1
|
Li XY, Si FL, Zhang XX, Zhang YJ, Chen B. Characteristics of Trypsin genes and their roles in insecticide resistance based on omics and functional analyses in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 201:105883. [PMID: 38685249 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105883] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Trypsin is one of the most diverse and widely studied protease hydrolases. However, the diversity and characteristics of the Trypsin superfamily of genes have not been well understood, and their role in insecticide resistance is yet to be investigated. In this study, a total of 342 Trypsin genes were identified and classified into seven families based on homology, characteristic domains and phylogenetics in Anopheles sinensis, and the LY-Domain and CLECT-Domain families are specific to the species. Four Trypsin genes, (Astry2b, Astry43a, Astry90, Astry113c) were identified to be associated with pyrethroid resistance based on transcriptome analyses of three field resistant populations and qRT-PCR validation, and the knock-down of these genes significantly decrease the pyrethroid resistance of Anopheles sinensis based on RNAi. The activity of Astry43a can be reduced by five selected insecticides (indoxacarb, DDT, temephos, imidacloprid and deltamethrin); and however, the Astry43a could not directly metabolize these five insecticides, like the trypsin NYD-Tr did in earlier reports. This study provides the overall information frame of Trypsin genes, and proposes the role of Trypsin genes to insecticide resistance. Further researches are necessary to investigate the metabolism function of these trypsins to insecticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Ying Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Feng-Ling Si
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Q, Yang L, Tian T, Sun Y, Dong H, Gong J, Hou Y. Proteomic Analysis of the Midgut Contents of Silkworm in the Pupal Stage. INSECTS 2023; 14:953. [PMID: 38132625 PMCID: PMC10743435 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The silkworm Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran insect, possesses an 8-10-day pupal stage, during which significant changes occur in the midgut, where it first condenses into the yellow body, and then undergoes decomposition. To gain insights into this transformation process, proteomics was performed on Bombyx mori midgut contents on day 2 and day 7 after pupation. The results revealed the identification of 771 proteins with more than one unique peptide. An analysis using AgriGO demonstrated that these proteins were predominantly associated with catalytic activity. Among the identified proteins, a considerable number were found to be involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleic acid degradation, and energy support. Additionally, variations in the levels of certain proteases were observed between the midgut contents on day 2 and day 7 after pupation. An in-depth analysis of the two-dimensional electrophoresis of the midgut contents on day 7 after pupation led to the identification of twelve protein spots with potential gelatinolytic activity. Among these, six proteases were identified through mass spectrometry, including the p37k protease, vitellin-degrading protease, chymotrypsin-2, etc. These proteases may be responsible for the digestion of the yellow body during the later stages of pupal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yong Hou
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (Q.W.); (L.Y.); (T.T.); (Y.S.); (H.D.); (J.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao X, Geng Y, Hu T, Zhao Y, Yang S, Hao D. Evaluation of Optimal Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Analysis in Hyphantria cunea (Drury). INSECTS 2022; 13:97. [PMID: 35055939 PMCID: PMC8778541 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The relative quantification of gene expression is mainly achieved through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR); however, its reliability and precision rely on proper data normalization using one or more optimal reference genes. Hyphantria cunea (Drury) has been an invasive pest of forest trees, ornamental plants, and fruit trees in China for many years. Currently, the molecular physiological role of reference genes in H. cunea is unclear, which hinders functional gene study. Therefore, eight common reference genes, RPS26, RPL13, UBI, AK, RPS15, EIF4A, β-actin, α-tub, were selected to evaluate levels of gene expression stability when subjected to varied experimental conditions, including developmental stage and gender, different tissues, larvae reared on different hosts and different larval density. The geNorm, BestKeeper, ΔCt method, and NormFinder statistical algorithms were used to normalize gene transcription data. Furthermore, the stability/suitability of these candidates was ranked overall by RefFinder. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of reference genes in H. cunea and could help select reference genes for other Lepidoptera species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (T.H.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yishu Geng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (T.H.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Tianyi Hu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (T.H.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yongang Zhao
- Forest Station of Huaian District, Huaian 223001, China; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.)
| | - Suling Yang
- Forest Station of Huaian District, Huaian 223001, China; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.)
