1
|
Leyria J, Orchard I, Lange AB. Octopamine is required for successful reproduction in the classical insect model, Rhodnius prolixus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306611. [PMID: 38995904 PMCID: PMC11244822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In insects, biogenic amines function as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neurohormones, influencing various behaviors, including those related to reproduction such as response to sex pheromones, oogenesis, oviposition, courtship, and mating. Octopamine (OA), an analog of the vertebrate norepinephrine, is synthesized from the biogenic amine tyramine by the enzyme tyramine β-hydroxylase (TβH). Here, we investigate the mechanisms and target genes underlying the role of OA in successful reproduction in females of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease, by downregulating TβH mRNA expression (thereby reducing OA content) using RNA interference (RNAi), and in vivo and ex vivo application of OA. Injection of females with dsTβH impairs successful reproduction at least in part, by decreasing the transcript expression of enzymes involved in juvenile hormone biosynthesis, the primary hormone for oogenesis in R. prolixus, thereby interfering with oogenesis, ovulation and oviposition. This study offers valuable insights into the involvement of OA for successful reproduction in R. prolixus females. Understanding the reproductive biology of R. prolixus is crucial in a medical context for controlling the spread of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Angela B. Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva FJ, Domínguez-Santos R, Latorre A, García-Ferris C. Comparative Transcriptomics of Fat Bodies between Symbiotic and Quasi-Aposymbiotic Adult Females of Blattella germanica with Emphasis on the Metabolic Integration with Its Endosymbiont Blattabacterium and Its Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4228. [PMID: 38673813 PMCID: PMC11050582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084228] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We explored the metabolic integration of Blattella germanica and its obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti by the transcriptomic analysis of the fat body of quasi-aposymbiotic cockroaches, where the endosymbionts were almost entirely removed with rifampicin. Fat bodies from quasi-aposymbiotic insects displayed large differences in gene expression compared to controls. In quasi-aposymbionts, the metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine involved in cuticle sclerotization and pigmentation increased drastically to compensate for the deficiency in the biosynthesis of these amino acids by the endosymbionts. On the other hand, the uricolytic pathway and the biosynthesis of uric acid were severely decreased, probably because the reduced population of endosymbionts was unable to metabolize urea to ammonia. Metabolite transporters that could be involved in the endosymbiosis process were identified. Immune system and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression was also reduced in quasi-aposymbionts, genes encoding peptidoglycan-recognition proteins, which may provide clues for the maintenance of the symbiotic relationship, as well as three AMP genes whose involvement in the symbiotic relationship will require additional analysis. Finally, a search for AMP-like factors that could be involved in controlling the endosymbiont identified two orphan genes encoding proteins smaller than 200 amino acids underexpressed in quasi-aposymbionts, suggesting a role in the host-endosymbiont relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Silva
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Domínguez-Santos
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Latorre
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Ferris
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gong LL, Ma YF, Zhang MQ, Feng HY, Zhou YY, Zhao YQ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, He M, He P. The melanin pigment gene black mediates body pigmentation and courtship behaviour in the German cockroach Blattella germanica. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 114:271-280. [PMID: 38623047 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485324000166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Genes involved in melanin production directly impact insect pigmentation and can affect diverse physiology and behaviours. The role these genes have on sex behaviour, however, is unclear. In the present study, the crucial melanin pigment gene black was functionally characterised in an urban pest, the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. RNAi knockdown of B. germanica black (Bgblack) had no effect on survival, but did result in black pigmentation of the thoraxes, abdomens, heads, wings, legs, antennae, and cerci due to cuticular accumulation of melanin. Sex-specific variation in the pigmentation pattern was apparent, with females exhibiting darker coloration on the abdomen and thorax than males. Bgblack knockdown also resulted in wing deformation and negatively impacted the contact sex pheromone-based courtship behaviour of males. This study provides evidence for black function in multiple aspects of B. germanica biology and opens new avenues of exploration for novel pest control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lang-Lang Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yun-Feng Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Hong-Yan Feng
