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Konopińska N, Gmyrek R, Bylewska N, Tchórzewska S, Nowicki G, Lubawy J, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Urbański A. The allatotropin/orexin system as an example of immunomodulatory properties of neuropeptides. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 171:104149. [PMID: 38871133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104149] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) plays a critical role in signal integration in animals and allows the orchestration of life processes to maintain homeostasis. Current research clearly shows that inflammatory processes can also be modulated by the CNS via the neuroendocrine system. One of the neuropeptide families that participate in vertebrates in this process is orexins (OXs). Interestingly, our previous results suggested that a similar dependency may also exist between neuropeptides and immune system activity in insects. Due to the structural homology of orexin and allatotropin receptors and the functional similarity between these two neuropeptide families, the main aim of this research was to perform a complex analysis of the relationships between allatotropin (AT) and the insect immune response. Our results revealed functional similarities between vertebrate OXs and insect ATs. Similar effects were observed in the profile of the expression level of the gene encoding the AT precursor in the Tenebrio molitor nervous system and in the general action of Tenmo-AT on selected immune parameters of the tested beetles. Moreover, for the first time in insects, we confirmed the role of cytokines in the modulation of neuroendocrine system by determining the effect of Spätzle-like protein injection on the expression of genes encoding AT precursor and receptor. All these results are important for understanding the evolutionary basis of hormonal regulation of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Konopińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Radosław Gmyrek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Bylewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Sara Tchórzewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Jan Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
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2
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Qu J, Feng Y, Zou X, Zhou Y, Cao W. Transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal genes and signaling pathways involved in the response to two insect hormones in the insect-fungal pathogen Hirsutella satumaensis. mSystems 2024:e0016624. [PMID: 38984826 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00166-24] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The insect hormones ecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone III (JH) have been demonstrated to stimulate the secretion of conidia mucilage and pigments in Hirsutella satumaensis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, comparative transcriptome and proteome analyses were performed to identify the fungal genes and proteins of H. satumaensis that are up- or downregulated in response to insect hormones. A total of 17,407 unigenes and 1,016 proteins in conidia mucilage were identified. The genes involved in response to the hormones were classified into four functional groups: (1) stress response-related genes that are required for the removal of reactive oxygen species (glutathione synthetase, c7144) and genes involved in the response to osmotic stress in the hemocoel, such as those encoding proteins involved in the G, mTOR, and MAPK signaling pathways (2); insect hormone metabolic genes, including genes encoding ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase, ecdysteroid-22-kinase, and a key aldehyde dehydrogenase in a juvenile hormone synthesis pathway (3); secretory proteins that share homology with those of the host Bombyx mori, including fibrohexamerin, sericin 1, metalloprotease 1 protein, and silk gum protein, which were revealed by the omics data; and (4) proteins related to amino sugar metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation that were specifically expressed in mucilage in response to 20E and JH, respectively. These findings revealed that H. satumaensis can mount effective responses by modulating the expression of genes involved in the detoxification, adaptation, and evasion of insect hormone-mediated immune responses, providing fresh insights into fungal pathogen-host insect interactions.IMPORTANCEInsect hormones are highly important for the regulation of insect growth, development, and immune system function. Thus, the expansion of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) could be affected by these hormones when they inhabit the host hemocoel. However, the molecular basis of EPF in response to insect hormones has yet to be determined. Our results revealed that EPF are impacted by 20E and JH, both of which act as signals, as these hormones lead to changes in metabolic pathways of the fungus, thus demonstrating a direct relationship between the fungus and the hormones. Furthermore, adaptive strategies, such as the use of ecdysone-inactivating enzymes and secreted filamentous proteins in H. satumaensis, which strongly resemble those of the host insect, have been discovered, thus illustrating the importance of adaptation to insect hormones for a better understanding of the interaction between insects and EPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Qu
- College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yongli Feng