| | - Dejun Hao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (T.H.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chatterjee M, Yadav J, Rathinam M, Karthik K, Chowdhary G, Sreevathsa R, Rao U. Amenability of Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to gene silencing through exogenous administration and host-delivered dsRNA in pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan L.). PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 28:189-202. [PMID: 35221579 PMCID: PMC8847478 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Insect pests are one of the major biotic stresses limiting yield in commercially important crops. The lepidopteran polyphagous spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata causes significant economic losses in legumes including pigeonpea. RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing has emerged as one of the potential biotechnological tools for crop improvement. We report in this paper, RNAi in M. vitrata through exogenous administration of dsRNA with sequence specificity to three functionally important genes, Alpha-amylase (α-amylase), Chymotrypsin-like serine protease (CTLP) and Tropomyosin (TPM) into the larval haemolymph and their host-delivered RNAi in pigeonpea. Significant decline in the expression of selected genes supported by over-expression of DICER and generation of siRNA indicated the occurrence of RNAi in the dsRNA-injected larvae. Additionally, the onset of RNAi in the herbivore was demonstrated in pigeonpea, one of the prominent hosts, by host-delivered dsRNA. Transgenics in pigeonpea (cv. Pusa 992), a highly recalcitrant crop, were developed through a shoot apical meristem-targeted in planta transformation strategy and evaluated. Plant level bioassays in transgenic events characterized and selected at molecular level showed mortality of M. vitrata larvae as well as reduced feeding when compared to wild-type. Furthermore, molecular evidence for down regulation of target genes in the insects that fed on transgenic plants authenticated RNAi. Considering the variability of gene silencing in lepidopteran pests, this study provided corroborative proof for the possibility of gene silencing in M. vitrata through both the strategies. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01133-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhurima Chatterjee
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha India
| | - Jyoti Yadav
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Maniraj Rathinam
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Kesiraju Karthik
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Gopal Chowdhary
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha India
| | | | - Uma Rao
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu L, Sun Z, Xu C, Wang J, Mallik AU, Gu C, Chen D, Lu L, Zeng R, Song Y. High nitrogen in maize enriches gut microbiota conferring insecticide tolerance in lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura. iScience 2022; 25:103726. [PMID: 35072013 PMCID: PMC8762471 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abuse of chemical fertilizers and insecticides has created many environmental and human health hazards. We hypothesized that high nitrogen (N) in crops changes insect gut microbiota leading to enhanced insecticide tolerance. We investigated the effect of high N in maize on gut microbiota and insecticide tolerance of the polyphagous pest Spodoptera litura. Bioassays showed that high N applied in both maize plants and artificial diets significantly enhanced larval growth but reduced larval sensitivity to the insecticide methomyl. High N promoted the gut bacterial abundance in the genus Enterococcus. Inoculation with two strains (E. mundtii and E. casseliflavus) isolated from the larval guts increased larval tolerance to methomyl. Incorporation of antibiotics in a high-N diet increased the larval sensitivity to methomyl. These findings suggest that excessive application of N fertilizer to crops can increase insecticide tolerance of insect pests via changing gut microbiota, leading to increased use of insecticides worldwide. High N applied in maize plants enhances insect tolerance to the insecticide methomyl High N promotes the gut bacterial proliferation in the genus Enterococcus Two gut bacterial strains (E. mundtii and E. casseliflavus) degrade methomyl Depleting the gut microbiota in S. litura increased larval sensitivity to methomyl
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Environment Change and Resources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, China
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Cuicui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Azim U. Mallik
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Chengzhen Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Daoqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Long Lu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Rensen Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuanyuan Song
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vatanparast M, Kazzazi M, Sajjadian SM, Park Y. Knockdown of Helicoverpa armigera protease genes affects its growth and mortality via RNA interference. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 108:e21840. [PMID: 34569086 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the cotton bollworm, is a destructive pest which is famous for its resistance to a variety of insecticides. RNA interference is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism that has become a popular tool to control insect pests, triggered by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). The effect of ingestion and injection delivery methods of dsRNA related to some protease genes including Trypsin (Ha-TRY39 and Ha-TRY96), Chymotrypsin (Ha-CHY), and Cathepsin L (Ha-CAT) on growth and development of H. armigera was investigated in this study. All protease genes encoded full ORFs and were expressed in all H. armigera larvae stages and tissues. In both injection and feeding bioassays, Ha-RNAi CHY's performance outperformed that of other protease genes. CHY enzyme activity in the midgut of larvae was significantly reduced after treatment with ds-HaCHY. Oral administration of ds-CHY also resulted in significant mortality of H. armigera larvae. However, because of the high RNase activity in the midgut lumen of lepidoptera, a large amount of dsRNA was needed to effectively kill instars of H. armigera. To reduce dsRNA degradation, bacterial expression and dsRNA formulation were used. After oral administration, it was toxic to H. armigera larvae. Before oral administration, bacterial cells were sonicated to increase dsRNA release. The RNA interference efficiency of sonicated bacteria was significantly increased, resulting in higher larval mortality when administered orally. All of these findings point to Ha-CHY as a new candidate for developing an effective dsRNA-based pesticide for H. armigera control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Vatanparast
