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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] [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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Urbański A, Konopińska N, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Roizman D, Lubawy J, Radziej M, Rolff J. Functional homology of tachykinin signalling: The influence of human substance P on the immune system of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:104669. [PMID: 36791872 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) are one of the most prominent families of neuropeptides in the animal kingdom. Insect TRPs display strong structural and functional homology to vertebrate tachykinins (TKs). To study functional homologies between these two neuropeptide families, the influence of human substance P (SP, one of the essential vertebrate TKs) on the immune system of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L., was analysed. Human SP influences the phagocytic abilities of T. molitor haemocytes. Peptide injection leads to an increase in the number of haemocytes participating in the phagocytosis of latex beads. In contrast, incubation of haemocytes from non-injected beetles in a solution of physiological saline and SP causes a decrease in phagocytic activity. Treatment with human SP also led to increased adhesion of haemocytes, but no changes in the arrangement of the F-actin cytoskeleton were observed. Interestingly, 6 h after human SP injection, increased DNA integrity in T. molitor haemocytes was reported. The opposite effects were observed 24 h after SP injection. Human SP caused the upregulation of humoral immune responses, such as phenoloxidase (PO) activity in the T. molitor haemolymph, and the downregulation of immune-related genes encoding coleoptericin A, tenecin 3 and Toll receptor. However, genes encoding attacin 2 and cecropin were upregulated. Despite these differences, the antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph was significantly lower in beetles injected with SP than in control beetles. Moreover, an analysis of the direct influence of SP on lysozyme activity was performed. Our results suggest that SP at a concentration of 10-6 M can directly inhibit lysozyme activity. However, an opposite effect was reported after the application of SP at a concentration of 10-4 M. The presented results suggest structural and functional homology between TK signalling in vertebrates and insects. Primarily, this was visible in the context of the humoral response and general antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph. However, some of the results related to haemocyte function may also indicate the importance of the TK and TRP sequences for evoking immunological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - N Konopińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - K Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - D Roizman
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - M Radziej
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - J Rolff
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Lubawy J, Hornik J. The effect of B-type allatostatin neuropeptides on crosstalk between the insect immune response and cold tolerance. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20697. [PMID: 36450889 PMCID: PMC9712581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25235-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are the largest group of arthropod phyla and are capable of surviving in a variety of environments. One of the most important factors in enabling them to do so is their resistance to temperature stress, i.e., cold tolerance. The neuroendocrine system, together with the immune system, cooperates to regulate a number of physiological processes that are essential for the stability of the organism in stressful conditions. However, to date, no one has studied the effect of insect myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs) on cold stress tolerance and immune system activity. Here, we investigated the effect of Tenmo-MIP 5 (10-6 M), cold stress (- 5 °C) and a combination of both on the immune response of Tenebrio molitor. All three treatments caused upregulation of immune-related genes (antimicrobial peptides and Toll) and increased phagocytosis activity (by approximately 10%). However, phenoloxidase activity and mortality were increased only after peptide injection and the combination of both treatments. The peptide injection combined with cold stress caused 40% higher mortality than that in the control. Together, our results show the links between cold stress, MIPs activity and the immune response, and to our knowledge, this is the first report showing the effect of MIP on the insect immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lubawy
- grid.5633.30000 0001 2097 3545Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Justyna Hornik
- grid.5633.30000 0001 2097 3545Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Urbański A, Konopińska N, Lubawy J, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Marciniak P, Rolff J. A possible role of tachykinin-related peptide on an immune system activity of mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 120:104065. [PMID: 33705792 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) are important neuropeptides. Here we show that they affect the insect immune system, especially the cellular response. We also identify and predict the sequence and structure of the tachykinin-related peptide receptor (TRPR) and confirm the presence of expression of gene encoding TRPR on Tenebrio molitor haemocytes. After application of the Tenmo-TRP-7 in T. molitor the number of circulating haemocytes increased and the number of haemocytes participating in phagocytosis of latex beads decreased in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Also, Tenmo-TRP-7 affects the adhesion ability of haemocytes. Six hours after injection of Tenmo-TRP-7, a decrease of haemocyte surface area was observed under both tested Tenmo-TRP-7 concentrations (10-7 and 10-5 M). The opposite effect was reported 24 h after injection, which indicates that the influence of Tenmo-TRP-7 on modulation of haemocyte behaviour differs at different stages of stress response. Tenmo-TRP-7 application also resulted in increased phenoloxidase activity 6 and 24 h after injection. The assessment of DNA integrity of haemocytes showed that the injection of Tenmo-TRP-7 at 10-7 M led to a decrease in DNA damage compared to control individuals. This effect was only visible 6 h after Tenmo-TRP-7 application. After 24 h, Tenmo-TRP-7 injection increased DNA damage. We also confirmed the expression of immune-related genes in nervous tissue of T. molitor. Transcripts for genes encoding receptors participating in pathogen recognition processes and antimicrobial peptides were detected in T. molitor brain, retrocerebral complex and ventral nerve cord. These results may indicate a role of the insect nervous system in pathogen recognition and modulation of immune response similar to vertebrates. Taken together, our results support the notion that tachykinin-related peptides probably play an important role in the regulation of the insect immune system. Moreover, some resemblances with action of tachykinin-related peptides and substance P showed that insects can be potential model organisms for analysis of hormonal regulation of conserved innate immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland; HiProMine S.A, Poznańska Str. 8, 62-023, Robakowo, Poland.
