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Schoville SD, Burke RL, Dong DY, Ginsberg HS, Maestas L, Paskewitz SM, Tsao JI. Genome resequencing reveals population divergence and local adaptation of blacklegged ticks in the United States. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17460. [PMID: 38963031 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Tick vectors and tick-borne disease are increasingly impacting human populations globally. An important challenge is to understand tick movement patterns, as this information can be used to improve management and predictive modelling of tick population dynamics. Evolutionary analysis of genetic divergence, gene flow and local adaptation provides insight on movement patterns at large spatiotemporal scales. We develop low coverage, whole genome resequencing data for 92 blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, representing range-wide variation across the United States. Through analysis of population genomic data, we find that tick populations are structured geographically, with gradual isolation by distance separating three population clusters in the northern United States, southeastern United States and a unique cluster represented by a sample from Tennessee. Populations in the northern United States underwent population contractions during the last glacial period and diverged from southern populations at least 50 thousand years ago. Genome scans of selection provide strong evidence of local adaptation at genes responding to host defences, blood-feeding and environmental variation. In addition, we explore the potential of low coverage genome sequencing of whole-tick samples for documenting the diversity of microbial pathogens and recover important tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi. The combination of isolation by distance and local adaptation in blacklegged ticks demonstrates that gene flow, including recent expansion, is limited to geographical scales of a few hundred kilometres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean D Schoville
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Russell L Burke
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Dahn-Young Dong
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Howard S Ginsberg
- United States Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Woodward Hall - PSE, Field Station at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lauren Maestas
- Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Edinburg, Texas, USA
| | - Susan M Paskewitz
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jean I Tsao
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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2
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Henriques-Santos BM, Baker D, Zhou N, Snavely T, Sacchettini JC, Pietrantonio PV. Target-based discovery of antagonists of the tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) kinin receptor identifies small molecules that inhibit midgut contractions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38899490 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) target-based approach was applied to identify antagonists of the arthropod-specific tick kinin receptor. These small molecules were expected to reproduce the detrimental phenotypic effects that had been observed in Rhipicephalus microplus females when the kinin receptor was silenced by RNA interference. Rhipicephalus microplus, the southern cattle tick, cattle fever tick, or Asian blue tick, is the vector of pathogenic microorganisms causing the deadly bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The widespread resistance to acaricides in tick populations worldwide emphasizes that exploring novel targets for effective tick control is imperative. RESULTS Fifty-three structural analogs of previously identified tick kinin antagonists were screened in a 'dual-addition' calcium fluorescence assay using a CHO-K1 cell line expressing the tick kinin receptor. Seven molecules were validated as non-cytotoxic antagonists, four of which were partial (SACC-0428764, SACC-0428780, SACC-0428800, and SACC-0428803), and three were full antagonists (SACC-0428799, SACC-0428801, and SACC-0428815). Four of these antagonists (SACC-0428764, SACC-0428780, SACC-0428799, and SACC-0428815) also inhibited the tick midgut contractions induced by the myotropic kinin agonist analog 1728, verifying their antagonistic bioactivity. The small molecules were tested on recombinant human neurokinin (NK) receptors, the one most similar to the invertebrate kinin receptors. Most molecules were inhibitors of the NK1 receptor, except SACC-0412066, a previously identified tick kinin receptor antagonist, which inhibited the NK1 receptor only at the highest concentration tested (25 μm). None of the molecules inhibited the NK3 human receptor. CONCLUSION Molecules identified through this approach could be useful probes for studying the tick kinin signaling system and midgut physiology. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dwight Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nian Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Snavely
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - James C Sacchettini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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3
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Kazemi Alamouti M, Majdi M, Talebi R, Dastranj M, Bandani A, Hossini Salekdeh G, Reza Ghaffari M. Transcriptome wide identification of neuropeptides and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Puton. Gene 2024; 893:147911. [PMID: 37863301 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Sunn pest (Eurygaster integriceps Puton) is major wheat pest causing economic damage. Neuropeptides and their receptors, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are involved in the regulation of insect physiology and behavior. Herein, a transcriptome-wide analysis was conducted in order to identify genes encoding neuropeptides, and putative GPCRs to gain insight into neuropeptide-modulated processes. De novo transcriptome assembly was undertaken using paired-end sequence reads derived from RNA samples collected from whole adults and yielded 582,398 contigs. In total, 46 neuropeptides have been identified, encompassing various known insect neuropeptide families. In addition, we discovered four previously uncharacterized neuroparsin peptides, which contributes to our understanding of the neuropeptide landscape. Furthermore, 85 putative neuropeptide GPCRs were identified, comprising three classes of GPCRs, A, B, C, and LGR, of which class C is not widely reported in insects. In addition, the identified GPCRs exhibited a remarkable 80% homology with the GPCRs found in the brown marmorated stink bug. It is noteworthy that these GPCRs displayed only a 20% homology to GPCRs from many other insect species. This information may be used to understand the neuropeptide-modulated physiology and behavior of Eurygaster integriceps, and to develop specific neuropeptide-based pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrbano Kazemi Alamouti
- Department of Plant Genetics and Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P. O. Box: 416, Sanandaj, Iran; Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Majdi
- Department of Plant Genetics and Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P. O. Box: 416, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Reza Talebi
