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Bai B, Wen Y, Wang J, Wen F, Yan H, Yuan X, Xie J, Zhang R, Xia Q, Wang G. Fatty Acid Desaturase Bmdesat5, Suppressed in the Salivary Glands by Domestication, is Involved in Regulation of Food Intake in Silkworms. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:14177-14190. [PMID: 38875711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary genetics of food intake regulation in domesticated animals has relevance to evolutionary biology, animal improvement, and obesity treatment. Here, we observed that the fatty acid desaturase gene (Bmdesat5), which regulates food intake, is suppressed in domesticated silkworms, but expressed in the salivary glands of the wild silkworm Bombyx mandarina. The content of its catalytic product, cis-vaccenic acid, was related to the expression levels of Bmdesat5 in the salivary glands of domesticated and wild silkworm strains. These two strains also showed significant differences in food intake. Using orally administering cis-vaccenic acid and transgenic-mediated overexpression, we verified that cis-vaccenic acid functions as a satiation signal, regulating food intake and growth in silkworms. Selection analysis showed that Bmdesat5 experienced selection, especially in the potential promoter, 5'-untranslated, and intron regions. This study highlights the importance of the decrement of satiety in silkworm domestication and provides new insights into the potential involvement of salivary glands in the regulation of satiety in animals, by acting as a supplement to gut-brain nutrient signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingchuan Bai
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuchan Wen
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Feng Wen
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hao Yan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xingli Yuan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiatong Xie
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ruihan Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Genhong Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Dai X, Ye X, Shi L, Yu S, Wang X, Zhong B. High mechanical property silk produced by transgenic silkworms expressing the Drosophila Dumpy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1359587. [PMID: 38410165 PMCID: PMC10895422 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1359587] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive research has been conducted on utilizing transgenic silkworms and their natural spinning apparatus to produce high-performance spider silk fibers. However, research on using non-spider biological proteins to optimize the molecular structure of silk protein and improve the mechanical performance of silk fibers is still relatively scarce. Dumpy, a massive extracellular matrix polypeptide, is essential for preserving the shape and structural integrity of the insect cuticle due to its remarkable tension and elasticity. Here, we constructed two transgenic donor plasmids containing the fusion genes of FibH-Dumpy and FibL-Dumpy. The results indicated the successful integration of two exogenous gene expression cassettes, driven by endogenous promoters, into the silkworm genome using piggyBac-mediated transgenic technology. Secondary structure analysis revealed a 16.7% and 13.6% increase in the β-sheet content of transgenic silks compared to wild-type (WT) silk fibers. Mechanical testing demonstrated that, compared to the WT, HDUY and LDUY transgenic silk fibers exhibited respective increases of 39.54% and 21.45% in maximum stress, 44.43% and 45.02% in toughness, and 24.91% and 28.51% in elastic recovery rate. These findings suggest that Drosophila Dumpy significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of silk, positioning it as an excellent candidate for the development of extraordinary-performance fibers. This study provides rich inspiration for using other biological proteins to construct high-performance silk fibers and expands the possibilities for designing and applying novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangping Dai
- Institute of Silkworm and Bee Research, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaogang Ye
- Institute of Silkworm and Bee Research, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangen Shi
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Yu
- Institute of Silkworm and Bee Research, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinqiu Wang
- Institute of Silkworm and Bee Research, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Boxiong Zhong
- Institute of Silkworm and Bee Research, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Wang F, Wang RY, Zhong DB, Zhao P, Xia QY. Highly efficient expression of human extracellular superoxide dismutase (rhEcSOD) with ultraviolet-B-induced damage-resistance activity in transgenic silkworm cocoons. INSECT SCIENCE 2023. [PMID: 38010045 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) protects tissues from oxidative stress, and thus is considered as a therapeutic agent for many diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer. However, cost-effective production of bioactive recombinant human EcSOD (rhEcSOD) remains a challenge. Herein, we developed an efficient strategy for producing active rhEcSOD by transgenic silkworms. rhEcSOD was successfully synthesized as homodimers and homotetramers in the middle silk gland and spun into the cocoons with a concentration of 9.48 ± 0.21 mg/g. Purification of rhEcSOD from the cocoons could be conveniently achieved with a purity of 99.50% and a yield of 3.5 ± 0.5 mg/g. Additionally, N-glycosylation at the only site of N89 in rhEcSOD with 10 types were identified. The purified rhEcSOD gained the potent enzymatic activity of 4 162 ± 293 U/mg after Cu/Zn ions incorporation. More importantly, rhEcSOD was capable of penetrating and accumulating in the nuclei of cells to maintain cell morphology and attenuate ultraviolet B-induced cell apoptosis by eliminating reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the C-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm could successfully produce rhEcSOD with enzymatic and biological activities for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ri-Yuan Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - De-Bin Zhong
- Century Legend Biotechnology Research Institute (Chongqing) Co., Ltd., Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-You Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Wang R, Wang Y, Song J, Tian C, Jing X, Zhao P, Xia Q. A novel method for silkworm cocoons self-degumming and its effect on silk fibers. J Adv Res 2023; 53:87-98. [PMID: 36572337 PMCID: PMC10658416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conventional hot-alkaline cocoon degumming techniques greatly weaken the physicochemical and mechanical properties of silk fibroin fiber, thus affecting the quality of silk fabric. Moreover, it causes massive energy waste and serious environmental pollution. OBJECTIVE This study aims to establish a novel cocoon self-degumming method by genetic modification of silkworm varieties and silk fibers. METHODS The self-degummed cocoon material was generated by specifically overexpressing trypsinogen protein in the sericin layer of silk thread; the effect of cocoon self-degumming method was evaluated by the degumming rate of sericin protein, the cleanliness and equivalent diameter of silk fibroin fiber; the basic characteristics of silk fibroin fiber degummed by cocoon self-degumming method and conventional hot-alkaline degumming technique were determined by electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and tensile tests; the composition and biological activity of degummed sericin protein was respectively analyzed by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry and cytological experiments. RESULTS The genetically engineered self-degumming cocoon containing trypsinogen protein was successfully created, and the content of trypsinogen protein in silk was 47.14 ± 0.90 mg/g. The sericin protein in the self-degumming cocoon was removed out in water or 1 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH = 8.0). Compared to alkaline-degummed silk fibroin, self-degummed silk fibroin had better cleanliness, thicker equivalent diameter, more complete silk structure and better mechanical property. In addition, sericin protein degummed from self-degumming cocoons significantly promoted cell proliferation and caused no obvious cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION Compared to conventional hot-alkaline degumming technique, the cocoon self-degumming method by genetically overexpressing trypsinogen protein in sericin layer of silk thread can self-degummed in a mild degumming condition, and gain silk fiber with better quality and more biologically active sericin protein products. This strategy can not only reduce the environmental impact, but also generate greater economic value, which will accelerate its application in the silk and pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuancheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City & Southwest University, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyuan Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City & Southwest University, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City & Southwest University, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China.
