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Sun J, Zhang W, Cui Z, Pan Y, Smagghe G, Zhang L, Wickham JD, Sun J, Mang D. HcGr76 responds to fructose and chlorogenic acid and is involved in regulation of peptide expression in the midgut of Hyphantria cunea larvae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:5672-5683. [PMID: 38982883 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensing dietary components in the gut is important to ensure an appropriate hormonal response and metabolic regulation after food intake. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, is a major invasive pest in China and has led to significant economic losses and ecosystem disruption. The larvae's broad host range and voracious appetite for leaves make H. cunea a primary cause of serious damage to both forests and crops. To date, however, the gustatory receptors (Grs) of H. cunea and their regulatory function remain largely unknown. RESULTS We identified the fall webworm gustatory receptor HcGr76 as a fructose and chlorogenic acid receptor using Ca2+ imaging and determination of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by a microplate reader. Moreover, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that HcGr76 is highly expressed in the anterior and middle midgut. Knockdown of HcGr76 caused a significant reduction in the expression of neuropeptide F 1 (NPF1) and CCHamide-2, and led to a decrease in carbohydrate and lipid levels in the hemolymph. CONCLUSION Our studies provide circumstantial evidence that HcGr76 expressed in the midgut is involved in sensing dietary components, and regulates the expression of relevant peptide hormones to alter metabolism in H. cunea larvae, thus providing a promising molecular target for the development of new insect-specific control products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Zhebo Cui
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yifan Pan
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Basic Science Center for Biotic Interaction, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute of Entomology and Special Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Insect Resources of Guizhou, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Longwa Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Control, Engineering Research Center of Fungal Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Forestry & Landscape Architecture, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jacob D Wickham
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jianghua Sun
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Basic Science Center for Biotic Interaction, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Dingze Mang
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Basic Science Center for Biotic Interaction, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Pandey P, Shrestha B, Lee Y. Avoiding alkaline taste through ionotropic receptors. iScience 2024; 27:110087. [PMID: 38947501 PMCID: PMC11214294 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110087] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Taste organs contain distinct gustatory receptors that help organisms differentiate between nourishing and potentially harmful foods. The detection of high pH levels plays a crucial role in food selection, but the specific gustatory receptors responsible for perceiving elevated pH in foods have remained unknown. By using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, we have uncovered the involvement of ionotropic receptors (IRs) in avoiding high-pH foods. Our study involved a combination of behavioral tests and electrophysiological analyses, which led to the identification of six Irs from bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons essential for rejecting food items with elevated pH levels. Using the same methodology, our study reevaluated the significance of Alka and OtopLa. The findings highlight that Alka, in conjunction with IRs, is crucial for detecting alkaline substances, whereas OtopLa does not contribute to this process. Overall, our study offers valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms governing taste perception in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Pandey
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
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3
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Li JQ, Chen YW, Wang Q, Yin MZ, Ma S, Liu Q, Sun XY, Zhang WJ, Yang YY, Mang DZ, Zhu XY, Sun L, Zhang YN. Gustatory Receptor 206 Participates in the Foraging Behavior of Larvae of Polyphagous Pest Spodoptera litura. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:12003-12013. [PMID: 38748811 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01434] [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: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Insect gustatory receptors (GRs) aid in the precise identification of deterrent or stimulant compounds associated with food, mating, and egg-laying. Thus, they are promising targets for developing efficient insecticides. Here, 61 GRs in the chemosensory organs of Spodoptera litura larvae and adults were identified. Among them, SlitGR206 exhibited larval labium (LL)-specific expression characteristics. To explore the role of SlitGR206, a bacterial expression system was established to produce high-quality double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and suppress SlitGR206 expression in LL. Subsequent behavioral assessments revealed that SlitGR206 silencing influenced larval feeding preferences and absorption. Moreover, it was found to reduce the ability of larvae to forage the five crucial host odorants. These findings demonstrate that SlitGR206 likely plays an indirect regulatory role in host recognition, consequently affecting foraging behavior. This provides a crucial foundation for the analysis of functional diversity among insect GRs and the precise development of nucleic acid pesticides in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Qiao Li
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Yu-Wen Chen
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou311300,China
| | - Mao-Zhu Yin
- Suzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suzhou 234000, China
| | - Sai Ma
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Xin-Yao Sun
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Wen-Jing Zhang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yan-Yan Yang
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ding-Ze Mang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Xiu-Yun Zhu
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
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4
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Arntsen C, Guillemin J, Audette K, Stanley M. Tastant-receptor interactions: insights from the fruit fly. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1394697. [PMID: 38665300 PMCID: PMC11043608 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1394697] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Across species, taste provides important chemical information about potential food sources and the surrounding environment. As details about the chemicals and receptors responsible for gustation are discovered, a complex view of the taste system is emerging with significant contributions from research using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model organism. In this brief review, we summarize recent advances in Drosophila gustation and their relevance to taste research more broadly. Our goal is to highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying the first step of gustatory circuits: ligand-receptor interactions in primary taste cells. After an introduction to the Drosophila taste system and how it encodes the canonical taste modalities sweet, bitter, and salty, we describe recent insights into the complex nature of carboxylic acid and amino acid detection in the context of sour and umami taste, respectively. Our analysis extends to non-canonical taste modalities including metals, fatty acids, and bacterial components, and highlights unexpected receptors and signaling pathways that have recently been identified in Drosophila taste cells. Comparing the intricate molecular and cellular underpinnings of how ligands are detected in vivo in fruit flies reveals both specific and promiscuous receptor selectivity for taste encoding. Throughout this review, we compare and contextualize these Drosophila findings with mammalian research to not only emphasize the conservation of these chemosensory systems, but to demonstrate the power of this model organism in elucidating the neurobiology of taste and feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Molly Stanley
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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Sang J, Dhakal S, Shrestha B, Nath DK, Kim Y, Ganguly A, Montell C, Lee Y. A single pair of pharyngeal neurons functions as a commander to reject high salt in Drosophila melanogaster. eLife 2024; 12:RP93464. [PMID: 38573740 PMCID: PMC10994663 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93464] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Salt (NaCl), is an essential nutrient for survival, while excessive salt can be detrimental. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, internal taste organs in the pharynx are critical gatekeepers impacting the decision to accept or reject a food. Currently, our understanding of the mechanism through which pharyngeal gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) sense high salt are rudimentary. Here, we found that a member of the ionotropic receptor family, Ir60b, is expressed exclusively in a pair of GRNs activated by high salt. Using a two-way choice assay (DrosoX) to measure ingestion volume, we demonstrate that IR60b and two co-receptors IR25a and IR76b are required to prevent high salt consumption. Mutants lacking external taste organs but retaining the internal taste organs in the pharynx exhibit much higher salt avoidance than flies with all taste organs but missing the three IRs. Our findings highlight the vital role for IRs in a pharyngeal GRN to control ingestion of high salt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun Sang
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Subash Dhakal
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Nath
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yunjung Kim
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Anindya Ganguly
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Craig Montell
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
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6
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Waris MI, Lei Y, Qi G, Guan Z, Rashied A, Chen J, Lyu L. The temporal-spatial expression and functional analysis of three gustatory receptor genes in Solenopsis invicta using sweet and bitter compounds. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:448-468. [PMID: 38010036 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The insect gustatory system participates in identifying potential food sources and avoiding toxic compounds. During this process, gustatory receptors (GRs) recognize feeding stimulant and deterrent compounds. However, the GRs involved in recognizing stimulant and deterrent compounds in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, remain unknown. Therefore, we conducted a study on the genes SinvGR1, SinvGR32b, and SinvGR28a to investigate the roles of GRs in detecting feeding stimulant and deterrent compounds. In this current study, we found that sucrose and fructose are feeding stimulants and the bitter compound quinine is a feeding deterrent. The fire ant workers showed significant behavior changes to avoid the bitter taste in feeding stimulant compounds. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results from developmental stages showed that the SinvGR1, SinvGR32b, and SinvGR28a genes were highly expressed in fire ant workers. Tissue-specific expression profiles indicated that SinvGR1, SinvGR32b, and SinvGR28a were specifically expressed in the antennae and foreleg tarsi of workers, whereas SinvGR32b gene transcripts were also highly accumulated in the male antennae. Furthermore, the silencing of SinvGR1 or SinvGR32b alone and the co-silencing of both genes disrupted worker stimulation and feeding on sucrose and fructose. The results also showed that SinvGR28a is required for avoiding quinine, as workers with knockdown of the SinvGR28a gene failed to avoid and fed on quinine. This study first identified stimulant and deterrent compounds of fire ant workers and then the GRs involved in the taste recognition of these compounds. This study could provide potential target gustatory genes for the control of the fire ant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan Waris