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yang-Yuntao Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - J Joe Hull
- USDA-ARS Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa AZ, 85138, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, 7 Nadi El-Seid Street, Dokki 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ming He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fan L, Li X, Li H, Li B, Wang J, He L, Wang Z, Lin Y. Comparative transcriptome analysis to unveil genes affecting the host cuticle destruction in Metarhizium rileyi. Curr Genet 2023; 69:253-265. [PMID: 37726495 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-023-01274-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Insect pathogenic fungi, also known as entomopathogenic fungi, are one of the largest insect pathogenic microorganism communities, represented by Beauveria spp. and Metarhizium spp. Entomopathogenic fungi have been proved to be a great substitute for chemical pesticide in agriculture. In fact, a lot of functional genes were also already characterized in entomopathogenic fungi, but more depth of exploration is still needed to reveal their complicated pathogenic mechanism to insects. Metarhizium rileyi (Nomuraea rileyi) is a great potential biocontrol fungus that can parasitize more than 40 distinct species (mainly Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to cause large-scale infectious diseases within insect population. In this study, a comparative analysis of transcriptome profile was performed with topical inoculation and hemolymph injection to character the infectious pattern of M. rileyi. Appressorium and multiple hydrolases are indispensable constituents to break the insect host primary cuticle defense in entomopathogenic fungi. Within our transcriptome data, numerous transcripts related to destruction of insect cuticle rather growth regulations were obtained. Most importantly, some unreported ribosomal protein genes and novel unannotated protein (hypothetical protein) genes were proved to participate in the course of pathogenic regulation. Our current data provide a higher efficiency gene library for virulence factors screen in M. rileyi, and this library may be also useful for furnishing valuable information on entomopathogenic fungal pathogenic mechanisms to host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Fan
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Li
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingjie Li
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Le He
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Lin
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Precision Medical Industry Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo H, Long GJ, Liu XZ, Ma YF, Zhang MQ, Gong LL, Dewer Y, Hull JJ, Wang MM, Wang Q, He M, He P. Functional characterization of tyrosine melanin genes in the white-backed planthopper and utilization of a spray-based nanoparticle-wrapped dsRNA technique for pest control. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123123. [PMID: 36603718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.123123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
As a significant pest of rice the white-backed planthopper (WBPH) Sogatella furcifera is a focus of pest management. However, traditional chemical-based control methods risk the development of pesticide resistance as well as severe ecological repercussions. Although nanoparticle-encapsulated dsRNAs provide a promising alternative method for sustainable pest management, gene targets specific to WBPH have yet to be optimized. Genes in the tyrosine-melanin pathway impact epidermal melanization and sclerotization, two processes essential for insect development and metabolism, have been proposed as good candidate targets for pest management. Seven genes (aaNAT, black, DDC, ebony, tan, TH, and yellow-y) in this group were identified from WBPH genome and functionally characterized by using RNAi for their impact on WBPH body color, development, and mortality. Knockdown of SfDDC, Sfblack, SfaaNAT, and Sftan caused cuticles to turn black, whereas Sfyellow-y and Sfebony knockdown resulted in yellow coloration. SfTH knockdown resulted in pale-colored bodies and high mortality. Additionally, an Escherichia coli expression system for large-scale dsRNA production was coupled with star polycation nanoparticles to develop a sprayable RNAi method targeting SfTH that induced high WBPH mortality rates on rice seedlings. These findings lay the groundwork for the development of large-scale dsRNA nanoparticle sprays as a WBPH control method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Gui-Jun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Xuan-Zheng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yun-Feng Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, 7 Nadi El-Seid Street, Dokki, 12618 Giza, Egypt
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ, 85138, USA
