Insect acetylcholinesterase: catalytic properties, tissue distribution and molecular forms

Identification of a Novel Inhibitor of Cimex lectularius Acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) stands as a primary target of commercial insecticides, notably organophosphates and carbamates. Despite their widespread use in agricultural and indoor pest control, concerns over their high toxicity and the emergence of resistance have restricted their efficacy. In this study, we conducted high-throughput virtual screening against both wild-type (WT) and resistant Cimex lectularius AChE utilizing a library encompassing 1 270 000 compounds. From this screening, we identified 100 candidate compounds and subsequently assessed their inhibitory effects on purified AChE enzymes. Among these candidates, AE027 emerged as a potent inhibitor against both WT and resistant AChE, exhibiting IC50 values of 10 and 43 μM, respectively. Moreover, the binding of AE027 significantly stabilized AChE, elevating its melting temperature by approximately 7 °C. Through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation, we delineated the binding mode of AE027, revealing its interaction with a site adjacent to the catalytic center, which is distinct from known inhibitors, with differing poses observed between WT and resistant AChE. Notably, the resistance mutation F348Y, positioned at a site directly interfacing with AE027, impedes ligand binding through steric hindrance. Furthermore, we evaluated the toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties of AE027 utilizing bioinformatics tools. These findings lay a crucial foundation for the development of a novel generation of insecticides that can combat both WT and resistant pest populations effectively and safely.

Structure-Activity Relationships Reveal Beneficial Selectivity Profiles of Inhibitors Targeting Acetylcholinesterase of Disease-Transmitting Mosquitoes

Insecticide resistance jeopardizes the prevention of infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever by vector control of disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Effective new insecticidal compounds with minimal adverse effects on humans and the environment are therefore urgently needed. Here, we explore noncovalent inhibitors of the well-validated insecticidal target acetylcholinesterase (AChE) based on a 4-thiazolidinone scaffold. The 4-thiazolidinones inhibit AChE1 from the mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti at low micromolar concentrations. Their selectivity depends primarily on the substitution pattern of the phenyl ring; halogen substituents have complex effects. The compounds also feature a pendant aliphatic amine that was important for activity; little variation of this group is tolerated. Molecular docking studies suggested that the tight selectivity profiles of these compounds are due to competition between two binding sites. Three 4-thiazolidinones tested for in vivo insecticidal activity had similar effects on disease-transmitting mosquitoes despite a 10-fold difference in their in vitro activity.

Effects of dietary fluoranthene on tissue-specific responses of carboxylesterases, acetylcholinesterase and heat shock protein 70 in two forest lepidopteran species

In this study, responses of carboxylesterases, acetylcholinesterase, and stress protein Hsp70 were examined in the midgut and midgut tissue, and brain of fifth instar larvae of Lymantria dispar L. and Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. following chronic exposure to dietary fluoranthene. Specific carboxylesterase activity increased significantly in the midgut tissue of E. chrysorrhoea larvae treated with a lower fluoranthene concentration. The specific patterns of isoforms expression, recorded in larvae of both species, enable efficient carboxylesterase activity as a significant part of defense mechanisms. Increased Hsp70 concentration in the brain of L. dispar larvae points to a response to the proteotoxic effects of a lower fluoranthene concentration. Decreased Hsp70 in the brain of E. chrysorrhoea larvae in both treated groups can suggest induction of other mechanisms of defense. The results indicate the importance of the examined parameters in larvae of both species exposed to the pollutant, as well as their potential as biomarkers.

Novel Sophoridine Derivatives as Potential Larvicidal Agents against Aedes albopictus: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, and Morphological Study

Two series of novel sophoridine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti-mosquito activity. SOP-2g, SOP-2q, and SOP-2r exhibited potential larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus larva with LC₅₀ values of 330.98, 430.53, and 411.09 ppm, respectively. Analysis of structure-activity relationships indicated that the oxime ester group was beneficial for improving the larvicidal biological activity, whereas the long-chain aliphatic group and fused-ring group were introduced. Furthermore, the larvicidal mechanism was also investigated based on the inhibition assay of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the morphological observation of dead larva treated with derivatives. Results indicated that the AChE inhibitory activity of the preferred three derivatives were 63.16%, 46.67%, and 35.11%, respectively, at 250 ppm concentration. Additionally, morphological evidence demonstrated that SOP-2q and SOP-2r induced changes in the larva's intestinal cavity, caudal gill, and tail, thereby displaying larvicidal action against Ae. albopictus together with AChE inhibition. Therefore, this study implied that sophoridine and its novel derivatives could be used to control the population of mosquito larva, which may also be effective alkaloids to reduce the mosquito population density.

Dynamic Roles of Insect Carboxyl/Cholinesterases in Chemical Adaptation

Insects have evolved several intricate defense mechanisms to adapt to their chemical environment. Due to their versatile capabilities in hydrolytic biotransformation, insect carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs) play vital roles in the development of pesticide resistance, facilitating the adaptation of insects to their host plants, and manipulating insect behaviors through the olfaction system. CCEs confer insecticide resistance through the mechanisms of qualitative or quantitative changes of CCE-mediated enhanced metabolism or target-site insensitivity, and may contribute to the host plant adaptation. CCEs represent the first odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) discovered to degrade insect pheromones and plant odors and remain the most promising ODE candidates. Here, we summarize insect CCE classification, currently characterized insect CCE protein structure characteristics, and the dynamic roles of insect CCEs in chemical adaptation.

Comparative genomic analysis of carboxylesterase genes in Tenebrio molitor and other four tenebrionids

Carboxylesterases (COEs) have various functions in wide taxons of organisms. In insects, COEs are important enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of a variety of ester-containing xenobiotics, neural signal transmission, pheromone degradation, and reproductive development. Understanding the diversity of COEs is basic to illustrate their functions. In this study, we identified 53, 105, 37, and 39 COEs from the genomes of Tenebrio molitor, Asbolus verucosus, Hycleus cichorii, and H. phaleratus in the superfamily of Tenebrionidea, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 234 COEs from these four species and those reported in Tribolium castaneum (63) could be divided into 12 clades and three major classes. The α-esterases significantly expanded in T. molitor, A. verucosus, and T. castaneum compared to dipteran and hymenopteran insects. In T. molitor, most COEs showed tissue and stage-specific but not a sex-biased expression. Our results provide insights into the diversity and evolutionary characteristics of COEs in tenebrionids, and lay a foundation for the functional characterization of COEs in the yellow mealworm.

Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Acting on the Pesticide Resistant and Susceptible Cotton Pests

Gossypium spp., produces economically important cotton fiber, and its yield is highly affected due to pest attacks. Insecticidal target site mutation is one of the reasons behind insecticide resistance to a wide range of pesticides. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) protein sequences from major pests of cotton were analyzed to assess various physicochemical properties, presence of motifs, and understand evolutionary relationship. The impact of three mutant AChE1, A. lucorum A216S, B. tabaci F392W, and A. gossypii A302S, on the strucutral stability was assessed, and F392W_AChE1 was selected based on 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Virtual screening of the zinc database and high-throughput virtual screening, standard precision, and extra precision docking resulted in the identification of six compounds. The six identified compounds and six known commercial pesticdes were docked with three mutant and three wild type AChE1, and one (C1) was selected based on Tice criteria. The conformational and interaction stability of the AChE1-C1 and F392W_AChE1-C1 complexes were monitored at 100 ns Gromacs simulation and were found to be thermodynamically favorable. Therefore, C1 may have the potential to bind to the resistant and susceptible strains of cotton pest, and the resistance developed by insects could be arrested. Furthermore, synthesis and field study of C1 will lead us to a better understanding of the efficacy of the identified compound.