- Institute of Fungal Resources, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiao Zou
- Institute of Fungal Resources, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yeming Zhou
- Institute of Fungal Resources, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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3
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Barbosa RC, Godoy RSM, Ferreira PG, Mendes TAO, Ramalho-Ortigão M, Ribeiro JMC, Martins GF. Exploring the midgut physiology of the non-haematophagous mosquito Toxorhynchites theobaldi. Open Biol 2024; 14:230437. [PMID: 38955221 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230437] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxorhynchites mosquitoes have an exclusively phytophagous feeding habit as adults, which leads to significant differences in their morphophysiology compared with haematophagous mosquitoes. However, the molecular mechanisms of digestion in this mosquito are not well understood. In this study, RNA sequencing of the posterior midgut (PMG) of the mosquito Toxorhynchites theobaldi was undertaken, highlighting its significance in mosquito digestion. Subsequently, a comparison was made between the differential gene expression of the PMG and that of the anterior midgut. It was found that the most abundant proteases in the PMG were trypsin and chymotrypsin, and the level of gene expression for enzymes essential for digestion (such as serine protease, α-amylase and pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase) and innate immune response (including catalase, cecropin-A2 and superoxide dismutase) was like that of haematophagous mosquitoes. Peritrophin-1 was detected in the entire midgut, with an elevated expression level in the PMG. Based on our findings, it is hypothesized that a non-haematophagic habit might have been exhibited by the ancestor of Tx. theobaldi, and this trait may have been retained. This study represents a pioneering investigation at the molecular level of midgut contents in a non-haematophagous mosquito. The findings offer valuable insights into the evolutionary aspects of feeding habits in culicids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata C Barbosa
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Raquel S M Godoy
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Priscila G Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 50670-900, Brazil
| | - Tiago A O Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 50670-900, Brazil
| | | | - José M C Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Gustavo F Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
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Taracena-Agarwal ML, Walter-Nuno AB, Bottino-Rojas V, Mejia APG, Xu K, Segal S, Dotson EM, Oliveira PL, Paiva-Silva GO. Juvenile Hormone as a contributing factor in establishing midgut microbiota for fecundity and fitness enhancement in adult female Aedes aegypti. Commun Biol 2024; 7:687. [PMID: 38839829 PMCID: PMC11153597 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06334-y] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors influencing mosquitoes' fecundity and longevity is important for designing better and more sustainable vector control strategies, as these parameters can impact their vectorial capacity. Here, we address how mating affects midgut growth in Aedes aegypti, what role Juvenile Hormone (JH) plays in this process, and how it impacts the mosquito's immune response and microbiota. Our findings reveal that mating and JH induce midgut growth. Additionally, the establishment of a native bacterial population in the midgut due to JH-dependent suppression of the immune response has important reproductive outcomes. Specific downregulation of AMPs with an increase in bacteria abundance in the gut results in increased egg counts and longer lifespans. Overall, these findings provide evidence of a cross-talk between JH response, gut epithelial tissue, cell cycle regulation, and the mechanisms governing the trade-offs between nutrition, immunity, and reproduction at the cellular level in the mosquito gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel L Taracena-Agarwal
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Ana Beatriz Walter-Nuno
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Vanessa Bottino-Rojas
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Kelsey Xu
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Steven Segal
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ellen M Dotson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pedro L Oliveira
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Gabriela O Paiva-Silva
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
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5
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Kefi M, Cardoso-Jaime V, Saab SA, Dimopoulos G. Curing mosquitoes with genetic approaches for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:487-499. [PMID: 38760256 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Malaria remains a persistent global public health challenge because of the limitations of current prevention tools. The use of transgenic mosquitoes incapable of transmitting malaria, in conjunction with existing methods, holds promise for achieving elimination of malaria and preventing its reintroduction. In this context, population modification involves the spread of engineered genetic elements through mosquito populations that render them incapable of malaria transmission. Significant progress has been made in this field over the past decade in revealing promising targets, optimizing genetic tools, and facilitating the transition from the laboratory to successful field deployments, which are subject to regulatory scrutiny. This review summarizes recent advances and ongoing challenges in 'curing' Anopheles vectors of the malaria parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kefi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sally A Saab
