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Yu H, Wang K, Yang Z, Li X, Liu S, Wang L, Zhang H. A ferritin protein is involved in the development and reproduction of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 52:750-758. [PMID: 37318359 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvad056] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ferritins are conserved iron-binding proteins that exist in most living organisms and play an essential role in the maintenance of cellular iron homeostasis. Although ferritin has been studied in many species, little is known about its role in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. In this study, we identified an iron-binding protein from B. tabaci and named it BtabFer1. The full-length cDNA of BtabFer1 is 1,043 bp and encodes a protein consisting of 224 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 25.26 kDa, and phylogenetic analysis shows that BtabFer1 is conserved among Hemiptera insects. The expression levels of BtabFer1 in different developmental stages and tissues were analyzed by real-time PCR, and results showed that BtabFer1 was ubiquitously expressed at all developmental stages and in all examined tissues. The RNAi-mediated knockdown of BtabFer1 caused a significant reduction in survival rate, egg production, and egg hatching rate of whiteflies. Knockdown of BtabFer1 also inhibited the transcription of genes in the juvenile hormone signal transduction pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that BtabFer1 plays a critical role in the development and reproduction of whiteflies. This study can broaden our understanding of ferritin in insect fecundity and development, as well as provide baseline data for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Zhifang Yang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Shunxiao Liu
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, China
- College of Agrarian Technology and Natural Resources, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy 40021, Ukraine
| | - Liuhao Wang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, China
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Li Z, Ma R, Wang L, Wang Y, Qin Q, Chen L, Dang X, Zhou Z. Starvation stress affects iron metabolism in honeybee Apis mellifera. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01098-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hosseinzadeh S, Higgins SA, Ramsey J, Howe K, Griggs M, Castrillo L, Heck M. Proteomic Polyphenism in Color Morphotypes of Diaphorina citri, Insect Vector of Citrus Greening Disease. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:2851-2866. [PMID: 33890474 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Diaphorina citri is a vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas), associated with citrus greening disease. D. citri exhibit at least two color morphotypes, blue and non-blue, the latter including gray and yellow morphs. Blue morphs have a greater capacity for long-distance flight and transmit CLas less efficiently as compared to non-blue morphs. Differences in physiology and immunity between color morphs of the insect vector may influence disease epidemiology and biological control strategies. We evaluated the effect of CLas infection on color morph and sex-specific proteomic profiles of D. citri. Immunity-associated proteins were more abundant in blue morphs as compared to non-blue morphs but were upregulated at a higher magnitude in response to CLas infection in non-blue insects. To test for differences in color morph immunity, we measured two phenotypes: (1) survival of D. citri when challenged with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and (2) microbial load of the surface and internal microbial communities. Non-blue color morphs showed higher mortality at four doses of B. bassinana, but no differences in microbial load were observed. Thus, color morph polyphenism is associated with two distinct proteomic immunity phenotypes in D. citri that may impact transmission of CLas and resistance to B. bassiana under some conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Hosseinzadeh
- Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, School of Integrated Plant Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States.,Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Steven A Higgins
- Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, School of Integrated Plant Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States.,Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center, USDA ARS, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - John Ramsey
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center, USDA ARS, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Kevin Howe
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center, USDA ARS, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Michael Griggs
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center, USDA ARS, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Louela Castrillo
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center, USDA ARS, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Michelle Heck
- Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, School of Integrated Plant Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States.,Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States.,Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center, USDA ARS, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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Shen Y, Chen YZ, Zhang CX. RNAi-mediated silencing of ferritin genes in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens affects survival, growth and female fecundity. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:365-377. [PMID: 32741141 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is the most destructive rice insect pest. To exploit potential target genes for applications in transgenic rice to control this sap-sucking insect pest, three ferritin genes were functionally characterized in this study. RESULTS In this study, three ferritin genes, that is, ferritin 1 Heavy Chain (NlFer1), ferritin 2 Light Chain (NlFer2) and soma ferritin (Nlsoma-Fer), were identified from BPH. Tissue-specific analyses showed that all three genes were highly expressed in the gut. Although double-stranded RNA injection-mediated RNA inference (RNAi) of Nlsoma-Fer expression resulted in only < 14% mortality in BPH, knockdown of NlFer1 or NlFer2 led to retarded growth and 100% mortality in young nymphs, and downregulation of NlFer1 and NlFer2 in newly emerged female adults caused undeveloped ovaries and severely inhibited oocyte growth, resulting in extremely low fecundity and a zero hatching rate. Knockdown of NlFer1 and NlFer2 caused similar phenotypes in BPH, indicating that they function together, as in many other animals. The results demonstrated that NlFer1 and NlFer2 were essential for BPH development and reproduction. BPHs showed high sensitivity to both dsNlFer1 and dsNlFer2, and injection of only 0.625 ng dsNlFer1 per BPH resulted in 100% mortality. Additionally, the effectiveness of feeding dsNlFer1 and dsNlFer2 to BPH nymphs was further proven. CONCLUSION NlFer1 and NlFer2 are essential for BPH development and reproduction, and the insect is highly sensitive to their depletion, suggesting that the two gut-highly-expressed genes are promising candidates for application in RNAi-based control of this destructive pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shen
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Chen
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Cui Y, Ren YD, Lyu M, Zheng SC, Feng QL, Xiang H. Genomic divergences between the two polyphagous Spodoptera relatives provide cues for successful invasion of the fall armyworm. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:1257-1265. [PMID: 31762161 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda recently invaded China, ravaging crops in many provinces. Deciphering the possible genetic basics for its successful invasion is critical for innovative and specific control for this gluttonous pest. Here we generated comparative genomic analyses between S. frugiperda and its native relative, S. litura, which differs in host preference, locomotivity and production behavior. We demonstrated that S. frugiperda genes are enriched in taste sensory perception and nervous system, obviously different from those of S. litura. Potential host adaptation genes showed generally an elevated ratio of non-synonymous substitution rate to synonymous substitution rate, suggesting a faster evolution during the divergence of the two species. Focusing on these sets of genes, we identified 23 genes being under positive selection in S. frugiperda. Among them are two notable genes involved in sensory perception, gustatory receptor (GR) and an acetaldehyde oxidase, which are important for host detection in invasion and expansion processes. Another two genes are mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthase β subunit and ferritin heavy chain, which may be associated with the enhanced locomotivity and resistance, which fascinated long-distance migration needed for invasion and rapid expansion. Another interesting gene is chorion protein, in which positive selection sites in S. frugiperda were found and a replacement in one site is predicted to affect the protein function, which might be associated with competent reproductivity in S. frugiperda to ensure genetic resources for expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Dong Ren
- Center for Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mo Lyu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Chun Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Li Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang RJ, Chen K, Xing LS, Lin Z, Zou Z, Lu Z. Reactive oxygen species and antimicrobial peptides are sequentially produced in silkworm midgut in response to bacterial infection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 110:103720. [PMID: 32344046 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is utilized as a research model in many aspects of biological studies, including genetics, development and immunology. Previous biochemical and genomic studies have elucidated the silkworm immunity in response to infections elicited by bacteria, fungi, microsporidia, and viruses. The intestine serves as the front line in the battle between insects and ingested harmful microorganisms. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of the larval silkworm midgut after oral infection with the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus bombysepticus and the Gram-negative bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This enables us to get a comprehensive understanding of the midgut responses to bacterial infection. We found that B. bombysepticus induced much stronger immune responses than Y. pseudotuberculosis did. Bacterial infection resulted in more energy consumption including carbohydrates and fatty acids. The midgut immune system was characterized by the generation of reactive oxygen species and antimicrobial peptides. The former played a critical role in eliminating invading bacteria during early stage, while the latter executed during late stage. Our results provide an integrated insight into the midgut systematic responses to bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Juan Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Kangkang Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Long-Sheng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhe Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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Cao X, Li Y, Li S, Tang T, Liu F. Two ferritin genes (MdFerH and MdFerL) are involved in iron homeostasis, antioxidation and immune defense in housefly Musca domestica. