused on insect pests, few studies have been performed on natural enemies. Validating the efficacy of RNAi in natural enemies is crucial for assessing its safety and enabling molecular research on these organisms. Here, we assessed the efficacy of RNAi in the ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa Germar (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), focusing on genes related to reproduction, such as vitellogenin (Vg) and its receptor (VgR). In the transcriptome of E. connexa, we found one VgR (EcVgR) and two Vg genes (EcVg1 and EcVg2). These genes have been validated by in silico analyses of functional domains and evolutionary relationships. Five-day-old females were injected with 500 ng/µL of a specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) (dsEcVg1, dsEcVg2, or dsEcVgR) for RNAi tests, while nonspecific dsRNA (dsGFP or dsAgCE8.1) was used as a control. Interestingly, dsEcVg2 was able to knockdown both Vg genes, while dsEcVg1 could silence only EcVg1. Additionally, the viability of the eggs was significantly reduced when both Vg genes were knocked down at the same time (after treatment with dsEcVg2 or "dsEcVg1+dsEcVg2"). Ultimately, malformed, nonviable eggs were produced when EcVgR was silenced. Interestingly, no dsRNA treatment had an impact on the quantity of eggs laid. Therefore, the feasibility of RNAi in E. connexa has been confirmed, suggesting that this coccinellid is an excellent Neotropical model for molecular research on natural enemies and for studying RNAi nontarget effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Ramos Coelho
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Manoely Abreu Reis
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Jorge Braz Torres
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - José Dijair Antonino
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Liu H, Xing H, Xia Z, Wu T, Liu J, Li A, Bi F, Sun Y, Zhang J, He P. Mechanisms of harmful effects of Microcystis aeruginosa on a brackish water organism Moina mongolica based on physiological and transcriptomic responses. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 133:102588. [PMID: 38485443 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the detrimental impacts of cyanobacterial bloom, specifically Microcystis aeruginosa, on brackish water ecosystems, the study used Moina mongolica, a cladoceran species, as the test organism. In a chronic toxicology experiment, the survival and reproductive rates of M. mongolica were assessed under M. aeruginosa stress. It was observed that the survival rate of M. mongolica fed with M. aeruginosa significantly decreased with time and their reproduction rate dropped to zero, while the control group remained maintained stable and normal reproduction. To further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of the effects of M. aeruginosa on M. mongolica, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis on newly hatched M. mongolica cultured under different food conditions for 24 h. The results revealed significant expression differences in 572 genes, with 233 genes significantly up-regulated and 339 genes significantly down-regulated. Functional analysis of these differentially expressed genes identified six categories of physiological functional changes, including nutrition and metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, neuroimmunology, cuticle and molting, reproduction, and programmed cell death. Based on these findings, we outlined the basic mechanisms of microcystin toxicity. The discovery provides critical insights into the mechanisms of Microcystis toxicity on organisms and explores the response mechanisms of cladocerans under the stress of Microcystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Liu
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Hao Xing
- Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Zhangyi Xia
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jinlin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Aiqin Li
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Fangling Bi
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jianheng Zhang
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Peimin He
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Water Environment and Ecology Engineering Research Center of the Shanghai Institution of Higher Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai, 201702, China.