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyuan Lei
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guojun Qi
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziying Guan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Abdul Rashied
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Lyu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Pradhan RN, Shrestha B, Lee Y. Avoiding cantharidin through ionotropic receptors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133497. [PMID: 38278077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133497] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The discernment and aversion of noxious gustatory stimuli profoundly influence homeostasis maintenance and survival of fauna. Cantharidin, a purported aphrodisiac, is a monoterpenoid compound secreted by many species of blister beetle, particularly by the Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria. Although the various advantageous functions of cantharidin have been described, its taste analysis and toxic properties in animalshave been rarely explored. Our study using Drosophila melanogaster examines the taste properties of cantharidin along with its potential hazardous effect in the internal organs of animals. Here, we find that cantharidin activates bitter taste receptors. Our findings show that specific ionotropic receptors (IR7g, IR51b, and IR94f) in labellar bitter-sensing neurons, along with co-receptors IR25a and IR76b, are responsible for detecting cantharidin. By introducing the IR7g and IR51b in sweet and bitter neurons, naturally expressing IR76b and IR25a, we show that these genes are sufficient for cantharidin perception. Moreover, we witness the deleterious ramifications of cantharidin on survival and visceral integrities, shedding light on its hazardous effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshani Nhuchhen Pradhan
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Shi J, He L, Du J, Wang CZ, Zhao Z. Mechanism of foraging selections regulated by gustatory receptor 43a in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:978-987. [PMID: 37822037 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Omnivores, including humans, have an inborn tendency to avoid risky or non-nutritious foods. However, relatively little is known about how animals perceive and discriminate nutritious foods from risky substances. In this study, we explored the mechanism of feeding selection in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae, one of the most destructive pests to the maize crop. RESULTS We identified a gustatory receptor, Gr43a, for feeding regulation in larvae of Ostrinia furnacalis, which highly expresses in the mouthparts of the first- (the period of just hatching out from eggs) and fifth-instar larvae (the period of gluttony). The Gr43a regulates foraging plasticity by discriminating sorbitol, a nonsweet nutritious substance, and sucralose, a sweet non-nutritious substance through the labra of mouthparts, while it differentiates fructose/sucrose and sucralose via the sensilla styloconica of mouthparts. Specially, Gr43a responds to fructose and sucrose via the medial and lateral sensilla styloconica in O. furnacalis, respectively. Furthermore, Gr43a is negatively regulated by the neuropeptide F system, a homologous mammalian neuropeptide Y system. CONCLUSION This study reveals a smart feeding strategy for animals to meet both nutritional needs and sweet gratification, and offers an insight into complex feeding selections dependent on food resources in the surrounding environment. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Shi
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Zhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Li K, Guo Y, Wang Y, Zhu R, Chen W, Cheng T, Zhang X, Jia Y, Liu T, Zhang W, Jan LY, Jan YN. Drosophila TMEM63 and mouse TMEM63A are lysosomal mechanosensory ion channels. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:393-403. [PMID: 38388853 PMCID: PMC10940159 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Cells sense physical forces and convert them into electrical or chemical signals, a process known as mechanotransduction. Whereas extensive studies focus on mechanotransduction at the plasma membrane, little is known about whether and how intracellular organelles sense mechanical force and the physiological functions of organellar mechanosensing. Here we identify the Drosophila TMEM63 (DmTMEM63) ion channel as an intrinsic mechanosensor of the lysosome, a major degradative organelle. Endogenous DmTMEM63 proteins localize to lysosomes, mediate lysosomal mechanosensitivity and modulate lysosomal morphology and function. Tmem63 mutant flies exhibit impaired lysosomal degradation, synaptic loss, progressive motor deficits and early death, with some of these mutant phenotypes recapitulating symptoms of TMEM63-associated human diseases. Importantly, mouse TMEM63A mediates lysosomal mechanosensitivity in Neuro-2a cells, indicative of functional conservation in mammals. Our findings reveal DmTMEM63 channel function in lysosomes and its physiological roles in vivo and provide a molecular basis to explore the mechanosensitive process in subcellular organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yanmeng Guo
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yayu Wang
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ruijun Zhu
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tong Cheng
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yinjun Jia
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lily Yeh Jan
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuh Nung Jan
- Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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10
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Ma D, Hu M, Yang X, Liu Q, Ye F, Cai W, Wang Y, Xu X, Chang S, Wang R, Yang W, Ye S, Su N, Fan M, Xu H, Guo J. Structural basis for sugar perception by Drosophila gustatory receptors. Science 2024; 383:eadj2609. [PMID: 38305684 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj2609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Insects rely on a family of seven transmembrane proteins called gustatory receptors (GRs) to encode different taste modalities, such as sweet and bitter. We report structures of Drosophila sweet taste receptors GR43a and GR64a in the apo and sugar-bound states. Both GRs form tetrameric sugar-gated cation channels composed of one central pore domain (PD) and four peripheral ligand-binding domains (LBDs). Whereas GR43a is specifically activated by the monosaccharide fructose that binds to a narrow pocket in LBDs, disaccharides sucrose and maltose selectively activate GR64a by binding to a larger and flatter pocket in LBDs. Sugar binding to LBDs induces local conformational changes, which are subsequently transferred to the PD to cause channel opening. Our studies reveal a structural basis for sugar recognition and activation of GRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demin Ma
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Meiqin Hu
- Department of Neurology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Liangzhu Laboratory and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- Department of Neurology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Liangzhu Laboratory and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Liangzhu Laboratory and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Weijie Cai
- Department of Neurology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Liangzhu Laboratory and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Marine Biomedical Institute of Qingdao, School of Pharmacy and Medicine, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Shenghai Chang
- Center of Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ruiying Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Sheng Ye
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Nannan Su
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, China
| | - Minrui Fan
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haoxing Xu
- Department of Neurology and Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Liangzhu Laboratory and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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11
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Montanari M, Manière G, Berthelot-Grosjean M, Dusabyinema Y, Gillet B, Grosjean Y, Kurz CL, Royet J. Larval microbiota primes the Drosophila adult gustatory response. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1341. [PMID: 38351056 PMCID: PMC10864365 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45532-4] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The survival of animals depends, among other things, on their ability to identify threats in their surrounding environment. Senses such as olfaction, vision and taste play an essential role in sampling their living environment, including microorganisms, some of which are potentially pathogenic. This study focuses on the mechanisms of detection of bacteria by the Drosophila gustatory system. We demonstrate that the peptidoglycan (PGN) that forms the cell wall of bacteria triggers an immediate feeding aversive response when detected by the gustatory system of adult flies. Although we identify ppk23+ and Gr66a+ gustatory neurons as necessary to transduce fly response to PGN, we demonstrate that they play very different roles in the process. Time-controlled functional inactivation and in vivo calcium imaging demonstrate that while ppk23+ neurons are required in the adult flies to directly transduce PGN signal, Gr66a+ neurons must be functional in larvae to allow future adults to become PGN sensitive. Furthermore, the ability of adult flies to respond to bacterial PGN is lost when they hatch from larvae reared under axenic conditions. Recolonization of germ-free larvae, but not adults, with a single bacterial species, Lactobacillus brevis, is sufficient to restore the ability of adults to respond to PGN. Our data demonstrate that the genetic and environmental characteristics of the larvae are essential to make the future adults competent to respond to certain sensory stimuli such as PGN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gérard Manière
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRAe, Université Bourgogne, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - Martine Berthelot-Grosjean
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRAe, Université Bourgogne, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - Yves Dusabyinema
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5242, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Gillet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5242, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Yaël Grosjean
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRAe, Université Bourgogne, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - C Léopold Kurz
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France.
| | - Julien Royet
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France.
