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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wu X, Lu X, Wang M, Ye D, Iqbal C, Sun W, Zhang X, Zhang L, Yang X. A Novel Peptidomimetic Insecticide: Dippu-AstR-Based Rational Design and Biological Activity of Allatostatin Analogs. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:11341-11350. [PMID: 38713071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Insect neuropeptides play an essential role in regulating growth, development, reproduction, nerve conduction, metabolism, and behavior in insects; therefore, G protein-coupled receptors of neuropeptides are considered important targets for designing green insecticides. Cockroach-type allatostatins (ASTs) (FGLamides allatostatins) are important insect neuropeptides in Diploptera punctata that inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis in the corpora allata and affect growth, development, and reproduction of insects. Therefore, the pursuit of novel insecticides targeting the allatostatin receptor (AstR) holds significant importance. Previously, we identified an AST analogue, H17, as a promising candidate for pest control. Herein, we first modeled the 3D structure of AstR in D. punctata (Dippu-AstR) and predicted the binding mode of H17 with Dippu-AstR to study the critical interactions and residues favorable to its bioactivity. Based on this binding mode, we designed and synthesized a series of H17 derivatives and assessed their insecticidal activity against D. punctata. Among them, compound Q6 showed higher insecticidal activity than H17 against D. punctata by inhibiting JH biosynthesis, indicating that Q6 is a potential candidate for a novel insect growth regulator (IGR)-based insecticide. Moreover, Q6 exhibited insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella, indicating that these AST analogs may have a wider insecticidal spectrum. The underlying mechanisms and molecular conformations mediating the interactions of Q6 with Dippu-AstR were explored to understand its effects on the bioactivity. The present work clarifies how a target-based strategy facilitates the discovery of new peptide mimics with better bioactivity, enabling improved IGR-based insecticide potency in sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xingxing Lu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meizi Wang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dexing Ye
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chandni Iqbal
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenyu Sun
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Pest Chemical Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinling Yang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Pest Chemical Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Crispim M, Verdaguer IB, Hernández A, Kronenberger T, Fenollar À, Yamaguchi LF, Alberione MP, Ramirez M, de Oliveira SS, Katzin AM, Izquierdo L. Beyond the MEP Pathway: A novel kinase required for prenol utilization by malaria parasites. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011557. [PMID: 38277417 PMCID: PMC10849223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A proposed treatment for malaria is a combination of fosmidomycin and clindamycin. Both compounds inhibit the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, the parasitic source of farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (FPP and GGPP, respectively). Both FPP and GGPP are crucial for the biosynthesis of several essential metabolites such as ubiquinone and dolichol, as well as for protein prenylation. Dietary prenols, such as farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH), can rescue parasites from MEP inhibitors, suggesting the existence of a missing pathway for prenol salvage via phosphorylation. In this study, we identified a gene in the genome of P. falciparum, encoding a transmembrane prenol kinase (PolK) involved in the salvage of FOH and GGOH. The enzyme was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and its FOH/GGOH kinase activities were experimentally validated. Furthermore, conditional knockout parasites (Δ-PolK) were created to investigate the biological importance of the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway. Δ-PolK parasites were viable but displayed increased susceptibility to fosmidomycin. Their sensitivity to MEP inhibitors could not be rescued by adding prenols. Additionally, Δ-PolK parasites lost their capability to utilize prenols for protein prenylation. Experiments using culture medium supplemented with whole/delipidated human plasma in transgenic parasites revealed that human plasma has components that can diminish the effectiveness of fosmidomycin. Mass spectrometry tests indicated that both bovine supplements used in culture and human plasma contain GGOH. These findings suggest that the FOH/GGOH salvage pathway might offer an alternate source of isoprenoids for malaria parasites when de novo biosynthesis is inhibited. This study also identifies a novel kind of enzyme related to isoprenoid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agustín Hernández
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Integrated Unit for Research in Biodiversity (BIOTROP-CCBS), Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Excellence Cluster "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Àngel Fenollar
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María Pía Alberione
