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Huang T, Zhong S, Sun J, Shen D, Zhang X, Zhao Q. Whole transcriptome analysis identifies differentially expressed mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA associated with male sterility in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101280. [PMID: 38964195 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Insect sterility technology is gradually being applied to the control of lepidoptera pests, and the target gene for male sterility is the core of this technology. JMS is a mutant silkworm that exhibits male sterility, and to elucidate its formation mechanism, this study conducted a full transcriptome analysis of the testes of JMS and its wild-type silkworms 48 h after pupation, identifying 205 DElncRNAs, 913 mRNAs, and 92 DEmiRNAs. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the DEmRNAs revealed that they were involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids and ECM-receptor interactions. Combined with ceRNA regulatory network KEGG analysis suggests that pathways from amino acid biosynthesis to hydrolytic processes of protein synthesis may play a crucial role in the formation of JMS mutant variants. Our study deepens our understanding of the regulatory network of male sterility genes in silkworms; it also provides a new perspective for insect sterility technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Huang
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
| | - Shanshan Zhong
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
| | - Juan Sun
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Dongxu Shen
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhao
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
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Mahalle RM, Mota-Sanchez D, Pittendrigh BR, Kim YH, Seong KM. miRNA Dynamics for Pest Management: Implications in Insecticide Resistance. INSECTS 2024; 15:238. [PMID: 38667368 PMCID: PMC11049821 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Utilizing chemical agents in pest management in modern agricultural practices has been the predominant approach since the advent of synthetic insecticides. However, insecticide resistance is an emerging issue, as pest populations evolve to survive exposure to chemicals that were once effective in controlling them, underlining the need for advanced and innovative approaches to managing pests. In insects, microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as key regulators of a wide range of biological functions, characterized by their dynamic expression patterns and the ability to target genes. Recent studies are increasingly attributed to the significance of miRNAs in contributing to the evolution of insecticide resistance in numerous insect species. Abundant miRNAs have been discovered in insects using RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis and are known to play vital roles in regulation at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Globally, there is growing research interest in the characterization and application of miRNAs, especially for their potential role in managing insecticide resistance. This review focuses on how miRNAs contribute to regulating insecticide resistance across various insect species. Furthermore, we discuss the gain and loss of functions of miRNAs and the techniques for delivering miRNAs into the insect system. The review emphasizes the application of miRNA-based strategies to studying their role in diminishing insecticide resistance, offering a more efficient and lasting approach to insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Manohar Mahalle
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
| | - David Mota-Sanchez
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | | | - Young Ho Kim
- Department of Ecological Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea;
| | - Keon Mook Seong
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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Seth RK, Yadav P, Reynolds SE. Dichotomous sperm in Lepidopteran insects: a biorational target for pest management. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1198252. [PMID: 38469506 PMCID: PMC10926456 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1198252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Lepidoptera are unusual in possessing two distinct kinds of sperm, regular nucleated (eupyrene) sperm and anucleate (apyrene) sperm ('parasperm'). Sperm of both types are transferred to the female and are required for male fertility. Apyrene sperm play 'helper' roles, assisting eupyrene sperm to gain access to unfertilized eggs and influencing the reproductive behavior of mated female moths. Sperm development and behavior are promising targets for environmentally safer, target-specific biorational control strategies in lepidopteran pest insects. Sperm dimorphism provides a wide window in which to manipulate sperm functionality and dynamics, thereby impairing the reproductive fitness of pest species. Opportunities to interfere with spermatozoa are available not only while sperm are still in the male (before copulation), but also in the female (after copulation, when sperm are still in the male-provided spermatophore, or during storage in the female's spermatheca). Biomolecular technologies like RNAi, miRNAs and CRISPR-Cas9 are promising strategies to achieve lepidopteran pest control by targeting genes directly or indirectly involved in dichotomous sperm production, function, or persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh K. Seth
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Priya Yadav
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Stuart E. Reynolds
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Premachandran K, Srinivasan TS. A brief review on oryzacystatin: a potent phytocystatin for crop management. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1799-1807. [PMID: 36471210 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phytocystatins are a type of proteinase inhibitor which are extensively studied for their specific inhibitory action against cysteine protease enzymes (CP) of insects and pathogens. Oryzacystatins (OC), a phytocystatin from rice inhibits CP in a reversible manner with its conserved tripartite wedge. OCs have important role in plant innate defense mechanism through phytohormonal signalling pathways. OC are induced in response to both biotic and abiotic stress conditions and are used to develop transgenic plants exhibiting resistance against stress conditions. In this review, we focus on the structure and mechanism of action of oryzacystatins, their possible role in plant physiology, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance mechanism in plants and their potential application strategies for future crop management studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnamanikumar Premachandran
- Centre for Climate Change Studies, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Thanga Suja Srinivasan
- Centre for Climate Change Studies, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India.
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Adaptation of Helicoverpa armigera to Soybean Peptidase Inhibitors Is Associated with the Transgenerational Upregulation of Serine Peptidases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214301. [PMID: 36430785 PMCID: PMC9693090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular phenotypes induced by environmental stimuli can be transmitted to offspring through epigenetic inheritance. Using transcriptome profiling, we show that the adaptation of Helicoverpa armigera larvae to soybean peptidase inhibitors (SPIs) is associated with large-scale gene expression changes including the upregulation of genes encoding serine peptidases in the digestive system. Furthermore, approximately 60% of the gene expression changes induced by SPIs persisted in the next generation of larvae fed on SPI-free diets including genes encoding regulatory, oxidoreductase, and protease functions. To investigate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating SPI adaptation, the methylome of the digestive system of first-generation larvae (fed on a diet with and without SPIs) and of the progeny of larvae exposed to SPIs were characterized. A comparative analysis between RNA-seq and Methyl-seq data did not show a direct relationship between differentially methylated and differentially expressed genes, while trypsin and chymotrypsin genes were unmethylated in all treatments. Rather, DNA methylation potential epialleles were associated with transcriptional and translational controls; these may play a regulatory role in the adaptation of H. armigera to SPIs. Altogether, our findings provided insight into the mechanisms of insect adaptation to plant antiherbivore defense proteins and illustrated how large-scale transcriptional reprograming of insect genes can be transmitted across generations.
