1
|
Abstract
Mating produces profound changes in the behavior of female flies, such as an increase in oviposition, reduction in sexual receptivity, increase in feeding, and even excretion. Many of these changes are produced by copulation, sperm, and accessory gland products that males transfer to females during mating. Our knowledge on the function of the male ejaculate and its effect on female insects is still incipient. In this article, we review peri- and postcopulatory behaviors in tephritid flies. We address the effects of male copulatory behavior; copula duration; and the male ejaculate, sperm, and accessory gland products on female remating behavior. Many species from these families are pests of economic importance; thus, understanding male mating effects on female behavior contributes to both developing more effective environmentally friendly control methods and furthering our understanding of evolutionary implications of intersexual competition and sexual conflict.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Solana Abraham
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ecoetológicas de Moscas de la Fruta y sus Enemigos Naturales (LIEMEN), PROIMI-Biotecnología, CONICET, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bi H, Xu X, Li X, Wang Y, Zhou S, Huang Y. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Serine protease 2 disruption induces male sterility in Spodoptera litura. Front Physiol 2022; 13:931824. [PMID: 35991171 PMCID: PMC9382020 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.931824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility is essential for reproduction and population growth in animals. Many factors affect male fertility, such as courtship behavior, sperm quantity, and sperm motility, among others. Seminal Fluid Proteins (SFPs) are vital components of seminal fluid in the male ejaculate, which affect male fertility, sperm activation, and female ovulation. However, the knowledge of SFPs is insufficient; the function of many SFPs remains unknown, and most described functions were mainly characterized in Drosophila or other laboratory models. Here, we focus on the Serine protease 2 (Ser2) gene in the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura. The Ser2 gene was specifically expressed in male adults. Disruption of the Ser2 gene mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 induced male sterility but females remained fertile. PCR-based detection of the next-generation mutants showed that male sterility was stably inherited. The qRT-PCR analysis of SlSer2 mutants showed that motor protein family genes and structural protein family genes were down-regulated, while protein modification family genes were up-regulated, suggesting that SlSer2 may be involved in sperm movement and activity. These results demonstrate that Ser2 is an important component of SFPs in seminal fluid and was identified for a useful sterile gene for pest control that may lead to new control strategies for lepidopteran insect pests such as S. litura.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honglun Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences/Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences/Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shutang Zhou, ; Yongping Huang,
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences/Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shutang Zhou, ; Yongping Huang,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hurtado J, Almeida FC, Belliard SA, Revale S, Hasson E. Research gaps and new insights in the evolution of Drosophila seminal fluid proteins. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:139-158. [PMID: 34747062 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12746] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While the striking effects of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) on females are fairly conserved among Diptera, most SFPs lack detectable homologues among the SFP repertoires of phylogenetically distant species. How such a rapidly changing proteome conserves functions across taxa is a fascinating question. However, this and other pivotal aspects of SFPs' evolution remain elusive because discoveries on these proteins have been mainly restricted to the model Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the inter-specific divergence of the SFP repertoire in Drosophila and compile the increasing amount of relevant genomic information from multiple species. Capitalizing on the accumulated knowledge in D. melanogaster, we present novel sets of high-confidence SFP candidates and transcription factors presumptively involved in regulating the expression of SFPs. We also address open questions by performing comparative genomic analyses that failed to support the existence of many conserved SFPs shared by most dipterans and indicated that gene co-option is the most frequent mechanism accounting for the origin of Drosophila SFP-coding genes. We hope our update establishes a starting point to integrate further data and thus widen the understanding of the intricate evolution of these proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hurtado
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), CABA, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CABA, Argentina
| | - Francisca Cunha Almeida
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), CABA, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CABA, Argentina
| | - Silvina Anahí Belliard
- Laboratorio de Insectos de Importancia Agronómica, IGEAF (INTA), GV-IABIMO (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Revale
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Esteban Hasson
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), CABA, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CABA, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yan WH, Wu MY, Shah S, Yao YC, Elgizawy KK, Tang N, Wu G, Yang FL. Silencing the triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) gene decreases the number of apyrene sperm and inhibits oviposition in Sitotroga cerealella. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:44. [PMID: 34971424 PMCID: PMC11072562 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) is an essential lipid metabolism enzyme that also plays a critical role in energy metabolism; however, how it regulates other life processes is unknown. To investigate the functional role of TGL in moth reproduction, males Sitotroga cerealella were used as a model. The TGL gene was cloned and analysed. The results showed that the open reading frame of TGL was 1968 bp long and contained three conserved regions. TGL gene expression was higher in the larval and early adult stages than in the pupal stage, with the highest levels observed in the fat body, testis and accessory glands during the early adult stage. Moreover, after TGL in male adults was silenced through RNAi, the protein content in male accessory glands remained unchanged, and the spermatophore transferred into females mated with TGL-silenced males became small and empty; meanwhile, the number of apyrene sperm in the spermatophore was significantly reduced due to the reduction of apyrene sperm in males, which eventually led to the significant reduction of egg-laying amount. All of the findings suggest that TGL regulates the amount of sperm in male moths as well as the morphology and quality of spermatophores transferred to females after mating with treated males, implying that TGL is critical for Sitotroga cerealella's reproductive process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Han Yan
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Ya Wu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Sakhawat Shah
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Chen Yao
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Karam Khamis Elgizawy
- Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, 13736, Egypt
| | - Ning Tang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Wu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Lian Yang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muzzi M, Di Giulio A, Mancini E, Fratini E, Cervelli M, Gasperi T, Mariottini P, Persichini T, Bologna MA. The male reproductive accessory glands of the blister beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae): Anatomy and ultrastructure of the cantharidin-storing organs. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 59:100980. [PMID: 32829176 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Blister beetles owe their name to their ability to release cantharidin, a blistering terpene, the highest concentration of which is retained in male accessory glands. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the three pairs of male reproductive accessory glands and the glandular region of the two vasa deferentia of Meloe proscarabaeus were investigated using light, electron and ion beam microscopy. All of the mesodermal glands here analysed share a common structural organization with an outer muscular layer and an inner glandular epithelium facing a broad lumen in which the secretory products are released. Developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi systems, abundant mitochondria, numerous secretory vesicles and a microvillated apical membrane are commonly found in the cells of different glandular epithelia, suggesting that all accessory gland pairs as well as the vasa deferentia are involved in an active synthesis. Nevertheless, each pair of glands appears specialized in the production of a specific set of substances, as suggested by the peculiarities in cellular ultrastructure and by the different aspect of the secretions stored in their glandular lumen. The above cited features of male accessory glands of M. proscarabaeus are compared with those of other beetles and some hints on their potential role in producing and/or concentrating cantharidin are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Msaad Guerfali M, Chevrier C. Determinant factors for sperm transfer and sperm storage within Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) and impact on Sterile Insect Technique. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/16878507.2020.1855901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
|
7
|
Singh A, Buehner NA, Lin H, Baranowski KJ, Findlay GD, Wolfner MF. Long-term interaction between Drosophila sperm and sex peptide is mediated by other seminal proteins that bind only transiently to sperm. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 102:43-51. [PMID: 30217614 PMCID: PMC6249070 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins elicit several post-mating physiological changes in mated Drosophila melanogaster females. Some of these changes persist for over a week after mating because the seminal protein that causes these changes, the Sex Peptide (SP), binds to sperm that are stored in the female reproductive tract. SP's sperm binding is mediated by a network of at least eight seminal proteins. We show here that some of these network proteins (CG1656, CG1652, CG9997 and Antares) bind to sperm within 2 h of mating, like SP. However, while SP remains bound to sperm at 4 days post-mating, none of the other network proteins are detectable at this time. We also observed that the same network proteins are detectable at 2 h post-mating in seminal receptacle tissue from which sperm have been removed, but are no longer detectable there by 4 days post-mating, suggesting short-term retention of these proteins in this female sperm storage organ. Our results suggest that these network proteins act transiently to facilitate the conditions for SP's binding to sperm, perhaps by modifying SP or the sperm surface, but are not part of a long-acting complex that stably attaches SP to sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh
- Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Norene A Buehner
- Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - He Lin
- Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA; East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Geoffrey D Findlay
- Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA; Dept. of Biology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, 01610, USA
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Weber M, Wunderer J, Lengerer B, Pjeta R, Rodrigues M, Schärer L, Ladurner P, Ramm SA. A targeted in situ hybridization screen identifies putative seminal fluid proteins in a simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:81. [PMID: 29848299 PMCID: PMC5977470 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Along with sperm, in many taxa ejaculates also contain large numbers of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs). SFPs and sperm are transferred to the mating partner, where they are thought to play key roles in mediating post-mating sexual selection. They modulate the partner's behavior and physiology in ways that influence the reproductive success of both partners, thus potentially leading to sexual conflict. Despite the presumed general functional and evolutionary significance of SFPs, their identification and characterization has to date focused on just a few animal groups, predominantly insects and mammals. Moreover, until now seminal fluid profiling has mainly focused on species with separate sexes. Here we report a comprehensive screen for putative SFPs in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. RESULTS Based on existing transcriptomic data, we selected 150 transcripts known to be (a) predominantly expressed in the tail region of the worms, where the seminal fluid-producing prostate gland cells are located, and (b) differentially expressed in social environments differing in sperm competition level, strongly implying that they represent a phenotypically plastic aspect of male reproductive allocation in this species. For these SFP candidates, we then performed whole-mount in situ hybridization (ISH) experiments to characterize tissue-specific expression. In total, we identified 98 transcripts that exhibited prostate-specific expression, 76 of which we found to be expressed exclusively in the prostate gland cells; additional sites of expression for the remaining 22 included the testis or other gland cells. Bioinformatics analyses of the prostate-limited candidates revealed that at least 64 are predicted to be secretory proteins, making these especially strong candidates to be SFPs that are transferred during copulation. CONCLUSIONS Our study represents a first comprehensive analysis using a combination of transcriptomic and ISH screen data to identify SFPs based on transcript expression in seminal fluid-producing tissues. We thereby extend the range of taxa for which seminal fluid has been characterized to a flatworm species with a sequenced genome and for which several methods such as antibody staining, transgenesis and RNA interference have been established. Our data provide a basis for testing the functional and evolutionary significance of SFPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weber