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Ramirez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain
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Vasquez DDN, Pinheiro DH, Teixeira LA, Moreira-Pinto CE, Macedo LLP, Salles-Filho ALO, Silva MCM, Lourenço-Tessutti IT, Morgante CV, Silva LP, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Simultaneous silencing of juvenile hormone metabolism genes through RNAi interrupts metamorphosis in the cotton boll weevil. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1073721. [PMID: 36950526 PMCID: PMC10025338 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1073721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cotton boll weevil (CBW) (Anthonomus grandis) is one of the major insect pests of cotton in Brazil. Currently, CBW control is mainly achieved by insecticide application, which is costly and insufficient to ensure effective crop protection. RNA interference (RNAi) has been used in gene function analysis and the development of insect control methods. However, some insect species respond poorly to RNAi, limiting the widespread application of this approach. Therefore, nanoparticles have been explored as an option to increase RNAi efficiency in recalcitrant insects. Herein, we investigated the potential of chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) and polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles as a dsRNA carrier system to improve RNAi efficiency in the CBW. Different formulations of the nanoparticles with dsRNAs targeting genes associated with juvenile hormone metabolism, such as juvenile hormone diol kinase (JHDK), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), and methyl farnesoate hydrolase (MFE), were tested. The formulations were delivered to CBW larvae through injection (0.05-2 µg), and the expression of the target genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR. PEI nanoparticles increased targeted gene silencing compared with naked dsRNAs (up to 80%), whereas CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles decreased gene silencing (0%-20%) or led to the same level of gene silencing as the naked dsRNAs (up to 50%). We next evaluated the effects of targeting a single gene or simultaneously targeting two genes via the injection of naked dsRNAs or dsRNAs complexed with PEI (500 ng) on CBW survival and phenotypes. Overall, the gene expression analysis showed that the treatments with PEI targeting either a single gene or multiple genes induced greater gene silencing than naked dsRNA (∼60%). In addition, the injection of dsJHEH/JHDK, either naked or complexed with PEI, significantly affected CBW survival (18% for PEI nanoparticles and 47% for naked dsRNA) and metamorphosis. Phenotypic alterations, such as uncompleted pupation or malformed pupae, suggested that JHEH and JHDK are involved in developmental regulation. Moreover, CBW larvae treated with dsJHEH/JHDK + PEI (1,000 ng/g) exhibited significantly lower survival rate (55%) than those that were fed the same combination of naked dsRNAs (30%). Our findings demonstrated that PEI nanoparticles can be used as an effective tool for evaluating the biological role of target genes in the CBW as they increase the RNAi response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel D. N. Vasquez
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Lays A. Teixeira
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Embrapa Café, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo L. P. Macedo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Alvaro L. O. Salles-Filho
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Maria C. M. Silva
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Isabela T. Lourenço-Tessutti
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carolina V. Morgante
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
- Embrapa SemiArid, Petrolina, Brazil
| | | | - Maria F. Grossi-de-Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Maria F. Grossi-de-Sa,
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Li Z, Zhou C, Chen Y, Ma W, Cheng Y, Chen J, Bai Y, Luo W, Li N, Du E, Li S. Egfr signaling promotes juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the German cockroach. BMC Biol 2022; 20:278. [PMID: 36514097 PMCID: PMC9749228 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In insects, an interplay between the activities of distinct hormones, such as juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), regulates the progression through numerous life history hallmarks. As a crucial endocrine factor, JH is mainly synthesized in the corpora allata (CA) to regulate multiple physiological and developmental processes, including molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction. During the last century, significant progress has been achieved in elucidating the JH signal transduction pathway, while less progress has been made in dissecting the regulatory mechanism of JH biosynthesis. Previous work has shown that receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling regulates hormone biosynthesis in both insects and mammals. Here, we performed a systematic RNA interference (RNAi) screening to identify RTKs involved in regulating JH biosynthesis in the CA of adult Blattella germanica females. RESULTS We found that the epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) is required for promoting JH biosynthesis in the CA of adult females. The Egf ligands Vein and Spitz activate Egfr, followed by Ras/Raf/ERK signaling, and finally activation of the downstream transcription factor Pointed (Pnt). Importantly, Pnt induces the transcriptional expression of two key enzyme-encoding genes in the JH biosynthesis pathway: juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) and methyl farnesoate epoxidase (CYP15A1). Dual-luciferase reporter assay shows that Pnt is able to activate a promoter region of Jhamt. In addition, electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirms that Pnt directly binds to the - 941~ - 886 nt region of the Jhamt promoter. