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Cao W, Zhang F, Li H, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Guo X, Dong L, Li H, Zeng D, Li X, Yang X. A short neuropeptide F analog (sNPF), III-2 may particularly regulate juvenile hormone III to influence Spodoptera frugiperda metamorphosis and development. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 197:105653. [PMID: 38072528 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105653] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Allatostatin (AS) or Allatotropin (AT) is a class of insect short neuropeptide F (sNPF) that affects insect growth and development by inhibiting or promote the synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) in different insects. III-2 is a novel sNPF analog derived from a group of nitroaromatic groups connected by different amino acids. In this study, we found that III-2 showed high insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda larvae with a LC50 of 18.7 mg L-1. As demonstrated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), III-2 particularly facilitated JH III and hindered 20E synthesis in S. frugiperda. The results of RNA-Seq and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed that III-2 treatment promoted the expression of key genes such as SfCYP15C1 in JH synthesis pathway and inhibited the expression of SfCYP314A1 and other genes in the 20E synthetic pathway. Significant differences were also observed in the expression of the genes related to cuticle formation. We report for the first time that sNPF compounds specifically interfere with the synthesis and secretion of a certain JH in insects, thus affecting the ecdysis and growth of insects, and leading to death. This study may provide a new plant conservation concept for us to seek the targeted control of certain insects based on specific interference with different JH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Cao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Fu Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Haolin Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Yimeng Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongheng Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Xiaxia Guo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Linxi Dong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Honghong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Dongqiang Zeng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Xuesheng Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-products Safety, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China.
| | - Xinling Yang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Lin Z, Huang Y, Liu S, Huang Q, Zhang B, Wang T, Zhang Z, Zhu X, Liao C, Han Q. Gene coexpression network during ontogeny in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:301. [PMID: 37270481 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The behaviors and ontogeny of Aedes aegypti are closely related to the spread of diseases caused by dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), and yellow fever (YFV) viruses. During the life cycle, Ae. aegypti undergoes drastic morphological, metabolic, and functional changes triggered by gene regulation and other molecular mechanisms. Some essential regulatory factors that regulate insect ontogeny have been revealed in other species, but their roles are still poorly investigated in the mosquito. RESULTS Our study identified 6 gene modules and their intramodular hub genes that were highly associated with the ontogeny of Ae. aegypti in the constructed network. Those modules were found to be enriched in functional roles related to cuticle development, ATP generation, digestion, immunity, pupation control, lectins, and spermatogenesis. Additionally, digestion-related pathways were activated in the larvae and adult females but suppressed in the pupae. The integrated protein‒protein network also identified cilium-related genes. In addition, we verified that the 6 intramodular hub genes encoding proteins such as EcKinase regulating larval molt were only expressed in the larval stage. Quantitative RT‒PCR of the intramodular hub genes gave similar results as the RNA-Seq expression profile, and most hub genes were ontogeny-specifically expressed. CONCLUSIONS The constructed gene coexpression network provides a useful resource for network-based data mining to identify candidate genes for functional studies. Ultimately, these findings will be key in identifying potential molecular targets for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhinan Lin
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 99907, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuqi Huang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Sihan Liu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Qiwen Huang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Biliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tianpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ziding Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 99907, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
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Chen J, Wu YC, Chen JK, Zhu XJ, Merkler D, Liao CH, Han Q. Elongases of Long-Chain Fatty Acids ELO2 and ELO9 Are Involved in Cuticle Formation and Function in Fecundity in the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti. INSECTS 2023; 14:189. [PMID: 36835758 PMCID: PMC9961117 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain fatty acid elongases (ELOs) play important roles in the metabolism of fatty acids in insects. In this study, the genes for two elongases from Aedes aegypti were identified, AeELO2 and AeELO9. Quantitative real time PCR showed that AeELO2 and AeELO9 are expressed at all developmental stages and some body parts, but with different expression patterns. RNAi-mediated knockdown of AeELO2 and AeELO9 was performed to investigate their roles in the development, growth, osmotic balance, and cold tolerance of Ae. aegypti. Knockdown of AeELO2 slowed larval growth and development by causing molting abnormalities. Additionally, 33% ± 3.3% of adults died during oviposition, accompanied by an abnormal extension of cuticles in AeELO2-dsRNA knockdown mosquitos. Knockdown of AeEL09 resulted in abnormal balance of cuticular osmotic pressure and a reduction in egg production. The maximal mRNAs of AeELO2 and AeELO9 were detected in eggs at 72 h after oviposition. Moreover, AeELO2 knockdown reduced the egg hatching rates and AeELO9 knockdown larvae did not develop well. In summary, AeELO2 is involved in larval molting and growth, and its knockdown affects the flexibility and elasticity of adult mosquito cuticles. AeELO9 regulates cold tolerance, osmotic balance, and egg development in Ae. aegypti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jiu-Kai Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - David Merkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Cheng-Hong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Han SW, Shin JS. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylases: mechanistic features and microbial applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4445-4458. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12028-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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5