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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6
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Hixson B, Huot L, Morejon B, Yang X, Nagy P, Michel K, Buchon N. The transcriptional response in mosquitoes distinguishes between fungi and bacteria but not Gram types. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:353. [PMID: 38594632 PMCID: PMC11003161 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10153-0] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are prolific vectors of human pathogens, therefore a clear and accurate understanding of the organization of their antimicrobial defenses is crucial for informing the development of transmission control strategies. The canonical infection response in insects, as described in the insect model Drosophila melanogaster, is pathogen type-dependent, with distinct stereotypical responses to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria/fungi mediated by the activation of the Imd and Toll pathways, respectively. To determine whether this pathogen-specific discrimination is shared by mosquitoes, we used RNAseq to capture the genome-wide transcriptional response of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) to systemic infection with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, as well as challenge with heat-killed Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal pathogens. From the resulting data, we found that Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae both mount a core response to all categories of infection, and this response is highly conserved between the two species with respect to both function and orthology. When we compared the transcriptomes of mosquitoes infected with different types of bacteria, we observed that the intensity of the transcriptional response was correlated with both the virulence and growth rate of the infecting pathogen. Exhaustive comparisons of the transcriptomes of Gram-negative-challenged versus Gram-positive-challenged mosquitoes yielded no difference in either species. In Ae. aegypti, however, we identified transcriptional signatures specific to bacterial infection and to fungal infection. The bacterial infection response was dominated by the expression of defensins and cecropins, while the fungal infection response included the disproportionate upregulation of an uncharacterized family of glycine-rich proteins. These signatures were also observed in Ae. aegypti challenged with heat-killed bacteria and fungi, indicating that this species can discriminate between molecular patterns that are specific to bacteria and to fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bretta Hixson
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Louise Huot
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Bianca Morejon
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Current address: State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute for Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Peter Nagy
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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7
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Zhou L, Meng G, Zhu L, Ma L, Chen K. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides as Guardians of Immunity and Beyond: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3835. [PMID: 38612644 PMCID: PMC11011964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073835] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as immune effectors synthesized by a variety of organisms, not only constitute a robust defense mechanism against a broad spectrum of pathogens in the host but also show promising applications as effective antimicrobial agents. Notably, insects are significant reservoirs of natural AMPs. However, the complex array of variations in types, quantities, antimicrobial activities, and production pathways of AMPs, as well as evolution of AMPs across insect species, presents a significant challenge for immunity system understanding and AMP applications. This review covers insect AMP discoveries, classification, common properties, and mechanisms of action. Additionally, the types, quantities, and activities of immune-related AMPs in each model insect are also summarized. We conducted the first comprehensive investigation into the diversity, distribution, and evolution of 20 types of AMPs in model insects, employing phylogenetic analysis to describe their evolutionary relationships and shed light on conserved and distinctive AMP families. Furthermore, we summarize the regulatory pathways of AMP production through classical signaling pathways and additional pathways associated with Nitric Oxide, insulin-like signaling, and hormones. This review advances our understanding of AMPs as guardians in insect immunity systems and unlocks a gateway to insect AMP resources, facilitating the use of AMPs to address food safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Zhou
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guanliang Meng
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, 53113 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Ling Zhu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Li Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030810, China
| | - Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
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8
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Magistrado D, El-Dougdoug NK, Short SM. Sugar restriction and blood ingestion shape divergent immune defense trajectories in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12368. [PMID: 37524824 PMCID: PMC10390476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune defense is comprised of (1) resistance: the ability to reduce pathogen load, and (2) tolerance: the ability to limit the disease severity induced by a given pathogen load. The study of tolerance in the field of animal immunity is fairly nascent in comparison to resistance. Consequently, studies which examine immune defense comprehensively (i.e. considering both resistance and tolerance in conjunction) are uncommon, despite their exigency in achieving a thorough understanding of immune defense. Furthermore, understanding tolerance in arthropod disease vectors is uniquely relevant, as tolerance is essential to the cyclical transmission of pathogens by arthropods. Here, we tested the effect(s) of dietary sucrose concentration and blood ingestion on resistance and tolerance to Escherichia coli infection in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Resistance and tolerance were measured concurrently and at multiple timepoints. We found that mosquitoes from the restricted sugar treatment displayed enhanced resistance at all timepoints post-infection compared to those from the laboratory standard sugar treatment. Blood also improved resistance, but only early post-infection. While sucrose restriction had no effect on tolerance, we show that consuming blood prior to bacterial infection ameliorates a temporal decline in tolerance that mosquitoes experience when provided with only sugar meals. Taken together, our findings indicate that different dietary components can have unique and sometimes temporally dynamic impacts on resistance and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dom Magistrado
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Noha K El-Dougdoug
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Sarah M Short
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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9
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Hixson B, Huot L, Morejon B, Yang X, Nagy P, Michel K, Buchon N. The transcriptional response in mosquitoes distinguishes between fungi and bacteria but not Gram types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.26.550663. [PMID: 37546902 PMCID: PMC10402080 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.26.550663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are prolific vectors of human pathogens; a clear and accurate understanding of the organization of their antimicrobial defenses is crucial for informing the development of transmission control strategies. The canonical infection response in insects, as described in the insect model Drosophila melanogaster , is pathogen type-dependent, with distinct stereotypical responses to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria/fungi mediated by the activation of the Imd and Toll pathways, respectively. To determine whether this pathogen-specific discrimination is shared by mosquitoes, we used RNAseq to capture the genome-wide transcriptional response of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae ( s.l. ) to systemic infection with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, as well as challenge with heat-killed Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal pathogens. From the resulting data, we found that Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae both mount a core response to all categories of infection, and this response is highly conserved between the two species with respect to both function and orthology. When we compared the transcriptomes of mosquitoes infected with different types of bacteria, we observed that the intensity of the transcriptional response was correlated with both the virulence and growth rate of the infecting pathogen. Exhaustive comparisons of the transcriptomes of Gram-negative-challenged versus Gram-positive-challenged mosquitoes yielded no difference in either species. In Ae. aegypti , however, we identified transcriptional signatures specific to bacterial infection and to fungal infection. The bacterial infection response was dominated by the expression of defensins and cecropins, while the fungal infection response included the disproportionate upregulation of an uncharacterized family of glycine-rich proteins. These signatures were also observed in Ae. aegypti challenged with heat-killed bacteria and fungi, indicating that this species can discriminate between molecular patterns that are specific to bacteria and to fungi.
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10
