1
|
Hu D, Xu F, Gao Z, Chen K, Guo W, Wang Z, Li S, Feng C. Pleiotropic immunoregulation by growth-blocking peptide in Ostrinia furnacalis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:270-282. [PMID: 38329162 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Insects rely on their innate immune system to eliminate pathogenic microbes. As a system component, cytokines transmit intercellular signals to control immune responses. Growth-blocking peptide (GBP) is a member of the stress-responsive peptide family of cytokines found in several orders of insects, including Drosophila. However, the physiological role of GBP in defence against pathogens is not thoroughly understood. In this study, we explored the functions of GBP in a lepidopteran pest, Ostrinia furnacalis. Injection of recombinant O. furnacalis GBP (OfGBP) precursor (proGBP) and chemically synthesised GBP significantly induced the transcription of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other immunity-related genes including immune deficiency (IMD) and Dorsal. The level of OfGBP mRNA was upregulated after bacterial infection. Knockdown of OfGBP expression led to a decrease in IMD, Relish, MyD88 and Dorsal mRNA levels. OfGBP induced phenoloxidase activity and affected hemocyte behaviours in O. furnacalis larvae. In summary, GBP is a potent cytokine, effectively regulating AMP synthesis, melanization response and cellular immunity to eliminate invading pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongchun Hu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zupeng Gao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kangkang Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenlong Guo
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zitian Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shuzhong Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang H, Li H, Liu X, Zhang S, Li X, Wang L, Zhang M, Yu M, Li X, Qiao Z. The identification of a serpin with immune defense role in oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129747. [PMID: 38281536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Serpins are a protein superfamily of serine protease inhibitors. One of their functions is to participate in immune responses by inhibiting the activation of prophenoloxidase. To elucidate the immune role of serpin in Macrobrachium nipponense, a serpin gene (Mnserpin) was cloned from M. nipponense in this study. Mnserpin protein has an N-terminal signal peptide and a serpin domain that contains a hinge region, a signature sequence of serpin and a P1(arginine)-P1' scissile bond, and evolutionally closely related to the crustacean serpins. Mnserpin highly expressed in the hepatopancreas and gill. Mnserpin expression increased first and then decreased after Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila infection, and was knocked down by dsMnserpin injection with a maximum knockdown efficiency of 92 %. Mnserpin knockdown increased the expression of the clip domain serine protease and prophenoloxidase genes and phenoloxidase activity of M. nipponense as well as its mortality rate after V. parahaemolyticus and A. hydrophila infection. The recombinant Mnserpin (rMnserpin) showed bacteria-binding and bacteriostatic activity in vitro. Moreover, rMnserpin injection decreased the bacterial number and the mortality rate of M. nipponense post V. parahaemolyticus and A. hydrophila infection. These results suggested that Mnserpin plays a major role in the innate immune response of M. nipponense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Jiang
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China.
| | - Huanxin Li
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Xuewei Liu
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhang
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Xiao Li
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Miao Yu
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Zhigang Qiao
- Engineering Lab of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Disease Control, Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for Aquatic Animal Cultivation, College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang ZT, Wang H, Dong H, Cong B. Comparative hemolymph proteomic analyses of the freezing and resistance-freezing Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Sci Rep 2024; 14:2580. [PMID: 38297109 PMCID: PMC10830562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most harmful pests of maize in Asia. It poses a significant threat to maize production, causing economic losses due to its strong ecological adaptation. In this study, we compared and analyzed the hemolymph proteome between freezing and resistance-freezing O. furnacalis strains using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to gain insights into the mechanisms of cold resistance. The results revealed that 300-400 hemolymph protein spots were common, with 24 spots showing differences between the two strains. Spectrometry analysis revealed 21 protein spots, including 17 upregulated spots and 4 downregulated ones. The expression of upregulation/downregulation proteins plays a crucial role in the metabolism, energy supply, and defense reaction of insects. Proteomics research not only provides a method for investigating protein expression patterns but also identifies numerous attractive candidates for further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Ting Zhang
- Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
- Kaili University, 556011, Kaili, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Wang
- Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Dong
- Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Cong
- Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen K, Lu S, Song J, Dou X, Wei X, Wang X, Liu X, Feng C. The selective regulation of immune responses by matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 in Ostrinia furnacalis. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1622-1636. [PMID: 37209089 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial for tissue remodeling and immune responses in insects, yet it remains unclear how MMPs affect the various immune processes against pathogenic infections and whether the responses vary among insects. In this study, we used the lepidopteran pest Ostrinia furnacalis larvae to address these questions by examining the changes of immune-related gene expression and antimicrobial activity after the knockdown of MMP14 and bacterial infections. We identified MMP14 in O. furnacalis using the rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE), and found that it was conserved and belonged to the MMP1 subfamily. Our functional investigations revealed that MMP14 is an infection-responsive gene, and its knockdown reduces phenoloxidase (PO) activity and Cecropin expression, while the expressions of Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin are enhanced after MMP14 knockdown. Further PO and lysozyme activity determinations showed consistent results with gene expression of these immune-related genes. Finally, the knockdown of MMP14 decreased larvae survival to bacterial infections. Taken together, our data indicate that MMP14 selectively regulates the immune responses, and is required to defend against bacterial infections in O. furnacalis larvae. Conserved MMPs may serve as a potential target for pest control using a combination of double-stranded RNA and bacterial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahui Song
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyi Dou
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Xiangyi Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang L, Xu X, Wei W, Chen X, Peng C, Wang X, Xu J. Identification and gene expression analysis of serine proteases and their homologs in the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4766. [PMID: 36959303 PMCID: PMC10036332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31830-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases (SPs) and their homologs (SPHs) are among the best-characterized gene families. They are involved in several physiological processes, including digestion, embryonic development and immunity. In the current study, a total of 177 SPs-related genes were characterized in the genome of Ostrinia furnacalis. The activation site of SPs/SPHs and enzyme specificity of SPs were identified, and the findings showed that most of the SPs analyzed possessed trypsin substrate specificity. Several SPs/SPHs with similar simple gene structures had tandem repeat-like distributions on the scaffold, indicated that gene expansion has occurred in this large family. Furthermore, we constructed 30 RNA sequencing libraries including four with developmental stage and four middle larval stage tissues to study the transcript levels of these genes. Differentially upregulated and downregulated genes were obtained via data analysis. More than one-quarter of the genes were specifically identified as highly expressed in the midgut in compared to the other three tissues evaluated. In the current study, the domain structure, gene location and phylogenetic relationship of genes in O. furnacalis were explored. Orthologous comparisons of SPs/SPHs between model insects and O. furnacalis indicated their possible functions. This information provides a basis for understanding the functional roles of this large family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Xiaoyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Xiaofu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Junfeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen K, Wang X, Wei X, Chen J, Wei Y, Jiang H, Lu Z, Feng C. Nitric Oxide-Induced Calcineurin A Mediates Antimicrobial Peptide Production Through the IMD Pathway. Front Immunol 2022; 13:905419. [PMID: 35663981 PMCID: PMC9157438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.905419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) at a high concentration is an effector to kill pathogens during insect immune responses, it also functions as a second messenger at a low concentration to regulate antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production in insects. Drosophila calcineurin subunit CanA1 is a ubiquitous serine/threonine protein phosphatase involved in NO-induced AMP production. However, it is unclear how NO regulates AMP expression. In this study, we used a lepidopteran pest Ostrinia furnacalis and Drosophila S2 cells to investigate how NO signaling affects the AMP production. Bacterial infections upregulated the transcription of nitric oxide synthase 1/2 (NOS1/2), CanA