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Liu ZL, Zhou YY, Xu QX, Wang XC, Liu TX, Tian HG. Efficient CRISPR-mediated genome editing can be initiated by embryonic injection but not by ovarian delivery in the beetle Tribolium castaneum. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39300921 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced small palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene editing technology has revolutionized the study of fundamental biological questions in various insects. Diverse approaches have been developed to deliver the single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 to the nucleus of insect embryos or oocytes to achieve gene editing, including the predominant embryonic injection methods and alternative protocols through parental ovary delivery. However, a systematic comparative study of these approaches is limited, especially within a given insect. Here, we focused on revealing the detailed differences in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing between the embryo and ovary delivery methods in the beetle Tribolium castaneum, using the cardinal and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as reporter genes. We demonstrated that both genes could be efficiently edited by delivering Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins to the embryos by microinjection, leading to the mutant phenotypes and indels in the target gene sites. Next, the Cas9/sgRNA complex, coupled with a nanocarrier called Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules (BAPC), were delivered to the ovaries of parental females to examine the efficacy of BAPC-mediated gene editing. Although we observed that a small number of beetles' progeny targeting the cardinal exhibited the expected white-eye phenotype, unexpectedly, no target DNA indels were found following subsequent sequencing analysis. In addition, we adopted a novel approach termed "direct parental" CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR). However, we still failed to find gene-editing events in the cardinal or TH gene-targeted insects. Our results indicate that the conventional embryonic injection of CRISPR is an effective method to initiate genome editing in T. castaneum. However, it is inefficient by the parental ovary delivery approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Yu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiu-Xuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing-Ce Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Hong-Gang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Zhang C, Zhang JY, Wang N, Abou El-Ela AS, Shi ZY, You YZ, Ali SA, Zhou WW, Zhu ZR. RNAi-mediated knockdown of papilin gene affects the egg hatching in Nilaparvata lugens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4779-4789. [PMID: 38837578 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is one of the most destructive pests of rice. Owing to the rapid adaptation of BPH to many pesticides and resistant varieties, identifying putative gene targets for developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management strategies has received much attention for this pest. The glucoprotein papilin is the most abundant component in the basement membranes of many organisms, and its function is closely linked to development. RESULTS In this study, we identified a papilin homologous gene in BPH (NlPpn). Quantitative Real-time PCR analysis showed that the transcript of NlPpn was highly accumulated in the egg stage. RNAi of NlPpn in newly emerged BPH females caused nonhatching phenotypes of their eggs, which may be a consequence of the maldevelopment of their embryos. Moreover, the transcriptomic analysis identified 583 differentially expressed genes between eggs from the dsGFP- and dsNlPpn-treated insects. Among them, the 'structural constituent of cuticle' cluster ranked first among the top 15 enriched GO terms. Consistently, ultrastructural analysis unveiled that dsNlPpn-treated eggs displayed a discrete and distorted serosal endocuticle lamellar structure. Furthermore, the hatchability of BPH eggs was also successfully reduced by the topical application of NlPpn-dsRNA-layered double hydroxide nanosheets onto the adults. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that NlPpn is essential to maintaining the regular structure of the serosal cuticle and the embryonic development in BPH, indicating NlPpn could be a potential target for pest control during the egg stage. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Jin-Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Ni Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Amr S Abou El-Ela
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Zhe-Yi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Yuan-Zheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Soomro Abid Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Wen-Wu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Zeng-Rong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
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Mann KE, Panfilio KA. Tissue-Level Integration Overrides Gradations of Differentiating Cell Identity in Beetle Extraembryonic Tissue. Cells 2024; 13:1211. [PMID: 39056793 PMCID: PMC11274815 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
During animal embryogenesis, one of the earliest specification events distinguishes extraembryonic (EE) from embryonic tissue fates: the serosa in the case of the insects. While it is well established that the homeodomain transcription factor Zen1 is the critical determinant of the serosa, the subsequent realization of this tissue's identity has not been investigated. Here, we examine serosal differentiation in the beetle Tribolium castaneum based on the quantification of morphological and morphogenetic features, comparing embryos from a Tc-zen1 RNAi dilution series, where complete knockdown results in amnion-only EE tissue identity. We assess features including cell density, tissue boundary morphology, and nuclear size as dynamic readouts for progressive tissue maturation. While some features exhibit an all-or-nothing outcome, other key features show dose-dependent phenotypic responses with trait-specific thresholds. Collectively, these findings provide nuance beyond the known status of Tc-Zen1 as a selector gene for serosal tissue patterning. Overall, our approach illustrates how the analysis of tissue maturation dynamics from live imaging extends but also challenges interpretations based on gene expression data, refining our understanding of tissue identity and when it is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E. Mann