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Pandey A, Yadav R, Sanyal I. Evaluating the pesticidal impact of plant protease inhibitors: lethal weaponry in the co-evolutionary battle. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:855-868. [PMID: 34570437 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the arsenal of plant defense, protease inhibitors (PIs) are well-designed defensive products to counter field pests. PIs are produced in plant tissues by means of 'stable defense metabolite' and triggered on demand as the perception of the signal and well established as a part of plant active defense. PIs have been utilized for approximately four decades, initially as a gene-alone approach that was later replaced by multiple gene pyramiding/gene stacking due to insect adaptability towards the PI alone. By considering the adaptive responses of the pest to the single insecticidal gene, the concept of gene pyramiding gained continuous appreciation for the development of transgenic crops to deal with co-evolving pests. Gene pyramiding approaches are executed to bypass the insect's adaptive responses against PIs. Stacking PIs with additional insecticidal proteins, plastid engineering, recombinant proteinase inhibitors, RNAi-based methods and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing are the advanced tools and methods for next-generation pest management. Undoubtedly, the domain associated with the mechanism of PIs in the course of plant-pest interactions will occupy a central role for the advancement of more efficient and sustainable pest control strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankesh Pandey
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Reena Yadav
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Indraneel Sanyal
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Núñez-Acuña G, Valenzuela-Muñoz V, Carrera-Naipil C, Sáez-Vera C, Benavente BP, Valenzuela-Miranda D, Gallardo-Escárate C. Trypsin Genes Are Regulated through the miRNA Bantam and Associated with Drug Sensitivity in the Sea Louse Caligus rogercresseyi. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:76. [PMID: 34940757 PMCID: PMC8703358 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of trypsin genes in pharmacological sensitivity has been described in numerous arthropod species, including the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi. This ectoparasite species is mainly controlled by xenobiotic drugs in Atlantic salmon farming. However, the post-transcriptional regulation of trypsin genes and the molecular components involved in drug response remain unclear. In particular, the miRNA bantam family has previously been associated with drug response in arthropods and is also found in C. rogercresseyi, showing a high diversity of isomiRs. This study aimed to uncover molecular interactions among trypsin genes and bantam miRNAs in the sea louse C. rogercresseyi in response to delousing drugs. Herein, putative mRNA/miRNA sequences were identified and localized in the C. rogercresseyi genome through genome mapping and blast analyses. Expression analyses were obtained from the mRNA transcriptome and small-RNA libraries from groups with differential sensitivity to three drugs used as anti-sea lice agents: azamethiphos, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin. The validation was conducted by qPCR analyses and luciferase assay of selected bantam and trypsin genes identified from in silico transcript prediction. A total of 60 trypsin genes were identified in the C. rogercresseyi genome, and 39 bantam miRNAs were differentially expressed in response to drug exposure. Notably, expression analyses and correlation among values obtained from trypsin and bantam revealed an opposite trend and potential binding sites with significant ΔG values. The luciferase assay showed a reduction of around 50% in the expression levels of the trypsin 2-like gene, which could imply that this gene is a potential target for bantam. The role of trypsin genes and bantam miRNAs in the pharmacological sensitivity of sea lice and the use of miRNAs as potential markers in these parasites are discussed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Núñez-Acuña
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile; (V.V.-M.); (C.C.-N.); (C.S.-V.); (B.P.B.); (D.V.-M.); (C.G.-E.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
| | - Valentina Valenzuela-Muñoz
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile; (V.V.-M.); (C.C.-N.); (C.S.-V.); (B.P.B.); (D.V.-M.); (C.G.-E.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
| | - Crisleri Carrera-Naipil
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile; (V.V.-M.); (C.C.-N.); (C.S.-V.); (B.P.B.); (D.V.-M.); (C.G.-E.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
| | - Constanza Sáez-Vera
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile; (V.V.-M.); (C.C.-N.); (C.S.-V.); (B.P.B.); (D.V.-M.); (C.G.-E.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
| | - Bárbara P. Benavente
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile; (V.V.-M.); (C.C.-N.); (C.S.-V.); (B.P.B.); (D.V.-M.); (C.G.-E.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
| | - Diego Valenzuela-Miranda
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile; (V.V.-M.); (C.C.-N.); (C.S.-V.); (B.P.B.); (D.V.-M.); (C.G.-E.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
| | - Cristian Gallardo-Escárate
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile; (V.V.-M.); (C.C.-N.); (C.S.-V.); (B.P.B.); (D.V.-M.); (C.G.-E.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
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Wang X, Zhang T, Xie H, Wang Z, Jing D, He K, Gao X. Phenotypic responses and potential genetic mechanism of lepidopteran insects under exposure to graphene oxide. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:113008. [PMID: 34808504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Clarification of the interactions between engineered nanomaterials and multiple generations of insects is crucial to understanding the impact of nanotechnology on the environment and agriculture, particularly in toxicity management, pest management and genetic engineering. To date, there has been very limited information about nanoparticle-insect interactions at the genetic and proteomic levels. Here, we examined the phenotypic responses and potential mechanism of a lepidopteran insect Asian corn borer (ACB) to graphene oxide (GO). It was demonstrated that GO could significantly promote the growth of ACB. The transcriptomic and proteomic results consistently verified that GO might activate trypsin-like serine protease, glutathione S-transferase, heat shock protein and glycosyltransferase to further influence the development of ACB. RNA interference results indicated that the trypsin gene was one of the critical genes to accelerate the growth of ACB fed with GO diet. Moreover, physiological analysis showed potential alterations of the expression levels of genes and proteins, and more cholesterol (CE), triacylglycerides (TG) and lipids were accumulated in GO-exposed ACB. Our findings may help to reveal the phenotypic, physiological and genetic responses of insects under exposure to nanomaterials and to assess the environmental risks of other nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China; Analysis and Testing Center, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, PR China
| | - Tiantao Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Haicui Xie
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, PR China
| | - Zhenying Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Dapeng Jing
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Kanglai He
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiaoduo Gao
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, PR China
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Vatanparast M, Kazzazi M, Sajjadian SM, Park Y. Knockdown of Helicoverpa armigera protease genes affects its growth and mortality via RNA interference. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 108:e21840. [PMID: 34569086 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the cotton bollworm, is a destructive pest which is famous for its resistance to a variety of insecticides. RNA interference is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism that has become a popular tool to control insect pests, triggered by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). The effect of ingestion and injection delivery methods of dsRNA related to some protease genes including Trypsin (Ha-TRY39 and Ha-TRY96), Chymotrypsin (Ha-CHY), and Cathepsin L (Ha-CAT) on growth and development of H. armigera was investigated in this study. All protease genes encoded full ORFs and were expressed in all H. armigera larvae stages and tissues. In both injection and feeding bioassays, Ha-RNAi CHY's performance outperformed that of other protease genes. CHY enzyme activity in the midgut of larvae was significantly reduced after treatment with ds-HaCHY. Oral administration of ds-CHY also resulted in significant mortality of H. armigera larvae. However, because of the high RNase activity in the midgut lumen of lepidoptera, a large amount of dsRNA was needed to effectively kill instars of H. armigera. To reduce dsRNA degradation, bacterial expression and dsRNA formulation were used. After oral administration, it was toxic to H. armigera larvae. Before oral administration, bacterial cells were sonicated to increase dsRNA release. The RNA interference efficiency of sonicated bacteria was significantly increased, resulting in higher larval mortality when administered orally. All of these findings point to Ha-CHY as a new candidate for developing an effective dsRNA-based pesticide for H. armigera control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Vatanparast
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Shahid Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, Hamedan, Iran
- Department of Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
| | - Majid Kazzazi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Shahid Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Minoo Sajjadian
- Department of Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Youngjin Park
- Department of Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
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Zhang Q, Dou W, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Wang JJ. Regulatory roles of microRNAs in insect pests: prospective targets for insect pest control. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 70:158-166. [PMID: 34090114 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
At the post-transcriptional level, microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of gene expression, thereby influencing the outcome of many biological processes in insects, such as development, reproduction, metamorphosis, immunity, and insecticide resistance. The alteration of miRNA expression by mimic/agomir or inhibitor/antagomir via injection/feeding can lead to pest developmental abnormalities, death, or reduced pesticide resistance, indicating that miRNAs are potential targets for pest control. This review provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the regulatory roles of miRNA in agricultural and public health insect pest, and further highlights the potential of miRNAs as prospective targets in pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing 400715, China
| | | | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing 400715, China; Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control between Southwest University in China and Ghent University in Belgium, Chongqing 400715, China.