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Belavilas-Trovas A, Tastsoglou S, Dong S, Kefi M, Tavadia M, Mathiopoulos KD, Dimopoulos G. Long non-coding RNAs regulate Aedes aegypti vector competence for Zika virus and reproduction. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011440. [PMID: 37319296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in various cellular and metabolic processes in mosquitoes and all other organisms studied thus far. In particular, their involvement in essential processes such as reproduction makes them potential targets for the development of novel pest control approaches. However, their function in mosquito biology remains largely unexplored. To elucidate the role of lncRNAs in mosquitoes' reproduction and vector competence for arboviruses, we have implemented a computational and experimental pipeline to mine, screen, and characterize lncRNAs related to these two biological processes. Through analysis of publicly available Zika virus (ZIKV) infection-regulated Aedes aegypti transcriptomes, at least six lncRNAs were identified as being significantly upregulated in response to infection in various mosquito tissues. The roles of these ZIKV-regulated lncRNAs (designated Zinc1, Zinc2, Zinc3, Zinc9, Zinc10 and Zinc22), were further investigated by dsRNA-mediated silencing studies. Our results show that silencing of Zinc1, Zinc2, and Zinc22 renders mosquitoes significantly less permissive to ZIKV infection, while silencing of Zinc22 also reduces fecundity, indicating a potential role for Zinc22 in trade-offs between vector competence and reproduction. We also found that silencing of Zinc9 significantly increases fecundity but has no effect on ZIKV infection, suggesting that Zinc9 may be a negative regulator of oviposition. Our work demonstrates that some lncRNAs play host factor roles by facilitating viral infection in mosquitoes. We also show that lncRNAs can influence both mosquito reproduction and permissiveness to virus infection, two biological systems with important roles in mosquito vectorial capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Belavilas-Trovas
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mary Kefi
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mihra Tavadia
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kostas D Mathiopoulos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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11
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Palli SR. Juvenile hormone receptor Methoprene tolerant: Functions and applications. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:619-644. [PMID: 37718000 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
During the past 15years, after confirming Methoprene tolerant (Met) as a juvenile hormone (JH) receptor, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the function of Met in supporting JH signal transduction. Met role in JH regulation of development, including metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause, cast differentiation, behavior, im`munity, sleep and epigenetic modifications, have been elucidated. Met's Heterodimeric partners involved in performing some of these functions were discovered. The availability of JH response elements (JHRE) and JH receptor allowed the development of screening assays in cell lines and yeast. These screening assays facilitated the identification of new chemicals that function as JH agonists and antagonists. These new chemicals and others that will likely be discovered in the near future by using JH receptor and JHRE will lead to highly effective species-specific environmentally friendly insecticides for controlling pests and disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
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Amaro-Sánchez T, Ruiz-Guzmán G, Hernández-Martínez S, Krams I, Rantala MJ, Contreras-Garduño J. Effect of juvenile hormone on phenoloxidase and hemocyte number: The role of age, sex, and immune challenge. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 265:110827. [PMID: 36610635 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2023.110827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hormones are key factors in determining the response of organisms to their environment. For example, the juvenile hormone (JH) coordinates the insects' development, reproduction, and survival. However, it is still unclear how the impact of juvenile hormone on insect immunity varies depending on the sex and reproductive state of the individual, as well as the type of the immune challenge (i.e., Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria). We used Tenebrio molitor and methoprene, a JH analog (JHa) to explore these relationships. We tested the effect of methoprene on phenoloxidase activity (PO), an important component of humoral immunity in insects, and hemocyte number. Lyophilized Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus or Gram-negative Escherichia coli were injected for the immune challenge. The results suggest that JH did not affect the proPO, PO activity, or hemocyte number of larvae. JH and immune challenge affected the immune response and consequently, affected adult developmental stage and sex. We propose that the influence of JH on the immune response depends on age, sex, the immune response parameter, and the immune challenge, which may explain the contrasting results about the role of JH in the insect immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Amaro-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Colonia Noria Alta, 36050 Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Gloria Ruiz-Guzmán
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No.8701, Col. Ex-Hacienda San José de la Huerta, 58190 Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Salvador Hernández-Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 62300 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Indrikis Krams
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils 5401, Latvia; Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga 1004, Latvia
| | - Markus J Rantala
- Department of Biology & Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No.8701, Col. Ex-Hacienda San José de la Huerta, 58190 Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.