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Kristen A. Panfilio
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Mutation of Methyltransferase METTL4 Results in Embryonic Defects in Silkworm Bombyx mori. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043468. [PMID: 36834878 PMCID: PMC9965800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) has recently been found to play regulatory roles in gene expression that links to various biological processes in eukaryotic species. The functional identification of 6mA methyltransferase will be important for understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of epigenetic 6mA methylation. It has been reported that the methyltransferase METTL4 can catalyze the methylation of 6mA; however, the function of METTL4 remains largely unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of the Bombyx mori homolog METTL4 (BmMETTL4) in silkworm, a lepidopteran model insect. By using CRISPR-Cas9 system, we somatically mutated BmMETTL4 in silkworm individuates and found that disruption of BmMETTL4 caused the developmental defect of late silkworm embryo and subsequent lethality. We performed RNA-Seq and identified that there were 3192 differentially expressed genes in BmMETTL4 mutant including 1743 up-regulated and 1449 down-regulated. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed that genes involved in molecular structure, chitin binding, and serine hydrolase activity were significantly affected by BmMETTL4 mutation. We further found that the expression of cuticular protein genes and collagens were clearly decreased while collagenases were highly increased, which had great contributions to the abnormal embryo and decreased hatchability of silkworm. Taken together, these results demonstrated a critical role of 6mA methyltransferase BmMETTL4 in regulating embryonic development of silkworm.
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Lu JB, Wang SN, Ren PP, He F, Li Q, Chen JP, Li JM, Zhang CX. RNAi-mediated silencing of an egg-specific gene Nllet1 results in hatch failure in the brown planthopper. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:415-427. [PMID: 36177946 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive agricultural pests in Asia. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated pest management has been under development for years, and the selection of appropriate target genes is important for pest-targeted RNAi. C-type lectins (CTLs) are a class of genes that perform a variety of functions, such as the regulation of growth and development. RESULTS A CTL-S protein named Nllet1, containing a single calcium ion (Ca2+ )-dependent carbohydrate-binding domain (CRD) with a conserved triplet motif QPD was identified and functionally characterized in BPH. Expression profiles at both the transcriptional and translational levels show that Nllet1 accumulates during the serosal cuticle (SC) formation period. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling further demonstrated that Nllet1 is located in the serosal endocuticle (en-SC). Maternal RNAi-mediated silencing of Nllet1 disrupted the SC structure, accompanied by a loss of the outward barrier and 100% embryo mortality. Injection of 10 ng dsNllet1 or dsNllet1' per female adult BPH resulted in a total failure of egg hatching. CONCLUSION Nllet1 is essential for SC formation and embryonic development in BPH, which helps us understand the important roles of CTL-Ss. Additionally, BPH eggs show high sensitivity to the depletion of Nllet1. This study indicates that Nllet1 is a promising candidate gene that can be used to develop RNAi-based control strategies at the BPH egg stage, and it can also be used as a target for developing novel ovicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Bao Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Sai-Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Peng-Peng Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Fang He
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Service, Technology Center of Wuhan Customs District, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jun-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Zhang T, Huo Y, Dong Q, Liu W, Gao L, Zhou J, Li D, Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhang M. LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 Promote the Degradation of Serosal and Pro-Nymphal Cuticles during Locust Embryonic Development. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121778. [PMID: 36552286 PMCID: PMC9775170 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The success of the degradation of the extraembryonic serosal cuticle and the second embryonic cuticle (pro-nymphal cuticle) is essential for the development and molting of nymph from egg in Orthoptera Locusta migratoria. Chitinase 5 is an important gene for chitin degradation in nymphs and in the egg stage. In this study, we investigated the important roles of chitinase 5-1 (LmCht5-1) and chitinase 5-2 (LmCht5-2) in the degradation of the serosal and pro-nymphal cuticles during locust embryonic development. The serosal cuticle degrades from 7-day-old embryos (E7) to E13, along with the degradation of the pro-nymphal cuticle, which begins at E12 to E14. The mRNA and protein of LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 are expressed during the degradation process of the serosal cuticle and the pro-nymphal cuticle. RNAi experiments at the embryonic stage show that both dsLmCht5-1 and dsLmCht5-2 contribute to the failure of development in early and late embryogenesis. Further, during the serosal cuticle molting process, ultra-structure analysis indicated that dsLmCht5-1 prevented the loss of the coarse chitin layer in the upper part in both early and late embryogenesis. Meanwhile, dsLmCht5-2 blocked the degradation of the lower fine chitin layer at the early stage and blocked the chitin degradation of loose coarse chitin in the late molting process. During the degradation of the pro-nymphal cuticle, dsLmCht5-1 suppresses chitin degradation between layers in the procuticle, while dsLmCht5-2 suppresses chitin degradation into filaments inside of the layer. In summary, our results suggest that both LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 contribute to the degradation of the serosal and pro-nymphal cuticles during the locust embryonic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Correspondence: (T.Z.); (M.Z.)