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11
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Zou XP, Lin YG, Cen YJ, Ma K, Qiu BB, Feng QL, Zheng SC. Analyses of microRNAs and transcriptomes in the midgut of Spodoptera litura feeding on Brassica juncea. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:533-547. [PMID: 32166878 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Spodoptera litura is a destructive agricultural pest in tropical and subtropical areas. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of S. litura adaptation to its preferred host plants may help identify target genes useful for pest control. We used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the expression patterns of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the midgut of S. litura fed on Brassica juncea for 6 h and 48 h. A total of 108 known and 134 novel miRNAs were identified, 29 miRNAs and 237 mRNAs were differentially expressed at 6 h of B. juncea feeding, 26 miRNAs and 433 mRNAs were differentially expressed at 48 h. For the mRNAs, the up-regulated genes were mostly enriched in detoxification enzymes (cytochrome P450, esterase, glutathione S-transferase, uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase), while the down-regulated genes were mostly enriched in proteinases and immune-related genes. Furthermore, most detoxification enzymes begin to up-regulate at 6 h, while most digestion and immune-related genes begin to up- or down-regulate at 48 h. Eighteen and 37 differently expressed transcription factors were identified at 6 h and 48 h, which may regulate the functional genes. We acquired 136 and 41 miRNA versus mRNA pairs at 6 h and 48 h, respectively. Some down-regulated and up-regulated miRNAs were predicted to target detoxification enzymes and proteinases, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of nine randomly selected miRNAs and 28 genes confirmed the results of RNA-seq. This analyses of miRNA and mRNA transcriptomes provides useful information about the molecular mechanisms of S. litura response to B. juncea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Peng Zou
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Guang Lin
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jie Cen
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kang Ma
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin-Bin Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Li Feng
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Chun Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Cao Y, Tian R, Jiao Y, Zheng Z, Wang Q, Deng Y, Du X. Novel nicotinic acetylcholine receptor involved in immune regulation in pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 252:110512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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13
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Cui Y, Wan H, Zhang X. miRNA in food simultaneously controls animal viral disease and human tumorigenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 23:995-1006. [PMID: 33614246 PMCID: PMC7868940 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During virus infection in animals, the virus completes its life cycle in a host cell. A virus infection results in the metabolic deregulation of its host and leads to metabolic disorders, ultimately paving the way for cancer progression. Because metabolic disorders in virus infections occurring in animal are similar to metabolic disorders in human tumorigenesis, animal antiviral microRNAs (miRNAs), which maintain the metabolic homeostasis of animal cells, in essence, may have anti-tumor activity in humans. However, that issue has not been investigated. In this study, shrimp miR-34, a potential antiviral miRNA of shrimp against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection, was identified. Overexpression of shrimp miR-34 in shrimp fed bacteria expressing miR-34 suppressed WSSV infection by targeting the viral wsv330 and wsv359 genes. Furthermore, the expression of shrimp miR-34 in mice fed miR-34-overexpressing shrimp suppressed breast cancer progression by targeting human CCND1, CDK6, CCNE2, E2F3, FOSL1, and MET genes. Therefore, our study suggests that the miRNAs in food could be an effective strategy for synchronously controlling viral diseases of economic animals and cancers in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalei Cui
- College of Life Sciences and Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Wan
- College of Life Sciences and Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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14
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Luo W, Huang LX, Qin SK, Zhang X, Feng QL, Gu J, Huang LH. Multiple microRNAs control ecdysone signaling in the midgut of Spodoptera litura. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:1208-1223. [PMID: 31840397 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metamorphosis is one of the most important physiological processes in insects. It is regulated by a serial of ecdysone cascade genes. Recently, lots of microRNAs (miRNAs) were investigated in insects; however, their function in metamorphosis is largely unknown. In the present study, the dynamics of a small RNA population was investigated by RNA sequencing from the midgut of a lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura during larval-pupal metamorphosis. A total of 101 miRNAs were identified, and 75 miRNAs were differentially expressed during the metamorphic process. The relationship between these differentially expressed miRNAs and 12 ecdysone cascade genes was analyzed by four classical software programs, and a multiple-to-multiple regulatory network was found to exist between these miRNAs and their targets. Among them, miR-14-3p and its two targets (EcR and E75) were chosen for further validation. MiR-14-3p had higher expression level in the 6th instar larvae as compared with either the prepupae or pupae, which was opposite to that of both EcR and E75, two ecdysone cascade genes. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that both EcR and E75 were regulated by miR-14-3p. Interestingly, the 3' untranslated regions are nearly identical to each other among different transcript variants of the ecdysone cascade genes, including EcR, USP, E75, E74, E78, E93, Hr3, Hr4, Hr39, Krh1 and Ftzf1. Thus, different transcript variants of one ecdysone cascade gene could be regulated by the same miRNA. The above data suggest that the ecdysone signaling pathway is under the tight control of miRNA. These findings expand our understanding of the mechanism of insect metamorphosis and may also provide a novel possibility for the control of pest insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Xia Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Application of Plant-Cancer Active Ingredients, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang-Kang Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Li Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hua Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Ma L, Liu L, Zhao Y, Yang L, Chen C, Li Z, Lu Z. JNK pathway plays a key role in the immune system of the pea aphid and is regulated by microRNA-184. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008627. [PMID: 32584915 PMCID: PMC7343183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Different from holometabolous insects, the hemipteran species such as pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum exhibit reduced immune responses with the absence of the genes coding for antimicrobial peptide (AMP), immune deficiency (IMD), peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), and other immune-related molecules. Prior studies have proved that phenoloxidase (PO)-mediated melanization, hemocyte-mediated phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) participate in pea aphid defense against bacterial infection. Also, the conserved signaling, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, has been suggested to be involved in pea aphid immune defense. However, the precise role of the JNK signaling, its interplay with other immune responses and its regulation in pea aphid are largely unknown. In this study, using in vitro biochemical assays and in vivo bioassays, we demonstrated that the JNK pathway regulated hemolymph PO activity, hydrogen peroxide concentration and hemocyte phagocytosis in bacteria infected pea aphids, suggesting that the JNK pathway plays a central role in regulating immune responses in pea aphid. We further revealed the JNK pathway is regulated by microRNA-184 in response to bacterial infection. It is possible that in common the JNK pathway plays a key role in immune system of hemipteran insects and microRNA-184 regulates the JNK pathway in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Caihua Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhaofei Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Song J, Zhou S. Post-transcriptional regulation of insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1893-1909. [PMID: 31724082 PMCID: PMC11105025 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metamorphic transformation from larvae to adults along with the high fecundity is key to insect success. Insect metamorphosis and reproduction are governed by two critical endocrines, juvenile hormone (JH), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Recent studies have established a crucial role of microRNA (miRNA) in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. While miRNAs target genes involved in JH and 20E-signaling pathways, these two hormones reciprocally regulate miRNA expression, forming regulatory loops of miRNA with JH and 20E-signaling cascades. Insect metamorphosis and oogenesis rely on the coordination of hormones, cognate genes, and miRNAs for precise regulation. In addition, the alternative splicing of genes in JH and 20E-signaling pathways has distinct functions in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We, therefore, focus in this review on recent advances in post-transcriptional regulation, with the emphasis on the regulatory role of miRNA and alternative splicing, in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We will highlight important new findings of miRNA interactions with hormonal signaling and alternative splicing of JH receptor heterodimer gene Taiman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Song
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
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17
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Singh S, Singh A, Kumar S, Mittal P, Singh IK. Protease inhibitors: recent advancement in its usage as a potential biocontrol agent for insect pest management. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:186-201. [PMID: 30230264 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant-derived protease inhibitors (PIs) are a promising defensin for crop improvement and insect pest management. Although agronomist made significant efforts in utilizing PIs for managing insect pests, the potentials of PIs are still obscured. Insect ability to compensate nutrient starvation induced by dietary PI feeding using different strategies, that is, overexpression of PI-sensitive protease, expression of PI-insensitive proteases, degradation of PI, has made this innumerable collection of PIs worthless. A practical challenge for agronomist is to identify potent PI candidates, to limit insect compensatory responses and to elucidate insect compensatory and resistance mechanisms activated upon herbivory. This knowledge could be further efficiently utilized to identify potential targets for RNAi-mediated pest control. These vital genes of insects could be functionally annotated using the advanced gene-editing technique, CRISPR/Cas9. Contemporary research is exploiting different in silico and modern molecular biology techniques to utilize PIs in controlling insect pests efficiently. This review is structured to update recent advancements in this field, along with its chronological background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujata Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Botany, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sumit Kumar
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
| | - Indrakant K Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
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18
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Rahimpour H, Moharramipour S, Asgari S, Mehrabadi M. The microRNA pathway core genes are differentially expressed during the development of Helicoverpa armigera and contribute in the insect's development. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 110:121-127. [PMID: 31121322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18-25 nt) that are produced by all animals and plants as well as some viruses. Their roles have been revealed in many physiological processes including development, cancer, immunity, apoptosis and, host-microbe interactions through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In this study, we predicted, characterized and transcriptionally analyzed the core miRNA pathway genes in Helicoverpa armigera. Our results showed that the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway genes including Pasha, Drosha, Loquacious, Exportin-5, Dicer-1 and Argonaute-1 are differentially expressed in different tissues and during the development of this insect. Considering the essential role of Dicer-1 in this pathway, we used RNA interference to silence the expression of this gene in H. armigera. Silencing of Dicer-1 decreased the levels of cellular miRNAs, let-7 and miR-184. Together, our results showed that the miRNA pathway functions during the development of H. armigera, and silencing of Dicer-1 resulted in the miRNA pathway blockage and depletion of the miRNA contents leading to mortalities in the immature stage and abnormalities in the mature stage. Blockage of this pathway can therefore be considered in future attempts for interrupting/suppressing populations of this important crop pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Rahimpour
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Moharramipour
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sassan Asgari
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mehrabadi
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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19
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The presence of extracellular microRNAs in the media of cultured Drosophila cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17312. [PMID: 30470777 PMCID: PMC6251921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
While regulatory RNA pathways, such as RNAi, have commonly been described at an intracellular level, studies investigating extracellular RNA species in insects are lacking. In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) in the cell-free conditioned media of two Drosophila cell lines. More specifically, by means of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we analysed the presence of twelve miRNAs in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and in extracellular Argonaute-1 containing immunoprecipitates, obtained from the cell-free conditioned media of S2 and Cl.8 cell cultures. Next-generation RNA-sequencing data confirmed our qRT-PCR results and provided evidence for selective miRNA secretion in EVs. To our knowledge, this is the first time that miRNAs have been identified in the extracellular medium of cultured cells derived from insects, the most speciose group of animals.