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Julia Wunderer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcelo Rodrigues
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Current address: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Ridley Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England NE1 7RU UK
| | - Lukas Schärer
- Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steven A. Ramm
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abry MF, Kimenyi KM, Masiga D, Kulohoma BW. Comparative genomics identifies male accessory gland proteins in five Glossina species. Wellcome Open Res 2017; 2:73. [PMID: 29260004 PMCID: PMC5721568 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.12445.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accessory gland proteins (ACPs) are important reproductive proteins produced by the male accessory glands (MAGs) of most insect species. These proteins are essential for male insect fertility, and are transferred alongside semen to females during copulation. ACPs are poorly characterized in
Glossina species (tsetse fly), the principal vector of the parasite that causes life-threatening Human African Trypanosomiasis and Animal trypanosomiasis in endemic regions in Africa. The tsetse fly has a peculiar reproductive cycle because of the absence of oviposition. Females mate once and store sperm in a spermathecal, and produce a single fully developed larva at a time that pupates within minutes of exiting their uterus. This slow reproductive cycle, compared to other insects, significantly restricts reproduction to only 3 to 6 larvae per female lifespan. This unique reproductive cycle is an attractive vector control strategy entry point. We exploit comparative genomics approaches to explore the diversity of ACPs in the recently available whole genome sequence data from five tsetse fly species (
Glossina morsitans, G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. pallidipes and
G. fuscipes). We used previously described ACPs in
Drosophila melanogaster and
Anopheles gambiae as reference sequences. We identified 36, 27, 31, 29 and 33 diverse ACP orthologous genes in
G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. fuscipes, G. pallidipes and
G. morsitans genomes respectively, which we classified into 21 functional classes. Our findings provide genetic evidence of MAG proteins in five recently sequenced
Glossina genomes. It highlights new avenues for molecular studies that evaluate potential field control strategies of these important vectors of human and animal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muna F Abry
- Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Kelvin M Kimenyi
- Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Benard W Kulohoma
- Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abry MF, Kimenyi KM, Masiga DK, Kulohoma BW. Comparative genomics identifies male accessory gland proteins in five Glossina species. Wellcome Open Res 2017; 2:73. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.12445.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accessory gland proteins (ACPs) are important reproductive proteins produced by the male accessory glands (MAGs) of most insect species. These proteins are essential for male insect fertility, and are transferred alongside semen to females during copulation. ACPs are poorly characterized in Glossina species (tsetse fly), the principal vector of the parasite that causes life-threatening Human African Trypanosomiasis and Animal trypanosomiasis in endemic regions in Africa. The tsetse fly has a peculiar reproductive cycle because of the absence of oviposition. Females mate once and store sperm in a spermathecal, and produce a single fully developed larva at a time that pupates within minutes of exiting their uterus. This slow reproductive cycle, compared to other insects, significantly restricts reproduction to only 3 to 6 larvae per female lifespan. This unique reproductive cycle is an attractive vector control strategy entry point. We exploit comparative genomics approaches to explore the diversity of ACPs in the recently available whole genome sequence data from five tsetse fly species (Glossina morsitans, G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. pallidipes and G. fuscipes). We used previously described ACPs in Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae as reference sequences. We identified 36, 27, 31, 29 and 33 diverse ACP orthologous genes in G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. fuscipes, G. pallidipes and G. morsitans genomes respectively, which we classified into 21 functional classes. Our findings provide genetic evidence of MAG proteins in five recently sequenced Glossina genomes. It provides new avenues for molecular studies that evaluate potential field control strategies of these important vectors of human and animal disease.
Collapse
|
11
|
Al-Wathiqui N, Fallon TR, South A, Weng JK, Lewis SM. Molecular characterization of firefly nuptial gifts: a multi-omics approach sheds light on postcopulatory sexual selection. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38556. [PMID: 28004739 PMCID: PMC5177949 DOI: 10.1038/srep38556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Postcopulatory sexual selection is recognized as a key driver of reproductive trait evolution, including the machinery required to produce endogenous nuptial gifts. Despite the importance of such gifts, the molecular composition of the non-gametic components of male ejaculates and their interactions with female reproductive tracts remain poorly understood. During mating, male Photinus fireflies transfer to females a spermatophore gift manufactured by multiple reproductive glands. Here we combined transcriptomics of both male and female reproductive glands with proteomics and metabolomics to better understand the synthesis, composition and fate of the spermatophore in the common Eastern firefly, Photinus pyralis. Our transcriptome of male glands revealed up-regulation of proteases that may enhance male fertilization success and activate female immune response. Using bottom-up proteomics we identified 208 functionally annotated proteins that males transfer to the female in their spermatophore. Targeted metabolomic analysis also provided the first evidence that Photinus nuptial gifts contain lucibufagin, a firefly defensive toxin. The reproductive tracts of female fireflies showed increased gene expression for several proteases that may be involved in egg production. This study offers new insights into the molecular composition of male spermatophores, and extends our understanding of how nuptial gifts may mediate postcopulatory interactions between the sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy R Fallon
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Adam South
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jing-Ke Weng
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sara M Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gabrieli P, Scolari F, Di Cosimo A, Savini G, Fumagalli M, Gomulski LM, Malacrida AR, Gasperi G. Sperm-less males modulate female behaviour in Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 79:13-26. [PMID: 27720923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)(Diptera: Tephritidae), mating has a strong impact on female biology, leading to a decrease in sexual receptivity and increased oviposition and fecundity. Previous studies suggest that sperm transfer may play a role in inducing these behavioural changes. Here we report the identification of a medfly innexin gene, Cc-inx5, whose expression is limited to the germ-line of both sexes. Through RNA interference of this gene, we generated males without testes and, consequently, sperm, but apparently retaining all the other reproductive organs intact. These sperm-less males were able to mate and, like their wild-type counterparts, to induce in their partners increased oviposition rates and refractoriness to remating. Interestingly, matings to sperm-less males results in oviposition rates higher than those induced by copulation with control males. In addition, the observed female post-mating behavioural changes were congruent with changes in transcript abundance of genes known to be regulated by mating in this species. Our results suggest that sperm transfer is not necessary to reduce female sexual receptivity and to increase oviposition and fecundity. These data pave the way to a better understanding of the role/s of seminal components in modulating female post-mating responses. In the long term, this knowledge will be the basis for the development of novel approaches for the manipulation of female fertility, and, consequently, innovative tools to be applied to medfly control strategies in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Gabrieli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Scolari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Cosimo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Grazia Savini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Fumagalli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ludvik M Gomulski
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna R Malacrida
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuliano Gasperi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Papanicolaou A, Schetelig MF, Arensburger P, Atkinson PW, Benoit JB, Bourtzis K, Castañera P, Cavanaugh JP, Chao H, Childers C, Curril I, Dinh H, Doddapaneni H, Dolan A, Dugan S, Friedrich M, Gasperi G, Geib S, Georgakilas G, Gibbs RA, Giers SD, Gomulski LM, González-Guzmán M, Guillem-Amat A, Han Y, Hatzigeorgiou AG, Hernández-Crespo P, Hughes DST, Jones JW, Karagkouni D, Koskinioti P, Lee SL, Malacrida AR, Manni M, Mathiopoulos K, Meccariello A, Munoz-Torres M, Murali SC, Murphy TD, Muzny DM, Oberhofer G, Ortego F, Paraskevopoulou MD, Poelchau M, Qu J, Reczko M, Robertson HM, Rosendale AJ, Rosselot AE, Saccone G, Salvemini M, Savini G, Schreiner P, Scolari F, Siciliano P, Sim SB, Tsiamis G, Ureña E, Vlachos IS, Werren JH, Wimmer EA, Worley KC, Zacharopoulou A, Richards S, Handler AM. The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species. Genome Biol 2016; 17:192. [PMID: 27659211 PMCID: PMC5034548 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-1049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a major destructive insect pest due to its broad host range, which includes hundreds of fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a unique ability to invade and adapt to ecological niches throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though medfly infestations have been prevented and controlled by the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of integrated pest management programs (IPMs). The genetic analysis and manipulation of medfly has been subject to intensive study in an effort to improve SIT efficacy and other aspects of IPM control. Results The 479 Mb medfly genome is sequenced from adult flies from lines inbred for 20 generations. A high-quality assembly is achieved having a contig N50 of 45.7 kb and scaffold N50 of 4.06 Mb. In-depth curation of more than 1800 messenger RNAs shows specific gene expansions that can be related to invasiveness and host adaptation, including gene families for chemoreception, toxin and insecticide metabolism, cuticle proteins, opsins, and aquaporins. We identify genes relevant to IPM control, including those required to improve SIT. Conclusions The medfly genome sequence provides critical insights into the biology of one of the most serious and widespread agricultural pests. This knowledge should significantly advance the means of controlling the size and invasive potential of medfly populations. Its close relationship to Drosophila, and other insect species important to agriculture and human health, will further comparative functional and structural studies of insect genomes that should broaden our understanding of gene family evolution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-016-1049-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexie Papanicolaou
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Arensburger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cal Poly Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Peter W Atkinson
- Department of Entomology and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.,Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Pedro Castañera
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - John P Cavanaugh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Hsu Chao
