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Liu X, Guo X, Zhang T, Duan J, Zhang L, Wang M, Li Y, Shen Z, Mao J. Testosterone maintains male longevity and female reproduction in Chrysopa pallens. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32478. [PMID: 38933978 PMCID: PMC11201114 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate testosterone, an androgen present in the testes, is essential for male fertility. Vertebrate-type steroid hormones have been identified in insects, but their function remains unknown. Insect vitellogenin (Vg) is usually a female-specific protein involved in reproductive processes. However, males of some species, such as the green lacewing Chrysopa pallens, have Vg. Here, we demonstrated that the knockdown of C. pallens male Vg by RNAi significantly shortened the lifespan of males, suppressed the reproduction of post-mating females, and strikingly reduced the abundance of several immune-related compounds, including testosterone. LC-MS/MS revealed that C. pallens male testosterone had the same structure and molecular mass as vertebrate testosterone. Topical testosterone application partially restored the lifespan of Vg-deficient males and the reproduction of post-mating females. These results suggest that vertebrate-type testosterone maintains male longevity and female reproduction under the control of the male Vg in C. pallens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xingkai Guo
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Jinjiang, 362251, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Duan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mengqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhongjian Shen
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jianjun Mao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemy Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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Yang Y, Shu L, Jiang Q, Huang H, Ye H. Does the bone morphogenetic protein 7 inhibit oocyte maturation by autocrine/paracrine in mud crab? Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:119-125. [PMID: 29746856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A bone morphogenetic protein ligand (BMP7) and its two receptors (BMPRIB and BMPRII) were recently cloned and characterized in the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. However specific functions of BMP7 and the mechanistic pathways regulating its function are largely unidentified. In the present study, we separated oocytes and follicle cells from the ovarian explants of S. paramamosain. Subsequent analysis using semi-quantitative PCR demonstrated that the mRNA of Sp-BMP7 was exclusively expressed in follicle cells while Sp-BMPRs were expressed in both oocytes and follicle cells. In vitro experiments further showed that the mRNA and protein levels of Cyclin B increased but Sp-BMP7 declined in 17α, 20β-Dihydroxyprogesterone (DHP)-induced oocytes. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of Sp-BMP7 were not affected by the elimination of the contact/gap junction-mediated communication between oocytes and follicle cells. Our data indicate that BMP7 may play a role in the suppression of DHP-induced oocyte maturation by affecting autocrine/paracrine pathways in S. paramamosain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya'nan Yang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ling Shu
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingling Jiang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huiyang Huang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Haihui Ye
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Xiamen, China.
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Roy S, De J, Kundu S, Biswas A, Pramanik M, Ray AK. Estradiol-17β: Tracing its metabolic significance in female fatbody of fifth instar larvae of silkworm, Bombyx mori L (race: Nistari). Life Sci 2007; 80:446-53. [PMID: 17074367 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 09/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, various vertebrate peptide and steroid hormones have been identified in invertebrates, estradiol-17beta (E2) being a major one. We have specifically shown NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH) activity in fifth instar larval fatbody of female silkworm, Bombyx mori, as an E2 responsive parameter. Interestingly enough, estradiol-induced increase in the enzyme activity could be counteracted by simultaneous application of specific E2-inhibitor, ICI-182780. Further, a nice correlation was obtained among the E2 titre, specific *E2 binding and expression of NADP-MDH activity in fatbody during different days of normal fifth instar larval development. Though the nature of the binding sites is quite similar to known steroid receptors of vertebrate, the reported absence of estrogen receptor gene in some insects poses a question. A recent finding regarding the presence of an estrogen-related receptor ortholog in fruit fly may provide some answers. The specific effects elicited by estradiol in the female fatbody of this insect support its possibility of having an important metabolic function. This role played by E2, whether hormonal or not, is yet to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumedha Roy
- Department of Animal Physiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VII M, Calcutta 700054, West Bengal, India
