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Pangrácová M, Křivánek J, Vrchotová M, Sehadová H, Hadravová R, Hanus R, Lukšan O. Extended longevity of termite kings and queens is accompanied by extranuclear localization of telomerase in somatic organs and caste-specific expression of its isoforms. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39034424 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Kings and queens of termites are endowed with an extraordinary longevity coupled with lifelong fecundity. We recently reported that termite kings and queens display a dramatically increased enzymatic activity and abundance of telomerase in their somatic organs when compared to short-lived workers and soldiers. We hypothesized that this telomerase activation may represent a noncanonical pro-longevity function, independent of its canonical role in telomere maintenance. Here, we explore this avenue and investigate whether the presumed noncanonical role of telomerase may be due to alternative splicing of the catalytic telomerase subunit TERT and whether the subcellular localization of TERT isoforms differs among organs and castes in the termite Prorhinotermes simplex. We empirically confirm the expression of four in silico predicted splice variants (psTERT1-A, psTERT1-B, psTERT2-A, psTERT2-B), defined by N-terminal splicing implicating differential localizations, and C-terminal splicing giving rise to full-length and truncated isoforms. We show that the transcript proportions of the psTERT are caste- and tissue-specific and that the extranuclear full-length isoform TERT1-A is relatively enriched in the soma of neotenic kings and queens compared to their gonads and to the soma of workers. We also show that extranuclear TERT protein quantities are significantly higher in the soma of kings and queens compared to workers, namely due to the cytosolic TERT. Independently, we confirm by microscopy the extranuclear TERT localization in somatic organs. We conclude that the presumed pleiotropic action of telomerase combining the canonical nuclear role in telomere maintenance with extranuclear functions is driven by complex TERT splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pangrácová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Křivánek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Vrchotová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Sehadová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Hadravová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Hanus
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Lukšan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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2
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Grula CC, Rinehart JD, Anacleto A, Kittilson JD, Heidinger BJ, Greenlee KJ, Rinehart JP, Bowsher JH. Telomere length is longer following diapause in two solitary bee species. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11208. [PMID: 38755232 PMCID: PMC11099051 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61613-2] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that underlie senescence are not well understood in insects. Telomeres are conserved repetitive sequences at chromosome ends that protect DNA during replication. In many vertebrates, telomeres shorten during cell division and in response to stress and are often used as a cellular marker of senescence. However, little is known about telomere dynamics across the lifespan in invertebrates. We measured telomere length in larvae, prepupae, pupae, and adults of two species of solitary bees, Osmia lignaria and Megachile rotundata. Contrary to our predictions, telomere length was longer in later developmental stages in both O. lignaria and M. rotundata. Longer telomeres occurred after emergence from diapause, which is a physiological state with increased tolerance to stress. In O. lignaria, telomeres were longer in adults when they emerged following diapause. In M. rotundata, telomeres were longer in the pupal stage and subsequent adult stage, which occurs after prepupal diapause. In both species, telomere length did not change during the 8 months of diapause. Telomere length did not differ by mass similarly across species or sex. We also did not see a difference in telomere length after adult O. lignaria were exposed to a nutritional stress, nor did length change during their adult lifespan. Taken together, these results suggest that telomere dynamics in solitary bees differ from what is commonly reported in vertebrates and suggest that insect diapause may influence telomere dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C Grula
- Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Edward T. Schafer Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA.