| | - Yanjun Huo
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Qing Dong
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jiannan Zhou
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Daqi Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Xueyao Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Correspondence: (T.Z.); (M.Z.)
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Prpic NM, Pechmann M. Extraembryonic tissue in chelicerates: a review and outlook. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210269. [PMID: 36252223 PMCID: PMC9574639 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of extraembryonic membranes (EEMs) contributes to the proper development of many animals. In arthropods, the formation and function of EEMs have been studied best in insects. Regarding the development of extraembryonic tissue in chelicerates (spiders and relatives), most information is available for spiders (Araneae). Especially two populations of cells have been considered to represent EEMs in spiders. The first of these potential EEMs develops shortly after egg deposition, opposite to a radially symmetrical germ disc that forms in one hemisphere of the egg and encloses the yolk. The second tissue, which has been described as being extraembryonic is the so-called dorsal field, which is required to cover the dorsal part of the developing spider germ rudiment before proper dorsal closure. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the formation of potential extraembryonic structures in the Chelicerata. We describe the early embryogenesis of spiders and other chelicerates, with a special focus on the formation of the potential extraembryonic tissues. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola-Michael Prpic
- Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, Institut für Allgemeine Zoologie und Entwicklungsbiologie, AG Zoologie mit dem Schwerpunkt Molekulare Entwicklungsbiologie, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Matthias Pechmann
- Institute for Zoology, University of Cologne, Biocenter, Zuelpicher Strasse 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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Tan S, Li G, Guo H, Li H, Tian M, Liu Q, Wang Y, Xu B, Guo X. Identification of the cuticle protein AccCPR2 gene in Apis cerana cerana and its response to environmental stress. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:634-646. [PMID: 35619242 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12792] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cuticular proteins (CPs) are known to play important roles in insect development and defence responses. The loss of CP genes can lead to changes in insect morphology and sensitivity to the external environment. In this study, we identified the AccCPR2 gene, which belongs to the CPR family (including the R&R consensus motif) of CPs, and explored its function in the response of Apis cerana cerana to adverse external stresses. Our results demonstrated that AccCPR2 was highly expressed in the late pupal stage and epidermis, and the expression of AccCPR2 may be induced or inhibited under different stressors. RNA interference experiments showed that knockdown of AccCPR2 reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, led to the accumulation of oxidative damage and suppressed the expression of several antioxidant genes. In addition, knockdown of AccCPR2 also reduced the pesticide resistance of A. cerana cerana. The overexpression of AccCPR2 in a prokaryotic system further confirmed its role in resistance to various stresses. In summary, AccCPR2 may play pivotal roles in the normal development and environmental stress response of A. cerana cerana. This study also enriched the theoretical knowledge of the resistance biology of bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Guilin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China
| | - Hengjun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Han Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ming Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Qingxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Baohua Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xingqi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, P. R. China
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Lu JB, Guo JS, Chen X, Cheng C, Luo XM, Zhang XY, Moussian B, Chen JP, Li JM, Zhang CX. Chitin synthase 1 and five cuticle protein genes are involved in serosal cuticle formation during early embryogenesis to enhance eggshells in Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:363-378. [PMID: 34498803 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many holo- and hemimetabolous insects enhance their eggshells during embryogenesis by forming a serosal cuticle (SC). To date, scholarly understanding of the SC composition and SC-related gene functions has been limited, especially for hemimetabolous insects. In this study, we initially performed transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation and chitin staining of the SC in Nilaparvata lugens, a hemimetabolous rice pest known as the brown planthopper (BPH). We confirmed that the SC was a chitin-rich lamellar structure deposited gradually during the early embryogenesis. Parental RNA interference (RNAi) against Nilaparvata lugens chitin synthase 1 (NlCHS1) in newly emerged and matured females resulted in decreases of egg hatchability by 100% and 76%, respectively. Ultrastructural analyses revealed loss of the lamellar structure of the SC in dsNlCHS1-treated eggs. According to temporal expression profiles, five cuticle protein coding genes, NlugCpr1/2/3/8/90, were specifically or highly expressed during the SC formation period, and NlugCpr1/2/3/90 were further detected in 72 h eggshells extract by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. NlugCpr2/3/90 were likely three SC-specific cuticle proteins. TEM observations of the SC following parental RNAi against NlugCpr1/2/3/8/90 demonstrated that NlugCpr3/8/90 were essential for SC formation. The study provided an understanding of the SC formation process and SC-related cuticle proteins in BPHs, which offer potential targets for pest control in the egg stage as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Bao Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Sheng Guo