Neurotoxic Zanthoxylum chalybeum root constituents invoke mosquito larval growth retardation through ecdysteroidogenic CYP450s transcriptional perturbations

Intracellular effects exerted by phytochemicals eliciting insect growth-retarding responses during vector control intervention remain largely underexplored. We studied the effects of Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. (Rutaceae) (ZCE) root derivatives against malaria (Anopheles gambiae) and arbovirus vector (Aedes aegypti) larvae to decipher possible molecular targets. We report dose-dependent biphasic effects on larval response, with transient exposure to ZCE and its bioactive fraction (ZCFr.5) inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, inducing larval lethality and growth retardation at sublethal doses. Half-maximal lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) for ZCE against An. gambiae and Ae. aegypti larvae after 24-h exposure were 9.00 ppm and 12.26 ppm, respectively. The active fraction ZCFr.5 exerted LC₅₀ of 1.58 ppm and 3.21 ppm for An. gambiae and Ae. aegypti larvae, respectively. Inhibition of AChE was potentially linked to larval toxicity afforded by 2-tridecanone, palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid), linoleic acid ((Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid), sesamin, β-caryophyllene among other compounds identified in the bioactive fraction. In addition, the phenotypic larval retardation induced by ZCE root constituents was exerted through transcriptional modulation of ecdysteroidogenic CYP450 genes. Collectively, these findings provide an explorative avenue for developing potential mosquito control agents from Z. chalybeum root constituents.

In silico annotation of unreviewed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in some lepidopteran insect pest species reveals the causes of insecticide resistance

Lepidoptera is the second most diverse insect order outnumbered only by the Coeleptera. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the major target site for insecticides. Extensive use of insecticides, to inhibit the function of this enzyme, have resulted in the development of insecticide resistance. Complete knowledge of the target proteins is very important to know the cause of resistance. Computational annotation of insect acetylcholinesterase can be helpful for the characterization of this important protein. Acetylcholinesterase of fourteen lepidopteran insect pest species was annotated by using different bioinformatics tools. AChE in all the species was hydrophilic and thermostable. All the species showed lower values for instability index except L. orbonalis, S. exigua and T. absoluta. Highest percentage of Arg, Asp, Asn, Gln and Cys were recorded in P. rapae. High percentage of Cys and Gln might be reason for insecticide resistance development in P. rapae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the AChE in T. absoluta, L. orbonalis and S. exigua are closely related and emerged from same primary branch. Three functional motifs were predicted in eleven species while only two were found in L. orbonalis, S. exigua and T. absoluta. AChE in eleven species followed secretory pathway and have signal peptides. No signal peptides were predicted for S. exigua, L. orbonalis and T. absoluta and follow non secretory pathway. Arginine methylation and cysteine palmotylation was found in all species except S. exigua, L. orbonalis and T. absoluta. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor was predicted in only nine species.

Enzymes mediating resistance to chlorpyriphos in Aphis fabae (Homoptera: Aphididae)

The black bean aphid, Aphis fabae (Homoptera: Aphididae), is a widespread pest that has more than 200 hosts in the world. Insecticide resistance (IR) due to frequent applications is the major limitation in integrated pest management programs. Biochemical resistance is a common type of IR in which the insecticide is detoxified by one or more enzymes of the pest before reaching its target site. In this study, the IR of A. fabae populations to chlorpyrifos was evaluated in two single sprayed fields (fields A and C) and one replicated spraying field (field B) in comparison with a susceptible population (field H) during 2015. After treatments, total protein content and the activity of two detoxifying enzymes, esterases (ESTs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the populations were determined. Results clearly showed higher total protein content for the field populations compared to the susceptible population. The total protein content in field B population was significantly more than other populations. The total protein contents in Field A, B and C were 2.81, 2.89 and 1.06-fold more than susceptible strain, respectively. Higher actives of enzymes were observed in fields A, B, and C populations compared to the susceptible population (field H). The highest activity of GSTs and ESTs was observed in the field B population. Taken together, the present study demonstrated a significant IR to chlorpyrifos in the sprayed populations of A. fabae that can be attributed to the higher activity of their detoxification enzymes.

Transcriptome analysis of putative detoxification genes in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri

BACKGROUND

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a notorious pest that transmits the causal agent of huanglongbing (also called citrus greening disease). Resistance to insecticide in this destructive pest poses a serious threat to the citrus industry. To date, no systemic studies on genes coding for detoxification enzymes has been carried out on D. citri.

RESULTS

Multiple transcriptomes were generated through deep sequencing of RNA libraries. Candidate genes potentially involved in detoxification including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and esterases (ESTs) were systematically identified by searching the transcriptomes and a draft genome assembly. A total of 49, 14 and 20 genes were found encoding CYPs, GSTs, and ESTs, respectively, in D. citri. The total numbers of candidate detoxification genes were much smaller than the counterparts reported in other insect species, which may reflect the strict oligophagy of this insect species. Developmental stage- and tissue-specific expression patterns of the identified genes as well as their responses to insecticide treatments identified a small set of genes that could participate in detoxifying plant secondary metabolites and insecticides.

CONCLUSION

Our studies represent the most comprehensive investigation to date on identification, characterization and expression profiling of detoxification genes in D. citri. The information revealed in this study shall be useful in designing strategies to manage this important insect pest. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Detrimental Effects of Induced Antibodies on Aedes aegypti Reproduction

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae) is the main vector of viruses causing dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, worldwide. This report focuses on immuno-blocking four critical proteins in the female mosquito when fed on blood containing antibodies against ferritin, transferrin, one amino acid transporter (NAAT1), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE). Peptides from these proteins were selected, synthetized, conjugated to carrier proteins, and used as antigens to immunize New Zealand rabbits. After rabbits were immunized, a minimum of 20 female mosquitos were fed on each rabbit, per replicate. No effect in their viability was observed after blood-feeding; however, the number of infertile females was 20% higher than the control when fed on AchE-immunized rabbits. The oviposition period was significantly longer in females fed on immunized rabbits than those fed on control (non-immunized) rabbits. Fecundity (eggs/female) of treated mosquitoes was significantly reduced (about 50%) in all four treatments, as compared with the control. Fertility (hatched larvae) was also significantly reduced in all four treatments, as compared with the control, being the effect on AchE and transferrin the highest, by reducing hatching between 70 and 80%. Survival to the adult stage of the hatched larvae showed no significant effect, as more than 95% survival was observed in all treatments, including the control. In conclusion, immuno-blocking of these four proteins caused detrimental effects on the mosquito reproduction, being the effect on AchE the most significant.

Using targeted next-generation sequencing to characterize genetic differences associated with insecticide resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus populations from the southern U.S

Resistance to insecticides can hamper the control of mosquitoes such as Culex quinquefasciatus, known to vector arboviruses such as West Nile virus and others. The strong selective pressure exerted on a mosquito population by the use of insecticides can result in heritable genetic changes associated with resistance. We sought to characterize genetic differences between insecticide resistant and susceptible Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes using targeted DNA sequencing. To that end, we developed a panel of 122 genes known or hypothesized to be involved in insecticide resistance, and used an Ion Torrent PGM sequencer to sequence 125 unrelated individuals from seven populations in the southern U.S. whose resistance phenotypes to permethrin and malathion were known from previous CDC bottle bioassay testing. Data analysis consisted of discovering SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) and genes with evidence of copy number variants (CNVs) statistically associated with resistance. Ten of the seventeen genes found to be present in higher copy numbers were experimentally validated with real-time PCR. Of those, six, including the gene with the knock-down resistance (kdr) mutation, showed evidence of a ≥ 1.5 fold increase compared to control DNA. The SNP analysis revealed 228 unique SNPs that had significant p-values for both a Fisher’s Exact Test and the Cochran-Armitage Test for Trend. We calculated the population frequency for each of the 64 nonsynonymous SNPs in this group. Several genes not previously well characterized represent potential candidates for diagnostic assays when further validation is conducted.