| | - Mei-Mei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Ming He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shang Y, Feng Y, Ren L, Zhang X, Yang F, Zhang C, Guo Y. Pupal Age Estimation of Sarcophaga peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) at Different Constant Temperatures Utilizing ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Cuticular Hydrocarbons. INSECTS 2023; 14:143. [PMID: 36835712 PMCID: PMC9965786 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sarcophaga peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a forensically important flesh fly that has potential value in estimating the PMImin. The precise pupal age estimation has great implications for PMImin estimation. During larval development, the age determination is straightforward by the morphological changes and variation of length and weight, however, the pupal age estimation is more difficult due to anatomical and morphological changes not being visible. Thus, it is necessary to find new techniques and methods that can be implemented by standard experiments for accurate pupal age estimation. In this study, we first investigated the potential of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) for the age estimations of S. peregrina pupae at different constant temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C). The orthogonal projections latent structure discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) classification model was used to distinguish the pupae samples of different developmental ages. Then, a multivariate statistical regression model, partial least squares (PLS), was established with the spectroscopic and hydrocarbon data for pupal age estimations. We identified 37 CHCs with a carbon chain length between 11 and 35 in the pupae of S. peregrina. The results of the OPLS-DA model show a significant separation between different developmental ages of pupae (R2X > 0.928, R2Y > 0.899, Q2 > 0.863). The PLS model had a satisfactory prediction with a good fit between the actual and predicted ages of the pupae (R2 > 0.927, RMSECV < 1.268). The results demonstrate that the variation tendencies of spectroscopy and hydrocarbons were time-dependent, and ATR-FTIR and CHCs may be optimal for the age estimations of pupae of forensically important flies with implications for PMImin estimation in forensic practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yakai Feng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Fengqin Yang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao X, Su Y, Shao T, Fan Z, Cao L, Liu W, Zhang J. Cuticle protein gene LmCP8 is involved in the structural development of the ovipositor in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:747-759. [PMID: 35822263 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12801] [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: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The ovipositor comprises the external genitalia of female insects, which plays an important role in the mating and ovipositing process of insects. However, it remains rudimentary of regional gene expression and physiological function in the ovipositor during structural development. Here, we analysed the basic structure and characteristics of the ovipositor in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria. RNA-seq analysis revealed the specialization of chitin metabolism, lipids synthesis and transport, tanning and cuticular protein genes in the ovipositor. Among them, two cuticle protein genes, LmCP8 and LmACP79, were identified, which are specifically expressed in the ovipositor. Functional analysis based on RNA interference showed that deficiency of LmCP8 affected the structural development of the ovipositor resulting in the retention of a large number of remaining unproduced oocysts in the ovary of the locusts. Our results provide a fundamental resource to investigate the structural development and physiological function of the ovipositor in L. migratoria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhao
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yazhi Su
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ti Shao
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiyan Fan
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bai TT, Pei XJ, Liu TX, Fan YL, Zhang SZ. Melanin synthesis genes BgTH and BgDdc affect body color and cuticle permeability in Blattella germanica. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1552-1568. [PMID: 35191584 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13024] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Melanin is involved in cuticle pigmentation and sclerotization of insects, which is critical for maintaining structural integrity and functional completeness of insect cuticle. The 2 key enzymes of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC) predicted in melanin biosynthesis are usually conserved in insects. However, it is unclear whether their function is related to epidermal permeability. In this study, we identified and cloned the gene sequences of BgTH and BgDdc from Blattella germanica, and revealed that they both showed a high expression at the molting, and BgTH was abundant in the head and integument while BgDdc was expressed highest in the fat body. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we found that knockdown of BgTH caused molting obstacles in some cockroaches, with the survivors showing pale color and softer integuments, while knockdown of BgDdc was viable and generated an abnormal light brown body color. Desiccation assay showed that the dsBgTH-injected adults died earlier than control groups under a dry atmosphere, but dsBgDdc-injected cockroaches did not. In contrast, when dsRNA-treated cockroaches were reared under a high humidity condition, almost no cockroaches died in all treatments. Furthermore, with eosin Y staining assay, we found that BgTH-RNAi resulted in a higher cuticular permeability, and BgDdc-RNAi also caused slight dye penetration. These results demonstrate that BgTH and BgDdc function in body pigmentation and affect the waterproofing ability of the cuticle, and the reduction of cuticular permeability may be achieved through cuticle melanization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Tian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Present address: Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology and Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shi-Ze Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ze LJ, Wang P, Peng YC, Jin L, Li GQ. Silencing tyrosine hydroxylase or dopa decarboxylase gene disrupts cuticle tanning during larva-pupa-adult transformation in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3880-3893. [PMID: 35470957 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6948] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 28-spotted potato ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, is a notorious defoliator of many solanaceous and cucurbitaceous plants. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC) are responsible for cuticle tanning pathway in insects. RESULTS We identified HvTH and HvDDC in H. vigintioctopunctata, and found that high levels of them were accumulated just before or right after molting. Injection of dsHvTH or feeding 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT) at the third instar larval stage repressed tanning of the larval cuticle, reduced larval feeding, inhibited larval growth, and consequently caused 100% of larval mortality. Knockdown of HvDDC at the third instar larval stage hardly affected the coloration of larval head, and partially inhibited pigmentation of larval bodies and around 80% of the HvDDC RNAi larvae developed into albino pupae and adults. Moreover, depletion of HvTH or HvDDC at the fourth instar larval stage resulted in albino pupae and adults. The HvTH or HvDDC hypomorph adults fully or partially failed to remove the larval/pupal exuviae, possessed pale and abnormal wings, and poorly tanned heads and bodies, and eventually, struggled for several days without feeding on leaves before death. CONCLUSION These results show that TH and DDC play key roles in larval and adult cuticle tanning and development in H. vigintioctopunctata. Also, these findings suggest that dopa- and dopamine-originated pigments are essential for larval and adult feeding behavior and the molting process during emergence. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long-Ji Ze
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Chuan Peng
- Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu MM, Chen X, Xu QX, Zang LS, Wang S, Li M, Xiao D. Melanin Synthesis Pathway Interruption: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Knockout of dopa decarboxylase (DDC) in Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:6694719. [PMID: 36082675 PMCID: PMC9459435 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a very powerful genome editing tool and has been used in many insect species for functional genomics studies through targeted gene mutagenesis. Here, we successfully established CRISPR/Cas9 research platform in Asian multi-colored ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, an important natural enemy in biological control. In this study, one pivotal gene dopa decarboxylase (DDC) in melanin synthesis was targeted by CRISPR/Cas9 to generate mutants in H. axyridis by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Our results showed that injection of single guide RNA of the DDC and Cas9 protein into preblastoderm eggs induced one insertion and four deletion (indels) mutant H. axyridis. Mutations of HaDDC gene generated 25% mutant rate with melanin missing phenotype in larva, pupa,l and adult stage. The predation ability of the fourth instar larvae has no significant difference between wild (control) and mutant H. axyridis (G0), while these mutant fourth instar larvae had longer developmental period than that of the wild type. Consequently, the total predation of the fourth instar larvae was significantly increased in H. axyridis mutants comparing with the wild type. These results indicated that the success of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in H. axyridis. The gene editing platform in H. axyridis would facilitate the gene function research and promote special strain of predatory ladybird beetle generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qing-xuan Xu
- Institute of Plant and Environment Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Lian-sheng Zang
- Jilin Engineering Research Center of Resource Insects Industrialization, Institute of Biological Control, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering of Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Su Wang
- Institute of Plant and Environment Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Ming Li
- Corresponding author, e-mail: (M.L.), (D.X.)
