1
|
Luo LL, Lin Y, Linghu JH, Gong W, Luo YH, Liu M, Jin DC, Smagghe G, Liu TX, Gui SH, Yi TC. Genomics, transcriptomics, and peptidomics of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella neuropeptides and their expression in response to lead stress. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:773-791. [PMID: 37689966 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are crucial in regulation of a rich variety of developmental, physiological, and behavioral functions throughout the life cycle of insects. Using an integrated approach of multiomics, we identified neuropeptide precursors in the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella, which is a harmful pest of honeybee hives with a worldwide distribution. Here, a total of 63 and 67 neuropeptide precursors were predicted and annotated in the G. mellonella genome and transcriptome, in which 40 neuropeptide precursors were confirmed in the G. mellonella peptidome. Interestingly, we identified 12 neuropeptide precursor genes present in G. mellonella but absent in honeybees, which may be potential novel pesticide target sites. Honeybee hives were contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, enabling its bioaccumulation in G. mellonella bodies through the food chain, we performed transcriptome sequencing to analyze the effects of Pb stress on the mRNA expression level of G. mellonella neuropeptide precursors. After treatment by Pb, the expression of neuropeptide F1 was found to be significantly downregulated, implying that this neuropeptide might be associated with responding to the heavy metal stress in G. mellonella. This study comprehensively identified neuropeptide precursors in G. mellonella, and discussed the effects of heavy metals on insect neuropeptides, with the example of G. mellonella. The results are valuable for future elucidation of how neuropeptides regulate physiological functions in G. mellonella and contribute to our understanding of the insect's environmental plasticity and identify potential new biomarkers to assess heavy metal toxicity in insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lin Luo
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun-Hong Linghu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei Gong
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuan-Hong Luo
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Man Liu
- Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Dao-Chao Jin
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shun-Hua Gui
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tian-Ci Yi
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schrader M, Fricker LD. Current Challenges and Future Directions in Peptidomics. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:485-498. [PMID: 38549031 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The field of peptidomics has been under development since its start more than 20 years ago. In this chapter we provide a personal outlook for future directions in this field. The applications of peptidomics technologies are spreading more and more from classical research of peptide hormones and neuropeptides towards commercial applications in plant and food-science. Many clinical applications have been developed to analyze the complexity of biofluids, which are being addressed with new instrumentation, automization, and data processing. Additionally, the newly developed field of immunopeptidomics is showing promise for cancer therapies. In conclusion, peptidomics will continue delivering important information in classical fields like neuropeptides and peptide hormones, benefiting from improvements in state-of-the-art technologies. Moreover, new directions of research such as immunopeptidomics will further complement classical omics technologies and may become routine clinical procedures. Taken together, discoveries of new substances, networks, and applications of peptides can be expected in different disciplines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schrader
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Weihenstephan-Tr. University of Applied Sciences, Freising, Germany.
| | - Lloyd D Fricker
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roller L, Daubnerová I, Mizoguchi A, Satake H, Tanaka Y, Stano M, Klucar L, Žitňan D. Expression analysis of peptidergic enteroendocrine cells in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:385-407. [PMID: 35829810 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03666-1] [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: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Enteroendocrine cells (ECs) in the insect midgut respond to physiological changes in the intestine by releasing multiple peptides to control food intake, gastrointestinal activity and systemic metabolism. Here, we performed a comprehensive mapping of ECs producing different regulatory peptides in the larval midgut of Bombyx mori. In total, we identified 20 peptide genes expressed in different ECs in specific regions of the midgut. Transcript-specific in situ hybridisation combined with antibody staining revealed approximately 30 subsets of ECs, each producing a unique peptide or a combination of several different peptides. Functional significance of this diversity and specific roles of different enteroendocrine peptides are largely unknown. Results of this study highlight the importance of the midgut as a major endocrine/paracrine source of regulatory molecules in insects and provide important information to clarify functions of ECs during larval feeding and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Roller
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Ivana Daubnerová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, Nisshin, Aichi, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Matej Stano
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubos Klucar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žitňan
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang XF, Chen Z, Wang XB, Xu J, Chen P, Ye H. Bacterial-mediated RNAi and functional analysis of Natalisin in a moth. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4662. [PMID: 33633211 PMCID: PMC7907129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84104-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide natalisin (NTL) has been determined to play essential roles in reproduction in two Diptera and one Coleoptera species. Whether NTL has similar or even different functions in Lepidoptera remains to be determined. Here, we cloned the NTL transcript in the common cutworm moth Spodoptera litura. This transcript encodes a 438-amino acid protein. Twelve putative Sl-NTL neuropeptides were defined by cleavage sites. These NTL peptides share a DDPFWxxRamide C-terminal motif. The expressions of Sl-NTL is low during the egg and larval stages, which increased to a higher level during the pupal stage, and then reached the maximum during the adult stage. Moreover, the expression pattern during the pupal stage is similar between sexes while during the adult stage, it is dimorphic. To explore the function of Sl-NTL and assess its potential as a target for pest control, we knocked down the expression of Sl-NTL in both sexes by using bacteria-mediated RNAi. This technique significantly down regulated (reduced up to 83%) the expression of Sl-NTL in both sexes. Knocking down Sl-NTL expression did not significantly affect its development, survival and morphology but significantly reduced adults' reproductive behavior (including female calling, male courtship, mating and remating patterns and rates) and reproductive output (offspring gain reduced more than 70%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Fei Wang
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, China
| | - Xu-Bo Wang
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, China.