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Cheng
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Mei Luo
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jun-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Moriyama M, Yasuyama K, Numata H. The formation of a hatching line in the serosal cuticle confers multifaceted adaptive functions on the eggshell of a cicada. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2021; 7:8. [PMID: 33985580 PMCID: PMC8117633 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-021-00178-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Insect eggshells must meet various demands of developing embryos. These demands sometimes conflict with each other; therefore, there are tradeoffs between eggshell properties, such as robustness and permeability. To meet these conflicting demands, particular eggshell structures have evolved in diverse insect species. Here, we report a rare eggshell structure found in the eggshell of a cicada, Cryptotympana facialis. This species has a prolonged egg period with embryonic diapause and a trait of humidity-inducible hatching, which would impose severe demands on the eggshell. We found that in eggs of this species, unlike many other insect eggs, a dedicated cleavage site, known as a hatching line, was formed not in the chorion but in the serosal cuticle. The hatching line was composed of a fine furrow accompanied by ridges on both sides. This furrow-ridge structure formed in the terminal phase of embryogenesis through the partial degradation of an initially thick and nearly flat cuticle layer. We showed that the permeability of the eggshell was low in the diapause stage, when the cuticle was thick, and increased with degradation of the serosal cuticle. We also demonstrated that the force required to cleave the eggshell was reduced after the formation of the hatching line. These results suggest that the establishment of the hatching line on the serosal cuticle enables flexible modification of eggshell properties during embryogenesis, and we predict that it is an adaptation to maximize the protective role of the shell during the long egg period while reducing the barrier to emerging nymphs at the time of hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Moriyama
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8566, Japan.
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan.
| | - Kouji Yasuyama
- Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, 701-0192, Japan
- Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, 701-1093, Japan
| | - Hideharu Numata
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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11
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Muthukrishnan S, Mun S, Noh MY, Geisbrecht ER, Arakane Y. Insect Cuticular Chitin Contributes to Form and Function. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:3530-3545. [PMID: 32445445 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200523175409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chitin contributes to the rigidity of the insect cuticle and serves as an attachment matrix for other cuticular proteins. Deficiency of chitin results in abnormal embryos, cuticular structural defects and growth arrest. When chitin is not turned over during molting, the developing insect is trapped inside the old cuticle. Partial deacetylation of cuticular chitin is also required for proper laminar organization of the cuticle and vertical pore canals, molting, and locomotion. Thus, chitin and its modifications strongly influence the structure of the exoskeleton as well as the physiological functions of the insect. Internal tendons and specialized epithelial cells called "tendon cells" that arise from the outer layer of epidermal cells provide attachment sites at both ends of adult limb muscles. Membrane processes emanating from both tendon and muscle cells interdigitate extensively to strengthen the attachment of muscles to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Protein ligands that bind to membrane-bound integrin complexes further enhance the adhesion between muscles and tendons. Tendon cells contain F-actin fiber arrays that contribute to their rigidity. In the cytoplasm of muscle cells, proteins such as talin and other proteins provide attachment sites for cytoskeletal actin, thereby increasing integrin binding and activation to mechanically couple the ECM with actin in muscle cells. Mutations in integrins and their ligands, as well as depletion of chitin deacetylases, result in defective locomotion and muscle detachment from the ECM. Thus, chitin in the cuticle and chitin deacetylases strongly influence the shape and functions of the exoskeleton as well as locomotion of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Seulgi Mun
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea
| | - Mi Y Noh
- Department of Forestry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757, Korea
| | - Erika R Geisbrecht
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea
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12