Molecular and functional properties of two Spodoptera exigua acetylcholinesterase genes

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a vital enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine. Here, full-length complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of two acetylcholinesterase genes (SeAce1 and SeAce2) were obtained from Spodoptera exigua, a widespread phytophagous pest in agriculture. The complete SeAce1 cDNA comprised 5447 nucleotides including an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 694 amino acids, while SeAce2 cDNA encompassed a 1917-bp ORF which would likely yield 638 amino acids. Both SeAce1 and SeAce2 contained specific characteristics of functional AChE. A phylogenetic tree of all lepidopteran insect Aces showed S. exigua clustered with S. litura, Helicoverpa assulta, and H. armigera, all of which are Noctuidae. In S. exigua, SeAce1 gene expression levels (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and quantitative RT-PCR) were markedly increased compared with SeAce2 in all developmental phases and tissue types. Both genes were down regulated by inserting the corresponding dsRNAs in 5th instar larvae, which resulted in 56.7% (SeAce1) and 24.6% (SeAce2) death. Downregulation of both SeAce1 and SeAce2 significantly reduced fecundity and vitellogenin gene expression in S. exigua. These results revealed the biological functions of the two Ace genes (SeAce1 and SeAce2), providing novel insights into the development of strategies for controlling insect pests.

Ohm R, Drobne D, Jemec Kokalj A. First evidence of cholinesterase-like activity in Basidiomycota

Cholinesterases (ChE), the enzymes whose primary function is the hydrolysis of choline esters, are widely expressed throughout the nature. Although they have already been found in plants and microorganisms, including ascomycete fungi, this study is the first report of ChE-like activity in fungi of the phylum Basidiomycota. This activity was detected in almost a quarter of the 45 tested aqueous fungal extracts. The ability of these extracts to hydrolyse acetylthiocholine was about ten times stronger than the hydrolytic activity towards butyrylthiocholine and propionylthiocholine. In-gel detection of ChE-like activity with acetylthiocholine indicated a great variability in the characteristics of these enzymes which are not characterized as vertebrate-like based on (i) differences in inhibition by excess substrate, (ii) susceptibility to different vertebrate acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors, and (iii) a lack of orthologs using phylogenetic analysis. Limited inhibition by single inhibitors and multiple activity bands using in-gel detection indicate the presence of several ChE-like enzymes in these aqueous extracts. We also observed inhibitory activity of the same aqueous mushroom extracts against insect acetylcholinesterase in 10 of the 45 samples tested; activity was independent of the presence of ChE-like activity in extracts. Both ChE-like activities with different substrates and the ability of extracts to inhibit insect acetylcholinesterase were not restricted to any fungal family but were rather present across all included Basidiomycota families. This study can serve as a platform for further research regarding ChE activity in mushrooms.

Noncovalent Inhibitors of Mosquito Acetylcholinesterase 1 with Resistance-Breaking Potency

Resistance development in insects significantly threatens the important benefits obtained by insecticide usage in vector control of disease-transmitting insects. Discovery of new chemical entities with insecticidal activity is highly desired in order to develop new insecticide candidates. Here, we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of phenoxyacetamide-based inhibitors of the essential enzyme acetylcholinesterase 1 (AChE1). AChE1 is a validated insecticide target to control mosquito vectors of, e.g., malaria, dengue, and Zika virus infections. The inhibitors combine a mosquito versus human AChE selectivity with a high potency also for the resistance-conferring mutation G122S; two properties that have proven challenging to combine in a single compound. Structure-activity relationship analyses and molecular dynamics simulations of inhibitor-protein complexes have provided insights that elucidate the molecular basis for these properties. We also show that the inhibitors demonstrate in vivo insecticidal activity on disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Our findings support the concept of noncovalent, selective, and resistance-breaking inhibitors of AChE1 as a promising approach for future insecticide development.

Molecular and biochemical characterization of the bed bug salivary gland cholinesterase as an acetylcholine-sequestering enzyme

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, possesses a cholinesterase expressed exclusively in the salivary gland (ClSChE). In this study, we investigated the molecular forms, tissue distribution patterns and biochemical properties of ClSChE and showed that ClSChE exists as a soluble monomeric form or a soluble dimeric form connected by a disulfide bridge. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that ClSChE was expressed in the epithelial cells of both the salivary gland and the duct. In addition, the secretion of monomeric ClSChE through the proboscis during feeding was confirmed by western blotting using a ClSChE-specific antibody. To predict the role of ClSChE injected into the tissue of an animal host, we analyzed the extent of hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) by ClSChE by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. ClSChE binding to ACh was not clearly resolved in the binding assay format used in this study, probably due to the weak but detectable ACh-hydrolytic activity of ClSChE. Nevertheless, kinetic analysis revealed that ClSChE possesses extremely low K_m (high affinity to ACh) and V_max values. These findings suggest that ClSChE functions virtually as an ACh-sequestering protein by having a very strong affinity to ACh but an extremely long turnover time. Given that ACh regulates a wide variety of host physiologies, we discuss the tentative roles of ClSChE in blood vessel constriction and itch/pain regulation in the host.

Caligus rogercresseyi acetylcholinesterase types and variants: a potential marker for organophosphate resistance

Background

Control of the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi in the Chilean salmonid industry is reliant on chemical treatments. Azamethiphos was introduced in 2013, although other organophosphates were previously used. In 2014, reduced sensitivity to azamethiphos was detected in the Los Lagos Region using bioassays. The main target of organophosphates is the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Mutations in the AChE gene are the main cause of organophosphate resistance in arthropods, including other sea lice. In the present study, we aimed to characterize C. rogercresseyi AChE(s) gene(s) and to study the association between AChE variants and azamethiphos resistance in this sea louse species.

Methods

Samples of adult male and female C. rogercresseyi were collected in the Los Lagos Region in 2014. Twenty-four hour exposure bioassays with azamethiphos were performed to select sensitive and resistant lice. The full-length cDNA coding sequences encoding for two AChEs in C. rogercresseyi were molecularly characterized. One of the AChE genes was screened by direct sequencing in the azamethiphos-selected lice to search for variants. An additional louse sampling was performed before and after an azamethiphos treatment in the field in 2017 to validate the findings.

Results

The molecular analysis revealed two putative AChEs in C. rogercresseyi. In silico analysis and 3D modelling of the protein sequences identified both of them as invertebrate AChE type 1; they were named C. rogercresseyi AChE1a and 1b. AChE1a had the characteristics of the main synaptic AChE, while AChE1b lacked some of the important amino acids of a typical AChE. A missense change found in the main synaptic AChE (1a), F318F/V (F290 in Torpedo californica), was associated with survival of C. rogercresseyi at high azamethiphos concentrations (bioassays and field treatment). The amino acid change was located in the acyl pocket of the active-site gorge of the protein.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the presence of two types of AChE1 genes in C. rogercresseyi. Although enzymatic assays are needed, AChE1a is most probably the main synaptic AChE. The function of AChE1b is unknown, but evidence points to a scavenger role. The AChE1a F/V318 variant is most probably involved in organophosphate resistance, and can be a good marker for resistance monitoring.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3151-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Vector Control and Insecticidal Resistance in the African Malaria Mosquito Anopheles gambiae

Mosquito-borne diseases (including malaria) belong among the leading causes of death in humans. Vector control is a crucial part of the global strategy for management of mosquito-associated diseases, when insecticide use is the most important component in this effort. However, drug and insecticide resistance threaten the successes made with existing methods. Reduction or elimination of malaria is not possible without effective mosquito control. This article reviews current strategies of intervention in vector control to decrease transmission of disease and covers current relevant knowledge in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry.