| | - Joshua D Rinehart
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Angelo Anacleto
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1137 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Kittilson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Britt J Heidinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Kendra J Greenlee
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Joseph P Rinehart
- Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Edward T. Schafer Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Julia H Bowsher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
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3
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Frydrychová RČ, Konopová B, Peska V, Brejcha M, Sábová M. Telomeres and telomerase: active but complex players in life-history decisions. Biogerontology 2024; 25:205-226. [PMID: 37610666 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10060-z] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Studies on human telomeres have established that telomeres exert a significant influence on lifespan and health of organisms. However, recent research has indicated that the original idea that telomeres affect lifespan in a universal and central manner across all eukaryotic species is an oversimplification. Indeed, findings from a variety of animal species revealed that the role of telomere biology in aging is more subtle and intricate than previously recognized. Here, we show how telomere biology varies depending on the taxon. We also show how telomere biology corresponds to basic life history traits and affects the life table of a species and investments in growth, body size, reproduction, and lifespan; telomeres are hypothesized to shape evolutionary perspectives for species in an active but complex manner. Our evaluation is based on telomere biology data from many examples from throughout the animal kingdom that vary according to the degree of organismal complexity and life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Konopová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vratislav Peska
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Brejcha
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Sábová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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4
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Abstract
Winter provides many challenges for insects, including direct injury to tissues and energy drain due to low food availability. As a result, the geographic distribution of many species is tightly coupled to their ability to survive winter. In this review, we summarize molecular processes associated with winter survival, with a particular focus on coping with cold injury and energetic challenges. Anticipatory processes such as cold acclimation and diapause cause wholesale transcriptional reorganization that increases cold resistance and promotes cryoprotectant production and energy storage. Molecular responses to low temperature are also dynamic and include signaling events during and after a cold stressor to prevent and repair cold injury. In addition, we highlight mechanisms that are subject to selection as insects evolve to variable winter conditions. Based on current knowledge, despite common threads, molecular mechanisms of winter survival vary considerably across species, and taxonomic biases must be addressed to fully appreciate the mechanistic basis of winter survival across the insect phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Teets
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA;
| | - Katie E Marshall
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julie A Reynolds
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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5
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Zavodska R, Sehadova H. The rate of DNA synthesis in ovaries, fat body cells, and pericardial cells of the bumblebee ( Bombus terrestris) depends on the stage of ovarian maturation. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1034584. [PMID: 37113694 PMCID: PMC10126488 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1034584] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bumblebees are important pollinators of plants worldwide and they are kept for commercial pollination. By studying the process of oogenesis, we can understand their ontogenetic developmental strategy and reproduction. We describe the anatomy of the ovary of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris using 3D reconstruction by confocal microscopy. We found that an oocyte is accompanied by 63 endopolyploidy nurse cells. The number of nurse cells nuclei decreased during oogenesis and the cells are finally absorbed by the oocyte. We monitored the rate of DNA synthesis in vivo during 12 h in ovaries, fat body, and pericardial cells in B. terrestris queens and workers of different ages. The DNA replication activity was detected on the basis of visualization of incorporated 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine. DNA synthesis detected in differentiated nurse cells indicated endoreplication of nuclei. The dynamics of mitotic activity varied among different ages and statuses of queens. In 3- to 8-day-old virgin queens, intense mitotic activity was observed in all tissue types investigated. This might be related to the initial phase of oogenesis and the development of the hepato-nephrotic system. In 15- to 20-day-old mated pre-diapause queens, DNA synthesis was exclusively observed in the ovaries, particularly in the germarium and the anterior part of the vitellarium. In 1-year-old queens, replication occurred only in the peritoneal sheath of ovaries and in several cells of the fat body. The similar DNA synthesis patterns in the ovaries of mated pre-diapause queens, ovipositing workers, and non-egg-laying workers show that mitotic activity is related not only to age but also to the stage of ovarian maturation and is relatively independent of caste affiliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Zavodska
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre CAS, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Radka Zavodska, ; Hana Sehadova,
| | - Hana Sehadova
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre CAS, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Radka Zavodska, ; Hana Sehadova,
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6
