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Salvia R, Scieuzo C, Boschi A, Pezzi M, Mistri M, Munari C, Chicca M, Vogel H, Cozzolino F, Monaco V, Monti M, Falabella P. An Overview of Ovarian Calyx Fluid Proteins of Toxoneuron nigriceps (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): An Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Approach. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1547. [PMID: 37892230 PMCID: PMC10605793 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101547] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The larval stages of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are parasitized by the endophagous parasitoid wasp, Toxoneuron nigriceps (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). During the injections of eggs, this parasitoid wasp also injects into the host body the secretion of the venom gland and the calyx fluid, which contains a polydnavirus (T. nigriceps BracoVirus: TnBV) and the Ovarian calyx fluid Proteins (OPs). The effects of the OPs on the host immune system have recently been described. In particular, it has been demonstrated that the OPs cause hemocytes to undergo a number of changes, such as cellular oxidative stress, actin cytoskeleton modifications, vacuolization, and the inhibition of hemocyte encapsulation capacity, which results in both a loss of hemocyte functionality and cell death. In this study, by using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, the main components of T. nigriceps ovarian calyx fluid proteins were identified and their possible role in the parasitic syndrome was discussed. This study provides useful information to support the analysis of the function of ovarian calyx fluid proteins, to better understand T. nigriceps parasitization success and for a more thorough understanding of the components of ovarian calyx fluid proteins and their potential function in combination with other parasitoid factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (A.B.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (A.B.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Boschi
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Marco Pezzi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Michele Mistri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Cristina Munari
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.P.); (M.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Milvia Chicca
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoll-Straße 8, D-07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Flora Cozzolino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (V.M.)
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Vittoria Monaco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (V.M.)
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (V.M.)
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.S.); (A.B.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Both age and social environment shape the phenotype of ant workers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:186. [PMID: 36604491 PMCID: PMC9814961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26515-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Position within the social group has consequences on individual lifespans in diverse taxa. This is especially obvious in eusocial insects, where workers differ in both the tasks they perform and their aging rates. However, in eusocial wasps, bees and ants, the performed task usually depends strongly on age. As such, untangling the effects of social role and age on worker physiology is a key step towards understanding the coevolution of sociality and aging. We performed an experimental protocol that allowed a separate analysis of these two factors using four groups of black garden ant (Lasius niger) workers: young foragers, old foragers, young nest workers, and old nest workers. We highlighted age-related differences in the proteome and metabolome of workers that were primarily related to worker subcaste and only secondarily to age. The relative abundance of proteins and metabolites suggests an improved xenobiotic detoxification, and a fuel metabolism based more on lipid use than carbohydrate use in young ants, regardless of their social role. Regardless of age, proteins related to the digestive function were more abundant in nest workers than in foragers. Old foragers were mostly characterized by weak abundances of molecules with an antibiotic activity or involved in chemical communication. Finally, our results suggest that even in tiny insects, extended lifespan may require to mitigate cancer risks. This is consistent with results found in eusocial rodents and thus opens up the discussion of shared mechanisms among distant taxa and the influence of sociality on life history traits such as longevity.
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Weber JJ, Brummett LM, Coca ME, Tabunoki H, Kanost MR, Ragan EJ, Park Y, Gorman MJ. Phenotypic analyses, protein localization, and bacteriostatic activity of Drosophila melanogaster transferrin-1. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 147:103811. [PMID: 35781032 PMCID: PMC9869689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Transferrin-1 (Tsf1) is an extracellular insect protein with a high affinity for iron. The functions of Tsf1 are still poorly understood; however, Drosophila melanogaster Tsf1 has been shown to influence iron distribution in the fly body and to protect flies against some infections. The goal of this study was to better understand the physiological functions of Tsf1 in D. melanogaster by 1) investigating Tsf1 null phenotypes, 2) determining tissue-specific localization of Tsf1, 3) measuring the concentration of Tsf1 in hemolymph, 4) testing Tsf1 for bacteriostatic activity, and 5) evaluating the effect of metal and paraquat treatments on Tsf1 abundance. Flies lacking Tsf1 had more iron than wild-type flies in specialized midgut cells that take up iron from the diet; however, the absence of Tsf1 had no effect on the iron content of whole midguts, fat body, hemolymph, or heads. Thus, as previous studies have suggested, Tsf1 appears to have a minor role in iron transport. Tsf1 was abundant in hemolymph from larvae (0.4 μM), pupae (1.4 μM), adult females (4.4 μM) and adult males (22 μM). Apo-Tsf1 at 1 μM had bacteriostatic activity whereas holo-Tsf1 did not, suggesting that Tsf1 can inhibit microbial growth by sequestering iron in hemolymph and other extracellular environments. This hypothesis was supported by detection of secreted Tsf1 in tracheae, testes and seminal vesicles. Colocalization of Tsf1 with an endosome marker in oocytes suggested that Tsf1 may provide iron to developing eggs; however, eggs from mothers lacking Tsf1 had the same amount of iron as control eggs, and they hatched at a wild-type rate. Thus, the primary function of Tsf1 uptake by oocytes may be to defend against infection rather than to provide eggs with iron. In beetles, Tsf1 plays a role in protection against oxidative stress. In contrast, we found that flies lacking Tsf1 had a typical life span and greater resistance to paraquat-induced oxidative stress. In addition, Tsf1 abundance remained unchanged in response to ingestion of iron, cadmium or paraquat or to injection of iron. These results suggest that Tsf1 has a limited role in protection against oxidative stress in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Lisa M Brummett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Michelle E Coca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Hiroko Tabunoki
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan.