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Aramwit P, Jiang Q, Muppuri S, Reddy N. Transgenic modifications of silkworms as a means to obtain therapeutic biomolecules and protein fibers with exceptional properties. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:2827-2839. [PMID: 37243890 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28455] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic modification of Bombyx mori silkworms is a benign approach for the production of silk fibers with extraordinary properties and also to generate therapeutic proteins and other biomolecules for various applications. Silk fibers with fluorescence lasting more than a year, natural protein fibers with strength and toughness exceeding that of spider silk, proteins and therapeutic biomolecules with exceptional properties have been developed using transgenic technology. The transgenic modifications have been done primarily by modifying the silk sericin and fibroin genes and also the silk producing glands. Although the genetic modifications were typically performed using the sericin 1 and other genes, newer techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 have enabled successful modifications of both the fibroin H-chain and L-chain. Such modifications have led to the production of therapeutic proteins and other biomolecules in reasonable quantities at affordable costs for tissue engineering and other medical applications. Transgenically modified silkworms also have distinct and long-lasting fluorescence useful for bioimaging applications. This review presents an overview of the transgenic techniques for modifications of B. mori silkworms and the properties obtained due to such modifications with particular focus on production of growth factors, fluorescent proteins, and high performance protein fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornanong Aramwit
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center of Excellence in Bioactive Resources for Innovative Clinical Applications, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Qiuran Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Textile Science &Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
- College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Supritha Muppuri
- Center for Incubation, Innovation, Research and Consultancy, Jyothy Institute of Technology, Thataguni Post, Bengaluru, India
| | - Narendra Reddy
- Center for Incubation, Innovation, Research and Consultancy, Jyothy Institute of Technology, Thataguni Post, Bengaluru, India
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Tan H, Ji Y, Lei H, Wang F, Dong H, Yang S, Zhou H, Deng H, Chen S, Kaplan DL, Xia Q, Wang F. Large-scale and cost-effective production of recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) in transgenic Bombyx mori cocoons. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125527. [PMID: 37379947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125527] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
HSA is considered a versatile natural cargo carrier with multiple bio-functions and applications. However, insufficient supply of HSA has limited widespread use. Although various recombinant expression systems had been applied to produce the rHSA to overcome the limited resource, cost-effective and large scale production of rHSA remains a challenge. Herein, we provide a strategy for the large-scale and cost-effective production of rHSA in cocoons of transgenic silkworms, achieving a final 13.54 ± 1.34 g/kg of rHSA yield in cocoons. rHSA was efficiently synthesized and stable over the long-term in the cocoons at room temperature. Artificial control of silk crystal structure during silk spinning significantly facilitated rHSA extraction and purification, with 99.69 ± 0.33 % purity and a productivity of 8.06 ± 0.17 g rHSA from 1 kg cocoons. The rHSA had the same secondary structure to natural HSA, along with effective drug binding capacity, biocompatibility, and bio-safe. The rHSA was successfully evaluated as a potential substitute in serum-free cell culture. These findings suggest the silkworm bioreactor is promising for large-scale and cost-effective production of high quality rHSA to meet the increased worldwide demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Tan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Yanting Ji
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Hexu Lei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Fangyu Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Huan Dong
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Shifeng Yang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Hongji Zhou
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Hanxin Deng
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
| | - Feng Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
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Wen F, Wang J, Shang D, Yan H, Yuan X, Wang Y, Xia Q, Wang G. Non-classical digestive lipase BmTGL selected by gene amplification reduces the effects of mulberry inhibitor during silkworm domestication. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 229:589-599. [PMID: 36587639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.294] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Efficient utilization of dietary lipids is crucial for Bombyx mori, also known as domesticated silkworms. However, the effects of domestication on the genes encoding lipases remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression difference of one triacylglycerol lipase (BmTGL) between B.mori and wild (ancestor) silkworm strains (Bombyx mandarina). An immunofluorescence localization analysis showed that BmTGL was present in all parts of the gut and was released into the intestinal lumen. BmTGL expression was significantly enhanced in different domesticated silkworm strains compared to that in the B. mandarina strains. The BmTGL copy numbers in the genomes of the domesticated silkworm strains were 2-to-3 folds that of the B. mandarina strains and accounted for the enhanced expression of BmTGL in the domesticated silkworm strains. The Ser144Asn substitution in the Ser-Asp-His catalytic triads of BmTGL resulted in relatively lower lipase activity and reduced sensitivity to the lipase inhibitor morachalcone A. Moreover, BmTGL overexpression significantly increased the weights of the B. mori silkworms compared to those of the non-transgenic controls. Thus, the selection of BmTGL by gene amplification may be a trade-off between maintaining high enzymatic activity and reducing the effects of mulberry inhibitors during silkworm domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deli Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xingli Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuanqiang Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Genhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Zhang W, Li Z, Lan W, Guo H, Chen F, Wang F, Shen G, Xia Q, Zhao P. Bioengineered silkworm model for expressing human neurotrophin-4 with potential biomedical application. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1104929. [PMID: 36685209 PMCID: PMC9846172 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1104929] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is a neurotrophic factor that plays important roles in maintaining nerve cell survival, regulating neuronal differentiation and apoptosis, and promoting nerve injury repair. However, the source of sufficient NT-4 protein and efficient delivery of NT-4 remain a challenge. This study aims to express an activated human NT-4 protein in a large scale by genetically engineering silk gland bioreactor of silkworm as a host. We showed that the expression of human NT-4-functionalized silk material could promote proliferation of mouse HT22 cells when compared to the natural silk protein, and no obvious cytotoxicity was observed under the conditions of different silk materials. Importantly, this functional silk material was able to induce the potential differentiation of HT22 cells, promote peripheral neural cell migration and neurite outgrowth of chicken embryo dorsal root ganglion (DRG). All these results demonstrated a high bioactivity of human NT-4 protein produced in silk gland. Therefore, based on the silkworm model, the further fabrication of different silk materials-carrying active NT-4 protein with good mechanical properties and great biocompatibility will give promising applications in tissue engineering and neurons regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiqun Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Ping Zhao,
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Lian AA, Yamaji Y, Kajiwara K, Takaki K, Mori H, Liew MWO, Kotani E, Maruta R. A Bioengineering Approach for the Development of Fibroblast Growth Factor-7-Functionalized Sericin Biomaterial Applicable for the Cultivation of Keratinocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179953. [PMID: 36077351 PMCID: PMC9456417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7), are a group of proteins that stimulate various cellular processes and are often used with carriers to prevent the rapid loss of their activities. Sericin with great biocompatibility has been investigated as a proteinaceous carrier to enhance the stability of incorporated proteins. The difficulties in obtaining intact sericin from silkworm cocoons and the handling of growth factors with poor stability necessitate an efficient technique to incorporate the protein into a sericin-based biomaterial. Here, we report the generation of a transgenic silkworm line simultaneously expressing and incorporating FGF-7 into cocoon shells containing almost exclusively sericin. Growth-factor-functionalized sericin cocoon shells requiring simple lyophilization and pulverization processes were successfully used to induce the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. Moreover, FGF-7 incorporated into sericin-cocoon powder exhibited remarkable stability, with more than 70% of bioactivity being retained after being stored as a suspension at 25 °C for 3 months. Transgenic sericin-cocoon powder was used to continuously supply biologically active FGF-7 to generate a three-dimensionally cultured keratinocyte model in vitro. The outcomes of this study propound a feasible approach to producing cytokine-functionalized sericin materials that are ready to use for cell cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Ai Lian
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Yuka Yamaji
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kajiwara
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Keiko Takaki
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Hajime Mori
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Mervyn Wing On Liew
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Eiji Kotani
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (R.M.); Tel.: +81-75-724-7774 (E.K. & R.M.)
| | - Rina Maruta
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (R.M.); Tel.: +81-75-724-7774 (E.K. & R.M.)
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Yamano M, Hirose R, Lye PY, Takaki K, Maruta R, On Liew MW, Sakurai S, Mori H, Kotani E. Bioengineered Silkworm for Producing Cocoons with High Fibroin Content for Regenerated Fibroin Biomaterial-Based Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137433. [PMID: 35806440 PMCID: PMC9267247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk fibroin exhibits high biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it a versatile biomaterial for medical applications. However, contaminated silkworm-derived substances in remnant sericin from the filature and degumming process can result in undesired immune reactions and silk allergy, limiting the widespread use of fibroin. Here, we established transgenic silkworms with modified middle silk glands, in which sericin expression was repressed by the ectopic expression of cabbage butterfly-derived cytotoxin pierisin-1A, to produce cocoons composed solely of fibroin. Intact, nondegraded fibroin can be prepared from the transgenic cocoons without the need for sericin removal by the filature and degumming steps that cause fibroin degradation. A wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis revealed low crystallinity in the transgenic cocoons. However, nondegraded fibroin obtained from transgenic cocoons enabled the formation of fibroin sponges with varying densities by using 1–5% (v/v) alcohol. The effective chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells was induced following their cultivation on substrates coated with intact fibroin. Our results showed that intact, allergen-free fibroin can be obtained from transgenic cocoons without the need for sericin removal, providing a method to produce fibroin-based materials with high biocompatibility for biomedical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Yamano
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (R.H.); (P.Y.L.); (K.T.); (R.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Ryoko Hirose
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (R.H.); (P.Y.L.); (K.T.); (R.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Ping Ying Lye
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (R.H.); (P.Y.L.); (K.T.); (R.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Keiko Takaki
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (R.H.); (P.Y.L.); (K.T.); (R.M.); (H.M.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Rina Maruta
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (R.H.); (P.Y.L.); (K.T.); (R.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Mervyn Wing On Liew
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia;
| | - Shinichi Sakurai
- Department of Biobased Materials Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan;
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Hajime Mori
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (R.H.); (P.Y.L.); (K.T.); (R.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Eiji Kotani
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (M.Y.); (R.H.); (P.Y.L.); (K.T.); (R.M.); (H.M.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-75-724-7774
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11
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Bibliometric Analysis of Trends in Mulberry and Silkworm Research on the Production of Silk and Its By-Products. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13070568. [PMID: 35886744 PMCID: PMC9317361 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the past two decades scientific research on sericulture, the agricultural activity of silk production, generated a great number of outputs in the form of articles reported and classified by one of the most well-known and used database dealing with scientific literature. This occurrence demonstrates an increasing interest in this sector especially starting from 2000s; results presented in relevant papers showed their applicability even in fields apparently not related to silk production as commonly meant, like medicine, cosmetics, and engineering. To understand how sericulture has been transcending its usual boundaries, which are its current “hotspots”, and links with other fields of study, the authors propose a text-mining based analysis of the outputs of scientific research on sericulture and silk; the final goal is to establish “quantitative” indicators for researchers, entrepreneurs, and scholars. Abstract Traditionally, sericulture is meant as the agricultural activity of silk production, from mulberry (Morus sp.pl.) cultivation to silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) rearing. The aim of the present work is to analyze the trends and outputs of scientific research on sericulture-related topics during the last two decades, from 2000 to 2020. In this work the authors propose a text-mining analysis of the titles, abstracts and keywords of scientific articles focused on sericulture and available in the SCOPUS database considering the above-mentioned period of time; from this article collection, the 100 most recurrent terms were extracted and studied in detail. The number of publications per year in sericulture-related topics increased from 87 in 2000 to 363 in 2020 (+317%). The 100 most recurrent terms were then aggregated in clusters. The analysis shows how in the last period scientific research, besides the traditional themes of sericulture, also focused on alternative products obtainable from the sericultural practice, as fruits of mulberry trees (increment of +134% of the occurrences in the last five years) and chemical compounds as antioxidants (+233% of occurrences), phenolics (+330% of occurrences) and flavonoids (+274% of occurrences). From these considerations, the authors can state how sericulture is an active and multidisciplinary research field.