Draft genome of the honey bee ectoparasitic mite, Tropilaelaps mercedesae, is shaped by the parasitic life history

The number of managed honey bee colonies has considerably decreased in many developed countries in recent years and ectoparasitic mites are considered as major threats to honey bee colonies and health. However, their general biology remains poorly understood. We sequenced the genome of Tropilaelaps mercedesae, the prevalent ectoparasitic mite infesting honey bees in Asia, and predicted 15 190 protein-coding genes that were well supported by the mite transcriptomes and proteomic data. Although amino acid substitutions have been accelerated within the conserved core genes of two mites, T. mercedesae and Metaseiulus occidentalis, T. mercedesae has undergone the least gene family expansion and contraction between the seven arthropods we tested. The number of sensory system genes has been dramatically reduced, but T. mercedesae contains all gene sets required to detoxify xenobiotics. T. mercedesae is closely associated with a symbiotic bacterium (Rickettsiella grylli-like) and Deformed Wing Virus, the most prevalent honey bee virus. T. mercedesae has a very specialized life history and habitat as the ectoparasitic mite strictly depends on the honey bee inside a stable colony. Thus, comparison of the genome and transcriptome sequences with those of a tick and free-living mites has revealed the specific features of the genome shaped by interaction with the honey bee and colony environment. Genome and transcriptome sequences of T. mercedesae, as well as Varroa destructor (another globally prevalent ectoparasitic mite of honey bee), not only provide insights into the mite biology, but may also help to develop measures to control the most serious pests of the honey bee.

Plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity: a possible biomarker for differential diagnosis between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies?

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an enzyme encoded by BCHE gene, responsible for secondary hydrolysis of the acetylcholine. K and -116A BCHE variants were associated with decrease in plasma BChE activity, and their influence has been investigated in diseases with a cholinergic deficit such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In order to check the influence of BCHE genetic variants on enzymatic activity, all patients and controls were genotyped for K and -116A variants. We found lower plasma BChE activity in DLB patients compared to elderly controls and to AD independent of the presence of K or -116A variants. Our results suggest that the reduction of total plasma BChE activity is probably associated with a feedback mechanism and provides a future perspective of using this enzyme as a possible plasmatic marker for differential diagnosis between AD and DLB.

N-Aryl-N'-ethyleneaminothioureas effectively inhibit acetylcholinesterase 1 from disease-transmitting mosquitoes

Vector control of disease-transmitting mosquitoes by insecticides has a central role in reducing the number of parasitic- and viral infection cases. The currently used insecticides are efficient, but safety concerns and the development of insecticide-resistant mosquito strains warrant the search for alternative compound classes for vector control. Here, we have designed and synthesized thiourea-based compounds as non-covalent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase 1 (AChE1) from the mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae (An. gambiae) and Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti), as well as a naturally occurring resistant-conferring mutant. The N-aryl-N'-ethyleneaminothioureas proved to be inhibitors of AChE1; the most efficient one showed submicromolar potency. Importantly, the inhibitors exhibited selectivity over the human AChE (hAChE), which is desirable for new insecticides. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of the thioureas revealed that small changes in the chemical structure had a large effect on inhibition capacity. The thioureas showed to have different SAR when inhibiting AChE1 and hAChE, respectively, enabling an investigation of structure-selectivity relationships. Furthermore, insecticidal activity was demonstrated using adult and larvae An. gambiae and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.

Metabolism and antioxidant defense in the larval chironomid Tanytarsus minutipalpus: adjustments to diel variations in the extreme conditions of Lake Magadi

Insect larvae are reported to be a major component of the simple but highly productive trophic web found in Lake Magadi (Kenya, Africa), which is considered to be one of the most extreme aquatic environments on Earth. Previous studies show that fish must display biochemical and physiological adjustments to thrive under the extreme conditions of the lake. However, information for invertebrates is lacking. In the present study, the occurrence of the larval chironomid Tanytarsus minutipalpus is reported in Lake Magadi for the first time. Additionally, changes in larval metabolism and antioxidant defense correlated with diel variations in the extremely hostile environmental conditions of the lake are described. Wide variations in water temperature (20.2-29.3°C) and dissolved oxygen content (3.2-18.6 mg O₂ l⁻¹) were observed at different times of day, without significant change in water pH (10.0±0.03). Temperature and dissolved oxygen were higher at 13:00 h (29.3±0.4°C and 18.6±1.0 mg O₂ l⁻¹) and 19:00 h (29.3±0.8°C and 16.2±1.6 mg O₂ l⁻¹) and lower at 01:00 h (21.1±0.1°C and 10.7±0.03 mg O₂ l⁻¹) and 07:00 h (20.2±0.4°C and 3.2±0.7 mg O₂ l⁻¹). Significant and parallel increases in parameters related to metabolism (cholinesterase, glucose, cholesterol, urea, creatinine and hemoglobin) and the antioxidant system (SOD, GPx, GR, GSH and GSSG) were observed in larvae collected at 13:00 h. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in pro-oxidants (ROS and NO), TOSC and oxidative damage parameters (LPO and DNA damage). Therefore, the observed increases in temperature and dissolved O₂ content in Lake Magadi were associated with changes in the antioxidant system of T. minutipalpus larvae. Adjustments performed by the chironomid larvae were efficient in maintaining body homeostasis, as well as protecting biomolecules against oxidative damage, so that oxidative stress did not occur. GSH-GSSG and GPx-GR systems appeared to play an essential role in the adjustments displayed by the chironomid larvae during the diel changes in the extreme conditions of Lake Magadi.

Summary: Insect larvae display adjustments in metabolism and oxidative status to overcome the diel variations in the extreme and harsh physicochemical conditions of Lake Magadi, a saline and alkaline lake in Kenya.

Insecticidal activity of an essential oil of Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) on common bed bug Cimex lectularius L. and molecular docking of major compounds at the catalytic site of ClAChE1

Emerging resistance to insecticides has influenced pharmaceutical research and the search for alternatives to control the common bed bug Cimex lectularius. In this sense, natural products can play a major role. Tagetes patula, popularly known as dwarf marigold, is a plant native to North America with biocide potential. The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological activity of T. patula essential oil (EO) against adult common bed bugs via exposure to dry residues by the Impregnated Paper Disk Test (IPDT) using cypermethrin as a positive control. We selected the enzyme acetylcholinesterase as a target for modeling studies, with the intent of investigating the molecular basis of any biological activity of the EO. Chemical analysis of the EO was performed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, oral and dermal acute toxicity tests were performed according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The sulforhodamine B assay (SRB) was performed to verify the cytotoxicity of EO to HaCaT cells. The EO eliminated 100 % of the bed bugs at 100 mg mL^-1 with an LC₅₀ value of 15.85 mg mL^-1. GC-MS analysis identified α-terpinolene, limonene, piperitenone, and piperitone as major components of the mixture. Molecular modeling studies of these major compounds suggested that they are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with good steric and electronic complementarity. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation revealed a LC₅₀ = 37.06 μg mL^-1 and in vivo acute toxicity showed an LC₅₀ >4000 mg kg^-1, indicating that the EO presents low risk of toxic side effects in humans. The T. patula essential oil components provide a promising strategy for controlling bed bug populations with low mammalian toxicity. These findings pave the way for further in vivo studies aimed at developing a safe and effective insecticide.

Survey of organophosphate resistance and an Ala216Ser substitution of acetylcholinesterase-1 gene associated with chlorpyrifos resistance in Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) collected from the transgenic Bt cotton fields in China

The mirid bug is frequently controlled by the application of organophosphorus insecticides in the transgenic Bt cotton field of China. A topical bioassay method was performed to evaluate the toxicities of chlorpyrifos and malathion towards field-collected Chinese populations of Apolygus lucorum from transgenic Bt cotton fields. For chlorpyrifos, the resistance ratios ranged from 0.8 to 9.4-fold compared to a susceptible strain. For malathion, the resistance levels relative to the susceptible strain ranged from 1.2 to 14.4-fold. Compared to a susceptible strain, the Cangzhou population from Hebei province showed the highest resistance ratios towards these insecticides. A comparison of the detoxifying and target enzyme activities between the Cangzhou population and a susceptible strain revealed that altered acetylcholinesterase possibly account for the chlorpyrifos and malathion resistance in the Cangzhou population. Two acetylcholinesterase (AChE-encoding) genes (designated Alace1 and Alace2) from the green mirid bug (A. lucorum) were identified. The Alace1 and Alace2 genes encoded 597 and 645 amino acids, respectively. Both AChE proteins had conserved motifs including a catalytic triad, a choline-binding site, and an acyl pocket. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that Alace1 had a much higher transcriptional level than Alace2, for the expression profiles of both spatial and time distributions. One amino acid substitution, Ala216Ser in Alace1, was found in the Cangzhou population. These results suggest that the mutation Ala216Ser should be most likely involved in organophosphorus resistance in A. lucorum.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and heat shock proteins (Hsp70) of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) larvae in response to long-term fluoranthene exposure

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may affect biochemical and physiological processes in living organisms, thus impairing fitness related traits and influencing their populations. This imposes the need for providing early-warning signals of pollution. Our study aimed to examine changes in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the concentration of heat shock proteins (Hsp70) in homogenates of brain tissues of fifth instar gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) larvae, exposed to the ubiquitous PAH, fluoranthene, supplemented to the rearing diet. Significantly increased activity of AChE in larvae fed on the diets with high fluoranthene concentrations suggests the necessity for elucidation of the role of AChE in these insects when exposed to PAH pollution. Significant induction of Hsp70 in gypsy moth larvae reared on the diets containing low fluoranthene concentrations, indicate that changes in the level of Hsp70 might be useful as an indicator of pollution in this widespread forest species.