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Zhang L, Tang Y, Chen H, Zhu X, Gong X, Wang S, Luo J, Han Q. Arylalkalamine N-acetyltransferase-1 acts on a secondary amine in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1081-1091. [PMID: 35178730 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT) in Aedes aegypti is primarily involved in cuticle pigmentation and formation. The reported arylalkylamine substrates are all primary amines. In this study, we report a novel substrate, a secondary amine, of Ae. aegypti aaNAT1. The recombinant aaNAT1 protein exhibited high activity to a secondary amine, epinephrine, which has not been reported for any aaNATs previously. Structure-activity relationship study demonstrated that aaNAT1 has an epinephrine binding site, and molecular docking and dynamic simulation showed that epinephrine is quite stable in the active cavity. Further functional studies demonstrated that epinephrine affected mosquito fecundity, egg hatching and development. The new biochemical function of aaNAT1 in metabolizing epinephrine could reduce some negative effects of the compound in the mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Huaqing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Xue Gong
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Shouchuang Wang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilisation of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilisation of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
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6
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Zhang L, Li MZ, Chen ZH, Tang Y, Liao CH, Han Q. Arylalkalamine N-acetyltransferase-1 functions on cuticle pigmentation in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1591-1600. [PMID: 33369191 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT) catalyzes the acetylation of dopamine, 5-hydroxy-tryptamine, tryptamine, octopamine, norepinephrine and other arylalkylamines to form respective N-acetyl-arylalkylamines. Depending on the products formed, aaNATs are involved in a variety of physiological functions. In the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, a number of aaNATs and aaNAT-like proteins have been reported. However, the primary function of each individual aaNAT is yet to be identified. In this study we investigated the function of Ae. aegypti aaNAT1 (Ae-aaNAT1) in cuticle pigmentation and development of morphology. Ae-aaNAT1 transcripts were detected at all stages of development with highest expressions after pupation and right before adult eclosion. Ae-aaNAT1 mutant mosquitoes generated using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) - CRISPR-associated protein 9 had no obvious effect on larval and pupal development. However, the mutant mosquitoes exhibited a roughened exoskeletal surface, darker cuticles, and color pattern changes suggesting that Ae-aaNAT1 plays a role in development of the morphology and pigmentation of Ae. aegypti adult cuticles. The mutant also showed less blood feeding efficiency and lower fecundity when compared with the wild-type. The mutation of Ae-aaNAT1 influenced expression of genes involved in cuticle formation. In summary, Ae-aaNAT1 mainly functions on cuticular pigmentation and also affects blood feeding efficiency and fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Miao-Zhen Li
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Cheng-Hong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
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7
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Kiefer JST, Batsukh S, Bauer E, Hirota B, Weiss B, Wierz JC, Fukatsu T, Kaltenpoth M, Engl T. Inhibition of a nutritional endosymbiont by glyphosate abolishes mutualistic benefit on cuticle synthesis in Oryzaephilus surinamensis. Commun Biol 2021; 4:554. [PMID: 33976379 PMCID: PMC8113238 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02057-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate is widely used as a herbicide, but recent studies begin to reveal its detrimental side effects on animals by targeting the shikimate pathway of associated gut microorganisms. However, its impact on nutritional endosymbionts in insects remains poorly understood. Here, we sequenced the tiny, shikimate pathway encoding symbiont genome of the sawtoothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis. Decreased titers of the aromatic amino acid tyrosine in symbiont-depleted beetles underscore the symbionts' ability to synthesize prephenate as the precursor for host tyrosine synthesis and its importance for cuticle sclerotization and melanization. Glyphosate exposure inhibited symbiont establishment during host development and abolished the mutualistic benefit on cuticle synthesis in adults, which could be partially rescued by dietary tyrosine supplementation. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses indicate that the shikimate pathways of many nutritional endosymbionts likewise contain a glyphosate sensitive 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase. These findings highlight the importance of symbiont-mediated tyrosine supplementation for cuticle biosynthesis in insects, but also paint an alarming scenario regarding the use of glyphosate in light of recent declines in insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Simon Thilo Kiefer
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Suvdanselengee Batsukh
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eugen Bauer
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bin Hirota
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Benjamin Weiss
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Group Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Wierz
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Group Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
- Research Group Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany.