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Konopová B, Buchberger E, Crisp A. Transcriptome of pleuropodia from locust embryos supports that these organs produce enzymes enabling the larva to hatch. Front Zool 2020; 17:4. [PMID: 31969926 PMCID: PMC6966819 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pleuropodia are limb-derived glandular organs that transiently appear on the first abdominal segment in embryos of insects from majority of “orders”. They are missing in the genetic model Drosophila and little is known about them. Experiments carried out on orthopteran insects 80 years ago indicated that the pleuropodia secrete a “hatching enzyme” that digests the serosal cuticle to enable the larva to hatch, but evidence by state-of-the-art molecular methods is missing. Results We used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to identify the genes expressed in the pleuropodia of the locust Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera). First, using transmission electron microscopy we studied the development of the pleuropodia during 11 stages of the locust embryogenesis. We show that the glandular cells differentiate and start secreting just before the definitive dorsal closure of the embryo and the secretion granules outside the cells become more abundant prior to hatching. Next, we generated a comprehensive embryonic reference transcriptome for the locust and used it to study genome wide gene expression across ten morphologicaly defined stages of the pleuropodia. We show that when the pleuropodia have morphological markers of functional organs and produce secretion, they are primarily enriched in transcripts associated with transport functions. They express genes encoding enzymes capable of digesting cuticular protein and chitin. These include the potent cuticulo-lytic Chitinase 5, whose transcript rises just before hatching. Unexpected finding was the enrichment in transcripts for immunity-related enzymes. This indicates that the pleuropodia are equipped with epithelial immunity similarly as barrier epithelia in postembryonic stages. Conclusions These data provide transcriptomic support for the historic hypothesis that pleuropodia produce cuticle-degrading enzymes and function in hatching. They may also have other functions, such as facilitation of embryonic immune defense. By the genes that they express the pleuropodia are specialized embryonic organs and apparently an important though neglected part of insect physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Konopová
- 1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,2Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Elisa Buchberger
- 4Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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13
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Huang Y, Guo Q, Sun X, Zhang C, Xu N, Xu Y, Zhou D, Sun Y, Ma L, Zhu C, Shen B. Culex pipiens pallens cuticular protein CPLCG5 participates in pyrethroid resistance by forming a rigid matrix. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:6. [PMID: 29301564 PMCID: PMC5753453 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemical insecticides have hugely reduced the prevalence of vector-borne diseases around the world, but resistance threatens their continued effectiveness. Despite its importance, cuticle resistance is an under-studied area, and exploring the detailed molecular basis of resistance is critical for implementing suitable resistance management strategies. Methods We performed western blotting of cuticular protein CPLCG5 in deltamethrin-susceptible (DS) and laboratory-produced deltamethrin-resistant (DR) strains of Culex pipiens pallens. Immunofluorescence assays using a polyclonal antibody to locate cuticular CPLCG5 in mosquitoes. EM immunohistochemical analysis of the femur segment was used to compare the cuticle in control and CPLCG5-deficient siRNA experimental groups. Results The gene CPLCG5 encodes a cuticle protein that plays an important role in pyrethroid resistance. Based on a prior study, we found that expression of CPLCG5 was higher in the resistant (DR) strain than the susceptible (DS) strain. CPLCG5 transcripts were abundant in white pupae and 1-day-old adults, but expression was dramatically decreased in 3-day-old adults, then remained stable thereafter. Western blotting revealed that the CPLCG5 protein was ~2.2-fold higher in the legs of the DR strain than the DS strain. Immunofluorescence assays revealed CPLCG5 expression in the head, thorax, abdomen, wing, and leg, and expression most abundant in the leg and wing. EM immunohistochemical analysis suggested that the exocuticle thickness of the femur was significantly thinner in the CPLCG5-deficient siCPLCG5 strain (0.717 ± 0.110 μm) than the siNC strain (0.946 ± 0.126 μm). Depletion of CPLCG5 by RNA interference resulted in unorganised laminae and a thinner cuticle. Conclusions The results suggest CPLCG5 participates in pyrethroid resistance by forming a rigid matrix and increasing the thickness of the cuticle. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi: 10.1186/s13071-017-2567-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changliang Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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14
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Darker eggs of mosquitoes resist more to dry conditions: Melanin enhances serosal cuticle contribution in egg resistance to desiccation in Aedes, Anopheles and Culex vectors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006063. [PMID: 29084225 PMCID: PMC5679640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito vectors lay their white eggs in the aquatic milieu. During early embryogenesis water passes freely through the transparent eggshell, which at this moment is composed of exochorion and endochorion. Within two hours the endochorion darkens via melanization but even so eggs shrink and perish if removed from moisture. However, during mid-embryogenesis, cells of the extraembryonic serosa secrete the serosal cuticle, localized right below the endochorion, becoming the third and innermost eggshell layer. Serosal cuticle formation greatly reduces water flow and allows egg survival outside the water. The degree of egg resistance to desiccation (ERD) at late embryogenesis varies among