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Tian C, Wang Y, Yang X, Zhou J, Gao Y, Shi J, Jiang J. Functional analysis of two mitogen-activated protein kinases involved in thermal resistance of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:363-378. [PMID: 37074543 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00794-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Predatory mites are important biological control agents used against phytophagous mites and small insects. They face various environmental pressures, especially fluctuating climate factors. Neoseiulus californicus, a commercially available phytoseiid mite, is adapted to a wide range of temperature conditions. We investigated the regulatory mechanisms governing the plastic response of N. californicus for coping with environmental temperature variations. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway of cell signal transduction that responds to environmental stress. We isolated two MAPKK genes (NcMAPKK4 and NcMAPKK6) from N. californicus and studied their functions. Developmental stage-specific expression level analysis showed that in adults, particularly females, NcMAPKK4 and NcMAPKK6 levels were higher than in other developmental stages. The expression level analysis at extremely high and low temperature conditions demonstrated that NcMAPKK4 could be induced significantly by adverse thermal stresses, whereas NcMAPKK6 distinctly responded to heat shock, indicating their different roles in thermal stress responses. After silencing of NcMAPKK4, both heat and cold resistance decreased significantly, whereas NcMAPKK6 knockdown had a greater influence on heat resistance. Knockdown of NcMAPKKs also reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting the regulation of NcMAPKKs was closely related to the antioxidant process in oxidative stress caused by external stimuli. These results indicate an important role of NcMAPKKs in the response to thermal stress and provide insight into the MAPK cascade pathway in the environmental adaptation mechanisms of phytoseiid mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanbei Tian
- College of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Yudi Wang
- College of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Xuqin Yang
- College of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China
- XuZhou Nuote Chemical Co., Ltd, Xuzhou, 221137, China
| | - Jiangsheng Zhou
- College of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Yuzhong Gao
- XuZhou Nuote Chemical Co., Ltd, Xuzhou, 221137, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- XuZhou Nuote Chemical Co., Ltd, Xuzhou, 221137, China
| | - Jihong Jiang
- College of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.
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Cai Q, Wang Z, Yang F, Zhang B, Wang E, Lv J, Xu X. Expression and functional analysis of transformer-2 in Phytoseiulus persimilis and other genes potentially participating in reproductive regulation. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:345-362. [PMID: 37027055 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00786-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Transformer-2 (tra-2) is an important sex-determining gene in insects. It also plays a role in the reproduction of phytoseiid mites. We performed bioinformatic analyses for the tra-2 ortholog in Phytoseiulus persimilis (termed Pptra-2), measured its expression at different stages and quantitatively identified its function in reproduction. This gene encodes 288 amino acids with a conserved RRM domain. The peak of its expression was observed in adult females, especially ca. 5 days after mating. In addition, expression is also higher in eggs than in other stages and adult males. When Pptra-2 was silenced through RNA interference with oral delivery of dsRNA, 56% of the females had their egg hatching rates decreased in the first 5 days, from ca. 100% to ca. 20%, and maintained at low levels during the rest of the oviposition period. To detect other genes functionally related to Pptra-2, transcriptome analyses were performed on day 5 after mating. We compared mRNA expressions among interfered females with significantly reduced egg hatching rate, interfered females without significant hatching rate and CK. In total 403 differential genes were identified, of which 42 functional genes involved in the regulation of female reproduction and embryonic development were screened and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Beijing, China
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Beijing, China
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Beijing Hooseen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Beijing, China
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Endong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Beijing, China
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiale Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Beijing, China.
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xuenong Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Beijing, China.
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Wang Z, Li M, Kong Z, Wang E, Zhang B, Lv J, Xu X. Star Polycation Mediated dsRNA Improves the Efficiency of RNA Interference in Phytoseiulus persimilis. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12213809. [PMID: 36364584 PMCID: PMC9656875 DOI: 10.3390/nano12213809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is one of the most widely used techniques to study gene functions. There is still a lack of RNAi techniques that can be applied in Phytoseiidae conveniently and efficiently. Star Polycation is a new nanomaterial commonly used as a carrier of dsRNA in RNAi. Five genes of P. persimilis (PpATPb, PpATPd, PpRpL11, PpRpS2, and Pptra-2) were selected to verify whether SPc promotes the delivery of dsRNA into P. persimilis through soaking. When each of the five genes were interfered using SPc-mediated dsRNA, the total number of success offspring produced per female in six days decreased by ca. 92%, 92%, 91%, 96%, and 64%. When PpATPb, PpATPd, PpRpL11, or PpRpS2 was interfered, both the fecundity and egg hatching rate decreased. In contrast, when Pptra-2 was interfered, reduction in the reproductive capability was mainly the result of the decreased egg hatching rate. Correspondingly, when the target gene was interfered, P. persimilis expression of PpRpL11 reduced by 63.95%, while that of the other four genes reduced by at least 80%. Our studies showed that nanomaterials, such as SPc, have the potential to be used in RNA interference of phytoseiid mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhui Wang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingxia Li
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ziyi Kong
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Endong Wang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiale Lv
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuenong Xu
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
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