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany.
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8
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Sun K, Li S, Si Y, Huang Q. Advances in laccase-triggered anabolism for biotechnology applications. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 41:969-993. [PMID: 33818232 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1895053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This is the first comprehensive overview of laccase-triggered anabolism from fundamental theory to biotechnology applications. Laccase is a typical biological oxidordeuctase that induces the one-electronic transfer of diverse substrates for engendering four phenoxy radicals with concomitant reduction of O2 into 2H2O. In vivo, laccase can participate in anabolic processes to create multifarious functional biopolymers such as fungal pigments, plant lignins, and insect cuticles, using mono/polyphenols and their derivatives as enzymatic substrates, and is thus conducive to biological tissue morphogenesis and global carbon storage. Exhilaratingly, fungal laccase has high redox potential (E° = 500-800 mV) and thermodynamic efficiency, making it a remarkable candidate for utilization as a versatile catalyst in the green and circular economy. This review elaborates the anabolic mechanisms of laccase in initiating the polymerization of natural phenolic compounds and their derivatives in vivo via radical-based self/cross-coupling. Information is also presented on laccase immobilization engineering that expands the practical application ranges of laccase in biotechnology by improving the enzymatic catalytic activity, stability, and reuse rate. Particularly, advances in biotechnology applications in vitro through fungal laccase-triggered macromolecular biosynthesis may provide a key research direction beneficial to the rational design of green chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Farmland Ecological Conservation and Pollution Prevention, School of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shunyao Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youbin Si
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Farmland Ecological Conservation and Pollution Prevention, School of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingguo Huang
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA
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9
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Smets R, Van Der Borght M. Enhancing the specificity of chitin determinations through glucosamine analysis via ultra-performance LC-MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:3119-3130. [PMID: 33704524 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03252-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
As chitin is gaining an increased attention as feedstock for industry, quantification thereof is becoming increasingly important. While gravimetric procedures are long, not specific and highly labour-intensive, acidic hydrolysis of chitin into glucosamine followed by quantification of the latter is more performant. Even though several quantification procedures for the determination of chitin can be found in the literature, they give inconsistent results and their accuracy was not assessed due to the lack of certified analytical standards. Therefore, in the present study, commercially available chitin from practical grade was characterised in detail, allowing the assessment of method accuracy. The procedure for the hydrolysis of chitin into glucosamine and subsequent quantification via UPLC-MS was investigated in detail as well. Using 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl) as derivatisation reagent, glucosamine was quantified using reversed-phase chromatography. For the chitin hydrolysis, the highest glucosamine recovery was obtained with 8.0 M HCl for 2 h at 100 °C. The entire procedure for chitin quantification, including the hydrolysis, was characterised by high interday and intraday precision and accuracy. The specificity of the procedure was assessed as well by analysing different mixtures of cellulose and chitin. Chitin recoveries from these analyses ranged from 98.8 to 105.8% while no signal was observed for 100% cellulose, indicating the high specificity of the procedure. It was also concluded that the procedure is much faster and less labour-intensive compared to the gravimetric procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Smets
- Lab4Food, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440, Geel, Belgium
| | - Mik Van Der Borght
- Lab4Food, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440, Geel, Belgium.