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran; Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dastranj
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Alireza Bandani
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Ghaffari
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
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4
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De Rouck S, İnak E, Dermauw W, Van Leeuwen T. A review of the molecular mechanisms of acaricide resistance in mites and ticks. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 159:103981. [PMID: 37391089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The Arachnida subclass of Acari comprises many harmful pests that threaten agriculture as well as animal health, including herbivorous spider mites, the bee parasite Varroa, the poultry mite Dermanyssus and several species of ticks. Especially in agriculture, acaricides are often used intensively to minimize the damage they inflict, promoting the development of resistance. Beneficial predatory mites used in biological control are also subjected to acaricide selection in the field. The development and use of new genetic and genomic tools such as genome and transcriptome sequencing, bulked segregant analysis (QTL mapping), and reverse genetics via RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9, have greatly increased our understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms of resistance in Acari, especially in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae which emerged as a model species. These new techniques allowed to uncover and validate new resistance mutations in a larger range of species. In addition, they provided an impetus to start elucidating more challenging questions on mechanisms of gene regulation of detoxification associated with resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander De Rouck
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emre İnak
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, Dıskapı, 06110, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Plant Sciences Unit, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Georgiades M, Alampounti A, Somers J, Su MP, Ellis DA, Bagi J, Terrazas-Duque D, Tytheridge S, Ntabaliba W, Moore S, Albert JT, Andrés M. Hearing of malaria mosquitoes is modulated by a beta-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor which serves as insecticide target. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4338. [PMID: 37468470 PMCID: PMC10356864 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria mosquitoes acoustically detect their mating partners within large swarms that form transiently at dusk. Indeed, male malaria mosquitoes preferably respond to female flight tones during swarm time. This phenomenon implies a sophisticated context- and time-dependent modulation of mosquito audition, the mechanisms of which are largely unknown. Using transcriptomics, we identify a complex network of candidate neuromodulators regulating mosquito hearing in the species Anopheles gambiae. Among them, octopamine stands out as an auditory modulator during swarm time. In-depth analysis of octopamine auditory function shows that it affects the mosquito ear on multiple levels: it modulates the tuning and stiffness of the flagellar sound receiver and controls the erection of antennal fibrillae. We show that two α- and β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptors drive octopamine's auditory roles and demonstrate that the octopaminergic auditory control system can be targeted by insecticides. Our findings highlight octopamine as key for mosquito hearing and mating partner detection and as a potential novel target for mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Georgiades
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Alexandros Alampounti
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jason Somers
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Matthew P Su
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8602, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - David A Ellis
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Judit Bagi
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | - Scott Tytheridge
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK
| | - Watson Ntabaliba
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU), Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU), Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, PO Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001, Basel, Switzerland
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P.O. Box 447, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Joerg T Albert
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Sensory Physiology & Behaviour Group, Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl Von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Carl Von Ossietzky Str. 9-11, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Marta Andrés
- Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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Wang Z, Tang F, Xu M, Shen T. Exploring miRNA-mRNA regulatory modules responding to tannic acid stress in Micromelalopha troglodyta (Graeser) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) via small RNA sequencing. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:86-97. [PMID: 35817762 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485322000359] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) that regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation or degrading mRNA. Although the functions of miRNAs in many biological processes have been reported, there is currently no research on the possible roles of miRNAs in Micromelalopha troglodyta (Graeser) involved in the response of plant allelochemicals. In this article, six sRNA libraries (three treated with tanic acid and three control) from M. troglodyta were constructed using Illumina sequencing. From the results, 312 known and 43 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed. Notably, some of the most abundant miRNAs, such as miR-432, miR-541-3p, and miR-4448, involved in important physiological processes were also identified. To better understand the function of the targeted genes, we performed Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The results indicated that differentially expressed miRNA targets were involved in metabolism, development, hormone biosynthesis, and immunity. Finally, we visualized a miRNA-mRNA regulatory module that supports the role of miRNAs in host-allelochemical interactions. To our knowledge, this is the first report on miRNAs responding to tannic acid in M. troglodyta. This study provides indispensable information for understanding the potential roles of miRNAs in M. troglodyta and the applications of these miRNAs in M. troglodyta management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengfei Shen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