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Ingrid Curril
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Huyen Dinh
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - HarshaVardhan Doddapaneni
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amanda Dolan
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Shannon Dugan
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Giuliano Gasperi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Scott Geib
- USDA-ARS, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - Georgios Georgakilas
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarah D Giers
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ludvik M Gomulski
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Miguel González-Guzmán
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Guillem-Amat
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yi Han
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Artemis G Hatzigeorgiou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Pedro Hernández-Crespo
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel S T Hughes
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jeffery W Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Dimitra Karagkouni
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Koskinioti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sandra L Lee
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anna R Malacrida
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mosè Manni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kostas Mathiopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Angela Meccariello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Shwetha C Murali
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Terence D Murphy
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Donna M Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Georg Oberhofer
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Félix Ortego
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria D Paraskevopoulou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Monica Poelchau
- National Agricultural Library, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Jiaxin Qu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Martin Reczko
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Hugh M Robertson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Andrew J Rosendale
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Andrew E Rosselot
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Giuseppe Saccone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Grazia Savini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrick Schreiner
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Francesca Scolari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Siciliano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sheina B Sim
- USDA-ARS, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - George Tsiamis
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Enric Ureña
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ioannis S Vlachos
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Ernst A Wimmer
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kim C Worley
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Stephen Richards
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alfred M Handler
- USDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 1700 S.W. 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wei D, Tian CB, Liu SH, Wang T, Smagghe G, Jia FX, Dou W, Wang JJ. Transcriptome analysis to identify genes for peptides and proteins involved in immunity and reproduction from male accessory glands and ejaculatory duct of Bactrocera dorsalis. Peptides 2016; 80:48-60. [PMID: 26297881 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the male reproductive system of insects, the male accessory glands and ejaculatory duct (MAG/ED) are important organs and their primary function is to enhance the fertility of spermatozoa. Proteins secreted by the MAG/ED are also known to induce post-mating changes and immunity responses in the female insect. To understand the gene expression profile in the MAG/ED of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), that is an important pest in fruits, we performed an Illumina-based deep sequencing of mRNA. This yielded 54,577,630 clean reads corresponding to 4.91Gb total nucleotides that were assembled and clustered to 30,669 unigenes (average 645bp). Among them, 20,419 unigenes were functionally annotated to known proteins/peptides in Gene Orthology, Clusters of Orthologous Groups, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway databases. Typically, many genes were involved in immunity and these included microbial recognition proteins and antimicrobial peptides. Subsequently, the inducible expression of these immunity-related genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis when insects were challenged with immunity-inducible factors, suggesting their function in guaranteeing fertilization success. Besides, we identified some important reproductive genes such as juvenile hormone- and ecdysteroid-related genes in this de novo assembly. In conclusion, this transcriptomic sequencing of B. dorsalis MAG/ED provides insights to facilitate further functional research of reproduction, immunity and molecular evolution of reproductive proteins in this important agricultural pest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chuan-Bei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Shi-Huo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fu-Xian Jia
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pinaud S, Portela J, Duval D, Nowacki FC, Olive MA, Allienne JF, Galinier R, Dheilly NM, Kieffer-Jaquinod S, Mitta G, Théron A, Gourbal B. A Shift from Cellular to Humoral Responses Contributes to Innate Immune Memory in the Vector Snail Biomphalaria glabrata. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005361. [PMID: 26735307 PMCID: PMC4703209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Discoveries made over the past ten years have provided evidence that invertebrate antiparasitic responses may be primed in a sustainable manner, leading to the failure of a secondary encounter with the same pathogen. This phenomenon called “immune priming” or "innate immune memory" was mainly phenomenological. The demonstration of this process remains to be obtained and the underlying mechanisms remain to be discovered and exhaustively tested with rigorous functional and molecular methods, to eliminate all alternative explanations. In order to achieve this ambitious aim, the present study focuses on the Lophotrochozoan snail, Biomphalaria glabrata, in which innate immune memory was recently reported. We provide herein the first evidence that a shift from a cellular immune response (encapsulation) to a humoral immune response (biomphalysin) occurs during the development of innate memory. The molecular characterisation of this process in Biomphalaria/Schistosoma system was undertaken to reconcile mechanisms with phenomena, opening the way to a better comprehension of innate immune memory in invertebrates. This prompted us to revisit the artificial dichotomy between innate and memory immunity in invertebrate systems. Schistosomiasis is the second most widespread tropical parasitic disease after malaria. It is caused by flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Its life cycle is complex and requires certain freshwater snail species as the intermediate host. Given the limited options for treating S. mansoni infections, much research has focused on a better understanding of the immunobiological interactions between the invertebrate host Biomphalaria glabrata and its parasite S. mansoni. Recently, we demonstrated the existence of a time-dependent and genotype-dependent acquired innate immune memory in B. glabrata snails. A primo-infection of the Lophotrochozoan vector snail, Biomphalaria glabrata, with Schistosoma mansoni totally protected the snail against a secondary challenge. Learning more about the immunobiological interactions between B. glabrata and S. mansoni could have important socioeconomic and public health impacts by changing the way we attempt to eradicate parasitic diseases and prevent or control Schistosomiasis in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvain Pinaud
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Julien Portela
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - David Duval
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Fanny C. Nowacki
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Ceredigion, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Aude Olive
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Jean-François Allienne
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Richard Galinier
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Nolwenn M. Dheilly
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Sylvie Kieffer-Jaquinod
- Plate-forme d'analyses protéomiques EDyP-Service, Laboratoire de Biologie à Grande Echelle UMR-S 1038 Inserm/CEA/UJF CEA, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Mitta
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - André Théron
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leftwich PT, Bolton M, Chapman T. Evolutionary biology and genetic techniques for insect control. Evol Appl 2016; 9:212-30. [PMID: 27087849 PMCID: PMC4780389 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The requirement to develop new techniques for insect control that minimize negative environmental impacts has never been more pressing. Here we discuss population suppression and population replacement technologies. These include sterile insect technique, genetic elimination methods such as the release of insects carrying a dominant lethal (RIDL), and gene driving mechanisms offered by intracellular bacteria and homing endonucleases. We also review the potential of newer or underutilized methods such as reproductive interference, CRISPR technology, RNA interference (RNAi), and genetic underdominance. We focus on understanding principles and potential effectiveness from the perspective of evolutionary biology. This offers useful insights into mechanisms through which potential problems may be minimized, in much the same way that an understanding of how resistance evolves is key to slowing the spread of antibiotic and insecticide resistance. We conclude that there is much to gain from applying principles from the study of resistance in these other scenarios - specifically, the adoption of combinatorial approaches to minimize the spread of resistance evolution. We conclude by discussing the focused use of GM for insect pest control in the context of modern conservation planning under land-sparing scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip T. Leftwich
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwich Research ParkNorwichUK
| | - Michael Bolton
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwich Research ParkNorwichUK
| | - Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwich Research ParkNorwichUK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bonilla ML, Todd C, Erlandson M, Andres J. Combining RNA-seq and proteomic profiling to identify seminal fluid proteins in the migratory grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes (F). BMC Genomics 2015; 16:1096. [PMID: 26694822 PMCID: PMC4689059 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2327-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal fluid proteins control many aspects of fertilization and in turn, they play a key role in post-mating sexual selection and possibly reproductive isolation. Because effective proteome profiling relies on the availability of high-quality DNA reference databases, our knowledge of these proteins is still largely limited to model organisms with ample genetic resources. New advances in sequencing technology allow for the rapid characterization of transcriptomes at low cost. By combining high throughput RNA-seq and shotgun proteomic profiling, we have characterized the seminal fluid proteins secreted by the primary male accessory gland of the migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes), one of the main agricultural pests in central North America. RESULTS Using RNA sequencing, we characterized the transcripts of ~ 8,100 genes expressed in the long hyaline tubules (LHT) of the accessory glands. Proteomic profiling identified 353 proteins expressed in the long hyaline tubules (LHT). Of special interest are seminal fluid proteins (SFPs), such as EJAC-SP, ACE and prostaglandin synthetases, which are known to regulate female oviposition in insects. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides new insights into the proteomic components of male ejaculate in Orthopterans, and highlights several important patterns. First, the presence of proteins that lack predicted classical secretory tags in accessory gland proteomes is common in male accessory glands. Second, the products of a few highly expressed genes dominate the accessory gland secretions. Third, accessory gland transcriptomes are enriched for novel transcripts. Fourth, there is conservation of SFPs' functional classes across distantly related taxonomic groups with very different life histories, mating systems and sperm transferring mechanisms. The identified SFPs may serve as targets of future efforts to develop species- specific genetic control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Bonilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, A.237. Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
| | - Christopher Todd
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
| | - Martin Erlandson
- Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-0X2, Canada.