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10
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Xu Y, Yang X, Sun X, Li X, Liu Z, Yin Q, Ma L, Zhou D, Sun Y, Shen B, Zhu C. Transcription factor FTZ-F1 regulates mosquito cuticular protein CPLCG5 conferring resistance to pyrethroids in Culex pipiens pallens. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:514. [PMID: 33054862 PMCID: PMC7559895 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04383-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Culex pipiens pallens poses a serious threat to human health because of its widespread distribution, high carrier capacity for several arboviruses, frequent human-biting, and growth in urban environments. Pyrethroid insecticides have been mainly used to control adult Cx. pipiens pallens during outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. Unfortunately, mosquitoes have developed resistance, rendering the insecticides ineffective. Cuticular resistance is the primary mechanism of pyrethroid resistance. Previously, we revealed that cuticular protein of low complexity CPLCG5 is a major cuticular protein associated with deltamethrin resistance in Cx. pipiens pallens, which is enriched in the cuticle of mosquitoes’ legs and participates in pyrethroid resistance by forming a rigid matrix. However, the regulatory mechanisms of its transcription remain unknown. Results First, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of FTZ-F1 (encoding Fushi tarazu-Factor 1) was ~ 1.8-fold higher in the deltamethrin-resistant (DR) than deltamethrin-susceptible (DS) strains at 24 h post-eclosion (PE) and ~ 2.2-fold higher in the DR strain than in the DS strain at 48 h PE. CPLCG5 and FTZ-F1 were co-expressed in the legs, indicating that they might play an essential role in the legs. Dual luciferase reporter assays and EMSA (electrophoretic mobility shift experiments) revealed that FTZ-F1 regulates the transcription of CPLCG5 by binding to the FTZ-F1 response element (− 870/− 864). Lastly, knockdown of FTZ-F1 not only affected CPLCG5 expression but also altered the cuticle thickness and structure of the legs, increasing the susceptibility of the mosquitoes to deltamethrin in vivo. Conclusions The results revealed that FTZ-F1 regulates the expression of CPLCG5 by binding to the CPLCG5 promoter region, altering cuticle thickness and structure, and increasing the susceptibility of mosquitoes to deltamethrin in vivo. This study revealed part of the mechanism of cuticular resistance, providing a deeper understanding of insecticide resistance.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoshan Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xixi Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhihan Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Yin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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11
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Grizanova EV, Coates CJ, Dubovskiy IM, Butt TM. Metarhizium brunneum infection dynamics differ at the cuticle interface of susceptible and tolerant morphs of Galleria mellonella. Virulence 2020; 10:999-1012. [PMID: 31724467 PMCID: PMC8647853 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1693230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In order for entomopathogenic fungi to colonize an insect host, they must first attach to, and penetrate, the cuticle layers of the integument. Herein, we explored the interactions between the fungal pathogen Metarhizium brunneum ARSEF 4556 and two immunologically distinct morphs, melanic (M) and non-melanic (NM), of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. We first interrogated the cuticular compositions of both insect morphs to reveal substantial differences in their physiochemical properties. Enhanced melanin accumulation, fewer hydrocarbons, and higher L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase activity were evident in the cuticle of the M larvae. This “hostile” terrain proved challenging for M. brunneum – reflected in poor conidial attachment and germination, and elevated expression of stress-associated genes (e.g., Hsp30, Hsp70). Lack of adherence to the cuticle impacted negatively on the speed of kill and overall host mortality; a dose of 107 conidia killed ~30% of M larvae over a 12-day period, whereas a 100-fold lower dose (105 conidia) achieved a similar result for NM larvae. Candidate gene expression patterns between the insect morphs indicated that M larvae are primed to “switch-on” immunity-associated genes (e.g., phenoloxidase) within 6–12 h of conidia exposure and can sustain a “defense” response. Critically, M. brunneum responds to the distinct physiochemical cues of both hosts and adjusts the expression of pathogenicity-related genes accordingly (e.g., Pr2, Mad1, Mad2). We reveal previously uncharacterized mechanisms of attack and defence in fungal-insect antibiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Grizanova
- Laboratory of Biological Plant Protection and Biotechnology, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Ivan M Dubovskiy
- Laboratory of Biological Plant Protection and Biotechnology, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoobsk, Russia
| | - Tariq M Butt
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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12