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Guo B, Tang J, Ding G, Mashilingi SK, Huang J, An J. Gut microbiota is a potential factor in shaping phenotypic variation in larvae and adults of female bumble bees. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1117077. [PMID: 36937270 PMCID: PMC10014921 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1117077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Host symbionts are often considered an essential part of the host phenotype, influencing host growth and development. Bumble bee is an ideal model for investigating the relationship between microbiota and phenotypes. Variations in life history across bumble bees may influence the community composition of gut microbiota, which in turn influences phenotypes. In this study, we explored gut microbiota from four development stages (early-instar larvae, 1st instar; mid-instar larvae, 5th instar; late-instar larvae, 9th instar; and adults) of workers and queens in the bumble bee Bombus terrestris using the full-length 16S rRNA sequencing technology. The results showed that morphological indices (weight and head capsule) were significantly different between workers and queens from 5th instar larvae (p < 0.01). The alpha and beta diversities of gut microbiota were similar between workers and queens in two groups: early instar and mid instar larvae. However, the alpha diversity was significantly different in late instar larvae or adults. The relative abundance of three main phyla of bacteria (Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes) and two genera (Snodgrassella and Lactobacillus) were significantly different (p < 0.01) between workers and queens in late instar larvae or adults. Also, we found that age significantly affected the microbial alpha diversity as the Shannon and ASVs indices differed significantly among the four development stages. Our study suggests that the 5th instar larval stage can be used to judge the morphology of workers or queens in bumble bees. The key microbes differing in phenotypes may be involved in regulating phenotypic variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baodi Guo
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Tang
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guiling Ding
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shibonage K. Mashilingi
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Crop Sciences and Beekeeping Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiandong An
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiandong An,
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7
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Fajkus P, Adámik M, Nelson ADL, Kilar AM, Franek M, Bubeník M, Frydrychová RČ, Votavová A, Sýkorová E, Fajkus J, Peška V. Telomerase RNA in Hymenoptera (Insecta) switched to plant/ciliate-like biogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:420-433. [PMID: 36546771 PMCID: PMC9841428 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the catalytic subunit of telomerase, its RNA subunit (TR) is highly divergent in size, sequence and biogenesis pathways across eukaryotes. Current views on TR evolution assume a common origin of TRs transcribed with RNA polymerase II in Opisthokonta (the supergroup including Animalia and Fungi) and Trypanosomida on one hand, and TRs transcribed with RNA polymerase III under the control of type 3 promoter, found in TSAR and Archaeplastida supergroups (including e.g. ciliates and Viridiplantae taxa, respectively). Here, we focus on unknown TRs in one of the largest Animalia order - Hymenoptera (Arthropoda) with more than 300 available representative genomes. Using a combination of bioinformatic and experimental approaches, we identify their TRs. In contrast to the presumed type of TRs (H/ACA box snoRNAs transcribed with RNA Polymerase II) corresponding to their phylogenetic position, we find here short TRs of the snRNA type, likely transcribed with RNA polymerase III under the control of the type 3 promoter. The newly described insect TRs thus question the hitherto assumed monophyletic origin of TRs across Animalia and point to an evolutionary switch in TR type and biogenesis that was associated with the divergence of Arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Fajkus
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +420 41517183;
| | - Matej Adámik
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno CZ-61265, Czech Republic
| | - Andrew D L Nelson
- The Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Agata M Kilar
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC Masaryk University, Brno CZ-62500, Czech Republic,Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, NCBR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno CZ-61137, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Franek
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC Masaryk University, Brno CZ-62500, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Bubeník
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, NCBR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno CZ-61137, Czech Republic
| | - Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice CZ-37005, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Votavová
- Agricultural Research, Ltd., Troubsko, CZ-664 41, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Sýkorová
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno CZ-61265, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Fajkus
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jiří Fajkus. Tel: +420 549494003;
| | - Vratislav Peška
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Vratislav Peška. Tel: +420 541517183;
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8