| | - Jose Andres
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rapkin J, Jensen K, Lane SM, House CM, Sakaluk SK, Hunt J. Macronutrient intake regulates sexual conflict in decorated crickets. J Evol Biol 2015; 29:395-406. [PMID: 26563682 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sexual conflict results in a diversity of sex-specific adaptations, including chemical additions to ejaculates. Male decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) produce a gelatinous nuptial gift (the spermatophylax) that varies in size and free amino acid composition, which influences a female's willingness to fully consume this gift. Complete consumption of this gift maximizes sperm transfer through increased retention of the sperm-containing ampulla, but hinders post-copulatory mate choice. Here, we examine the effects of protein (P) and carbohydrate (C) intake on the weight and amino acid composition of the spermatophylax that describes its gustatory appeal to the female, as well as the ability of this gift to regulate sexual conflict via ampulla attachment time. Nutrient intake had similar effects on the expression of these traits with each maximized at a high intake of nutrients with a P : C ratio of 1 : 1.3. Under dietary choice, males actively regulated their nutrient intake but this regulation did not coincide with the peak of the nutritional landscape for any trait. Our results therefore demonstrate that a balanced intake of nutrients is central to regulating sexual conflict in G. sigillatus, but males are constrained from reaching the optima needed to bias the outcome of this conflict in their favour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Rapkin
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - K Jensen
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.,Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - S M Lane
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - C M House
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - S K Sakaluk
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.,Behavior, Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - J Hunt
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rodríguez-García MJ, Machado V, Galián J. Identification and characterisation of putative seminal fluid proteins from male reproductive tissue EST libraries in tiger beetles. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:391. [PMID: 25981911 PMCID: PMC4434525 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of proteins transferred through semen can provide important information for biological questions such as adaptive evolution, the origin of new species and species richness. The objective of this study was to identify seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) that may contribute to the study of the reproductive system of tiger beetles (cicindelids), a group of more than 2,500 species distributed worldwide that occupy a great diversity of habitats. RESULTS Two cDNA libraries were constructed from the male gonads of Calomera littoralis and Cephalota litorea. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were analysed by bioinformatics approaches and 14 unigenes were selected as candidate SFPs, which were submitted to Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to identify patterns of tissue-specific expression. We have identified four novel putative SFPs of cicindelids, of which similarity searches did not show homologues with known function. However, two of the protein classes (immune response and hormone) predicted by Protfun are similar to SFPs reported in other insects. Searches for homology in other cicindelids showed one lineage specific SFPs (rapidly evolving proteins), only present in the closely related species C. littoralis and Lophyra flexuosa and two conserved SFP present in other tiger beetles species tested. CONCLUSIONS This work represents the first characterisation of putative SFPs in Adephagan species of the order Coleoptera. The results will serve as a foundation for further studies aimed to understand gene (and protein) functions and their evolutionary implications in this group of ecologically relevant beetles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Juliana Rodríguez-García
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Vilmar Machado
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - José Galián
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sirot LK, Wong A, Chapman T, Wolfner MF. Sexual conflict and seminal fluid proteins: a dynamic landscape of sexual interactions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2014; 7:a017533. [PMID: 25502515 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires coordinated contributions from both sexes to proceed efficiently. However, the reproductive strategies that the sexes adopt often have the potential to give rise to sexual conflict because they can result in divergent, sex-specific costs and benefits. These conflicts can occur at many levels, from molecular to behavioral. Here, we consider sexual conflict mediated through the actions of seminal fluid proteins. These proteins provide many excellent examples in which to trace the operation of sexual conflict from molecules through to behavior. Seminal fluid proteins are made by males and provided to females during mating. As agents that can modulate egg production at several steps, as well as reproductive behavior, sperm "management," and female feeding, activity, and longevity, the actions of seminal proteins are prime targets for sexual conflict. We review these actions in the context of sexual conflict. We discuss genomic signatures in seminal protein (and related) genes that are consistent with current or previous sexual conflict. Finally, we note promising areas for future study and highlight real-world practical situations that will benefit from understanding the nature of sexual conflicts mediated by seminal proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Sirot
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio 44691
| | - Alex Wong
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
How functional genomics will impact fruit fly pest control: the example of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. BMC Genet 2014; 15 Suppl 2:S11. [PMID: 25471105 PMCID: PMC4255779 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-15-s2-s11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The highly invasive agricultural insect pest Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most thoroughly studied tephritid fruit fly at the genetic and molecular levels. It has become a model for the analysis of fruit fly invasions and for the development of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes based on the environmentally-friendly Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Extensive transcriptome resources and the recently released genome sequence are making it possible to unravel several aspects of the medfly reproductive biology and behaviour, opening new opportunities for comparative genomics and barcoding for species identification. New genes, promotors and regulatory sequences are becoming available for the development/improvement of highly competitive sexing strains, for the monitoring of sterile males released in the field and for determining the mating status of wild females. The tools developed in this species have been transferred to other tephritids that are also the subject of SIT programmes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Boes KE, Ribeiro JMC, Wong A, Harrington LC, Wolfner MF, Sirot LK. Identification and characterization of seminal fluid proteins in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2946. [PMID: 24945155 PMCID: PMC4063707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an important vector for pathogens that affect human health, including the viruses that cause dengue and Chikungunya fevers. It is also one of the world's fastest-spreading invasive species. For these reasons, it is crucial to identify strategies for controlling the reproduction and spread of this mosquito. During mating, seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) are transferred from male mosquitoes to females, and these Sfps modulate female behavior and physiology in ways that influence reproduction. Despite the importance of Sfps on female reproductive behavior in mosquitoes and other insects, the identity of Sfps in Ae. albopictus has not previously been reported. We used transcriptomics and proteomics to identify 198 Sfps in Ae. albopictus. We discuss possible functions of these Sfps in relation to Ae. albopictus reproduction-related biology. We additionally compare the sequences of these Sfps with proteins (including reported Sfps) in several other species, including Ae. aegypti. While only 72 (36.4%) of Ae. albopictus Sfps have putative orthologs in Ae. aegypti, suggesting low conservation of the complement of Sfps in these species, we find no evidence for an elevated rate of evolution or positive selection in the Sfps that are shared between the two Aedes species, suggesting high sequence conservation of those shared Sfps. Our results provide a foundation for future studies to investigate the roles of individual Sfps on feeding and reproduction in this mosquito. Functional analysis of these Sfps could inform strategies for managing the rate of pathogen transmission by Ae. albopictus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Boes
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - José M. C. Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alex Wong
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura C. Harrington
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura K. Sirot
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hull JJ, Brent CS. Identification and characterization of a sex peptide receptor-like transcript from the western tarnished plant bug Lygus hesperus. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 23:301-319. [PMID: 24467643 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Lygus hesperus females exhibit a post-mating behavioural switch that triggers increased egg laying and decreased sexual interest. In Drosophila melanogaster, these changes are controlled by sex peptide (SP) and the sex peptide receptor (DmSPR). In Helicoverpa armigera, SPR (HaSPR) also regulates some post-mating behaviour; however, myoinhibiting peptides (MIPs) have been identified as the SPR ancestral ligand, indicating that SPR is a pleiotropic receptor. In the present study, we identified a transcript, designated L. hesperus SPR (LhSPR), that is homologous to known SPRs and which is expressed throughout development and in most adult tissues. LhSPR was most abundant in female seminal depositories and heads as well as the hindgut/midgut of both sexes. In vitro analyses revealed that fluorescent chimeras of LhSPR, DmSPR and HaSPR localized to the cell surface of cultured insect cells, but only DmSPR and HaSPR bound carboxytetramethylrhodamine-labelled analogues of DmSP21-36 and DmMIP4. Injected DmSP21-36 also failed to have an effect on L. hesperus mating receptivity. Potential divergence in the LhSPR binding pocket may be linked to receptor-ligand co-evolution as 9 of 13 MIPs encoded by a putative L. hesperus MIP precursor exhibit an atypical W-X7 -Wamide motif vs the W-X6 -Wamide and W-X8 -Wamide motifs of Drosophila MIPs and SP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Hull
- USDA-ARS Arid Land Agricultural Center, Maricopa, AZ, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Singh A, Singh BN. Role of sexual selection in speciation in Drosophila. Genetica 2013; 142:23-41. [PMID: 24362558 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-013-9751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The power of sexual selection to drive changes in the mate recognition system through divergence in sexually selected traits gives it the potential to be a potent force in speciation. To know how sexual selection can bring such type of divergence in the genus Drosophila, comparative studies based on intra- and inter-sexual selection are documented in this review. The studies provide evidence that both mate choice and male-male competition can cause selection of trait and preference which thereby leads to divergence among species. In the case of intrasexual selection, various kinds of signals play significant role in affecting the species mate recognition system and hence causing divergence between the species. However, intrasexual selection can bring the intraspecific divergence at the level of pre- and post-copulatory stage. This has been better explained through Hawaiian Drosophila which has been suggested a wonderful model system in explaining the events of speciation via sexual selection. This is due to their elaborate mating displays and some kind of ethological isolation persisting among them. Similarly, the genetic basis of sexually selected variations can provide yet another path in understanding the speciation genetics via sexual selection more closely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh
- Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India,