Transcriptomic and Expression Analysis of the Salivary Glands in White-Backed Planthoppers, Sogatella furcifera

The white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is one of the serious rice pests because of its destructive feeding. The salivary glands of the WBPH play an important role in the feeding behaviour. Currently, however, very little is known about the salivary glands at the molecular level. We sequenced the salivary gland transcriptome (sialotranscripome) of adult WBPHs using the Illumina sequencing. A total of 65,595 transcripts and 51,842 unigenes were obtained from salivary glands. According to annotations against the Nr database, many of the unigenes identified were associated with the most studied enzymes in hemipteran saliva. In the present study, we identified 32 salivary protein genes from the WBPH sialotranscripome, which were categorized as those involved in sugar metabolism, detoxification, suppression of plant defense responses, immunity-related responses, general digestion, and other phytophagy processes. Tissue expression profiles analysis revealed that four of 32 salivary protein genes (multicopper oxidase 4, multicopper oxidase 6, carboxylesterase and uridine phosphorylase 1 isform X2) were primarily expressed in the salivary gland, suggesting that they played putative role in insect-rice interactions. 13 of 32 salivary protein genes were primarily expressed in gut, which might play putative role in digestive and detoxify mechanism. Development expression profiles analysis revealed that the expression level of 26 of 32 salivary protein genes had no significant difference, suggesting that they may play roles in every developmental stages of salivary gland of WBPH. The other six genes have a high expression level in the salivary gland of adult. 31 of 32 genes (except putative acetylcholinesterase 1) have no significant difference in male and female adult, suggesting that their expression level have no difference between sexes. This report analysis of the sialotranscripome for the WBPH, and the transcriptome provides a foundational list of the genes involved in feeding. Our data will be useful to investigate the mechanisms of interaction between the WBPH and the host plant.

Neurobehavioral and biochemical changes in Nauphoeta cinerea following dietary exposure to chlorpyrifos

The present study aimed to increase our understanding about the mode of toxic action of organophosphate pesticides in insects by evaluating the biochemical and neurobehavioral characteristics in Nauphoeta cinerea exposed to chlorpyrifos (CPF)-contaminated diet. The insects were exposed for 35 consecutive days to CPF at 0.078, 0.15625, 0.3125 and 0.625μg/g feed. Locomotor behavior was assessed for a 10-min trial in a novel arena and subsequently, biochemical analyses were carried out using the cockroaches' heads. In comparison to control, CPF-exposed cockroaches showed significant decreases in the total distance traveled, body rotation, turn angle and meandering, along with significant increase in the number of falls, time and episodes of immobility. The marked decrease in the exploratory profiles of CPF-exposed cockroaches was confirmed by track plots, whereas occupancy plot analyses showed a progressive dispersion at 0.15625μg/g feed group. Moreover, the heads of CPF-exposed cockroaches showed marked decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant status with concomitant significant elevation in dichlorofluorescein oxidation and lipid peroxidation levels in CPF-treated cockroaches. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analyses revealed bioaccumulation of CPF in cockroaches exposed to concentrations above 0.078μg/g feed. The findings from this investigation showed N. cinerea as a value model organism for the risk assessment of environmental organophosphate contamination in insects.

Different Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae Strains IMI330189 and IBC200614 on Enzymes Activities and Hemocytes of Locusta migratoria L

BACKGROUND

Metarhizium is an important class of entomopathogenic fungi in the biocontrol of insects, but its virulence is affected by insect immunity. To clarify the mechanism in virulence of Metarhizium, we compared the immunological differences in Locusta migratoria L. when exposed to two strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma).

RESULTS

The virulence of Ma IMI330189 was significantly higher than that of Ma IBC200614 to locust, and IMI330189 overcame the hemocytes and began destroying the hemocytes of locust at 72 h after spray, while locust is immune to IBC200614. IMI330189 could overcome the humoral immunity of locust by inhibiting the activities of phenol oxidase (PO), esterases, multi-function oxidases (MFOs) and acetylcholinesterases in locust while increasing the activities of glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), catalase and aryl-acylamidase (AA). However IBC200614 inhibit the activities of GSTs and AA in locust and increase the activities of MFOs, PO, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and chitinase in locust. The changes of enzymes activities in period of infection showed that the time period between the 2nd and the 5th day after spray is critical in the pathogenic process.

CONCLUSION

These results found the phenomenon that Ma initiatively broke host hemocytes, revealed the correlation between the virulence of Ma and the changes of enzymes activities in host induced by Ma, and clarified the critical period in the infection of Ma. So, these results should provide guidance for the construction of efficient biocontrol Ma strains.

Rhodnius prolixus supergene families of enzymes potentially associated with insecticide resistance

Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. Once known as an endemic health problem of poor rural populations in Latin American countries, it has now spread worldwide. The parasite is transmitted by triatomine bugs, of which Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) is one of the vectors and a model organism. This species occurs mainly in Central and South American countries where the disease is endemic. Disease prevention focuses on vector control programs that, in general, rely intensely on insecticide use. However, the massive use of chemical insecticides can lead to resistance. One of the major mechanisms is known as metabolic resistance that is associated with an increase in the expression or activity of detoxification genes. Three of the enzyme families that are involved in this process - carboxylesterases (CCE), glutathione s-transferases (GST) and cytochrome P450s (CYP) - are analyzed in the R. prolixus genome. A similar set of detoxification genes to those of the Hemipteran Acyrthosiphon pisum but smaller than in most dipteran species was found in R. prolixus genome. All major CCE classes (43 genes found) are present but the pheromone/hormone processing class had fewer genes than usual. One main expansion was detected on the detoxification/dietary class. The phosphotriesterase family, recently associated with insecticide resistance, was also represented with one gene. One microsomal GST gene was found and the cytosolic GST gene count (14 genes) is extremely low when compared to the other hemipteran species with sequenced genomes. However, this is similar to Apis mellifera, a species known for its deficit in detoxification genes. In R. prolixus 88 CYP genes were found, with representatives in the four clans (CYP2, CYP3, CYP4 and mitochondrial) usually found in insects. R. prolixus seems to have smaller species-specific expansions of CYP genes than mosquitoes and beetles, among others. The number of R. prolixus CYP genes is similar to the hemipteran Ac. pisum, although with a bigger expansion in CYP3 and CYP4 clans, along with several gene fragments, mostly in CYP4 clan. Eleven founding members of new families were detected, consisting of ten genes in the CYP3 clan and 1 gene in the CYP4 clan. Members of these clans were proposed to have important detoxification roles in insects. The identification of CCE, GST and CYP genes is of utmost importance for directing detoxification studies on triatomines that can help insecticide management strategies in control programs.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Two Acetylcholinesterases from the Salmon Louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme in cholinergic synapses. Most arthropods have two genes (ace1 and ace2), but only one encodes the predominant synaptic AChE, the main target for organophosphates. Resistance towards organophosphates is widespread in the marine arthropod Lepeophtheirus salmonis. To understand this trait, it is essential to characterize the gene(s) coding for AChE(s). The full length cDNA sequences encoding two AChEs in L. salmonis were molecularly characterized in this study. The two ace genes were highly similar (83.5% similarity at protein level). Alignment to the L. salmonis genome revealed that both genes were located close to each other (separated by just 26.4 kbp on the L. salmonis genome), resulting from a recent gene duplication. Both proteins had all the typical features of functional AChE and clustered together with AChE-type 1 proteins in other species, an observation that has not been described in other arthropods. We therefore concluded the presence of two versions of ace1 gene in L. salmonis, named ace1a and ace1b. Ace1a was predominantly expressed in different developmental stages compared to ace1b and was possibly active in the cephalothorax, indicating that ace1a is more likely to play the major role in cholinergic synaptic transmission. The study is essential to understand the role of AChEs in resistance against organophosphates in L. salmonis.