different species: Aedes aegypti, Anopheles aquasalis and Culex quinquefasciatus eggs can survive in a dry environment for ≥ 72, 24 and 5 hours, respectively. In some adult insects, darker-body individuals show greater resistance to desiccation than lighter ones. We asked if egg melanization enhances mosquito serosal cuticle-dependent ERD. Species with higher ERD at late embryogenesis exhibit more melanized eggshells. The melanization-ERD hypothesis was confirmed employing two Anopheles quadrimaculatus strains, the wild type and the mutant GORO, with a dark-brown and a golden eggshell, respectively. In all cases, serosal cuticle formation is fundamental for the establishment of an efficient ERD but egg viability outside the water is much higher in mosquitoes with darker eggshells than in those with lighter ones. The finding that pigmentation influences egg water balance is relevant to understand the evolutionary history of insect egg coloration. Since eggshell and adult cuticle pigmentation ensure insect survivorship in some cases, they should be considered regarding species fitness and novel approaches for vector or pest insects control.
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15
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Benton MA, Kenny NJ, Conrads KH, Roth S, Lynch JA. Deep, Staged Transcriptomic Resources for the Novel Coleopteran Models Atrachya menetriesi and Callosobruchus maculatus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167431. [PMID: 27907180 PMCID: PMC5132259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent efforts to sample broadly across metazoan and insect diversity, current sequence resources in the Coleoptera do not adequately describe the diversity of the clade. Here we present deep, staged transcriptomic data for two coleopteran species, Atrachya menetriesi (Faldermann 1835) and Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius 1775). Our sampling covered key stages in ovary and early embryonic development in each species. We utilized this data to build combined assemblies for each species which were then analysed in detail. The combined A. menetriesi assembly consists of 228,096 contigs with an N50 of 1,598 bp, while the combined C. maculatus assembly consists of 128,837 contigs with an N50 of 2,263 bp. For these assemblies, 34.6% and 32.4% of contigs were identified using Blast2GO, and 97% and 98.3% of the BUSCO set of metazoan orthologs were present, respectively. We also carried out manual annotation of developmental signalling pathways and found that nearly all expected genes were present in each transcriptome. Our analyses show that both transcriptomes are of high quality. Lastly, we performed read mapping utilising our timed, stage specific RNA samples to identify differentially expressed contigs. The resources presented here will provide a firm basis for a variety of experimentation, both in developmental biology and in comparative genomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Benton
- Institute for Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nathan J. Kenny
- Simon F.S. Li School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kai H. Conrads
- Institute for Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Siegfried Roth
- Institute for Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- * E-mail: (SR); (JAL)
| | - Jeremy A. Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SR); (JAL)
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16
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Sobala LF, Adler PN. The Gene Expression Program for the Formation of Wing Cuticle in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006100. [PMID: 27232182 PMCID: PMC4883753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cuticular exoskeleton of insects and other arthropods is a remarkably versatile material with a complex multilayer structure. We made use of the ability to isolate cuticle synthesizing cells in relatively pure form by dissecting pupal wings and we used RNAseq to identify genes expressed during the formation of the adult wing cuticle. We observed dramatic changes in gene expression during cuticle deposition, and combined with transmission electron microscopy, we were able to identify candidate genes for the deposition of the different cuticular layers. Among genes of interest that dramatically change their expression during the cuticle deposition program are ones that encode cuticle proteins, ZP domain proteins, cuticle modifying proteins and transcription factors, as well as genes of unknown function. A striking finding is that mutations in a number of genes that are expressed almost exclusively during the deposition of the envelope (the thin outermost layer that is deposited first) result in gross defects in the procuticle (the thick chitinous layer that is deposited last). An attractive hypothesis to explain this is that the deposition of the different cuticle layers is not independent with the envelope instructing the formation of later layers. Alternatively, some of the genes expressed during the deposition of the envelope could form a platform that is essential for the deposition of all cuticle layers. Insects and other arthropods are an extremely successful group of animals. A unique and key feature of their lifestyle is their chitin containing cuticular exoskeleton, a complex layered material, which remains rather poorly understood for so prominent of a biological material. We have characterized the gene expression pattern of wing epithelial cells over the period of cuticle formation and also carried out transmission electron microscopy, which allows us to identify genes that likely play a role in the formation of different cuticle layers. Functional studies suggest that the deposition of the earliest layer influences the deposition of the later ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz F. Sobala