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Emily J Ragan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80217, USA.
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Maureen J Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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Wu J, Zheng Y, Xu C, Jiao Q, Ye C, Chen T, Yu X, Pang K, Hao P. Rice Defense against Brown Planthopper Partially by Suppressing the Expression of Transferrin Family Genes of Brown Planthopper. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:2839-2850. [PMID: 35226488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c07361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transferrins are multifunctional proteins, but their role in the interaction of rice and brown planthopper (BPH) remains unclear. In this study, the full-length cDNA of transferrin genes NlTsf1, NlTsf2, and NlTsf3 was cloned. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the expressions of NlTsf1 and NlTsf3 were significantly suppressed in BPH reared on the resistant rice R1 by 68.0 and 86.7%, respectively, compared with that on the susceptible S9. The survival rate decreased to 3.3% for dsNlTsf3-treated nymphs, to 58.9% for dsNlTsf1, and to 56.7% for dsNlTsf2 on day 11. RNAi of NlTsf3 against females largely reduced the number of eggs by 99.4%, and it decreased by 48.6% for dsNlTsf1 but did not significantly decrease for dsNlTsf2. Collectively, NlTsf1, NlTsf2, and NlTsf3 are essential for the survival and fecundity of BPH and are differentially involved in the interaction between rice and BPH. Therefore, NlTsf1 and NlTsf3 may be used as targets to control BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangen Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Chenxi Xu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qiqi Jiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Chenglong Ye
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Tongtong Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Peiying Hao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Rani J, De TD, Chauhan C, Kumari S, Sharma P, Tevatiya S, Chakraborti S, Pandey KC, Singh N, Dixit R. Functional disruption of transferrin expression alters reproductive physiology in Anopheles culicifacies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264523. [PMID: 35245324 PMCID: PMC8896695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron metabolism is crucial to maintain optimal physiological homeostasis of every organism and any alteration of the iron concentration (i.e. deficit or excess) can have adverse consequences. Transferrins are glycoproteins that play important role in iron transportation and have been widely characterized in vertebrates and insects, but poorly studied in blood-feeding mosquitoes. RESULTS We characterized a 2102 bp long transcript AcTrf1a with complete CDS of 1872bp, and 226bp UTR region, encoding putative transferrin homolog protein from mosquito An. culicifacies. A detailed in silico analysis predicts AcTrf1a encodes 624 amino acid (aa) long polypeptide that carries transferrin domain. AcTrf1a also showed a putative N-linked glycosylation site, a characteristic feature of most of the mammalian transferrins and certain non-blood feeding insects. Structure modelling prediction confirms the presence of an iron-binding site at the N-terminal lobe of the transferrin. Our spatial and temporal expression analysis under altered pathophysiological conditions showed that AcTrf1a is abundantly expressed in the fat-body, ovary, and its response is significantly altered (enhanced) after blood meal uptake, and exogenous bacterial challenge. Additionally, non-heme iron supplementation of FeCl3 at 1 mM concentration not only augmented the AcTrf1a transcript expression in fat-body but also enhanced the reproductive fecundity of gravid adult female mosquitoes. RNAi-mediated knockdown of AcTrf1a causes a significant reduction in fecundity, confirming the important role of transferrin in oocyte maturation. CONCLUSION All together our results advocate that detailed characterization of newly identified AcTrf1a transcript may help to select it as a unique target to impair the mosquito reproductive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Rani
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, India
| | - Tanwee Das De
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Charu Chauhan
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Seena Kumari
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Punita Sharma
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay Tevatiya
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumyananda Chakraborti
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Kailash C. Pandey
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Namita Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, India
| | - Rajnikant Dixit
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
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Upregulation of Transferrin and Major Royal Jelly Proteins in the Spermathecal Fluid of Mated Honeybee ( Apis mellifera) Queens. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080690. [PMID: 34442256 PMCID: PMC8396679 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary To understand the mechanisms underlying long-term storage and survival of sperm in honeybee Apis mellifera queens, previous studies have elucidated the components of honeybee spermathecal fluid. However, the expression profiles of transferrin (Tf) and major royal jelly proteins 1–9 (MRJPs 1–9) in the spermatheca and spermathecal fluid of mated honeybee queens have still not been characterized. In this study, we confirmed upregulation of Tf and MRJPs in the spermatheca and spermathecal fluid of mated honeybee queens by using RNA sequencing, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analyses. The levels of Tf and antioxidant enzymes were elevated in the spermathecal fluid of the mated queens, paralleling the levels of reactive oxygen species, H2O2, and iron. The increased levels of MRJPs, especially MRJP1, MRJP4, and MRJP6, in the spermathecal fluid of mated queens may be responsible for energy provision during sperm storage in honeybee queens. Overall, our findings indicate that Tf and MRJPs are upregulated in the spermatheca and spermathecal fluid of mated honeybee queens, providing a novel insight into antioxidant defense and energy metabolism for stored sperm in honeybee queens. Abstract Sperm storage in the spermathecae of honeybee (Apis mellifera) queens is vital for reproduction of honeybees. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby queens store sperm in a viable state over prolonged periods in the spermatheca are not fully understood. Here, we conducted RNA sequencing analysis of the spermathecae in both virgin and mated A. mellifera queens 24 h after mating and observed that the genes encoding transferrin (Tf) and major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) were differentially expressed in the spermathecae of mated queens. The concentrations of Tf and antioxidant proteins such as superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species, H2O2, and iron were higher in the spermathecal fluid of the mated queens than in virgin queens. Tf upregulation is likely to perform a protective role against the Fenton reaction occurring between iron and H2O2 in the antioxidant pathway in the mated queen’s spermathecal fluid. Furthermore, MRJPs—especially MRJP1, MRJP4, and MRJP6—were upregulated in the mated queen’s spermathecal fluid, indicating that they may serve as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents as well as an energy source for stored sperm in the spermathecal fluid of honeybee queens. Together, our findings show that Tf and MRJPs are upregulated in the spermatheca and spermathecal fluid of mated honeybee queens.