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12
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Dweck HKM, Carlson JR. Diverse mechanisms of taste coding in Drosophila. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj7032. [PMID: 37976361 PMCID: PMC10656072 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj7032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Taste systems encode chemical cues that drive vital behaviors. We have elucidated noncanonical features of taste coding using an unconventional kind of electrophysiological analysis. We find that taste neurons of Drosophila are much more sensitive than previously thought. They have a low spontaneous firing frequency that depends on taste receptors. Taste neurons have a dual function as olfactory neurons: They are activated by most tested odorants, including N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), at a distance. DEET can also inhibit certain taste neurons, revealing that there are two modes of taste response: activation and inhibition. We characterize electrophysiological OFF responses and find that the tastants that elicit them are related in structure. OFF responses link tastant identity to behavior: the magnitude of the OFF response elicited by a tastant correlated with the egg laying behavior it elicited. In summary, the sensitivity and coding capacity of the taste system are much greater than previously known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany K M Dweck
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - John R Carlson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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13
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Vertacnik KL, Herrig DK, Godfrey RK, Hill T, Geib SM, Unckless RL, Nelson DR, Linnen CR. Evolution of five environmentally responsive gene families in a pine-feeding sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10506. [PMID: 37791292 PMCID: PMC10542623 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A central goal in evolutionary biology is to determine the predictability of adaptive genetic changes. Despite many documented cases of convergent evolution at individual loci, little is known about the repeatability of gene family expansions and contractions. To address this void, we examined gene family evolution in the redheaded pine sawfly Neodiprion lecontei, a noneusocial hymenopteran and exemplar of a pine-specialized lineage evolved from angiosperm-feeding ancestors. After assembling and annotating a draft genome, we manually annotated multiple gene families with chemosensory, detoxification, or immunity functions before characterizing their genomic distributions and molecular evolution. We find evidence of recent expansions of bitter gustatory receptor, clan 3 cytochrome P450, olfactory receptor, and antimicrobial peptide subfamilies, with strong evidence of positive selection among paralogs in a clade of gustatory receptors possibly involved in the detection of bitter compounds. In contrast, these gene families had little evidence of recent contraction via pseudogenization. Overall, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that in response to novel selection pressures, gene families that mediate ecological interactions may expand and contract predictably. Testing this hypothesis will require the comparative analysis of high-quality annotation data from phylogenetically and ecologically diverse insect species and functionally diverse gene families. To this end, increasing sampling in under-sampled hymenopteran lineages and environmentally responsive gene families and standardizing manual annotation methods should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L. Vertacnik
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | | | - R. Keating Godfrey
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, University of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Tom Hill
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Scott M. Geib
- Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research UnitUnited States Department of Agriculture: Agriculture Research Service Pacific Basin Agricultural Research CenterHiloHawaiiUSA
| | - Robert L. Unckless
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
| | - David R. Nelson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and BiochemistryUniversity of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
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14
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Weng JW, Park H, Valotteau C, Chen RT, Essmann CL, Pujol N, Sternberg PW, Chen CH. Body stiffness is a mechanical property that facilitates contact-mediated mate recognition in Caenorhabditis elegans. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3585-3596.e5. [PMID: 37541249 PMCID: PMC10530406 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Physical contact is prevalent in the animal kingdom to recognize suitable mates by decoding information about sex, species, and maturity. Although chemical cues for mate recognition have been extensively studied, the role of mechanical cues remains elusive. Here, we show that C. elegans males recognize conspecific and reproductive mates through short-range cues, and that the attractiveness of potential mates depends on the sex and developmental stages of the hypodermis. We find that a particular group of cuticular collagens is required for mate attractiveness. These collagens maintain body stiffness to sustain mate attractiveness but do not affect the surface properties that evoke the initial step of mate recognition, suggesting that males utilize multiple sensory mechanisms to recognize suitable mates. Manipulations of body stiffness via physical interventions, chemical treatments, and 3D-printed bionic worms indicate that body stiffness is a mechanical property for mate recognition and increases mating efficiency. Our study thus extends the repertoire of sensory cues of mate recognition in C. elegans and provides a paradigm to study the important roles of mechanosensory cues in social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Wei Weng
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University. No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Heenam Park
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Claire Valotteau
- Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, LAI, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Rui-Tsung Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University. No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Clara L Essmann
- Bio3/Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 163 Avenue de Luminy, case 906, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
| | - Chun-Hao Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University. No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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15
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Pradhan RN, Shrestha B, Lee Y. Molecular Basis of Hexanoic Acid Taste in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Cells 2023; 46:451-460. [PMID: 37202372 PMCID: PMC10336273 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals generally prefer nutrients and avoid toxic and harmful chemicals. Recent behavioral and physiological studies have identified that sweet-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) in Drosophila melanogaster mediate appetitive behaviors toward fatty acids. Sweet-sensing GRN activation requires the function of the ionotropic receptors IR25a, IR56d, and IR76b, as well as the gustatory receptor GR64e. However, we reveal that hexanoic acid (HA) is toxic rather than nutritious to D. melanogaster. HA is one of the major components of the fruit Morinda citrifolia (noni). Thus, we analyzed the gustatory responses to one of major noni fatty acids, HA, via electrophysiology and proboscis extension response (PER) assay. Electrophysiological tests show this is reminiscent of arginine-mediated neuronal responses. Here, we determined that a low concentration of HA induced attraction, which was mediated by sweet-sensing GRNs, and a high concentration of HA induced aversion, which was mediated by bitter-sensing GRNs. We also demonstrated that a low concentration of HA elicits attraction mainly mediated by GR64d and IR56d expressed by sweet-sensing GRNs, but a high concentration of HA activates three gustatory receptors (GR32a, GR33a, and GR66a) expressed by bitter-sensing GRNs. The mechanism of sensing HA is biphasic in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, HA inhibit sugar-mediated activation like other bitter compounds. Taken together, we discovered a binary HA-sensing mechanism that may be evolutionarily meaningful in the foraging niche of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
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16
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Ueda A, Berg A, Khan T, Ruzicka M, Li S, Cramer E, Iyengar A, Wu CF. Intense light unleashes male-male courtship behaviour in wild-type Drosophila. Open Biol 2023; 13:220233. [PMID: 37463658 PMCID: PMC10353890 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila courtship studies have elucidated several principles of the neurogenetic organization of complex behaviour. Through an integration across sensory modalities, males perform stereotypic patterns of chasing, courtship song production and copulation attempts. Here we report a serendipitous finding that intense light not only enhances courtship toward female targets but also triggers unexpected courtship behaviours among male flies. Strikingly, in wild-type male-only chambers, we observed extreme behavioural manifestations, such as 'chaining' and 'wheeling', resembling previously reported male-male courtship behaviours in fruitless mutants and in transformants with ectopic mini-white+ overexpression. This male-male courtship was greatly diminished in a variety of visual system mutants, including disrupted phototransduction (norpA), eliminated eye-colour screening pigments (white), or deletion of the R7 photoreceptor cells (sevenless). However, light-induced courtship was unhampered in wing-cut flies, despite their inability to produce courtship song, a major acoustic signal during courtship. Unexpectedly the olfactory mutants orco and sbl displayed unrestrained male-male courtship. Particularly, orco males attained maximum courtship scores under either dim or intense light conditions. Together, our observations support the notion that the innate male courtship behaviour is restrained by olfactory cues under normal conditions but can be unleashed by strong visual stimulation in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Ueda
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Abigayle Berg
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Tashmit Khan
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Shuwen Li
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ellyn Cramer
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Atulya Iyengar
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Chun-Fang Wu
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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17
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Zhang M, Hu Y, Liu J, Guan Z, Zhang W. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing of gustatory receptor NlugGr23a causes male sterility in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 241:124612. [PMID: 37119891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Gustatory receptors (Grs) have an essential role in chemical recognition so as to evaluate food quality. Insect Grs also participate in non-gustatory functions, such as olfaction, temperature sensing, and mating. In this study, we knocked out NlugGr23a, a putative fecundity-related Gr, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a serious insect pest of rice. Surprisingly, homozygous NlugGr23a mutant (NlugGr23a-/-) males were sterile but their sperm were motile and morphologically normal. DAPI staining of mutant sperm inseminated eggs showed that most of NlugGr23a-/- sperm failed to fertilize eggs, even if they were capable of entering into the egg as a result of their arrested development prior to male pronucleus formation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the expression of NlugGr23a in testis. Moreover, prior mating by NlugGr23a-/- males suppressed female fertility. To our knowledge, it is the first report that a chemoreceptor is implicated in male sterility and provides a potential molecular target for genetic pest control alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Yutao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhanwen Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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18
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Verschut TA, Ng R, Doubovetzky NP, Le Calvez G, Sneep JL, Minnaard AJ, Su CY, Carlsson MA, Wertheim B, Billeter JC. Aggregation pheromones have a non-linear effect on oviposition behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1544. [PMID: 36941252 PMCID: PMC10027874 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Female fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) oviposit at communal sites where the larvae may cooperate or compete for resources depending on group size. This offers a model system to determine how females assess quantitative social information. We show that the concentration of pheromones found on a substrate increases linearly with the number of adult flies that have visited that site. Females prefer oviposition sites with pheromone concentrations corresponding to an intermediate number of previous visitors, whereas sites with low or high concentrations are unattractive. This dose-dependent decision is based on a blend of 11-cis-Vaccenyl Acetate (cVA) indicating the number of previous visitors and heptanal (a novel pheromone deriving from the oxidation of 7-Tricosene), which acts as a dose-independent co-factor. This response is mediated by detection of cVA by odorant receptor neurons Or67d and Or65a, and at least five different odorant receptor neurons for heptanal. Our results identify a mechanism allowing individuals to transform a linear increase of pheromones into a non-linear behavioral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Verschut
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Renny Ng
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nicolas P Doubovetzky
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Le Calvez
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan L Sneep
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J Minnaard
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chih-Ying Su
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mikael A Carlsson
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bregje Wertheim
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Billeter
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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19
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Mi T, Mack JO, Koolmees W, Lyon Q, Yochimowitz L, Teng ZQ, Jiang P, Montell C, Zhang YV. Alkaline taste sensation through the alkaliphile chloride channel in Drosophila. Nat Metab 2023; 5:466-480. [PMID: 36941450 PMCID: PMC10665042 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The sense of taste is an important sentinel governing what should or should not be ingested by an animal, with high pH sensation playing a critical role in food selection. Here we explore the molecular identities of taste receptors detecting the basic pH of food using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. We identify a chloride channel named alkaliphile (Alka), which is both necessary and sufficient for aversive taste responses to basic food. Alka forms a high-pH-gated chloride channel and is specifically expressed in a subset of gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs). Optogenetic activation of alka-expressing GRNs is sufficient to suppress attractive feeding responses to sucrose. Conversely, inactivation of these GRNs causes severe impairments in the aversion to high pH. Altogether, our discovery of Alka as an alkaline taste receptor lays the groundwork for future research on alkaline taste sensation in other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Mi