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Ocampo A, Cabinta JGZ, Padilla HVJ, Yu ET, Nellas RB. Specificity of Monoterpene Interactions with Insect Octopamine and Tyramine Receptors: Insights from in Silico Sequence and Structure Comparison. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3861-3871. [PMID: 36743026 PMCID: PMC9893255 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Octopamine and tyramine receptors (OARs/TARs) are interesting targets for new insecticide development due to their unique roles in insects' physiological and cellular response and their specificity to invertebrates. Monoterpene compounds that bear resemblance to the natural ligands have been shown to bind to the OARs/TARs but elicit varied responses in different insect species. Using in silico methods, we attempt to investigate the molecular basis of monoterpene interactions and their specificity in different OARs and TARs of damaging or beneficial insects. Sequence and structure comparison revealed that the OARs/TARs studied generally have more similarities in terms of structure rather than sequence identity. Together with clustering and network analyses, we also revealed that the role of IL3 might be crucial in the identification of OAR and TAR and their unique function. Among the 35 monoterpenes subjected to ensemble docking, carvacrol had the most negative average binding energies with the target insect OARs and TARs. The differences in the key interacting residues of carvacrol with insect OARs and TARs could be the origin of variation in the responses of insect species to this monoterpene. Results suggest that carvacrol may be a potential natural-product-based insecticide, targeting multiple insect pests while being nonharmful to honeybees and Asian swallowtail butterflies. This work could provide insights into the development of effective species-specific natural-product-based insecticides that are more environmentally friendly than conventional insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almira
B. Ocampo
- Institute
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Joseph Gregory Z. Cabinta
- Institute
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Hyvi Valerie J. Padilla
- Institute
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Eizadora T. Yu
- Marine
Science Institute, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Ricky B. Nellas
- Institute
of Chemistry, College of Science, University
of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
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8
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Larvicidal activity of plant extracts from Colombian North Coast against Aedes aegypti L. mosquito larvae. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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9
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Molecular and Pharmacological Characterization of β-Adrenergic-like Octopamine Receptors in the Endoparasitoid Cotesia chilonis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314513. [PMID: 36498840 PMCID: PMC9740559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314513] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Octopamine (OA) is structurally and functionally similar to adrenaline/noradrenaline in vertebrates, and OA modulates diverse physiological and behavioral processes in invertebrates. OA exerts its actions by binding to specific octopamine receptors (OARs). Functional and pharmacological characterization of OARs have been investigated in several insects. However, the literature on OARs is scarce for parasitoids. Here we cloned three β-adrenergic-like OARs (CcOctβRs) from Cotesia chilonis. CcOctβRs share high similarity with their own orthologous receptors. The transcript levels of CcOctβRs were varied in different tissues. When heterologously expressed in CHO-K1 cells, CcOctβRs induced cAMP production, and were dose-dependently activated by OA, TA and putative octopaminergic agonists. Their activities were inhibited by potential antagonists and were most efficiently blocked by epinastine. Our study offers important information about the molecular and pharmacological properties of β-adrenergic-like OARs from C. chilonis that will provide the basis to reveal the contribution of individual receptors to the physiological processes and behaviors in parasitoids.
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Pilon A, Goven D, Raymond V. Pharmacological and molecular characterization of the A-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptor from Anopheles gambiae. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:497-507. [PMID: 35357052 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) which are G protein-coupled receptors play key roles in insect physiology. Whereas vertebrate mAChRs are important targets for pharmaceutical drugs, insect mAChRs are under-exploited by the agro-chemical industry. Moreover, insect mAChRs have been less well studied than their vertebrate counterparts. Their critical functions mean that a better knowledge of the insect mAChRs is crucial for the effort to develop a new molecular-level strategy for insect pest management. Almost all insects possess three mAChRs named A, B and C which differ according to their coupling effector systems and their pharmacological profile. The aim of this study was to characterize the A-type mAChR (mAChR-A) from Anopheles gambiae which is the major vector of malaria in order to develop new strategies in pest management. In this paper, we reported that mAChR-A is more expressed in adult mosquitoes than in larvae. Furthermore, using calcium imaging recordings, we found that the An. gambiae mAChR-A expressed in Sf9 cells is activated by specific muscarinic agonists acetylcholine, muscarine and oxotremorine M and blocked by several mAChR antagonists. Moreover, using inhibitors of phosphoinositide pathway such as Gαq/11 protein blocker, we have shown that an increased intracellular calcium concentration elicited by the acetylcholine application was mediated by PLC/IP3R pathway. As a rise in intracellular calcium concentration could lead to an increase in the insecticide target sensitivity, these results suggest that An. gambiae mAChR-A should not be only considered as a potential target for new molecules but also as a key element to optimize the efficacy of insecticide in vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Pilon
- Univ Angers, INRAE, SiFCIR Laboratory, SFR QUASAV, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Delphine Goven
- Univ Angers, INRAE, SiFCIR Laboratory, SFR QUASAV, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Valerie Raymond
- Univ Angers, INRAE, SiFCIR Laboratory, SFR QUASAV, F-49000 Angers, France
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11