Gene silencing of two acetylcholinesterases reveals their cholinergic and non-cholinergic functions in Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion avenae

BACKGROUD

The function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is to terminate synaptic transmission by hydrolysing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in the synaptic cleft, and thus it is an effective target for organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) insecticides.

RESULTS

The transcript levels of the four Ace genes were dramatically suppressed by injection of their respective dsRNA in Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion avenae. However, the AChE activity changes in the Ace1 knockdown aphids were consistent with the significant transcript level changes of Ace1 genes in these aphids, but not for Ace2. Bioassay results indicated that the suppression of RpAce1 increased its susceptibilities to pirimicarb and malathion, and SaAce1 silencing also increased susceptibility to pirimicarb in S. avenae, whereas the knockdowns of RpAce2 and SaAce2 had a slight effect on their susceptibilities. The knockdown of Ace1 genes also caused significant reductions in fecundity in the aphids of their parental generation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that AChE1 is a predominant cholinergic enzyme and is the target of anticholinesterase insecticides in both R. padi and S. avenae. It also plays a non-cholinergic role in fecundity of these aphids. AChE2 may also be important for the toxicological function, although its importance appeared to be lower than that of AChE1.

Butyrylcholinesterase: K variant, plasma activity, molecular forms and rivastigmine treatment in Alzheimer's disease in a Southern Brazilian population

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which there is a decline of cholinergic function. The symptomatic AD treatment involves the use of ChEIs (cholinesterase inhibitors) as rivastigimine, a dual inhibitor. The human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an enzyme that has specific roles in cholinergic neurotransmission and it has been associated with AD. In the serum, BChE is found in four main molecular forms: G1 (monomer); G1-ALB (monomer linked to albumin); G2 (dimer); and G4 (tetramer). The interaction between the products of BCHE gene and CHE2 locus results in CHE2 C5+ and CHE2 C5- phenotypes. CHE2 C5+ phenotype and BChE-K are factors that influence on BChE activity. This work aimed to verify the proportions of BChE molecular forms, total and relative activity in 139 AD patients and 139 elderly controls, taking into account K variant, CHE2 locus, rivastigmine treatment and clinical dementia rating (CDR) of AD patients. Phenotypic frequencies of CHE2 C5+ and frequency of the carriers of the K allele were similar between groups. Total BChE activity in plasma was significantly lower in AD patients than in elderly controls. Furthermore, we found that reduction on plasma BChE activity is associated directly with AD progression in AD patients and that rivastigmine treatment has a stronger effect on BChE activity within the CDR2 group. The reduction in BChE activity did not occur proportionally in all molecular forms. Multiple regression analysis results confirmed that AD acts as the main factor in plasma BChE activity reduction and that severe stages are related with an even greater reduction. These findings suggest that the reduction of total plasma BChE and relative BChE molecular forms activity in AD patients is probably associated with a feedback mechanism and provides a future perspective of using this enzyme as a possible plasmatic secondary marker for AD.

Tissue distribution, characterization and in vitro inhibition of B-esterases in the earwig Forficula auricularia

Earwigs are important natural enemies of numerous pests in pome fruit orchards worldwide. Studying the effects of agricultural practices on these biological control agents is important for understanding its vulnerability in the field. The aim of this study was to characterize the B-esterase activities in the European earwig Forficula auricularia and to evaluate in vitro its sensitivity to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was mainly measured with 1.5 mM acetylthiocholine as the substrate in the microsomal fraction of earwig heads (70% of total AChE activity). Carboxylesterase (CbE) activities were measured with three substrates [5 mM 4-nitrophenyl acetate (4-NPA), 1mM 4-nitrophenyl valerate (4-NPV), and 2 mM α-naphtyl acetate (α-NA)] to examine different isoenzymes, which were present mainly in the cytosolic fraction (about 70-88% of total activities) of all earwig tissues. CbE activity was higher than AChE activity, especially with α-NA, then 4-NPA and lastly 4-NPV. Chlorpyrifos-oxon an organophosphate, and carbaryl a carbamate pesticide, inhibited AChE and CbE activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Earwig CbE activities showed a stronger sensitivity to organophosphate than AChE, with the strongest effect for chlorpyrifos-oxon on male carboxylesterase activities. CbE and AChE showed about the same sensitivity to carbamate pesticides regardless of sex. These results suggest that B-type esterases in the European earwig F.auricularia are suitable biomarkers of pesticide exposure.

Detection and geographical distribution of the organophosphate resistance-associated Δ3Q ace mutation in the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)

BACKGROUND

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most important pest of olives. Its control is based mostly on organophosphate (OP) insecticides, a practice that has led to resistance development. OP resistance in B. oleae has been associated with three mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the product of ace gene. The current study presents new diagnostic tests for the detection of the ace mutations and aims at monitoring the frequency of the Δ3Q mutation, which appears associated with resistance at higher OP doses in natural olive fly populations.

RESULTS

An allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and a Taq-Man test were developed for the Δ3Q mutation detection and a new duplex quantitative PCR assay was designed for the G488S and I214V mutations. Moreover, the frequency of Δ3Q mutation was examined in ten populations of eight countries around the Mediterranean basin. The highest frequencies (10%) were found in Greece and Italy, whereas a gradual decrease of Δ3Q frequency towards the western Mediterranean was noted.

CONCLUSION

Robust tests for insecticide resistance mutations at their incipient levels are essential tools to monitor the increase and geographical spread of such mutations. Three different tests were developed for AChE-Δ3Q that indicated its association with OP applications across the Mediterranean.

Acetylcholinesterase secreted by Anisakis simplex larvae (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitizing herring, Clupea harengus: an inverse relationship of enzyme activity in the host-parasite system

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a key enzyme involved in nerve impulse transmission in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In addition to neuromuscular AChE, many parasitic nematodes synthesize AChE in secretory glands and release the enzyme into their external environment. In this study, we evaluate the activities of both somatic and secreted AChE from larvae (L3) of the parasitic nematode Anisakis simplex, and compare these to the AChE activity in its host, herring, Clupea harengus. A. simplex larvae were obtained from a herring sampled in three areas of the southern Baltic. Enzyme kinetics were determined for excretory/secretory (E/S) products and somatic extracts of larvae as well as for herring muscle tissue. The results reveal that mean AChE activity is approximately fourfold higher in E/S products and eightfold higher in somatic extracts of post-secretory A. simplex larvae than in host muscle tissue. The level of AChE activity in nematodes is inversely related to the enzyme activity in their hosts, i.e. reduced AChE activity in herring was accompanied by increased enzyme activity in its parasites. The physiological function of AChE secreted by parasitic nematodes has been widely discussed in the literature, and numerous roles for this form of enzyme have been suggested. The results of our investigation indicate that AChE secretion by A. simplex larvae may constitute an adaptive mechanism that promotes survival under adverse environmental conditions. Larvae probably increase secretion of AChE in response to a direct and/or indirect effect of neurotoxic compounds. This is the first report of such a phenomenon in A. simplex.