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the detailed molecular mechanism of Egfr signaling in promoting JH biosynthesis in the German cockroach, shedding light on the intricate regulation of JH biosynthesis during insect development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxin Li
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China ,grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, China
| | - Caisheng Zhou
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wentao Ma
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Cheng
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinxin Chen
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Bai
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Luo
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, China
| | - Erxia Du
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China ,grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, China
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An Efficient Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for the Analysis of Methyl Farnesoate Released in Growth Medium by Daphnia pulex. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238591. [PMID: 36500684 PMCID: PMC9736775 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methyl farnesoate (MF), a juvenile hormone, can influence phenotypic traits and stimulates male production in daphnids. MF is produced endogenously in response to stressful conditions, but it is not known whether this hormone can also be released into the environment to mediate stress signaling. In the present study, for the first time, a reliable solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) method was developed and validated for the ultra-trace analysis of MF released in growth medium by Daphnia pulex maintained in presence of crowding w/o MK801, a putative upstream inhibitor of MF endogenous production. Two different clonal lineages, I and S clones, which differ in the sensitivity to the stimuli leading to male production, were also compared. A detection limit of 1.3 ng/L was achieved, along with good precision and trueness, thus enabling the quantitation of MF at ultra-trace level. The achieved results demonstrated the release of MF by both clones at the 20 ng/L level in control conditions, whereas a significant decrease in the presence of crowding was assessed. As expected, a further reduction was obtained in the presence of MK801. These findings strengthen the link between environmental stimuli and the MF signaling pathway. Daphnia pulex, by releasing the juvenile hormone MF in the medium, could regulate population dynamics by means of an autoregulatory feedback loop that controls the intra- and extra-individual-level release of MF produced by endogenous biosynthesis.
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Myriapod genomes reveal ancestral horizontal gene transfer and hormonal gene loss in millipedes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3010. [PMID: 35637228 PMCID: PMC9151784 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30690-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals display a fascinating diversity of body plans. Correspondingly, genomic analyses have revealed dynamic evolution of gene gains and losses among animal lineages. Here we sequence six new myriapod genomes (three millipedes, three centipedes) at key phylogenetic positions within this major but understudied arthropod lineage. We combine these with existing genomic resources to conduct a comparative analysis across all available myriapod genomes. We find that millipedes generally have considerably smaller genomes than centipedes, with the repeatome being a major contributor to genome size, driven by independent large gains of transposons in three centipede species. In contrast to millipedes, centipedes gained a large number of gene families after the subphyla diverged, with gains contributing to sensory and locomotory adaptations that facilitated their ecological shift to predation. We identify distinct horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events from bacteria to millipedes and centipedes, with no identifiable HGTs shared among all myriapods. Loss of juvenile hormone O-methyltransferase, a key enzyme in catalysing sesquiterpenoid hormone production in arthropods, was also revealed in all millipede lineages. Our findings suggest that the rapid evolution of distinct genomic pathways in centipede and millipede lineages following their divergence from the myriapod ancestor, was shaped by differing ecological pressures. Myriapods play an important ecological role in soil and forest ecosystems. Here the authors analyse nine myriapod genomes, showing rapid evolution of distinct genomic pathways in centipede and millipede lineages, shaped by differing ecological pressures.