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Rispe C, Hervet C, de la Cotte N, Daveu R, Labadie K, Noel B, Aury JM, Thany S, Taillebois E, Cartereau A, Le Mauff A, Charvet CL, Auger C, Courtot E, Neveu C, Plantard O. Transcriptome of the synganglion in the tick Ixodes ricinus and evolution of the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel family in ticks. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:463. [PMID: 35733088 PMCID: PMC9219234 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks represent a major health issue for humans and domesticated animals. Exploring the expression landscape of the tick's central nervous system (CNS), known as the synganglion, would be an important step in understanding tick physiology and in managing tick-borne diseases, but studies on that topic are still relatively scarce. Neuron-specific genes like the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels (cys-loop LGICs, or cysLGICs) are important pharmacological targets of acaricides. To date their sequence have not been well catalogued for ticks, and their phylogeny has not been fully studied. RESULTS We carried out the sequencing of transcriptomes of the I. ricinus synganglion, for adult ticks in different conditions (unfed males, unfed females, and partially-fed females). The de novo assembly of these transcriptomes allowed us to obtain a large collection of cys-loop LGICs sequences. A reference meta-transcriptome based on synganglion and whole body transcriptomes was then produced, showing high completeness and allowing differential expression analyses between synganglion and whole body. Many of the genes upregulated in the synganglion were associated with neurotransmission and/or localized in neurons or the synaptic membrane. As the first step of a functional study of cysLGICs, we cloned the predicted sequence of the resistance to dieldrin (RDL) subunit homolog, and functionally reconstituted the first GABA-gated receptor of Ixodes ricinus. A phylogenetic study was performed for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and other cys-loop LGICs respectively, revealing tick-specific expansions of some types of receptors (especially for Histamine-like subunits and GluCls). CONCLUSIONS We established a large catalogue of genes preferentially expressed in the tick CNS, including the cysLGICs. We discovered tick-specific gene family expansion of some types of cysLGIC receptors, and a case of intragenic duplication, suggesting a complex pattern of gene expression among different copies or different alternative transcripts of tick neuro-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Romain Daveu
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, Nantes, France.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Karine Labadie
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de biologie François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Benjamin Noel
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de biologie François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Jean-Marc Aury
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de biologie François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Steeve Thany
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
| | - Emiliane Taillebois
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
| | - Alison Cartereau
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
| | - Anaïs Le Mauff
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
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12
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Pang X, Zhang J, Han Y, Zhang C, Sun L, Cao C. Functional characterization of a diuretic hormone receptor associated with desiccation, starvation and temperature tolerance in gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 184:105079. [PMID: 35715033 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Variety of diuretic hormone neuropeptides is known to regulate water and ion balance in invertebrates. By activating their specific neuropeptide, diuretic hormone receptor (DHR) transmits extracellular signals into the cell, and then produces functional cell activity, which plays an important role in regulating physiology and behavior. However, little is known about the function of DHR gene in Lymantria dispar. DHR gene was firstly identified in L. dispar and its physiological functions were investigated using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. The results showed that except for the 6th instar larvae, the expression levels of DHR gene in the larval stages are higher than that in the egg, pupal and adult stages. The DHR gene is highly expressed in hindgut and midgut tissues. The L. dispar larvae significantly increased their water content and high temperature tolerance after the DHR was silenced, while decreasing excretion and feeding behavior. The physiological function of DHR is associated with desiccation, high temperature and starvation resistance. DHR could contribute to future development of novel insecticide to manage this global forest pest population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Pang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Jingzhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Yang Han
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China.
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13
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Murgia MV, Sharan S, Kaur J, Austin W, Hagen L, Wu L, Chen L, Scott JA, Flaherty DP, Scharf ME, Watts VJ, Hill CA. High-content phenotypic screening identifies novel chemistries that disrupt mosquito activity and development. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 182:105037. [PMID: 35249647 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
New classes of chemistries are needed to control insecticide resistant populations of mosquitoes and prevent transmission of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Organismal screens of chemical collections have played an important role in the search for new vector insecticides and the identification of active ingredients (AIs) that cause rapid mortality of mosquitoes. Advances in image-based screening offer an opportunity to identify chemistries that operate via novel biochemical modes and investigate the range of phenotypes exhibited by mosquitoes following exposure to lethal and sub-lethal chemical dose. An automated, high throughput phenotypic screen (HTS) employing high-content imaging of first instar (L1) Aedes aegypti larvae was developed to identify chemistries associated with mortality and atypical morphological phenotypes. A pilot screen of the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC1280) identified 92 chemistries that disrupted larval activity and development, including conventional insecticides and chemistries known to modulate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other molecular targets in mammalian systems. Secondary assay series were used to evaluate a selection of chemistries for impacts on mosquito activity, survival and development. Ritodrine hydrochloride reduced mobility of larvae but had no observable effect on survival and development of mosquitoes. High doses of metergoline suppressed larval activity and sub-lethal dose resulted in pupal mortality. Assay data support the utility of phenotypic screening and diverse entomological end-points for discovery of novel insecticidal chemical scaffolds. The insecticide discovery process must consider how multi-modal efficacy spectra contribute to vector and VBD control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Murgia
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - S Sharan
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - J Kaur
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - W Austin
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - L Hagen
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - L Wu
- Chemical Genomics Facility at Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - L Chen
- Chemical Genomics Facility at Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - J A Scott
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - D P Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - M E Scharf
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - V J Watts
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - C A Hill
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA.