| | - Da Xiao
- Corresponding author, e-mail: (M.L.), (D.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sterkel M, Volonté M, Albornoz MG, Wulff JP, Del Huerto Sánchez M, Terán PM, Ajmat MT, Ons S. The role of neuropeptides in regulating ecdysis and reproduction in the hemimetabolous insect Rhodnius prolixus. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276563. [PMID: 35929492 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In ecdysozoan animals, moulting entails the production of a new exoskeleton and shedding the old one during ecdysis. It is induced by a pulse of ecdysone that regulates the expression of different hormonal receptors and activates a peptide-mediated signalling cascade. In Holometabola, the peptidergic cascade regulating ecdysis has been well described. However, very little functional information regarding the neuroendocrine regulation of ecdysis is available for Hemimetabola, which displays an incomplete metamorphosis. We use Rhodnius prolixus as a convenient experimental model to test two hypotheses: (a) the role of neuropeptides that regulate ecdysis in Holometabola is conserved in hemimetabolous insects; (b) the neuropeptides regulating ecdysis play a role in the regulation of female reproduction during the adult stage. The RNA interference-mediated reduction of ETH expression in fourth-instar nymphs resulted in lethality at the expected time of ecdysis. Unlike in holometabolous insects, the knockdown of ETH and OKA did not affect oviposition in adult females, pointing to a different endocrine regulation of ovary maturation. However, ETH knockdown prevented egg hatching. The blockage of egg hatching appears to be a consequence of embryonic ecdysis failure. Most of the first-instar nymphs hatched from the eggs laid by females injected with dsEH, dsCCAP and dsOKA died at the expected time of ecdysis, indicating the crucial involvement of these genes in post-embryonic development. No phenotypes were observed upon CZ knockdown in nymphs or adult females. The results are relevant for evolutionary entomology and could reveal targets for neuropeptide-based pest control tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Sterkel
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Volonté
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maximiliano G Albornoz
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Pedro Wulff
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Del Huerto Sánchez
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO). Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Chacabuco 461, T4000, S. M. de Tucumán, Tucumán
| | - Paula María Terán
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO). Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Chacabuco 461, T4000, S. M. de Tucumán, Tucumán
| | - María Teresa Ajmat
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO). Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Chacabuco 461, T4000, S. M. de Tucumán, Tucumán
| | - Sheila Ons
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cardoso-Jaime V, Broderick NA, Maya-Maldonado K. Metal ions in insect reproduction: a crosstalk between reproductive physiology and immunity. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 52:100924. [PMID: 35483647 PMCID: PMC9357134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Most insects exhibit high reproductive capacity, which demands large amounts of energy, including macronutrients and micronutrients. Interestingly, many proteins involved in oogenesis depend on metals ions, in particular iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). Mechanisms by which metal ions influence reproduction have been described in Drosophila melanogaster, but remain poorly understood in hematophagous insects where blood meals include significant ingestion of metal ions. Moreover, there is evidence that some proteins involved in reproduction and immunity could have dual function in both processes. This review highlights the importance of metal ions in the reproduction of non-hematophagous and hematophagous insects. In addition, we discuss how insects optimize physiological processes using proteins involved in crosstalk between reproductive physiology and immunity, which is a double-edge sword in allocating their functions to protect the insect and ensure reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Salcedo-Porras N, Oliveira PL, Guarneri AA, Lowenberger C. A fat body transcriptome analysis of the immune responses of Rhodnius prolixus to artificial infections with bacteria. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:269. [PMID: 35906633 PMCID: PMC9335980 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhodnius prolixus is an important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease in humans. Despite the medical importance of this and other triatomine vectors, the study of their immune responses has been limited to a few molecular pathways and processes. Insect immunity studies were first described for holometabolous insects such as Drosophila melanogaster, and it was assumed that their immune responses were conserved in all insects. However, study of the immune responses of triatomines and other hemimetabolous insects has revealed discrepancies between these and the Drosophila model. Methods To expand our understanding of innate immune responses of triatomines to pathogens, we injected fifth instar nymphs of R. prolixus with the Gram-negative (Gr−) bacterium Enterobacter cloacae, the Gram-positive (Gr+) bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and evaluated transcript expression in the fat body 8 and 24 h post-injection (hpi). We analyzed the differential expression of transcripts at each time point, and across time, for each treatment. Results At 8 hpi, the Gr− bacteria-injected group had a large number of differentially expressed (DE) transcripts, and most of the changes in transcript expression were maintained at 24 hpi. In the Gr+ bacteria treatment, few DE transcripts were detected at 8 hpi, but a large number of transcripts were DE at 24 hpi. Unexpectedly, the PBS control also had a large number of DE transcripts at 24 hpi. Very few DE transcripts were common to the different treatments and time points, indicating a high specificity of the immune responses of R. prolixus to different pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides known to be induced by the immune deficiency pathway were induced upon Gr− bacterial infection. Many transcripts of genes from the Toll pathway that are thought to participate in responses to Gr+ bacteria and fungi were induced by both bacteria and PBS treatment. Pathogen recognition receptors and serine protease cascade transcripts were also overexpressed after Gr− bacteria and PBS injections. Gr- injection also upregulated transcripts involved in the metabolism of tyrosine, a major substrate involved in the melanotic encapsulation response to pathogens. Conclusions These results reveal time-dependent pathogen-specific regulation of immune responses in triatomines, and hint at strong interactions between the immune deficiency and Toll pathways. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material, which is available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05358-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Pedro Lagerblad Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Bloco D. Prédio do CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Aparecida Guarneri
- Vector Behavior and Pathogen Interaction Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP, 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Berni M, Lima L, Bressan D, Julio A, Bonfim L, Simão Y, Pane A, Ramos I, Oliveira PL, Araujo H. Atypical strategies for cuticle pigmentation in the blood-feeding hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus. Genetics 2022; 221:6571811. [PMID: 35445704 PMCID: PMC9157140 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigmentation in insects has been linked to mate selection and predator evasion, thus representing an important aspect for natural selection. Insect body color is classically associated to the activity of tyrosine pathway enzymes, and eye color to pigment synthesis through the tryptophan and guanine pathways, and their transport by ABC proteins. Among the hemiptera, the genetic basis for pigmentation in kissing bugs such as Rhodnius prolixus, that transmit Chagas disease to humans, has not been addressed. Here we report the functional analysis of R. prolixus eye and cuticle pigmentation genes. Consistent with data for most insect clades, we show that knockdown for yellow results in a yellow cuticle, while scarlet and cinnabar knockdowns display red eyes as well as cuticle phenotypes. In addition, tyrosine pathway aaNATpreto knockdown resulted in a striking dark cuticle that displays no color pattern or UV reflectance. In contrast, knockdown of ebony and tan, that encode NBAD branch tyrosine pathway enzymes, did not generate the expected dark and light brown phenotypes, respectively, as reported for other insects. We hypothesize that R. prolixus, which requires tyrosine pathway enzymes for detoxification from the blood diet, evolved an unusual strategy for cuticle pigmentation based on the preferential use of a color erasing function of the aaNATpreto tyrosine pathway branch. We also show that genes classically involved in the generation and transport of eye pigments regulate red body color in R. prolixus. This is the first systematic approach to identify the genes responsible for the generation of color in a blood-feeding hemiptera, providing potential visible markers for future transgenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Berni
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brasil (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Morphological Sciences (PCM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lima
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Morphological Sciences (PCM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel Bressan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Morphological Sciences (PCM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Alison Julio
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Morphological Sciences (PCM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Larissa Bonfim
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Simão
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Attilio Pane
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ramos
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brasil (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Oliveira
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brasil (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Helena Araujo
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brasil (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cardoso MA, Brito TFD, Brito IADA, Berni MA, Coelho VL, Pane A. The Neglected Virome of Triatomine Insects. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.828712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Triatominae subfamily (Reduviidae) harbors some hematophagous insect species that have been firmly connected to the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Triatomines not only host and transmit trypanosomatids, but also coexist with a variety of symbiotic microorganisms that generally reside in the insect’s intestinal flora. The microbiome has profound effects on the physiology, immunity, fitness and survival of animals and plants. The interaction between triatomines and bacteria has been investigated to some extent and has revealed important bacteria symbionts. In contrast, the range of viral species that can infect triatomine insects is almost completely unknown. In some cases, genomic and metatranscriptomic approaches have uncovered sequences related to possible viral genomes, but, to date, only eight positive single-strand RNA viruses, namely Triatoma virus and Rhodnius prolixus viruses 1 - 7 have been investigated in more detail. Here, we review the literature available on triatomine viruses and the viruses-insect host relationship. The lack of broader metagenomic and metatranscriptomic studies in these medically relevant insects underscores the importance of expanding our knowledge of the triatomine virome both for surveillance purposes as well as to possibly harness their potential for insect vector population control strategies.
