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Yu A, Beck M, Merzendorfer H, Yang Q. Advances in understanding insect chitin biosynthesis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 164:104058. [PMID: 38072083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Chitin, a natural polymer of N-acetylglucosamine chains, is a principal component of the apical extracellular matrix in arthropods. Chitin microfibrils serve as structural components of natural biocomposites present in the extracellular matrix of a variety of invertebrates including sponges, molluscs, nematodes, fungi and arthropods. In this review, we summarize the frontier advances of insect chitin synthesis. More specifically, we focus on the chitin synthase (CHS), which catalyzes the key biosynthesis step. CHS is also known as an attractive insecticidal target in that this enzyme is absent in mammals, birds or plants. As no insect chitin synthase structure have been reported so far, we review recent studies on glycosyltransferase domain structures derived from fungi and oomycetes, which are conserved in CHS from all species containing chitin. Auxiliary proteins, which coordinate with CHS in chitin biosynthesis and assembly, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Yu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Marius Beck
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Qing Yang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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2
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Liu W, An S, Cheng P, Zhang K, Gong M, Zhang Z, Zhang R. Whole-transcriptome profiling across different developmental stages of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) provides insights into chitin-related non-coding RNA and competing endogenous RNA networks. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:33. [PMID: 36703236 PMCID: PMC9878986 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05648-2] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is one of the most invasive species and a vector of numerous arboviruses. The deleterious effects of long-term and inappropriate use of chemical pesticides have stimulated the exploration of new, environmentally friendly control strategies. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been proven to participate in almost all biological processes of insects. METHODS In this study, circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) covering five developmental stages [egg, early larvae, late larvae, pupae, adult (female and male)] of A. albopictus were obtained using whole-transcriptome sequencing technology. Combined with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from previous research, circRNA/lncRNA‒miRNA‒mitochondrial RNA (mRNA) networks were constructed. RESULTS A total of 1434 circRNAs and 208 miRNAs were identified. More differentially expressed circRNAs (DE circRNAs) and miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were found in the egg versus early larvae comparison group. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that most of the circRNA/lncRNA‒miRNA‒mRNA networks were involved in chitin metabolism. Hub genes of each circRNA/lncRNA‒miRNA‒mRNA network were screened out, which can be used as novel targets to disturb the molting process of A. albopictus. CONCLUSIONS Regulatory relationships obtained from competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks provide more information to manipulate the metamorphosis process and are helpful for developing effective and sustainable methods to control mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Liu
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Sha An
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Peng Cheng
- grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jining, 272033 China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Maoqing Gong
- grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jining, 272033 China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China ,grid.410587.fSchool of Laboratory Animal (Shandong Laboratory Animal Center), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China ,grid.410587.fSchool of Laboratory Animal (Shandong Laboratory Animal Center), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
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3
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Ding YJ, Li GY, Xu CD, Wu Y, Zhou ZS, Wang SG, Li C. Regulatory Functions of Nilaparvata lugens GSK-3 in Energy and Chitin Metabolism. Front Physiol 2020; 11:518876. [PMID: 33324230 PMCID: PMC7723894 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.518876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose metabolism is a biologically important metabolic process. Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3) is a key enzyme located in the middle of the sugar metabolism pathway that can regulate the energy metabolism process in the body through insulin signaling. This paper mainly explores the regulatory effect of glycogen synthase kinase on the metabolism of glycogen and trehalose in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) by RNA interference. In this paper, microinjection of the target double-stranded GSK-3 (dsGSK-3) effectively inhibited the expression of target genes in N. lugens. GSK-3 gene silencing can effectively inhibit the expression of target genes (glycogen phosphorylase gene, glycogen synthase gene, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase 1 gene, and trehalose-6-phosphate synthase 2 gene) in N. lugens and trehalase activity, thereby reducing glycogen and glucose content, increasing trehalose content, and regulating insect trehalose balance. GSK-3 can regulate the genes chitin synthase gene and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene involved in the chitin biosynthetic pathway of N. lugens. GSK-3 gene silencing can inhibit the synthesis of chitin N. lugens, resulting in abnormal phenotypes and increased mortality. These results indicated that a low expression of GSK-3 in N. lugens can regulate the metabolism of glycogen and trehalose through the insulin signal pathway and energy metabolism pathway, and can regulate the biosynthesis of chitin, which affects molting and wing formation. The relevant research results will help us to more comprehensively explore the molecular mechanism of the regulation of energy and chitin metabolism of insect glycogen synthase kinases in species such as N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Juan Ding
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biological Resources Protection and Efficient Utilization of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Yong Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biological Resources Protection and Efficient Utilization of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Cai-Di Xu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biological Resources Protection and Efficient Utilization of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhong-Shi Zhou