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14
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Liu T, Zhan X, Yu Y, Wang S, Lu C, Lin G, Zhu X, He W, You M, You S. Molecular and pharmacological characterization of biogenic amine receptors from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:4462-4475. [PMID: 34004073 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD Insect biogenic amines play important roles in mediating behavioral and physiological processes. They exert their effects by binding to biogenic amine receptors (BARs), which are specific receptor proteins in the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. BAR genes have been cloned and characterized from multiple model insects, including Drosophila melanogaster, Anopheles gambiae, Bombyx mori, Apis mellifera and Tribolium castaneum. However, relatively little work has addressed the molecular properties, expression profiles, and pharmacological characterization of BARs from other insects, including important pests. RESULTS In this study, we cloned 17 genes encoding putative biogenic amine receptor proteins from Plutella xylostella, a global pest of Brassica crops. These PxBAR genes were five octopamine receptors (PxOA1, PxOA2B1, PxOA2B2, PxOA2B3, and PxOA3), three tyramine receptors (PxTAR1A, PxTAR1B, and PxTAR2), four dopamine receptors (PxDOP1, PxDOP2, PxDOP3, and PxDopEcR), and five serotonin receptors (Px5-HT1A , Px5-HT1B , Px5-HT2A , Px5-HT2B , and Px5-HT7 ). All PxBARs showed considerable sequence identity with orthologous BARs, and phylogenetic analysis clustered the receptors within their respective groups while preserving organismal evolutionary relationships. We investigated their molecular properties and expression profiles, and pharmacologically characterized the dopamine receptor, PxDOP2. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides important information and resources on biogenic amine receptors from P. xylostella, which suggests potential target sites for controlling this pest species. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiansheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xue Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shaozhen Wang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Cong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Guifang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Weiyi He
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shijun You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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15
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Hayashi T, Katoh L, Ozoe F, Ozoe Y. Structure-dependent receptor subtype selectivity and G protein subtype preference of heterocyclic agonists in heterologously expressed silkworm octopamine receptors. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 177:104895. [PMID: 34301357 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
(R)-Octopamine (OA), a major invertebrate biogenic amine, plays an important role in a wide variety of physiological processes as a neurohormone, neuromodulator, and neurotransmitter in insects. OA receptors (OARs) are class A G protein-coupled receptors that specifically bind OA to activate downstream signaling cascades by coupling to G proteins and presumably other regulatory proteins. These receptors are broadly classified as α- and β-adrenergic-like OARs (α- and β-ALOARs). OARs are considered important targets of insecticides and acaricides. In the present study, we examined the actions of an array of 13 heterocyclic OAR agonists with the moieties that correspond to the phenyl group and the basic nitrogen atom of OA on α- and β-ALOARs from the silkworm (Bombyx mori) and the signaling pathways activated through these actions. The results indicated that these compounds display structure-dependent receptor subtype selectivity and G protein subtype preference, underscoring the need to determine which subtype and signaling pathway mediates toxicologically relevant effects for the efficient discovery of novel pest control chemicals. The results of insecticidal assays using B. mori larvae suggested that the activation of signal transduction pathways via α-ALOARs might be mainly responsible for the toxicological effects of the heterocycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hayashi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan
| | - Lay Katoh
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan
| | - Fumiyo Ozoe
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Science Research, Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Ozoe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan; Interdisciplinary Institute for Science Research, Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan.
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16
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Amezian D, Nauen R, Le Goff G. Transcriptional regulation of xenobiotic detoxification genes in insects - An overview. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 174:104822. [PMID: 33838715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods have well adapted to the vast array of chemicals they encounter in their environment. Whether these xenobiotics are plant allelochemicals or anthropogenic insecticides one of the strategies they have developed to defend themselves is the induction of detoxification enzymes. Although upregulation of detoxification enzymes and efflux transporters in response to specific inducers has been well described, in insects, yet, little is known on the transcriptional regulation of these genes. Over the past twenty years, an increasing number of studies with insects have used advanced genetic tools such as RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 and reporter gene assays to dissect the genomic grounds of their xenobiotic response and hence contributed substantially in improving our knowledge on the players involved. Xenobiotics are partly recognized by various "xenobiotic sensors" such as membrane-bound or nuclear receptors. This initiates a molecular reaction cascade ultimately leading to the translocation of a transcription factor to the nucleus that recognizes and binds to short sequences located upstream their target genes to activate transcription. To date, a number of signaling pathways were shown to mediate the upregulation of detoxification enzymes in arthropods and to play a role in either metabolic resistance to insecticides or host-plant adaptation. These include nuclear receptors AhR/ARNT and HR96, GPCRs, CncC and MAPK/CREB. Recent work reveals that upregulation and activation of some components of these pathways as well as polymorphism in the binding motifs of transcription factors are linked to insects' adaptive processes. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize and describe recent work that shed some light on the main regulatory routes of detoxification gene expression in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries Amezian
- Université Côte d'Azur, INRAE, CNRS, ISA, F-06903 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Ralf Nauen
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Alfred Nobel-Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany.
| | - Gaëlle Le Goff
- Université Côte d'Azur, INRAE, CNRS, ISA, F-06903 Sophia Antipolis, France.
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17
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Molecular Characterization of the β 2-like Octopamine Receptor of Helicoverpa armigera. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:311-319. [PMID: 33570689 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00172-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Helicoverpa armigera is a devastating polyphagous and cosmopolitan crop pest. There are reports of this insect being resistant to a variety of pesticides raising concern worldwide. The Octopamine (OA) binding β2-like receptor (OAR), a GPCR, is widely distributed in the nervous system of the insect and plays essential roles in the physiology and development and thus is an important target for insecticides. Yet, the molecular characterization of the H. armigera OAR (HarmOAR) and rational design of compounds based on this receptor is lacking. As a first step, we performed multiple sequence alignment of all insect OARs, which revealed that the sequences contained all conserved class A GPCR motifs. Phylogenetic studies showed clade-specific variations in the protein sequences primarily arising owing to differences in the ICL3 loop region. Further, a structural model of HarmOAR was built using the inactive human β2AR as a template. 0.9 µs atomistic simulations revealed conserved inter helical contacts and water molecules of HarmOAR. The detailed binding of octopamine was studied using molecular docking and 0.3 µs atomistic simulations. Twenty-two insecticides active against octopamine receptors of other insects were compiled and docked to HarmOAR followed by rescoring with binding free energies to prioritize them for H. armigera. Our study suggests α-terpineol to be a good candidate as an insecticide or insect repellent for Helicoverpa armigera.