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John O Mack
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Quinn Lyon
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peihua Jiang
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Yali V Zhang
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Physiology, The Diabetes Research Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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20
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Deere JU, Sarkissian AA, Yang M, Uttley HA, Martinez Santana N, Nguyen L, Ravi K, Devineni AV. Selective integration of diverse taste inputs within a single taste modality. eLife 2023; 12:e84856. [PMID: 36692370 PMCID: PMC9873257 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in sensory processing is how different channels of sensory input are processed to regulate behavior. Different input channels may converge onto common downstream pathways to drive the same behaviors, or they may activate separate pathways to regulate distinct behaviors. We investigated this question in the Drosophila bitter taste system, which contains diverse bitter-sensing cells residing in different taste organs. First, we optogenetically activated subsets of bitter neurons within each organ. These subsets elicited broad and highly overlapping behavioral effects, suggesting that they converge onto common downstream pathways, but we also observed behavioral differences that argue for biased convergence. Consistent with these results, transsynaptic tracing revealed that bitter neurons in different organs connect to overlapping downstream pathways with biased connectivity. We investigated taste processing in one type of downstream bitter neuron that projects to the higher brain. These neurons integrate input from multiple organs and regulate specific taste-related behaviors. We then traced downstream circuits, providing the first glimpse into taste processing in the higher brain. Together, these results reveal that different bitter inputs are selectively integrated early in the circuit, enabling the pooling of information, while the circuit then diverges into multiple pathways that may have different roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia U Deere
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - Meifeng Yang
- Department of Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Hannah A Uttley
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - Lam Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Kaushiki Ravi
- Department of Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
| | - Anita V Devineni
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
- Department of Biology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
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21
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Dong JF, Yang HB, Li DX, Yu HQ, Tian CH. Identification and expression analysis of chemosensory receptors in the tarsi of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Front Physiol 2023; 14:1177297. [PMID: 37101698 PMCID: PMC10123274 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1177297] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemosensation of tarsi provides moths with the ability to detect chemical signals which are important for food recognition. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the chemosensory roles of tarsi are still unknown. The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is a serious moth pest that can damage many plants worldwide. In the current study, we conducted transcriptome sequencing with total RNA extracted from S. frugiperda tarsi. Through sequence assembly and gene annotation, 23 odorant receptors 10 gustatory receptors and 10 inotropic receptors (IRs) were identified. Further phylogenetic analysis with these genes and homologs from other insect species indicated specific genes, including ORco, carbon dioxide receptors, fructose receptor, IR co-receptors, and sugar receptors were expressed in the tarsi of S. frugiperda. Expression profiling with RT-qPCR in different tissues of adult S. frugiperda showed that most annotated SfruORs and SfruIRs were mainly expressed in the antennae, and most SfruGRs were mainly expressed in the proboscises. However, SfruOR30, SfruGR9, SfruIR60a, SfruIR64a, SfruIR75d, and SfruIR76b were also highly enriched in the tarsi of S. frugiperda. Especially SfruGR9, the putative fructose receptor, was predominantly expressed in the tarsi, and with its levels significantly higher in the female tarsi than in the male ones. Moreover, SfruIR60a was also found to be expressed with higher levels in the tarsi than in other tissues. This study not only improves our insight into the tarsal chemoreception systems of S. frugiperda but also provides useful information for further functional studies of chemosensory receptors in S. frugiperda tarsi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Dong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Hai-Bo Yang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Ding-Xu Li
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Hong-Qi Yu
- Information Center of Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Qi Yu, ; Cai-Hong Tian,
| | - Cai-Hong Tian
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Qi Yu, ; Cai-Hong Tian,
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22
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Vernier CL, Leitner N, Zelle KM, Foltz M, Dutton S, Liang X, Halloran S, Millar JG, Ben-Shahar Y. A pleiotropic chemoreceptor facilitates the production and perception of mating pheromones. iScience 2022; 26:105882. [PMID: 36691619 PMCID: PMC9860498 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal mating decisions depend on the robust coupling of signal production and perception because independent changes in either could carry a fitness cost. However, since the perception and production of mating signals are often mediated by different tissues and cell types, the mechanisms that drive and maintain their coupling remain unknown for most animal species. Here, we show that in Drosophila, behavioral responses to, and the production of, a putative inhibitory mating pheromone are co-regulated by Gr8a, a member of the Gustatory receptor gene family. Specifically, through behavioral and pheromonal data, we found that Gr8a independently regulates the behavioral responses of males and females to a putative inhibitory pheromone, as well as its production in the fat body and oenocytes of males. Overall, these findings provide a relatively simple molecular explanation for how pleiotropic receptors maintain robust mating signaling systems at the population and species levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassondra L. Vernier
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Nicole Leitner
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Zelle
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Merrin Foltz
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Sophia Dutton
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Xitong Liang
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sean Halloran
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jocelyn G. Millar
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Yehuda Ben-Shahar
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA,Corresponding author
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23
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Ohhara Y, Yamanaka N. Internal sensory neurons regulate stage-specific growth in Drosophila. Development 2022; 149:dev200440. [PMID: 36227580 PMCID: PMC10496149 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Animals control their developmental schedule in accordance with internal states and external environments. In Drosophila larvae, it is well established that nutrient status is sensed by different internal organs, which in turn regulate production of insulin-like peptides and thereby control growth. In contrast, the impact of the chemosensory system on larval development remains largely unclear. Here, we performed a genetic screen to identify gustatory receptor (Gr) neurons regulating growth and development, and found that Gr28a-expressing neurons are required for proper progression of larval growth. Gr28a is expressed in a subset of peripheral internal sensory neurons, which directly extend their axons to insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in the central nervous system. Silencing of Gr28a-expressing neurons blocked insulin-like peptide release from IPCs and suppressed larval growth during the mid-larval period. These results indicate that Gr28a-expressing neurons promote larval development by directly regulating growth-promoting endocrine signaling in a stage-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Ohhara
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamanaka
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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24
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Deere JU, Devineni AV. Taste cues elicit prolonged modulation of feeding behavior in Drosophila. iScience 2022; 25:105159. [PMID: 36204264 PMCID: PMC9529979 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste cues regulate immediate feeding behavior, but their ability to modulate future behavior has been less well studied. Pairing one taste with another can modulate subsequent feeding responses through associative learning, but this requires simultaneous exposure to both stimuli. We investigated whether exposure to one taste modulates future responses to other tastes even when they do not overlap in time. Using Drosophila, we found that brief exposure to sugar enhanced future feeding responses, whereas bitter exposure suppressed them. This modulation relies on neural pathways distinct from those that acutely regulate feeding or mediate learning-dependent changes. Sensory neuron activity was required not only during initial taste exposure but also afterward, suggesting that ongoing sensory activity may maintain experience-dependent changes in downstream circuits. Thus, the brain stores a memory of each taste stimulus after it disappears, enabling animals to integrate information as they sequentially sample different taste cues that signal local food quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia U Deere
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Anita V Devineni
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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25
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Kopp A, Barmina O. Interspecific variation in sex-specific gustatory organs in Drosophila. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2439-2450. [PMID: 35603778 PMCID: PMC9339527 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila males use leg gustatory bristles to discriminate between male and female cuticular pheromones as an important part of courtship behavior. In Drosophila melanogaster, several male-specific gustatory bristles are present on the anterior surface of the first tarsal segment of the prothoracic leg, in addition to a larger set of gustatory bristles found in both sexes. These bristles are thought to be specialized for pheromone detection. Here, we report the number and location of sex-specific gustatory bristles in 27 other Drosophila species. Although some species have a pattern similar to D. melanogaster, others lack anterior male-specific bristles but have many dorsal male-specific gustatory bristles instead. Some species have both anterior and dorsal male-specific bristles, while others lack sexual dimorphism entirely. In several distantly related species, the number of gustatory bristles is much greater in males than in females due to a male-specific transformation of ancestrally mechanosensory bristles to a chemosensory identity. This variation in the extent and pattern of sexual dimorphism may affect the formation and function of neuronal circuits that control Drosophila courtship and contribute to the evolution of mating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artyom Kopp
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis
| | - Olga Barmina
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis
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26
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Zhang G, Cao S, Guo T, Wang H, Qi X, Ren X, Niu C. Identification and expression profiles of gustatory receptor genes in Bactrocera minax larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae): Role of BminGR59f in larval growth. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1240-1250. [PMID: 35146929 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13014] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insects employ various types of gustatory receptors (GRs) to identify nutrient-rich food and avoid toxic substances. The larval gustatory system is the critical checkpoint for food acceptance or rejection. As a specialist herbivore, the larvae of Bactrocera minax feed only on unripe citrus fruits. However, how larvae use GRs to check and adapt to the secondary metabolites in unripe citrus fruits remains unknown. In this study, we first performed developmental expression profiles showing that most BminGRs genes were highly expressed in 1st and 2nd instar larvae and that tissue-specific expression indicated high expression of most BminGRs genes in the mouthparts of 2nd instar larvae. Furthermore, we found that silencing BminGR59f by RNA interference (RNAi) affected the growth of 2nd instar B. minax larvae. Hesperidin and naringin were screened as ligands of BminGR59f via RNAi and cell calcium imaging, and the combination of these two flavones increased the body weight of larvae. In summary, we identified a novel gustatory perception pattern in B. minax for detecting hesperidin and naringin, which boosted the growth of B. minax larvae. These results shed light on how specialist herbivores detect and adapt to host metabolites in adverse environments depending on larval GRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijian Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tong Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuewei Qi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueming Ren
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changying Niu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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27
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Structural model for ligand binding and channel opening of an insect gustatory receptor. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102573. [PMID: 36209821 PMCID: PMC9643425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102573] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect gustatory receptors play roles in sensing tastants, such as sugars and bitter substances. We previously demonstrated that the BmGr9 silkworm gustatory receptor is a d-fructose–gated ion channel receptor. However, the molecular mechanism of how d-fructose could initiate channel opening were unclear. Herein, we present a structural model for a channel pore and a d-fructose–binding site in BmGr9. Since the membrane topology and oligomeric state of BmGr9 appeared to be similar to those of an insect odorant receptor coreceptor, Orco, we constructed a structural model of BmGr9 based on the cryo-EM Orco structure. Our site-directed mutagenesis data suggested that the transmembrane region 7 forms channel pore and controls channel gating. This model also suggested that a pocket formed by transmembrane helices 2 to 4 and 6 binds d-fructose. Using mutagenesis experiments in combination with docking simulations, we were able to determine the potent binding mode of d-fructose. Finally, based on these data, we propose a conformational change that leads to channel opening upon d-fructose binding. Taken together, these findings detail the molecular mechanism by which an insect gustatory receptor can be activated by its ligand molecule.