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Shahid Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, Hamedan, Iran
- Department of Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
| | - Majid Kazzazi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Shahid Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Minoo Sajjadian
- Department of Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Youngjin Park
- Department of Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhu S, Feng X, Keyhani NO, Liu Y, Jin D, Tong S, Pei Y, Fan Y. Manipulation of host ecdysteroid hormone levels facilitates infection by the fungal insect pathogen, Metarhizium rileyi. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:5087-5101. [PMID: 33734541 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium rileyi and Beauveria bassiana are widely used insect biological control agents. Little, however, is known concerning genetic or enzymatic factors that differentiate the mechanisms employed by these two fungal pathogens to infect target hosts. Infection by either of these organisms is known to increase levels of the growth and molting hormone, ecdysone, which also regulates the expression of a number of innate immune pathways. M. rileyi, but not B. bassiana, has apparently evolved an ecdysteroid-22-oxidase (MrE22O) that inactivate ecdysone. We show that deletion of MrE22O impaired virulence compared with the wild-type strain, with an increase in ecdysone titer seen in hosts that was coupled to an increase in the expression of antimicrobial genes. An M. rileyi strain engineered to overexpress MrE22O (MrE22OOE ), as well as trans-expression in B. bassiana (Bb::MrE220OE ) resulted, in strains displaying enhanced virulence and dampening of host immune responses compared with their respective wild-type parental strains. These results indicate that ecdysone plays an important role in mediating responses to fungal infection and that some insect pathogenic fungi have evolved mechanisms for targeting this hormone as a means for facilitating infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueyao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Nemat O Keyhani
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanhua Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Crucial Role of Juvenile Hormone Receptor Components Methoprene-Tolerant and Taiman in Sexual Maturation of Adult Male Desert Locusts. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020244. [PMID: 33572050 PMCID: PMC7915749 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently (2020), Africa and Asia are experiencing the worst desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) plague in decades. Exceptionally high rainfall in different regions caused favorable environmental conditions for very successful reproduction and population growth. To better understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for this remarkable reproductive capacity, as well as to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding the regulation of male reproductive physiology, we investigated the role of methoprene-tolerant (Scg-Met) and Taiman (Scg-Tai), responsible for transducing the juvenile hormone (JH) signal, in adult male locusts. We demonstrated that knockdown of these components by RNA interference strongly inhibits male sexual maturation, severely disrupting reproduction. This was evidenced by the inability to show mating behavior, the absence of a yellow-colored cuticle, the reduction of relative testes weight, and the drastically reduced phenylacetonitrile (PAN) pheromone levels of the treated males. We also observed a reduced relative weight, as well as relative protein content, of the male accessory glands in Scg-Met knockdown locusts. Interestingly, in these animals the size of the corpora allata (CA), the endocrine glands where JH is synthesized, was significantly increased, as well as the transcript level of JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT), a rate-limiting enzyme in the JH biosynthesis pathway. Moreover, other endocrine pathways appeared to be affected by the knockdown, as evidenced by changes in the expression levels of the insulin-related peptide and two neuroparsins in the fat body. Our results demonstrate that JH signaling pathway components play a crucial role in male reproductive physiology, illustrating their potential as molecular targets for pest control.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bonelli M, Bruno D, Brilli M, Gianfranceschi N, Tian L, Tettamanti G, Caccia S, Casartelli M. Black Soldier Fly Larvae Adapt to Different Food Substrates through Morphological and Functional Responses of the Midgut. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144955. [PMID: 32668813 PMCID: PMC7404193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of nutrient digestion and absorption is one of the post-ingestion mechanisms that guarantees the best exploitation of food resources, even when they are nutritionally poor or unbalanced, and plays a pivotal role in generalist feeders, which experience an extreme variability in diet composition. Among insects, the larvae of black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, can grow on a wide range of feeding substrates with different nutrient content, suggesting that they can set in motion post-ingestion processes to match their nutritional requirements. In the present study we address this issue by investigating how the BSF larval midgut adapts to diets with different nutrient content. Two rearing substrates were compared: a nutritionally balanced diet for dipteran larvae and a nutritionally poor diet that mimics fruit and vegetable waste. Our data show that larval growth performance is only moderately affected by the nutritionally poor diet, while differences in the activity of digestive enzymes, midgut cell morphology, and accumulation of long-term storage molecules can be observed, indicating that diet-dependent adaptation processes in the midgut ensure the exploitation of poor substrates. Midgut transcriptome analysis of larvae reared on the two substrates showed that genes with important functions in digestion and absorption are differentially expressed, confirming the adaptability of this organ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bonelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.B.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Daniele Bruno