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Wang F, Ji YT, Tian C, Wang YC, Xu S, Wang RY, Yang QQ, Zhao P, Xia QY. An inducible constitutive expression system in Bombyx mori mediated by phiC31 integrase. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1277-1289. [PMID: 32803790 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Inducible gene-expression systems play important roles in gene functional assays in the post-genome era. Streptomyces phage-derived phiC31 integrase, which mediates an irreversible site-specific cassette exchange between the phage attachment site (attP) and the bacterial attachment site (attB), provides a promising option for the construction of a controllable gene-expression system. Here, we report a phiC31 integrase-mediated promoter flip system (FLIP) for the inducible expression of target genes in silkworm (Bombyx mori). First, we constructed a FLIP reporter system, in which a BmAct4 promoter with enhanced translational efficiency was flanked by the attB and attP sites in a head-to-head orientation and further linked in a reverse orientation to a DsRed reporter gene. The coexpression of a C-terminal modified phiC31-NLS integrase carrying a simian virus 40 (SV40) nuclear localization signal (NLS) effectively flipped the BmAct4 promoter through an attB/attP exchange, thereby activating the downstream expression of DsRed in a silkworm embryo-derived cell line, BmE. Subsequently, the FLIP system, together with a system continuously expressing the phiC31-NLS integrase, was used to construct binary transgenic silkworm lines. Hybridization between FLIP and phiC31-NLS transgenic silkworm lines resulted in the successful flipping of the BmAct4 promoter, with an approximately 39% heritable transformation efficiency in silkworm offspring, leading to the constitutive and high-level expression of DsRed in silkworms, which accounted for approximately 0.81% of the silkworm pupal weight. Our successful development of the FLIP system offers an effective alternative for manipulating gene expression in silkworms and other lepidopteran species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Ting Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan-Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ri-Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian-Qian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-You Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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13
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Maruta R, Takaki K, Yamaji Y, Sezutsu H, Mori H, Kotani E. Effects of transgenic silk materials that incorporate FGF-7 protein microcrystals on the proliferation and differentiation of human keratinocytes. FASEB Bioadv 2020; 2:734-744. [PMID: 33336160 PMCID: PMC7734426 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The silk glands of silkworms produce large quantities of fibroin, which is a protein that can be physically processed and used as a biodegradable carrier for cell growth factors in tissue engineering applications. Meanwhile, protein microcrystals known as polyhedra, which are derived from cypovirus 1, have been used as a vehicle to protect and release encapsulated cell growth factors. We report the generation of transgenic silkworms that express recombinant fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) fused with the polyhedron-encapsulating signal in polyhedra produced in the middle (MSG) and posterior (PSG) silk glands. Immunofluorescence showed that polyhedra from silk glands are associated with FGF-7. The MSG and PSG from transgenic silkworms were processed into fine powdery materials, from which FGF-7 activity was released to stimulate the proliferation of human keratinocyte epidermal cells. Powders from PSGs exhibited higher FGF-7 activity than those from MSGs. Moreover, PSG powder showed a gradual release of FGF-7 activity over a long period and induced keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in 3D culture to promote the formation of stratified epidermis expressing positive differentiation marker proteins. Our results indicate that powdery materials incorporating the FGF-7-polyhedra microcrystals from silk glands are valuable for developing cell/tissue engineering applications in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Maruta
- Department of Applied BiologyKyoto Institute of TechnologyKyotoJapan
| | - Keiko Takaki
- Department of Applied BiologyKyoto Institute of TechnologyKyotoJapan
| | - Yuka Yamaji
- Department of Applied BiologyKyoto Institute of TechnologyKyotoJapan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- Institute of Agrobiological SciencesNational Agriculture and Food Research OrganizationTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Hajime Mori
- Department of Applied BiologyKyoto Institute of TechnologyKyotoJapan
| | - Eiji Kotani
- Department of Applied BiologyKyoto Institute of TechnologyKyotoJapan
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14
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Yan H, Liu Q, Wen F, Bai B, Wen Y, Chen W, Lu W, Lin Y, Xia Q, Wang G. Characterization and potential application of an α-amylase (BmAmy1) selected during silkworm domestication. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 167:1102-1112. [PMID: 33188814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Efficient resource utilization plays a central role in the high productivity of domesticated plants and animals. Whether artificial selection acts on digestive enzymes in the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), which is larger than its wild ancestor, Bombyx mandarina (B. mandarina), remains unknown. In this study, we present the characteristics of a novel alpha-amylase, BmAmy1, in B. mori. The activity of recombinant BmAmy1 was maximal at 35 °C and pH 9.0, and could be suppressed by amylase inhibitors from mulberry, the exclusive food source of silkworms. Three different transposable element fragments, which were independently inserted in the 5'-upstream regulatory region, might be responsible for the enhanced expression of BmAmy1 in different domesticated silkworm strains as revealed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The BmAmy1 overexpression increased the weight of female and male B. mori by 11.9% and 6.8%, respectively, compared with non-transgenic controls. Our results emphasize that, by exploring the genetic mechanisms of human-selected traits, the domestication process could be further accelerated through genetic engineering and targeted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Feng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Bingchuan Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yuchan Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Genhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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15
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Transdermal peptide conjugated to human connective tissue growth factor with enhanced cell proliferation and hyaluronic acid synthesis activities produced by a silkworm silk gland bioreactor. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:9979-9990. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Dong Z, Qin Q, Hu Z, Zhang X, Miao J, Huang L, Chen P, Lu C, Pan M. CRISPR/Cas12a Mediated Genome Editing Enhances Bombyx mori Resistance to BmNPV. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:841. [PMID: 32760714 PMCID: PMC7373793 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas12a (Cpf1) is a single RNA-guided endonuclease that provides new opportunities for targeted genome engineering through the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Only AsCas12a has been developed for insect genome editing, and the novel Cas12a orthologs nucleases and editing efficiency require more study on insects. We compared three Cas12a orthologs nucleases, AsCas12a, FnCas12a, and LbCas12a, for their editing efficiencies and antiviral abilities. The three Cas12a efficiently edited the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) genome and inhibited BmNPV replication in BmN-SWU1 cells. The antiviral ability of the FnCas12a system was more efficient than that of the SpCas9 system after infection by BmNPV. We created FnCas12a × gIE1 and SpCas9 × sgIE1 transgenic hybrid lines and evaluated the gene-editing efficiency of different systems at the same target site. We improved the antiviral ability using the FnCas12a system in transgenic silkworm. This study demonstrated the use of the CRISPR/Cas12a system to achieve high editing efficiencies, and increase disease resistance in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanqi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianghao Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Minhui Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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17
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The beta-1, 4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 gene, selected by domestication and breeding, is involved in cocoon construction of Bombyx mori. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008907. [PMID: 32667927 PMCID: PMC7363074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Holometabolous insects have distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages. The pupal stage is typically immobile and can be subject to predation, but cocoon offers pupal protection for many insect species. The cocoon provides a space in which the pupa to adult metamorphosis occurs. It also protects the pupa from weather, predators and parasitoids. Silk protein is a precursor of the silk used in cocoon construction. We used the silkworm as a model species to identify genes affecting silk protein synthesis and cocoon construction. We used quantitative genetic analysis to demonstrate that β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 (BmGlcNase1) is associated with synthesis of sericin, the main composite of cocoon. BmGlcNase1 has an expression pattern coupled with silk gland development and cocoon shell weight (CSW) variation, and CSW is an index of the ability to synthesize silk protein. Up-regulated expression of BmGlcNase1 increased sericin content by 13.9% and 22.5% while down-regulation reduced sericin content by 41.2% and 27.3% in the cocoons of females and males, respectively. Genomic sequencing revealed that sequence variation upstream of the BmGlcNase1 transcriptional start site (TSS) is associated with the expression of BmGlcNase1 and CSW. Selective pressure analysis showed that GlcNase1 was differentially selected in insects with and without cocoons (ω1 = 0.044 vs. ω2 = 0.154). This indicates that this gene has a conserved function in the cocooning process of insects. BmGlcNase1 appears to be involved in sericin synthesis and silkworm cocooning. The cocoon provides a protected space for the metamorphosis of many insect species. Silk protein is a precursor of the fiber used for cocoon construction. Deciphering the genetic basis underlying silk protein synthesis will improve our understanding of cocoon construction and the adaptations of species that construct cocoons. We used the silkworm (Bombyx mori) as a model to identify genes affecting silk protein synthesis and cocoon construction. Quantitative genetic analysis was used to show that β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 (BmGlcNase1), a gene selected during silkworm domestication and breeding, is associated with sericin synthesis. Transgenic-based functional validation confirmed that BmGlcNase1 positively regulates sericin content in the silkworm cocoon. The selective pressure of GlcNase1 in the evolution of insects with cocoons is higher than those without cocoons. This indicates that it has a conserved function in the cocooning process. These results reveal aspects of the genetic basis of silk protein synthesis and the cocoon construction of insects.
