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Zhang K, Man X, Hu X, Tan P, Su J, Abbas MN, Cui H. GATA binding protein 6 regulates apoptosis in silkworms through interaction with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128515. [PMID: 38040165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128515] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The GATA family of genes plays various roles in crucial biological processes, such as development, cell differentiation, and disease progression. However, the roles of GATA in insects have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, a genome-wide characterization of the GATA gene family in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, was conducted, revealing lineage-specific expression profiles. Notably, GATA6 is ubiquitously expressed across various developmental stages and tissues, with predominant expression in the midgut, ovaries, and Malpighian tubules. Overexpression of GATA6 inhibits cell growth and promotes apoptosis, whereas, in contrast, knockdown of PARP mitigates the apoptotic effects driven by GATA6 overexpression. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) has demonstrated that GATA6 can interact with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), suggesting that GATA6 may induce cell apoptosis by activating the enzyme's activity. These findings reveal a dynamic and regulatory relationship between GATA6 and PARP, suggesting a potential role for GATA6 as a key regulator in apoptosis through its interaction with PARP. This research deepens the understanding of the diverse roles of the GATA family in insects, shedding light on new avenues for studies in sericulture and pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Xu Man
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Peng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jingjing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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2
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Mappin F, Bellantuono AJ, Ebrahimi B, DeGennaro M. Odor-evoked transcriptomics of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293018. [PMID: 37874813 PMCID: PMC10597520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of odorant receptors mRNA induced by prolonged odor exposure is highly correlated with ligand-receptor interactions in Drosophila as well as mammals of the Muridae family. If this response feature is conserved in other organisms, this presents an intriguing initial screening tool when searching for novel receptor-ligand interactions in species with predominantly orphan olfactory receptors. We demonstrate that mRNA modulation in response to 1-octen-3-ol odor exposure occurs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. To investigate gene expression patterns at a global level, we generated an odor-evoked transcriptome associated with 1-octen-3-ol odor exposure. Transcriptomic data revealed that ORs and OBPs were transcriptionally responsive whereas other chemosensory gene families showed little to no differential expression. Alongside chemosensory gene expression changes, transcriptomic analysis found that prolonged exposure to 1-octen-3-ol modulated xenobiotic response genes, primarily members of the cytochrome P450, insect cuticle proteins, and glucuronosyltransferases families. Together, these findings suggest that mRNA transcriptional modulation of olfactory receptors caused by prolonged odor exposure is pervasive across taxa and can be accompanied by the activation of xenobiotic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredis Mappin
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anthony J. Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Babak Ebrahimi
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Matthew DeGennaro
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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3
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Zhao L, Niu J, Feng D, Wang X, Zhang R. Immune functions of pattern recognition receptors in Lepidoptera. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203061. [PMID: 37398667 PMCID: PMC10312389 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), as the "sensors" in the immune response, play a prominent role in recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and initiating an effective defense response to pathogens in Lepidoptera. It is becoming increasingly clear that damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) normally play a physiological role within cells; however, when exposed to extracellular, they may become "part-time" critical signals of the immune response. Based on research in recent years, we review herein typical PRRs of Lepidoptera, including peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), gram-negative binding protein (GNBP), β-1,3-glucan recognition protein (βGRP), C-type lectin (CTL), and scavenger receptor (SR). We also outline the ways in which DAMPs participate in the immune response and the correlation between PRRs and immune escape. Taken together, these findings suggest that the role of PRRs in insect innate immunity may be much greater than expected and that it is possible to recognize a broader range of signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinlan Niu
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Disong Feng
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xialu Wang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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4
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Deng X, Liu L, Deng J, Zha X. Specific Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides from the Black Soldier Fly in the Midgut of Silkworms ( Bombyx mori) Regulates Silkworm Immunity. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050443. [PMID: 37233071 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are molecules with strong antimicrobial activity and are of substantial interest for the immunization of insects. As a type of dipteran insect that can turn organic waste into animal feed, the black soldier fly (BSF) can "turn waste into treasure". In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the antimicrobial peptide genes, HiCG13551 and Hidiptericin-1, of BSF in silkworms, by overexpressing the genes specifically in the midgut. Changes in the mRNA levels of the transgenic silkworms after infection with Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated using transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that Hidiptericin-1 had stronger antimicrobial activity than HiCG13551. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes in the transgenic overexpressed Hidiptericin-1 silkworm lines from the D9L strain were mainly enriched in the starch and sucrose metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, drug metabolism (other enzymes), biotin metabolism, platinum drug resistance, galactose metabolism, and pancreatic secretion pathways. In addition, immune-related genes were up-regulated in this transgenic silkworm strain. Our study may provide new insights for future immune studies on insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lianlian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jing Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xingfu Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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5