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen EH, Hou QL, Dou W, Yang PJ, Wang JJ. Expression profiles of tyrosine metabolic pathway genes and functional analysis of DOPA decarboxylase in puparium tanning of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:344-354. [PMID: 34532962 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tanning is an important physiological process with critical roles in cuticle pigmentation and sclerotization. Previous studies have shown that insect cuticle tanning is closely associated with the tyrosine metabolism pathway, which consists of a series of enzymes. RESULTS In this study, 24 tyrosine metabolism pathway genes were identified in the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) genome. Gene expression profiles throughout 15 developmental stages of B. dorsalis were established based on our previous RNA sequencing data, and we found that 13 enzyme genes could be involved in the process of pupariation. Accordingly, a tyrosine-mediated tanning pathway during the pupariation of B. dorsalis was predicted and a critical enzyme, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase (DDC), was used to explore its possible roles in formation of the puparium. First, a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed that BdDDC had an epidermis-specific expression pattern, and was highly expressed during larval metamorphosis in B. dorsalis. Subsequent disruption of BdDDC by feeding 5-day-old larvae with DDC inhibitor (l-α-methyl-DOPA) could lead to: (i) a significant decrease in BdDDC enzyme activity and dopamine concentration; (ii) defects in puparium pigmentation; (iii) impairment of the morphology and less thickness of the puparium; and (iv) lower pupal weight and obstacles to eclosion. CONCLUSION This study provided a potential tyrosine metabolic pathway that was responsible for insect tanning during pupariation, and the BdDDC enzyme has been shown to have crucial roles in larval-pupal tanning of B. dorsalis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Er-Hu Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Li Hou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pei-Jin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Highly Efficient Temperature Inducible CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Targeting in Drosophila suzukii. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136724. [PMID: 34201604 PMCID: PMC8268499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) is native to eastern Asia, but has become a global threat to fruit production. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 targeting was established in this species allowing for functional genomic and genetic control studies. Here, we report the generation and characterization of Cas9-expressing strains of D. suzukii. Five independent transgenic lines were generated using a piggyBac construct containing the EGFP fluorescent marker gene and the Cas9 gene under the control of the D. melanogaster heat shock protein 70 promoter and 3’UTR. Heat-shock (HS) treated embryos were analyzed by reverse transcriptase PCR, revealing strong heat inducibility of the transgenic Cas9 expression. By injecting gRNA targeting EGFP into one selected line, 50.0% of G0 flies showed mosaic loss-of-fluorescence phenotype, and 45.5% of G0 flies produced G1 mutants without HS. Such somatic and germline mutagenesis rates were increased to 95.4% and 85.7%, respectively, by applying a HS. Parental flies receiving HS resulted in high inheritance of the mutation (92%) in their progeny. Additionally, targeting the endogenous gene yellow led to the lack of pigmentation and male lethality. We discuss the potential use of these efficient and temperature-dependent Cas9-expressing strains for the genetic studies in D. suzukii.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dion WA, Shittu MO, Steenwinkel TE, Raja KKB, Kokate PP, Werner T. The modular expression patterns of three pigmentation genes prefigure unique abdominal morphologies seen among three Drosophila species. Gene Expr Patterns 2020; 38:119132. [PMID: 32828854 PMCID: PMC7725850 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2020.119132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To understand how novel animal body colorations emerged, one needs to ask how the development of color patterns differs among closely related species. Here we examine three species of fruit flies - Drosophila guttifera (D. guttifera), D. palustris, and D. subpalustris - displaying a varying number of abdominal spot rows. Through in situ hybridization experiments, we examine the mRNA expression patterns for the pigmentation genes Dopa decarboxylase (Ddc), tan (t), and yellow (y) during pupal development. Our results show that Ddc, t, and y are co-expressed in modular, identical patterns, each foreshadowing the adult abdominal spots in D. guttifera, D. palustris, and D. subpalustris. We suggest that differences in the expression patterns of these three genes partially underlie the morphological diversity of the quinaria species group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William A Dion
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Mujeeb O Shittu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Tessa E Steenwinkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Komal K B Raja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Prajakta P Kokate