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13
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Lyu XY, Wang XL, Geng DQ, Jiang H, Zou Z. Juvenile hormone acts on male accessory gland function via regulating l-asparaginase expression and triacylglycerol mobilization in Aedes aegypti. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:81-94. [PMID: 35633120 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hormones control the reproductive development of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The adult male reproductive process and mating behavior require adequate nutrients and energy. Understanding the molecular mechanism linking hormones, energy metabolism, and reproduction in male mosquitoes is important. In this study, we found that the size of the male accessory gland, an essential part of the male reproductive system, gradually increased after eclosion. However, it was significantly reduced in male mosquitoes deficient in methoprene-tolerant (Met), the receptor of juvenile hormone. Likewise, egg hatchability of females that mated with Met-depleted males showed the same downward trend. The mRNA level of the gene encoding accessory gland protein, l-asparaginase (ASNase), was reduced in Met dsRNA-treated males. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR results revealed that Met was capable of binding directly to the promoter of ASNase and activated its transcription. RNA interference of ASNase in males resulted in the reduction of egg hatchability of the females with which they mated. These results showed that Met influenced the fecundity of male mosquitoes by directly upregulating the expression of the ASNase gene. Moreover, the levels of triacylglycerol and the sizes of lipid droplets were decreased by 72-78 h after eclosion in the fat body cells, whereas both of them increased in Met-depleted male mosquitoes, indicating that Met knockdown reduced lipid catabolism. These data demonstrate that Met might influence the egg hatchability of females by regulating lipid metabolism and the development of the male accessory gland in male mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan-Qian Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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14
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Zhang L, Tang X, Wang Z, Tang F. The transcriptomic response of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) to the infection of Serratia marcescens Bizio based on full-length SMRT transcriptome sequencing. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1093432. [PMID: 36896191 PMCID: PMC9989771 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1093432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyphantria cunea (Drury) is a globally important forest pest. We found that the Serratia marcescens Bizio strain SM1 had insecticidal activity against H. cunea, but the transcriptomic response of H. cunea to SM1 were not clear. Therefore, we performed full-length sequencing of the transcriptomes of H. cunea larvae infected with SM1 and the control group. A total of 1,183 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing the group infected with SM1 and the control group, including 554 downregulated genes and 629 upregulated genes. We found many downregulated genes in metabolic pathways. Furthermore, some of these downregulated genes were involved in cellular immunity, melanization, and detoxification enzymes, which showed that SM1 weakened H. cunea immunity. In addition, genes in the juvenile hormone synthesis pathway were upregulated, which was detrimental to the survival of H. cunea. This research analyzed the transcriptomic response of H. cunea to SM1 by high-throughput full-length transcriptome sequencing. The results provide useful information to explore the relationship between S. marcescens and H. cunea, and theoretical support for the application of S. marcescens and the control of H. cunea in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyi Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Tang,
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15
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Alvarenga PH, Andersen JF. An Overview of D7 Protein Structure and Physiological Roles in Blood-Feeding Nematocera. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010039. [PMID: 36671732 PMCID: PMC9855781 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Each time an insect bites a vertebrate host, skin and vascular injury caused by piercing triggers a series of responses including hemostasis, inflammation and immunity. In place, this set of redundant and interconnected responses would ultimately cause blood coagulation, itching and pain leading to host awareness, resulting in feeding interruption in the best-case scenario. Nevertheless, hematophagous arthropod saliva contains a complex cocktail of molecules that are crucial to the success of blood-feeding. Among important protein families described so far in the saliva of blood sucking arthropods, is the D7, abundantly expressed in blood feeding Nematocera. D7 proteins are distantly related to insect Odorant-Binding Proteins (OBP), and despite low sequence identity, observation of structural similarity led to the suggestion that like OBPs, they should bind/sequester small hydrophobic compounds. Members belonging to this family are divided in short forms and long forms, containing one or two OBP-like domains, respectively. Here, we provide a review of D7 proteins structure and function, discussing how gene duplication and some modifications in their OBP-like domains during the course of evolution lead to gain and loss of function among different hematophagous Diptera species.
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16
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Zeng T, Jaffar S, Xu Y, Qi Y. The Intestinal Immune Defense System in Insects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315132. [PMID: 36499457 PMCID: PMC9740067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Over a long period of evolution, insects have developed unique intestinal defenses against invasion by foreign microorganisms, including physical defenses and immune responses. The physical defenses of the insect gut consist mainly of the peritrophic matrix (PM) and mucus layer, which are the first barriers to pathogens. Gut microbes also prevent the colonization of pathogens. Importantly, the immune-deficiency (Imd) pathways produce antimicrobial peptides to eliminate pathogens; mechanisms related to reactive oxygen species are another important pathway for insect intestinal immunity. The janus kinase/STAT signaling pathway is involved in intestinal immunity by producing bactericidal substances and regulating tissue repair. Melanization can produce many bactericidal active substances into the intestine; meanwhile, there are multiple responses in the intestine to fight against viral and parasitic infections. Furthermore, intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are also indispensable in intestinal immunity. Only the coordinated combination of the intestinal immune defense system and intestinal tissue renewal can effectively defend against pathogenic microorganisms.