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Mappin F, Bellantuono AJ, Ebrahimi B, DeGennaro M. Odor-evoked transcriptomics of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.12.532230. [PMID: 36993705 PMCID: PMC10055012 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.12.532230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of odorant receptors mRNA induced by prolonged odor exposure is highly correlated with ligand-receptor interactions in Drosophila as well as mammals of the Muridae family. If this response feature is conserved in other organisms, this presents a potentially potent initial screening tool when searching for novel receptor-ligand interactions in species with predominantly orphan olfactory receptors. We demonstrate that mRNA modulation in response to 1-octen-3-ol odor exposure occurs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. To investigate gene expression patterns at a global level, we generated an odor-evoked transcriptome associated with 1-octen-3-ol odor exposure. Transcriptomic data revealed that ORs and OBPs were transcriptionally responsive whereas other chemosensory gene families showed little to no differential expression. Alongside chemosensory gene expression changes, transcriptomic analysis found that prolonged exposure to 1-octen-3-ol modulated xenobiotic response genes, primarily members of the cytochrome P450, insect cuticle proteins, and glucuronosyltransferases families. Together, these findings suggest that mRNA transcriptional modulation caused by prolonged odor exposure is pervasive across taxa and accompanied by the activation of xenobiotic responses. Furthermore, odor-evoked transcriptomics create a potential screening tool for filtering and identification of chemosensory and xenobiotic targets of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredis Mappin
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Anthony J. Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Babak Ebrahimi
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Matthew DeGennaro
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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6
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Zhang K, Su J, Hu X, Yan X, Chen S, Li C, Pan G, Chang H, Tian W, Abbas MN, Cui H. Integrin β2 and β3: Two plasmatocyte markers deepen our understanding of the development of plasmatocytes in the silkworm Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1659-1671. [PMID: 35420711 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13045] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insect hemocytes play important biological roles at developmental stages, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. As one of the most abundant cell types, plasmatocytes can participate in various innate immune responses, especially in encapsulation and node formation. Here, 2 molecular markers of plasmatocytes, consisting of integrin β2 and β3, were identified and used to understand the development of plasmatocytes. Plasmatocytes are widely distributed in the hematopoietic system, including circulating hemolymph and hematopoietic organs (HPOs). HPOs constantly release plasmatocytes with high proliferative activity in vitro; removal of HPOs leads to a dramatic reduction in the circulating plasmatocytes, and the remaining plasmatocytes gradually lose their ability to proliferate in vivo. Our results demonstrated that the release of plasmatocytes from HPOs is regulated by insulin-mediated signals and their downstream pathways, including PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk signals. The insulin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can significantly irritate the hematopoiesis, and its inhibitor LY294002 could inhibit the hemocytes discharged from HPOs. While the insulin/MAPK/Erk signaling pathway plays a negative regulatory role, inhibiting its activity with U0126 can markedly promote the discharge of plasmatocytes from HPOs. Our results indicate that the circulating plasmatocytes are mainly generated and discharged by HPOs. This process is co-regulated by the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk signals in an antagonistic manner to adjust the dynamic balance of the hemocytes. These findings can enhance our understanding of insect hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingjing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomin Yan
- Chongqing iCELL Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chongqing, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangzhao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenli Tian
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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7
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Siden-Kiamos I, Koidou V, Livadaras I, Skoufa E, Papadogiorgaki S, Papadakis S, Chalepakis G, Ioannidis P, Vontas J. Dynamic interactions between the symbiont Candidatus Erwinia dacicola and its olive fruit fly host Bactrocera oleae. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 146:103793. [PMID: 35618174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, the most serious pest of olives, requires the endosymbiotic bacterium Candidatus Erwinia dacicola in order to complete its development in unripe green olives. Hence, a better understanding of the symbiosis of Ca. E. dacicola and its insect host may lead to new strategies for B. oleae control. The relative abundance of bacteria during the fly life cycle comparing black and green olives was estimated by real time quantitative PCR revealing significant fluctuations during development in black olives with a peak of the bacteria in the second instar larvae. By microscopy analysis of larvae, we show that the bacteria reside extracellularly in the gastric caeca. During the transition to late third instar larvae, the bacteria were discharged into the midgut concomitant with a change in caeca size and morphology due to the contraction of the muscles surrounding the caeca. A similar alteration was also observed in a laboratory strain devoid of bacteria. To further investigate the symbiotic interaction and the change in caeca morphology a comparative transcriptomics analysis was undertaken. Samples of dissected caeca from second and third instar larvae collected from the field as well as second instar larvae from a laboratory strain devoid of symbionts showed significant changes in transcript expression. This highlighted genes associated with the developmental changes revealed by the microscopic analysis as well as responses to microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Siden-Kiamos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, 70013, Greece.
| | - Venetia Koidou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, 70013, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
| | - Ioannis Livadaras
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
| | - Evangelia Skoufa
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
| | | | | | - George Chalepakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
| | - John Vontas
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, 70013, Greece; Pesticide Science Laboratory, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece.