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20
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Monsanto-Hearne V, Johnson KN. miRNAs in Insects Infected by Animal and Plant Viruses. Viruses 2018; 10:E354. [PMID: 29970868 PMCID: PMC6071220 DOI: 10.3390/v10070354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses vectored by insects cause severe medical and agricultural burdens. The process of virus infection of insects regulates and is regulated by a complex interplay of biomolecules including the small, non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs). Considered an anomaly upon its discovery only around 25 years ago, miRNAs as a class have challenged the molecular central dogma which essentially typifies RNAs as just intermediaries in the flow of information from DNA to protein. miRNAs are now known to be common modulators or fine-tuners of gene expression. While recent years has seen an increased emphasis on understanding the role of miRNAs in host-virus associations, existing literature on the interaction between insects and their arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) is largely restricted to miRNA abundance profiling. Here we analyse the commonalities and contrasts between miRNA abundance profiles with different host-arbovirus combinations and outline a suggested pipeline and criteria for functional analysis of the contribution of miRNAs to the insect vector-virus interaction. Finally, we discuss the potential use of the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, in complementing research on the role of miRNAs in insect vector-virus interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna Monsanto-Hearne
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
| | - Karyn N Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
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21
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Balan RK, Ramasamy A, Hande RH, Gawande SJ, Krishna Kumar NK. Genome-wide identification, expression profiling, and target gene analysis of microRNAs in the Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), vectors of tospoviruses (Bunyaviridae). Ecol Evol 2018; 8:6399-6419. [PMID: 30038744 PMCID: PMC6053560 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrips tabaci Lindeman is an important polyphagous insect pest species estimated to cause losses of more than U.S. $1 billion worldwide annually. Chemical insecticides are of limited use in the management of T. tabaci due to the thigmokinetic behavior and development of resistance to insecticides. There is an urgent need to find alternative management strategies. Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) especially microRNAs (miRNAs) hold great promise as key regulators of gene expression in a wide range of organisms. MiRNAs are a group of endogenously originated sncRNA known to regulate gene expression in animals, plants, and protozoans. In this study, we explored these RNAs in T. tabaci using deep sequencing to provide a basis for future studies of their biological and physiological roles in governing gene expression. Apart from snoRNAs and piRNAs, our study identified nine novel and 130 known miRNAs from T. tabaci. Functional classification of the targets for these miRNAs predicted that majority are involved in regulating transcription, translation, signal transduction and genetic information processing. The higher expression of few miRNAs (such as tta-miR-281, tta-miR-184, tta-miR-3533, tta-miR-N1, tta-miR-N7, and tta-miR-N9) in T. tabaci pupal and adult stages reflected their possible role in larval and adult development, metamorphosis, parthenogenesis, and reproduction. This is the first exploration of the miRNAome in T. tabaci, which not only provides insights into their possible role in insect metamorphosis, growth, and development but also offer an important resource for future pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebijith K. Balan
- Department of Physiology, Development, and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Asokan Ramasamy
- Division of BiotechnologyICAR‐Indian Institute of Horticultural ResearchBangaloreIndia
| | - Ranjitha H. Hande
- Division of BiotechnologyICAR‐Indian Institute of Horticultural ResearchBangaloreIndia
| | - Suresh J. Gawande
- Crop Protection SectionICAR‐Directorate of Onion and Garlic ResearchPuneIndia
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22
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Pilon FM, Silva CDR, Visôtto LE, Barros RDA, da Silva Júnior NR, Campos WG, de Almeida Oliveira MG. Purification and characterization of trypsin produced by gut bacteria from Anticarsia gemmatalis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 96:e21407. [PMID: 28762531 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Purification of active trypsin in the digestive process of insects is essential for the development of potent protease inhibitors (PIs) as an emerging pest control technology and research into insect adaptations to dietary PIs. An important aspect is the presence of proteolytic microorganisms, which contribute to host nutrition. Here, we purified trypsins produced by bacteria Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus mundtii, Enterococcus gallinarum, and Staphylococcus xylosus isolated from the midgut of Anticarsia gemmatalis. The trypsins had a molecular mass of approximately 25 kDa. The enzymes showed increased activity at 40°C, and they were active at pH values 7.5-10. Aprotinin, bis-benzamidine, and soybean Kunitz inhibitor (SKTI) significantly inhibited trypsin activity. The l-1-tosyl-amido-2-phenylethylchloromethyl ketone (TPCK), pepstatin A, E-64, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, and calcium ions did not affect the enzyme activity at the concentrations tested. We infer the purified trypsins do not require calcium ions, by which they differ from the trypsins of other microorganisms and the soluble and insoluble trypsins characterized from A. gemmatalis. These data suggest the existence of different isoforms of trypsin in the velvetbean caterpillar midguts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciny Martins Pilon
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada a Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila da Rocha Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Viçosa Campus Rio Paranaíba, MG, Brazil
| | - Liliane Evangelista Visôtto
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa Campus Rio Paranaíba, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Almeida Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada a Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Neilier Rodrigues da Silva Júnior
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada a Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Wellington Garcia Campos
- Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas, Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, São João Del Rei, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Goreti de Almeida Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada a Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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23
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Zhu K, Liu M, Fu Z, Zhou Z, Kong Y, Liang H, Lin Z, Luo J, Zheng H, Wan P, Zhang J, Zen K, Chen J, Hu F, Zhang CY, Ren J, Chen X. Plant microRNAs in larval food regulate honeybee caste development. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006946. [PMID: 28859085 PMCID: PMC5578494 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The major environmental determinants of honeybee caste development come from larval nutrients: royal jelly stimulates the differentiation of larvae into queens, whereas beebread leads to worker bee fate. However, these determinants are not fully characterized. Here we report that plant RNAs, particularly miRNAs, which are more enriched in beebread than in royal jelly, delay development and decrease body and ovary size in honeybees, thereby preventing larval differentiation into queens and inducing development into worker bees. Mechanistic studies reveal that amTOR, a stimulatory gene in caste differentiation, is the direct target of miR162a. Interestingly, the same effect also exists in non-social Drosophila. When such plant RNAs and miRNAs are fed to Drosophila larvae, they cause extended developmental times and reductions in body weight and length, ovary size and fecundity. This study identifies an uncharacterized function of plant miRNAs that fine-tunes honeybee caste development, offering hints for understanding cross-kingdom interaction and co-evolution. How caste has formed in honeybees is an enduring puzzle. The prevailing view is that royal jelly stimulates the differentiation of larvae into queen. Here, we uncover a new mechanism that plant miRNAs in worker bee’s food postpone larval development, thereby inducing sterile worker bees. Thus, the theories about honeybee caste formation need to be re-examined from a new angle besides the traditional focus on royal jelly and its components. Furthermore, since miRNAs are transmitted between species of different kingdoms and can contribute to the phenotype regulation, this new model of horizontal miRNA transfer may open up a new avenue to further study the molecular mechanisms underlying cross-kingdom interaction and co-evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheguang Lin
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Luo
- Model Animal Research Center and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Wan
- Model Animal Research Center and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Model Animal Research Center and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Chen-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Jie Ren
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