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dottorini T, Persampieri T, Palladino P, Spaccapelo R, Crisanti A. Silencing of the Hsf gene, the transcriptional regulator of A. gambiae male accessory glands, inhibits the formation of the mating plug in mated females and disrupts their monogamous behaviour. Pathog Glob Health 2013; 106:405-12. [PMID: 23265612 PMCID: PMC3589661 DOI: 10.1179/2047773212y.0000000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovering the molecular factors that shape the mating behaviour and the fertility of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, the principal vector of human malaria, is regarded as critical to better understand its reproductive success as well as for identifying new leads for malaria control measures. In A. gambiae mating induces complex behavioural and physiological changes in the females, including refractoriness to subsequent mating and induction of egg-laying. In other insects including Drosophila a group of proteins named Accessory gland proteins (Acps), produced by males and transferred with sperm to the female reproductive tract, have been implicated in this post-mating response. Although Acps represent a set of promising candidates for unravelling the mating physiology, their role in inducing behavioural changes in mated A. gambiae females remains largely unknown. In this work, we demonstrate that a down-regulation of a large fraction of Acp genes via silencing of the Acp regulating transcription factor Hsf, abolishes the formation of mating plug in mated females and fails to induce refractoriness of mated female to subsequent inseminations. A significant fraction of females mated to Hsf silenced males (66%) failed to receive the mating plug though seminal fluid had been transferred as documented by the presence of spermatozoa in the female sperm storage organ. Furthermore, nearly all females (95%) mated to HSF-silenced males were re-inseminated when exposed to males carrying EGPF marked sperm. Our findings provide evidence showing that Acp genes regulated by the transcription factor HSF play a key role in the function of the male accessory glands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dottorini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, SAF, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Laflamme BA, Wolfner MF. Identification and function of proteolysis regulators in seminal fluid. Mol Reprod Dev 2012; 80:80-101. [PMID: 23109270 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Proteins in the seminal fluid of animals with internal fertilization effect numerous responses in mated females that impact both male and female fertility. Among these proteins is the highly represented class of proteolysis regulators (proteases and their inhibitors). Though proteolysis regulators have now been identified in the seminal fluid of all animals in which proteomic studies of the seminal fluid have been conducted (as well as several other species in which they have not), a unified understanding of the importance of proteolysis to male fertilization success and other reproductive processes has not yet been achieved. In this review, we provide an overview of the identification of proteolysis regulators in the seminal fluid of humans and Drosophila melanogaster, the two species with the most comprehensively known seminal fluid proteomes. We also highlight reports demonstrating the functional significance of specific proteolysis regulators in reproductive and post-mating processes. Finally, we make broad suggestions for the direction of future research into the roles of both active seminal fluid proteolysis regulators and their inactive homologs, another significant class of seminal fluid proteins. We hope that this review aids researchers in pursuing a coordinated study of the functional significance of proteolysis regulators in semen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A Laflamme
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2703, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Scolari F, Gomulski LM, Ribeiro JMC, Siciliano P, Meraldi A, Falchetto M, Bonomi A, Manni M, Gabrieli P, Malovini A, Bellazzi R, Aksoy S, Gasperi G, Malacrida AR. Transcriptional profiles of mating-responsive genes from testes and male accessory glands of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46812. [PMID: 23071645 PMCID: PMC3469604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect seminal fluid is a complex mixture of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, produced in the male reproductive tract. This seminal fluid is transferred together with the spermatozoa during mating and induces post-mating changes in the female. Molecular characterization of seminal fluid proteins in the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, is limited, although studies suggest that some of these proteins are biologically active. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We report on the functional annotation of 5914 high quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from the testes and male accessory glands, to identify transcripts encoding putative secreted peptides that might elicit post-mating responses in females. The ESTs were assembled into 3344 contigs, of which over 33% produced no hits against the nr database, and thus may represent novel or rapidly evolving sequences. Extraction of the coding sequences resulted in a total of 3371 putative peptides. The annotated dataset is available as a hyperlinked spreadsheet. Four hundred peptides were identified with putative secretory activity, including odorant binding proteins, protease inhibitor domain-containing peptides, antigen 5 proteins, mucins, and immunity-related sequences. Quantitative RT-PCR-based analyses of a subset of putative secretory protein-encoding transcripts from accessory glands indicated changes in their abundance after one or more copulations when compared to virgin males of the same age. These changes in abundance, particularly evident after the third mating, may be related to the requirement to replenish proteins to be transferred to the female. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We have developed the first large-scale dataset for novel studies on functions and processes associated with the reproductive biology of Ceratitis capitata. The identified genes may help study genome evolution, in light of the high adaptive potential of the medfly. In addition, studies of male recovery dynamics in terms of accessory gland gene expression profiles and correlated remating inhibition mechanisms may permit the improvement of pest management approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Scolari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ludvik M. Gomulski
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - José M. C. Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Paolo Siciliano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alice Meraldi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Falchetto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelica Bonomi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mosè Manni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Gabrieli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Malovini
- IRCCS, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (IUSS), Pavia, Italy
- Department of Industrial and Information Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bellazzi
- Department of Industrial and Information Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Giuliano Gasperi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna R. Malacrida
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dottorini T, Persampieri T, Palladino P, Baker DA, Spaccapelo R, Senin N, Crisanti A. Regulation of Anopheles gambiae male accessory gland genes influences postmating response in female. FASEB J 2012; 27:86-97. [PMID: 22997226 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-219444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In Drosophila, the accessory gland proteins (Acps) secreted from the male accessory glands (MAGs) and transferred along with sperm into the female reproductive tract have been implicated in triggering postmating behavioral changes, including refractoriness to subsequent mating and propensity to egg laying. Recently, Acps have been found also in Anopheles, suggesting similar functions. Understanding the mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of Acps and their functional role in modulating Anopheles postmating behavior may lead to the identification of novel vector control strategies to reduce mosquito populations. We identified heat-shock factor (HSF) binding sites within the Acp promoters of male Anopheles gambiae and discovered three distinct Hsf isoforms; one being significantly up-regulated in the MAGs after mating. Through genome-wide transcription analysis of Hsf-silenced males, we observed significant down-regulation in 50% of the Acp genes if compared to control males treated with a construct directed against an unrelated bacterial sequence. Treated males retained normal life span and reproductive behavior compared to control males. However, mated wild-type females showed a ∼46% reduction of egg deposition rate and a ∼23% reduction of hatching rate (∼58% combined reduction of progeny). Our results highlight an unsuspected role of HSF in regulating Acp transcription in A. gambiae and provide evidence that Acp down-regulation in males leads a significant reduction of progeny, thus opening new avenues toward the development of novel vector control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dottorini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Azevedo RVDM, Dias DBS, Bretãs JAC, Mazzoni CJ, Souza NA, Albano RM, Wagner G, Davila AMR, Peixoto AA. The transcriptome of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) male reproductive organs. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34495. [PMID: 22496818 PMCID: PMC3320635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been suggested that genes involved in the reproductive biology of insect disease vectors are potential targets for future alternative methods of control. Little is known about the molecular biology of reproduction in phlebotomine sand flies and there is no information available concerning genes that are expressed in male reproductive organs of Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of American visceral leishmaniasis and a species complex. Methods/Principal Findings We generated 2678 high quality ESTs (“Expressed Sequence Tags”) of L. longipalpis male reproductive organs that were grouped in 1391 non-redundant sequences (1136 singlets and 255 clusters). BLAST analysis revealed that only 57% of these sequences share similarity with a L. longipalpis female EST database. Although no more than 36% of the non-redundant sequences showed similarity to protein sequences deposited in databases, more than half of them presented the best-match hits with mosquito genes. Gene ontology analysis identified subsets of genes involved in biological processes such as protein biosynthesis and DNA replication, which are probably associated with spermatogenesis. A number of non-redundant sequences were also identified as putative male reproductive gland proteins (mRGPs), also known as male accessory gland protein genes (Acps). Conclusions The transcriptome analysis of L. longipalpis male reproductive organs is one step further in the study of the molecular basis of the reproductive biology of this important species complex. It has allowed the identification of genes potentially involved in spermatogenesis as well as putative mRGPs sequences, which have been studied in many insect species because of their effects on female post-mating behavior and physiology and their potential role in sexual selection and speciation. These data open a number of new avenues for further research in the molecular and evolutionary reproductive biology of sand flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise B. S. Dias
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Camila J. Mazzoni
- Institut für Zoo-und Wildtierforschung, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nataly A. Souza
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodolpho M. Albano
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glauber Wagner
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Área de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Alberto M. R. Davila
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Pólo de Biologia Computacional e Sistemas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre A. Peixoto
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sonenshine DE, Bissinger BW, Egekwu N, Donohue KV, Khalil SM, Roe RM. First transcriptome of the testis-vas deferens-male accessory gland and proteome of the spermatophore from Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae). PLoS One 2011; 6:e24711. [PMID: 21949745 PMCID: PMC3174968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of numerous human diseases and animal diseases. Feeding stimulates spermatogenesis, mating and insemination of male factors that trigger female reproduction. The physiology of male reproduction and its regulation of female development are essentially a black box. Several transcriptomes have catalogued expression of tick genes in the salivary glands, synganglion and midgut but no comprehensive investigation has addressed male reproduction and mating. Consequently, a new global approach using transcriptomics, proteomics, and quantitative gene expression is needed to understand male reproduction and stimulation of female reproduction. This first transcriptome to the reproductive biology of fed male ticks, Dermacentor variabilis, was obtained by 454 pyrosequencing (563,093 reads, 12,804 contigs). Gene Ontology (Biological Processes level III) recognized 3,866 transcripts in 73 different categories; spermiogenesis; spermatogenesis; peptidases, lipases and hydrolases; oxidative and environmental stress; immune defense; and protein binding. Reproduction-associated genes included serine/threonine kinase, metalloendoproteinases, ferritins, serine proteases, trypsin, cysteine proteases, serpins, a cystatin, GPCR and others. qRT-PCR showed significant upregulation from unfed versus fed adult male reproductive organs of zinc metalloprotease, astacin metalloprotease and serine protease, enzymes important in spermiogenesis and mating activity in insects, as well as a GPCR with the greatest similarity to a SIFamide receptor known to be important in regulating courtship behavior in Drosophila. Proteomics on these organs and the spermatophore by tryptic digestion/Liquid chromatography/Mass spectrometry/Mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) demonstrated expression of many of the same messages found by 454 sequencing, supporting their identification, and revealed differences in protein distribution in the reproductive system versus the spermatophore. We found Efα but no EF β in the transcriptome and neither of these proteins in the spermatophore. Thus, the previously described model for male regulation of female reproduction may not apply to other ticks. A new paradigm is needed to explain male stimulation of female tick reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Sonenshine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hanin O, Azrielli A, Zakin V, Applebaum S, Rafaeli A. Identification and differential expression of a sex-peptide receptor in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 41:537-544. [PMID: 21426940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Revised: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Sex-pheromone production in the night flying female moth, Helicoverpa armigera is under neuroendocrine control due to the timely release of Pheromone Biosynthesis-Activating Neuropeptide (PBAN). Males orient to the females by upwind anemotaxis which usually leads to a successful mating. During copulation insect males transfer seminal peptides, produced in Male Accessory Glands (MAGs) which are implicated in post-mating behavioral changes of the females. These changes include the termination of pheromone biosynthesis and thus females do not re-mate. In previous studies we showed that synthetic Drosophila melanogaster Sex-Peptide (DrmSP), which is responsible for terminating receptivity in female flies, can terminate PBAN-stimulated pheromone production by pheromone glands of the female moth, H. armigera. In addition, we demonstrated that at least one fraction of the H. armigera MAG extract is both immunoreactive to DrmSP antibody and is pheromonostatic, we also showed that different sets of DrmSP-like immunoreactive peptides are up-regulated in the central nervous system of mated females. In the present study, we identify a putative receptor for sex-peptide (SP-R) in H. armigera on the basis of sequence homologies deposited in the GenBank. In addition, in an attempt to draw some light on the physiological significance of SP-like peptides in this moth, we conducted a differential expression study of this receptor comparing gene expression levels in relation to different photoperiods, sex and mating status of the moth. Photoperiod and mating influence SP-R gene expression levels and sexual dimorphic changes were observed in neural tissues due to the different physiological states. After mating SP-R transcript levels in female neural tissues and pheromone glands are up-regulated. Physiological studies in vivo confirm the up-regulation of gene expression levels in pheromone glands isolated from mated females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orly Hanin