Neurotoxicology of bis(n)-tacrines on Blattella germanica and Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase

A series of bis(n)-tacrines were used as pharmacological probes of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalytic and peripheral sites of Blattella germanica and Drosophila melanogaster, which express AChE-1 and AChE-2 isoforms, respectively. In general, the potency of bis(n)-tacrines was greater in D. melanogaster AChE (DmAChE) than in B. germanica AChE (BgAChE). The change in potency with tether length was high in DmAChE and low in BgAChE, associated with 90-fold and 5.2-fold maximal potency gain, respectively, compared to the tacrine monomer. The optimal tether length for Blattella was 8 carbons and for Drosophila was 10 carbons. The two species differed by only about twofold in their sensitivity to tacrine monomer, indicating that differential potency occurred among dimeric bis(n)-tacrines due to structural differences in the peripheral site. Multiple sequence alignment and in silico homology modeling suggest that aromatic residues of DmAChE confer higher affinity binding, and the lack of same at the BgAChE peripheral site may account, at least in part, to the greater overall sensitivity of DmAChE to bis(n)-tacrines, as reflected by in vitro assay data. Topical and injection assays in cockroaches found minimal toxicity of bis(n)-tacrines. Electrophysiological studies on D. melanogaster central nervous system showed that dimeric tacrines do not readily cross the blood brain barrier, explaining the observed nonlethality to insects. Although the bis(n)-tacrines were not good insecticide candidates, the information obtained in this study should aid in the design of selective bivalent ligands targeting insect, pests, and disease vectors.

The Leu-Arg-Glu (LRE) adhesion motif in proteins of the neuromuscular junction with special reference to proteins of the carboxylesterase/cholinesterase family

Short linear motifs confer evolutionary flexibility on proteins as they can be added with relative ease allowing the acquisition of new functions. Such motifs may mediate a variety of signalling functions. The adhesion-mediating Leu-Arg-Glu (LRE) motif is enriched in laminin beta 2, and has been observed in other proteins, including members of the carboxylesterase/cholinesterase family. It acts as a stop signal for growing axons in the developing neuromuscular junction, binding to the voltage-gated calcium channel. In this bioinformatic analysis, we have investigated the presence of the motif in proteins of the neuromuscular junction, and have also examined its structural position and potential for ligand interaction, as well as phylogenetic conservation, in the carboxylesterase/cholinesterase family. The motif was observed to occur with a significantly higher frequency than expected in the UniProt/Swiss-Prot database, as well as in four individual species (human, mouse, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster). Examination of its presence in neuromuscular junction proteins showed it to be enriched in certain proteins of the synaptic basement membrane, including laminin, agrin, acetylcholinesterase and tenascin. A highly significant enrichment was observed in cytoskeletal proteins, particularly intermediate filament proteins and members of the spectrin family. In the carboxylesterase/cholinesterase family, the motif was observed in four conserved positions in the protein structure. It is present in the majority of mammalian acetylcholinesterases, as well as acetylcholinesterases from electric fish and a number of invertebrates. In insects, it is present in the ace-2, rather than in the synaptic ace-1, enzyme. It is also observed in the cholinesterase-like adhesion molecules (neuroligins, neurotactin and glutactin). It is never seen in butyrylcholinesterases, which do not mediate cell adhesion. In conclusion, the significant enrichment of the motif in certain classes of protein, as well as its conserved presence and structural positioning in one protein family, suggests that it has specific functions both in cell adhesion in the neuromuscular junction and in maintaining the structural integrity of the cytoskeleton.

Acetylcholinesterase of the sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli): cDNA sequence, baculovirus expression, and biochemical properties

Background

Millions of people and domestic animals around the world are affected by leishmaniasis, a disease caused by various species of flagellated protozoans in the genus Leishmania that are transmitted by several sand fly species. Insecticides are widely used for sand fly population control to try to reduce or interrupt Leishmania transmission. Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major is vectored mainly by Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) in Asia and Africa. Organophosphates comprise a class of insecticides used for sand fly control, which act through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the central nervous system. Point mutations producing an altered, insensitive AChE are a major mechanism of organophosphate resistance in insects and preliminary evidence for organophosphate-insensitive AChE has been reported in sand flies. This report describes the identification of complementary DNA for an AChE in P. papatasi and the biochemical characterization of recombinant P. papatasi AChE.

Methods

A P. papatasi Israeli strain laboratory colony was utilized to prepare total RNA utilized as template for RT-PCR amplification and sequencing of cDNA encoding acetylcholinesterase 1 using gene specific primers and 3’-5’-RACE. The cDNA was cloned into pBlueBac4.5/V5-His TOPO, and expressed by baculovirus in Sf21 insect cells in serum-free medium. Recombinant P. papatasi acetylcholinesterase was biochemically characterized using a modified Ellman’s assay in microplates.

Results

A 2309 nucleotide sequence of PpAChE1 cDNA [GenBank: JQ922267] of P. papatasi from a laboratory colony susceptible to insecticides is reported with 73-83% nucleotide identity to acetylcholinesterase mRNA sequences of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Lutzomyia longipalpis, respectively. The P. papatasi cDNA ORF encoded a 710-amino acid protein [GenBank: AFP20868] exhibiting 85% amino acid identity with acetylcholinesterases of Cx. pipiens, Aedes aegypti, and 92% amino acid identity for L. longipalpis. Recombinant P. papatasi AChE1 was expressed in the baculovirus system and characterized as an insect acetylcholinesterase with substrate preference for acetylthiocholine and inhibition at high substrate concentration. Enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by eserine, BW284c51, malaoxon, and paraoxon, and was insensitive to the butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors ethopropazine and iso-OMPA.

Conclusions

Results presented here enable the screening and identification of PpAChE mutations resulting in the genotype for insensitive PpAChE. Use of the recombinant P. papatasi AChE1 will facilitate rapid in vitro screening to identify novel PpAChE inhibitors, and comparative studies on biochemical kinetics of inhibition.

Genomic structure, organization and localization of the acetylcholinesterase locus of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), encoded by the ace gene, is a key enzyme of cholinergic neurotransmission. Insensitive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been shown to be responsible for resistance to OPs and CBs in a number of arthropod species, including the most important pest of olives trees, the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. In this paper, the organization of the B. oleae ace locus, as well as the structural and functional features of the enzyme, are determined. The organization of the gene was deduced by comparison to the ace cDNA sequence of B. oleae and the organization of the locus in Drosophila melanogaster. A similar structure between insect ace gene has been found, with conserved exon-intron positions and junction sequences. The B. oleae ace locus extends for at least 75 kb, consists of ten exons with nine introns and is mapped to division 34 of the chromosome arm IIL. Moreover, according to bioinformatic analysis, the Bo AChE exhibits all the common features of the insect AChE. Such structural and functional similarity among closely related AChE enzymes may implicate similarities in insecticide resistance mechanisms.

Dimethoate affects cholinesterases in Folsomia candida and their locomotion--false negative results of an avoidance behaviour test

The main mode of action of organophosphate insecticides is to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which causes neuromuscular paralysis leading ultimately to death. The collembolan Folsomia candida is an important and standard test species in ecotoxicology, where effects on avoidance behaviour are assessed. Being related to insects they represent potential targets of insecticides such as the organophosphate dimethoate. In the present study we exposed F. candida to dimethoate having 2 main aims: 1) to assess the ability of F. candida to avoid it, and 2) to assess its effect on the cholinergic synapses to explore the link. For the latter, several sub-steps were needed: a) to characterise the existing ChE types and b) assess ChE activity (via exposure in vitro and in vivo). No avoidance was observed within the tested concentration range (0-0.32-1-3.2-10-32 mg/kg), in fact an apparent "attraction" (more animals on the spiked side) was observed. As expected, there was a significant decrease of AChE activities (AChE being the main ChE type) with an increase of dimethoate dose (IC(50)=1.4 mg/kg). Further, post-exposure video records showed that organisms were still alive in the spiked soil but lacked the locomotion ability (immobilised). The AChE inhibition correlated positively with immobilisation. Hence, this observation also showed that the apparent "attraction" behaviour observed in the avoidance test is rather a direct effect of not being able to escape due to paralysis hence a false-negative avoidance. This can constitute a confounding factor in an avoidance behaviour test and consequent interpretation, which is not accounted for at present.