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Effects of Osiris9a on Silk Properties in Bombyx mori Determined by Transgenic Overexpression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051888. [PMID: 32164252 PMCID: PMC7084798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Osiris is an insect-specific gene family with multiple biological roles in development, phenotypic polymorphism, and protection. In the silkworm, we have previously identified twenty-five Osiris genes with high evolutionary conservation and remarkable synteny among several insects. Bombxy moriOsiris9a (BmOsi9a) is expressed only in the silk gland, particularly in the middle silk gland (MSG). However, the biological function of BmOsi9a is still unknown. In this study, we overexpressed BmOsi9a in the silk gland by germline transgene expression. BmOsi9a was overexpressed not only in the MSG but also in the posterior silk gland (PSG). Interestingly, BmOsi9a could be secreted into the lumen in the MSG but not in the PSG. In the silk fiber, overexpressed BmOsi9a interacted with Sericin1 in the MSG, as confirmed by a co-immunoprecipitation assay. The overexpression of BmOsi9a altered the secondary structure and crystallinity of the silk fiber, thereby changing the mechanical properties. These results provide insight into the mechanisms underlying silk proteins secretion and silk fiber formation.
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Wang F, Hou K, Chen W, Wang Y, Wang R, Tian C, Xu S, Ji Y, Yang Q, Zhao P, Yu L, Lu Z, Zhang H, Li F, Wang H, He B, Kaplan DL, Xia Q. Transgenic PDGF-BB/sericin hydrogel supports for cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:657-672. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01478k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study demonstrates fabrication of PDGF-BB functionalized sericin hydrogel to explore biomaterials-related utility in bone tissue engineering.
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Wang Y, Wang Z, Guo H, Huang J, Li X, Sun Q, Wang B, Xie E, Jiang L, Xia Q. Potential of transferring transgenic DNA from silkworm to chicken. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 142:311-319. [PMID: 31593736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Safety assessment must be conducted before the commercial release of transgenic silkworms. This study was conducted to assess the potential of transferring transgenic DNA from silkworms to other organisms. One hundred hatched male chickens were evenly assigned into 4 groups (T1-4). Groups T1-3 were fed transgenic silkworms P3+5UI with enhanced green fluorescent protein DNA (EGFP) inserted, A4SOR with superoxide reductase DNA (SOR) inserted, and normal silkworm, respectively. Each chicken was fed one silkworm larva every day for 3 weeks. T4 was the normal feeding control. Twenty chickens were randomly selected from each treatment for sacrifice at 22 days of age. The serum was collected individually for biochemical examination, revealing no difference in the analyzed serum parameters between T4 and T1-3. DNA from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, liver, kidney, and jejunal digesta was extracted for PCR analysis of EGFP, SOR, silkworm housekeeping gene TIF-4A, and chicken ovalbumin gene. No transgenic DNA or TIF-4A was detected in the digesta and tissues of chickens. The same results were observed in chicken upon increasing the amount and frequency of feeding transgenic silkworms, suggesting that the transgenic DNA from silkworms was degraded in the digestive tract and not transferred into the tissues of chicken. This study revealed that transferr recombinant DNA from transgenic silkworm to another organism is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zili Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Huizhen Guo
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jing Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xueying Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Enyu Xie
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liang Jiang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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21
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Insights into the regulatory characteristics of silkworm fibroin gene promoters using a modified Gal4/UAS system. Transgenic Res 2019; 28:627-636. [DOI: 10.1007/s11248-019-00175-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Zhang T, Liu R, Luo Q, Qu D, Chen T, Yao O, Xu H. Expression and characterization of recombinant human VEGF165 in the middle silk gland of transgenic silkworms. Transgenic Res 2019; 28:601-609. [PMID: 31541344 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-019-00173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF) has important applications in therapeutic angiogenesis and inhibition of VEGF-mediated pathological angiogenesis. Previous studies have shown that rhVEGF can be produced in several expression systems, including Escherichia coli, yeasts, insect cells and mammalian cells. However, little is known regarding the effective production of this protein in organs of live organisms. Here, we report for the first time the expression and characterization of rhVEGF165 in the middle silk gland (MSG) of the transgenic silkworm line S1-V165. Our results confirmed that (1) rhVEGF165 was highly expressed in MSG cells and was secreted into the cocoon of S1-V165; (2) the dimeric form of rhVEGF165 could be easily dissolved from S1-V165 cocoons using an alkaline solution; (3) rhVEGF165 extracted from S1-V165 cocoons exhibited slightly better cell proliferative activity than the hVEGF165 standard in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. This study provides an alternative strategy for the production of bioactive rhVEGF165 using the MSG of transgenic silkworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Rongpeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Dawei Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ou Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hanfu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Wang Y, Xu S, Wang R, Chen W, Hou K, Tian C, Ji Y, Yang Q, Yu L, Lu Z, Zhao P, Xia Q, Wang F. Genetic fabrication of functional silk mats with improved cell proliferation activity for medical applications. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:4536-4546. [PMID: 31536077 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01285k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Functional silk mats with improved cell proliferation activity are promising medical materials to accelerate damaged wound healing and tissue repair. In this study, novel functional silk mats were fabricated from human fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-containing cocoons generated by expressing human acid FGF1 and basic FGF2 in silkworms. First, functional silk mats containing FGF1 and FGF2 proteins alone or in combination were fabricated by physically cutting genetically engineered cocoons. Compared to those of normal silk mats, the physical properties of these functional silk mats such as silk fibre diameter, internal secondary structure, and mechanical properties were significantly changed. The expressed FGF1 and FGF2 proteins in these silk mats were efficiently and gradually released over 15 days. Moreover, these silk mats significantly promoted NIH/3T3 cell proliferation and growth by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, and the silk mat containing FGF1 and FGF2 proteins showed higher cell proliferation. Importantly, this silk mat caused no obvious cytotoxicity or cell inflammation. These results suggest that these functional silk mats have potential medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancheng Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Xu
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Riyuan Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Hou
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Tian
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanting Ji
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Yang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Yu
- Institute for Clean Energy & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Materials & Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisong Lu
- Institute for Clean Energy & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Materials & Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China and Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China. and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China and Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
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Wang Y, Wang F, Xu S, Wang R, Chen W, Hou K, Tian C, Wang F, Zhao P, Xia Q. Optimization of a 2A self-cleaving peptide-based multigene expression system for efficient expression of upstream and downstream genes in silkworm. Mol Genet Genomics 2019; 294:849-859. [PMID: 30895377 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-019-01534-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The multigene expression system is highly attractive to co-express multiple genes or multi-subunit complex-based genes for their functional studies, and in gene therapy and visual tracking of expressed proteins. However, the current multiple gene co-expression strategies usually suffer from severe inefficiency and unbalanced expression of multiple genes. Here, we report on an improved 2A self-cleaving peptide (2A)-based multigene expression system (2A-MGES), by introducing an optimized Kozak region (Ck) and altering the gene arrangement, both of which contributed to the efficient expression of two fluorescent protein genes in silkworm. By co-expressing DsRed and EGFP genes in insect cells and silkworms, the potent Ck was first found to improve the translation efficiency of downstream genes, and the expression of the flanking genes of 2A were improved by altering the gene arrangement in 2A-MGES. Moreover, we showed that combining Ck and an optimized gene arrangement in 2A-MGES could synergistically improve the expression of genes in the cell. Further, these two flanking genes, regulated by modified 2A-MGES, were further co-expressed in the middle silk gland and secreted into the cocoon, and both achieved efficient expression in the transgenic silkworms and their cocoons. These results suggested that the modified Ck-2A-MGES will be a potent tool for multiple gene expression, for studies of their functions, and their applications in insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancheng Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Xu
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Riyuan Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Hou
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Tian
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Wang
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.