- Department of Entomology, Hebrew University, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
South A, Sirot LK, Lewis SM. Identification of predicted seminal fluid proteins in Tribolium castaneum. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 20:447-456. [PMID: 21689183 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2011.01083.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In several insect species, seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) have been demonstrated to be key regulators of male and female fitness through their ability to alter female physiology and behaviour. Tribolium castaneum is an economically important pest species and a model system for sexual selection research, but little is known about SFPs in this insect. To create a foundation for the study of T. castaneum SFPs, we used mass spectrometry to identify putative SFPs by comparing proteins detected in the male reproductive glands with those found in the reproductive tracts of virgin and mated females. Fourteen putative SFPs, thirteen with male biased expression, were identified through this approach. We also used reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to examine expression levels across different tissue types. We found strongly male-biased expression in 13 genes, nine of which were expressed only in male accessory gland tissue. This represents the first proteomic-based method of identifying putative SFPs in any coleopteran species, and is the first study in this species to identify putative SFPs that are likely transferred to the female. This work could lead to functional analyses of the role of SFPs in sexual selection, sexual conflict and potential control of a pest species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A South
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Towards a semen proteome of the dengue vector mosquito: protein identification and potential functions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e989. [PMID: 21423647 PMCID: PMC3057948 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background No commercially licensed vaccine or treatment is available for dengue fever,
a potentially lethal infection that impacts millions of lives annually. New
tools that target mosquito control may reduce vector populations and break
the cycle of dengue transmission. Male mosquito seminal fluid proteins
(Sfps) are one such target since these proteins, in aggregate, modulate the
reproduction and feeding patterns of the dengue vector, Aedes
aegypti. As an initial step in identifying new targets for
dengue vector control, we sought to identify the suite of proteins that
comprise the Ae. aegypti ejaculate and determine which are
transferred to females during mating. Methodology and Principal Findings Using a stable-isotope labeling method coupled with proteomics to distinguish
male- and female-derived proteins, we identified Sfps and sperm proteins
transferred from males to females. Sfps were distinguished from sperm
proteins by comparing the transferred proteins to sperm-enriched samples
derived from testes and seminal vesicles. We identified 93 male-derived Sfps
and 52 predicted sperm proteins that are transferred to females during
mating. The Sfp protein classes we detected suggest roles in protein
activation/inactivation, sperm utilization, and ecdysteroidogenesis. We also
discovered that several predicted membrane-bound and intracellular proteins
are transferred to females in the seminal fluids, supporting the hypothesis
that Ae. aegypti Sfps are released from the accessory gland
cells through apocrine secretion, as occurs in mammals. Many of the
Ae. aegypti predicted sperm proteins were homologous to
Drosophila melanogaster sperm proteins, suggesting
conservation of their sperm-related function across Diptera. Conclusion and Significance This is the first study to directly identify Sfps transferred from male
Ae. aegypti to females. Our data lay the groundwork for
future functional analyses to identify individual seminal proteins that may
trigger female post-mating changes (e.g., in feeding patterns and egg
production). Therefore, identification of these proteins may lead to new
approaches for manipulating the reproductive output and vectorial capacity
of Ae. aegypti. Dengue is a potentially lethal infection that impacts millions of humans
annually. This disease is caused by viruses transmitted by infected female
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes during blood feeding. No
commercial vaccine or treatment is available for dengue infection. One way to
break the disease transmission cycle is to develop new tools to reduce dengue
vector populations. Seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) produced in the reproductive
glands of male mosquitoes and transferred to females in the ejaculate during
mating could be the target of such a tool. In related insects, Sfps modulate
female reproduction and feeding patterns. Here we report 145 proteins that are
transferred to females in the Ae. aegypti ejaculate. The
proteins, which include Sfps and sperm proteins, fall into biochemical classes
that suggest important potential roles in mated females. Of particular interest
are proteins that could play roles in fertility and hormonal activity (including
pathways involved in egg development and utilization of the blood meal). Our
results lay important groundwork for new control strategies by identifying
candidate proteins that may alter the reproductive biology or blood-feeding
patterns of female Ae. aegypti and ultimately reduce the global
burden of dengue.
Collapse
|
34
|
Avila FW, Sirot LK, LaFlamme BA, Rubinstein CD, Wolfner MF. Insect seminal fluid proteins: identification and function. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 56:21-40. [PMID: 20868282 PMCID: PMC3925971 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120709-144823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 575] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) produced in reproductive tract tissues of male insects and transferred to females during mating induce numerous physiological and behavioral postmating changes in females. These changes include decreasing receptivity to remating; affecting sperm storage parameters; increasing egg production; and modulating sperm competition, feeding behaviors, and mating plug formation. In addition, SFPs also have antimicrobial functions and induce expression of antimicrobial peptides in at least some insects. Here, we review recent identification of insect SFPs and discuss the multiple roles these proteins play in the postmating processes of female insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank W. Avila
- Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Laura K. Sirot
- Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | | | | | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Walters JR, Harrison RG. Combined EST and proteomic analysis identifies rapidly evolving seminal fluid proteins in Heliconius butterflies. Mol Biol Evol 2010; 27:2000-13. [PMID: 20375075 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msq092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) directly influence a wide range of reproductive processes, including fertilization, sperm storage, egg production, and immune response. Like many other reproductive proteins, the molecular evolution of SFPs is generally characterized by rapid and frequently adaptive evolution. However, the evolutionary processes underlying this often-documented pattern have not yet been confidently determined. A robust understanding of the processes governing SFP evolution will ultimately require identifying SFPs and characterizing their evolution in many different taxa, often where only limited genomic resources are available. Here, we report the first comprehensive molecular genetic and evolutionary analysis of SFPs conducted in Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). We have identified 51 novel SFPs from two species of Heliconius butterflies (Heliconius erato and Heliconius melpomene) by combining "indirect" bioinformatic and expression analyses of expressed sequence tags from male accessory gland and wing tissues with "direct" proteomic analyses of spermatophores. Proteomic analyses identified fewer SFPs than the indirect criteria but gave consistent results. Of 51 SFPs, 40 were identified in both species but fewer than half could be functionally annotated via similarity searches (Blast, IPRscan, etc.). The majority of annotated Heliconius SFPs were predicted to be chymotrypsins. Comparisons of Heliconius SFPs with those from fruit fly, mosquito, honeybee, and cricket suggest that gene turnover is high among these proteins and that SFPs are rarely conserved across insect orders. Pairwise estimates of evolutionary rates between SFPs and nonreproductive proteins show that, on average, Heliconius SFPs are evolving rapidly. At least one of these SFPs is evolving adaptively (dN/dS > 1), implicating a role for positive selection in this rapid evolution. This work establishes a strong precedent for future research on the causes and consequences of reproductive protein evolution in the Lepidoptera. Butterflies and moths have an extremely rich history of organismal research, which will provide an informative ecological context for further molecular evolutionary investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R Walters
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Rogers DW, Baldini F, Battaglia F, Panico M, Dell A, Morris HR, Catteruccia F. Transglutaminase-mediated semen coagulation controls sperm storage in the malaria mosquito. PLoS Biol 2009; 7:e1000272. [PMID: 20027206 PMCID: PMC2785878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mating plug is a key regulator of mosquito fertility. Insect seminal fluid proteins are powerful modulators of many aspects of female physiology and behaviour including longevity, egg production, sperm storage, and remating. The crucial role of these proteins in reproduction makes them promising targets for developing tools aimed at reducing the population sizes of vectors of disease. In the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, seminal secretions produced by the male accessory glands (MAGs) are transferred to females in the form of a coagulated mass called the mating plug. The potential of seminal fluid proteins as tools for mosquito control demands that we improve our limited understanding of the composition and function of the plug. Here, we show that the plug is a key determinant of An. gambiae reproductive success. We uncover the composition of the plug and demonstrate it is formed through the cross-linking of seminal proteins mediated by a MAG-specific transglutaminase (TGase), a mechanism remarkably similar to mammalian semen coagulation. Interfering with TGase expression in males inhibits plug formation and transfer, and prevents females from storing sperm with obvious consequences for fertility. Moreover, we show that the MAG-specific TGase is restricted to the anopheline lineage, where it functions to promote sperm storage rather than as a mechanical barrier to re-insemination. Taken together, these data represent a major advance in our understanding of the factors shaping Anopheles reproductive biology. Male seminal fluid proteins trigger a wide range of behavioural and physiological changes in females and can have important effects on reproductive success. In many animals, seminal fluid is transferred to females as a gelatinous mass termed a mating plug. Although many hypotheses have been put forward to explain the function of mating plugs, their precise role in most organisms remains unclear. We have studied the composition, mechanism of formation, and function of the mating plug in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, the principal vector of human malaria. We show that the plug is formed through the action of a transglutaminase enzyme that links seminal fluid proteins together resulting in semen coagulation. This process is similar to the way seminal fluid is coagulated in mammals. Interfering with the production of this transglutaminase prevented plug formation. Females that did not receive a plug failed to store sperm correctly, with important consequences for fertility. Our data show that the mating plug is an important feature of An. gambiae reproduction, and reinforce the notion that a deeper understanding of mosquito reproductive biology can aid efforts to eradicate these disease vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W. Rogers
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Baldini
- Università degli Studi di Perugia, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Terni, Italy
| | - Francesca Battaglia
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Panico
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Dell
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Howard R. Morris
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Università degli Studi di Perugia, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Terni, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
The intriguing composition and function of mating plugs formed when mosquites mate provides a new understanding of the reproductive biology of this important pest and a window through which to view evolution in action.