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28
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Wikantyoso B, Imai T, Himmi SK, Yusuf S, Hata T, Yoshimura T. Ultrastructure and distribution of sensory receptors on the nonolfactory organs of the soldier caste in subterranean termite (Coptotermes spp.). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 70:101201. [PMID: 35994811 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101201] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The soldier caste of termites uses sensilla to sense pheromonal, tactile, and vibrational cues to communicate inside and outside their nest. Although sensilla with many modalities on the antennae of subterranean termites have been well explored, there remains a lack of information regarding sensillum characteristics and distribution of the nonolfactory organs of the soldier caste in the Coptotermes genus. In this study, the ultrastructure of sensilla from the soldier caste of three Coptotermes spp. (Coptotermes formosanus, Coptotermes curvignathus, and Coptotermes gestroi) was observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and the putative function of each type was deduced. Six total sensillum types were observed, with two mechanoreceptive sensillum types (hair and plate). The long flexible-peg mechanoreceptive sensilla may work as contact-chemoreceptive sensilla due to their elongated dendritic outer segments and uniporous characteristics. There was a significant depletion of mechano-chemoreceptive sensillum numbers in C. gestroi, which was compensated by a high density of short-peg mechanoreceptive sensilla on the pronotum. Finally, cuticular and innervation characteristics of thermo-/hygrosensitive sensilla were observed for the first time on the labrum of the soldier caste of Coptotermes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bramantyo Wikantyoso
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia.
| | - Tomoya Imai
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - S Khoirul Himmi
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Sulaeman Yusuf
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Toshimitsu Hata
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yoshimura
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
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29
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Meiselman MR, Ganguly A, Dahanukar A, Adams ME. Endocrine modulation of primary chemosensory neurons regulates Drosophila courtship behavior. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010357. [PMID: 35998183 PMCID: PMC9439213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The decision to engage in courtship depends on external cues from potential mates and internal cues related to maturation, health, and experience. Hormones allow for coordinated conveyance of such information to peripheral tissues. Here, we show Ecdysis-Triggering Hormone (ETH) is critical for courtship inhibition after completion of copulation in Drosophila melanogaster. ETH deficiency relieves post-copulation courtship inhibition (PCCI) and increases male-male courtship. ETH appears to modulate perception and attractiveness of potential mates by direct action on primary chemosensory neurons. Knockdown of ETH receptor (ETHR) expression in GR32A-expressing neurons leads to reduced ligand sensitivity and elevated male-male courtship. We find OR67D also is critical for normal levels of PCCI after mating. ETHR knockdown in OR67D-expressing neurons or GR32A-expressing neurons relieves PCCI. Finally, ETHR silencing in the corpus allatum (CA), the sole source of juvenile hormone, also relieves PCCI; treatment with the juvenile hormone analog methoprene partially restores normal post-mating behavior. We find that ETH, a stress-sensitive reproductive hormone, appears to coordinate multiple sensory modalities to guide Drosophila male courtship behaviors, especially after mating. The decision of when to reproduce is paramount for organismal survival. In models like mice and flies, we have a comprehensive understanding of neuronal substrates for perception of mates and courtship drive, but how these substrates adapt to malleable internal and external environments remains unclear. Here, we show that post-mating refractoriness depends upon a peptide hormone, Ecdysis-Triggering Hormone (ETH). We show repression of courtship toward recently-mated females depends upon pheromone cues and that ETH deficiency impairs perception of female matedness. ETH signaling appears to promote the activity and function of pheromone-sensing primary olfactory and gustatory sensory neurons. Additionally, ETH sets internal levels of Juvenile Hormone, a hormone known to inhibit courtship drive in flies. Elimination of ETH or its receptor in primary sensory neurons or the glandular source of Juvenile Hormone reduces male post-copulation courtship inhibition (PCCI), causing continued courtship toward female counterparts after successful mating. Our data suggest ETH and its targets are critical for post-mating refractoriness in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Meiselman
- Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MRM); (MEA)
| | - Anindya Ganguly
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Anupama Dahanukar
- Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Adams
- Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MRM); (MEA)
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30
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Aryal B, Dhakal S, Shrestha B, Sang J, Nhuchhen Pradhan R, Lee Y. Protocol for binary food choice assays using Drosophila melanogaster. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101410. [PMID: 35620079 PMCID: PMC9127214 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Food preference is a fundamental behavior for animals to choose nutritious foods while rejecting foods containing toxins. Here, we describe binary food choice assays using Drosophila melanogaster, which are straightforward approaches for the characterization of two-way choice tastants. We detail the preparation of flies and dye-containing food, followed by the binary-choice feeding assays and the determination of the preference index (PI). This protocol is simple, sensitive, and reproducible in qualitatively detecting attractive or aversive characteristics toward any two-way choice tastants. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Aryal et al. (2022). Protocol for qualitatively analyzing food preferences in Drosophila A simple, sensitive, and reproducible binary food choice assay Determination of preference index using dye-containing foods Appropriate for any behavioral taste analysis of fly models
Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Aryal
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Subash Dhakal
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiun Sang
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Roshani Nhuchhen Pradhan
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author
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31
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Aryal B, Dhakal S, Shrestha B, Lee Y. Molecular and neuronal mechanisms for amino acid taste perception in the Drosophila labellum. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1376-1386.e4. [PMID: 35176225 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential nutrients that act as building blocks for protein synthesis. Recent studies in Drosophila have demonstrated that glycine, phenylalanine, and threonine elicit attraction, whereas tryptophan elicits aversion at ecologically relevant concentrations. Here, we demonstrated that eight amino acids, including arginine, glycine, alanine, serine, phenylalanine, threonine, cysteine, and proline, differentially stimulate feeding behavior by activating sweet-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) in L-type and S-type sensilla. In turn, this process is mediated by three GRs (GR5a, GR61a, and GR64f), as well as two broadly required ionotropic receptors (IRs), IR25a and IR76b. However, GR5a, GR61a, and GR64f are only required for sensing amino acids in the sweet-sensing GRNs of L-type sensilla. This suggests that amino acid sensing in different type sensilla occurs through dual mechanisms. Furthermore, our findings indicated that ecologically relevant high concentrations of arginine, lysine, proline, valine, tryptophan, isoleucine, and leucine elicit aversive responses via bitter-sensing GRNs, which are mediated by three IRs (IR25a, IR51b, and IR76b). More importantly, our results demonstrate that arginine, lysine, and proline induce biphasic responses in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, amino acid detection in Drosophila occurs through two classes of receptors that activate two sets of sensory neurons in physiologically distinct pathways, which ultimately mediates attraction or aversion behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Aryal
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Subash Dhakal
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Shrestha B, Nhuchhen Pradhan R, Nath DK, Lee Y. Cellular and molecular basis of IR3535 perception in Drosophila. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:793-802. [PMID: 34708523 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND IR3535 is among the most widely used synthetic insect repellents, particularly for the mitigation of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue and Zika, as well as to control flies, ticks, fleas, lice and mites. These insects are well-known vectors of deadly diseases that affect humans, livestock and crops. Moreover, global warming could increase the populations of these vectors. RESULTS Here, we performed IR3535 dose-response analyses on Drosophila melanogaster, a well-known insect model organism, using electrophysiology and binary food choice assays. Our findings indicated that bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) are indispensable to detect IR3535. Further, potential candidate gustatory receptors were screened, among which GR47a was identified as a key molecular sensor. IR3535 concentrations in the range 0.1-0.4% affected larval development and mortality. In addition, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET, another commonly used insecticide) was found to exert synergistic effects when co-administered with IR3535. CONCLUSION Our findings confirmed that IR3535 directly activates bitter-sensing GRNs, which are mediated by GR47a. This relatively safe and highly potent insecticide can be largely used in combination with DEET to increase its efficiency to protect livestock and crops. Collectively, our findings suggest that the molecular sensors elucidated herein could be used as targets for the development of alternative insecticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Roshani Nhuchhen Pradhan
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Nath
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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33
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Drosophila melanogaster Chemosensory Pathways as Potential Targets to Curb the Insect Menace. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020142. [PMID: 35206716 PMCID: PMC8874460 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The perception and processing of chemosensory stimuli are indispensable to the survival of living organisms. In insects, olfaction and gustation play a critical role in seeking food, finding mates and avoiding signs of danger. This review aims to present updated information about olfactory and gustatory signaling in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We have described the mechanisms involved in olfactory and gustatory perceptions at the molecular level, the receptors along with the allied molecules involved, and their signaling pathways in the fruit fly. Due to the magnifying problems of disease-causing insect vectors and crop pests, the applications of chemosensory signaling in controlling pests and insect vectors are also discussed. Abstract From a unicellular bacterium to a more complex human, smell and taste form an integral part of the basic sensory system. In fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster, the behavioral responses to odorants and tastants are simple, though quite sensitive, and robust. They explain the organization and elementary functioning of the chemosensory system. Molecular and functional analyses of the receptors and other critical molecules involved in olfaction and gustation are not yet completely understood. Hence, a better understanding of chemosensory cue-dependent fruit flies, playing a major role in deciphering the host-seeking behavior of pathogen transmitting insect vectors (mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks) and crop pests (Drosophila suzukii, Queensland fruit fly), is needed. Using D. melanogaster as a model organism, the knowledge gained may be implemented to design new means of controlling insects as well as in analyzing current batches of insect and pest repellents. In this review, the complete mechanisms of olfactory and gustatory perception, along with their implementation in controlling the global threat of disease-transmitting insect vectors and crop-damaging pests, are explained in fruit flies.