| | - Peng Chen
- Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Hui Ye
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seasonal variation in UVA light drives hormonal and behavioural changes in a marine annelid via a ciliary opsin. Nat Ecol Evol 2021; 5:204-218. [PMID: 33432133 PMCID: PMC7611595 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-01356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The right timing of animal physiology and behaviour ensures the stability of populations and ecosystems. To predict anthropogenic impacts on these timings, more insight is needed into the interplay between environment and molecular timing mechanisms. This is particularly true in marine environments. Using high-resolution, long-term daylight measurements from a habitat of the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii, we found that temporal changes in ultraviolet A (UVA)/deep violet intensities, more than longer wavelengths, can provide annual time information, which differs from annual changes in the photoperiod. We developed experimental set-ups that resemble natural daylight illumination conditions, and automated, quantifiable behavioural tracking. Experimental reduction of UVA/deep violet light (approximately 370-430 nm) under a long photoperiod (16 h light and 8 h dark) significantly decreased locomotor activities, comparable to the decrease caused by a short photoperiod (8 h light and 16 h dark). In contrast, altering UVA/deep violet light intensities did not cause differences in locomotor levels under a short photoperiod. This modulation of locomotion by UVA/deep violet light under a long photoperiod requires c-opsin1, a UVA/deep violet sensor employing Gi signalling. C-opsin1 also regulates the levels of rate-limiting enzymes for monogenic amine synthesis and of several neurohormones, including pigment-dispersing factor, vasotocin (vasopressin/oxytocin) and neuropeptide Y. Our analyses indicate a complex inteplay between UVA/deep violet light intensities and photoperiod as indicators of annual time.
Collapse
|
6
|
Gäde G, Šimek P, Marco HG. The Adipokinetic Peptides in Diptera: Structure, Function, and Evolutionary Trends. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:153. [PMID: 32296388 PMCID: PMC7136388 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nineteen species of various families of the order Diptera and one species from the order Mecoptera are investigated with mass spectrometry for the presence and primary structure of putative adipokinetic hormones (AKHs). Additionally, the peptide structure of putative AKHs in other Diptera are deduced from data mining of publicly available genomic or transcriptomic data. The study aims to demonstrate the structural biodiversity of AKHs in this insect order and also possible evolutionary trends. Sequence analysis of AKHs is achieved by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The corpora cardiaca of almost all dipteran species contain AKH octapeptides, a decapeptide is an exception found only in one species. In general, the dipteran AKHs are order-specific- they are not found in any other insect order with two exceptions only. Four novel AKHs are revealed by mass spectrometry: two in the basal infraorder of Tipulomorpha and two in the brachyceran family Syrphidae. Data mining revealed another four novel AKHs: one in various species of the infraorder Culicumorpha, one in the brachyceran superfamily Asiloidea, one in the family Diopsidae and in a Drosophilidae species, and the last of the novel AKHs is found in yet another Drosophila. In general, there is quite a biodiversity in the lower Diptera, whereas the majority of the cyclorraphan Brachycera produce the octapeptide Phote-HrTH. A hypothetical molecular peptide evolution of dipteran AKHs is suggested to start with an ancestral AKH, such as Glomo-AKH, from which all other AKHs in Diptera to date can evolve via point mutation of one of the base triplets, with one exception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Petr Šimek
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Heather G. Marco
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Christie AE. Assessment of midgut enteroendocrine peptide complement in the honey bee, Apis mellifera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 116:103257. [PMID: 31678581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Peptides modulate physiological/behavioral control systems in all animals. In arthropods, midgut epithelial endocrine cells are one of the largest sources of these signaling agents. At present, little is known about the identity of the peptides that form arthropod midgut enteroendocrine peptidomes. While many techniques can be used for peptide structural identification, in silico transcriptome mining is one that has been used extensively for arthropod neuropeptidome prediction; this strategy has yet to be used for large-scale arthropod enteroendocrine peptide discovery. Here, a tissue-specific transcriptome was used to assess putative enteroendocrine peptide complement in the honey bee, Apis mellifera, midgut. Searches for transcripts encoding members of 42 peptide families were conducted, with evidence of expression for 15 groups found in the assembly: adipokinetic hormone, allatostatin A, allatostatin C, bursicon, CCHamide, CNMamide, diuretic hormone 31, diuretic hormone 44, insulin-like peptide, myosuppressin, neuropeptide F, pigment dispersing hormone, pyrokinin, short neuropeptide F, and tachykinin-related peptide. The proteins deduced from the midgut transcripts are identical in sequence, or nearly so, to those of Apis pre/preprohormones deposited previously into NCBI, providing increased confidence in the accuracy of the reported data. Seventy-five peptides were predicted from the deduced precursor proteins, 26 being members of known peptide families. Comparisons to previously published mass spectrometric data support the existence of many of the predicted Apis peptides. This study is the first prediction of an arthropod midgut peptidome using transcriptomics, and provides a powerful new resource for investigating enteroendocrine peptide signaling within/from the Apis midgut, a species of significant ecological/economic importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Christie