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So WL, Kai Z, Qu Z, Bendena WG, Hui JHL. Rethinking Sesquiterpenoids: A Widespread Hormone in Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115998. [PMID: 35682678 PMCID: PMC9181382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The sesquiterpenoid hormone juvenile hormone (JH) controls development, reproduction, and metamorphosis in insects, and has long been thought to be confined to the Insecta. While it remains true that juvenile hormone is specifically synthesized in insects, other types or forms of sesquiterpenoids have also been discovered in distantly related animals, such as the jellyfish. Here, we combine the latest literature and annotate the sesquiterpenoid biosynthetic pathway genes in different animal genomes. We hypothesize that the sesquiterpenoid hormonal system is an ancestral system established in an animal ancestor and remains widespread in many animals. Different animal lineages have adapted different enzymatic routes from a common pathway, with cnidarians producing farnesoic acid (FA); non-insect protostomes and non-vertebrate deuterostomes such as cephalochordate and echinoderm synthesizing FA and methyl farnesoate (MF); and insects producing FA, MF, and JH. Our hypothesis revolutionizes the current view on the sesquiterpenoids in the metazoans, and forms a foundation for a re-investigation of the roles of this important and yet neglected type of hormone in different animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Lok So
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.L.S.); (Z.Q.)
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenpeng Kai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China;
| | - Zhe Qu
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.L.S.); (Z.Q.)
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William G. Bendena
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Correspondence: (W.G.B.); (J.H.L.H.)
| | - Jerome H. L. Hui
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.L.S.); (Z.Q.)
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (W.G.B.); (J.H.L.H.)
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Kai ZP, Qiu Y, Zhang XW, Chen SS. Effects of fragrance compounds on growth of the silkworm Bombyx mori. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11620. [PMID: 34178474 PMCID: PMC8214392 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the contamination and biological toxicity of some fragrance compounds, the environmental and ecological problems of such compounds have attracted more and more attention. However, studies of the toxicity of fragrance compounds for insects have been limited. The toxicity of 48 fragrance compounds for the silkworm Bombyx mori were investigated in this study. All of the fragrance compounds examined had no acute toxicity for B. mori larvae, but eight of them (menthol, maltol, musk xylene, musk tibeten, dibutyl sulfide, nerolidol, ethyl vanillin, and α-amylcinnamaldehyde) exhibited chronic and lethal toxicity with LC50 values from 20 to 120 µM. In a long-term feeding study, musk tibeten, nerolidol, and musk xylene showed significant growth regulatory activity. They were also extremely harmful to the cocooning of B. mori, resulting in small, thin, and loose cocoons. Two important insect hormones, namely, juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E), were quantified in hemolymph following chronic exposure to musk tibeten, nerolidol, and musk xylene, respectively. Musk tibeten significantly increased JH titer and decreased the 20-E titer in hemolymph, and musk xylene had a significant inhibitory effect on JH titer and increased 20-E titer. Although nerolidol had no effect on hormone levels, exogenous JH mimic nerolidol increased the physiological effects of JH and significantly slowed the growth rate of B. mori larvae. The results showed that these fragrance compounds could interfere with the insect endocrine system, leading to death and abnormal growth. The risk to insects of residual fragrance compounds in the environment is worthy of attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanwei Qiu
- Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Shan-Shan Chen
- Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