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18
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Nässel DR, Wu SF. Leucokinins: Multifunctional Neuropeptides and Hormones in Insects and Other Invertebrates. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1531. [PMID: 33546414 PMCID: PMC7913504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucokinins (LKs) constitute a neuropeptide family first discovered in a cockroach and later identified in numerous insects and several other invertebrates. The LK receptors are only distantly related to other known receptors. Among insects, there are many examples of species where genes encoding LKs and their receptors are absent. Furthermore, genomics has revealed that LK signaling is lacking in several of the invertebrate phyla and in vertebrates. In insects, the number and complexity of LK-expressing neurons vary, from the simple pattern in the Drosophila larva where the entire CNS has 20 neurons of 3 main types, to cockroaches with about 250 neurons of many different types. Common to all studied insects is the presence or 1-3 pairs of LK-expressing neurosecretory cells in each abdominal neuromere of the ventral nerve cord, that, at least in some insects, regulate secretion in Malpighian tubules. This review summarizes the diverse functional roles of LK signaling in insects, as well as other arthropods and mollusks. These functions include regulation of ion and water homeostasis, feeding, sleep-metabolism interactions, state-dependent memory formation, as well as modulation of gustatory sensitivity and nociception. Other functions are implied by the neuronal distribution of LK, but remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, S-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shun-Fan Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
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Birgül Iyison N, Shahraki A, Kahveci K, Düzgün MB, Gün G. Are insect GPCRs ideal next‐generation pesticides: opportunities and challenges. FEBS J 2021; 288:2727-2745. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Necla Birgül Iyison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Aida Shahraki
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Kübra Kahveci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Mustafa Barbaros Düzgün
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Gökhan Gün
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
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20
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Takata M, Misato S, Ozoe F, Ozoe Y. A point mutation in the β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor: possible association with amitraz resistance. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3720-3728. [PMID: 32431064 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amitraz is a unique formamidine-class acaricide/insecticide that effectively controls ticks, mites, and insect pests. However, the recent emergence of amitraz-resistant cattle ticks is a serious problem that requires an urgent solution. A nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (A181T) leading to an amino acid substitution (I61F) in the β-adrenergic-like (β-AL) octopamine receptor (OAR) of amitraz-resistant southern cattle ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) (RmβAOR) was proposed to be a cause of the amitraz resistance. However, it remains unclear whether this substitution exerts any functional effect on the action of amitraz. To make this clear, the functional role of this mutation was examined using an orthologous OAR (BmOAR2) from the silkworm (Bombyx mori). RESULTS Both amitraz and its metabolite N2 -(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-N1 -methyformamidine (DPMF) elevated intracellular cyclic AMP levels as orthosteric OAR agonists in HEK-293 cells stably expressing BmOAR2. The I45F mutant of BmOAR2 (equivalent to I61F in RmβAOR) was generated and tested for its sensitivity to amitraz and DPMF. The assay result showed that the I45F mutation reduces the potency of DPMF to a level similar to that of the endogenous agonist (R)-OA in wild-type BmOAR2. CONCLUSION The amino acid substitution found in the first transmembrane segment of RmβAOR most likely causes target-site insensitivity to DPMF, which might contribute to the resistance of R. microplus to amitraz. This needs to be further confirmed using RmβAOR. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Takata
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Seishi Misato
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Fumiyo Ozoe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Ozoe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
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21
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Xu G, Chang XF, Gu GX, Jia WX, Guo L, Huang J, Ye GY. Molecular and pharmacological characterization of a β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor from the green rice leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 120:103337. [PMID: 32109588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As the counterparts of noradrenaline and adrenaline in vertebrates, octopamine (OA) regulates multiple physiological and behavioral processes in invertebrate. OA mediates its effects via binding to specific octopamine receptors (OARs). Functional and pharmacological characterization of OARs have been reported in several insects. However, little work was documented in hemipteran insects. We cloned a β-adrenergic-like OAR (NcOA2B2) from Nephotettix cincticeps. NcOA2B2 shares high similarity with members of the OA2B2 receptor class. Transcript level of NcOA2B2 varied in various tissues and was highly expressed in the leg. After heterologous expression in CHO-K1 cells, NcOA2B2 was dose-dependently activated by OA (EC50 = 2.56 nM) and tyramine (TA) (EC50 = 149 nM). Besides putative octopaminergic agonists, dopaminergic agonists and amitraz and DPMF potently activated NcOA2B2 in a dose-dependent manner. Receptor activity was blocked by potential antagonists and was most efficiently antagonized by asenapine. Phentolamine showed both antagonist and agonist effects on NcOA2B2. Our results offer the important information about molecular and pharmacological characterization of an OAR from N. cincticeps that will provide the basis for forthcoming studies on its roles in physiological processes and behaviors, and facilitate the design of novel insecticides for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Xue-Fei Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Gui-Xiang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Wen-Xi Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Lei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Gong-Yin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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22