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8
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Zhang K, Tan J, Hao X, Tang H, Abbas MN, Su J, Su Y, Cui H. Bombyx mori U-shaped regulates the melanization cascade and immune response via binding with the Lozenge protein. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:704-716. [PMID: 34331739 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Zinc finger protein, an important transcription factor, regulates gene expression associated with various physiological and pathological processes. U-shaped, belong to the Friend of GATA (FOG) transcription factor, plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis by interacting with the GATA transcription factor as a co-factor. However, little is known about its functions in insects. In the present study, a U-shaped cDNA was identified and characterized from the silkworm Bombyx mori and its potential roles in innate immunity investigated. The predicted silkworm U-shaped amino acid sequence contained a classical nuclear localization signal (NLS) motif "GESSPKRRRR" at position 450-459, and arginine residues at position 456 and 478 are the critical sites of the NLS. U-shaped mRNA was detected in all tested tissues of the B. mori; however, the highest levels were found in the hemocytes. U-shaped mRNA expression levels were upregulated in the hemocyte after the Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus challenge. Furthermore, U-shaped knockdown significantly reduced the melanization process and suppressed the expression of melanization-associated genes, including PPO1, PPO2, PPAE and BAEE. In addition, U-shaped interacts with Lozenge protein to regulate the innate immune response of the insect. Our results revealed that U-shaped binds directly to Lozenge protein to modulate the melanization process and innate immune responses in silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Juan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Xiangwei Hao
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Houyi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jingjing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yongyue Su
- Department of Orthopaedic, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
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9
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Kausar S, Abbas MN, Gul I, Liu R, Li Q, Zhao E, Lv M, Cui H. Molecular Identification of Two DNA Methyltransferase Genes and Their Functional Characterization in the Anti-Bacterial Immunity of Antheraea pernyi. Front Immunol 2022; 13:855888. [PMID: 35651618 PMCID: PMC9149099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.855888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Under different physiological conditions, such as microbial infection, epigenetic mechanisms regulate genes at the transcription level in living organisms. DNA methylation is a type of epigenetic mechanism in which DNA methyltransferases modify the expression of target genes. Here, we identified a full-length sequence of DNMT-1 and DNMT-2 from the Chinese oak silkworm, A. pernyi, which was highly similar to the homologous sequences of Bombyx mori. ApDNMT-1 and ApDNMT-2 have unique domain architectures of insect DNMTs, highlighting their conserved functions in A. pernyi. ApDNMT-1 and ApDNMT-2 were found to be widely expressed in various tissues, with the highest levels of expression in hemocytes, the ovary, testis, and fat bodies. To understand the biological role of these genes in microbial resistance, we challenged the fifth instar larvae of A. pernyi by administrating Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The results revealed that transcript levels of ApDNMT-1 and ApDNMT-2 were increased compared to the control group. The inhibition of these genes by a DNMTs inhibitor [5-azacytidine (5-AZA)] significantly reduced bacterial replication and larvae mortality. In addition, 5-AZA treatment modified the expression patterns of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the A. pernyi larvae. Our results suggest that ApDNMT-1 and ApDNMT-2 seem to have a crucial role in innate immunity, mediating antimicrobial peptide responses against bacterial infection in A. pernyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Isma Gul
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Psychology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhan Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhao, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Gul I, Kausar S, You Q, Sun W, Li Z, Abbas MN, Cui H. Identification and the immunological role of two Nimrod family genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:154-165. [PMID: 34688681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In animals, immune signaling pathways and effector molecules participate in attenuating microbial infection. Recent work has shown that the Nimrod family proteins can directly bind to bacteria, and this binding leads to bacterial phagocytosis. Although the Nimrod gene family has been reported in many non-drosophilids, their functions remain unexplored in most insect species. Here, we report two members (Nimrod-B and Draper) of the Nimrod gene family from Bombyx mori and analyzed their role in immunity. The two genes were ubiquitously expressed in the tested tissues; but, they transcribed preferentially in immune tissues. The developmental profiles showed that BmNimrod-B and BmDraper transcription levels were highest in the pupal stages. Challenge with microbial pathogens induced the transcription levels of all two genes at different time points. Knockdown of BmDraper decreased the bacterial clearance and increased their replication relative to the control group, whereas, BmNimrod-B suppression had a non-significant effect on them. Furthermore, the mortality rate was increased after BmDraper silencing. The knockdown of these genes did not significantly affect the production of antimicrobial peptides following E. coli infection. Taken together, the Nimrod family genes play a crucial role in host defense by positively regulating the antibacterial immune response in silkworm B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isma Gul