Collapse
|
38
|
Sirot LK, Buehner NA, Fiumera AC, Wolfner MF. Seminal fluid protein depletion and replenishment in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster: an ELISA-based method for tracking individual ejaculates. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2009; 63:1505-1513. [PMID: 24733957 PMCID: PMC3984576 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-009-0806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In many species, seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) affect female post-mating behavioral patterns, including sperm storage, egg laying, feeding, and remating. Yet, few studies have investigated the patterns of allocation, depletion, and replenishment of SFPs in male animals, despite the importance of these proteins to male and female reproductive success. To investigate such SFP dynamics, it is necessary to have a sensitive method for quantifying SFP levels in males and mated females. We developed such a method by adapting the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using anti-SFP antibodies. Here, we first use two Drosophila melanogaster SFPs (ovulin and sex peptide) to demonstrate that ELISAs provide accurate measures of SFP levels. We find that, consistent with previous data from Western blotting or immunofluorescence studies, levels of both ovulin and sex peptide decline in the mated female with time since mating, but they do so at different rates. We then use ELISAs to show that males become depleted of SFPs with repeated matings, but that previously mated males are able to transfer "virgin" levels of SFPs after 3 days of sexual inactivity. Finally, we demonstrate that ELISAs can detect SFPs from wild-caught D. melanogaster males and, thus, potentially can be used to track mating patterns in the wild. This method of measuring SFP dynamics can be used in a wide range of species to address questions related to male reproductive investment, female mating history, and variation in female post-mating behavioral changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Sirot
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 421 Biotechnology Building, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Norene A Buehner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 421 Biotechnology Building, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Anthony C Fiumera
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, Vestal Parkway East, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 421 Biotechnology Building, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Baer B, Heazlewood JL, Taylor NL, Eubel H, Millar AH. The seminal fluid proteome of the honeybee Apis mellifera. Proteomics 2009; 9:2085-97. [PMID: 19322787 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200800708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ejaculates contain sperm but also seminal fluid, which is increasingly recognized to be of central importance for reproductive success. However, a detailed biochemical composition and physiological understanding of seminal fluid is still elusive. We have used MS to identify the 57 most abundant proteins within the ejaculated seminal fluid of the honeybee Apis mellifera. Their amino acid sequences revealed the presence of diverse functional categories of enzymes, regulators and structural proteins. A number have known or predicted roles in maintaining sperm viability, protecting sperm from microbial infections or interacting with the physiology of the female. A range of putative glycoproteins or glycosylation enzymes were detected among the 57, subsequent fluorescent staining of glycolysation revealed several prominent glycoproteins in seminal fluid, while no glycoproteins were detected in sperm samples. Many of the abundant proteins that accumulate in the seminal fluid did not contain predictable tags for secretion for the cell. Comparison of the honeybee seminal fluid proteins with Drosophila seminal fluid proteins (including secreted accessory gland proteins known as ACPs), and with the human seminal fluid proteome revealed the bee protein set contains a range of newly identified seminal fluid proteins and we noted more similarity of the bee protein set with the current human seminal fluid protein set than with the known Drosophila seminal fluid proteins. The honeybee seminal fluid proteome thus represents an important addition to available data for comparative studies of seminal fluid proteomes in insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Baer
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Radhakrishnan P, Marchini D, Taylor PW. Ultrastructure of male reproductive accessory glands and ejaculatory duct in the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2009; 38:216-226. [PMID: 19026762 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2008.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2008] [Revised: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ultrastructure of male reproductive accessory glands and ejaculatory duct in the Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni, were investigated and compared with those of other tephritid flies. Male accessory glands were found to comprise one pair of mesodermic glands and three pairs of ectodermic glands. The mesodermic accessory glands consist of muscle-lined, binucleate epithelial cells, which are highly microvillated and extrude electron-dense secretions by means of macroapocrine transport into a central lumen. The ectodermic accessory glands consist of muscle-lined epithelial cells which have wide subcuticular cavities, lined with microvilli. The electron-transparent secretions from these glands are first extruded into the cavities and then forced out through small pores of the cuticle into the gland lumen. Secretions from the two types of accessory glands then flow into the ejaculatory duct, which is highly muscular, with epithelial cells rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and lined with a thick, deeply invaginated cuticle. While there are some notable differences, reproductive accessory glands of male Q-flies generally resemble those of the olive fruitfly, Bactrocera oleae, and to a lesser extent the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preethi Radhakrishnan
- Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wolfner MF. Battle and ballet: molecular interactions between the sexes in Drosophila. J Hered 2009; 100:399-410. [PMID: 19349638 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esp013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Varied and fascinating interactions occur between males and females to lead to the production of progeny. Interactions between the sexes continue even after the act of mating-but at the molecular and cellular level instead of between individual animals. Molecules transferred from males to females during mating (via the seminal fluid) exert potent effects on females' physiology and (at least in some animals) on behavior. Taking advantage of genetic, genomic, and biochemical tools for Drosophila, we investigate molecular interactions that underlie this form of chemical communication. Recent data show that molecules and cells from both sexes participate in this "ballet," facilitating the mutually beneficial outcome of increased progeny production. Examples to be presented include the storage and utilization of sperm in the mated female, and a proteolytic pathway that begins in the male but ends in the female and involves both male and female contributions. Despite the joint benefit of increased progeny production, the "interests" of the mating male can differ from those of his mate. Over evolutionary time this disconnect can, in theory, precipitate a "battle" between the sexes, potentially leading to the rapid sequence changes that have been observed for some seminal proteins across species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, 423 Biotechnology Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Parthasarathy R, Tan A, Sun Z, Chen Z, Rankin M, Palli SR. Juvenile hormone regulation of male accessory gland activity in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Mech Dev 2009; 126:563-79. [PMID: 19324087 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2009.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2008] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Male accessory gland proteins (Acps) act as key modulators of reproductive success in insects by influencing the female reproductive physiology and behavior. We used custom microarrays and identified 112 genes that were highly expressed in male accessory glands (MAG) in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Out of these 112 identified genes, 59 of them contained sequences coding for signal peptide and cleavage site and the remaining 53 contained transmembrane domains. The expression of 14 of these genes in the MAG but not in other tissues of male or female was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. In virgin males, juvenile hormone (JH) levels increased from second day post adult emergence (PAE), remained high on third day PAE and declined on fourth day PAE. The ecdysteroid titers were high soon after adult emergence but declined to minimal levels from 1 to 5 days PAE. Feeding of juvenile hormone analog, hydroprene, but not the ecdysteroid analog, RH-2485, showed an increase in size of MAGs, as well as an increase in total RNA and protein content of MAG. Hydroprene treatment also increased the expression of Acp genes in the MAG. RNAi-mediated knock-down in the expression of JHAMT gene decreased the size of MAGs and expression of Acps. JH deficiency influenced male reproductive fitness as evidenced by a less vigor in mating behavior, poor sperm transfer, low egg and the progeny production by females mated with the JH deficient males. These data suggest a critical role for JH in the regulation of male reproduction especially through MAG secretions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Parthasarathy
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Prokupek A, Hoffmann F, Eyun SI, Moriyama E, Zhou M, Harshman L. An evolutionary expressed sequence tag analysis of Drosophila spermatheca genes. Evolution 2008; 62:2936-47. [PMID: 18752616 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2008.00493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates genes enriched for expression in the spermatheca, the long-term sperm storage organ (SSO) of female Drosophila. SSO genes are likely to play an important role in processes of sexual selection such as sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Although there is keen interest in the mechanisms of sexual selection at the molecular level, very little is known about the female genes that are involved. In the present study, a high proportion of genes enriched for expression in the spermatheca are evolving rapidly. Most of the rapidly evolving genes are proteases and genes of unknown function that could play a specialized role in the spermatheca. A high percentage of the rapidly evolving genes have secretion signals and thus could encode proteins that directly interact with ejaculate proteins and coevolve with them. In addition to identifying rapidly evolving genes, the present study documents categories of genes that could play a role in spermatheca function such as storing, maintaining, and utilizing sperm. In general, candidate genes discovered in this study could play a key role in sperm competition, cryptic female choice of sperm, and sexually antagonistic coevolution, and ultimately speciation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrianne Prokupek