Comparative studies on acetylcholinesterase characteristics between the aphids, Sitobion avenae and Rhopalosiphum padi

The aphids Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) and Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphidiae) are serious pests on grain crops and usually coexist on late period of wheat growth in China. Bioassays showed that R. padi was more susceptible than S. avenae to pirimicarb that is used for wheat aphid control, and the determination of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) sensitivity showed that the sensitivity of AChE to pirimicarb was significantly higher in R. padi than in S. avenae ( Lu and Gao 2009 ). AChE is the target enzyme of the carbamates, including pirimicarb, hence, to understand the mechanism responsible for the tolerance difference to carbamate insecticides of S. avenae and R. padi, we purified AChE from both aphid species using procainamide affinity column and characterized the AChE. The purification factor and yield from S. avenae (234.7-fold and 92.9%) were far higher than that from R. padi 17.3-fold and 13.9%. The results of substrate and inhibitor specificities of purified enzyme from both S. avenae and R. padi indicated that the purified enzyme was a typical AChE. The crude AChE extract from S. avenae was 5.4-, 4.3- and 8.1-fold less sensitive to inhibition by pirimicarb, methomyl and thiodicarb, respectively, than that from R. padi, whereas for the purified AChE, S. avenae was only 1.6-, 1.3- and 1.7-fold less sensitive to inhibition by pirimicarb, methomyl and thiodicarb, respectively, than R. padi. This suggests that eserine and BW284C51 may bind with other proteins, such as carboxylesterase, in the crude extract to reduce their inhibition against AChE. These results are useful for planning the chemical control of aphids on wheat.

BmNPV resistance of silkworm larvae resulting from the ingestion of TiO₂ nanoparticles

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) causes infection in the silkworm that is often lethal. The infection is hard to prevent, partly because of the nature of the virus particles and partly because of the different strains of B. mori. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have been demonstrated to have antimicrobial properties. The present study investigated whether TiO₂ NPs added to an artificial diet can increase the resistance of B. mori larvae to BmNPV and examined the molecular mechanism behind any resistance shown. The results indicated that ingested TiO₂ NPs decreased reactive oxygen species and NO accumulation in B. mori larvae under BmNPV infection, which in turn led to a decrease in their growth inhibition and mortality. In addition, the TiO₂ NPs significantly promoted the expression of resistance-related genes, including those encoding superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, acetylcholine esterase, carboxylesterase, heat shock protein 21, glutathione S transferase o1, P53, and transferring and of genes encoding cytochrome p302 and nitric oxide synthase. These findings are a useful addition to the understanding of the mechanism of BmNPV resistance of B. mori larvae in response to TiO₂ NPs addition. Such information also provides a theoretical basis for the use of TiO₂ NPs in sericulture.

Molecular and kinetic properties of two acetylcholinesterases from the western honey bee, Apis mellifera

We investigated the molecular and kinetic properties of two acetylcholinesterases (AmAChE1 and AmAChE2) from the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Western blot analysis revealed that AmAChE2 has most of catalytic activity rather than AmAChE1, further suggesting that AmAChE2 is responsible for synaptic transmission in A. mellifera, in contrast to most other insects. AmAChE2 was predominately expressed in the ganglia and head containing the central nervous system (CNS), while AmAChE1 was abundantly observed not only in the CNS but also in the peripheral nervous system/non-neuronal tissues. Both AmAChEs exist as homodimers; the monomers are covalently connected via a disulfide bond under native conditions. However, AmAChE2 was associated with the cell membrane via the glycophosphatidylinositol anchor, while AmAChE1 was present as a soluble form. The two AmAChEs were functionally expressed with a baculovirus system. Kinetic analysis revealed that AmAChE2 has approximately 2,500-fold greater catalytic efficiency toward acetylthiocholine and butyrylthiocholine than AmAChE1, supporting the synaptic function of AmAChE2. In addition, AmAChE2 likely serves as the main target of the organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) insecticides as judged by the lower IC₅₀ values against AmAChE2 than against AmAChE1. When OP and CB insecticides were pre-incubated with a mixture of AmAChE1 and AmAChE2, a significant reduction in the inhibition of AmAChE2 was observed, suggesting a protective role of AmAChE1 against xenobiotics. Taken together, based on their tissue distribution pattern, molecular and kinetic properties, AmAChE2 plays a major role in synaptic transmission, while AmAChE1 has non-neuronal functions, including chemical defense.

Select small core structure carbamates exhibit high contact toxicity to "carbamate-resistant" strain malaria mosquitoes, Anopheles gambiae (Akron)

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a proven target for control of the malaria mosquito (Anopheles gambiae). Unfortunately, a single amino acid mutation (G119S) in An. gambiae AChE-1 (AgAChE) confers resistance to the AChE inhibitors currently approved by the World Health Organization for indoor residual spraying. In this report, we describe several carbamate inhibitors that potently inhibit G119S AgAChE and that are contact-toxic to carbamate-resistant An. gambiae. PCR-RFLP analysis was used to confirm that carbamate-susceptible G3 and carbamate-resistant Akron strains of An. gambiae carry wild-type (WT) and G119S AChE, respectively. G119S AgAChE was expressed and purified for the first time, and was shown to have only 3% of the turnover number (k(cat)) of the WT enzyme. Twelve carbamates were then assayed for inhibition of these enzymes. High resistance ratios (>2,500-fold) were observed for carbamates bearing a benzene ring core, consistent with the carbamate-resistant phenotype of the G119S enzyme. Interestingly, resistance ratios for two oxime methylcarbamates, and for five pyrazol-4-yl methylcarbamates were found to be much lower (4- to 65-fold). The toxicities of these carbamates to live G3 and Akron strain An. gambiae were determined. As expected from the enzyme resistance ratios, carbamates bearing a benzene ring core showed low toxicity to Akron strain An. gambiae (LC(50)>5,000 μg/mL). However, one oxime methylcarbamate (aldicarb) and five pyrazol-4-yl methylcarbamates (4a-e) showed good to excellent toxicity to the Akron strain (LC(50) = 32-650 μg/mL). These results suggest that appropriately functionalized "small-core" carbamates could function as a resistance-breaking anticholinesterase insecticides against the malaria mosquito.

Acetylcholinesterase of Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae): baculovirus expression, biochemical properties, and organophosphate insensitivity of the G262A mutant

This study reports the baculovirus expression and biochemical characterization of recombinant acetylcholinesterase from Haematobia irritans (L.) (rHiAChE) and the effect of the previously described G262A mutation on enzyme activity and sensitivity to selected organophosphates. The rHiAChE was confirmed to be an insect AChE2-type enzyme with substrate preference for acetylthiocholine (Km 31.3 microM) over butyrylthiocholine (Km 63.4 microM) and inhibition at high substrate concentration. Enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by eserine (2.3 x 10(-10) M), BW284c51 (3.4 x 10(-8) M), malaoxon (3.6 x 10(-9) M), and paraoxon (1.8 x 10(-7) M), and was less sensitive to the butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors ethopropazine (1.1 x 10(-6) M) and iso-OMPA (4.1 x 10(-4) M). rHiAChE containing the G262A substitution exhibited decreased substrate affinity for both acetylthiocholine (Km 40.9 microM) and butyrylthiocholine (Km 96.3 microM), and exhibited eight-fold decreased sensitivity to paraoxon, and approximately 1.5- to 3-fold decreased sensitivity to other inhibitors. The biochemical kinetics are consistent with previously reported bioassay analysis, suggesting that the G262A mutation contributes to, but is not solely responsible for observed phenotypic resistance to diazinon or other organophosphates.