1
|
Shan T, Wang Y, Bhattarai K, Jiang H. An evolutionarily conserved serine protease network mediates melanization and Toll activation in Drosophila. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadk2756. [PMID: 38117884 PMCID: PMC10732536 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Melanization and Toll pathway activation are essential innate immune mechanisms in insects, which result in the generation of reactive compounds and antimicrobial peptides, respectively, to kill pathogens. These two processes are mediated by phenoloxidase (PO) and Spätzle (Spz) through an extracellular network of serine proteases. While some proteases have been identified in Drosophila melanogaster in genetic studies, the exact order of proteolytic activation events remains controversial. Here, we reconstituted the serine protease framework in Drosophila by biochemical methods. This system comprises 10 proteases, i.e., ModSP, cSP48, Grass, Psh, Hayan-PA, Hayan-PB, Sp7, MP1, SPE and Ser7, which form cascade pathways that recognize microbial molecular patterns and virulence factors, and generate PO1, PO2, and Spz from their precursors. Furthermore, the serpin Necrotic negatively regulates the immune response progression by inhibiting ModSP and Grass. The biochemical approach, when combined with genetic analysis, is crucial for addressing problems that long stand in this important research field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tisheng Shan
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Krishna Bhattarai
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Song P, Zhang X, Wang S, Xu W, Wang F, Fu R, Wei F. Microbial proteases and their applications. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1236368. [PMID: 37779686 PMCID: PMC10537240 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1236368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteases (proteinases or peptidases) are a class of hydrolases that cleave peptide chains in proteins. Endopeptidases are a type of protease that hydrolyze the internal peptide bonds of proteins, forming shorter peptides; exopeptidases hydrolyze the terminal peptide bonds from the C-terminal or N-terminal, forming free amino acids. Microbial proteases are a popular instrument in many industrial applications. In this review, the classification, detection, identification, and sources of microbial proteases are systematically introduced, as well as their applications in food, detergents, waste treatment, and biotechnology processes in the industry fields. In addition, recent studies on techniques used to express heterologous microbial proteases are summarized to describe the process of studying proteases. Finally, future developmental trends for microbial proteases are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Song
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
- Shandong Aobo Biotech Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Shuhua Wang
- Shandong Aobo Biotech Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Rongzhao Fu
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Feng Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang W, Chen F. Role of the Subtilisin-like Serine Protease CJPRB from Cordyceps javanica in Eliciting an Immune Response in Hyphantria cunea. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044170. [PMID: 36835582 PMCID: PMC9966719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyphantria cunea is a globally distributed quarantine plant pest. In a previous study, the Cordyceps javanica strain BE01 with a strong pathogenic effect on H. cunea was identified, and overexpression of the subtilisin-like serine protease CJPRB of this strain was found to accelerate the death of H. cunea (previous research results). In this study, the active recombinant CJPRB protein was obtained through the Pichia pastoris expression system. It was found that CJPRB protein administration to H. cunea via infectation, feeding and injection was able to induce changes in protective enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and the expression of immune defense-related genes in H. cunea. In particular, CJPRB protein injection induced a more rapid, widespread and intense immune response in H. cunea compared to the other two treatment methods. The results suggest that the CJPRB protein may play a role in eliciting a host immune response during infectation by C. javanica.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang W, Wang Y, Dong G, Chen F. Development of Cordyceps javanica BE01 with enhanced virulence against Hyphantria cunea using polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast transformation. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:972425. [PMID: 36118242 PMCID: PMC9478556 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.972425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps javanica has promising application prospects as an entomopathogenic fungus with a wide range of hosts. To enhance the virulence of C. javanica, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated protoplast genetic transformation system was constructed. Strains overexpressing the subtilisin-like protease genes CJPRB and CJPRB1 and the tripeptidyl peptidase gene CJCLN2-1 were constructed with this system, and the effects of these strains on Hyphantria cunea were tested. The aminoglycoside G418 was used at 800 μg ml−1 to screen the transformants. C. javanica hyphae were degraded with an enzyme mixture to obtain protoplasts at 1.31 × 107 protoplasts ml−1. The transformation of 2 μg of DNA into 1,000 protoplasts was achieved with 20% PEG2000, and after 6 h of recovery, the transformation efficiency was 12.33 ± 1.42 transformants μg−1 plasmid. The LT50 values of CJPRB, CJPRB1, and CJCLN2-1-overexpressing C. javanica strains were 1.32-fold, 2.21-fold, and 2.14-fold higher than that of the wild-type (WT) strain, respectively. The three overexpression strains showed no significant differences from the WT strain in terms of colony growth, conidial yield, and conidial germination rate. However, the infection rate of the CJPRB1 strain was faster than that of the WT strain, with infection occurring within 4–5 days. The CJCLN2-1 strain had a significantly higher mortality rate than the WT strain within 4–10 days after infection. A C. javanica genetic transformation system was successfully constructed for the first time, and an overexpression strain exhibited enhanced virulence to H. cunea compared with the WT strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yahong Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangping Dong
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Pine Wilt Disease Prevention and Control, Hefei, China
| | - Fengmao Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Fengmao Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao BJ, Mou YN, Tong SM, Ying SH, Feng MG. Subtilisin-like Pr1 proteases marking the evolution of pathogenicity in a wide-spectrum insect-pathogenic fungus. Virulence 2021; 11:365-380. [PMID: 32253991 PMCID: PMC7199741 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1749487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Subtilisin-like Pr1 proteases of insect-pathogenic fungi are a large family of extracellular cuticle-degrading enzymes that presumably determine a capability of hyphal invasion into insect hemocoel through normal cuticle infection, but remain poorly understood although often considered as virulence factors for genetic improvement of fungal potential against pests. Here, we report that not all of 11 Pr1 family members necessarily function in Beauveria bassiana, an ancient wide-spectrum pathogen evolved insect pathogenicity ~200 million years ago. These Pr1 proteases are phylogenetically similar to or distinct from 11 homologues (Pr1A–K) early named in Metarhizium anisopliae complex, a young entomopathogen lineage undergoing molecular evolution toward Pr1 diversification, and hence renamed Pr1A1/A2, Pr1B1–B3, Pr1 C, Pr1F1–F4,4 and Pr1 G, respectively. Multiple analyses of all single gene-deleted and rescued mutants led to the recognition of five conserved members (Pr1C, Pr1G, Pr1A2, Pr1B1, and Pr1B2) contributing significantly to the fungal pathogenicity to insect. The conserved Pr1 proteases were proven to function only in cuticle degradation, individually contribute 19–29% to virulence, but play no role in post-infection cellular events critical for fungal killing action. Six other Pr1 proteases were not functional at all in either cuticle degradation during host infection or virulence-related cellular events post-infection. Therefore, only the five conserved proteases are collectively required for, and hence mark evolution of, insect pathogenicity in B. bassiana. These findings provide the first referable base for insight into the evolution of Pr1 family members in different lineages of fungal insect pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Jie Gao
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya-Ni Mou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sen-Miao Tong
- College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A and F University, Lin'an, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Fungi are the most common disease-causing agents of insects; aside from playing a crucial role in natural ecosystems, insect-killing fungi are being used as alternatives to chemical insecticides and as resources for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Some common experimentally tractable genera, such as Metarhizium spp., exemplify genetic diversity and dispersal because they contain numerous intraspecific variants with distinct environmental and insect host ranges. The availability of tools for molecular genetics and multiple sequenced genomes has made these fungi ideal experimental models for answering basic questions on the genetic and genomic processes behind adaptive phenotypes. For example, comparative genomics of entomopathogenic fungi has shown they exhibit diverse reproductive modes that often determine rates and patterns of genome evolution and are linked as cause or effect with pathogenic strategies. Fungal-insect pathogens represent lifestyle adaptations that evolved numerous times, and there are significant differences in host range and pathogenic strategies between the major groups. However, typically, spores landing on the cuticle produce appressoria and infection pegs that breach the cuticle using mechanical pressure and cuticle-degrading enzymes. Once inside the insect body cavity, fungal pathogens face a potent and comprehensively studied immune defense by which the host attempts to eliminate or reduce an infection. The Fungal Kingdom stands alone in the range, extent, and complexity of their manipulation of arthropod behavior. In part, this is because most only sporulate on cadavers, so they must ensure the dying host positions itself to allow efficient transmission.