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biological Resources Protection and Efficient Utilization of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shi-Gui Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Can Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biological Resources Protection and Efficient Utilization of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
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Xu G, Yi Y, Lyu H, Gong C, Feng Q, Song Q, Peng X, Liu L, Zheng S. DNA methylation suppresses chitin degradation and promotes the wing development by inhibiting Bmara-mediated chitinase expression in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:34. [PMID: 32887667 PMCID: PMC7472703 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation, as an essential epigenetic modification found in mammals and plants, has been implicated to play an important role in insect reproduction. However, the functional role and the regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation during insect organ or tissue development are far from being clear. RESULTS Here, we found that DNA methylation inhibitor (5-aza-dC) treatment in newly molted pupae decreased the chitin content of pupal wing discs and adult wings and resulted in wing deformity of Bombyx mori. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the up-regulation of chitinase 10 (BmCHT10) gene might be related to the decrease of chitin content induced by 5-aza-dC treatment. Further, the luciferase activity assays demonstrated that DNA methylation suppressed the promoter activity of BmCHT10 by down-regulating the transcription factor, homeobox protein araucan (Bmara). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, DNA pull-down and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Bmara directly bound to the BmCHT10 promoter. Therefore, DNA methylation is involved in keeping the structural integrity of the silkworm wings from unwanted chitin degradation, as a consequence, it promotes the wing development of B. mori. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that DNA methylation plays an important role in the wing development of B. mori. Our results support that the indirect transcriptional repression of a chitin degradation-related gene BmCHT10 by DNA methylation is necessary to keep the proper wing development in B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanfeng Xu
- 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, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yangqin Yi
- 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, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Hao Lyu
- 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, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Chengcheng Gong
- 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, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Xuezhen Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Lin Liu
- 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, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Sichun Zheng
- 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, 510631, China. .,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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5
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Yin J, Zhang J, Li T, Sun X, Qin S, Hou CX, Zhang GZ, Li MW. BmSd gene regulates the silkworm wing size by affecting the Hippo pathway. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:655-664. [PMID: 31225693 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Insect wings are developed from the wing disc during metamorphosis. Bombyx mori, a model lepidopteran insect, loses flight ability after long-term domestication from the wild silkworm, Bombyx mandarina. The mw mutant (u11 strain) shows minute wings compared to wild type (e.g., p50 strain) wings. RNA sequencing analysis previously revealed differential Hippo-pathway-related gene expression between the u11 and p50 strains. The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade that controls organ size during development in animals. In this study, the function of BmSd which has been characterized as one of the Hippo-pathway-related genes was analyzed for silkworm wing development. We found that mats, warts, and hippo expression levels were higher in u11 compared to p50 wing discs. BmSd (scalloped) expression, which encodes a prominent transcriptional partner to Yorkie (Yki), gradually decreased during the wandering stage in u11, but exhibited the opposite expression pattern in p50. When BmSd was knocked down by small interfering RNA during the wandering stage in the p50 strain, 57.9% of the individuals showed minute wings. Additionally, ex, kibra, and wingless expression levels decreased in the BmSd knockdown mutant. Further, BmSd deletion mediated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR-associated protein 9 induced 50% of individuals with minute wings, a phenotype similar to the mw mutant. This result demonstrates that BmSd plays pivotal roles in silkworm wing development. Our results show that the Hippo signaling pathway participates and plays crucial roles in the regulation of silkworm wing development, and our findings provide a basis for further research on B. mori wing development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng-Xiang Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guo-Zheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mu-Wang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Wang Y, Wang J, Xia X, Wu G. Functional Identification of Px-fringe and Px-engrailed Genes under Heat Stress in Chlorpyrifos-Resistant and -Susceptible Plutela xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11050287. [PMID: 32392846 PMCID: PMC7290670 DOI: 10.3390/insects11050287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In our previous research, the fitness cost of resistance of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella found in insecticide-resistant DBM (Rc-DBM) under heat stress was based on heavier damage to wing veins when compared to insecticide-susceptible DBM (Sm-DBM). To investigate the molecular mechanism of the damage to the veins between Rc- and Sm-DBM, the full-length sequences of two related genes involved in the development of wing veins, fringe (Px-fng) and engrailed (Px-en) of DBM were cloned, and the mRNA expressions of both Px-fng and Px-en were studied. The Px-fng and Px-en cDNA contained 1038 bp and 1152 bp of open reading frames (ORFs), respectively, which encoded a putative protein comprising 345 and 383 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 39.59 kDa and 42.69 kDa. Significantly down regulated expressions of Px-fng and Px-en under heat stress were found in pupae and adults of Rc-DBM compared to Sm-DBM, and a result of higher damage to wing veins in Rc-DBM under heat stress. Based on RNAi experiments, significant inhibitions on expressions of Px-fng and Px-en in both Sm-DBM and Rc-DBM were found when the pupae were infected by dsFng or dsEn. Corresponding to these, infections of dsFng or dsEn resulted in significant decrease of eclosion rate and increase malformation rate of DBM. Our results suggest that the higher damage of wing veins in DBM might be related to the heavier inhibitions of Px-fng and Px-en expression, and the Px-fng and Px-en are involved in the development of wings and veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (G.W.)