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17
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Wang M, Wang Y, Chang M, Wang X, Shi Z, Raikhel AS, Zou Z. Ecdysone signaling mediates the trade-off between immunity and reproduction via suppression of amyloids in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010837. [PMID: 36137163 PMCID: PMC9531809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance between immunity and reproduction is essential for many key physiological functions. We report that to maintain an optimal fertility, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the ecdysone receptor (EcR) downregulate the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway during the post blood meal phase (PBM) of the Aedes aegypti reproductive cycle. RNA interference-mediated depletion of EcR elicited an increased expression of the IMD pathway components, and these mosquitoes were more resistant to infection by Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, 20E and EcR recruit Pirk-like, the mosquito ortholog of Drosophila melanogaster Pirk. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of Pirk-like has shown that it represses the IMD pathway by interfering with IMD-mediated formation of amyloid aggregates. 20E and EcR disruption of the amyloid formation is pivotal for maintaining normal yolk protein production and fertility. Additionally, 20E and its receptor EcR directly induce Pirk-like to interfere with cRHIM-mediated formation of amyloid. Our study highlights the vital role of 20E in governing the trade-off between immunity and reproduction. Pirk-like might be a potential target for new methods to control mosquito reproduction and pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuokun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Alexander S. Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ASR); (ZZ)
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (ASR); (ZZ)
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18
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Ji Y, Lu T, Zou Z, Wang Y. Aedes aegypti CLIPB9 activates prophenoloxidase-3 in the presence of CLIPA14 after fungal infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927322. [PMID: 35967454 PMCID: PMC9365933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization is an integral part of the insect defense system and is often induced by pathogen invasion. Phenoloxidases (POs) are critical enzymes that catalyze melanin formation. PO3 is associated with the antifungal response of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, but the molecular mechanism of the prophenoloxidase-3 (PPO3) activation is unclear. Here we report that PPO3 cleavage activation is mediated by a clip-domain serine protease, CLIPB9. We purified recombinant CLIPB9 and found that it cleaved PPO3 and increased PO activity in the hemolymph. We then identified CLIPA14 (a serine protease homolog) by co-immunoprecipitation using anti-CLIPB9 antibody. After being cleaved by CLIPB9, Ae. aegypti CLIPA14 acted as a cofactor for PPO3 activation. In addition, dsRNA co-silencing of CLIPB9 and CLIPA14 genes reduced melanization after infection with the entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana, making the adult mosquitoes more sensitive to fungal infection. These results illustrate the roles of CLIPB9 and CLIPA14 in the PPO activation pathway and revealed the complexity of the upstream serine protease network controlling melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tengfei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhong Wang, ; Zhen Zou,
| | - Yanhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhong Wang, ; Zhen Zou,
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19
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Ramos LFC, Martins M, Murillo JR, Domont GB, de Oliveira DMP, Nogueira FCS, Maciel-de-Freitas R, Junqueira M. Interspecies Isobaric Labeling-Based Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Protein Changes in the Ovary of Aedes aegypti Coinfected With ZIKV and Wolbachia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:900608. [PMID: 35873163 PMCID: PMC9302590 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.900608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika is a vector-borne disease caused by an arbovirus (ZIKV) and overwhelmingly transmitted by Ae. aegypti. This disease is linked to adverse fetal outcomes, mostly microcephaly in newborns, and other clinical aspects such as acute febrile illness and neurologic complications, for example, Guillain-Barré syndrome. One of the most promising strategies to mitigate arbovirus transmission involves releasing Ae. aegypti mosquitoes carrying the maternally inherited endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia pipientis. The presence of Wolbachia is associated with a reduced susceptibility to arboviruses and a fitness cost in mosquito life-history traits such as fecundity and fertility. However, the mechanisms by which Wolbachia influences metabolic pathways leading to differences in egg production remains poorly known. To investigate the impact of coinfections on the reproductive tract of the mosquito, we applied an isobaric labeling-based quantitative proteomic strategy to investigate the influence of Wolbachia wMel and ZIKV infection in Ae. aegypti ovaries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most complete proteome of Ae. aegypti ovaries reported so far, with a total of 3913 proteins identified, were also able to quantify 1044 Wolbachia proteins in complex sample tissue of Ae. aegypti ovary. Furthermore, from a total of 480 mosquito proteins modulated in our study, we discuss proteins and pathways altered in Ae. aegypti during ZIKV infections, Wolbachia infections, coinfection Wolbachia/ZIKV, and compared with no infection, focusing on immune and reproductive aspects of Ae. aegypti. The modified aspects mainly were related to the immune priming enhancement by Wolbachia presence and the modulation of the Juvenile Hormone pathway caused by both microorganism’s infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Felipe Costa Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michele Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jimmy Rodriguez Murillo