Collapse
|
7
|
Luo S, He M, Cao Y, Xia Y. The tetraspanin gene MaPls1 contributes to virulence by affecting germination, appressorial function and enzymes for cuticle degradation in the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium acridum. Environ Microbiol 2013; 15:2966-79. [PMID: 23809263 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In most eukaryotes, tetraspanins regulate cellular activities by associating with other membrane components. In phytopathogenic fungi, the tetraspanin Pls1 controls appressorium-mediated penetration. However, regulation of Pls1 and its associated signalling pathways are not clear. In this study, the MaPls1 gene from the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum was functionally characterized. MaPls1 was highly expressed in mycelium and appressorium, and accumulated on the plasma membrane or in the cytoplasm. Compared with a wild-type strain, the deletion mutant ΔMaPls1 had delayed germination and appressorium formation and impaired turgor pressure on locust wings, but normal germination on medium and non-host insect matrices. Bioassays showed that ΔMaPls1 had decreased virulence and hyphal body formation in haemolymph when topically inoculated, but was not different from wild type when the insect cuticle was bypassed. Moreover, the ability to grow out of the cuticle was impaired in ΔMaPls1. Digital gene expression profiling revealed that genes involved in hydrolysing host cuticle and cell wall synthesis and remodelling were downregulated in ΔMaPls1. MaPls1 participated in crosstalk with signalling pathways such as the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A and calmodulin-dependent pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrated the important roles of MaPls1 at the early stage of infection-associated development in M. acridum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Min He
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Yueqing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing, 400030, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Junwei W, Qingling M, Jun Q, Weisheng W, Shuangqing C, Jianxun L, Chunguang Z, Chuangfu C. The recombinant serine proteaseXAoz1ofArthrobotrys oligosporaexhibits potent nematicidal activity againstCaenorhabditis elegansandHaemonchus contortus. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2013; 344:53-9. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Junwei
- Key Lab of Preventive Veterinary; College of Animal Science and Technology; Shihezi University; Shihezi; Xinjiang; China
| | - Meng Qingling
- Key Lab of Preventive Veterinary; College of Animal Science and Technology; Shihezi University; Shihezi; Xinjiang; China
| | - Qiao Jun
- Key Lab of Preventive Veterinary; College of Animal Science and Technology; Shihezi University; Shihezi; Xinjiang; China
| | - Wang Weisheng
- Key Lab of Preventive Veterinary; College of Animal Science and Technology; Shihezi University; Shihezi; Xinjiang; China
| | - Chen Shuangqing
- Key Lab of Preventive Veterinary; College of Animal Science and Technology; Shihezi University; Shihezi; Xinjiang; China
| | - Luo Jianxun
- State Key Lab of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Lanzhou; Gansu; China
| | - Zhao Chunguang
- Key Lab of Preventive Veterinary; College of Animal Science and Technology; Shihezi University; Shihezi; Xinjiang; China
| | - Chen Chuangfu
- Key Lab of Preventive Veterinary; College of Animal Science and Technology; Shihezi University; Shihezi; Xinjiang; China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li H, Zhang L, Cui Y, Luo X, Xue C, Wang S. Expression of soluble recombinant transglutaminase from Zea mays in Pichia pastoris. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 29:939-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-012-1250-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
10
|
Characterization, cloning, and heterologous expression of a subtilisin-like serine protease gene VlPr1 from Verticillium lecanii. J Microbiol 2012; 50:939-46. [PMID: 23274980 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-012-2199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii is a well-known biocontrol agent. V. lecanii produces subtilisin-like serine protease (Pr1), which is important in the biological control activity of some insect pests by degrading insect cuticles. In this study, a subtilisin-like serine protease gene VlPr1 was cloned from the fungus and the VlPr1 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. The VlPr1 gene contains an open reading frame (ORF) interrupted by three short introns, and encodes a protein of 379 amino acids. Protein sequence analysis revealed high homology with subtilisin serine proteases. The molecular mass of the protease was 38 kDa, and the serine protease exhibited its maximal activity at 40°C and pH 9.0. Protease activity was also affected by Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) concentration. The protease showed inhibitory activity against several plant pathogens, especially towards Fusarium moniliforme.
Collapse
|
11
|
Cloning, expression, and characterization of serine protease from thermophilic fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus var. levisporus. J Microbiol 2011; 49:121-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-011-9355-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|