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25
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A silkworm based silk gland bioreactor for high-efficiency production of recombinant human lactoferrin with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. J Biol Eng 2019; 13:61. [PMID: 31312254 PMCID: PMC6612213 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-019-0186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Silk glands are used by silkworms to spin silk fibers for making their cocoons. These have recently been regarded as bioreactor hosts for the cost-effective production of other valuable exogenous proteins and have drawn wide attention. Results In this study, we established a transgenic silkworm strain which synthesizes the recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) in the silk gland and spins them into the cocoon by our previously constructed silk gland based bioreactor system. The yield of the rhLF with the highest expression level was estimated to be 12.07 mg/g cocoon shell weight produced by the transgenic silkworm strain 34. Utilizing a simple purification protocol, 9.24 mg of the rhLF with recovery of 76.55% and purity of 95.45% on average could be purified from 1 g of the cocoons. The purified rhLF was detected with a secondary structure similar with the commercially purchased human lactoferrin. Eight types of N-glycans which dominated by the GlcNAc (4) Man (3) (61.15%) and the GlcNAc (3) Man (3) (17.98%) were identified at the three typical N-glycosylation sites of the rhLF. Biological activities assays showed the significant evidence that the purified rhLF could relief the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and exhibit potent antibacterial bioactivities against the Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis. Conclusions These results show that the middle silk gland of silkworm can be an efficient bioreactor for the mass production of rhLF and the potential application in anti-inflammation and antibacterial. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13036-019-0186-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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26
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Chen Y, Bai B, Yan H, Wen F, Qin D, Jander G, Xia Q, Wang G. Systemic disruption of the homeostasis of transfer RNA isopentenyltransferase causes growth and development abnormalities in Bombyx mori. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:380-391. [PMID: 30548717 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Isopentenylation at A37 (i6 A37) of some transfer RNAs (tRNAs) plays a vital role in regulating the efficiency and fidelity of protein synthesis. However, whether insects, which are well known for their highly efficient protein synthesis machinery, employ this regulatory mechanism remains uninvestigated. In the current study, a candidate tRNA isopentenyltransferase (IPT) gene with three alternative splicing isoforms (BmIPT1-BmIPT3) was identified in Bombyx mori (silkworm). Only BmIPT1 could complement a yeast mutant lacking tRNA IPT. Phylogenetic analysis showed that silkworm tRNA IPT is conserved in the Lepidoptera. BmIPT was expressed in all B. mori tissues and organs that were investigated, but was expressed at a significantly higher level in silk glands of the fourth instar compared to the first day of the fifth instar. Interestingly, BmIPT was expressed at a significantly higher level in the domesticated silkworm, B. mori, than in wild Bombyx mandarina in multiple tissues and organs. Knock-down of BmIPT by RNA interference caused severe abnormalities in silk spinning and metamorphosis. Constitutive overexpression of BmIPT1 using a cytoplasmic actin 4 promoter in B. mori raised its messenger RNA level more than sixfold compared with nontransgenic insects and led to significant decreases in the body weight and cocoon shell ratio. Together, these results confirm the first functional tRNA IPT in insects and show that a suitable expression level of tRNA IPT is vital for silk spinning, normal growth, and metamorphosis. Thus, i6 A modification at position A37 in tRNA probably plays an important role in B. mori protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - B Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - F Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - D Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - G Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Q Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - G Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Wang Y, Wang F, Xu S, Wang R, Chen W, Hou K, Tian C, Wang F, Yu L, Lu Z, Zhao P, Xia Q. Genetically engineered bi-functional silk material with improved cell proliferation and anti-inflammatory activity for medical application. Acta Biomater 2019; 86:148-157. [PMID: 30586645 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Functional silk is a promising material for future medical applications. These include fabrication of diverse silk fiber and silk protein-regenerated biomaterials such as silk sutures, hydrogel, films, and 3D scaffolds for wound healing and tissue regeneration and reconstruction. Here, a novel bi-functional silk with improved cell proliferation and anti-inflammatory activities was created by co-expressing the human basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF_β1) genes in silkworm. First, both FGF2 and TGF_β1 genes were confirmed to be successfully expressed in silk thread. The characterization of silk properties by SEM, FTIR, and mechanical tests showed that this new silk (FT silk) had a similar diameter, inner molecular composition, and mechanical properties as those of normal silk. Additionally, expressed FGF2 and TGF_β1 proteins were continuously and slowly released from FT silk for one week. Most importantly, the FGF2 and TGF_β1 contained in FT silk not only promoted cell proliferation by activating the ERK pathway but also significantly reduced LPS-induced inflammation responses in macrophages by mediating the Smad pathway. Moreover, this FT silk had no apparent toxicity for cell growth and caused no cell inflammation. These properties suggest that it has a potential for medical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Silk spun by domestic silkworm is a promising material for fabricating various silk protein regenerated biomaterials in medical area, since it owes good biocompatibility, biodegradability and low immunogenicity. Recently, fabricating various functional silk fibers and regenerated silk protein biomaterials which has ability of releasing functional protein factor is the hot point field. This study is a first time to create a novel bi-functional silk material with the improved cell proliferation and anti-inflammatory activity by genetic engineered technology. This novel silk has a great application potential as new and novel medical material, and this study also provides a new strategy to create various functional or multifunctional silk fiber materials in future.
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Fabrication of the FGF1-functionalized sericin hydrogels with cell proliferation activity for biomedical application using genetically engineered Bombyx mori (B. mori) silk. Acta Biomater 2018; 79:239-252. [PMID: 30149211 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sericin, as the major component of Bombyx mori silk, is a useful biomaterial for tissue engineering due to its hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Here, we report the fabrication of a human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1)-functionalized sericin hydrogel using a transgenic silkworm spun silk with FGF1 incorporated in its sericin layer. Sericin, together with FGF1, were simultaneously extracted from the silk fiber and then exposed to cold-induced hydrogel formation without additional crosslinking. The fabricated FGF1 sericin hydrogels demonstrated injectability, useful mechanical properties and a porous microstructure, which contributed to cell adhesion and survival. In addition, FGF1 achieved long-term storage in the sericin hydrogels over a wide range of temperatures. Further, the sericin-FGF1 demonstrated sustained release to promote cell proliferation and wound healing. Furthermore, cellular inflammatory responses showed that the FGF1 sericin hydrogels exhibited biocompatibility and no immunogenicity. This study revealed the successful exploration of FGF1-functionalized sericin hydrogels as a new protein-based biomaterial to expand applications of FGF1 and sericin in tissue and medical engineering. Further, we demonstrated a strategy for the predesign of exogenous protein-functionalized sericin hydrogels through genetically modifying silk fibers as sources for their cost effective production at a large scale. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Sericin from the Bombyx mori silk, is regarded as a desirable biomaterial for tissue engineering due to its hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Genetically engineering the sericin with functional exogenous proteins would enhance its biofunctions and further expand its application in tissue engineering. In this study, we demonstrated a method to fabricate a human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1)-functionalized sericin hydrogel using a transgenic silkworm spun silk with FGF1 incorporated in its sericin layer. The fabricated FGF1 sericin hydrogels demonstrated injectability, porous microstructure, biocompatibility and no immunogenicity which contributed to cell adhesion and survival. Remarkably, FGF1 could achieve a long-term stability in the sericin hydrogels over a wide range of temperatures and sustained release to promote cell proliferation and wound healing. This study revealed the successful exploration of FGF1-functionalized sericin hydrogels as a new protein-based biomaterial in tissue and medical engineering application, and provided a strategy for the predesign of exogenous protein-functionalized sericin hydrogels through genetically modifying silk fibers as sources for their cost effective production at a large scale.