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Yin Y, Qiu YW, Huang J, Tobe SS, Chen SS, Kai ZP. Enzymes in the juvenile hormone biosynthetic pathway can be potential targets for pest control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:1071-1077. [PMID: 31515949 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discovery of novel insecticides and targets has received global attention in recent years. Ten genes coding for enzymes involved in the juvenile hormone biosynthetic pathway of Manduca sexta were studied as potential insecticide targets. RESULTS We determined the expression of genes encoding some critical enzymes in the JH biosynthetic pathway. Farnesol dehydrogenase (FOLD), Juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT) and Juvenile hormone epoxidase (CYP15C1) were selected as the candidate targets based on gene expression results. RNAi silencing and enzyme inhibitor tests were performed to validate whether these candidate genes could be the potential insecticide targets. The down-regulation of FOLD, JHAMT and CYP15C1 resulted in a 68%, 82% and 79% reduction in the rates of JH biosynthesis in vitro, respectively. In addition, RNA interference and inhibitor studies of these enzymes following oral administration demonstrated the potential application in pest management, with respect to high mortality and effects on growth. CONCLUSION Based on our study, FOLD, JHAMT and CYP15C1 could be potential targets for pest control as a consequence of their important roles in insect development. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- Institute of Agro-food Standards and Testing Technologies, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Wei Qiu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shan-Shan Chen
- Institute of Agro-food Standards and Testing Technologies, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Peng Kai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
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Yew JY. Natural Product Discovery by Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry. Mass Spectrom (Tokyo) 2020; 8:S0081. [PMID: 33299731 PMCID: PMC7709883 DOI: 10.5702/massspectrometry.s0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART MS) is one of the first ambient ionization methods to be introduced and commercialized. Analysis by DART MS requires minimal sample preparation, produces nearly instantaneous results, and provides detection over a broad range of compounds. These advantageous features are particularly well-suited for the inherent complexity of natural product analysis. This review highlights recent applications of DART MS for species identification by chemotaxonomy, chemical profiling, genetic screening, and chemical spatial analysis from plants, insects, microbes, and metabolites from living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Y. Yew
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of
Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 1993 East West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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De Loof A, Schoofs L. Intraluminal Farnesol and Farnesal in the Mealworm's Alimentary Canal: An Unusual Storage Site Uncovering Hidden Eukaryote Ca 2+-Homeostasis-Dependent "Golgicrine" Activities. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:885. [PMID: 31920991 PMCID: PMC6930878 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesol, the sesquiterpenoid precursor of the six presently known insect juvenile hormones (JHs) was for the first time chemically identified in 1961, not in JH synthesizing glands or whole body extracts, but in excrements of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. This finding was thought to be irrelevant and remained unexplored. In 1970, it was reported that the fall to zero of the JH titer in both prediapausing adults and in last instar larvae of the Colorado potato beetle causes severe malfunctioning of the Golgi system in the fat body, among various other effects. This endomembrane system in the cytoplasm resides at the intersection of the secretory, lysosomal, and endocytic pathways and is required for the processing of secretory proteins. Why the Golgi needs farnesol-like endogenous sesquiterpenoids (FLS) for its proper functioning has also never been further investigated. In 1999, farnesol was found to be a natural endogenous ligand for particular types of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in mammalian cells, a finding that also remained undervalued. Only since 2014 more attention has been paid to the functional research of the "noble unknown" farnesol, in particular to its Ca2+-homeostasis-related juvenilizing and anti-apoptotic activities. Here, we introduce the term "Golgicrine activity" that addresses the secretory activity of the RER-Golgi system from its role in Ca2+-homeostasis rather than from its conventional role in mere protein secretion. Golgicrine activity attributes the so far forgotten role of farnesol-like sesquiterpenoids in proper Golgi functioning, and unites the endocrine, exocrine and enterocrine functions of these sesquiterpenoids. This out of the box view may open novel perspectives for the better understanding of particular inflammatory bowel diseases and of neurodegenerative diseases as well, because the early initiation of Alzheimer's disease may possibly result from malfunctioning of the mevalonate-farnesol-cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and thus might be a farnesol- and Ca2+-homeostasis-dependent Golgicrine issue.