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 124:104073. [PMID: 32526234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is a ubiquitous multi-subunit iron storage protein, made up of heavy chain and light chain subunits. In recent years, invertebrate ferritins have emerged as an important, yet largely underappreciated, component of host defense and antioxidant system. Here, two alternatively spliced transcripts encoding for a unique ferritin heavy chain homolog (MdFerH), and a transcript encoding for a light chain homolog (MdFerL) are cloned and characterized from Musca domestica. Comparing with MdFerH1, a fragment is absent at the 5' untranslated region of MdFerH2, where a putative iron response element is present. Amino acid sequence analysis shows that MdFerH possesses a strictly conserved ferroxidase site, while MdFerL has a putative atypical active center. Tissue distribution analysis indicates that MdFers are enriched expressed in gut. When the larvae receive diverse stimulations, including challenge by bacteria, exposure to excess Fe2+, doxorubicin or ultraviolet, the expression of MdFers is positively up-regulated in different degrees and different temporal patterns, indicating their potential roles in oxidative stress. The two mRNA isoforms of MdFerH appear to be differentially expressed in different tissues, but seem to show the similar expression patterns under diverse stress conditions. Further investigation reveals that silencing MdFers can alter the redox homeostasis, leading elevated mortalities of larvae following bacterial infection. Inspiringly, recombinant MdFerL produced in Pichia pastoris shows significant iron-chelating activity in vitro. These results suggest a pivotal role of ferritins from housefly in iron homeostasis, antibacterial immunity and redox balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Yongbao Li
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Ting Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China; Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China.
| | - Fengsong Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China; Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China.
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Yang LA, Wang J, Toufeeq S, Zhu LB, Zhang SZ, You LL, Hu P, Yu HZ, Zhao K, Xu X, Xu JP. Identification of FerLCH, isolation of ferritin and functional analysis related to interaction with pathogens in Eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21659. [PMID: 31976584 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is a ubiquitous and conserved iron storage protein that plays a significant role in host detoxification, iron storage, and immune response. Although ferritin has been studied in many species, little is known about its role in the Eri-silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini). In this study, the ferritin light-chain subunit gene, named ScFerLCH, was identified from S. c. ricini. The full-length gene, ScFerLCH, was 1,155 bp and encoded a protein consisting of 231 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 26.38 kDa. Higher ScFerLCH expression levels were found in the midgut, silk gland, and fat body by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Injection of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa could induce upregulation of ScFerLCH in the hemolymph, fat body, and midgut, indicating that ScFerLCH may contribute to the host defense against invading pathogens. In addition, the native ferritin protein was isolated from S. c. ricini by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and its two subunits, ferritin heavy-chain subunit (ScFerHCH) and ferritin light-chain subunit (ScFerLCH), were identified by mass spectrometry. Specifically, we found that recombinant ferritin subunits could self-assemble into a protein complex in vitro; moreover, both recombinant subunits and the protein complex were found to bind different bacteria, including Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. However, bactericidal tests showed that the protein complex could not inhibit the growth of bacteria directly. Taken together, our results suggest that ScFerritin might play an important role in mediating molecular interaction with pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ang Yang
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Shahzad Toufeeq
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Lin-Bao Zhu
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Shang-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Ling-Ling You
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Pei Hu
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Hai-Zhong Yu
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Kang Zhao
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
| | - Jia-Ping Xu
- Department of Science and Technology of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- National Fund Committee of China, Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei, China
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García-Reina A, Rodríguez-García MJ, Cuello F, Galián J. Immune transcriptome analysis in predatory beetles reveals two cecropin genes overexpressed in mandibles. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 171:107346. [PMID: 32067979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The great complexity and variety of the innate immune system and the production of antimicrobial peptides in insects is correlated with their evolutionary success and adaptation to different environments. Tiger beetles are an example of non-pest species with a cosmopolitan distribution, but the immune system is barely known and its study could provide useful information about the humoral immunity of predatory insects. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed in Calomera littoralis beetles to obtain a screening of those genes that were overexpressed after an injection with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Several genes were identified to be related to immune defense. Among those genes, two members of the cecropin antimicrobial peptides were characterized and identified as CliCec-A and CliCec-B2. Both protein sequences showed cecropin characteristics including 37 and 38 residue mature peptides, composed by two α-helices structures with amphipathic and hydrophobic nature, as shown in their predicted three-dimensional structure. Chemically synthesized CliCec-B2 confirmed cecropin antimicrobial activity against some Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria, but not against yeast. Expression of both cecropin genes was assessed by qPCR and showed increases after a LPS injection and highlighted their overexpression in adult beetle mandibles, which could be related to their alimentary habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés García-Reina