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Keshan B, Ray AK. Estradiol-17beta in Bombyx mori: possible significance and its effect on silk production. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2000; 46:1061-1068. [PMID: 10802119 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1910(99)00218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Although estrogen is well known as a vertebrate sex steroid, its presence in insects, including Bombyx mori, raises questions about its precise role in the physiology of insects. It was reported earlier that estradiol-17beta (E(2)) exerts a specific effect on silk-gland function in B. mori and that it may act in a nuclear-mediated way. To evaluate further the effect of E(2) on cocoon characters, larval growth and development, 1µg/g of E(2) was applied topically to the first and second day of fifth instar larvae. This resulted in a significant enhancement of cocoon characters, such as cocoon shell weight, silk filament length per cocoon, denier per filament and reelability of the cocoons, without any adverse effect on fecundity and hatchability. In the present study, E(2) levels in the haemolymph were quantified on different days of the fifth instar larvae and age-dependent changes in the endogenous E(2) titre have been demonstrated. These age-dependent variations in E(2) content coincide with physiological events occurring during the fifth instar. Such observations exclude the possibility of a dietary origin for E(2), as a sudden and sharp rise of the E(2) level in the haemolymph was observed on the 10th day of the fifth instar, preceded by a small increase on the ninth day after an eight-day feeding period. The increased level of estradiol in the haemolymph of larvae treated topically with E(2) indicates effective penetration of this hormone through the larval cuticle. Moreover, similar patterns of alteration of E(2) levels on different days of the fifth instar in both control and treated groups suggests the existence of some internal metabolic pathway in the silkworm body to regulate the hormone titre. Thus, the present investigation offers a system for investigating the unique function of E(2) in B. mori and offers potential for improvement of silk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Keshan
- Department of Animal Physiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VII - M, Calcutta, India
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Swevers L, Lambert JG, De Loof A. On the origin of vertebrate-type steroids present in Locusta migratoria: do they originate from the food? COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. B, COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY 1992; 102:591-600. [PMID: 1499296 DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(92)90052-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
1. This study investigates the origin of vertebrate-type steroids which were reported to be present in Locusta migratoria: are the steroids synthesized by the locust or are they derived from the diet, i.e. grass and rolled oats? 2. It is unlikely that the steroids are synthesized by locust tissues. In vitro incubations of eleven different tissues with labeled pregnenolone or androstenedione did not result in androgen or estrogen synthesis respectively. 3. Steroid synthesis was also not detected when tissues were incubated in the presence of the early precursors cholesterol and isopentenyl pyrophosphate. 4. It is unlikely that the steroids are derived from the diet. Feeding experiments indicate that only low amounts of steroids are capable of crossing the gut-body barrier. 5. Injection of testosterone in the hemolymph also resulted in rapid excretion, instead of storage in tissues. 6. Moreover, radioimmunological measurements indicate that vertebrate-type steroids are absent in the food of locusts. 7. Specificity studies indicate that substances other than vertebrate-type steroids are detected by radioimmunoassay in locust tissue extracts. 8. Because vertebrate-type steroids are absent in locust tissues, it can be concluded that vertebrate-type steroids do not have a physiological function in Locusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Swevers
- Zoological Institute, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
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Swevers L, Lambert JG, Novak F, Paesen G, De Loof A. Lack of essential enzymes for the biosynthesis of C19 and C18 steroids in gonads of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1991; 84:237-48. [PMID: 1783269 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(91)90047-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ovaries and testes of the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides, were incubated in vitro with six tritiated steroid precursors. Three developmental stages were investigated--1 day, 14 days, and 6 weeks after adult moulting. 20 alpha-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 20 beta-HSD, 17 beta-HSD, 3 beta-HSD/isomerase, C17-C20 lyase, glucuronyl-transferase, sulfotransferase, and acyltransferase were identified in both sexes. A synthesis of androgens or estrogens comparable to the vertebrate type, however, was not apparent in the locust gonads. 20 alpha-HSD, 20 beta-HSD, and 17 beta-HSD activities were high, while more important steps in steroid synthesis such as 3 beta-HSD and C17-C20 lyase were far less intense. Ovarian 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity was slight. Aromatase activity was not demonstrated. Water-soluble conjugate formation was high in the incubations of "14th-day" and "6th-week" gonads but was absent in "1st-day" ovaries and testes. Active ester formation of pregnenolone was demonstrated in "6th-week" testes. The other steroid conversions were similar in all developmental stages investigated. Major differences between testes and ovaries were not observed. The gonads of the migratory locust are concluded not to produce androgens or estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Swevers
- Catholic University of Leuven, Zoological Institute, Belgium
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Swevers L, Lambert JG, De Loof A. Synthesis and metabolism of vertebrate-type steroids by tissues of insects: a critical evaluation. EXPERIENTIA 1991; 47:687-98. [PMID: 2065766 DOI: 10.1007/bf01958817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This review covers the synthesis and the metabolism of vertebrate-type steroids (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, corticosteroids) by insect tissues and discusses the significance of the reactions for insect physiology. Biosynthesis of vertebrate-type steroids from cholesterol hitherto has been demonstrated in only two insect species, i.e. the water beetle Acilius sulcatus (Coleoptera) and the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera). In Acilius, steroid synthesis is associated with exosecretion (chemical defense). Nothing, however, is known about a physiological role of the C21 steroid conjugate present in ovaries and eggs of Manduca. No synthesis of vertebrate-type steroids was observed in any other insect investigated to date. Most metabolic conversions of steroids by insects concerned oxidoreduction of oxygen groups (hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity) and (polar and apolar) conjugate formation. All important enzymatic steps involved in synthesis and catabolism, as known from studies with tissues of vertebrates, were not, or hardly observed. The conclusion is drawn that typical vertebrate-type (C21, C19 and C18) steroids probably do not act as physiologically active substances in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Swevers