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Najera DG, Dittmer NT, Weber JJ, Kanost MR, Gorman MJ. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses of insect transferrins suggest that only transferrin 1 has a role in iron homeostasis. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:495-508. [PMID: 32237057 PMCID: PMC7668117 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Iron is essential to life, but surprisingly little is known about how iron is managed in nonvertebrate animals. In mammals, the well-characterized transferrins bind iron and are involved in iron transport or immunity, whereas other members of the transferrin family do not have a role in iron homeostasis. In insects, the functions of transferrins are still poorly understood. The goals of this project were to identify the transferrin genes in a diverse set of insect species, resolve the evolutionary relationships among these genes, and predict which of the transferrins are likely to have a role in iron homeostasis. Our phylogenetic analysis of transferrins from 16 orders of insects and two orders of noninsect hexapods demonstrated that there are four orthologous groups of insect transferrins. Our analysis suggests that transferrin 2 arose prior to the origin of insects, and transferrins 1, 3, and 4 arose early in insect evolution. Primary sequence analysis of each of the insect transferrins was used to predict signal peptides, carboxyl-terminal transmembrane regions, GPI-anchors, and iron binding. Based on this analysis, we suggest that transferrins 2, 3, and 4 are unlikely to play a major role in iron homeostasis. In contrast, the transferrin 1 orthologs are predicted to be secreted, soluble, iron-binding proteins. We conclude that transferrin 1 orthologs are the most likely to play an important role in iron homeostasis. Interestingly, it appears that the louse, aphid, and thrips lineages have lost the transferrin 1 gene and, thus, have evolved to manage iron without transferrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana G Najera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Neal T Dittmer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Jacob J Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Maureen J Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Weber JJ, Kashipathy MM, Battaile KP, Go E, Desaire H, Kanost MR, Lovell S, Gorman MJ. Structural insight into the novel iron-coordination and domain interactions of transferrin-1 from a model insect, Manduca sexta. Protein Sci 2021; 30:408-422. [PMID: 33197096 PMCID: PMC7784759 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Transferrins function in iron sequestration and iron transport by binding iron tightly and reversibly. Vertebrate transferrins coordinate iron through interactions with two tyrosines, an aspartate, a histidine, and a carbonate anion, and conformational changes that occur upon iron binding and release have been described. Much less is known about the structure and functions of insect transferrin-1 (Tsf1), which is present in hemolymph and influences iron homeostasis mostly by unknown mechanisms. Amino acid sequence and biochemical analyses have suggested that iron coordination by Tsf1 differs from that of the vertebrate transferrins. Here we report the first crystal structure (2.05 Å resolution) of an insect transferrin. Manduca sexta (MsTsf1) in the holo form exhibits a bilobal fold similar to that of vertebrate transferrins, but its carboxyl-lobe adopts a novel orientation and contacts with the amino-lobe. The structure revealed coordination of a single Fe3+ ion in the amino-lobe through Tyr90, Tyr204, and two carbonate anions. One carbonate anion is buried near the ferric ion and is coordinated by four residues, whereas the other carbonate anion is solvent exposed and coordinated by Asn121. Notably, these residues are highly conserved in Tsf1 orthologs. Docking analysis suggested that the solvent exposed carbonate position is capable of binding alternative anions. These findings provide a structural basis for understanding Tsf1 function in iron sequestration and transport in insects as well as insight into the similarities and differences in iron homeostasis between insects and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J. Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiophysicsKansas State UniversityManhattanKansasUSA
| | - Maithri M. Kashipathy
- Protein Structure Laboratory, Del Shankel Structural Biology CenterUniversity of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
| | | | - Eden Go
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
| | - Heather Desaire
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
| | - Michael R. Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiophysicsKansas State UniversityManhattanKansasUSA
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure Laboratory, Del Shankel Structural Biology CenterUniversity of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
| | - Maureen J. Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiophysicsKansas State UniversityManhattanKansasUSA
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Weber JJ, Kanost MR, Gorman MJ. Iron binding and release properties of transferrin-1 from Drosophila melanogaster and Manduca sexta: Implications for insect iron homeostasis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 125:103438. [PMID: 32735914 PMCID: PMC7501197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Transferrins belong to an ancient family of extracellular proteins. The best-characterized transferrins are mammalian proteins that function in iron sequestration or iron transport; they accomplish these functions by having a high-affinity iron-binding site in each of their two homologous lobes. Insect hemolymph transferrins (Tsf1s) also function in iron sequestration and transport; however, sequence-based predictions of their iron-binding residues have suggested that most Tsf1s have a single, lower-affinity iron-binding site. To reconcile the apparent contradiction between the known physiological functions and predicted biochemical properties of Tsf1s, we purified and characterized the iron-binding properties of Drosophila melanogaster Tsf1 (DmTsf1), Manduca sexta Tsf1 (MsTsf1), and the amino-lobe of DmTsf1 (DmTsf1N). Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, we found that these proteins bind iron, but they exhibit shifts in their spectra compared to mammalian transferrins. Through equilibrium dialysis experiments, we determined that DmTsf1 and MsTsf1 bind only one ferric ion; their affinity for iron is high (log K' = 18), but less than that of the well-characterized mammalian transferrins (log K' ~ 20); and they release iron under moderately acidic conditions (pH50 = 5.5). Iron release analysis of DmTsf1N suggested that iron binding in the amino-lobe is stabilized by the carboxyl-lobe. These findings will be critical for elucidating the mechanisms of Tsf1 function in iron sequestration and transport in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Maureen J Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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Zhang L, Lv S, Liu Y, Yang L, Liang P, Gao X. Cellular Redox-Related Transcription Factor Nrf2 Mediation of HaTrf Response to Host Plant Allelochemical 2-Tridecanone in Helicoverpa armigera. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:6919-6926. [PMID: 32463694 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c02080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite there being a number of excellent studies on detoxification enzyme-mediated interaction between insect and plant allelochemical, there are no reports on the pathway of the transferrin effect in insect response to host plant allelochemical. Our research indicates that Helicoverpa armigera transferrin (HaTrf) inhibited the apoptotic cell death treated by 2-tridecanone, a host plant allelochemical present in tomato species (Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum), by cellular redox-related transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 can defend organisms against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and play pivotal roles in preventing host plant allelochemical-related toxicity. This study explains how HaTrf inhibited the apoptotic cell death during exposure to host plant allelochemical 2-tridecanone and provides a novel view on transferrin and its anti-apoptotic role in plant-insect interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shenglan Lv
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Ying Liu
- Agriculture Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650205, China
| | - Liwen Yang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Pei Liang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
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Xinxin Z, Shuang Y, Xunming Z, Shang W, Juhong Z, Jinghui X. TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomic Profiling of Overwintering Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1623. [PMID: 32038298 PMCID: PMC6985562 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptations to low temperature play a critical role in restricting the geographical distribution of insects. Decreasing day lengths and temperatures trigger seasonal cold adaptations in insects. These adaptions include changes in expression at the miRNA, mRNA and protein levels. The rice water weevil (RWW), Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, introduced from the Mississippi River, is a globally invasive pest of wetland rice that can survive at the northern border of China. To investigate the changes in expression at the protein level in overwintering female RWW adults, 6-plex tandem mass tags (TMTs) were used in overwintering and summer adults. By using a proteome database available for Curculionidae, 1077 proteins were quantified, 183 of which differed significantly between the overwintering and summer samples. To further understand these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), bioinformatics analyses such as gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed. DEPs associated with the terms binding, structural molecule activity, catalytic activity, multicellular organismal process, extracellular region, chitin binding, metabolic process, intracellular part and organic cyclic compound binding were altered by selection during winter. The changes in the expression of these proteins suggest that the proteins are important for RWW survival in winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Xinxin
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Shuang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhang Xunming
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wang Shang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhang Juhong
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Jinghui
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Dutta A, Dandapat J, Mohanty N. First report on transferrin in the silkworm, Antheraea mylitta, with a putative role in antioxidant defense: Insights from proteomic analysis and immunodetection. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 233:23-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Zhang L, Gao J, Gao X. Role for Transferrin in Triggering Apoptosis in Helicoverpa armigera Cells Treated with 2-Tridecanone. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:11426-11431. [PMID: 30265533 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b02505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
2-Tridecanone, a plant allelochemical present in a large range of tomato species ( Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum), can induce the expression of Helicoverpa armigera transferrin ( HaTrf), which is necessary for insect growth and development. To gain further insight into the mechanism of HaTrf in response to 2-tridecanone, we measured the iron and H2O2 levels in the hemolymph during exposure to 2-tridecanone and then explored the effect of transferrin downregulation in a H. armigera fat body cell line exposed to 2-tridecanone. We found that the reduction of HaTrf levels via RNA interference caused rapid apoptotic cell death during exposure to 2-tridecanone. There have been no reports about transferrin genes related to apoptosis induced by plant allelochemicals. Our results indicate that HaTrf mediates the inhibition of apoptotic cell death during exposure to 2-tridecanone and provides insight into the importance of transferrin in the interaction between plants and insects.