| | - Gang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.W.); (J.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (G.W.)
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Identification and Functional Analysis of Two Chitin Synthase Genes in the Common Cutworm, Spodoptera litura. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11040253. [PMID: 32316461 PMCID: PMC7240487 DOI: 10.3390/insects11040253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chitin is one the main components of the insect cuticle, and chitin synthase (CHS) is an important enzyme required for chitin formation. CHS has been characterized in various insect species, but the structure and biochemical properties in Spodoptera litura have not been determined. In this study, we identified two CHS genes, SlCHS1 and SlCHS2, which encode proteins with 1565 and 1520 amino acid residues, respectively. Transcriptional analysis suggested that SlCHS1 has a high expression level in the integument whereas SlCHS2 showed the highest expression level in the midgut. During S. litura growth and development, SlCHS1 and SlCHS2 were both predominantly expressed in the fourth-instar larval stage. In addition, the expression of SlCHS1 and SlCHS2 could be induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Silencing of SlCHS1 by RNA interference significantly inhibited the pupation and molting of S. litura larvae (RNAi), while knockdown of SlCHS2 had no significant effects on the S. litura phenotype. These results may provide a new molecular target for control of S. litura.
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Zhang J, Xu G, Qiu B, Zhang X, Feng Q, Yang Q, Zheng S. BR-C Z4 and FoxJ interact to regulate expression of a chitin synthase gene CHSA-2b in the pupal wing discs of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 116:103264. [PMID: 31707207 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103264] [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: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Elaborate regulation of tissue- and stage-specific expression of genes is prerequisite for insect development. The hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) initiates metamorphosis by regulating the expression of a series of genes. However, how 20E orderly regulates the pupa-specific expression of genes remains unclear. In this study, we report a regulatory mechanism for the pupa-specific expression of chitin synthase A 2b (CHSA-2b) in Bombyx mori. We found that Broad-Complex Z4 (BR-C Z4) was up-regulated by 20E just before pupation, while transcription factor FoxJ and CHSA-2b were up-regulated during the pupal stage. There is a Fox cis-regulatory element in the CHSA-2b promoter region, and FoxJ protein bound to this element, enhancing the CHSA-2b transcription during the pupal stage. In addition to CHSA-2b, FoxJ also up-regulated the expression of 16 out of 19 pupa-specific genes tested. However, at the prepupal stage, 20E-induced BR-C Z4 inhibited the FoxJ transcription, indirectly inhibiting the CHSA-2b transcription. These data suggest that at the pre-pupation stage, 20E-induced BR-C Z4 inhibited the expression of pupa-stage genes like CHSA-2b by inhibiting the expression of FoxJ; by the pupal stage, the expression of BR-C Z4 decreased, releasing its inhibition on FoxJ, which then up-regulated the expression of the pupa-specific genes. This study explains the elaborate regulation of the pupa-specific gene expression during metamorphosis in B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie 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, 510631, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Guanfeng Xu
- 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, 510631, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Binbin Qiu
- 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, 510631, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan 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, 510631, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Sichun Zheng
- 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, 510631, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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Pan BY, Li GY, Wu Y, Zhou ZS, Zhou M, Li C. Glucose Utilization in the Regulation of Chitin Synthesis in Brown Planthopper. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2019; 19:5574393. [PMID: 31557289 PMCID: PMC6761884 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iez081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and hexokinase (HK) are two key enzymes in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways, which catalyze the synthesis and degradation of glucose in insects, respectively. G6Pase and HK play an important role in insect growth by regulating the metabolism of glucose, leading to the efficient metabolism of other macromolecules. However, it is unclear whether these genes could be investigated for pest control through their actions on chitin metabolism. We studied the potential functions of G6Pase and HK genes in the regulation of chitin metabolism pathways by RNAi technology. Interference with G6Pase expression did not affect trehalose and chitin metabolism pathways in brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). However, knockdown of the HK gene resulted in a significant decrease of expression of genes associated with the trehalose metabolic pathway but had no significant effect on trehalase activity, trehalose content, or glucogen content. Additionally, HK knockdown resulting in downregulation of the genes involved in chitin metabolism in the brown planthopper. These insects also showed wing deformities and difficulty in molting to varying degrees. We suggest that the silencing of HK expression directly inhibited the decomposition of glucose, leading to impaired chitin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Ying Pan