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Dhakal S, Sang J, Aryal B, Lee Y. Ionotropic receptors mediate nitrogenous waste avoidance in Drosophila melanogaster. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1281. [PMID: 34773080 PMCID: PMC8589963 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ammonia and its amine-containing derivatives are widely found in natural decomposition byproducts. Here, we conducted biased chemoreceptor screening to investigate the mechanisms by which different concentrations of ammonium salt, urea, and putrescine in rotten fruits affect feeding and oviposition behavior. We identified three ionotropic receptors, including the two broadly required IR25a and IR76b receptors, as well as the narrowly tuned IR51b receptor. These three IRs were fundamental in eliciting avoidance against nitrogenous waste products, which is mediated by bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs). The aversion of nitrogenous wastes was evaluated by the cellular requirement by expressing Kir2.1 and behavioral recoveries of the mutants in bitter-sensing GRNs. Furthermore, by conducting electrophysiology assays, we confirmed that ammonia compounds are aversive in taste as they directly activated bitter-sensing GRNs. Therefore, our findings provide insights into the ecological roles of IRs as a means to detect and avoid toxic nitrogenous waste products in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash Dhakal
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiun Sang
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Binod Aryal
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
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Devineni AV, Deere JU, Sun B, Axel R. Individual bitter-sensing neurons in Drosophila exhibit both ON and OFF responses that influence synaptic plasticity. Curr Biol 2021; 31:5533-5546.e7. [PMID: 34731675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The brain generates internal representations that translate sensory stimuli into appropriate behavior. In the taste system, different tastes activate distinct populations of sensory neurons. We investigated the temporal properties of taste responses in Drosophila and discovered that different types of taste sensory neurons show striking differences in their response dynamics. Strong responses to stimulus onset (ON responses) and offset (OFF responses) were observed in bitter-sensing neurons in the labellum, whereas bitter neurons in the leg and other classes of labellar taste neurons showed only an ON response. Individual labellar bitter neurons generate both ON and OFF responses through a cell-intrinsic mechanism that requires canonical bitter receptors. A single receptor complex likely generates both ON and OFF responses to a given bitter ligand. These ON and OFF responses in the periphery are propagated to dopaminergic neurons that mediate aversive learning, and the presence of the OFF response impacts synaptic plasticity when bitter is used as a reinforcement cue. These studies reveal previously unknown features of taste responses that impact neural circuit function and may be important for behavior. Moreover, these studies show that OFF responses can dramatically influence timing-based synaptic plasticity, which is thought to underlie associative learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita V Devineni
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, 3227 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Julia U Deere
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, 3227 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Bei Sun
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, 3227 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Richard Axel
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, 3227 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Montell C. Drosophila sensory receptors-a set of molecular Swiss Army Knives. Genetics 2021; 217:1-34. [PMID: 33683373 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic approaches in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have led to a major triumph in the field of sensory biology-the discovery of multiple large families of sensory receptors and channels. Some of these families, such as transient receptor potential channels, are conserved from animals ranging from worms to humans, while others, such as "gustatory receptors," "olfactory receptors," and "ionotropic receptors," are restricted to invertebrates. Prior to the identification of sensory receptors in flies, it was widely assumed that these proteins function in just one modality such as vision, smell, taste, hearing, and somatosensation, which includes thermosensation, light, and noxious mechanical touch. By employing a vast combination of genetic, behavioral, electrophysiological, and other approaches in flies, a major concept to emerge is that many sensory receptors are multitaskers. The earliest example of this idea was the discovery that individual transient receptor potential channels function in multiple senses. It is now clear that multitasking is exhibited by other large receptor families including gustatory receptors, ionotropic receptors, epithelial Na+ channels (also referred to as Pickpockets), and even opsins, which were formerly thought to function exclusively as light sensors. Genetic characterizations of these Drosophila receptors and the neurons that express them also reveal the mechanisms through which flies can accurately differentiate between different stimuli even when they activate the same receptor, as well as mechanisms of adaptation, amplification, and sensory integration. The insights gleaned from studies in flies have been highly influential in directing investigations in many other animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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Yang J, Guo H, Jiang NJ, Tang R, Li GC, Huang LQ, van Loon JJA, Wang CZ. Identification of a gustatory receptor tuned to sinigrin in the cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009527. [PMID: 34264948 PMCID: PMC8282186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucosinolates are token stimuli in host selection of many crucifer specialist
insects, but the underlying molecular basis for host selection in these insects
remains enigmatic. Using a combination of behavioral, electrophysiological, and
molecular methods, we investigate glucosinolate receptors in the cabbage
butterfly Pieris rapae. Sinigrin, as a potent feeding
stimulant, elicited activity in larval maxillary lateral sensilla styloconica,
as well as in adult medial tarsal sensilla. Two P.
rapae gustatory receptor genes PrapGr28
and PrapGr15 were identified with high expression in female
tarsi, and the subsequent functional analyses showed that
Xenopus oocytes only expressing PrapGr28
had specific responses to sinigrin; when ectopically expressed in
Drosophila sugar sensing neurons, PrapGr28 conferred
sinigrin sensitivity to these neurons. RNA interference experiments further
showed that knockdown of PrapGr28 reduced the sensitivity of
adult medial tarsal sensilla to sinigrin. Taken together, we conclude that
PrapGr28 is a gustatory receptor tuned to sinigrin in P.
rapae, which paves the way for revealing the molecular
basis of the relationships between crucifer plants and their specialist
insects. Preference of crucifer specialist insects to glucosinolates is well known in the
field of insect-plant interactions, but its molecular basis is unclear. This
study uses an integrative approach to investigate the molecular basis of
glucosinolate detection by gustatory receptor neurons in the larval mouthparts
and adult forelegs of the cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae, and
finally reveal that PrapGr28 is a bitter receptor tuned to sinigrin. The current
work takes a significant step towards identifying gustatory receptors tuned to
glucosinolates, crucial recognition signals in crucifer host plants, providing
insights into co-evolution of herbivorous insects and their host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and
Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and
Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan-Ji Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and
Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
China
| | - Rui Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and
Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
China
| | - Guo-Cheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and
Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Qiao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and
Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
China
| | - Joop J. A. van Loon
- Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and
Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Chen-Zhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and
Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Guo L, Fan XY, Qiao X, Montell C, Huang J. An octopamine receptor confers selective toxicity of amitraz on honeybees and Varroa mites. eLife 2021; 10:68268. [PMID: 34263722 PMCID: PMC8313232 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Varroa destructor mite is a devastating parasite of Apis mellifera honeybees. They can cause colonies to collapse by spreading viruses and feeding on the fat reserves of adults and larvae. Amitraz is used to control mites due to its low toxicity to bees; however, the mechanism of bee resistance to amitraz remains unknown. In this study, we found that amitraz and its major metabolite potently activated all four mite octopamine receptors. Behavioral assays using Drosophila null mutants of octopamine receptors identified one receptor subtype Octβ2R as the sole target of amitraz in vivo. We found that thermogenetic activation of octβ2R-expressing neurons mimics amitraz poisoning symptoms in target pests. We next confirmed that the mite Octβ2R was more sensitive to amitraz and its metabolite than the bee Octβ2R in pharmacological assays and transgenic flies. Furthermore, replacement of three bee-specific residues with the counterparts in the mite receptor increased amitraz sensitivity of the bee Octβ2R, indicating that the relative insensitivity of their receptor is the major mechanism for honeybees to resist amitraz. The present findings have important implications for resistance management and the design of safer insecticides that selectively target pests while maintaining low toxicity to non-target pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yu Fan
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomu Qiao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, United States
| | - Jia Huang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Genome-Wide Identification of the Gustatory Receptor Gene Family of the Invasive Pest, Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12070611. [PMID: 34357271 PMCID: PMC8308034 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a highly destructive pest of oil palm, date, and coconut in many parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has called for international collaboration to develop a multidisciplinary strategy to control this invasive pest. Previous research focused on the molecular basis of chemoreception in this species, particularly olfaction, to develop biosensors for early detection and more effective bait traps for mass trapping. However, the molecular basis of gustation, which plays an essential role in discriminating food and egg-laying sites and chemical communication in this species, is limited because its complete gustatory receptor gene family still has not been characterized. We manually annotated the gene family from the recently available genome and transcriptome data and reported 50 gustatory receptor genes encoding 65 gustatory receptors, including 7 carbon dioxide, 9 sugar, and 49 bitter receptors. This study provides a platform for future functional analysis and comparative chemosensory study. A better understanding of gustation will improve our understanding of this species' complex chemoreception, which is an important step toward developing more effective control methods.