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Huang HJ, Xue J, Zhuo JC, Cheng RL, Xu HJ, Zhang CX. Comparative analysis of the transcriptional responses to low and high temperatures in three rice planthopper species. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:2726-2737. [PMID: 28214356 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens, BPH), white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera, WBPH) and small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus, SBPH) are important rice pests in Asia. These three species differ in thermal tolerance and exhibit quite different migration and overwintering strategies. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we sequenced and compared the transcriptome of the three species under different temperature treatments. We found that metabolism-, exoskeleton- and chemosensory-related genes were modulated. In high temperature (37 °C), heat shock protein (HSP) genes were the most co-regulated; other genes related with fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and transportation were also differentially expressed. In low temperature (5 °C), the differences in gene expression of the genes for fatty acid synthesis, transport proteins and cytochrome P450 might explain why SBPH can overwinter in high latitudes, while BPH and WBPH cannot. In addition, other genes related with moulting, and membrane lipid composition might also play roles in resistance to low and high temperatures. Our study illustrates the common responses and different tolerance mechanisms of three rice planthoppers in coping with temperature change, and provides a potential strategy for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jian Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jian Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ji-Chong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ruo-Lin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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Butt TM, Coates CJ, Dubovskiy IM, Ratcliffe NA. Entomopathogenic Fungi: New Insights into Host-Pathogen Interactions. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2016; 94:307-64. [PMID: 27131329 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although many insects successfully live in dangerous environments exposed to diverse communities of microbes, they are often exploited and killed by specialist pathogens. Studies of host-pathogen interactions (HPI) provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the highly aggressive coevolutionary arms race between entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and their arthropod hosts. The host defenses are designed to exclude the pathogen or mitigate the damage inflicted while the pathogen responds with immune evasion and utilization of host resources. EPF neutralize their immediate surroundings on the insect integument and benefit from the physiochemical properties of the cuticle and its compounds that exclude competing microbes. EPF also exhibit adaptations aimed at minimizing trauma that can be deleterious to both host and pathogen (eg, melanization of hemolymph), form narrow penetration pegs that alleviate host dehydration and produce blastospores that lack immunogenic sugars/enzymes but facilitate rapid assimilation of hemolymph nutrients. In response, insects deploy an extensive armory of hemocytes and macromolecules, such as lectins and phenoloxidase, that repel, immobilize, and kill EPF. New evidence suggests that immune bioactives work synergistically (eg, lysozyme with antimicrobial peptides) to combat infections. Some proteins, including transferrin and apolipophorin III, also demonstrate multifunctional properties, participating in metabolism, homeostasis, and pathogen recognition. This review discusses the molecular intricacies of these HPI, highlighting the interplay between immunity, stress management, and metabolism. Increased knowledge in this area could enhance the efficacy of EPF, ensuring their future in integrated pest management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Butt
- Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - C J Coates
- Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | | | - N A Ratcliffe
- Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom; Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Herath HMLPB, Elvitigala DAS, Godahewa GI, Whang I, Lee J. Molecular insights into a molluscan transferrin homolog identified from disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus) evidencing its detectable role in host antibacterial defense. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 53:222-233. [PMID: 26191782 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The basic function of transferrin is to bind iron (III) ions in the medium and to deliver them to the locations where they are required for metabolic processes. It also takes part in the host immune defense mainly via its ability to bind to iron (III) ions. Hence, transferrin is also identified as an important acute-phase protein in host immunity. Abalones are major shellfish aquaculture crops that are susceptible to a range of marine microbial infections. Since transferrin is known to be a major player in innate immunity, in the present study we sought to identify, and molecularly and functionally characterize a transferrin-like gene from disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus) named as AbTrf. AbTrf consisted of a 2187-bp open reading frame (ORF) which encodes a 728 amino acid (aa) protein. The putative amino acid sequence of AbTrf harbored N- and C-terminal transferrin-like domains, active sites for iron binding, and conserved cysteine residues. A constitutive tissue specific AbTrf expression pattern was detected by qPCR in abalones where mantle and muscle showed high AbTrf expression levels. Three immune challenge experiments were conducted using Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes and LPS as stimuli and, subsequently, AbTrf mRNA expression levels were quantified in gill and hemocytes in a time-course manner. The mRNA expression was greatly induced in both tissues in response to both challenges. Evidencing the functional property of transferrins, recombinant AbTrf N-terminal domain (AbTrf-N) showed dose-dependent iron (III) binding activity detected by chrome azurol S (CAS) assay system. Moreover, recombinant AbTrf-N could significantly inhibit the growth of iron-dependent bacterium, Escherichia coli in a dose-dependent manner. However, AbTrf-N was unable to show any detectable bacteriostatic activity against iron-independent bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) even at its highest concentration. Collectively, our results suggest that AbTrf might play a significant role in the host innate immunity, possibly by withholding iron from pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M L P B Herath
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Don Anushka Sandaruwan Elvitigala
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - G I Godahewa
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilson Whang
- Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Zhang L, Shang Q, Lu Y, Zhao Q, Gao X. A transferrin gene associated with development and 2-tridecanone tolerance in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 24:155-66. [PMID: 25430818 PMCID: PMC4406139 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The full-length cDNA (2320 bp) encoding a putative iron-binding transferrin protein from Helicoverpa armigera was cloned and named HaTrf. The putative HaTrf sequence included 670 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 76 kDa. Quantitative PCR results demonstrated that the transcriptional level of HaTrf was significantly higher in the sixth instar and pupa stages as compared with other developmental stages. HaTrf transcripts were more abundant in fat bodies and in the epidermis than in malpighian tubules. Compared with the control, the expression of HaTrf increased dramatically 24 h after treatment with 2-tridecanone. Apparent growth inhibition with a dramatic body weight decrease was observed in larvae fed with HaTrf double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), as compared with those fed with green fluorescent protein dsRNA. RNA interference of HaTrf also significantly increased the susceptibility of larvae to 2-tridecanone. These results indicate the possible involvement of HaTrf in tolerance to plant secondary chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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18
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Meng J, Zhang C, Chen X, Cao Y, Shang S. Differential protein expression in the susceptible and resistant Myzus persicae (Sulzer) to imidacloprid. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 115:1-8. [PMID: 25307459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Myzus persicae, a serious economic agricultural pest, has developed resistance to imidacloprid (IMI), which was widely used to control this aphid worldwide. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of IMI resistance in M. persicae, we carried out a comparative proteomic analysis. Total proteins of the IMI-susceptible and resistant strains were extracted and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. More than 1300 protein spots were reproducibly detected, including 14 that were more abundant and 14 less abundant. Mass spectrometry analysis and database searching helped us to identify 25 differentially abundant proteins. The identified proteins were categorized into several functional groups including signal transduction, RNA processing, protein processing, transport processing, stress response, metabolisms, and cytoskeleton structure, etc. This study is the first analysis of differentially expressed proteins in IMI-susceptible and resistant M. Persicae, and gives new insights into the mechanisms of IMI resistance in M. persicae.