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Department of Biology and Engineering of Environment, Guiyang University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Yong Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Department of Biology and Engineering of Environment, Guiyang University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Department of Biology and Engineering of Environment, Guiyang University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Shi Zhou
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Department of Biology and Engineering of Environment, Guiyang University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhou
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Can Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Department of Biology and Engineering of Environment, Guiyang University, Guiyang, P.R. China
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Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H, Arakane Y, Yang Q. Chitin Organizing and Modifying Enzymes and Proteins Involved In Remodeling of the Insect Cuticle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:83-114. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Effects of RNAi-based silencing of chitin synthase gene on moulting and fecundity in pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum). Sci Rep 2019; 9:3694. [PMID: 30842508 PMCID: PMC6403427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is an important agricultural pest and an ideal model organism for various studies. Chitin synthase (CHS) catalyses chitin synthesis, a critical structural component of insect exoskeletons. Here, we identified a CHS gene from A. pisum, ApisCHS. The ApisCHS expression profiles showed that ApisCHS was expressed in various developmental stages and in all tested tissues of A. pisum, including the epidermis, embryo, gut and haemolymph. Notably, ApisCHS exhibited peak expression in the middle of each nymphal period and was extremely highly expressed in the epidermis and embryo. RNA interference (RNAi) showed that ~600 ng of dsRNA is an effective dose for gene silencing by injection for dsRNA delivery; moreover, 1200 ng·μL−1 dsRNA induced CHS gene silencing by a plant-mediated feeding approach. A 44.7% mortality rate and a 51.3% moulting rate were observed 72 h after injection of dsApisCHS into fourth-instar nymphs, compared with the levels in the control (injected with dsGFP). Moreover, a longer period was required for nymph development and a 44.2% deformity rate among newborn nymphs was obtained upon ingestion of dsApisCHS. These results suggest that ApisCHS plays a critical role in nymphal growth and embryonic development in pea aphids, and is a potential target for RNAi-based aphid pest control.
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Xu G, Zhang J, Lyu H, Song Q, Feng Q, Xiang H, Zheng S. DNA methylation mediates BmDeaf1-regulated tissue- and stage-specific expression of BmCHSA-2b in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Epigenetics Chromatin 2018; 11:32. [PMID: 29903048 PMCID: PMC6001065 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-018-0202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate regulation of tissue- and stage-specific expression of genes is prerequisite for normal development in organisms. DNA methylation plays an important role in modulating gene expression in mammals and plants. However, there is no direct evidence showing how DNA methylation regulates gene transcription in insects. RESULTS During the development of Bombyx mori wing, the expression level of DNA methyltransferase 1 (BmDnmt1) gradually declined and became stationary at pupal stage, resulting in a lower methylation rate of the intragenic promoter of the mid-pupal wing-specific gene BmCHSA-2b, an epidermal chitin synthase controlling mid-pupal wing development in B. mori. The higher methylation rate of the promoter in the pupal epidermis was decreased and BmCHSA-2b transcription was significantly increased by the treatment with the DNA methylation inhibitor, 5-azacytidine-2'-deoxycytidine, suggesting that DNA methylation regulates the tissue-specific expression of BmCHSA-2b. Pupa-specific transcription factor BmDEAF1 bound to the unmethylated intragenic promoter and activated the BmCHSA-2b transcription in the mid-pupal wing. BmDnmt1 and BmDeaf1 influenced the BmCHSA-2b transcription by binding competitively to the CpG island in the promoter. CONCLUSIONS All the data together demonstrate that the cooperation between the down-regulation of BmDnmt1 and increased stage-specific expression of BmDeaf1 enhances BmCHSA-2b tissue- and stage-specific transcription to ensure mid-wing development in B. mori. This study highlights an elaborate regulation mechanism how tissue- and stage-specific gene expression is regulated through promoter methylation in insect development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanfeng Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Hao Lyu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Sichun Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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