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Aryal B, Lee Y. Histamine gustatory aversion in Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 134:103586. [PMID: 33992752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many foods and drinks contain histamine; however, the mechanisms that drive histamine taste perception have not yet been investigated. Here, we use a simple model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to dissect the molecular sensors required to taste histamine. We first investigated histidine and histamine taste perception by performing a binary food choice assay and electrophysiology to identify essential sensilla for histamine sensing in the labellum. Histamine was found to activate S-type sensilla, which harbor bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons. Moreover, unbiased genetic screening for chemoreceptors revealed that a gustatory receptor, GR22e and an ionotropic receptor, IR76b are required for histamine sensing. Ectopic expression of GR22e was sufficient to induce a response in I-type sensilla, which normally do not respond to histamine. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which insects discriminate between the toxic histamine and beneficial histidine via their taste receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Aryal
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
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Li Q, Montell C. Mechanism for food texture preference based on grittiness. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1850-1861.e6. [PMID: 33657409 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
An animal's decision to accept or reject a prospective food is based only, in part, on its chemical composition. Palatability is also greatly influenced by textural features including smoothness versus grittiness, which is influenced by particle sizes. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila melanogaster is endowed with the ability to discriminate particle sizes in food and uses this information to decide whether a food is appealing. The decision depends on a mechanically activated channel, OSCA/TMEM63, which is conserved from plants to humans. We found that tmem63 is expressed in a multidendritic neuron (md-L) in the fly tongue. Loss of tmem63 impairs the activation of md-L by mechanical stimuli and the ability to choose food based on particle size. These findings reveal the first role for this evolutionarily conserved, mechanically activated TMEM63 channel in an animal and provide an explanation of how flies can sense and behaviorally respond to the texture of food provided by particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoran Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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Moscato EH, Dubowy C, Walker JA, Kayser MS. Social Behavioral Deficits with Loss of Neurofibromin Emerge from Peripheral Chemosensory Neuron Dysfunction. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107856. [PMID: 32640222 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social and communicative disabilities. The cellular and circuit mechanisms by which loss of neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) results in social deficits are unknown. Here, we identify social behavioral dysregulation with Nf1 loss in Drosophila. These deficits map to primary dysfunction of a group of peripheral sensory neurons. Nf1 regulation of Ras signaling in adult ppk23+ chemosensory cells is required for normal social behaviors in flies. Loss of Nf1 attenuates ppk23+ neuronal activity in response to pheromones, and circuit-specific manipulation of Nf1 expression or neuronal activity in ppk23+ neurons rescues social deficits. This disrupted sensory processing gives rise to persistent changes in behavior beyond the social interaction, indicating a sustained effect of an acute sensory misperception. Together our data identify a specific circuit mechanism through which Nf1 regulates social behaviors and suggest social deficits in NF1 arise from propagation of sensory misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia H Moscato
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christine Dubowy
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthew S Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Shrestha B, Lee Y. Mechanisms of DEET gustation in Drosophila. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 131:103550. [PMID: 33549816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
DEET is the most widely used active ingredient in insect repellents and offers protection against insect bites. We previously reported that DEET suppresses the feeding behavior of Drosophila, which is guided by gustatory receptors (GRs) in bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons. Here, we sought to identify new candidates using egg-laying assays. Upon screening all GR mutants, GR89a was identified as a potential DEET receptor. Gr89a mutants exhibited reduced oviposition avoidance, feeding avoidance, and electrophysiological responses compared to Gr32a, Gr33a, and Gr66a mutants. However, GR89a was found to modulate DEET avoidance, as demonstrated by genetic and RNA interference assays. Furthermore, we found that DEET ingestion severely affected larval and pupal development and survival, and therefore may act as an effective larvicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
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Olafson PU, Aksoy S, Attardo GM, Buckmeier G, Chen X, Coates CJ, Davis M, Dykema J, Emrich SJ, Friedrich M, Holmes CJ, Ioannidis P, Jansen EN, Jennings EC, Lawson D, Martinson EO, Maslen GL, Meisel RP, Murphy TD, Nayduch D, Nelson DR, Oyen KJ, Raszick TJ, Ribeiro JMC, Robertson HM, Rosendale AJ, Sackton TB, Saelao P, Swiger SL, Sze SH, Tarone AM, Taylor DB, Warren WC, Waterhouse RM, Weirauch MT, Werren JH, Wilson RK, Zdobnov EM, Benoit JB. The genome of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, reveals potential mechanisms underlying reproduction, host interactions, and novel targets for pest control. BMC Biol 2021; 19:41. [PMID: 33750380 PMCID: PMC7944917 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00975-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is a major blood-feeding pest of livestock that has near worldwide distribution, causing an annual cost of over $2 billion for control and product loss in the USA alone. Control of these flies has been limited to increased sanitary management practices and insecticide application for suppressing larval stages. Few genetic and molecular resources are available to help in developing novel methods for controlling stable flies. Results This study examines stable fly biology by utilizing a combination of high-quality genome sequencing and RNA-Seq analyses targeting multiple developmental stages and tissues. In conjunction, 1600 genes were manually curated to characterize genetic features related to stable fly reproduction, vector host interactions, host-microbe dynamics, and putative targets for control. Most notable was characterization of genes associated with reproduction and identification of expanded gene families with functional associations to vision, chemosensation, immunity, and metabolic detoxification pathways. Conclusions The combined sequencing, assembly, and curation of the male stable fly genome followed by RNA-Seq and downstream analyses provide insights necessary to understand the biology of this important pest. These resources and new data will provide the groundwork for expanding the tools available to control stable fly infestations. The close relationship of Stomoxys to other blood-feeding (horn flies and Glossina) and non-blood-feeding flies (house flies, medflies, Drosophila) will facilitate understanding of the evolutionary processes associated with development of blood feeding among the Cyclorrhapha. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-00975-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia U Olafson
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA.
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Attardo
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Greta Buckmeier
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- The Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Craig J Coates
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Megan Davis
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Justin Dykema
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Scott J Emrich
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christopher J Holmes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Evan N Jansen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emily C Jennings
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Lawson
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The European Bioinformatics Institute, The Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK
| | | | - Gareth L Maslen
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The European Bioinformatics Institute, The Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Richard P Meisel
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Terence D Murphy
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dana Nayduch
- Arthropod-borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - David R Nelson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kennan J Oyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tyler J Raszick
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Hugh M Robertson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Timothy B Sackton
- Informatics Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Perot Saelao
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Sonja L Swiger
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Stephenville, TX, USA
| | - Sing-Hoi Sze
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Aaron M Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David B Taylor
- Agroecosystem Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Wesley C Warren
- University of Missouri, Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Robert M Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Wilson
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Evgeny M Zdobnov
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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45
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Sang J, Dhakal S, Lee Y. Cucurbitacin B Suppresses Hyperglycemia Associated with a High Sugar Diet and Promotes Sleep in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Cells 2021; 44:68-78. [PMID: 33542166 PMCID: PMC7941002 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary metabolites enable plants to protect themselves from herbivorous insects. Among these, cucurbitacin B (cuc-B) is a bitter-tasting compound with promising pharmacological potential. Dietary exposure to cuc-B lowered the hemolymph glucose levels of Drosophila melanogaster fed with a high carbohydrate diet, which is homologous to high blood glucose in humans, and its effect was comparable to that of metformin, a well-known glucose-lowering drug. Furthermore, cuc-B reduced tissue sugar levels and glycogen levels, as well as triacylglycerol levels. Our results thus highlight the potential applicability of this compound to treat chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, we analyzed sleep quality and taste-associative memory enhancement after cuc-B and metformin treatment. Both supplements increased nighttime bout length and metformin increased memory consolidation. Therefore, discarded shell of Cucurbitaceae could be processed into health supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun Sang
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Subash Dhakal
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
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46