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Matteo Brilli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.B.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Novella Gianfranceschi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.B.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Ling Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Guangdong Provincial Sericulture and Mulberry Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.T.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Silvia Caccia
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
- Correspondence: (G.T.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.B.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.T.); (S.C.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu HW, Wang LL, Meng Z, Tang X, Li YS, Xia QY, Zhao P. A clip domain serine protease involved in moulting in the silkworm, Bombyx mori: cloning, characterization, expression patterns and functional analysis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:507-521. [PMID: 28597953 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by one or more conserved clip domains, are essential components of extracellular signalling cascades in various biological processes, especially in innate immunity and the embryonic development of insects. Additionally, CLIPs may have additional non-immune functions in insect development. In the present study, the clip domain serine protease gene Bombyx mori serine protease 95 (BmSP95), which encodes a 527-residue protein, was cloned from the integument of B. mori. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that BmSP95 is a typical CLIP of the subfamily D and possesses a clip domain at the N terminus, a trypsin-like serine protease (tryp_spc) domain at the C terminus and a conserved proline-rich motif between these two domains. At the transcriptional level, BmSP95 is expressed in the integument during moulting and metamorphosis, and the expression pattern is consistent with the fluctuating 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titre in B. mori. At the translational level, BmSP95 protein is synthesized in the epidermal cells, secreted as a zymogen and activated in the moulting fluid. Immunofluorescence revealed that BmSP95 is distributed into the old endocuticle in the moulting stage. The expression of BmSP95 was upregulated by 20E. Moreover, expression of BmSP95 was downregulated by pathogen infection. RNA interference-mediated silencing of BmSP95 led to delayed moulting from pupa to moth. These results suggest that BmSP95 is involved in integument remodelling during moulting and metamorphosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H-W Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - L-L Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Z Meng
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - X Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Y-S Li
- Vitamin D Research Institute, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Q-Y Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - P Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu HW, Li YS, Tang X, Guo PC, Wang DD, Zhou CY, Xia QY, Zhao P. A midgut-specific serine protease, BmSP36, is involved in dietary protein digestion in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:753-767. [PMID: 27311916 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteases play important roles in digestion and immune responses during insect development. In the present study, the serine protease gene BmSP36, which encodes a 292-residue protein, was cloned from the midgut cells of Bombyx mori. BmSP36 contains an intact catalytic triad (H57, D102 and S195) and a conserved substrate-binding site (G189, H216 and G226), suggesting that it is a serine protease with chymotrypsin-like specificity. The temporal and spatial expression patterns of BmSP36 indicated that its messenger RNA and protein expression mainly occurred in the midgut at the feeding stages. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses revealed secretion of BmSP36 protein from epithelial cells into the midgut lumen. The transcriptional and translational expression of BmSP36 was down-regulated after starvation but up-regulated after refeeding. Moreover, expression of the BmSP36 gene could be up-regulated by a juvenile hormone analogue. These results enable us to better define the potential role of BmSP36 in dietary protein digestion at the feeding stages during larval development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - You-Shan Li
- Vitamin D Research Institute, Shaanxi Sci-Tech University, Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng-Chao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-You Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vatanparast M, Kim Y. Optimization of recombinant bacteria expressing dsRNA to enhance insecticidal activity against a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183054. [PMID: 28800614 PMCID: PMC5553977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been applied to control insect pests due to its induction of RNA interference (RNAi) of a specific target gene expression. However, developing dsRNA-based insecticidal agent has been a great challenge especially against lepidopteran insect pests due to variations in RNAi efficiency. The objective of this study was to screen genes of chymotrypsins (SeCHYs) essential for the survival of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, to construct insecticidal dsRNA. In addition, an optimal oral delivery method was developed using recombinant bacteria. At least 7 SeCHY genes were predicted from S. exigua transcriptomes. Subsequent analyses indicated that SeCHY2 was widely expressed in different developmental stages and larval tissues by RT-PCR and its expression knockdown by RNAi caused high mortality along with immunosuppression. However, a large amount of dsRNA was required to efficiently kill late instars of S. exigua because of high RNase activity in their midgut lumen. To minimize dsRNA degradation, bacterial expression and formulation of dsRNA were performed in HT115 Escherichia coli using L4440 expression vector. dsRNA (300 bp) specific to SeCHY2 overexpressed in E. coli was toxic to S. exigua larvae after oral administration. To enhance dsRNA release from E. coli, bacterial cells were sonicated before oral administration. RNAi efficiency of sonicated bacteria was significantly increased, causing higher larval mortality at oral administration. Moreover, targeting young larvae possessing weak RNase activity in the midgut lumen significantly enhanced RNAi efficiency and subsequent insecticidal activity against S. exigua.