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bell P, Down RE, Matthews HJ, Isaac RE, Audsley N. Peptidergic control of the crop of the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum (L.) Diptera: Anthomyiidae): A role for myosuppressin. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 278:50-57. [PMID: 30077792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There is much interest in targeting neuropeptide signaling for the development of new and environmentally friendly insect control chemicals. In this study we have focused attention on the peptidergic control of the adult crop of Delia radicum (cabbage root fly), an important pest of brassicas in European agriculture. The dipteran crop is a muscular organ formed from the foregut of the digestive tract and plays a vital role in the processing of food in adult flies. We have shown using direct tissue profiling by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry that the decapeptide myosuppressin (TDVDHVFLRFamide) is present in the crop nerve bundle and that application of this peptide to the crop potently inhibits the spontaneous contractions of the muscular lobes with an IC50 of 4.4 × 10-8 M. The delivery of myosuppressin either by oral administration or by injection had no significant detrimental effect on the adult fly. This failure to elicit a response is possibly due to the susceptibility of the peptide to degradative peptidases that cleave the parent peptide to inactive fragments. Indeed, we show that the crop of D. radicum is a source of neuropeptide-degrading endo- and amino-peptidases. In contrast, feeding benzethonium chloride, a non-peptide agonist of myosuppressin, reduced feeding rate and increased the rate of mortality of adult D. radicum. Current results are indicative of a key role for myosuppressin in the regulation of crop physiology and the results achieved during this project provide the basis for subsequent studies aimed at developing insecticidal molecules targeting the peptidergic control of feeding and food digestion in this pest species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bell
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; FERA Science, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | | | | | - R Elwyn Isaac
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maes E, Oeyen E, Boonen K, Schildermans K, Mertens I, Pauwels P, Valkenborg D, Baggerman G. The challenges of peptidomics in complementing proteomics in a clinical context. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2019; 38:253-264. [PMID: 30372792 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring peptides, including growth factors, hormones, and neurotransmitters, represent an important class of biomolecules and have crucial roles in human physiology. The study of these peptides in clinical samples is therefore as relevant as ever. Compared to more routine proteomics applications in clinical research, peptidomics research questions are more challenging and have special requirements with regard to sample handling, experimental design, and bioinformatics. In this review, we describe the issues that confront peptidomics in a clinical context. After these hurdles are (partially) overcome, peptidomics will be ready for a successful translation into medical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Maes
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Food and Bio-Based Products, AgResearch Ltd., Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Eline Oeyen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kurt Boonen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Karin Schildermans
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Inge Mertens
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Dirk Valkenborg
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Geert Baggerman
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fadda M, Hasakiogullari I, Temmerman L, Beets I, Zels S, Schoofs L. Regulation of Feeding and Metabolism by Neuropeptide F and Short Neuropeptide F in Invertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:64. [PMID: 30837946 PMCID: PMC6389622 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous neuropeptide systems have been implicated to coordinately control energy homeostasis, both centrally and peripherally. However, the vertebrate neuropeptide Y (NPY) system has emerged as the best described one regarding this biological process. The protostomian ortholog of NPY is neuropeptide F, characterized by an RXRF(Y)amide carboxyterminal motif. A second neuropeptide system is short NPF, characterized by an M/T/L/FRF(W)amide carboxyterminal motif. Although both short and long NPF neuropeptide systems display carboxyterminal sequence similarities, they are evolutionary distant and likely already arose as separate signaling systems in the common ancestor of deuterostomes and protostomes, indicating the functional importance of both. Both NPF and short-NPF systems seem to have roles in the coordination of feeding across bilaterian species, but during chordate evolution, the short NPF system appears to have been lost or evolved into the prolactin releasing peptide signaling system, which regulates feeding and has been suggested to be orthologous to sNPF. Here we review the roles of both NPF and sNPF systems in the regulation of feeding and metabolism in invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Liliane Schoofs