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Affiliation(s)
- JianYu Meng
- Guizhou Tobacco Science Research Institute, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - ChangYu Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - XingJiang Chen
- Guizhou Tobacco Science Research Institute, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Guizhou Tobacco Science Research Institute, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - ShengHua Shang
- Guizhou Tobacco Science Research Institute, Guiyang 550081, China.
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20
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Guz N, Kilincer N, Aksoy S. Molecular characterization of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) transferrin and its response to parasitoid Venturia canescens (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae Gravenhorst). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 21:139-147. [PMID: 22229520 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2011.01129.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we characterized a full-length cDNA encoding a putative iron-binding protein transferrin from the lepidopteran Mediterranean flour moth (EkTrf, 2397 bp). The putative EkTrf is 683 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 76 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant homology with other insect transferrins from Chilo suppressalis (76%), Galleria mellonella (75%), Plutella xylostella (72%), Manduca sexta (74%), Bombyx mori (73%), Spodoptera litura and (72%), Choristoneura fumiferana (71%). Northern blot analysis indicated that Ephestia transferrin mRNA was expressed in the last larval instars of both males and females and in the pupal developmental stages. EkTrf is expressed predominantly in the fat body and ovary tissues. Analysis of parasitized larva by the endoparasitoid Venturia canescens suggests that transferrin expression is induced following parasitoid challenge. Expression of EkTrf levels also increased upon bacterial infection at 6 h post treatment and remained high until 24 h. Similarly to other insect transferrins, EkTrf may play a role in immunity through its iron-binding capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurper Guz
- Department of Plant Protection, Ankara University, Dıskapi, Ankara, Turkey.
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Storey KB, Storey JM. Insect cold hardiness: metabolic, gene, and protein adaptation1This review is part of a virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era. CAN J ZOOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1139/z2012-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Winter survival for thousands of species of insects relies on adaptive strategies for cold hardiness. Two basic mechanisms are widely used (freeze avoidance by deep supercooling and freeze tolerance where insects endure ice formation in extracellular fluid spaces), whereas additional strategies (cryoprotective dehydration, vitrification) are also used by some polar species in extreme environments. This review assesses recent research on the biochemical adaptations that support insect cold hardiness. We examine new information about the regulation of cryoprotectant biosynthesis, mechanisms of metabolic rate depression, role of aquaporins in water and glycerol movement, and cell preservation strategies (chaperones, antioxidant defenses and metal binding proteins, mitochondrial suppression) for survival over the winter. We also review the new information coming from the use of genomic and proteomic screening methods that are greatly widening the scope for discovery of genes and proteins that support winter survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth B. Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Janet M. Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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Geiser DL, Winzerling JJ. Insect transferrins: multifunctional proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2011; 1820:437-51. [PMID: 21810453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have been done evaluating transferrin in insects. Genomic analyses indicate that insects could have more than one transferrin. However, the most commonly studied insect transferrin, Tsf1, shows greatest homology to mammalian blood transferrin. SCOPE OF REVIEW Aspects of insect transferrin structure compared to mammalian transferrin and the roles transferrin serves in insects are discussed in this review. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Insect transferrin can have one or two lobes, and can bind iron in one or both. The iron binding ligands identified for the lobes of mammalian blood transferrin are generally conserved in the lobes of insect transferrins that have an iron binding site. Available information supports that the form of dietary iron consumed influences the regulation of insect transferrin. Although message is expressed in several tissues in many insects, fat body is the likely source of hemolymph transferrin. Insect transferrin is a vitellogenic protein that is down-regulated by Juvenile Hormone. It serves a role in transporting iron to eggs in some insects, and transferrin found in eggs appears to be endowed from the female. In addition to the roles of transferrin in iron delivery, this protein also functions to reduce oxidative stress and to enhance survival of infection. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Future studies in Tsf1 as well as the other insect transferrins that bind iron are warranted because of the roles of transferrin in preventing oxidative stress, enhancing survival to infections and delivering iron to eggs for development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Transferrins: Molecular mechanisms of iron transport and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn L Geiser
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