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Chen W, Wang F, Tian C, Wang Y, Xu S, Wang R, Hou K, Zhao P, Yu L, Lu Z, Xia Q. Transgenic Silkworm-Based Silk Gland Bioreactor for Large Scale Production of Bioactive Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF-BB) in Silk Cocoons. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092533. [PMID: 30150526 PMCID: PMC6164493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is a major therapeutic protein with great demand in the clinical setting; however, its rate of supply is far from meeting needs. Here, we provide an effective strategy to produce PDGF-BB in large quantities using a transgenic silkworm. The codon-optimized PDGF-B gene regulated by the highly efficient sericin-1 expression system was integrated into the genome of a silkworm. The high transcriptional expression of the PDGF-BB gene in the transgenic silkworm competitively inhibited the transcription expression of the endogenous sericin-1 gene which caused a significant 37.5% decline. The PDGF-BB synthesized in the middle silk gland (MSG) of transgenic silkworms could form a homodimer through intermolecular disulfide bonds, which is then secreted into sericin lumen and finally, distributed in the sericin layer of the cocoon. In this study, a protein quantity of approximately 0.33 mg/g was found in the cocoon. Following a purification process, approximately 150.7 μg of recombinant PDGF-BB with a purity of 82% was purified from 1 g of cocoons. Furthermore, the bioactivity assays showed that the purified recombinant PDGF-BB was able to promote the growth, proliferation and migration of NIH/3T3 cells significantly. These results suggest that the silk gland bioreactor can produce active recombinant PDGF-BB as an efficient mitogen and wound healing agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Chi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Yuancheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Sheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Riyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Kai Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Ling Yu
- Institute for Clean Energy & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Materials & Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Zhisong Lu
- Institute for Clean Energy & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Materials & Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Mulberry Silkworm, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Zhang K, Li C, Weng X, Su J, Shen L, Pan G, Long D, Zhao A, Cui H. Transgenic characterization of two silkworm tissue-specific promoters in the haemocyte plasmatocyte cells. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:133-142. [PMID: 29131435 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Haemocytes play crucial roles in insect metabolism, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. As a model of lepidopteran insects, the silkworm is a useful model to study the functions of both haematopoiesis and haemocytes. Tissue-specific promoters are excellent tools for genetic manipulation and are widely used in fundamental biological research. Herein, two haemocyte-specific genes, Integrin β2 and Integrin β3, were confirmed. Promoter activities of Integrin β2 and Integrin β3 were evaluated by genetic manipulation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting suggested that both promoters can drive enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) specifically expressed in haemocytes. Further evidence clearly demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm exhibited a high level of EGFP signal in plasmatocytes, but not in other detected haemocyte types. Moreover, EGFP fluorescence signals were observed in the haematopoietic organ of both transgenic strains. Thus, two promoters that enable plasmatocytes to express genes of interest were confirmed in our study. It is expected that the results of this study will facilitate advances in our understanding of insect haematopoiesis and immunity in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - C Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - X Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - J Su
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - L Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - G Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - D Long
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - A Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, The Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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BmYki is transcribed into four functional splicing isoforms in the silk glands of the silkworm Bombyx mori. Gene 2018; 646:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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High-efficiency production of human serum albumin in the posterior silk glands of transgenic silkworms, Bombyx mori L. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191507. [PMID: 29352308 PMCID: PMC5774803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human serum albumin (HSA) is an important biological preparation with a variety of biological functions in clinical applications. In this study, the mRNA of a fusion transposase derived from the pESNT-PBase plasmid and a pBHSA plasmid containing the HSA gene under the control of a fibroin light chain (FL) promoter were co-injected into fertilized eggs. Fifty-six transgenic silkworm pedigrees expressing theexogenous recombinant HSA (rHSA) in the posterior silk glands (PSGs) with stable inheritance were successfully obtained. The SDS-PAGE and Western blot results confirmed that the rHSA was secreted into the transgenic silkworm cocoon, and the rHSA could be easily extracted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In our research, the isolated highest amount rHSA constituted up to 29.1% of the total soluble protein of the cocoon shell, indicating that the transgenic silkworm produced an average of 17.4 μg/mg of rHSA in the cocoon shell. The production of soluble rHSA in the PSGs by means of generating transgenic silkworms is a novel approach, whereby a large amount of virus-free and functional HSA can be produced through the simple rearing of silkworms.
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Jiang L, Huang C, Wang B, Guo H, Sun Q, Xia F, Xu G, Xia Q. Enhanced heat tolerance in transgenic silkworm via overexpression of Pyrococcus furiosus superoxide reductase. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 92:40-44. [PMID: 29170068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock causes a serious harm to organisms by accelerating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pyrococcus furiosus superoxide reductase (PfSOR) is an enzyme that efficiently detoxifies ROS. In order to generate a silkworm strain with high heat tolerance for sericulture, we synthesized an artificial DNA sequence encoding PfSOR based on the codon bias of Bombyx mori. PfSOR was successfully overexpressed in transgenic silkworm (named A4SOR) and BmE cells, as determined by RT-PCR and western blot analyses. An SOR activity assay confirmed that the expressed enzyme was functional in A4SOR. After exposure to a temperature of 35 °C for 44 h, the mortality rate was about 30% lower in transgenic A4SOR than in non-transgenic silkworms. Moreover, transgene expression had no apparent effect on economic characteristics of silkworms. The heat tolerance of silkworm was thus enhanced by expressing an archaeal SOR; this can be useful for sericulture in regions where the average temperature exceeds the optimal environmental temperature for B. mori of 25 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Chunlin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Huizhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Qiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Fei Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Guowen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
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Transgenic silkworms secrete the recombinant glycosylated MRJP1 protein of Chinese honeybee, Apis cerana cerana. Transgenic Res 2017; 26:653-663. [PMID: 28801873 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-017-0034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Major royal jelly protein-1 (MRJP1) is the most abundant glycoprotein of royal jelly (RJ) and is considered a potential component of functional foods. In this study, we used silkworm transgenic technology to obtain five transgenic silkworm lineages expressing the exogenous recombinant Chinese honeybee, Apis cerana cerana, protein-1 (rAccMRJP1) under the control of a fibroin light chain (Fib-L) promoter in the posterior silk glands. The protein was successfully secreted into cocoons; specifically, the highest rAccMRJP1 protein content was 0.78% of the dried cocoons. Our results confirmed that the protein band of the exogenous rAccMRJP1 protein expressed in the transgenic silkworm lineages was a glycosylated protein. Therefore, this rAccMRJP1 protein could be used as an alternative standard protein sample to measure the freshness of RJ. Moreover, we also found that the overall trend between the expression of the endogenous and exogenous genes was that the expression level of the endogenous Fib-L gene declined as the expression of the exogenous rAccMRJP1 gene increased in the transgenic silkworm lineages. Thus, by employing genome editing technology to reduce silk protein expression levels, a silkworm bioreactor expression system could be developed as a highly successful system for producing various valuable heterologous proteins, potentially broadening the applications of the silkworm.
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Ma S, Xia X, Li Y, Sun L, Liu Y, Liu Y, Wang X, Shi R, Chang J, Zhao P, Xia Q. Increasing the yield of middle silk gland expression system through transgenic knock-down of endogenous sericin-1. Mol Genet Genomics 2017; 292:823-831. [PMID: 28357595 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-017-1311-7] [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: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Various genetically modified bioreactor systems have been developed to meet the increasing demands of recombinant proteins. Silk gland of Bombyx mori holds great potential to be a cost-effective bioreactor for commercial-scale production of recombinant proteins. However, the actual yields of proteins obtained from the current silk gland expression systems are too low for the proteins to be dissolved and purified in a large scale. Here, we proposed a strategy that reducing endogenous sericin proteins would increase the expression yield of foreign proteins. Using transgenic RNA interference, we successfully reduced the expression of BmSer1 to 50%. A total 26 transgenic lines expressing Discosoma sp. red fluorescent protein (DsRed) in the middle silk gland (MSG) under the control of BmSer1 promoter were established to analyze the expression of recombinant. qRT-PCR and western blotting showed that in BmSer1 knock-down lines, the expression of DsRed had significantly increased both at mRNA and protein levels. We did an additional analysis of DsRed/BmSer1 distribution in cocoon and effect of DsRed protein accumulation on the silk fiber formation process. This study describes not only a novel method to enhance recombinant protein expression in MSG bioreactor, but also a strategy to optimize other bioreactor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Xiaojuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Run Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiasong Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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36
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Zhang P, Liu S, Song HS, Zhang G, Jia Q, Li S. Yorkie CA overexpression in the posterior silk gland improves silk yield in Bombyx mori. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 100:93-99. [PMID: 28583832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The traditional hybrid breeding techniques can no longer meet the increasing demands for silk production by the silkworm, Bombyx mori, and further improvement of the silk yield will depend on modern molecular breeding techniques. Here, we report improved silk yield in transgenic silkworms overexpressing the oncogene YorkieCA specifically in the posterior silk gland (PSG). The YorkieCA cDNA was ligated downstream of the hr3 enhancer and the fibroin L-chain (Fil) promoter, then inserted into a piggyBac vector for transgene. Overexpression of YorkieCA in the PSG significantly increased the weight of the PSG, and also increased the weight of the cocoon, larval body, and pupal body to decreasing degrees. Overexpression of YorkieCA up-regulated the Yorkie target genes resulting in increased cell size, endomitosis, the number of protein synthesis organelles, the expression of fibroin genes in the PSG, and eventually silk yield. Additionally, as we reported previously using the binary GAL4/UAS system, transgenic silkworms overexpressing Ras1CA with the hr3 enhancer and the Fil promoter also showed improved silk yield. Unfortunately, the hybrid progeny of YorkieCA-overexpressing silkworms and Ras1CA-overexpressing silkworms did not show overlapping improved silk yield due to the failure to increase expression of both Yorkie and Ras1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panli Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Shumin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Song
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Guozheng Zhang
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jia
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Sciences and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Sciences and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