- Biology Department and Cell Biology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Paul N. Adler
- Biology Department and Cell Biology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Schmidt-Ott U, Kwan CW. Morphogenetic functions of extraembryonic membranes in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 13:86-92. [PMID: 27436557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenetic functions of the amnioserosa, the serosa, the amnion, and the yolk sac are reviewed on the basis of recent studies in flies (Drosophila, Megaselia), beetles (Tribolium), and hemipteran bugs (Oncopeltus). Three hypotheses are presented. First, it is suggested that the amnioserosa of Drosophila and the dorsal amnion of other fly species function in a similar manner. Second, it is proposed that in many species with an amniotic cavity, the amnion determines the site of serosa rupture, which, through interactions between the serosa and the amnion, enables the embryo to break free from the amniotic cavity and to close its backside. Finally, it is concluded that the yolk sac is likely an important player in insect morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Schmidt-Ott
- University of Chicago, Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, Cummings Life Science Center, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Chun Wai Kwan
- University of Chicago, Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, Cummings Life Science Center, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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18
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Zhu KY, Merzendorfer H, Zhang W, Zhang J, Muthukrishnan S. Biosynthesis, Turnover, and Functions of Chitin in Insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 61:177-96. [PMID: 26982439 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010715-023933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Chitin is a major component of the exoskeleton and the peritrophic matrix of insects. It forms complex structures in association with different assortments of cuticle and peritrophic matrix proteins to yield biocomposites with a wide range of physicochemical and mechanical properties. The growth and development of insects are intimately coupled with the biosynthesis, turnover, and modification of chitin. The genes encoding numerous enzymes of chitin metabolism and proteins that associate with and organize chitin have been uncovered by bioinformatics analyses. Many of these proteins are encoded by sets of large gene families. There is specialization among members within each family, which function in particular tissues or developmental stages. Chitin-containing matrices are dynamically modified at every developmental stage and are under developmental and/or physiological control. A thorough understanding of the diverse processes associated with the assembly and turnover of these chitinous matrices offers many strategies to achieve selective pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China;
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506; ,
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Farnesi LC, Menna-Barreto RFS, Martins AJ, Valle D, Rezende GL. Physical features and chitin content of eggs from the mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti, Anopheles aquasalis and Culex quinquefasciatus: Connection with distinct levels of resistance to desiccation. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 83:43-52. [PMID: 26514070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito eggs are laid in water but freshly laid eggs are susceptible to dehydration, if their surroundings dry out at the first hours of development. During embryogenesis of different mosquito vectors the serosal cuticle, an extracellular matrix, is produced; it wraps the whole embryo and becomes part of the eggshell. This cuticle is an essential component of the egg resistance to desiccation (ERD). However, ERD is variable among species, sustaining egg viability for different periods of time. While Aedes aegypti eggs can survive for months in a dry environment (high ERD), those of Anopheles aquasalis and Culex quinquefasciatus in the same condition last, respectively, for one day (medium ERD) or a few hours (low ERD). Resistance to desiccation is determined by the rate of water loss, dehydration tolerance and total amount of water of a given organism. The ERD variability observed among mosquitoes probably derives from diverse traits. We quantified several attributes of whole eggs, potentially correlated with the rate of water loss: length, width, area, volume, area/volume ratio and weight. In addition, some eggshell aspects were also evaluated, such as absolute and relative weight, weight/area relationship (herein called surface density) and chitin content. Presence of chitin specifically in the serosal cuticle as well as aspects of endochorion external surface were also investigated. Three features could be related to differences on ERD levels: chitin content, directly related to ERD, the increase in the egg volume during embryogenesis and the eggshell surface density, which were both inversely related to ERD. Although data suggest that the amount of chitin in the eggshell is relevant for egg impermeability, the participation of other yet unidentified eggshell attributes must be considered in order to account for the differences in the ERD levels observed among Ae. aegypti, An. aquasalis and Cx. quinquefasciatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Cristina Farnesi
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle de Artrópodes Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Ademir Jesus Martins
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle de Artrópodes Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.
| | - Denise Valle
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Lazzaro Rezende
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.