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Structural basis for divergent and convergent evolution of catalytic machineries in plant aromatic amino acid decarboxylase proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10806-10817. [PMID: 32371491 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920097117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation of the plant pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) family has yielded an array of paralogous enzymes exhibiting divergent substrate preferences and catalytic mechanisms. Plant AAADs catalyze either the decarboxylation or decarboxylation-dependent oxidative deamination of aromatic l-amino acids to produce aromatic monoamines or aromatic acetaldehydes, respectively. These compounds serve as key precursors for the biosynthesis of several important classes of plant natural products, including indole alkaloids, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, hydroxycinnamic acid amides, phenylacetaldehyde-derived floral volatiles, and tyrosol derivatives. Here, we present the crystal structures of four functionally distinct plant AAAD paralogs. Through structural and functional analyses, we identify variable structural features of the substrate-binding pocket that underlie the divergent evolution of substrate selectivity toward indole, phenyl, or hydroxyphenyl amino acids in plant AAADs. Moreover, we describe two mechanistic classes of independently arising mutations in AAAD paralogs leading to the convergent evolution of the derived aldehyde synthase activity. Applying knowledge learned from this study, we successfully engineered a shortened benzylisoquinoline alkaloid pathway to produce (S)-norcoclaurine in yeast. This work highlights the pliability of the AAAD fold that allows change of substrate selectivity and access to alternative catalytic mechanisms with only a few mutations.
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13
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Hoffarth ER, Rothchild KW, Ryan KS. Emergence of oxygen- and pyridoxal phosphate-dependent reactions. FEBS J 2020; 287:1403-1428. [PMID: 32142210 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is an organic cofactor employed by ~ 4% of enzymes. The structure of the PLP cofactor allows for the stabilization of carbanions through resonance. A small number of PLP-dependent enzymes employ molecular oxygen as a cosubstrate. Here, we review the biological roles and possible mechanisms of these enzymes, and we observe that these enzymes are found in multiple protein families, suggesting that reaction with oxygen might have emerged de novo in several protein families and thus could be directed to emerge again through laboratory evolution experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elesha R Hoffarth
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Katherine S Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Chen J, Lu HR, Zhang L, Liao CH, Han Q. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde synthase affects larval development and adult survival in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:311. [PMID: 31234914 PMCID: PMC6591897 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3568-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cuticle is an indispensable structure that protects the mosquito against adverse environmental conditions and prevents pathogen entry. While most cuticles are hard and rigid, some parts of cuticle are soft and flexible to allow movement and blood-feeding. It has been reported that 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) synthase is associated with flexible cuticle formation in Aedes aegypti. However, the molecular function of DOPAL synthase in the ontogenesis of mosquito remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized gene expression profiles of DOPAL synthase and investigated its functions in larvae and female adults of Aedes agypti by RNAi. RESULTS Our results suggest that the expression of DOPAL synthase is different during development and the transcriptional level reached its peak at the female white pupal stage, and DOPAL synthase was more highly expressed in the cuticle and midgut than other tissues in the adult. The development process from larva to pupa was slowed down strikingly by feeding the first-instar larvae with chitosan/DOPAL synthase dsRNA nanoparticles. A qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that the dsRNA-mediated transcription of the DOPAL synthase was reduced > 50% in fourth-instar larvae. Meanwhile, larval molt was abnormal during development. Transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the formation of endocuticle and exocuticle was blocked. In addition, we detected that the dsDOPAL synthase RNA caused significant mortality when injected into the female adult mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that DOPAL synthase plays a critical role in mosquito larval development and adult survival and suggest that DOPAL synthase could be a good candidate gene in RNAi intervention strategies in mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Hao-Ran Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Cheng-Hong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China. .,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China. .,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
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