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Huang K, Li CF, Wu J, Wei JH, Zou Y, Han MJ, Zhou ZY. Enhancer activity of Helitron in sericin-1 gene promoter from Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 23:396-405. [PMID: 27067405 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Sericin is a kind of water-soluble protein expressed specifically in the middle silk gland of Bombyx mori. When the sericin-1 gene promoter was cloned and a transgenic vector was constructed to express a foreign protein, a specific Helitron, Bmhel-8, was identified in the sericin-1 gene promoter sequence in some genotypes of Bombyx mori and Bombyx mandarina. Given that the Bmhel-8 Helitron transposon was present only in some genotypes, it could be the source of allelic variation in the sericin-1 promoter. The length of the sericin-1 promoter sequence is approximately 1063 or 643 bp. The larger size of the sequence or allele is ascribed to the presence of Bmhel-8. Silkworm genotypes can be homozygous for either the shorter or larger promoter sequence or heterozygous, containing both alleles. Bmhel-8 in the sericin-1 promoter exhibits enhancer activity, as demonstrated by a dual-luciferase reporter system in BmE cell lines. Furthermore, Bmhel-8 displays enhancer activity in a sericin-1 promoter-driven gene expression system but does not regulate the tissue-specific expression of sericin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Forestry & Life Science, Chongqing University of Arts & Sciences, Yongchuan, China
| | - Chun-Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun-Hong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Forestry & Life Science, Chongqing University of Arts & Sciences, Yongchuan, China
| | - Min-Jin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ze-Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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Hua XT, Ma XJ, Xue RJ, Cheng TC, Wang F, Xia QY. Characterization of the Bombyx mori Cecropin A1 promoter regulated by IMD pathway. INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 23:297-304. [PMID: 25684679 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cecropin A1 (CecA1) promoter from Bombyx mori was cloned and characterized to provide insight into the transcriptional control of this antimicrobial peptide gene upon immune challenges. Reporter gene assays demonstrated that both Escherichia coli and lipopolysaccharide could induce expression in BmE cells but B. bombyseptieus or peptidoglycan failed, and the induction pattern of the reporter gene was coincident with the endogenous CecA1. Analysis of deletion and mutation constructs revealed that the regulatory region was the κB motif located between -176 and -166, and no other predicted elements on CecA1 promoter affected its inducibility. Insertion of additional κB motifs increased the activity of CecA1 promoter. Furthermore, binding of Relish to κB motif was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These findings indicate the regulatory mechanism of CecA1 expression in IMD pathway and suggest an approach of engineering antimicrobial peptide promoter with enhanced activities that may lead to broad applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ting Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Ren-Ju Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Ting-Cai Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qing-You Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
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Large-scale production of bioactive recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor in transgenic silkworm cocoons. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16323. [PMID: 26567460 PMCID: PMC4644950 DOI: 10.1038/srep16323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With an increasing clinical demand for functional therapeutic proteins every year, there is an increasing requirement for the massive production of bioactive recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (r-haFGF). In this present study, we delicately explore a strategy for the mass production of r-haFGF protein with biological activity in the transgenic silkworm cocoons. The sequence-optimized haFGF was inserted into an enhanced sericin-1 expression system to generate the original transgenic silkworm strain, which was then further crossed with a PIG jumpstarter strain to achieve the remobilization of the expression cassette to a “safe harbor” locus in the genome for the efficient expression of r-haFGF. In consequence, the expression of r-haFGF protein in the mutant line achieved a 5.6-fold increase compared to the original strain. The high content of r-haFGF facilitated its purification and large-scald yields. Furthermore, the r-haFGF protein bioactively promoted the growth, proliferation and migration of NIH/3T3 cells, suggesting the r-haFGF protein possessed native mitogenic activity and the potential for wound healing. These results show that the silk gland of silkworm could be an efficient bioreactor strategy for recombinant production of bioactive haFGF in silkworm cocoons.
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2A self-cleaving peptide-based multi-gene expression system in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16273. [PMID: 26537835 PMCID: PMC4633692 DOI: 10.1038/srep16273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fundamental and applied studies of silkworms have entered the functional genomics era. Here, we report a multi-gene expression system (MGES) based on 2A self-cleaving peptide (2A), which regulates the simultaneous expression and cleavage of multiple gene targets in the silk gland of transgenic silkworms. First, a glycine-serine-glycine spacer (GSG) was found to significantly improve the cleavage efficiency of 2A. Then, the cleavage efficiency of six types of 2As with GSG was analyzed. The shortest porcine teschovirus-1 2A (P2A-GSG) exhibited the highest cleavage efficiency in all insect cell lines that we tested. Next, P2A-GSG successfully cleaved the artificial human serum albumin (66 kDa) linked with human acidic fibroblast growth factor (20.2 kDa) fusion genes and vitellogenin receptor fragment (196 kD) of silkworm linked with EGFP fusion genes, importantly, vitellogenin receptor protein was secreted to the outside of cells. Furthermore, P2A-GSG successfully mediated the simultaneous expression and cleavage of a DsRed and EGFP fusion gene in silk glands and caused secretion into the cocoon of transgenic silkworms using our sericin1 expression system. We predicted that the MGES would be an efficient tool for gene function research and innovative research on various functional silk materials in medicine, cosmetics, and other biomedical areas.
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Xin HH, Zhang DP, Chen RT, Cai ZZ, Lu Y, Liang S, Miao YG. TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR Bmsage PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN SILK GLAND GENERATION IN SILKWORM, Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 90:59-69. [PMID: 25917878 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Salivary gland secretion is altered in Drosophila embryos with loss of function of the sage gene. Saliva has a reduced volume and an increased electron density according to transmission electron microscopy, resulting in regions of tube dilation and constriction with intermittent tube closure. However, the precise functions of Bmsage in silkworm (Bombyx mori) are unknown, although its sequence had been deposited in SilkDB. From this, Bmsage is inferred to be a transcription factor that regulates the synthesis of silk fibroin and interacts with another silk gland-specific transcription factor, namely, silk gland factor-1. In this study, we introduced a germline mutation of Bmsage using the Cas9/sgRNA system, a genome-editing technology, resulting in deletion of Bmsage from the genome of B. mori. Of the 15 tested samples, seven displayed alterations at the target site. The mutagenesis efficiency was about 46.7% and there were no obvious off-target effects. In the screened homozygous mutants, silk glands developed poorly and the middle and posterior silk glands (MSG and PSG) were absent, which was significantly different from the wild type. The offspring of G0 mosaic silkworms had indel mutations causing 2- or 9-bp deletions at the target site, but exhibited the same abnormal silk gland structure. Mutant larvae containing different open-reading frames of Bmsage had the same silk gland phenotype. This illustrated that the mutant phenotype was due to Bmsage knockout. We conclude that Bmsage participates in embryonic development of the silk gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu-hu Xin
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Deng-pan Zhang
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-ting Chen
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-zheng Cai
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lu
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-gen Miao
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Wang H, Wang L, Wang Y, Tao H, Yin W, SiMa Y, Wang Y, Xu S. High yield exogenous protein HPL production in the Bombyx mori silk gland provides novel insight into recombinant expression systems. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13839. [PMID: 26370318 PMCID: PMC4570194 DOI: 10.1038/srep13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The silk gland of Bombyx mori (BmSG) has gained significant attention by dint of superior synthesis and secretion of proteins. However, the application of BmSG bioreactor is still a controversial issue because of low yields of recombinant proteins. Here, a 3057 bp full-length coding sequence of Hpl was designed and transformed into the silkworm genome, and then the mutant (Hpl/Hpl) with specific expression of Hpl in posterior BmSG (BmPSG) was obtained. In the mutants, the transcription level of Fib-L and P25, and corresponding encoding proteins, did not decrease. However, the mRNA level of Fib-H was reduced by 71.1%, and Fib-H protein in the secreted fibroin was decreased from 91.86% to 71.01%. The mRNA level of Hpl was 0.73% and 0.74% of Fib-H and Fib-L, respectively, while HPL protein accounted for 18.85% of fibroin and 15.46% of the total amount of secreted silk protein. The exogenous protein was therefore very efficiently translated and secreted. Further analysis of differentially expressed gene (DEG) was carried out in the BmPSG cells and 891 DEGs were detected, of which 208 genes were related to protein metabolism. Reduced expression of endogenous silk proteins in the BmPSG could effectively improve the production efficiency of recombinant exogenous proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yulong Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Hui Tao
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Weimin Yin
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yanghu SiMa
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- R&D Division, Okamoto Corporation, Nara 635-8550, Japan
| | - Shiqing Xu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Wang F, Wang R, Wang Y, Xu H, Yuan L, Ding H, Ma S, Zhou Y, Zhao P, Xia Q. Remobilizing deleted piggyBac vector post-integration for transgene stability in silkworm. Mol Genet Genomics 2015; 290:1181-9. [PMID: 25589404 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-014-0982-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Deletion of transposable elements post-genomic integration holds great promise for stability of the transgene in the host genome and has an essential role for the practical application of transgenic animals. In this study, a modified piggyBac vector that mediated deletion of the transposon sequence post-integration for transgene stability in the economically important silkworm Bombyx mori was constructed. The piggyBac vector architecture contains inversed terminal repeat sequences L1, L2 and R1, which can form L1/R1 and L2/R1 types of transposition cassettes. hsp70-PIG as the piggyBac transposase expression cassette for initial transposition, further remobilization and transgene stabilization test was transiently expressed in a helper vector or integrated into the modified vector to produce a transgenic silkworm. Shortening L2 increased the transformation frequency of L1/R1 into the silkworm genome compared to L2/R1. After the integration of L1/R1 into the genome, the remobilization of L2/R1 impaired the transposon structure and the resulting transgene linked with an impaired transposon was stable in the genome even in the presence of exogenously introduced transposase, whereas those flanked by the intact transposon were highly mobile in the genome. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of post-integration deletion of transposable elements to guarantee true transgene stabilization in silkworm. We suggest that the modified vector will be a useful resource for studies of transgenic silkworms and other piggyBac-transformed organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Tiansheng Road 216, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
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Wang F, Xu H, Wang Y, Wang R, Yuan L, Ding H, Song C, Ma S, Peng Z, Peng Z, Zhao P, Xia Q. Advanced silk material spun by a transgenic silkworm promotes cell proliferation for biomedical application. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:4947-4955. [PMID: 24980060 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Natural silk fiber spun by the silkworm Bombyx mori is widely used not only for textile materials, but also for biofunctional materials. In the present study, we genetically engineered an advanced silk material, named hSFSV, using a transgenic silkworm, in which the recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (hFGF1) protein was specifically synthesized in the middle silk gland and secreted into the sericin layer to surround the silk fiber using our previously optimized sericin1 expression system. The content of the recombinant hFGF1 in the hSFSV silk was estimated to be approximate 0.07% of the cocoon shell weight. The mechanical properties of hSFSV raw silk fiber were enhanced slightly compared to those of the wild-type raw silk fiber, probably due to the presence of the recombinant of hFGF1 in the sericin layer. Remarkably, the hSFSV raw silk significantly stimulated the cell growth and proliferation of NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, suggesting that the mitogenic activity of recombinant hFGF1 was well maintained and functioned in the sericin layer of hSFSV raw silk. These results show that the genetically engineered raw silk hSFSV could be used directly as a fine biomedical material for mass application. In addition, the strategy whereby functional recombinant proteins are expressed in the sericin layer of silk might be used to create more genetically engineered silks with various biofunctions and applications.