- University of Murcia Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - María Juliana Rodríguez-García
- University of Murcia Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Cuello
- University of Murcia, Departament of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Galián
- University of Murcia Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
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Chen K, Tang T, Song Q, Wang Z, He K, Liu X, Song J, Wang L, Yang Y, Feng C. Transcription Analysis of the Stress and Immune Response Genes to Temperature Stress in Ostrinia furnacalis. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1289. [PMID: 31681003 PMCID: PMC6803539 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ostrinia furnacalis is one of the most important pests on maize. O. furnacalis larvae are frequently exposed to the temperature challenges such as high temperature in summer and cold temperature in winter in the natural environment. High and low temperature stress, like any abiotic stress, impairs the physiology and development of insects. Up to now, there is limited information about gene regulation and signaling pathways related to the high and cold stress response in O. furnacalis. High-throughput sequencing of transcriptome provides a new approach for detecting stress and immune response genes under high and low temperature stresses in O. furnacalis. In the present study, O. furnacalis larvae were treated with the temperature at 8 and 40°C, and the responses of O. furnacalis larvae to the temperature stress were investigated through RNA-sequencing and further confirmation. The results showed that immune responses were up-regulated in larvae by the cold stress at 8°C while some stress response genes, such as HSP family, GST-2, Bax inhibitor and P450, were significantly increased at 40°C. Furthermore, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction were performed to quantify the expression levels of immune related genes, such as PGRP-LB, antimicrobial peptides, lysozyme, serine protease and stress response genes such as small HSPs and HSP90, and the expression levels of these genes were similar to the RNA-seq results. In addition, the iron storage protein Ferritin was found to be involved in the response to temperature stress, and the changes of total iron concentration in the hemolymph were, in general, consistent with the expression levels of Ferritin. Taken together, our results suggested that the stress response genes were involved in the defense against the heat stress at 40°C, and the immune responses triggered by cold stress might provide protection for larvae from cold stress at 8°C. More interestingly, our results showed that during the responses to temperature stress, the total iron concentration in hemolymph regulated by Ferritin increased, which might help O. furnacalis in surviving the low and high temperature stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tai Tang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Zhenying Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kanglai He
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Song
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Libao Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yizhong Yang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Lu ZJ, Xie YX, Yu HZ, Toufeeq S, Wang J, Huang YL, Li NY, Ouyang ZG. Identification and functional analysis of an iron-binding protein, ferritin heavy chain subunit, from the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 102:e21592. [PMID: 31276235 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin, which is ubiquitous among all living organisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining iron homeostasis, immune response, and detoxification. In the present research, we identified an iron-binding protein, ferritin heavy chain subunit, from Papilio xuthus and named PxFerHCH. The complete complementary DNA of PxFerHCH was 1,252 bp encoding a sequence of 211 amino acids, which includes an iron-responsive element. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PxFerHCH is clustered with Manduca sexta and Galleria mellonella ferritin heavy chain subunits. Expression levels of PxFerHCH in various tissues were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the results exhibited that PxFerHCH was expressed in all tissues with the highest expression in the fat body. The relative expression level of PxFerHCH in response to bacterial (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) challenges sharply increased by about 12 hr postinfection (hpi) and then decreased at 24 hpi. In addition, the iron-binding capacity and antioxidation activity of recombinant PxFerHCH protein were also investigated. These results reveal that PxFerHCH might play an important role in defense against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Jun Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Xin Xie
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Zhong Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shahzad Toufeeq
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ling Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning-Yan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Gang Ouyang
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
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12
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Animal Models to Study Mucormycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5020027. [PMID: 30934788 PMCID: PMC6617025 DOI: 10.3390/jof5020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a rare but often fatal or debilitating infection caused by a diverse group of fungi. Animal models have been crucial in advancing our knowledge of mechanisms influencing the pathogenesis of mucormycoses, and to evaluate therapeutic strategies. This review describes the animal models established for mucormycosis, summarizes how they have been applied to study mucormycoses, and discusses the advantages and limitations of the different model systems.