and AMP genes and increased NO concentration in larval hemolymph. Inhibition of NOS or CanA activity reduced the survival of bacteria-infected O. furnacalis. NO donor increased NO level in plasma and upregulated the production of CanA and certain AMPs. In S2 cells, killed Escherichia coli induced NOS transcription and boosted NO production, whereas knockdown of NOS blocked the NO level increase caused by E. coli. As in O. furnacalis larvae, supplementation of the NO donor increased NO level in the culture medium and AMP expression in S2 cells. Suppression of the key pathway genes showed that the IMD (but not Toll) pathway was involved in the upregulation of CecropinA1, Defensin, Diptericin, and Drosomycin by killed E. coli. Knockdown of NOS also reduced the expression of CanA1 and AMPs induced by E. coli, indicative of a role of NO in the AMP expression. Furthermore, CanA1 RNA interference and inhibition of its phosphatase activity significantly reduced NO-induced AMP expression, and knockdown of IMD suppressed NO-induced AMP expression. Together, these results suggest that NO-induced AMP production is mediated by CanA1 via the IMD pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyi Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqian Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang S, Feng T, Ji J, Wang L, An C. Serine protease SP7 cleaves prophenoloxidase and is regulated by two serpins in Ostrinia furnacalis melanization. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 141:103699. [PMID: 34920078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanization is an innate immune response in insects to defend against the invading pathogens and parasites. During melanization, prophenoloxidase (PPO) requires proteolytic activation by its upstream prophenoloxidase-activating protease (PAP). We here cloned a full-length cDNA for a serine protease, named as SP7, from Ostrinia furnacalis. The open reading frame of SP7 encodes 421-amino acid residue protein with a 19-residue signal peptide. qRT-PCR analysis showed that SP7 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated upon exposure to microbial infection. Recombinant SP7 zymogen was activated by serine protease SP2. The active SP7 could cleave O. furnacalis PPOs including PPO2, PPO1b and PPO3. Additionally, active SP7 could form covalent complexes with serine protease inhibitor serpin-3 and serpin-4. The activity of SP7 in cleaving a colorimetric substrate IEARpNA or O. furnacalis PPOs was efficiently blocked by either serpin-3 or serpin-4. Our work thus revealed that SP7 and SP2 partially constituted a PPO activation cascade in which SP7 was activated by SP2 and then likely worked as a PAP. SP7 was effectively regulated by serpin-3 and serpin-4. The results would allow further advances in the understanding of melanization mechanisms in O. furnacalis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ting Feng
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Jiayue Ji
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Qin W, Lu Y, Wang H, Liu B, Jiang Z, Zhou C, Huang X, Dai X, Ren Q. Characterization and functional analysis of a clip domain serine protease (MncSP) and its alternative transcript (MncSP-isoform) from Macrobrachium nipponense. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 126:104237. [PMID: 34450128 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Clip domain serine protease (cSPs) play an important role in the innate immune defense of crustaceans. In this study, a clip domain serine protease (MncSP) and its alternative transcript (MncSP-isoform) were identified from Macrobrachium nipponense. The full-length cDNA sequences of MncSP and MncSP-isoform were 2447 and 2351 bp with open reading frames comprising 1497 and 1401 bp nucleotides and encoding 498 and 466 amino acids, respectively. The genome of MncSP had 10 exons and 9 introns. MncSP contained all 10 exons, whereas MncSP-isoform lacked the second exon. MncSP and MncSP-isoform contained a signal peptide, a clip domain, and a Tryp_SPc domain. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that MncSP and MncSP-isoform clustered with cSPs from Palaemonidae. MncSP and MncSP-isoform were widely distributed in hemocytes, heart, hepatopancreas, gills, stomach, and intestine. The expression profiles of MncSP and MncSP-isoform in the hemocytes of M. nipponense changed after simulation by Vibrio parahaemolyticus or Staphylococcus aureus. The RNAi of MncSP could inhibit the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including crustins and anti-lipopolysaccharide factors. Phenoloxidase activity was also down-regulated in MncSP-silenced prawns. This study indicated that MncSP participated in the synthesis of AMPs and the activation of prophenoloxidase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qin
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China
| | - Yang Lu
- Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210024, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China
| | - Beixiang Liu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China
| | - Zuosheng Jiang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China
| | - Chengxiang Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China.
| | - Xiaoling Dai
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China.