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Vatanparast
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Bu-Ali Sina, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Transcriptional Analysis of The Adaptive Digestive System of The Migratory Locust in Response to Plant Defensive Protease Inhibitors. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32460. [PMID: 27581362 PMCID: PMC5007527 DOI: 10.1038/srep32460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbivorous insects evolved adaptive mechanisms to compensate for the presence of plant defensive protease inhibitors (PI) in their food. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of these compensatory responses remain largely elusive. In the current study, we investigated the initiation of this adaptive response in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, via microarray analysis of gut tissues. Four hours after dietary uptake of PIs, 114 and 150 transcripts were respectively found up- or downregulated. The results suggest a quick trade-off between compensating for potential loss of digestive activity on the one hand, and stress tolerance, defense, and structural integrity of the gut on the other hand. We additionally addressed the role of a group of related upregulated hexamerin-like proteins in the PI-induced response. Simultaneous knockdown of corresponding transcripts by means of RNA interference resulted in a reduced capacity of the locust nymphs to cope with the effects of PI. Moreover, since insect hexamerins have been shown to bind Juvenile Hormone (JH), we also investigated the effect of JH on the proteolytic digestion in L. migratoria. Our results indicate that JH has a stimulatory effect on the expression of three homologous chymotrypsin genes, while knocking down the JH receptor (methoprene tolerant) led to opposite effects.
Collapse
|
14
|
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Carboxypeptidase Genes in Silkworm (Bombyx mori). Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081203. [PMID: 27483237 PMCID: PMC5000601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an economically-important insect that can secrete silk. Carboxypeptidases have been found in various metazoan species and play important roles in physiological and biochemical reactions. Here, we analyzed the silkworm genome database and characterized 48 carboxypeptidases, including 34 metal carboxypeptidases (BmMCP1-BmMCP34) and 14 serine carboxypeptidases (BmSCP1-BmSCP14), to better understand their diverse functions. Compared to other insects, our results indicated that carboxypeptidases from silkworm have more family members. These silkworm carboxypeptidases could be divided into four families: Peptidase_M2 carboxypeptidases, Peptidase_M14 carboxypeptidases, Peptidase_S10 carboxypeptidases and Peptidase_S28 carboxypeptidases. Microarray analysis showed that the carboxypeptidases had distinct expression patterns, whereas quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that the expression level of 13 carboxypeptidases significantly decreased after starvation and restored after re-feeding. Overall, our study provides new insights into the functional and evolutionary features of silkworm carboxypeptidases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhou X, Fan D, Zhao K. CHARACTERIZATION OF TRYPSIN-LIKE AND CHYMOTRYPSIN-LIKE SERINE PROTEASES FROM MIDGUT OF Mythimna separata Walker. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 92:173-191. [PMID: 26988941 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Two cDNA sequences encoding a trypsin-like and a chymotrypsin-like serine protease (MsT and MsCT, GenBank accession Nos. KP730443 and KP730444, respectively) were cloned from midgut of oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker. Multiple alignments revealed that the deduced amino acid sequences of MsT and MsCT contained a serine protease catalytic motif GDSGGPL and catalytic triads (His, Asp, and Ser). Analyses of tissue and developmental expression of MsT and MsCT showed that they were mainly expressed in midguts and could be detected in first to sixth instar larvae, prepupal and pupal stages. Expressions of both MsT and MsCT were downregulated after 24 h of starvation and upregulated by subsequent insect refeeding. MsT expression in response to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) was dose dependent and upregulated after 24 h. However, MsCT expression in response to 20E was downregulated compared with controls. MsCT, but not MsT, transcripts were upregulated after 24 h of Cry1Ac protoxin exposure. These results suggested that MsT was most likely involved in food protein digestion and molting in M. separata whereas MsCT was most likely involved in food protein digestion and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protoxin activation. RNA interference indicated that MsT and MsCT expression levels decreased 76.7 and 86.2% after treated with MsT and MsCT dsRNA, respectively. This study showed that M. separata expressed midgut proteases in line with known lepidopteran counterparts and contributed valuable sequence resource information regarding insect proteases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqun Zhou
- College of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Dong Fan
- College of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Kuijun Zhao