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Ma S, Shi R, Wang X, Liu Y, Chang J, Gao J, Lu W, Zhang J, Zhao P, Xia Q. Genome editing of BmFib-H gene provides an empty Bombyx mori silk gland for a highly efficient bioreactor. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6867. [PMID: 25359576 PMCID: PMC4215353 DOI: 10.1038/srep06867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolution has produced some remarkable creatures, of which silk gland is a fascinating organ that exists in a variety of insects and almost half of the 34,000 spider species. The impressive ability to secrete huge amount of pure silk protein, and to store proteins at an extremely high concentration (up to 25%) make the silk gland of Bombyx mori hold great promise to be a cost-effective platform for production of recombinant proteins. However, the extremely low production yields of the numerous reported expression systems greatly hindered the exploration and application of silk gland bioreactors. Using customized zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), we successfully performed genome editing of Bmfib-H gene, which encodes the largest and most abundant silk protein, in B. mori with efficiency higher than any previously reported. The resulted Bmfib-H knocked-out B. mori showed a smaller and empty silk gland, abnormally developed posterior silk gland cells, an extremely thin cocoon that contain only sericin proteins, and a slightly heavier pupae. We also showed that removal of endogenous Bmfib-H protein could significantly increase the expression level of exogenous protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the bioreactor is suitable for large scale production of protein-based materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Run Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiasong Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianduo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Zhang J, Chen XM, Zhang CD, He Q, Dong ZQ, Cao MY, Dong XL, Pan CX, Lu C, Pan MH. Differential susceptibilities to BmNPV infection of two cell lines derived from the same silkworm ovarian tissues. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105986. [PMID: 25221982 PMCID: PMC4164443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously established and characterized two insect cell lines (BmN-SWU1 and BmN-SWU2) from Bombyx mori ovaries. Here, we examined their differential susceptibilities to Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) despite having originated from the same tissue source. BmN-SWU1 cells were susceptible and supported high titers of BmNPV replication, while BmN-SWU2 cells were resistant to BmNPV infection. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that very few BmNPV particles could be imported into BmN-SWU2 cells. However, initiation of BmNPV DNA replication but not amplification was detected in BmN-SWU2 cells after transfection with vA4prm-VP39-EGFP bacmid DNA. BmNPV transcription assays showed that late and very late but not early viral genes apparently were blocked in BmNSWU2 cells by unknown mechanisms. Further syncytium formation assays demonstrated that the BmNPV envelope fusion protein GP64 could not mediate BmN-SWU2 host cell-cell membrane fusion. Taken together, these results indicate that these two cell lines represent optimal tools for investigating host-virus interactions and insect antiviral mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Dong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian He
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhan-Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming-Ya Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Long Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cai-Xia Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min-Hui Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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The advances and perspectives of recombinant protein production in the silk gland of silkworm Bombyx mori. Transgenic Res 2014; 23:697-706. [PMID: 25113390 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-014-9826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The silk gland of silkworm Bombyx mori, is one of the most important organs that has been fully studied and utilized so far. It contributes finest silk fibers to humankind. The silk gland has excellent ability of synthesizing silk proteins and is a kind tool to produce some useful recombinant proteins, which can be widely used in the biological, biotechnical and pharmaceutical application fields. It's a very active area to express recombinant proteins using the silk gland as a bioreactor, and great progress has been achieved recently. This review recapitulates the progress of producing recombinant proteins and silk-based biomaterials in the silk gland of silkworm in addition to the construction of expression systems. Current challenges and future trends in the production of valuable recombinant proteins using transgenic silkworms are also discussed.
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Overexpression of recombinant infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) capsid protein VP2 in the middle silk gland of transgenic silkworm. Transgenic Res 2014; 23:809-16. [PMID: 25106848 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-014-9827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is the causative agent of a highly contagious disease affecting young chickens and causes serious economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Development of subunit vaccine using its major caspid protein, VP2, is one of the promising strategies to protect against IBDV. This study aim to test the feasibility of using silkworm to produce recombinant VP2 protein (rVP2) derived from a very virulent strain of IBDV (vvIBDV). A total of 16 transgenic silkworm lines harboring a codon-optimized VP2 gene driven by the sericin1 promoter were generated and analyzed. The results showed that the rVP2 was synthesized in the middle silk gland of all lines and secreted into their cocoons. The content of rVP2 in the cocoon of each line was ranged from 0.07 to 16.10 % of the total soluble proteins. The rVP2 was purified from 30 g cocoon powders with a yield of 3.33 mg and a purity >90 %. Further analysis indicated that the rVP2 was able to tolerate high temperatures up to 80 °C, and exhibited specific immunogenic activity in mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of overexpressing rVP2 in the middle silk gland of transgenic silkworm, which demonstrates the capability of silkworm as an efficient tool to produce recombinant immunogens for use in new vaccines against animal diseases.
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Jiang L, Sun Q, Liu W, Guo H, Peng Z, Dang Y, Huang C, Zhao P, Xia Q. Postintegration stability of the silkworm piggyBac transposon. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 50:18-23. [PMID: 24727025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The piggyBac transposon is the most widely used vector for generating transgenic silkworms. The silkworm genome contains multiple piggyBac-like sequences that might influence the genetic stability of transgenic lines. To investigate the postintegration stability of piggyBac in silkworms, we used random insertion of the piggyBac [3 × p3 EGFP afm] vector to generate a W chromosome-linked transgenic silkworm, named W-T. Results of Southern blot and inverse PCR revealed the insertion of a single copy in the W chromosome of W-T at a standard TTAA insertion site. Investigation of 11 successive generations showed that all W-T females were EGFP positive and all males were EGFP negative; PCR revealed that the insertion site was unchanged in W-T offspring. These results suggested that endogenous piggyBac-like elements did not affect the stability of piggyBac inserted into the silkworm genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Qiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Weiqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Huizhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Zhengwen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Yinghui Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Chunlin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
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Teramoto H, Kojima K. Production of Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin Incorporated with Unnatural Amino Acids. Biomacromolecules 2014; 15:2682-90. [DOI: 10.1021/bm5005349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hidetoshi Teramoto
- Silk Materials Research
Unit, Genetically
Modified Organisms Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Katsura Kojima
- Silk Materials Research
Unit, Genetically
Modified Organisms Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
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