- Department of Biology, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kariithi HM, Meki IK, Schneider DI, De Vooght L, Khamis FM, Geiger A, Demirbaş-Uzel G, Vlak JM, iNCE IA, Kelm S, Njiokou F, Wamwiri FN, Malele II, Weiss BL, Abd-Alla AMM. Enhancing vector refractoriness to trypanosome infection: achievements, challenges and perspectives. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:179. [PMID: 30470182 PMCID: PMC6251094 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1280-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With the absence of effective prophylactic vaccines and drugs against African trypanosomosis, control of this group of zoonotic neglected tropical diseases depends the control of the tsetse fly vector. When applied in an area-wide insect pest management approach, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is effective in eliminating single tsetse species from isolated populations. The need to enhance the effectiveness of SIT led to the concept of investigating tsetse-trypanosome interactions by a consortium of researchers in a five-year (2013-2018) Coordinated Research Project (CRP) organized by the Joint Division of FAO/IAEA. The goal of this CRP was to elucidate tsetse-symbiome-pathogen molecular interactions to improve SIT and SIT-compatible interventions for trypanosomoses control by enhancing vector refractoriness. This would allow extension of SIT into areas with potential disease transmission. This paper highlights the CRP's major achievements and discusses the science-based perspectives for successful mitigation or eradication of African trypanosomosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Kariithi
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, P.O Box 57811, 00200, Kaptagat Rd, Loresho, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene K Meki
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, FAO/IAEA Agriculture & Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories Seibersdorf, A-2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, 6708 PB The Netherlands
| | - Daniela I Schneider
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Linda De Vooght
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fathiya M Khamis
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Geiger
- INTERTRYP, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guler Demirbaş-Uzel
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, FAO/IAEA Agriculture & Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories Seibersdorf, A-2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Just M Vlak
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, 6708 PB The Netherlands
| | - ikbal Agah iNCE
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Biological Engineering, Research Area Biochemical Technology, Vienna University of Technology, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sorge Kelm
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, School of Medicine, 34752, Ataşehir, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Flobert Njiokou
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty for Biology & Chemistry, Universität Bremen, Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Florence N Wamwiri
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, BP 812 Cameroon
| | - Imna I Malele
- Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya
| | - Brian L Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Adly M M Abd-Alla
- Molecular Department, Vector and Vector Borne Diseases Institute, Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Majani Mapana, Off Korogwe Road, Box, 1026 Tanga, Tanzania
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, FAO/IAEA Agriculture & Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories Seibersdorf, A-2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hillyer JF. Insect heart rhythmicity is modulated by evolutionarily conserved neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 29:41-48. [PMID: 30551824 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Insects utilize an open circulatory system to transport nutrients, waste, hormones and immune factors throughout the hemocoel. The primary organ that drives hemolymph circulation is the dorsal vessel, which is a muscular tube that traverses the length of the body and is divided into an aorta in the head and thorax, and a heart in the abdomen. The dorsal vessel is myogenic, but its rhythmicity is modulated by neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. This review summarizes how neuropeptides such as crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), FMRFamide-like peptides, proctolin, allatotropin and allatostatin modulate the heart contraction rate and the directionality of heart contractions. Likewise, it discusses how neurotransmitters such as serotonin, octopamine, glutamate and nitric oxide influence the heart rate, and how transcriptomic and proteomic approaches are advancing our understanding of insect circulatory physiology. Finally, this review argues that the immune system may modulate heart rhythmicity, and discusses how the myotropic activity of cardioactive factors extends to the accessory pulsatile organs, such as the auxiliary hearts of the antennae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nouzova M, Rivera-Pérez C, Noriega FG. Omics approaches to study juvenile hormone synthesis. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 29:49-55. [PMID: 30551825 PMCID: PMC6470398 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The juvenile hormones (JHs) are a family of insect acyclic sesquiterpenoids produced by the corpora allata (CA), a pair of endocrine glands connected to the brain. They are involved in the regulation of development, reproduction, behavior, caste determination, diapause, stress response, and numerous polyphenisms. In the post-genomics era, comprehensive analyses using functional 'omics' technologies such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics have increased our understanding of the activity of the minute CA. This review attempts to summarize some of the 'omics' studies that have contributed to further understand JH synthesis in insects, with an emphasis on our own research on the mosquito Aedes aegypti.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Nouzova
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Fernando G Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lismont E, Mortelmans N, Verlinden H, Vanden Broeck J. Molecular cloning and characterization of the SIFamide precursor and receptor in a hymenopteran insect, Bombus terrestris. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 258:39-52. [PMID: 29127004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
SIFamides (SIFa) are a family of neuropeptides that are highly conserved among arthropods. In insects, this peptide is mainly expressed in four medial interneurons in the pars intercerebralis and affects sexual behavior, sleep regulation and pupal mortality. Furthermore, an influence on the hatching rate has been observed. The first SIFa receptor (SIFR) was pharmacologically characterized in Drosophila melanogaster and is homologous to the vertebrate gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) receptor (NPFFR). In this study, we pharmacologically characterized the SIFR of the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We demonstrated an intracellular increase in calcium ions and cyclic AMP (cAMP) upon ligand binding with an EC50 value in the picomolar and nanomolar range, respectively. In addition, we studied the agonistic properties of a range of related and modified peptides. By means of quantitative real time PCR (qPCR), we examined the relative transcript levels of Bomte-SIFa and Bomte-SIFR in a variety of tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Els Lismont
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Nele Mortelmans
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Diesner M, Gallot A, Binz H, Gaertner C, Vitecek S, Kahnt J, Schachtner J, Jacquin-Joly E, Gadenne C. Mating-Induced Differential Peptidomics of Neuropeptides and Protein Hormones in Agrotis ipsilon Moths. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:1397-1414. [PMID: 29466015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In many insects, mating induces drastic changes in male and female responses to sex pheromones or host-plant odors. In the male moth Agrotis ipsilon, mating induces a transient inhibition of behavioral and neuronal responses to the female sex pheromone. As neuropeptides and peptide hormones regulate most behavioral processes, we hypothesize that they could be involved in this mating-dependent olfactory plasticity. Here we used next-generation RNA sequencing and a combination of liquid chromatography, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and direct tissue profiling to analyze the transcriptome and peptidome of different brain compartments in virgin and mated males and females of A. ipsilon. We identified 37 transcripts encoding putative neuropeptide precursors and 54 putative bioactive neuropeptides from 23 neuropeptide precursors (70 sequences in total, 25 neuropeptide precursors) in different areas of the central nervous system including the antennal lobes, the gnathal ganglion, and the corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complex. Comparisons between virgin and mated males and females revealed tissue-specific differences in peptide composition between sexes and according to physiological state. Mated males showed postmating differences in neuropeptide occurrence, which could participate in the mating-induced olfactory plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Diesner
- Department of Biology - Animal Physiology , Philipps University Marburg , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Aurore Gallot
- Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris (UMR iEES-Paris) , INRA , Route de Saint-Cyr , 78026 Versailles Cedex , France
| | - Hellena Binz
- Institute of Zoology , University of Mainz , Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 6 , 55128 Mainz , Germany
| | - Cyril Gaertner
- Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris (UMR iEES-Paris) , INRA , Route de Saint-Cyr , 78026 Versailles Cedex , France
| | - Simon Vitecek
- Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris (UMR iEES-Paris) , INRA , Route de Saint-Cyr , 78026 Versailles Cedex , France
| | - Jörg Kahnt
- Max-Planck-Institute für terrestrische Mikrobiologie, Marburg , Germany
| | - Joachim Schachtner
- Department of Biology - Animal Physiology , Philipps University Marburg , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly
- Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris (UMR iEES-Paris) , INRA , Route de Saint-Cyr , 78026 Versailles Cedex , France
| | - Christophe Gadenne
- Institut de Génétique, Environnement et Protection des Plantes (UMR IGEPP) , INRA , Agrocampus Ouest, rue Le Nôtre , 49054 Angers cedex 01 , France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Peptidomics is the comprehensive characterization of peptides from biological sources mainly by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry allows the detection of a multitude of single peptides in complex mixtures. The term first appeared in full papers in the year 2001, after over 100 years of peptide research with a main focus on one or a few specific peptides. Within the last 15 years, this new field has grown to over 1200 publications. Mass spectrometry techniques, in combination with other analytical methods, were developed for the fast and comprehensive analysis of peptides in proteomics and specifically adjusted to implement peptidomics technologies. Although peptidomics is closely linked to proteomics, there are fundamental differences with conventional bottom-up proteomics. The development of peptidomics is described, including the most important implementations for its technological basis. Different strategies are covered which are applied to several important applications, such as neuropeptidomics and discovery of bioactive peptides or biomarkers. This overview includes links to all other chapters in the book as well as recent developments of separation, mass spectrometric, and data processing technologies. Additionally, some new applications in food and plant peptidomics as well as immunopeptidomics are introduced.
Collapse
|
17
|
Christie AE, Hull JJ, Richer JA, Geib SM, Tassone EE. Prediction of a peptidome for the western tarnished plant bug Lygus hesperus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 243:22-38. [PMID: 27789347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Many strategies for controlling insect pests require an understanding of their hormonal signaling agents, peptides being the largest and most diverse single class of these molecules. Lygus hesperus is a pest species of particular concern, as it is responsible for significant damage to a wide variety of commercially important plant crops. At present, little is known about the peptide hormones of L. hesperus. Here, transcriptomic data were used to predict a peptidome for L. hesperus. Fifty-three L. hesperus transcripts encoding peptide precursors were identified, with a subset amplified by PCR for sequence verification. The proteins deduced from these transcripts allowed for the prediction of a 119-sequence peptidome for L. hesperus. The predicted peptides include isoforms of allatostatin A, allatostatin B (AST-B), allatostatin C, allatotropin, bursicon, CCHamide, corazonin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/ion transport peptide, diuretic hormone 31, GSEFLamide, insulin-like peptide, myosuppressin, neuroparsin, neuropeptide F, orcokinin, orcomyotropin, pyrokinin, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide, sulfakinin and tachykinin-related peptide. Of note were several isoforms of AST-B that possess -WX7Wamide carboxyl-termini rather than the stereotypical -WX6Wamide (e.g., KWQDMQNPGWamide), an allatotropin ending in -SARGFamide rather than -TARGFamide (GLKNGPLNSARGFamide), a GSEFLamide ending in -GTEFLamide (TVGTEFLamide), several orcokinins with PMDEIDR- rather than NFDEIDR- amino-termini (e.g., PMDEIDRAGFTHFV), and an eight rather than 12 amino acid long isoform of SIFamide (PPFNGSIFamide). Collectively, the L. hesperus peptidome predicted here provides a resource for initiating physiological investigations of peptidergic signaling in this species, including studies directed at the biological control of this agricultural pest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Christie
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Josh A Richer
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Scott M Geib
- Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit, Daniel K. Inouye Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Erica E Tassone
- Plant Physiology and Genetics Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Schoofs L, De Loof A, Van Hiel MB. Neuropeptides as Regulators of Behavior in Insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 62:35-52. [PMID: 27813667 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-031616-035500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are by far the largest and most diverse group of signaling molecules in multicellular organisms. They are ancient molecules important in regulating a multitude of processes. Their small proteinaceous character allowed them to evolve and radiate quickly into numerous different molecules. On average, hundreds of distinct neuropeptides are present in animals, sometimes with unique classes that do not occur in distantly related species. Acting as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, hormones, or growth factors, they are extremely diverse and are involved in controlling growth, development, ecdysis, digestion, diuresis, and many more physiological processes. Neuropeptides are also crucial in regulating myriad behavioral actions associated with feeding, courtship, sleep, learning and memory, stress, addiction, and social interactions. In general, behavior ensures that an organism can survive in its environment and is defined as any action that can change an organism's relationship to its surroundings. Even though the mode of action of neuropeptides in insects has been vigorously studied, relatively little is known about most neuropeptides and only a few model insects have been investigated. Here, we provide an overview of the roles neuropeptides play in insect behavior. We conclude that multiple neuropeptides need to work in concert to coordinate certain behaviors. Additionally, most neuropeptides studied to date have more than a single function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; , ,