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Baek JH, Lee SH. Identification and characterization of venom proteins of two solitary wasps, Eumenes pomiformis and Orancistrocerus drewseni. Toxicon 2010; 56:554-62. [PMID: 20561973 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Secretory proteins were identified in the venoms of two solitary hunting wasps, Eumenes pomiformis and Orancistrocerus drewseni, by SDS-PAGE in conjunction with mass analysis. More than 30 protein bands (2-300 kDa) were detected from the crude venom of each wasp. With the aid of the previously constructed venom gland/sac-specific EST libraries, a total of 31 and 20 proteins were identified from 18 to 20 distinctive protein bands of E. pomiformis and O. drewseni venoms, respectively. Arginine kinase was the most predominant protein in both wasp venoms. Along with the full-length arginine kinase, a truncated form, which was known to have paralytic activity on a spider, was a common predominant protein in the two wasp venoms. Insulin/insulin-like peptide-binding protein was abundantly found only in E. pomiformis venom, which might be due to its unique behaviors of oviposition and provision. The presence of various immune response-related proteins and antioxidants suggested that wasps might use their venom to maintain prey fresh while feeding wasp larvae by protecting the prey from microbial invasion and physiological stresses. It seemed that some venom proteins are secreted into venom fluid from venom gland cells via exosomes, not by signal sequence-mediated transport processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyeong Baek
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Daehak-Dong, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
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A transferrin-like homolog in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri: Identification, expression and functional characterization. Mol Immunol 2009; 46:3117-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Kim BY, Lee KS, Choo YM, Kim I, Hwang JS, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Molecular cloning and characterization of a transferrin cDNA from the white-spotted flower chafer,Protaetia brevitarsis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 19:146-50. [PMID: 17852342 DOI: 10.1080/10425170701461854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA clone with high homology to insect transferrin genes was cloned by screening a Protaetia brevitarsis cDNA library. This gene (PbTf) had a total length of 2338 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 2163 bp, and encoded a predicted peptide of 721 amino acid residues. Like known cockroach, termite, and beetle transferrins, PbTf appears to have residues comprising iron-binding sites in both N- and C-terminal lobes. The deduced amino acid sequence of the PbTf cDNA was closest in structure to the beetle Apriona germari transferrin (68% protein sequence identity). Northern blot analysis revealed that PbTf exhibited fat body-specific expression and was upregulated by wounding, bacterial or fungal infection and iron overload, suggesting a functional role for PbTf in defense and stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, South Korea
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Lu W, Cui Z, Wang D, Lee KS, Park NS, Kim DH, Jin BR. Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a novel antibacterial peptide, defensin, from the mulberry longicorn beetle,Apriona germari. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 18:160-4. [PMID: 17364828 DOI: 10.1080/10425170601108639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA clone with high homology (62% mature peptide sequence identity) to an Acalolepta luxuriosa antibacterial gene, possessing a conserved cysteine-stabilized alphabeta motif, was cloned by screening an Apriona germari cDNA library. This gene (AgCRP) had a total length of 360 bp with an open reading frame of 207 bp, and encoded a predicted peptide of 69 amino acid residues. The mature AgCRP peptide was 27 amino acid residues long and had a cysteine-stabilized alphabeta motif of C...CXXXC...C...CXC consensus sequence, similar to insect defensins. Northern blot analysis revealed that the AgCRP exhibited fat body-specific expression and was up-regulated by wounding, bacterial or fungal challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lu
- Joint Laboratory of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University & Dong-A University, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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Kim BY, Lee KS, Yoon HJ, Kim I, Li J, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Expression profile of the iron-binding proteins transferrin and ferritin heavy chain subunit in the bumblebee Bombus ignitus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 153:165-70. [PMID: 19268558 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2009] [Accepted: 02/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The iron-binding proteins, transferrin and ferritin, are involved in the processes of transport and storage in iron metabolism. Their expression is induced in response to iron overload. Here, we show the expression profile of transferrin (Bi-Tf) and the ferritin heavy chain subunit (Bi-FerHCH) of the bumblebee Bombus ignitus in response to iron overload. Bi-Tf exhibits fat body-specific expression, whereas Bi-FerHCH is ubiquitously expressed and upregulated in various tissues, though in a similar manner, by iron overload. We also demonstrate their expression regulation via reduction of Bi-Tf or Bi-FerHCH levels in the fat body via RNA interference (RNAi). Under uniform conditions in which FeCl(3) was overloaded, the RNAi-induced Bi-Tf knock-down B. ignitus worker bees showed upregulated expression of Bi-FerHCH, and reciprocally, Bi-FerHCH RNAi knockdowns showed upregulated Bi-Tf expression in the fat body. This result indicates that, in case of the loss of Bi-Tf or Bi-FerHCH, the expression of Bi-FerHCH or Bi-Tf, respectively, is upregulated in response to iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea