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Hapairai LK, Mysore K, Sun L, Li P, Wang CW, Scheel ND, Lesnik A, Scheel MP, Igiede J, Wei N, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Characterization of an adulticidal and larvicidal interfering RNA pesticide that targets a conserved sequence in mosquito G protein-coupled dopamine 1 receptor genes. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 120:103359. [PMID: 32169582 PMCID: PMC8744133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), key regulators of a variety of critical biological processes, are attractive targets for insecticide development. Given the importance of these receptors in many organisms, including humans, it is critical that novel pesticides directed against GPCRs are designed to be species-specific. Here, we present characterization of an interfering RNA pesticide (IRP) targeting the mosquito GPCR-encoding dopamine 1 receptor (dop1) genes. A small interfering RNA corresponding to dop1 was identified in a screen for IRPs that kill Aedes aegypti during both the adult and larval stages. The 25 bp sequence targeted by this IRP is conserved in the dop1 genes of multiple mosquito species, but not in non-target organisms, indicating that it could function as a biorational mosquito insecticide. Aedes aegypti adults treated through microinjection or attractive toxic sugar bait delivery of small interfering RNA corresponding to the target site exhibited severe neural and behavioral defects and high levels of adult mortality. Likewise, A. aegypti larval consumption of dried inactivated yeast tablets prepared from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain engineered to express short hairpin RNA corresponding to the dop1 target site resulted in severe neural defects and larval mortality. Aedes albopictus and Anopheles gambiae adult and larval mortality was also observed following treatment with dop1 IRPs, which were not toxic to non-target arthropods. The results of this investigation indicate that dop1 IRPs can be used for species-specific targeting of dop1 GPCRs and may represent a new biorational strategy for control of both adult and larval mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limb K Hapairai
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA; The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Keshava Mysore
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA; The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Longhua Sun
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA; The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Ping Li
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA; The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Chien-Wei Wang
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; The University of Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Cushing Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Nicholas D Scheel
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Galvin Life Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Alexandra Lesnik
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Max P Scheel
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA; The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Jessica Igiede
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Galvin Life Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Na Wei
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; The University of Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Cushing Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - David W Severson
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA; The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Galvin Life Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; The University of the West Indies, Department of Life Sciences, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA; The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Galvin Life Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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MAPK-directed activation of the whitefly transcription factor CREB leads to P450-mediated imidacloprid resistance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10246-10253. [PMID: 32327610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913603117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of insect resistance to pesticides poses a continuing threat to agriculture and human health. While much is known about the proximate molecular and biochemical mechanisms that confer resistance, far less is known about the regulation of the specific genes/gene families involved, particularly by trans-acting factors such as signal-regulated transcription factors. Here we resolve in fine detail the trans-regulation of CYP6CM1, a cytochrome P450 that confers resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-directed activation of the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). Reporter gene assays were used to identify the putative promoter of CYP6CM1, but no consistent polymorphisms were observed in the promoter of a resistant strain of B. tabaci (imidacloprid-resistant, IMR), which overexpresses this gene, compared to a susceptible strain (imidacloprid-susceptible, IMS). Investigation of potential trans-acting factors using in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that the bZIP transcription factor CREB directly regulates CYP6CM1 expression by binding to a cAMP-response element (CRE)-like site in the promoter of this gene. CREB is overexpressed in the IMR strain, and inhibitor, luciferase, and RNA interference assays revealed that a signaling pathway of MAPKs mediates the activation of CREB, and thus the increased expression of CYP6CM1, by phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction. Collectively, these results provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of xenobiotic responses in insects and implicate both the MAPK-signaling pathway and a transcription factor in the development of pesticide resistance.