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12
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Huang SS, Chen SS, Zhang HL, Yang H, Yang HJ, Ren YJ, Kai ZP. Structure-Based Discovery of Nonpeptide Allatostatin Analogues for Pest Control. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:3644-3650. [PMID: 29566485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
FGLamide allatostatins (ASTs) are regarded as possible insecticide candidates, although their lack of in vivo effects, rapid degradation, poor water solubility, and high production costs preclude their practical use in pest control. In contrast to previous research, the C-terminal tripeptide (FGLa) was selected as the lead compound in this study. Five nonpeptide AST analogues (2-amino-1-[3-oxo-3-(substituted-anilino)propyl]pyridinium nitrate derivatives) were designed on the basis of the structure-activity relationship and docking results of FGLa. All of the nonpeptide analogues (S1-S5) were more potent against juvenile-hormone (JH) biosynthesis than the lead compound. They significantly inhibited the biosynthesis of JH in vivo following injection. A pest-control application demonstrated that S1 and S3 have larvicidal effects following oral administration (the IC50 values were 0.020 and 0.0016 mg/g, respectively). The good oral toxicities and excellent water solubilities of S1 and S3 suggest that they have considerable potential as insecticides for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Huang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Shanghai Institute of Technology , Shanghai 201418 , PR China
| | - Shan-Shan Chen
- Institute of Agro-food Standards and Testing Technologies , Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science , Shanghai 201403 , PR China
| | - Hong-Ling Zhang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Shanghai Institute of Technology , Shanghai 201418 , PR China
| | - Han Yang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Shanghai Institute of Technology , Shanghai 201418 , PR China
| | - Hui-Juan Yang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Shanghai Institute of Technology , Shanghai 201418 , PR China
| | - Yu-Jie Ren
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Shanghai Institute of Technology , Shanghai 201418 , PR China
| | - Zhen-Peng Kai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Shanghai Institute of Technology , Shanghai 201418 , PR China
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Kai ZP, Zhu JJ, Deng XL, Yang XL, Chen SS. Discovery of a Manduca sexta Allatotropin Antagonist from a Manduca sexta Allatotropin Receptor Homology Model. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040817. [PMID: 29614008 PMCID: PMC6017089 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important roles in modulating biology, physiology and behavior. They have been identified as candidate targets for next-generation insecticides, yet these targets have been relatively poorly exploited for insect control. In this study, we present a pipeline of novel Manduca sexta allatotropin (Manse-AT) antagonist discovery with homology modeling, docking, molecular dynamics simulation and structure-activity relationship. A series of truncated and alanine-replacement analogs of Manse-AT were assayed for the stimulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis. The minimum sequence required to retain potent biological activity is the C-terminal amidated octapeptide Manse-AT (6–13). We identified three residues essential for bioactivity (Thr4, Arg6 and Phe8) by assaying alanine-replacement analogs of Manse-AT (6–13). Alanine replacement of other residues resulted in reduced potency but bioactivity was retained. The 3D structure of the receptor (Manse-ATR) was built and the binding pocket was identified. The binding affinities of all the analogs were estimated by calculating the free energy of binding. The calculated binding affinities corresponded to the biological activities of the analogs, which supporting our localization of the binding pocket. Then, based on the docking and molecular dynamics studies of Manse-AT (10–13), we described it can act as a potent Manse-AT antagonist. The antagonistic effect on JH biosynthesis of Manse-AT (10–13) validated our hypothesis. The IC50 value of antagonist Manse-AT (10–13) is 0.9 nM. The structure-activity relationship of antagonist Manse-AT (10–13) was also studied for the further purpose of investigating theoretically the structure factors influencing activity. These data will be useful for the design of new Manse-AT agonist and antagonist as potential pest control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Peng Kai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China.
| | - Jing-Jing Zhu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China.
- Institute of Agro-Food Standards and Testing Technologies, Shanghai Academy of agricultural Science, Shanghai 201403, China.
| | - Xi-Le Deng
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xin-Ling Yang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shan-Shan Chen
- Institute of Agro-Food Standards and Testing Technologies, Shanghai Academy of agricultural Science, Shanghai 201403, China.
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