| | - Qian Ren
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023,China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhuang XN, Luan YY, Lv TR, Ren CM, Wang L, Li Q, Li DX. PAP1 activates the prophenoloxidase system against bacterial infection in Musca domestica. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 124:104184. [PMID: 34171367 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104184] [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: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We previously identified three putative prophenoloxidase-activating proteinase (mdPAP1, mdPAP2, and mdPAP3) genes from housefly Musca domestica by transcriptomic analysis. In this study, mdPAP1 cDNA was cloned, and the function of its encoded protein was analyzed. The cDNA of mdPAP1 was 1358 bp, and it contained a single open reading frame of 1122 bp encoding a predicted MdPAP1 protein of 373 amino acids. The estimated molecular weight of MdPAP1 was 41267.08 Da with an isoelectric point of 6.25. The deduced amino acid sequence of MdPAP1 exhibited high similarity to known PAPs of insects. mdPAP1 was detected in larvae, pupae, and adult housefly, and the expression level of mdPAP1 was upregulated in bacterial challenged larvae. The recombinant protein of MdPAP1 expressed in Escherichia coli could cleave the prophenoloxidase into phenoloxidase in M. domestica hemolymph infected by bacteria and result in a significant increase of the total phenoloxidase activity. In addition, RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of mdPAP1 significantly increased the mortality of M. domestica larvae. Results indicated that mdPAP1 was involved in the activation of the prophenoloxidase against bacterial infection in M. domestica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Na Zhuang
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Luan
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Tong-Rui Lv
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Ren
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Dian-Xiang Li
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen K, Chen J, Tang T, Jiang H, Han Z, Wang L, Alradi MF, Lu S, Wei X, Liu X, Wei Y, Feng C. Characterization and functional analysis of a Relish gene from the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 108:e21841. [PMID: 34468040 PMCID: PMC8453101 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen-induced host immune responses reduce the efficacy of pathogens used to control pests. However, compared to the well-deciphered immunity system of Drosophila melanogaster, the immunity system of agricultural pests is largely unconfirmed through functional analysis. Beginning to unveil mechanisms of transcription regulation of immune genes in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, we cloned the complementary DNA (cDNA) of a transcription factor Relish by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The 3164 bp cDNA, designated Of-Relish, encodes a 956-residue protein. Bioinformatic analysis showed that Of-Relish had a Rel homology domain, a predicted cleavage site between Q409 and L410 , six ankyrin repeats, and a death domain. The response of Of-Relish expression to the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa was sooner and stronger than to the Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus. The antimicrobial peptide genes Attacin and Gloverin had similar expression patterns in response to the infections. Knockdown of Of-Relish led to a decrease in Attacin and Gloverin messenger RNA levels, suggesting that Attacin and Gloverin were regulated by Of-Relish. Together, the results suggested that Of-Relish is a key component of the IMD pathway in O. furnacalis, involved in defense against P. aeruginosa through activation of Attacin and Gloverin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Jiaqian Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Tai Tang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Han
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Libao Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Mohamed F. Alradi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xiangyi Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Corresponding author Congjing Feng,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu H, Heng J, Wang L, Tang X, Guo P, Li Y, Xia Q, Zhao P. Identification, characterization, and expression analysis of clip-domain serine protease genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 105:103584. [PMID: 31863792 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Clip-domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by regulatory module clip domains, constitute an important serine protease family identified in insects and other arthropods. They participate in host immune response and embryonic development in a cascade-activated manner. Here, we present a genome-wide identification and expression analysis of CLIP genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. A total of 26 CLIP genes were identified in the silkworm genome. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these CLIPs clustered into four subfamilies (CLIPA-D), and exhibit a close evolutionary relationship with CLIPs of Manduca sexta. Tissue expression profiling revealed that silkworm CLIP genes are mainly expressed in the integument, head, fat body, and hemocytes. Temporal expression profiles showed that 15 CLIP genes were predominantly expressed during the fifth-instar larval stage, early and later period of the pupal stage, and adult stage, whereas 10 CLIP genes were mainly expressed in the wandering stage and middle to later period of the pupal stage in the integument. Pathogens and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) induction analysis indicated that 14 CLIP genes were positively regulated by 20E, 9 were negatively regulated by 20E but positively regulated by pathogens, and 5 were positively regulated by both factors in the integument. Together, these results suggested that silkworm CLIP genes may play multiple functions in integument development, including melanization of new cuticle, molting and immune defense. Our data provide a comprehensive understanding of CLIP genes in the silkworm integument and lays a foundation for further functional studies of CLIP genes in the silkworm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Liu
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jingya Heng
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Luoling Wang
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Pengchao Guo
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Youshan Li
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|