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13
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Zhou Y, Wang Y, Li X, Peprah FA, Wang X, Liu H, Lin F, Gu J, Yu F, Shi H. Applying microarray-based technique to study and analyze silkworm (Bombyx mori) transcriptomic response to long-term high iron diet. Genomics 2018; 111:1504-1513. [PMID: 30391296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the biological processes affected by long-term iron supplementation, newly hatched silkworms were exposed to high iron mulberry diet (10 and 100 ppm) and its effect on silkworm transcriptom was determined. The results showed that the silkworm was responsive to iron by increasing iron concentration and ferritin levels in the hemolymph and by regulating the expression of many other genes. A total of 523 and 326 differentially expressed genes were identified in 10 and 100 ppm Fe group compared to the control, respectively. Of these genes, 249 were shared between in both the 10 ppm and 100 ppm Fe group, including 152 up-regulated and 97 down-regulated genes. These shared genes included 19 known Fe regulated, 24 immune-related, 12 serine proteases and serine proteases homologs, 41 cuticular and cuticle genes. Ten genes (carboxypeptidases A, serine protease homologs 85, fibrohexamerin/P25, transferrin, sex-specific storage-protein 2, fungal protease inhibitor F, insect intestinal mucin, peptidoglycan recognition protein B, cuticle protein CPH45, unknown gene) were involved in the regulation of iron overload responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Frank Addai Peprah
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Feng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, PR China
| | - Jie Gu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Feng Yu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Haifeng Shi
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China.
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14
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Fei DQ, Yu HZ, Xu JP, Zhang SZ, Wang J, Li B, Yang LA, Hu P, Xu X, Zhao K, Shahzad T. Isolation of ferritin and its interaction with BmNPV in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 86:130-137. [PMID: 29793044 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is a ubiquitous iron storage protein that plays an important role in host defence against pathogen infections. In the present study, native ferritin was isolated from the hemolymph of Bombyx mori using native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native-PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results revealed that ferritin consisted of two subunits, designated as BmFerHCH and BmFerLCH. Previously integrated previous transcriptome and iTRAQ data showed that the two subunits were down-regulated in resistant silkworm strain BC9 and there was no obvious change in the expression levels of the subunits in susceptible silkworm strain P50 after BmNPV infection. Virus overlay assays revealed that B. mori ferritin as the form of heteropolymer had an interaction with B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), but it can't interact with BmNPV after depolymerisation. What's more, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis suggested that BmFerHCH and BmFerLCH could be induced by bacteria, virus and iron. This is the first study to extract B. mori ferritin successfully and confirms their roles in the process of BmNPV infection. All these results will lay a foundation for further research the function of B. mori ferritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Qiong Fei
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Hai-Zhong Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China; National Navel Orange Engineering and Technology Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jia-Ping Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China.