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Amsel D, Vilcinskas A, Billion A. Evaluation of high-throughput isomiR identification tools: illuminating the early isomiRome of Tribolium castaneum. BMC Bioinformatics 2017; 18:359. [PMID: 28774263 PMCID: PMC5543545 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-017-1772-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs carry out post-transcriptional gene regulation in animals by binding to the 3' untranslated regions of mRNAs, causing their degradation or translational repression. MicroRNAs influence many biological functions, and dysregulation can therefore disrupt development or even cause death. High-throughput sequencing and the mining of animal small RNA data has shown that microRNA genes can yield differentially expressed isoforms, known as isomiRs. Such isoforms are particularly relevant during early development, and the extension or truncation of the 5' end can change the profile of mRNA targets compared to the original mature sequence. We used the publicly available small RNA dataset of the model beetle Tribolium castaneum to create the first comparative isomiRome of early developmental stages in this species. Standard microRNA analysis software does not specifically account for isomiRs. We therefore carried out the first comparative evaluation of the specialized tools isomiRID, isomiR-SEA and miraligner, which can be downloaded for local use and can handle next generation sequencing data. Results We compared the performance of isomiRID, isomiR-SEA and miraligner using simulated Illumina HiSeq2000 and MiSeq data to test the impact of technical errors. We also created artificial microRNA isoforms to determine the effect of biological variants on the performance of each algorithm. We found that isomiRID achieved the best true positive rate among the three algorithms, but only accounted for one mutation at a time. In contrast, miraligner reported all variations simultaneously but with 78% sensitivity, yielding isomiRs with 3' or 5' deletions. Finally, isomiR-SEA achieved a sensitivity of 25–33% when the seed region was mutated or partly deleted, but was the only tool that could accommodate more than one mismatch. Using the best tool, we performed a complete isomiRome analysis of the early developmental stages of T. castaneum. Conclusions Our findings will help researchers to select the most suitable isomiR analysis tools for their experiments. We confirmed the dynamic expression of 3′ non-template isomiRs and expanded the isomiRome by all known isomiR modifications during the early development of T. castaneum. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12859-017-1772-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Amsel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Str. 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Str. 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - André Billion
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Str. 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany
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The Caligus rogercresseyi miRNome: Discovery and transcriptome profiling during the sea lice ontogeny. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aggene.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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26
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Chan SY, Snow JW. Uptake and impact of natural diet-derived small RNA in invertebrates: Implications for ecology and agriculture. RNA Biol 2017; 14:402-414. [PMID: 27763816 PMCID: PMC5411125 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1248329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The putative transfer and gene regulatory activities of diet-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) in ingesting animals are still debated. The existence of natural uptake of diet-derived sRNA by invertebrate species could have significant implication for our understanding of ecological relationships and could synergize with efforts to use RNA interference (RNAi) technology in agriculture. Here, we synthesize information gathered from studies in invertebrates using natural or artificial dietary delivery of sRNA and from studies of sRNA in vertebrate animals and plants to review our current understanding of uptake and impact of natural diet-derived sRNA on invertebrates. Our understanding has been influenced and sometimes confounded by the diversity of invertebrates and ingested plants studied, our limited insights into how gene expression may be modulated by dietary sRNAs at the mechanistic level, and the paucity of studies focusing directly on natural uptake of sRNA. As such, we suggest 2 strategies to investigate this phenomenon more comprehensively and thus facilitate the realization of its potentially broad impact on ecology and agriculture in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y. Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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27
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Insect and plant-derived miRNAs in greenbug (Schizaphis graminum) and yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava) revealed by deep sequencing. Gene 2017; 599:68-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Wei X, Zheng C, Peng T, Pan Y, Xi J, Chen X, Zhang J, Yang S, Gao X, Shang Q. miR-276 and miR-3016-modulated expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase accounts for spirotetramat resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 79:S0965-1748(16)30158-8. [PMID: 27989834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (acetyl-CoA carboxylase, ACC) catalyses the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to produce malonyl-CoA during de novo fatty acid synthesis. A laboratory-selected spirotetramat-resistant strain (SR) of cotton aphid was used in this study. RT-qPCR results demonstrated significant increases in the levels of ACC transcript in the resistant strain compared to the susceptible strain. Depletion of overexpressed ACC transcripts by RNAi also significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the resistant aphid to spirotetramat. We hypothesized that ACC gene expression is subject to post-transcriptional regulation. To investigate the underlying mechanism, the 66 known miRNAs of Aphis gossypii were used for target prediction, eight of which were predicted to target ACC. Validation identified two miRNAs, miR-276 and miR-3016, with abundance levels that were highly inversely correlated with ACC transcript levels. This result suggests that the miRNAs miR-276 and miR-3016 may play major roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of the ACC gene. Modulation of the abundance of miR-276 and miR-3016 through addition of inhibitors/mimics of miR-276 or miR-3016 to the artificial diet significantly altered both ACC transcript levels and the tolerance of A. gossypii to spirotetramat, thus confirming the roles of these two miRNAs in the regulation of spirotetramat resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wei
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Chao Zheng
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Tianfei Peng
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Yiou Pan
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Jinghui Xi
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Xuewei Chen
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Juhong Zhang
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Shuang Yang
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Qingli Shang
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China.
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Masood M, Everett CP, Chan SY, Snow JW. Negligible uptake and transfer of diet-derived pollen microRNAs in adult honey bees. RNA Biol 2016; 13:109-18. [PMID: 26680555 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1128063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The putative transfer and gene regulatory activities of diet-derived miRNAs in ingesting animals are still debated. Importantly, no study to date has fully examined the role of dietary uptake of miRNA in the honey bee, a critical pollinator in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. After controlled pollen feeding experiments in adult honey bees, we observed that midguts demonstrated robust increases in plant miRNAs after pollen ingestion. However, we found no evidence of biologically relevant delivery of these molecules to proximal or distal tissues of recipient honey bees. Our results, therefore, support the premise that pollen miRNAs ingested as part of a typical diet are not robustly transferred across barrier epithelia of adult honey bees under normal conditions. Key future questions include whether other small RNA species in honey bee diets behave similarly and whether more specialized and specific delivery mechanisms exist for more efficient transport, particularly in the context of stressed barrier epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Masood
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
| | - Claire P Everett
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- b Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh , PA , 15261 , USA
| | - Jonathan W Snow
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
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Yogindran S, Rajam MV. Artificial miRNA-mediated silencing of ecdysone receptor (EcR) affects larval development and oogenesis in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 77:21-30. [PMID: 27476930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The insect pests are real threat to farmers as they affect the crop yield to a great extent. The use of chemical pesticides for insect pest control has always been a matter of concern as they pollute the environment and are also harmful for human health. Bt (Bacillus thuringensis) technology helped the farmers to get rid of the insect pests, but experienced a major drawback due to the evolution of insects gaining resistance towards these toxins. Hence, alternative strategies are high on demand to control insect pests. RNA-based gene silencing is emerging as a potential tool to tackle with this problem. In this study, we have shown the use of artificial microRNA (amiRNA) to specifically target the ecdysone receptor (EcR) gene of Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), which attacks several important crops like cotton, tomato chickpea, pigeon pea, etc and causes huge yield losses. Insect let-7a precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) backbone was used to replace the native miRNA with that of amiRNA. The precursor backbone carrying the 21 nucleotide amiRNA sequence targeting HaEcR was cloned in bacterial L4440 vector for in vitro insect feeding experiments. Larvae fed with Escherichia coli expressing amiRNA-HaEcR showed a reduction in the expression of target gene as well as genes involved in the ecdysone signaling pathway downstream to EcR and exhibited mortality and developmental defects. Stem-loop RT-PCR revealed the presence of amiRNA in the insect larvae after feeding bacteria expressing amiRNA-HaEcR, which was otherwise absent in controls. We also found a significant drop in the reproduction potential (oogenesis) of moths which emerged from treated larvae as compared to control. These results demonstrate the successful use of an insect pre-miRNA backbone to express amiRNA for gene silencing studies in insects. The method is cost effective and can be exploited as an efficient and alternative tool for insect pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Yogindran
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Manchikatla Venkat Rajam
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi 110021, India.
