Characterization and in vitro expression of arginine kinase gene in the invasive western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis

Comparative hemolymph proteomic analyses of the freezing and resistance-freezing Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)

The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most harmful pests of maize in Asia. It poses a significant threat to maize production, causing economic losses due to its strong ecological adaptation. In this study, we compared and analyzed the hemolymph proteome between freezing and resistance-freezing O. furnacalis strains using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to gain insights into the mechanisms of cold resistance. The results revealed that 300-400 hemolymph protein spots were common, with 24 spots showing differences between the two strains. Spectrometry analysis revealed 21 protein spots, including 17 upregulated spots and 4 downregulated ones. The expression of upregulation/downregulation proteins plays a crucial role in the metabolism, energy supply, and defense reaction of insects. Proteomics research not only provides a method for investigating protein expression patterns but also identifies numerous attractive candidates for further exploration.

Protein Kinases as Potential Targets Contribute to the Development of Agrochemicals

Using agrochemicals against pest insects, fungi, and weeds plays a major part in maintaining and improving crop yields, which helps to solve the issue of food security. Due to the limited targets and resistance of agrochemicals, protein kinases are regarded as attractive potential targets to develop new agrochemicals. Recently, a lot of investigations have shown the extension of agrochemicals by targeting protein kinases, implying an increasing concern for this kind of method. However, few people have summarized and discussed the targetability of protein kinases contributing to the development of agrochemicals. In this work, we introduce the research on protein kinases as potential targets used in crop protection and discuss the prospects of protein kinases in the field of agrochemical development. This study may not only provide guidance for the contribution of protein kinases to the development of agrochemicals but also help nonprofessionals such as students learn and understand the role of protein kinases quickly.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of arginine kinase genes leads to high mortality and negatively affect reproduction and blood-feeding behavior of Culex pipiens pallens

BACKGROUND

Arginine kinase (AK) is one of the crucial enzymes involved in energy metabolism in invertebrates, and has been proposed as the target for RNA interference (RNAi)-based control of agricultural insect pests. While there is only one AK gene in most insects, two AK genes were identified in Culex pipiens pallens, the primary vector of lymphatic filariasis and epidemic encephalitis.

METHODS

The full-length cDNA sequences of CpAK1 and CpAK2 genes were obtained by reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The expression levels of CpAK1 and CpAK2 in different developmental stages and tissues were detected by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The role of CpAK1 and CpAK2 in the reproduction and blood feeding behavior was analyzed using RNA interference (RNAi).

RESULTS

Full-length cDNAs of CpAK1 and CpAK2 were isolated from Cx. pipiens pallens. Analysis of the expression pattern revealed that the mRNA level of CpAK1 was significantly higher than CpAK2 in all development stages and tissues examined, and the expressions of both CpAK1 and CpAK2 were upregulated in response to blood feeding. The co-knockdown of CpAK1 and CpAK2 mediated by RNAi led to high mortality (74.3%) of adult female mosquitoes and decreased hatchability (59.9%). Remarkably, the blood feeding rate and the engorgement rate of the female mosquitoes were negatively affected by co-injection of dsRNAs targeting CpAK1 and CpAK2.

CONCLUSION

CpAK1 and CpAK2 were detected in all developmental stages and tissues, but showed divergence in expression level. RNAi-mediated knockdown of AK genes leads to high mortality and negatively affect blood-feeding behavior of Cx. pipiens pallens, suggesting that AK could be used for the target of RNAi-based mosquito control in the future.

Characterization and expression of arginine kinase 2 from Macrobrachium nipponense in response to salinity stress

Salinity is a fundamental environmental factor in aquaculture, and arginine kinase (AK) plays imperative roles in innate immune feedback and stress resistance in invertebrates. In the current study, we cloned a full-length cDNA of arginine kinase 2 (MnAK2, GenBank number, MN149533) in Macrobrachium nipponense and analyzed its function through a salinity challenge using bioinformatic approaches. MnAK2 was expressed at the highest levels in hepatopancreas and muscle. Changes in the expression levels of MnAK2, enzymes involved in innate immunity, antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant enzyme-related genes, and the glutathione and malondialdehyde contents were investigated after 6-week salinity treatment. The expression of MnAK2 gradually increased as salinity increased, and western blotting showed that MnAK2 was significantly upregulated in the 14 and 22 ppt salinity-treatment groups relative to the control group. The findings indicate that high salinity produces oxidative stress and that salinity below isotonic salinity might improve the antioxidant response in M. nipponense. MnAK2 may play a crucial role in the response to salinity stress in M. nipponense.

Natural Products Containing 'Rare' Organophosphorus Functional Groups

Phosphorous-containing molecules are essential constituents of all living cells. While the phosphate functional group is very common in small molecule natural products, nucleic acids, and as chemical modification in protein and peptides, phosphorous can form P⁻N (phosphoramidate), P⁻S (phosphorothioate), and P⁻C (e.g., phosphonate and phosphinate) linkages. While rare, these moieties play critical roles in many processes and in all forms of life. In this review we thoroughly categorize P⁻N, P⁻S, and P⁻C natural organophosphorus compounds. Information on biological source, biological activity, and biosynthesis is included, if known. This review also summarizes the role of phosphorylation on unusual amino acids in proteins (N- and S-phosphorylation) and reviews the natural phosphorothioate (P⁻S) and phosphoramidate (P⁻N) modifications of DNA and nucleotides with an emphasis on their role in the metabolism of the cell. We challenge the commonly held notion that nonphosphate organophosphorus functional groups are an oddity of biochemistry, with no central role in the metabolism of the cell. We postulate that the extent of utilization of some phosphorus groups by life, especially those containing P⁻N bonds, is likely severely underestimated and has been largely overlooked, mainly due to the technological limitations in their detection and analysis.