| | - Arnold De Loof
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; , ,
| | - Matthias Boris Van Hiel
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; , ,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Traverso L, Sierra I, Sterkel M, Francini F, Ons S. Neuropeptidomics in Triatoma infestans. Comparative transcriptomic analysis among triatomines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 110:83-98. [PMID: 27993629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Chagas' disease, affecting up to 6-7 million people worldwide, is transmitted to humans through the feces of triatomine kissing bugs. From these, Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma dimidiata, Triatoma infestans and Triatoma pallidipennis are important vectors distributed throughout the Latin American subcontinent. Resistance to pyrethroids has been developed by some triatomine populations, especially T. infestans, obstructing their control. Given their role in the regulation of physiological processes, neuroendocrine-derived factors have been proposed as a source of molecular targets for new-generation insecticides. However, the involvement of neuropeptides in insecticide metabolism and resistance in insects has been poorly studied. In the present work, the sequences of 20 neuropeptide precursor genes in T. infestans, 16 in T. dimidiata, and 13 in T. pallidipennis detected in transcriptomic databases are reported, and a comparative analysis in triatomines is presented. A total of 59 neuropeptides were validated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in brain and nervous ganglia from T. infestans, revealing the existence of differential post-translational modifications, extended and truncated forms. The results suggest a high sequence conservation in some neuropeptide systems in triatomines, whereas remarkable differences occur in several others within the core domains. Comparisons of the basal expression levels for several neuropeptide precursor genes between pyrethroid sensitive and resistant population of T. infestans are also presented here, in order to introduce a proof of concept to test the involvement of neuropeptides in insecticide resistance. From the precursors tested, NVP and ITG peptides are significantly higher expressed in the resistant population. To our knowledge, this is the first report to associate differential neuropeptide expression with insecticide resistance. The information provided here contributes to creating conditions to widely extend functional and genetic studies involving neuropeptides in triatomines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Traverso
- Laboratory of Insect Neurobiology, Regional Center for Genomic Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Bvd 120 N(o). 1459, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ivana Sierra
- Laboratory of Insect Neurobiology, Regional Center for Genomic Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Bvd 120 N(o). 1459, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcos Sterkel
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, bloco D. Prédio do CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Flavio Francini
- Center of Experimental and Applied Endocrinology, CONICET-CCT La Plata, National University of La Plata, 60 and 120 Street, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Sheila Ons
- Laboratory of Insect Neurobiology, Regional Center for Genomic Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Bvd 120 N(o). 1459, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Caers J, Van Hiel MB, Peymen K, Zels S, Van Rompay L, Van Den Abbeele J, Schoofs L, Beets I. Characterization of a neuropeptide F receptor in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 93-94:105-111. [PMID: 27677695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.09.013] [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] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides related to mammalian neuropeptide Y (NPY) and insect neuropeptide F (NPF) are conserved throughout Metazoa and intimately involved in a wide range of biological processes. In insects NPF is involved in regulating feeding, learning, stress and reproductive behavior. Here we identified and characterized an NPF receptor of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans, the sole transmitter of Trypanosoma parasites causing sleeping sickness. We isolated cDNA sequences encoding tsetse NPF (Glomo-NPF) and its receptor (Glomo-NPFR), and examined their spatial and temporal expression patterns using quantitative PCR. In tsetse flies, npfr transcripts are expressed throughout development and most abundantly in the central nervous system, whereas low expression is found in the flight muscles and posterior midgut. Expression of npf, by contrast, shows low transcript levels during development but is strongly expressed in the posterior midgut and brain of adult flies. Expression of Glomo-npf and its receptor in the brain and digestive system suggests that NPF may have conserved neuromodulatory or hormonal functions in tsetse flies, such as in the regulation of feeding behavior. Cell-based activity studies of the Glomo-NPFR showed that Glomo-NPF activates the receptor up to nanomolar concentrations. The molecular data of Glomo-NPF and Glomo-NPFR paves the way for further investigation of its functions in tsetse flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Caers