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ram KR, Wolfner MF. Sustained post-mating response in Drosophila melanogaster requires multiple seminal fluid proteins. PLoS Genet 2008; 3:e238. [PMID: 18085830 PMCID: PMC2134937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0030238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful reproduction is critical to pass genes to the next generation. Seminal proteins contribute to important reproductive processes that lead to fertilization in species ranging from insects to mammals. In Drosophila, the male's accessory gland is a source of seminal fluid proteins that affect the reproductive output of males and females by altering female post-mating behavior and physiology. Protein classes found in the seminal fluid of Drosophila are similar to those of other organisms, including mammals. By using RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down levels of individual accessory gland proteins (Acps), we investigated the role of 25 Acps in mediating three post-mating female responses: egg production, receptivity to remating and storage of sperm. We detected roles for five Acps in these post-mating responses. CG33943 is required for full stimulation of egg production on the first day after mating. Four other Acps (CG1652, CG1656, CG17575, and CG9997) appear to modulate the long-term response, which is the maintenance of post-mating behavior and physiological changes. The long-term post-mating response requires presence of sperm in storage and, until now, had been known to require only a single Acp. Here, we discovered several novel Acps together are required which together are required for sustained egg production, reduction in receptivity to remating of the mated female and for promotion of stored sperm release from the seminal receptacle. Our results also show that members of conserved protein classes found in seminal plasma from insects to mammals are essential for important reproductive processes. In sexually reproducing organisms, sperm enter the female in combination with seminal proteins that are critical for fertility. These proteins can activate sperm or enhance sperm storage within the female, and can improve the chance that sperm will fertilize eggs. Understanding the action of seminal proteins has potential utility in insect pest control and in the diagnosis of certain human infertilities. However, the precise function of very few seminal proteins is known. To address this, we knocked down the levels of 25 seminal proteins individually in male fruit flies, and tested the males' abilities to modulate egg production, sperm storage/release, or behavior of their mates. We found five seminal proteins that are necessary to elevate offspring production in mated females. Four of these proteins are needed for efficient release of sperm from storage to fertilize eggs, a function that had not been previously assigned to any seminal protein. All four are in biochemical classes that are conserved in seminal fluid from insects to humans, suggesting they may play similar sperm-related roles in other animals. In addition to assigning functions to particular seminal proteins, our results suggest that fruit flies can serve as a model with which to dissect the functions of conserved protein classes in seminal fluid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. Ravi Ram
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gomulski LM, Dimopoulos G, Xi Z, Soares MB, Bonaldo MF, Malacrida AR, Gasperi G. Gene discovery in an invasive tephritid model pest species, the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:243. [PMID: 18500975 PMCID: PMC2427042 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The medfly, Ceratitis capitata, is a highly invasive agricultural pest that has become a model insect for the development of biological control programs. Despite research into the behavior and classical and population genetics of this organism, the quantity of sequence data available is limited. We have utilized an expressed sequence tag (EST) approach to obtain detailed information on transcriptome signatures that relate to a variety of physiological systems in the medfly; this information emphasizes on reproduction, sex determination, and chemosensory perception, since the study was based on normalized cDNA libraries from embryos and adult heads. Results A total of 21,253 high-quality ESTs were obtained from the embryo and head libraries. Clustering analyses performed separately for each library resulted in 5201 embryo and 6684 head transcripts. Considering an estimated 19% overlap in the transcriptomes of the two libraries, they represent about 9614 unique transcripts involved in a wide range of biological processes and molecular functions. Of particular interest are the sequences that share homology with Drosophila genes involved in sex determination, olfaction, and reproductive behavior. The medfly transformer2 (tra2) homolog was identified among the embryonic sequences, and its genomic organization and expression were characterized. Conclusion The sequences obtained in this study represent the first major dataset of expressed genes in a tephritid species of agricultural importance. This resource provides essential information to support the investigation of numerous questions regarding the biology of the medfly and other related species and also constitutes an invaluable tool for the annotation of complete genome sequences. Our study has revealed intriguing findings regarding the transcript regulation of tra2 and other sex determination genes, as well as insights into the comparative genomics of genes implicated in chemosensory reception and reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludvik M Gomulski
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 9, Pavia 27100, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Intra J, Cenni F, Pavesi G, Pasini M, Perotti ME. Interspecific analysis of the glycosidases of the sperm plasma membrane inDrosophila. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 76:85-100. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
47
|
Sirot LK, Poulson RL, McKenna MC, Girnary H, Wolfner MF, Harrington LC. Identity and transfer of male reproductive gland proteins of the dengue vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti: potential tools for control of female feeding and reproduction. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 38:176-89. [PMID: 18207079 PMCID: PMC2758040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2007.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2007] [Revised: 10/13/2007] [Accepted: 10/16/2007] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Male reproductive gland proteins (mRGPs) impact the physiology and/or behavior of mated females in a broad range of organisms. We sought to identify mRGPs of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue and yellow fever viruses. Earlier studies with Ae. aegypti demonstrated that "matrone" (a partially purified male reproductive accessory gland substance) or male accessory gland fluid injected into virgin female Ae. aegypti affect female sexual refractoriness, blood feeding and digestion, flight, ovarian development, and oviposition. Using bioinformatic comparisons to Drosophila melanogaster accessory gland proteins and mass spectrometry of proteins from Ae. aegypti male accessory glands and ejaculatory ducts (AG/ED) and female reproductive tracts, we identified 63 new putative Ae. aegypti mRGPs. Twenty-one of these proteins were found in the reproductive tract of mated females but not of virgin females suggesting that they are transferred from males to females during mating. Most of the putative mRGPs fall into the same protein classes as mRGPs in other organisms, although some appear to be evolving rapidly and lack identifiable homologs in Culex pipiens, Anopheles gambiae, and D. melanogaster. Our results identify candidate male-derived molecules that may have an important influence on behavior, survival, and reproduction of female mosquitoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Sirot
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University,
Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | | | | | - Hussein Girnary
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853,
USA
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University,
Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Snook RR, Chapman T, Moore PJ, Wedell N, Crudgington HS. Interactions between the sexes: new perspectives on sexual selection and reproductive isolation. Evol Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-007-9215-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
49
|
Dottorini T, Nicolaides L, Ranson H, Rogers DW, Crisanti A, Catteruccia F. A genome-wide analysis in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes reveals 46 male accessory gland genes, possible modulators of female behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:16215-20. [PMID: 17901209 PMCID: PMC2042187 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0703904104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The male accessory glands (MAGs) of many insect species produce and secrete a number of reproductive proteins collectively named Acps. These proteins, many of which are rapidly evolving, are essential for male fertility and represent formidable modulators of female postmating behavior. Upon copulation, the transfer of Acps has been shown in Drosophila and other insects to trigger profound physiological and behavioral changes in females, including enhanced ovulation/oviposition and reduced mating receptivity. In Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, the principal vectors of human malaria, experimental evidence clearly demonstrates a key role of MAG products in inducing female responses. However, no Acp has been experimentally identified to date in this or in any other mosquito species. In this study we report on the identification of 46 MAG genes from An. gambiae, 25 of which are male reproductive tract-specific. This was achieved through a combination of bioinformatics searches and manual annotation confirmed by transcriptional profiling. Among these genes are the homologues of 40% of the Drosophila Acps analyzed, including Acp70A, or sex peptide, which in the fruit fly is the principal modulator of female postmating behavior. Although many Anopheles Acps belong to the same functional classes reported for Drosophila, suggesting a conserved role for these proteins in mosquitoes, some represent novel lineage-specific Acps that may have evolved to perform functions relevant to Anopheles reproductive behavior. Our findings imply that the molecular basis of Anopheles female postmating responses can now be studied, opening novel avenues for the field control of these important vectors of human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dottorini
- *Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; and
| | - Lietta Nicolaides
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary Ranson
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Rogers
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Radhakrishnan P, Taylor PW. Seminal fluids mediate sexual inhibition and short copula duration in mated female Queensland fruit flies. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2007; 53:741-5. [PMID: 17187820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2006.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2006] [Revised: 10/23/2006] [Accepted: 10/24/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Molecules in male seminal fluid transferred to female insects during mating can have potent effects on their subsequent sexual and reproductive behaviour. Like many other tephritids, female Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni) typically have diminished sexual receptivity after their first mating. Also, copulations of females that do remate tend to be shorter than those of virgins. We here find that virgin females injected with small doses (0.1, 0.2 or 0.5 male equivalents) of extracts from the male reproductive tract accessory tissues, which consist of male accessory glands, ejaculatory apodeme and ejaculatory duct (AG/EA/ED), have diminished receptivity and short copula duration very similar to naturally mated females. In contrast, virgin females injected with saline or with high doses of AG/EA/ED (1 or 2 male equivalents) that likely exceed the range of natural variation retain the higher levels of sexual receptivity and longer copulations of un-injected virgins. We conclude that reduced sexual receptivity and shorter copulations of mated female Q-flies are mediated by products in the male seminal fluid derived from the male reproductive tract accessory tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preethi Radhakrishnan
- Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|