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gilberto Barbosa Domont
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio César Sousa Nogueira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Maciel-de-Freitas
- Laboratório de Mosquitos Transmissores de Hematozoários, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Magno Junqueira, ; Rafael Maciel-de-Freitas,
| | - Magno Junqueira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Magno Junqueira, ; Rafael Maciel-de-Freitas,
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20
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Shen D, Ji J, Zhang S, Liu J, An C. A Short-Type Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 (PGRP1) Is Involved in the Immune Response in Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158198. [PMID: 34360963 PMCID: PMC8347126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect immune response is initiated by the recognition of invading microorganisms. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) function primarily as pattern recognition receptors by specifically binding to peptidoglycans expressed on microbial surfaces. We cloned a full-length cDNA for a PGRP from the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) and designated it as PGRP1. PGRP1 mRNA was mainly detected in the fat bodies and hemocytes. Its transcript levels increased significantly upon bacterial and fungal challenges. Purified recombinant PGRP1 exhibited binding activity to the gram-positive Micrococcus luteus, gram-negative Escherichia coli, entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, and yeast Pichia pastoris. The binding further induced their agglutination. Additionally, PGRP1 preferred to bind to Lys-type peptidoglycans rather than DAP-type peptidoglycans. The addition of recombinant PGRP1 to O. furnacalis plasma resulted in a significant increase in phenoloxidase activity. The injection of recombinant PGRP1 into larvae led to a significantly increased expression of several antimicrobial peptide genes. Taken together, our results suggest that O. furnacalis PGRP1 potentially recognizes the invading microbes and is involved in the immune response in O. furnacalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Shen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.S.); (J.J.); (S.Z.); (J.L.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Jiayue Ji
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.S.); (J.J.); (S.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.S.); (J.J.); (S.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.S.); (J.J.); (S.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.S.); (J.J.); (S.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-10-6273-4083
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21
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HuangFu N, Zhu X, Chang G, Wang L, Li D, Zhang K, Gao X, Ji J, Luo J, Cui J. Dynamic transcriptome analysis and Methoprene-tolerant gene knockdown reveal that juvenile hormone regulates oogenesis and vitellogenin synthesis in Propylea Japonica. Genomics 2021; 113:2877-2889. [PMID: 34116170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.06.002] [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: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Propylea japonica has been regarded as one of the most remarkable natural enemies against aphid in China. However, the mechanism of juvenile hormone (JH) regulation of reproduction in P. japonica is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the JH titers of P. japonica and the development of the ovaries. We selected the six different developmental stages of ladybeetle females for transcriptome sequencing. We identified 583 genes involved in insect reproduction regulation, including 107 insect hormone synthesis signaling pathway-related genes and 476 nutrition-sensing signaling pathway-related genes. Transcriptome analysis indicated that a large number JH synthesis- and metabolism-related enzyme genes and some potential nutrient signal sensing- and transduction-related genes were significantly differentially expressed during P. japonica development. We investigated the effects of Met gene silencing on the reproduction of female adults and found that the ovarian maturation, vitellogenesis, and follicular epithelium development in the dsMet treatment group were significantly inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningbo HuangFu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Guofeng Chang
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Junyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jinjie Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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