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Dweck HK, Talross GJ, Wang W, Carlson JR. Evolutionary shifts in taste coding in the fruit pest Drosophila suzukii. eLife 2021; 10:64317. [PMID: 33616529 PMCID: PMC7899650 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most Drosophila species lay eggs in overripe fruit, the agricultural pest Drosophila suzukii lays eggs in ripe fruit. We found that changes in bitter taste perception have accompanied this adaptation. We show that bitter-sensing mutants of Drosophila melanogaster undergo a shift in egg laying preference toward ripe fruit. D. suzukii has lost 20% of the bitter-sensing sensilla from the labellum, the major taste organ of the head. Physiological responses to various bitter compounds are lost. Responses to strawberry purées are lost from two classes of taste sensilla. Egg laying is not deterred by bitter compounds that deter other species. Profiling of labellar transcriptomes reveals reduced expression of several bitter Gr genes (gustatory receptors). These findings support a model in which bitter compounds in early ripening stages deter egg laying in most Drosophila species, but a loss of bitter response contributes to the adaptation of D. suzukii to ripe fruit. A new agricultural pest has recently emerged in the United States and Northern Europe. The invasive species is a type of fruit fly that normally lives in Southeast Asia called Drosophila suzukii (also known as the spotted wing Drosophila). This fly poses a threat to fruit crops – including strawberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches and grapes – because, while other fruit flies lay eggs in overripe fruit, D. suzukii lays eggs in ripe fruit, leading to agricultural losses. This shift in where fruit flies prefer to lay their eggs is related to changes in the senses of smell and touch, and taste could also play a role. Insects have evolved mechanisms that dissuade them from eating or laying eggs in plants with high levels of toxins, which taste bitter. If D. suzukii is less sensitive to bitter tastes than other flies, this could help explain why it lays eggs in just-ripe fruit, since the levels of certain bitter compounds are higher in the early stages of ripening than later on. To figure out if this is the case, Dweck et al. studied different species of fruit fly. Compared to Drosophila melanogaster (a fruit fly common in America and Europe that is regularly used in scientific studies), D. suzukii had fewer bitter taste receptor neurons on the major taste organ of the fly head. These receptor neurons were also less responsive to a variety of bitter compounds. Next, Dweck et al. tested whether D. melanogaster and D. suzukii showed different preferences for where to lay their eggs by offering them strawberry purées made from fruit at different ripening stages. In this experiment, D. suzukii preferred to lay its eggs on purées made from unripe or just-ripe strawberries, while D. melanogaster showed a preference for fermented (overripe) purée. Furthermore, when D. melanogaster flies were genetically modified so that they became less sensitive to bitter taste, they preferred to lay their eggs in ripe (rather than overripe) fruit, similar to D. suzukii. These results suggest that taste has a major role in the egg laying preferences of D. suzukii. Further research is needed to determine which bitter compounds influence egg-laying decisions in each species of fruit fly, and what receptors respond to these compounds. However, Dweck et al.’s results lay the groundwork for new approaches to reducing D. suzukii’s impact on agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Km Dweck
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Gaëlle Js Talross
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Wanyue Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - John R Carlson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States
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47
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The plant metabolome guides fitness-relevant foraging decisions of a specialist herbivore. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001114. [PMID: 33600420 PMCID: PMC7924754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants produce complex mixtures of primary and secondary metabolites. Herbivores use these metabolites as behavioral cues to increase their fitness. However, how herbivores combine and integrate different metabolite classes into fitness-relevant foraging decisions in planta is poorly understood. We developed a molecular manipulative approach to modulate the availability of sugars and benzoxazinoid secondary metabolites as foraging cues for a specialist maize herbivore, the western corn rootworm. By disrupting sugar perception in the western corn rootworm and benzoxazinoid production in maize, we show that sugars and benzoxazinoids act as distinct and dynamically combined mediators of short-distance host finding and acceptance. While sugars improve the capacity of rootworm larvae to find a host plant and to distinguish postembryonic from less nutritious embryonic roots, benzoxazinoids are specifically required for the latter. Host acceptance in the form of root damage is increased by benzoxazinoids and sugars in an additive manner. This pattern is driven by increasing damage to postembryonic roots in the presence of benzoxazinoids and sugars. Benzoxazinoid- and sugar-mediated foraging directly improves western corn rootworm growth and survival. Interestingly, western corn rootworm larvae retain a substantial fraction of their capacity to feed and survive on maize plants even when both classes of chemical cues are almost completely absent. This study unravels fine-grained differentiation and combination of primary and secondary metabolites into herbivore foraging and documents how the capacity to compensate for the lack of important chemical cues enables a specialist herbivore to survive within unpredictable metabolic landscapes.
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48
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Mack JO, Zhang YV. A Rapid Food-Preference Assay in Drosophila. JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS : JOVE 2021:10.3791/62051. [PMID: 33645577 PMCID: PMC9908510 DOI: 10.3791/62051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
To select food with nutritional value while avoiding the consumption of harmful agents, animals need a sophisticated and robust taste system to evaluate their food environment. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a genetically tractable model organism that is widely used to decipher the molecular, cellular, and neural underpinnings of food preference. To analyze fly food preference, a robust feeding method is needed. Described here is a two-choice feeding assay, which is rigorous, cost-saving, and fast. The assay is Petri-dish-based and involves the addition of two different foods supplemented with blue or red dye to the two halves of the dish. Then, ~70 prestarved, 2-4-day-old flies are placed in the dish and allowed to choose between blue and red foods in the dark for about 90 min. Examination of the abdomen of each fly is followed by the calculation of the preference index. In contrast to multiwell plates, each Petri dish takes only ~20 s to fill and saves time and effort. This feeding assay can be employed to quickly determine whether flies like or dislike a particular food.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O. Mack
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
| | - Yali V. Zhang
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine,Department of Physiology, The Diabetes Research Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
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49
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Yang K, Gong XL, Li GC, Huang LQ, Ning C, Wang CZ. A gustatory receptor tuned to the steroid plant hormone brassinolide in Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). eLife 2020; 9:64114. [PMID: 33305735 PMCID: PMC7806260 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Feeding and oviposition deterrents help phytophagous insects to identify host plants. The taste organs of phytophagous insects contain bitter gustatory receptors (GRs). To explore their function, the GRs in Plutella xylostella were analyzed. Through RNA sequencing and qPCR, we detected abundant PxylGr34 transcripts in the larval head and adult antennae. Functional analyses using the Xenopus oocyte expression system and 24 diverse phytochemicals showed that PxylGr34 is tuned to the canonical plant hormones brassinolide (BL) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL). Electrophysiological analyses revealed that the medial sensilla styloconica of 4th instar larvae are responsive to BL and EBL. Dual-choice bioassays demonstrated that BL inhibits larval feeding and female oviposition. Knock-down of PxylGr34 by RNAi attenuates the taste responses to BL, and abolishes BL-induced feeding inhibition. These results increase our understanding of how herbivorous insects detect compounds that deter feeding and oviposition, and may be useful for designing plant hormone-based pest management strategies. Plant-eating insects use their sense of taste to decide where to feed and where to lay their eggs. They do this using taste sensors called gustatory receptors which reside in the antennae and legs of adults, and in the mouthparts of larvae. Some of these sensors detect sugars which signal to the insect that the plant is a nutritious source of food. While others detect bitter compounds, such as poisons released by plants in self-defense. One of the most widespread plant-eating insects is the diamondback moth, which feeds and lays its eggs on cruciferous vegetable crops, like cabbage, oilseed rape and broccoli. Before laying its eggs, female diamondback moths pat the vegetable’s leaves with their antennae, tasting for the presence of chemicals. But little was known about the identity of these chemicals. Cabbages produce large amounts of a hormone called brassinolide, which is known to play a role in plant growth. To find out whether diamondback moths can taste this hormone, Yang et al. examined all their known gustatory receptors. This revealed that the adult antennae and larval mouthparts of these moths make high levels of a receptor called PxylGr34. To investigate the role of PxylGr34, Yang et al. genetically modified frog eggs to produce this receptor. Various tests on these receptors, as well as receptors in the mouthparts of diamondback larvae, showed that PxylGr34 is able to sense the hormone brassinolide. To find out how this affects the behavior of the moths, Yang et al. investigated how adults and larvae responded to different levels of the hormone. This revealed that the presence of brassinolide significantly decreased both larval feeding and the amount of eggs laid by adult moths. Farmers already use brassinolide to enhance plant growth and protect crops from stress. These results suggest that the hormone might also help to shield plants from insect damage. However, more research is needed to understand how this hormone acts as a deterrent. Further studies could improve understanding of insect behavior and potentially identify more chemicals that can be used for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Lin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Cheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Qiao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Zhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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50
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Olafson PU, Saski CA. Chemosensory-Related Gene Family Members of the Horn Fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (Diptera: Muscidae), Identified by Transcriptome Analysis. INSECTS 2020; 11:E816. [PMID: 33228086 PMCID: PMC7699325 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Horn flies are one of the most significant economic pests of cattle in the United States and worldwide. Chemical control methods have been routinely utilized to reduce populations of this pest, but the steady development of insecticide resistance has prompted evaluation of alternative control strategies. Behavior modifying compounds from natural products have shown some success in impacting horn fly populations, and a more thorough understanding of the horn fly chemosensory system would enable improvements in the development of species-specific compounds. Using an RNA-seq approach, we assembled a transcriptome representing genes expressed in adult female and male horn fly head appendages (antennae, maxillary palps, and proboscides) and adult fly bodies from which heads were removed. Differential gene expression analysis identified chemosensory gene family members that were enriched in head appendage tissues compared with headless bodies. Candidate members included 43 odorant binding proteins (OBP) and 5 chemosensory binding proteins (CSP), as well as 44 odorant receptors (OR), 27 gustatory receptors (GR), and 34 ionotropic receptors (IR). Sex-biased expression of these genes was not observed. These findings provide a resource to enable future studies targeting horn fly chemosensation as part of an integrated strategy to control this blood-feeding pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Untalan Olafson
- Knipling-Bushland US Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
| | - Christopher A. Saski
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
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