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Smith S, Hoelzl F, Zahn S, Criscuolo F. Telomerase activity in ecological studies: What are its consequences for individual physiology and is there evidence for effects and trade-offs in wild populations. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6239-6251. [PMID: 34664335 PMCID: PMC9788021 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence at the cellular level is helping to provide proximate explanations for the balance between investment in growth, reproduction and somatic maintenance in wild populations. Studies of telomere dynamics have informed researchers about the loss and gain of telomere length both on a seasonal scale and across the lifespan of individuals. In addition, telomere length and telomere rate of loss seems to have evolved differently among taxonomic groups, and relate differently to organismal diversity of lifespan. So far, the mechanisms behind telomere maintenance remain elusive, although many studies have inferred a role for telomerase, an enzyme/RNA complex known to induce telomere elongation from laboratory studies. Exciting further work is also emerging that suggests telomerase (and/or its individual component parts) has a role in fitness that goes beyond the maintenance of telomere length. Here, we review the literature on telomerase biology and examine the evidence from ecological studies for the timing and extent of telomerase activation in relation to life history events associated with telomere maintenance. We suggest that the underlying mechanism is more complicated than originally anticipated, possibly involves several complimentary pathways, and is probably associated with high energetic costs. Potential pathways for future research are numerous and we outline what we see as the most promising prospects to expand our understanding of individual differences in immunity or reproduction efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sandrine Zahn
- Department of Physiology, Evolution and BehaviourInstitut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CurienCNRSUniversity of StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - François Criscuolo
- Department of Physiology, Evolution and BehaviourInstitut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CurienCNRSUniversity of StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
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9
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Koubová J, Čapková Frydrychová R. Telomerase-Positive Somatic Tissues of Honeybee Queens (Apis mellifera) Display No DNA Replication. Cytogenet Genome Res 2021; 161:470-475. [PMID: 34649236 DOI: 10.1159/000518888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere biology is closely linked to the process of aging. The restoration of telomere length by maintaining telome-rase activity in certain cell types of human adults allows for the proliferative capacity of the cells and preserves the regeneration potential of the tissue. The absence of telome-rase, that leads to telomere attrition and irreversible cell cycle arrest in most somatic cells, acts as a protective mechanism against uncontrolled cancer growth. Nevertheless, there have been numerous studies indicating noncanonical functions of telomerase besides those involved in telomere lengthening. Eusocial insects serve as a great system for aging research. This is because eusocial reproductives, such as queens and kings, have a significantly extended lifespan compared to nonreproductive individuals of the same species. We report that the somatic tissues of honeybee queens (Apis mellifera) are associated with upregulated telomerase activity; however, this upregulation does not fully correlate with the rate of DNA replication in the tissues. This indicates a noncanonical role of telomerase in the somatic tissues of honeybee queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justina Koubová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
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10
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Prušáková D, Peska V, Pekár S, Bubeník M, Čížek L, Bezděk A, Čapková Frydrychová R. Telomeric DNA sequences in beetle taxa vary with species richness. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13319. [PMID: 34172809 PMCID: PMC8233369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92705-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, and disruption of their nucleoprotein composition usually results in genome instability and cell death. Telomeric DNA sequences have generally been found to be exceptionally conserved in evolution, and the most common pattern of telomeric sequences across eukaryotes is (TxAyGz)n maintained by telomerase. However, telomerase-added DNA repeats in some insect taxa frequently vary, show unusual features, and can even be absent. It has been speculated about factors that might allow frequent changes in telomere composition in Insecta. Coleoptera (beetles) is the largest of all insect orders and based on previously available data, it seemed that the telomeric sequence of beetles varies to a great extent. We performed an extensive mapping of the (TTAGG)n sequence, the ancestral telomeric sequence in Insects, across the main branches of Coleoptera. Our study indicates that the (TTAGG)n sequence has been repeatedly or completely lost in more than half of the tested beetle superfamilies. Although the exact telomeric motif in most of the (TTAGG)n-negative beetles is unknown, we found that the (TTAGG)n sequence has been replaced by two alternative telomeric motifs, the (TCAGG)n and (TTAGGG)n, in at least three superfamilies of Coleoptera. The diversity of the telomeric motifs was positively related to the species richness of taxa, regardless of the age of the taxa. The presence/absence of the (TTAGG)n sequence highly varied within the Curculionoidea, Chrysomeloidea, and Staphylinoidea, which are the three most diverse superfamilies within Metazoa. Our data supports the hypothesis that telomere dysfunctions can initiate rapid genomic changes that lead to reproductive isolation and speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Prušáková
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vratislav Peska
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stano Pekár
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Bubeník
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Čížek
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Bezděk
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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11
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The Power of Stress: The Telo-Hormesis Hypothesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051156. [PMID: 34064566 PMCID: PMC8151059 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptative response to stress is a strategy conserved across evolution to promote survival. In this context, the groundbreaking findings of Miroslav Radman on the adaptative value of changing mutation rates opened new avenues in our understanding of stress response. Inspired by this work, we explore here the putative beneficial effects of changing the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, the telomeres, in response to stress. We first summarize basic principles in telomere biology and then describe how various types of stress can alter telomere structure and functions. Finally, we discuss the hypothesis of stress-induced telomere signaling with hormetic effects.