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Matthias B Van Hiel
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Katleen Peymen
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sven Zels
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Van Rompay
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Zoophysiology, Department of Physiology, University of Ghent, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Isabel Beets
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Caers J, Peymen K, Van Hiel MB, Van Rompay L, Van Den Abbeele J, Schoofs L, Beets I. Molecular characterization of a short neuropeptide F signaling system in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 235:142-149. [PMID: 27288635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides of the short neuropeptide F (sNPF) family are widespread among arthropods and found in every sequenced insect genome so far. Functional studies have mainly focused on the regulatory role of sNPF in feeding behavior, although this neuropeptide family has pleiotropic effects including in the control of locomotion, osmotic homeostasis, sleep, learning and memory. Here, we set out to characterize and determine possible roles of sNPF signaling in the haematophagous tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans, a vector of African Trypanosoma parasites causing human and animal African trypanosomiasis. We cloned the G. m. morsitans cDNA sequences of an sNPF-like receptor (Glomo-sNPFR) and precursor protein encoding four Glomo-sNPF neuropeptides. All four Glomo-sNPF peptides concentration-dependently activated Glomo-sNPFR in a cell-based calcium mobilization assay, with EC50 values in the nanomolar range. Gene expression profiles in adult female tsetse flies indicate that the Glomo-sNPF system is mainly restricted to the nervous system. Glomo-snpfr transcripts were also detected in the hindgut of adult females. In contrast to the Drosophila sNPF system, tsetse larvae lack expression of Glomo-snpf and Glomo-snpfr genes. While Glomo-snpf transcript levels are upregulated in pupae, the onset of Glomo-snpfr expression is delayed to adulthood. Expression profiles in adult tissues are similar to those in other insects suggesting that the tsetse sNPF system may have similar functions such as a regulatory role in feeding behavior, together with a possible involvement of sNPFR signaling in osmotic homeostasis. Our molecular data will enable further investigations into the functions of sNPF signaling in tsetse flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Caers
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Katleen Peymen
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Matthias B Van Hiel
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Van Rompay
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Zoophysiology, Department of Physiology, University of Ghent, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Isabel Beets
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Caers J, Janssen T, Van Rompay L, Broeckx V, Van Den Abbeele J, Gäde G, Schoofs L, Beets I. Characterization and pharmacological analysis of two adipokinetic hormone receptor variants of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 70:73-84. [PMID: 26690928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Adipokinetic hormones (AKH) are well known regulators of energy metabolism in insects. These neuropeptides are produced in the corpora cardiaca and perform their hormonal function by interacting with specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the cell membranes of target tissues, mainly the fat body. Here, we investigated the sequences, spatial and temporal distributions, and pharmacology of AKH neuropeptides and receptors in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. The open reading frames of two splice variants of the Glomo-akh receptor (Glomo-akhr) gene and of the AKH neuropeptide encoding genes, gmmhrth and gmmakh, were cloned. Both tsetse AKHR isoforms show strong sequence conservation when compared to other insect AKHRs. Glomo-AKH prepropeptides also have the typical architecture of AKH precursors. In an in vitro Ca(2+) mobilization assay, Glomo-AKH neuropeptides activated each receptor isoform up to nanomolar concentrations. We identified structural features of tsetse AKH neuropeptides essential for receptor activation in vitro. Gene expression profiles suggest a function for AKH signaling in regulating Glossina energy metabolism, where AKH peptides are released from the corpora cardiaca and activate receptors mainly expressed in the fat body. This analysis of the ligand-receptor coupling, expression, and pharmacology of the two Glomo-AKHR variants facilitates further elucidation of the function of AKH in G. m. morsitans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Caers
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tom Janssen
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Van Rompay
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Valérie Broeckx
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium; Laboratory of Zoophysiology, Department of Physiology, University of Ghent, Krijgslaan 281, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, 7701, Rondebosch, South Africa.
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Isabel Beets
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|