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Cao C, Sun L, Du H, Moural TW, Bai H, Liu P, Zhu F. Physiological functions of a methuselah-like G protein coupled receptor in Lymantria dispar Linnaeus. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 160:1-10. [PMID: 31519242 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insect G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified as a highly attractive target for new generation insecticides discovery due to their critical physiological functions. However, few insect GPCRs have been functionally characterized. Here, we cloned the full length of a methuselah-like GPCR gene (Ldmthl1) from the Asian gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. We then characterized the secondary and tertiary structures of Ldmthl1. We also predicted the global structure of this insect GPCR protein which is composed of three major domains. RNA interference of Ldmthl1 resulted in a reduction of gypsy moths' resistance to deltamethrin and suppressed expression of downstream stress-associated genes, such as P450s, glutathione S transferases, and heat shock proteins. The function of Ldmthl1 was further investigated using transgenic lines of Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila with overexpression of Ldmthl1 showed significantly longer lifespan than control flies. Taken together, our studies revealed that the physiological functions of Ldmthl1 in L. dispar are associated with longevity and resistance to insecticide stresses. Potentially, Ldmthl1 can be used as a target for new insecticide discovery in order to manage this notorious forest pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Du
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Timothy W Moural
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Hua Bai
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Sun L, Liu P, Zhang C, Du H, Wang Z, Moural TW, Zhu F, Cao C. Ocular Albinism Type 1 Regulates Deltamethrin Tolerance in Lymantria dispar and Drosophila melanogaster. Front Physiol 2019; 10:766. [PMID: 31275171 PMCID: PMC6594220 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00766] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular albinism type 1 (OA1), a pigment cell-specific integral membrane glycoprotein, is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily that binds to heterotrimeric G proteins in mammalian cells. We aimed to characterize the physiological functions an insect OA1 from Lymantria dispar (LdOA1) employs in the regulation of insecticide tolerance. In the present study, we investigated the roles of LdOA1 in response to deltamethrin exposure in both L. dispar and Drosophila melanogaster. LdOA1 was expressed at the lowest level during the 4th instar stage, while LdOA1 was significantly upregulated in the 5th instar and male stages. Knockdown of LdOA1 by injecting dsRNA of LdOA1 into gypsy moth larvae caused a 4.80-fold higher mortality than in control larvae microinjected with dsRNA of GFP under deltamethrin stress. Nine out of 11 L. dispar CYP genes were significantly downregulated under deltamethrin stress in LdOA1 silenced larvae as compared to control larvae. Moreover, the LdOA1 gene was successfully overexpressed in D. melanogaster using transgenic technique. The deltamethrin contact assay showed that the LdOA1 overexpression in flies significantly enhanced the tolerance to deltamethrin compared to the control flies. Furthermore, the downstream Drosophila CYP genes were upregulated in the LdOA1 overexpression flies, suggesting LdOA1 may play a master switch role in P450-mediated metabolic detoxification. This study is the first report of an insect OA1 gene regulating insecticide tolerance and potentially playing a role in the regulation of downstream cytochrome P450 expression. These results contribute to the future development of novel insecticides targeting insect GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Du
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Timothy W Moural
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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The pharmacological and functional characterization of the serotonergic system in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti: influences on flight and blood-feeding behavior. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4421. [PMID: 30872615 PMCID: PMC6418270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae harbor the causative agents of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, afflicting human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Given the worldwide emergence of resistance to insecticides, the current mainstay for vector control, identification of alternative modes of action for future insecticides is paramount. The serotonergic (5-HT) system has been documented to impact physiological mechanisms involved in disease transmission, suggesting its potential as a new mode of action target for future insecticide development. Target 5-HT receptors were cloned and expressed in the HEK293 cell line for functional and pharmacological characterization. Manipulation of the 5-HT system through microinjection of compounds suggests its involvement in the modulation of flight performance and blood-feeding behavior. By attenuating these two determinants of vectorial capacity, transmission and burden of disease could effectively be reduced. Considering these positive global health implications, the 5-HT system is a compelling target for the novel insecticide pipeline.
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27
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Wahedi A, Gäde G, Paluzzi JP. Insight Into Mosquito GnRH-Related Neuropeptide Receptor Specificity Revealed Through Analysis of Naturally Occurring and Synthetic Analogs of This Neuropeptide Family. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:742. [PMID: 31736879 PMCID: PMC6838013 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), corazonin (CRZ), and the AKH/CRZ-related peptide (ACP) are neuropeptides considered homologous to the vertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). All three Aedes aegypti GnRH-related neuropeptide receptors have been characterized and functionally deorphanized. Individually they exhibit high specificity for their native ligands, prompting us to investigate the contribution of ligand structures in conferring receptor specificity for two of these receptors. Here, we designed a series of analogs based on the native ACP sequence and screened them using a heterologous system to identify critical residues required for ACP receptor (ACPR) activation. Analogs lacking the carboxy-terminal amidation, replacing aromatics, as well as truncated analogs were either completely inactive or had very low activities on ACPR. The polar threonine (position 3) and the blocked amino-terminal pyroglutamate are also critical, whereas ACP analogs with alanine substitutions at position 2 (valine), 5 (serine), 6 (arginine), and 7 (aspartate) were less detrimental including the substitution of charged residues. Replacing asparagine (position 9) with an alanine resulted in a 5-fold more active analog. A naturally-occurring ACP analog, with a conserved substitution in position two, was well tolerated yet displayed significantly reduced activity compared to the native mosquito ACP peptide. Chain length contributes to ligand selectivity in this system, since the endogenous octapeptide Aedae-AKH does not activate the ACPR whereas AKH decapeptides show low albeit significant activity. Similarly, we utilized this in vitro heterologous assay approach against an A. aegypti AKH receptor (AKHR-IA) testing carefully selected naturally-occurring AKH analogs from other insects to determine how substitutions of specific residues in the AKH ligand influence AKHR-IA activation. AKH analogs having single substitutions compared to Aedae-AKH revealed position 7 (either serine or asparagine) was well tolerated or had slightly improved activation whereas changes to position 6 (proline) compromised receptor activation by nearly 10-fold. Substitution of position 3 (threonine) or analogs with combinations of substitutions were quite detrimental with a significant decrease in AKHR-IA activation. Collectively, these results advance our understanding of how two GnRH-related systems in A. aegypti sharing the most recent evolutionary origin sustain independence of function and signaling despite their relatively high degree of ligand and receptor homology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizia Wahedi
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Gerd Gäde
| | - Jean-Paul Paluzzi
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Jean-Paul Paluzzi
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