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12
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Koubová J, Pangrácová M, Jankásek M, Lukšan O, Jehlík T, Brabcová J, Jedlička P, Křivánek J, Čapková Frydrychová R, Hanus R. Long-lived termite kings and queens activate telomerase in somatic organs. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210511. [PMID: 33878922 PMCID: PMC8059557 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kings and queens of termites, like queens of other advanced eusocial insects, are endowed with admirable longevity, which dramatically exceeds the life expectancies of their non-reproducing nest-mates and related solitary insects. In the quest to find the mechanisms underlying the longevity of termite reproductives, we focused on somatic maintenance mediated by telomerase. This ribonucleoprotein is well established for pro-longevity functions in vertebrates, thanks primarily to its ability of telomere extension. However, its participation in lifespan regulation of insects, including the eusocial taxa, remains understudied. Here, we report a conspicuous increase of telomerase abundance and catalytic activity in the somatic organs of primary and secondary reproductives of the termite Prorhinotermes simplex and confirm a similar pattern in two other termite species. These observations stand in contrast with the telomerase downregulation characteristic for most adult somatic tissues in vertebrates and also in solitary insects and non-reproducing castes of termites. At the same time, we did not observe caste-specific differences in telomere lengths that might explain the differential longevity of termite castes. We conclude that although the telomerase activation in termite reproductives is in line with the broadly assumed association between telomerase and longevity, its direct phenotypic impact remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justina Koubová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Pangrácová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Jankásek
- Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Lukšan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Jehlík
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Brabcová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Jedlička
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Křivánek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Hanus
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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13
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Chen H, Wu G, Zhou H, Dai X, Steeghs NWF, Dong X, Zheng L, Zhai Y. Hormonal Regulation of Reproductive Diapause That Occurs in the Year-Round Mass Rearing of Bombus terrestris Queens. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:2240-2250. [PMID: 33779174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Adult reproductive diapause is an adaptive strategy under adverse environments for insects and other arthropod species, including bumblebees, which enables queens to survive through a harsh winter and then build new colonies in the following spring. Little research has been done on the molecular regulatory mechanism of reproductive diapause in Bombus terrestris, which is an important pollinator of wild plants and crops. Our previous research identified the conditions that induced reproductive diapause during the year-round mass rearing of B. terrestris. Here, we performed combined transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of reproductive diapause in B. terrestris during and after diapause at three different ecophysiological phases, diapause, postdiapause, and founder postdiapause. The analyses showed that differentially expressed proteins/genes acted in the citrate cycle, insect hormone biosynthesis, insulin and mTOR signaling pathway. To further understand the mechanisms that regulated the reproductive diapause, genes involved in the regulation of JH synthesis, insulin/TOR signal pathway were determined. The BtRheb, BtTOR, BtVg, and BtJHAMT had lower expression levels in diapause queens. The JH III titer levels and the activities of the metabolic enzymes were significantly up-regulated in postdiapause queens. Also, after the microinjection of insulin-like peptides (ILPs) and JH analogue (JHA), hormones, cold-tolerance metabolites, metabolic enzymes, and reproduction showed significant changes. Together with results from other related research, a model of the regulation of reproductive diapause during the year-round mass rearing of B. terrestris was proposed. This study contributes to a comprehensive insight into the molecular regulatory mechanism of reproductive diapause in eusocial insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Guang'an Wu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.,College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Shandong Lubao Technology Co. Ltd., Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dai
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | | | - Xiaolin Dong
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yifan Zhai
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.,College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China.,College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250100, China
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14
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Koubová J, Sábová M, Brejcha M, Kodrík D, Čapková Frydrychová R. Seasonality in telomerase activity in relation to cell size, DNA replication, and nutrients in the fat body of Apis mellifera. Sci Rep 2021; 11:592. [PMID: 33436732 PMCID: PMC7803764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In honeybees (Apis mellifera), the rate of aging is modulated through social interactions and according to caste differentiation and the seasonal (winter/summer) generation of workers. Winter generation workers, which hatch at the end of summer, have remarkably extended lifespans as an adaptation to the cold season when the resources required for the growth and reproduction of colonies are limited and the bees need to maintain the colony until the next spring. In contrast, the summer bees only live for several weeks. To better understand the lifespan differences between summer and winter bees, we studied the fat bodies of honeybee workers and identified several parameters that fluctuate in a season-dependent manner. In agreement with the assumption that winter workers possess greater fat body mass, our data showed gradual increases in fat body mass, the size of the fat body cells, and Vg production as the winter season proceeded, as well as contrasting gradual decreases in these parameters in the summer season. The differences in the fat bodies between winter and summer bees are accompanied by respective increases and decreases in telomerase activity and DNA replication in the fat bodies. These data show that although the fat bodies of winter bees differ significantly from those of summer bees, these differences are not a priori set when bees hatch at the end of summer or in early autumn but instead gradually evolve over the course of the season, depending on environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justina Koubová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Sábová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Brejcha
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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