- College of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fu KY, Guo WC, Ahmat T, Li GQ. Knockdown of a nutrient amino acid transporter gene LdNAT1 reduces free neutral amino acid contents and impairs Leptinotarsa decemlineata pupation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18124. [PMID: 26657797 PMCID: PMC4676043 DOI: 10.1038/srep18124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A Leptinotarsa decemlineata SLC6 NAT gene (LdNAT1) was cloned. LdNAT1 was highly expressed in the larval alimentary canal especially midgut. LdNAT1 mRNA levels were high right after the molt and low just before the molt. JH and a JH analog pyriproxyfen activated LdNAT1 expression. RNAi of an allatostatin gene LdAS-C increased JH and upregulated LdNAT1 transcription. Conversely, silencing of a JH biosynthesis gene LdJHAMT decreased JH and reduced LdNAT1 expression. Moreover, 20E and an ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide repressed LdNAT1 expression, whereas a decrease in 20E by RNAi of an ecdysteroidogenesis gene LdSHD and disruption of 20E signaling by knockdown of LdE75 and LdFTZ-F1 activated LdNAT1 expression. Thus, LdNAT1 responded to both 20E and JH. Moreover, knockdown of LdNAT1 reduced the contents of cysteine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine and serine in the larval bodies and increased the contents of these amino acids in the larval feces. Furthermore, RNAi of LdNAT1 inhibited insulin/target of rapamycin pathway, lowered 20E and JH titers, reduced 20E and JH signaling, retarded larval growth and impaired pupation. These data showed that LdNAT1 was involved in the absorption of several neutral amino acids critical for larval growth and metamorphosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Yun Fu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wen-Chao Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Urumqi 830091, China
| | - Tursun Ahmat
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Urumqi 830091, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cristiane BDS, Katlin SR, Fernanda MMO, Luciane D, Vanessa CGJ, Josiane DFATGD, Sandra MWZ, Vitor AK, Juliana DK, Gislene MF, Maislian DO, Obd uacute lio GM, Marilis DM. Byrsonima intermedia preparations inhibits trypsin and chymotrypsin activities from Aedes aegypti larval gut. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.5897/jmpr2013.5254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
18
|
Hou MZ, Shen GM, Wei D, Li YL, Dou W, Wang JJ. Characterization of Bactrocera dorsalis serine proteases and evidence for their indirect role in insecticide tolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:3272-86. [PMID: 24566149 PMCID: PMC3958911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15023272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) causes devastating losses to agricultural crops world-wide and is considered to be an economically important pest. Little is known about the digestive enzymes such as serine proteases (SPs) in B. dorsalis, which are important both for energy supply and mitigation of fitness cost associated with insecticide tolerance. In this study, we identified five SP genes in the midgut of B. dorsalis, and the alignments of their deduced amino acid sequences revealed the presence of motifs conserved in the SP superfamily. Phylogenetic analyses with known SPs from other insect species suggested that three of them were trypsin-like proteases. Analyses of the expression profiles among the different developmental stages showed that all five genes were most abundant in larvae than in other stages. When larvae were continuously fed on diet containing 0.33 μg/g β-Cypermethrin, expression of all five genes were upregulated in the midgut but the larval development was delayed. Biochemical assays were consistent with the increased protease activity exhibited by SPs in the midgut after treatment with β-Cypermethrin. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for the hypothesis that enhanced SP activity may play an indirect role in relieving the toxicity stress of insecticide in B. dorsalis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhe Hou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Guang-Mao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Dong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Ya-Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhu X, Yuan M, Shakeel M, Zhang Y, Wang S, Wang X, Zhan S, Kang T, Li J. Selection and evaluation of reference genes for expression analysis using qRT-PCR in the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). PLoS One 2014; 9:e84730. [PMID: 24454743 PMCID: PMC3893131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is a reliable and reproducible technique for measuring and evaluating changes in gene expression. The most common method for analyzing qRT-PCR data is to normalize mRNA levels of target genes to internal reference genes. Evaluating and selecting stable reference genes on a case-by-case basis is critical. The present study aimed to facilitate gene expression studies by identifying the most suitable reference genes for normalization of mRNA expression in qRT-PCR analysis of the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). For this purpose, three software tools (geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper) were used to investigate 10 candidate reference genes in nine developmental stages and five different tissues (epidermis, head, midgut, fat body and hemolymph) in three larval physiological stages (molting, feeding and wandering stages) of, S. exigua. With the exception of 18S ribosomal RNA (18S), all other candidate genes evaluated, β-actin1(ACT1), β-actin2 (ACT2), elongation factor1(EF1), elongation factor 2 (EF2), Glyceralde hyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribosomal protein L10 (L10), ribosomal protein L17A (L17A), superoxide dismutase (SOD), α-tubulin (TUB),proved to be acceptable reference genes. However, their suitability partly differed between physiological stages and different tissues. L10, EF2 and L17A ranked highest in all tissue sample sets. SOD, ACT2, GAPDH, EF1 and ACT1 were stably expressed in all developmental stage sample sets; ACT2, ACT1 and L10 for larvae sample sets; GAPDH, ACT1 and ACT2 for pupae and adults; SOD and L17A for males; and EF2 and SOD for females. The expression stability of genes varied in different conditions. The findings provided here demonstrated, with a few exceptions, the suitability of most of the 10 reference genes tested in tissues and life developmental stages. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of validating reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis in S. exigua.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhu
- Laboratory of Pesticide, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Yuan
- Laboratory of Pesticide, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Shakeel
- Laboratory of Pesticide, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoli Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Laboratory of Pesticide, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sha Zhan
- Laboratory of Pesticide, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tinghao Kang
- Laboratory of Pesticide, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhong Li
- Laboratory of Pesticide, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
In vertebrates and invertebrates, morphological and functional features of gastrointestinal (GI) tracts generally reflect food chemistry, such as content of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and material(s) refractory to rapid digestion (e.g., cellulose). The expression of digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters approximately matches the dietary load of their respective substrates, with relatively modest excess capacity. Mechanisms explaining differences in hydrolase activity between populations and species include gene copy number variations and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional adjustments mediate phenotypic changes in the expression of hydrolases and transporters in response to dietary signals. Many species respond to higher food intake by flexibly increasing digestive compartment size. Fermentative processes by symbiotic microorganisms are important for cellulose degradation but are relatively slow, so animals that rely on those processes typically possess special enlarged compartment(s) to maintain a microbiota and other GI structures that slow digesta flow. The taxon richness of the gut microbiota, usually identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, is typically an order of magnitude greater in vertebrates than invertebrates, and the interspecific variation in microbial composition is strongly influenced by diet. Many of the nutrient transporters are orthologous across different animal phyla, though functional details may vary (e.g., glucose and amino acid transport with K+ rather than Na+ as a counter ion). Paracellular absorption is important in many birds. Natural toxins are ubiquitous in foods and may influence key features such as digesta transit, enzymatic breakdown, microbial fermentation, and absorption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William H Karasov
- Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Asokan R, Chandra GS, Manamohan M, Kumar NKK. Effect of diet delivered various concentrations of double-stranded RNA in silencing a midgut and a non-midgut gene of Helicoverpa armigera. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2013; 103:555-63. [PMID: 23557597 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485313000138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is a sequence-specific gene silencing mechanism induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Recently, RNAi has gained popularity as a reverse genetics tool owing to its tremendous potential in insect pest management, which includes Helicoverpa armigera. However, its efficiency is mainly governed by dsRNA concentration, frequency of application, target gene, etc. Therefore, to obtain a robust RNAi response in H. armigera, we evaluated various concentrations of dsRNA and its frequency of applications delivered through diet in silencing a midgut gene, chymotrypsin and a non-midgut gene, juvenile hormone acid methyl transferase (jhamt) of H. armigera. The extent of target gene silencing was determined by employing reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Our study revealed four significant findings: (i) single application of dsRNA elicited a delayed and transient silencing, while multiple applications resulted in early and persistent silencing of the above genes; (ii) silencing of the non-midgut gene (jhamt) through diet delivered dsRNA revealed prevalence of systemic silencing probably due to communication of silencing signals in this pest; (iii) the extent of silencing of chymotrypsin was positively correlated with dsRNA concentration and was negatively correlated with jhamt; (iv) interestingly, over-expression (15–18 folds) of an upstream gene, farnesyl diphosphate synthase (fpps), in juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthetic pathway at higher concentrations of jhamt dsRNA was the plausible reason for lesser silencing of jhamt. This study provides an insight into RNAi response of target genes, which is essential for RNAi design and implementation as a pest management strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Asokan
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta Lake (PO), Bengaluru - 560 089, India.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kubrycht J, Sigler K, Souček P, Hudeček J. Structures composing protein domains. Biochimie 2013; 95:1511-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
23
|
Shi M, Zhu N, Yi Y, Chen XX. Four serine protease cDNAs from the midgut of Plutella xylostella and their proteinase activity are influenced by the endoparasitoid, cotesia vestalis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 83:101-114. [PMID: 23606528 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteinases, which include trypsins and chymotrypsins, play numerous roles in lepidopteran larvae, such as digestion, zymogen activation, and immune defense. Studies of lepidopteran serine proteinases could increase understanding of their feeding preference (polyphagous and monophagous) and facilitate identification of protease inhibitors, which can be engineered for pest management. In this paper, four full-length cDNAs encoding one chymotrypsin and three trypsins were cloned from larval midguts of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed all four serine protease genes were downregulated after P. xylostella was parasitized by the parasitoid wasp Cotesia vestalis. Trypsin and chymotrypsin enzymatic activities within the midgut of nonparasitized