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20
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Kramer MC, Liang D, Tatomer DC, Gold B, March ZM, Cherry S, Wilusz JE. Combinatorial control of Drosophila circular RNA expression by intronic repeats, hnRNPs, and SR proteins. Genes Dev 2015; 29:2168-82. [PMID: 26450910 PMCID: PMC4617980 DOI: 10.1101/gad.270421.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Kramer et al. discovered that circularization of the Drosophila laccase2 gene is regulated by both intronic repeats and trans-acting splicing factors. Unlike the previously characterized Muscleblind (Mbl) circular RNA, which requires the Mbl protein for its biogenesis, Laccase2 circular RNA levels are not controlled by Mbl or the Laccase2 gene product but rather by multiple hnRNP and SR proteins acting in a combinatorial manner. Thousands of eukaryotic protein-coding genes are noncanonically spliced to produce circular RNAs. Bioinformatics has indicated that long introns generally flank exons that circularize in Drosophila, but the underlying mechanisms by which these circular RNAs are generated are largely unknown. Here, using extensive mutagenesis of expression plasmids and RNAi screening, we reveal that circularization of the Drosophila laccase2 gene is regulated by both intronic repeats and trans-acting splicing factors. Analogous to what has been observed in humans and mice, base-pairing between highly complementary transposable elements facilitates backsplicing. Long flanking repeats (∼400 nucleotides [nt]) promote circularization cotranscriptionally, whereas pre-mRNAs containing minimal repeats (<40 nt) generate circular RNAs predominately after 3′ end processing. Unlike the previously characterized Muscleblind (Mbl) circular RNA, which requires the Mbl protein for its biogenesis, we found that Laccase2 circular RNA levels are not controlled by Mbl or the Laccase2 gene product but rather by multiple hnRNP (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein) and SR (serine–arginine) proteins acting in a combinatorial manner. hnRNP and SR proteins also regulate the expression of other Drosophila circular RNAs, including Plexin A (PlexA), suggesting a common strategy for regulating backsplicing. Furthermore, the laccase2 flanking introns support efficient circularization of diverse exons in Drosophila and human cells, providing a new tool for exploring the functional consequences of circular RNA expression across eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne C Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Dongming Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Deirdre C Tatomer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Beth Gold
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Zachary M March
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Sara Cherry
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Jeremy E Wilusz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Shirk PD, Perera OP, Shelby KS, Furlong RB, LoVullo ED, Popham HJR. Unique synteny and alternate splicing of the chitin synthases in closely related heliothine moths. Gene 2015; 574:121-39. [PMID: 26253161 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chitin is an extracellular biopolymer that contributes to the cuticular structural matrix in arthropods. As a consequence of its rigid structure, the chitinous cuticle must be shed and replaced to accommodate growth. Two chitin synthase genes that encode for chitin synthase A (ChSA), which produces cuticular exoskeleton, and chitin synthase B (ChSB), which produces peritrophic membrane, were characterized in the genomes of two heliothine moths: the corn earworm/cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In both moths, the two genes were arranged in tandem with the same orientation on the same strand with ChSB located 5' of ChSA. Sequence comparisons showed that the coding sequences were highly conserved with homologues from other species but that the tandem juxtaposed genomic arrangement of the two genes was unique in these insects. The mechanism that has led to this arrangement is unclear but is most likely a recent recombinational event. Transcript mapping of HzChSB and HzChSA in H. zea demonstrated that both transcripts were differentially spliced in various tissues and larval stages. The identification of the HzChSB-E12b alternate spliced transcript is the first report of alternate splicing for the ChSB group. The importance of this splice form is not clear because the protein produced would lack any enzymatic activity but retain the membrane insertion motifs. As for other insects, these genes provide an important target for potential control through RNAi but also provide a subject for broad scale genomic recombinational events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Shirk
- USDA ARS CMAVE, 1700 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608 USA.
| | | | - Kent S Shelby
- USDA ARS BCIRL, 1503 S. Providence, Columbia, MO 65203 USA.
| | | | - Eric D LoVullo
- USDA ARS CMAVE, 1700 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608 USA.
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