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li HL, Wang XY, Zheng XL, Lu W. Research Progress on Oviposition-Related Genes in Insects. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:6047614. [PMID: 33367730 PMCID: PMC7759734 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Oviposition-related genes have remained a consistent focus of insect molecular biology. Previous research has gradually clarified our mechanistic understanding of oviposition-related genes, including those related to oviposition-gland-related genes, oogenesis-related genes, oviposition-site-selection-related genes, and genes related to ovulation and hatching. Moreover, some of this research has revealed how the expression of single oviposition-related genes affects the expression of related genes, and more importantly, how individual node genes function to link the expression of upstream and downstream genes. However, the research to date is not sufficient to completely explain the overall interactions among the genes of the insect oviposition system. Through a literature review of a large number of studies, this review provides references for future research on oviposition-related genes in insects and the use of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 technology to verify the functions of oviposition-related genes and to prevent and control harmful insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Lin Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xia-Lin Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shen ZJ, Liu YJ, Zhu F, Cai LM, Liu XM, Tian ZQ, Cheng J, Li Z, Liu XX. MicroRNA-277 regulates dopa decarboxylase to control larval-pupal and pupal-adult metamorphosis of Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 122:103391. [PMID: 32360955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insect metamorphosis is a complex process involving many metabolic pathways, such as juvenile hormones and molting hormones, bioamines, microRNAs (miRNAs), etc. However, relatively little is known about the biogenic amines and their miRNAs to regulate cotton bollworm metamorphosis. Here we show that one miRNA, miR-277 regulates larval-pupal and pupal-adult metamorphosis of cotton bollworm by targeting the 3'UTR of Dopa decarboxylase (DDC), a synthetic catalytic enzyme of dopamine. Injection of miR-277 agomir inhibited the expression of DDC at the mRNA and protein levels, leading to defects in the pupation and emergence of H. armigera that was consistent with the phenotype obtained by injection of DDC double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Injection of miR-277 antagomir induced the mRNA and protein expression of DDC and rescued the phenotype of pupation failure caused by DDC gene silencing. Unexpectedly, miR-277 antagomir can also cause failure of emergence of H. armigera and both agomir and antagomir of miR-277 injection could cause abnormal phenotypes in wing veins. This study reveals that elaborate regulation of miRNA and its target gene expression is prerequisite for insect development, which provides a new insight to study the developmental mechanisms of insect wing veins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Jian Shen
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Li-Mei Cai
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Liu
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Tian
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Liu
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Molecular and Potential Regulatory Mechanisms of Melanin Synthesis in Harmonia axyridis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062088. [PMID: 32197465 PMCID: PMC7139685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization is a common phenomenon in insects, and melanin synthesis is a conserved physiological process that occurs in epidermal cells. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of melanin synthesis influencing insect pigmentation are well-suited for investigating phenotype variation. The Asian multi-colored (Harlequin) ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, exhibits intraspecific polymorphism based on relative levels of melanization. However, the specific characteristics of melanin synthesis in H. axyridis remains elusive. In this study, we performed gene-silencing analysis of the pivotal inverting enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) in the tyrosine metabolism pathway to investigate the molecular and regulatory mechanism of melanin synthesis in H. axyridis. Using RNAi of TH and DDC genes in fourth instar larvae, we demonstrated that dopamine melanin was the primary contributor to the overall body melanization of H. axyridis. Furthermore, our study provides the first conclusive evidence that dopamine serves as a melanin precursor for synthesis in the early pupal stage. According to transcription factor Pannier, which is essential for the formation of melanic color on the elytra in H. axyridis, we further demonstrated that suppression of HaPnr can significantly decrease expression levels of HaTH and HaDDC. These results in their entirety lead to the conclusion that transcription factor Pannier can regulate dopamine melanin synthesis in the dorsal elytral epidermis of H. axyridis.
Collapse
|