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qiuxiang You
- Neurological Disease Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 401120, China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zekun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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11
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Geng T, Lu F, Zhu F, Wang S. Lineage-specific gene evolution of innate immunity in Bombyx mori to adapt to challenge by pathogens, especially entomopathogenic fungi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 123:104171. [PMID: 34118279 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori is a model species of Lepidoptera, in which 21 gene families and 220 genes have been identified as involved in immunity. However, only 45 B. mori - Drosophila melanogaster - Anopheles gambiae - Apis mellifera - Tribolium castaneum 1:1:1:1:1 orthologous genes were identified. B. mori has unique immune factors not found in D. melanogaster - A. gambiae - A. mellifera - T. castaneum. Pattern recognition receptors, signal transducers and effector genes for antifungal immune responses in B. mori have evolved through expansion and modification of existing genes. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the antifungal immune responses of B. mori and focuses on the lineage-specific gene evolution used by Lepidoptera to adapt to the challenge by pathogens, especially entomopathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Geng
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Sericulture Research Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
| | - Fuping Lu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Sericulture Research Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China.
| | - Shuchang Wang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Sericulture Research Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
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Hu X, Zhang K, Pan G, Hao X, Li C, Li C, Gul I, Kausar S, Abbas MN, Zhu Y, Cui H. The identification of nuclear factor Akirin with immune defense role in silkworm, Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 188:32-42. [PMID: 34352318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Akirins, highly conserved nuclear factors, regulate diverse physiological processes such as innate immunity. The biological functions of Akirins have extensively been studied in vertebrates and many invertebrates; however, there is no report so far on lepidopteran insects. In the present study, we identified and characterized a novel Akirin from the silkworm, Bombyx mori (designated as BmAkirin), and explored its potential roles in innate immunity. The expression analysis revealed the unequal mRNA levels of BmAkirin in all the tested tissues; however, the gene's transcription level was highest in testis, followed by ovaries and hemocytes. It also had significant expression levels at the early stages of embryonic development. Expression of BmAkirin in fat bodies and hemocytes exhibited an increase in various degrees when challenged with virus, fungus, Gram-negative bacteria, and Gram-positive bacteria. Immunofluorescence analysis showed BmAkirin protein was prominently localized in the nucleus. Knockdown of BmAkirin strongly reduced the expression of AMPs and decreased the survival ability of larva upon immune stimulation. Moreover, the bacterial clearance ability of larvae was also decreased following the depletion of BmAkirin. Collectively, our results demonstrate that BmAkirin plays an indispensable role in the innate immunity of Bombyx mori (B. mori) by positively modulating AMPs expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guangzhao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiangwei Hao
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, No. 64, Jintang Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Changhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Isma Gul
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Yong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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Kausar S, Abbas MN, Cui H. A review on the DNA methyltransferase family of insects: Aspect and prospects. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 186:289-302. [PMID: 34237376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The DNA methyltransferase family contains a conserved set of DNA-modifying enzymatic proteins. They are responsible for epigenetic gene modulation, such as transcriptional silencing, transcription activation, and post-transcriptional modulation. Recent research has revealed that the canonical DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) biological roles go beyond their traditional functions of establishing and maintaining DNA methylation patterns. Although a complete DNA methylation toolkit is absent in most insect orders, recent evidence indicates the de novo DNA methylation and maintenance function remain conserved. Studies using various molecular approaches provided evidence that DNMTs are multi-functional proteins. However, still in-depth studies on their biological role lack due to the least studied area in insects. Here, we review the DNA methylation toolkit of insects, focusing on recent research on various insect orders, which exhibit DNA methylation at different levels, and for which DNMTs functional studies have become available in recent years. We survey research on the potential roles of DNMTs in the regulation of gene transcription in insect species. DNMTs participate in different physiological processes by interacting with other epigenetic factors. Future studies on insect's DNMTs will benefit to understand developmental processes, responses to various stimuli, and adaptability of insects to different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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