- Zoological Institute, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
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Comparative developmental physiology and molecular cytology of the polytrophic ovarian follicles of the blowfly Sarcophaga bullata and the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. A, COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 1990; 96:309-21. [PMID: 1976473 DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(90)90698-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
1. The ovarian follicles of Sarcophaga and Drosophila consist of one oocyte and 15 nurse cells, the whole being surrounded by follicle cells. Although oocyte and nurse cells are genetically identical sibling cells, and although they are interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges, their physiology is very different. 2. The DNA content of the oocyte nucleus (germinal vesicle) never exceeds 4C, while values of polyploidisation up to 1024C have been measured in the nurse cells, this being dependent on their position within a follicle. 3. The nurse cell nuclei very actively synthesize RNA, while the germinal vesicle is almost completely inactive in this respect. 4. It has been possible to visualise the major cytoskeletal elements in the different ovarian cell types. Cellular markers of polarity and dorsoventral asymmetry have been described. 5. Electrophysiological measurements have been performed to find out whether or not the self-electrophoresis principle may be involved in polarised transport between nurse cells and oocyte. 6. Most of the vitellogenin is synthesized by the fat body but some follicle cells also synthesize small amounts. 7. The role of 20-OH ecdysone in the induction of vitellogenin synthesis in the fat body, as well as the presence of met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity in the gonads is well established in both species. Not so clear is the exact role of juvenile hormones and the nature of brain factors controlling ovarian development. 8. Drosophila has the advantage of its well documented genetics while the larger species Sarcophaga is preferable for the study of (electro-) physiological and cell biological mechanisms.
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Novak FJ, Lambert JG. Pregnenolone, testosterone, and estradiol in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria; a gas chromatographical-mass spectrometrical study. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1989; 76:73-82. [PMID: 2599350 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(89)90034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Homogenates of ovaria as well as testes from the locust Locusta migratoria were analyzed for the presence of pregnenolone, testosterone, and estradiol by gas chromatography followed by mass spectrometry. Selected ion monitoring analyses revealed that the molecular ion and two characteristic fragment ions of pregnenolone, the molecular ion with its isotopes and two characteristic mass fragments of testosterone, and the molecular ion, its isotopes and four characteristic fragment ions of estradiol, were present at the proper retention times and with the correct abundance ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Novak
- Catholic University of Leuven, Zoological Institute, Belgium
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Lozano R, Thompson MJ, Svoboda JA, Lusby WR, Wilzer KR. Metabolism of [14C]cholesterol to C-20 isomeric [14C]pregn-5-ene-3,20-diols in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Steroids 1989; 53:427-36. [PMID: 2799853 DOI: 10.1016/0039-128x(89)90023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
After injection into male and female fifth-instar larvae of Manduca sexta, [14C]cholesterol was converted to C21 steroids, [14C]pregn-5-ene-3 beta,20-diols. These metabolites were isolated from 8-day-old pupae and were identified by TLC, HPLC, and GC-MS as the C-20 isomers of pregnene-3 beta,20-diol. They also were isolated from male and female meconium fluid (of 16-day-old pupae) following injection of [14C]cholesterol into 14-day-old pupae.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lozano
- Insect and Nematode Hormone Laboratory, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705
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Paesen G, De Loof A. The Presence of a Progesterone Binding Protein in Spermathecae of the Migratory Locust,Locusta migratoria migratorioidesR. & F. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1988. [DOI: 10.1080/01688170.1988.10510384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Paesen G, Novak F, Swevers L, De Clerck D, De Loof A. The presence of a pregnenolone-binding factor in the copulatory organ of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides R. & F. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1988; 72:402-7. [PMID: 3240850 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(88)90162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of binding sites for nonecdysteroid steroids was investigated in the cytosol of several tissues of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides. Binding of androgens was not observed. Most tissues, however, showed nonsaturable binding of estrogens and in some tissues saturable progestin binding could be demonstrated. A pregnenolone binder, that was found to be present in the male copulatory organ, was further studied. It showed a dissociation constant of 4.4 (+/- 1.6) X 10(-8) M. This is the first report of a nonecdysteroid steroid-binding factor in an insect tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Paesen
- Zoological Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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