| | - Shang-Zhi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Bing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Li-Ang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Pei Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Xin Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Kang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
| | - Toufeeq Shahzad
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, China
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Chen K, Lu Z. Immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:3-11. [PMID: 29289612 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The silkworm Bombyx mori, an economically important insect that is usually reared indoors, is susceptible to various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and microsporidia. As with other insects, the silkworm lacks an adaptive immune system and relies solely on innate immunity to defend itself against infection. Compared to other intensively studied insects, such as the fruit fly and tobacco hornworm, the principal immune pathways in the silkworm remain unclear. In this article, we review the literature concerning silkworm immune responses to bacteria and fungi and present our perspectives on future research into silkworm immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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16
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Whiten SR, Eggleston H, Adelman ZN. Ironing out the Details: Exploring the Role of Iron and Heme in Blood-Sucking Arthropods. Front Physiol 2018; 8:1134. [PMID: 29387018 PMCID: PMC5776124 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme and iron are essential molecules for many physiological processes and yet have the ability to cause oxidative damage such as lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, and ultimately cell death if not controlled. Blood-sucking arthropods have evolved diverse methods to protect themselves against iron/heme-related damage, as the act of bloodfeeding itself is high risk, high reward process. Protective mechanisms in medically important arthropods include the midgut peritrophic matrix in mosquitoes, heme aggregation into the crystalline structure hemozoin in kissing bugs and hemosomes in ticks. Once heme and iron pass these protective mechanisms they are presumed to enter the midgut epithelial cells via membrane-bound transporters, though relatively few iron or heme transporters have been identified in bloodsucking arthropods. Upon iron entry into midgut epithelial cells, ferritin serves as the universal storage protein and transport for dietary iron in many organisms including arthropods. In addition to its role as a nutrient, heme is also an important signaling molecule in the midgut epithelial cells for many physiological processes including vitellogenesis. This review article will summarize recent advancements in heme/iron uptake, detoxification and exportation in bloodfeeding arthropods. While initial strides have been made at ironing out the role of dietary iron and heme in arthropods, much still remains to be discovered as these molecules may serve as novel targets for the control of many arthropod pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shavonn R Whiten
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Heather Eggleston
- Genetics Graduate Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Yu HZ, Zhang SZ, Ma Y, Fei DQ, Li B, Yang LA, Wang J, Li Z, Muhammad A, Xu JP. Molecular Characterization and Functional Analysis of a Ferritin Heavy Chain Subunit from the Eri-Silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102126. [PMID: 29036914 PMCID: PMC5666808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferritins are conserved iron-binding proteins that are primarily involved in iron storage, detoxification and the immune response. Despite the importance of ferritin in organisms, little is known about their roles in the eri-silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini). We previously identified a ferritin heavy chain subunit named ScFerHCH in the S. c. ricini transcriptome database. The full-length S. c. ricini ferritin heavy chain subunit (ScFerHCH) was 1863 bp and encoded a protein of 231 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 25.89 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ScFerHCH shared a high amino acid identity with the Bombyx mori and Danaus plexippus heavy chain subunits. Higher ScFerHCH expression levels were found in the silk gland, fat body and midgut of S. c. ricini by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Injection of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with an upregulation of ScFerHCH in the midgut, fat body and hemolymph, indicating that ScFerHCH may contribute to the host’s defense against invading pathogens. In addition, the anti-oxidation activity and iron-binding capacity of recombinant ScFerHCH protein were examined. Taken together, our results suggest that the ferritin heavy chain subunit from eri-silkworm may play critical roles not only in innate immune defense, but also in organismic iron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Zhong Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Shang-Zhi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Yan Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Dong-Qiong Fei
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Bing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Li-Ang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Zhen Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Azharuddin Muhammad
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Jia-Ping Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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18
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Ferritin Assembly in Enterocytes of Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:27. [PMID: 26861293 PMCID: PMC4783870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferritins are protein nanocages that accumulate inside their cavity thousands of oxidized iron atoms bound to oxygen and phosphates. Both characteristic types of eukaryotic ferritin subunits are present in secreted ferritins from insects, but here dimers between Ferritin 1 Heavy Chain Homolog (Fer1HCH) and Ferritin 2 Light Chain Homolog (Fer2LCH) are further stabilized by disulfide-bridge in the 24-subunit complex. We addressed ferritin assembly and iron loading in vivo using novel transgenic strains of Drosophila melanogaster. We concentrated on the intestine, where the ferritin induction process can be controlled experimentally by dietary iron manipulation. We showed that the expression pattern of Fer2LCH-Gal4 lines recapitulated iron-dependent endogenous expression of the ferritin subunits and used these lines to drive expression from UAS-mCherry-Fer2LCH transgenes. We found that the Gal4-mediated induction of mCherry-Fer2LCH subunits was too slow to effectively introduce them into newly formed ferritin complexes. Endogenous Fer2LCH and Fer1HCH assembled and stored excess dietary iron, instead. In contrast, when flies were genetically manipulated to co-express Fer2LCH and mCherry-Fer2LCH simultaneously, both subunits were incorporated with Fer1HCH in iron-loaded ferritin complexes. Our study provides fresh evidence that, in insects, ferritin assembly and iron loading in vivo are tightly regulated.
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