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Rebijith KB, Asokan R, Hande HR, Krishna Kumar NK. The First Report of miRNAs from a Thysanopteran Insect, Thrips palmi Karny Using High-Throughput Sequencing. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163635. [PMID: 27685664 PMCID: PMC5042526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the sole vector of Watermelon bud necrosis tospovirus, where the crop loss has been estimated to be around USD 50 million annually. Chemical insecticides are of limited use in the management of T. palmi due to the thigmokinetic behaviour and development of high levels of resistance to insecticides. There is an urgent need to find out an effective futuristic management strategy, where the small RNAs especially microRNAs hold great promise as a key player in the growth and development. miRNAs are a class of short non-coding RNAs involved in regulation of gene expression either by mRNA cleavage or by translational repression. We identified and characterized a total of 77 miRNAs from T. palmi using high-throughput deep sequencing. Functional classifications of the targets for these miRNAs revealed that majority of them are involved in the regulation of transcription and translation, nucleotide binding and signal transduction. We have also validated few of these miRNAs employing stem-loop RT-PCR, qRT-PCR and Northern blot. The present study not only provides an in-depth understanding of the biological and physiological roles of miRNAs in governing gene expression but may also lead as an invaluable tool for the management of thysanopteran insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. B. Rebijith
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail: ;
| | - R. Asokan
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail: ;
| | - H. Ranjitha Hande
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, India
| | - N. K. Krishna Kumar
- Division of Horticultural Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India
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Peng T, Pan Y, Gao X, Xi J, Zhang L, Ma K, Wu Y, Zhang J, Shang Q. Reduced abundance of the CYP6CY3-targeting let-7 and miR-100 miRNAs accounts for host adaptation of Myzus persicae nicotianae. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 75:89-97. [PMID: 27318250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine is one of the most abundant and toxic secondary plant metabolites in nature and is defined by high toxicity to plant-feeding insects. Studies suggest that increased expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP6CY3) and the homologous CYP6CY4 genes in Myzus persicae nicotianae is correlated with tolerance to nicotine. Indeed, through expression analyses of the CYP6CY3 and CYP6CY4 genes of different M. persicae subspecies, we determined that the mRNA levels of these two genes were much higher in M. persicae nicotianae than in M. persicae sensu stricto. We hypothesized that the expression of these two genes is subject to post-transcriptional regulation. To investigate the underlying mechanism, the miRNA profile of M. persicae nicotianae was sequenced, and twenty-two miRNAs were predicted to target CYP6CY3. Validation of these miRNAs identified two miRNAs, let-7 and miR-100, whose abundance was highly inversely correlated with the abundance of the CYP6CY3 gene. This result implies that the let-7 and miR-100 miRNAs play a major role in the post-transcriptional regulation of the CYP6CY3 gene. Modulation of the abundance of let-7 and miR-100 through the addition of inhibitors/mimics of let-7 or miR-100 to artificial diet significantly altered the tolerance of M. persicae nicotianae to nicotine, further confirming the regulatory role of these two miRNAs. Interestingly, after decreasing the transcript levels of CYP6CY3 by modulating regulatory miRNAs, the transcript levels of the homologous isozyme CYP6CY4 were significantly elevated, suggesting a compensatory mechanism between the CYP6CY3 gene and its homologous CYP6CY4 gene. Our findings provide insight into the molecular drivers of insect host shifts and reveal an important source of genetic variation for adaptive evolution in insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfei Peng
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, PR China
| | - Yiou Pan
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, PR China
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Jinghui Xi
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Kangsheng Ma
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Wu
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, PR China
| | - Juhong Zhang
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, PR China
| | - Qingli Shang
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, PR China.
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Tariq K, Metzendorf C, Peng W, Sohail S, Zhang H. miR-8-3p regulates mitoferrin in the testes of Bactrocera dorsalis to ensure normal spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22565. [PMID: 26932747 PMCID: PMC4773865 DOI: 10.1038/srep22565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetics-enhanced sterile insect techniques (SIT) are promising novel approaches to control Bactrocera dorsalis, the most destructive horticultural pest in East Asia and the Pacific region. To identify novel genetic agents to alter male fertility of B. dorsalis, previous studies investigated miRNA expression in testes of B. dorsalis. One miRNA, miR-8-3p was predicted to bind the 3'UTR of putative B. dorsalis mitoferrin (bmfrn). The ortholog of bmfrn in D. melanogaster is essential for male fertility. Here we show that bmfrn has all conserved amino acid residues of known mitoferrins and is most abundantly expressed in B. dorsalis testes, making miR-8-3p and mitoferrin candidates for genetics-enhanced SIT. Furthermore, using a dual-luciferase reporter system, we show in HeLa cells that miR-8-3p interacts with the 3'UTR of bmfrn. Dietary treatments of adult male flies with miR-8-3p mimic, antagomiR, or bmfrn dsRNA, altered mitoferrin expression in the testes and resulted in reduced male reproductive capacity due to reduced numbers and viability of spermatozoa. We show for the first time that a mitoferrin is regulated by a miRNA and we demonstrate miR-8-3p as well as bmfrn dsRNA to be promising novel agents that could be used for genetics-enhanced SIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleem Tariq
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Christoph Metzendorf
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), University of Heidelberg, ImNeuenheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Summar Sohail
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Lim ZX, Robinson KE, Jain RG, Chandra GS, Asokan R, Asgari S, Mitter N. Diet-delivered RNAi in Helicoverpa armigera--Progresses and challenges. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 85:86-93. [PMID: 26549127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Helicoverpa armigera (the cotton bollworm) is a significant agricultural pest endemic to Afro-Eurasia and Oceania. Gene suppression via RNA interference (RNAi) presents a potential avenue for management of the pest, which is highly resistant to traditional insecticide sprays. This article reviews current understanding on the fate of ingested double-stranded RNA in H. armigera. Existing in vivo studies on diet-delivered RNAi and their effects are summarized and followed by a discussion on the factors and hurdles affecting the efficacy of diet-delivered RNAi in H. armigera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xian Lim
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Karl E Robinson
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ritesh G Jain
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - G Sharath Chandra
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru 560 089, India
| | - R Asokan
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru 560 089, India
| | - Sassan Asgari
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Neena Mitter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Calla B, Geib SM. MicroRNAs in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis: extending Drosophilid miRNA conservation to the Tephritidae. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:740. [PMID: 26438165 PMCID: PMC4593211 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1835-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is an important plant pest species in the family Tephritidae. It is a phytophagous species with broad host range, and while not established in the mainland United States, is a species of great concern for introduction. Despite the vast amount of information available from the closely related model organism Drosophila melanogaster, information at the genome and transcriptome level is still very limited for this species. Small RNAs act as regulatory molecules capable of determining transcript levels in the cells. The most studied small RNAs are micro RNAs, which may impact as much as 30 % of all protein coding genes in animals. RESULTS We have sequenced small RNAs (sRNAs) from the Tephritid fruit fly, B. dorsalis (oriental fruit fly), specifically sRNAs corresponding to the 17 to 28 nucleotides long fraction of total RNA. Sequencing yielded more than 16 million reads in total. Seventy five miRNAs orthologous to known miRNAs were identified, as well as five additional novel miRNAs that might be specific to the genera, or to the Tephritid family. We constructed a gene expression profile for the identified miRNAs, and used comparative analysis with D. melanogaster to support our expression data. In addition, several miRNA clusters were identified in the genome that show conservancy with D. melanogaster. Potential targets for the identified miRNAs were also searched. CONCLUSIONS The data presented here adds to our growing pool of information concerning the genome structure and characteristics of true fruit flies. It provides a basis for comparative studies with other Dipteran and within Tephritid species, and can be used for applied research such as in the development of new control strategies based on gene silencing and transgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Calla
- Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit, USDA-ARS Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA.
