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Chen Y, Li J, Niu K, Peng Y, Song Q, Feng Q. G-quadruplex is involved in the regulation of BmSGF1 expression in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:1440-1452. [PMID: 38439572 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Advanced DNA structures, such as the G-quadruplex (G4) and the i-motif, are widely but not randomly present in the genomes of many organisms. A G4 structure was identified in the promoter of the silk gland factor-1 gene (SGF1), which is the main regulatory gene for silk production in Bombyx mori. In this study, a BmSGF1 G4-/- homozygous mutant was generated with the G4 sequence knocked out. The promoter activity of BmSGF1 was lowered in the BmSGF1 G4-/- mutant. Pyridostatin (PDS) stabilized the G4 structure and increased the promoter activity of BmSGF1, whereas anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) complementary to the G4 sequence suppressed the promoter activity of BmSGF1. Compared with wild-type larvae, the deletion of the BmSGF1 G4 structure decreased both the expression of BmSGF1 and the fibroin heavy chain gene BmFib-H in the posterior silk gland and the weight of the cocoons. Overall, these results suggest that the promoter G4 structure of BmSGF1 participates in the transcription regulation of the BmSGF1 gene in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Chen
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangkang Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science & Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Cao J, Tao C, Qin X, Wu K, Yang H, Liu C, Cheng T. PI3K-Akt-SGF1-Dimm pathway mediates the nutritional regulation of silk protein synthesis in Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134650. [PMID: 39128739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134650] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The efficient synthesis of silk protein is heavily reliant on the ingestion of massive nutrients during the peak growth phase in the silkworm. However, the molecular mechanism of nutritional regulation of silk protein synthesis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the impact of nutrient deficiency on the synthesis of silk protein. Nutritional deficiency led to a reduction in silk yield, accompanied by decreased levels of silk proteins and fibroin heavy chain (FibH)-activating transcription factors SGF1 and Dimm. Furthermore, insulin enhanced the protein levels of SGF1 and Dimm, which can be attenuated by specific inhibitors of PI3K. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the nutrient pathway factor protein kinase B (Akt) could interact with SGF1 protein. Knockdown of Akt reduced the phosphorylation level of SGF1 and impedes its nuclear translocation. Further studies revealed that SGF1 was directly bound to Fkh site in the 22-43 region upstream of ATG of Dimm gene to activate its transcription. In conclusion, during the peak growth phase, nutrition promotes the massive synthesis of silk protein through the PI3K-Akt-SGF1-Dimm pathway. This study offers valuable insights into the efficient synthesis of silk proteins and establishes a theoretical foundation for improving silk yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Cuicui Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaodan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Keli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hongguo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Tingcai Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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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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Hu Q, Zhu Z, Zhao D, Zeng B, Zheng S, Song Q, Deng H, Feng Q. Bombyx mori transcription factors FoxA and SAGE divergently regulate the expression of wing cuticle protein gene 4 during metamorphosis. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:632-643. [PMID: 30429222 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stage-specific gene expression governs metamorphosis of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. B. mori wing cuticle protein gene 4 (BmWCP4) is an essential gene for wing disc development expressed specifically during pupation. BmWCP4 transcription is suppressed at the larval stage by unknown mechanisms, which we sought to elucidate here. Bioinformatics analysis predicted seven potential Forkhead box (Fox) cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in the BmWCP4 promoter region, and we found that Fox CRE6 contributes to suppression of BmWCP4 expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and DNA pull-down assays revealed that BmFoxA suppressed activity at the BmWCP4 promoter by specifically binding to the Fox CRE6. The expression level of BmFoxA in the wing discs was higher during the larval stage than at the pupal stage. In contrast, expression of another transcription factor, BmSAGE, increased over the course of development. Of note, the hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), which governs molting in insects, suppressed BmFoxA expression in the wing discs and up-regulated that of BmSage EMSA and cell co-transfection assays indicated that BmSAGE interacted with BmFoxA and suppressed its binding to the Fox CRE6, thereby releasing BmFoxA-mediated suppression of BmWCP4 In summary, higher BmFoxA expression during the larval stage suppresses BmWCP4 expression by binding to the Fox CRE6 on the BmWCP4 promoter. During metamorphosis, BmSAGE forms a complex with BmFoxA to relieve this repression, initiating BmWCP4 expression. Taken together, this study reveals a switchlike role for BmFoxA in regulating BmWCP4 expression and provides new insights into the regulatory regulation of wing disc development in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihao Hu
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China and
| | - Zidan Zhu
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China and
| | - Danhui Zhao
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China and
| | - Baojuan Zeng
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China and
| | - Sichun Zheng
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China and
| | - Qisheng Song
- the Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Huimin Deng
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China and
| | - Qili Feng
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China and
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Ma L, Li K, Guo Y, Sun X, Deng H, Li K, Feng Q, Li S. Ras-Raf-MAPK signaling promotes nuclear localization of FOXA transcription factor SGF1 via Ser91 phosphorylation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:560-571. [PMID: 29355586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Ras-Raf-MAPK signaling promotes cell proliferation and cell survival. We previously reported that Ras1CA overexpression, specifically in the posterior silk glands (PSGs) of the silkworm Bombyx mori, increased fibroin synthesis and cell size, resulting in improved silk yields. In this study, we compared the iTRAQ-based phosphoproteomic profiles of PSGs from wild-type and Ras1CA-overexpressing silkworms. Silk gland factor 1 (SGF1), a FOXA transcription factor that plays a critical role in activating fibroin gene expression, was identified as a phosphoprotein harboring Ser91 as a potential MAPK phosphorylation site. Ser91 phosphorylation of SGF1 was enhanced by Ras1CA overexpression, and this finding was verified by selected reaction monitoring. Consistently, MAPK activity is well correlated with Ser91 phosphorylation of SGF1 and its nuclear localization in PSG cells during silkworm development. Ras1CA overexpression and treatment with inhibitors of Ras signaling promoted or inhibited SGF1 nuclear localization, respectively; mutation of Ser91 to Ala91 eliminated SGF1 nuclear localization. Moreover, MAPK binds to SGF1 and directly phosphorylates Ser91, demonstrating Ser91 as a MAPK phosphorylation site in SGF1. In conclusion, Ras-Raf-MAPK signaling promotes SGF1 nuclear localization for transactivation via Ser91 phosphorylation in silkworms, showing that FOXA transcription factors are regulated via MAPK phosphorylation in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Department of Neonatology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China; Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kang Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yaxin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Huimin Deng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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