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Zhou G, Velasquez LS, Geiser DL, Mayo JJ, Winzerling JJ. Differential regulation of transferrin 1 and 2 in Aedes aegypti. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 39:234-244. [PMID: 19166934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 12/18/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Available evidence has shown that transferrins are involved in iron metabolism, immunity and development in eukaryotic organisms including insects. Here we characterize the gene and message expression profile of Aedes aegypti transferrin 2 (AaTf2) in response to iron, bacterial challenge and life stage. We show that AaTf2 shares a low similarity with A. aegypti transferrin 1 (AaTf1), but higher similarity with mammalian transferrins and avian ovotransferrin. Iron-binding pocket analysis indicates that AaTf2 has residue substitutions of Y188F, T120S, and R124S in the N lobe, and Y517N, H585N, T452S, and R456T in the C lobe, which could alter or reduce iron-binding activity. In vivo studies of message expression reveal that AaTf2 message is expressed at higher levels in larva and pupa, as well as adult female ovaries 72h post blood meal (PBM) and support that AaTf2 could play a role in larval and pupal development and in late physiological events of the gonotrophic cycle. Bacterial challenge significantly increases AaTf1 expression in ovaries at 0 and 24h PBM, but decreases AaTf2 expression in ovaries at 72h PBM, suggesting that AaTf1 and AaTf2 play different roles in immunity of female adults during a gonotrophic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zhou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Wang D, Kim BY, Lee KS, Yoon HJ, Cui Z, Lu W, Jia JM, Kim DH, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Molecular characterization of iron binding proteins, transferrin and ferritin heavy chain subunit, from the bumblebee Bombus ignitus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 152:20-7. [PMID: 18824242 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.09.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Revised: 09/04/2008] [Accepted: 09/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Transferrin and ferritin are iron-binding proteins involved in transport and storage of iron as part of iron metabolism. Here, we describe the cDNA cloning and characterization of transferrin (Bi-Tf) and the ferritin heavy chain subunit (Bi-FerHCH), from the bumblebee Bombus ignitus. Bi-Tf cDNA spans 2340 bp and encodes a protein of 706 amino acids and Bi-FerHCH cDNA spans 1393 bp and encodes a protein of 217 amino acids. Comparative analysis revealed that Bi-Tf appears to have residues comprising iron-binding sites in the N-terminal lobe, and Bi-FerHCH contains a 5'UTR iron-responsive element and seven conserved amino acid residues associated with a ferroxidase center. The Bi-Tf and Bi-FerHCH cDNAs were expressed as 79 kDa and 27 kDa polypeptides, respectively, in baculovirus-infected insect Sf9 cells. Northern blot analysis revealed that Bi-Tf exhibits fat body-specific expression and Bi-FerHCH shows ubiquitous expression. The expression profiles of the Bi-Tf and Bi-FerHCH in the fat body of B. ignitus worker bees revealed that Bi-Tf and Bi-FerHCH are differentially induced in a time-dependent manner in a single insect by wounding, bacterial challenge, and iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea
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Kim BY, Lee KS, Choo YM, Kim I, Je YH, Woo SD, Lee SM, Park HC, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Insect transferrin functions as an antioxidant protein in a beetle larva. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 150:161-9. [PMID: 18400534 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In insects transferrin is known as an iron transporter, an antibiotic agent, a vitellogenin, and a juvenile hormone regulated protein. Here, a novel functional role for insect transferrin as an antioxidant protein is demonstrated. Stressors, such as heat shock, fungal challenge, and H(2)O(2) exposure, cause upregulation of the white-spotted flower chafer Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) transferrin (PbTf) mRNA in the fat body and increases PbTf protein levels in the hemolymph. RNA interference (RNAi) treated PbTf reduction causes increased iron and H(2)O(2) levels in the hemolymph and results in induction of apoptotic cell death in the fat body during exposure to stress. The observed effects of PbTf RNAi suggest that PbTf inhibits stress-induced apoptosis by diminishing the Fenton reaction via the binding of iron, thus supporting an antioxidant role for PbTf in stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, South Korea
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Kim YJ, Lee KS, Kim BY, Choo YM, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Thioredoxin from the silkworm, Bombyx mori: cDNA sequence, expression, and functional characterization. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 147:574-81. [PMID: 17466556 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2007.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Revised: 03/19/2007] [Accepted: 03/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A thioredoxin (Trx) gene was cloned from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The B. mori Trx (BmTrx) cDNA contains an open reading frame of 318 bp encoding 106 amino acid residues with a conserved active site (CGPC). Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of BmTrx transcripts in all tissues examined. The cDNA encoding BmTrx was expressed as a 12-kDa polypeptide in baculovirus-infected insect Sf9 cells. The recombinant BmTrx proved to be biologically active, using an insulin reduction assay, and was also able to activate thioredoxin peroxidase from B. mori. When H2O2 or paraquat was injected into the body cavity of B. mori larvae, BmTrx mRNA expression was upregulated in the fat body tissue. In addition, the expression levels of BmTrx mRNA in the fat body were greatly increased when B. mori larvae were exposed to low or high temperatures, or injected with microorganisms. These results suggest that BmTrx possibly protects against oxidative stress caused by extreme temperatures and microbial infection as well as by intracellularly generated reactive oxygen species during metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Joo Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea
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