| | - Scott M Geib
- Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit, USDA-ARS Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA.
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Greene WK, Macnish MG, Rice KL, Thompson RCA. Identification of genes associated with blood feeding in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:368. [PMID: 26168790 PMCID: PMC4501088 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0972-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a blood-feeding ectoparasitic insect and particular nuisance pest of companion animals worldwide. Identification of genes that are differentially expressed in response to feeding is important for understanding flea biology and discovering targets for their control. Methods C. felis fleas were maintained and fed for 24 h using an artificial rearing system. The technique of suppression subtractive hybridization was employed to screen for mRNAs specifically expressed in fed fleas. Results We characterized nine distinct full-length flea transcripts that exhibited modulated or de novo expression during feeding. Among the predicted protein sequences were two serine proteases, a serine protease inhibitor, two mucin-like molecules, a DNA topoisomerase, an enzyme associated with GPI-mediated cell membrane attachment of proteins and a component of the insect innate immune response. Conclusions Our results provide a molecular insight into the physiology of flea feeding. The protein products of the genes identified may play important roles during flea feeding in terms of blood meal digestion, cellular growth/repair and protection from feeding-associated stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne K Greene
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, W.A. 6150, Australia.
| | - Marion G Macnish
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, W.A. 6150, Australia.
| | - Kim L Rice
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, W.A. 6150, Australia. .,Present address: INSERM UMR 944, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Hôpital St. Louis, Paris, France.
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, W.A. 6150, Australia.
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Insects as models to study the epigenetic basis of disease. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 118:69-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Identification of microRNAs by small RNA deep sequencing for synthetic microRNA mimics to control Spodoptera exigua. Gene 2015; 557:215-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Kolliopoulou A, Swevers L. Recent progress in RNAi research in Lepidoptera: intracellular machinery, antiviral immune response and prospects for insect pest control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2014; 6:28-34. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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Lomate PR, Mahajan NS, Kale SM, Gupta VS, Giri AP. Identification and expression profiling of Helicoverpa armigera microRNAs and their possible role in the regulation of digestive protease genes. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 54:129-137. [PMID: 25263090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation is an effort to determine the possible roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of protease gene expression in Helicoverpa armigera upon exposure to plant protease inhibitors (PIs). Using Illumina platform, deep sequencing of 12 small RNA libraries was performed from H. armigera larvae fed on artificial diet (AD) or recombinant Capsicum annuum PI-7 (rCanPI-7) incorporated diet, at various time intervals (0.5, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h). Sequencing data were analyzed with miRDeep2 software; a total of 186 unique miRNAs were identified from all the 12 libraries, out of which 96 were conserved while 90 were novel. These miRNAs showed all the conserved characteristics of insect miRNAs. Homology analysis revealed that most of the identified miRNAs were insect-specific, and more than 50 miRNAs were Lepidoptera-specific. Several candidate miRNAs (conserved and novel) were differentially expressed in rCanPI-7 fed larvae as compared to the larvae fed on AD. H. armigera miRNAs were found to have target sites in several protease genes as well as in protease regulation related genes such as serine PI and immune reactive PI. As expected, negative correlation in the relative abundance of miRNAs and their target mRNAs was evident from qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The investigation revealed potential roles of miRNAs in H. armigera protease gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purushottam R Lomate
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, MS, India
| | - Neha S Mahajan
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, MS, India
| | - Sandip M Kale
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, MS, India
| | - Vidya S Gupta
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, MS, India
| | - Ashok P Giri
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, MS, India.
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Regulation of Helicoverpa armigera ecdysone receptor by miR-14 and its potential link to baculovirus infection. J Invertebr Pathol 2013; 114:151-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Etebari K, Asgari S. Conserved microRNA miR-8 blocks activation of the Toll pathway by upregulating Serpin 27 transcripts. RNA Biol 2013; 10:1356-64. [PMID: 23806890 DOI: 10.4161/rna.25481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) play significant regulatory roles in gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. This includes modulating processes such as development, immunity, cancer, and host-pathogen interactions. It was recently shown that the phylogenetically deeply conserved miRNA, miR-8, plays a role in maintaining the homeostasis of immunity by suppressing the production of anti-microbial peptides. In this study, we show that miR-8 from the insect Plutella xylostella positively regulates the transcript levels of the serine protease inhibitor Serpin 27, which has been shown to regulate activation of the Toll pathway and prophenoloxidase involved in the melanization response in insects. Interestingly, miR-8 is downregulated following parasitization by Diadegma semiclausum leading to significant declines in Serpin 27 transcript levels. This allows upregulation of antimicrobial peptides, such as gloverin, that are controlled by the Toll pathway and activation of proteolytic cascades essential for humoral immune responses to foreign invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayvan Etebari
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia, QLD Australia
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