and C. vestalis-parasitized P. xylostella larvae were examined using N-a-benzoyl-arg p-nitroanilide and N-succinyl-ala-ala-pro-phe p-nitroanilide as substrates. Trypsin and chymotrypsin activities were decreased in parasitized larvae as compared to untreated larvae, with the effect being more pronounced over time. Chymotrypsin activity in particular exhibited a significant decrease in activity. The correlation of decreased enzymatic activity and transcript abundance suggests parasitization induced downregulation of serine proteinase gene transcripts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ge ZY, Wan PJ, Han ZJ. Cloning and characterization of trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like genes in the striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. Genome 2012; 55:281-8. [DOI: 10.1139/g2012-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Serine proteinases including trypsins and chymotrypsins play various important roles in insects, including food digestion, immune defense, and zymogen activation. Studies on insect serine proteinases could reveal their feeding preference (polyphagous and monophagous) and facilitate identification of protease inhibitors, which can be engineered for pest management. In this paper, 11 transcripts encoding trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like proteins were cloned from the striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker). All the predicted proteins share high sequence similarity with known trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like proteins from either lepidopterans or dipterans, and most of the proteins have conserved motifs that are characteristics of serine proteinases. Among the 11 cloned genes, six were expressed predominantly and one exclusively in the midgut of the insect, three were expressed relatively evenly in examined tissues, and one was not expressed in either the gut or hemolymph based on RT–PCR results. The seven genes that were predominantly or exclusively expressed in the gut were also affected by feeding on different host plants. The genes that were expressed in the gut and were affected by host plants are likely to encode digestive proteinases. The identification of trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like genes in this insect species is the first step towards further comparative studies and for identification of insect-specific proteinase inhibitors, which might be engineered to protect rice plants against the striped rice stem borer, which is one of the destructive pests of rice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yu Ge
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Street, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Pin-Jun Wan
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Street, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Han
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Street, Nanjing 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Huang Z, Zhou D, Gao G, Zheng S, Feng Q, Liu L. Cloning and characterization of a midgut-specific fatty acid binding protein in Spodoptera litura. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 79:1-17. [PMID: 23589217 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A fatty acid binding protein (FABP) gene (Slfabp1) was cloned from the midgut of Spodoptera litura larvae. The gene consists of four exons and three introns and encodes a peptide of 134 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 14.7 kDa, which was confirmed by in vitro protein expression. Northern blot and Western blot analyses indicated that both of Slfabp1 mRNA and protein were highly and specifically expressed in the midgut during the fifth and sixth instar feeding larval stages. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed the midgut-specific localization of Slfabp1 mRNA and protein. The result of Western blot showed that expression of the protein was downregulated by starvation and upregulated by refeeding in sixth instar larvae. All of the results taken together suggest that the SlFABP1 plays important role(s) in FA uptake and transport in the midgut during the larval feeding stages of the insect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang Y, Zhang H, Li H, Miao X. Second-generation sequencing supply an effective way to screen RNAi targets in large scale for potential application in pest insect control. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18644. [PMID: 21494551 PMCID: PMC3073972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The key of RNAi approach success for potential insect pest control is mainly dependent on careful target selection and a convenient delivery system. We adopted second-generation sequencing technology to screen RNAi targets. Illumina's RNA-seq and digital gene expression tag profile (DGE-tag) technologies were used to screen optimal RNAi targets from Ostrinia furnalalis. Total 14690 stage specific genes were obtained which can be considered as potential targets, and 47 were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Ten larval stage specific expression genes were selected for RNAi test. When 50 ng/µl dsRNAs of the genes DS10 and DS28 were directly sprayed on the newly hatched larvae which placed on the filter paper, the larval mortalities were around 40∼50%, while the dsRNAs of ten genes were sprayed on the larvae along with artificial diet, the mortalities reached 73% to 100% at 5 d after treatment. The qRT-PCR analysis verified the correlation between larval mortality and the down-regulation of the target gene expression. Topically applied fluorescent dsRNA confirmed that dsRNA did penetrate the body wall and circulate in the body cavity. It seems likely that the combination of DGE-tag with RNA-seq is a rapid, high-throughput, cost less and an easy way to select the candidate target genes for RNAi. More importantly, it demonstrated that dsRNAs are able to penetrate the integument and cause larval developmental stunt and/or death in a lepidopteron insect. This finding largely broadens the target selection for RNAi from just gut-specific genes to the targets in whole insects and may lead to new strategies for designing RNAi-based technology against insect damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haichao Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuexia Miao
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|