| | - N Konopińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - J Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - K Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - P Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - J Rolff
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Urbański A, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Nowicki G, Chowański S, Rosiński G. Effect of Short-Term Desiccation, Recovery Time, and CAPA-PVK Neuropeptide on the Immune System of the Burying Beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. Front Physiol 2021; 12:671463. [PMID: 34234689 PMCID: PMC8255627 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.671463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions, especially related to winter, are crucial for shaping activity of insect immune system. However, our previous research clearly indicates differences in the immune system functioning when the cold stress was induced in the laboratory conditions and when the beetles were collected from natural environment during winter. This is probably related to the multiplication of observed effects by simultaneous presence of different stress factors characteristic of winter, including desiccation. For these reasons, our next step was analysis of the effects of short-term desiccation and recovery time on the functioning of immune system of burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. Also, the effect of Tenmo–PVK-2 (tenebrionid periviscerokinin), member of the CAPA–PVK neuropeptide family, was investigated to better understand observed changes. Short-term desiccation decreases the phagocytic activity of burying beetle haemocytes, which is correlated with a reduction in their adhesive ability. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in phenoloxidase (PO) activity and the level of proPO expression, which may suggest sealing the cuticula by melanin deposition and prevention of water loss. Additionally, the elevated level of defensin expression may be associated with the cross-talk between mechanisms, which participate in insect response to environmental stress, including pathogen infection. After 1 h of recovery time, the activity of tested cellular and humoral mechanisms was mostly back to the control level. However, inhibition of the activity of PO and down-regulation of proPO were noted. These results also indicate importance of melanin deposition during water loss. Moreover, it suggests that some changes in immune system functioning during stress conditions do not have an immune function. Interestingly, part of the effects characteristic of recovery time were also observed after the application of Tenmo–PVK-2, mainly related to haemocyte morphology. These results indicate that CAPA–PVK neuropeptides may also influence on activity of burying beetle immune system. It should be also highlighted that, because of the study of the effects of CAPA–PVK neuropeptides, homologs of vertebrate neuromedin U, the results may be interesting for search evolutionary similarities in the functioning of the neuroendocrine system of insects and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland.,HiProMine S.A., Robakowo, Poland
| | - Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Nowicki
- Molecular Virology Research Unit, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland.,genXone S.A., Złotniki, Poland
| | - Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
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6
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Czarniewska E, Mrówczyńska L, Jędrzejczak-Silicka M, Nowicki P, Trukawka M, Mijowska E. Non-cytotoxic hydroxyl-functionalized exfoliated boron nitride nanoflakes impair the immunological function of insect haemocytes in vivo. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14027. [PMID: 31575876 PMCID: PMC6773946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To induce the water solubility of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), we exfoliated and functionalized bulk h-BN with hydroxyl groups (h-BN-OH-n). Short-term studies showed that h-BN-OH-n induced low cytotoxicity in different models: insect haemocytes (in vivo), human erythrocytes and mouse fibroblasts (in vitro). We also demonstrated that Alexa Fluor 647-h-BN-OH-n administered topically to the insects passed through the cuticle barrier and was phagocytosed by haemocytes. Nanoflakes did not affect the haemocyte cell membrane and did not interfere with the phagocytosis of latex beads. Long-term immunoassays showed that h-BN-OH-n, despite not inducing haemocytotoxicity, impaired nodulation, the most important cellular immune response in insects. The haemocytes exposed to h-BN-OH-n and then to bacteria differed in morphology and adhesiveness from the haemocytes exposed only to bacteria and exhibited the same morphology and adhesiveness as the control haemocytes. The h-BN-OH-n-induced decrease in nodulation can therefore result from the reduced ability of haemocytes to recognize bacteria, migrate to them or form microaggregates around them, which can lead to dysfunction of the immune system during pathogen infection. Long-term in vivo studies with animal models are still necessary to unambiguously confirm that h-BN is biocompatible and useful for application as a platform for drug delivery or for bioimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Experimental Biology, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Lucyna Mrówczyńska
- Department of Cell Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Experimental Biology, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Magdalena Jędrzejczak-Silicka
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego Str. 29, 71-270, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patryk Nowicki
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Experimental Biology, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Martyna Trukawka
- Nanomaterials Physicochemistry Department, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Piastów Avenue Str. 45, 70-311, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Mijowska
- Nanomaterials Physicochemistry Department, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Piastów Avenue Str. 45, 70-311, Szczecin, Poland
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The Influence of Bee Venom Melittin on the Functioning of the Immune System and the Contractile Activity of the Insect Heart-A Preliminary Study. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090494. [PMID: 31461888 PMCID: PMC6784010 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a basic polypeptide originally purified from honeybee venom. MEL exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activity. However, almost all studies on MEL activity have been carried out on vertebrate models or cell lines. Recently, due to cheap breeding and the possibility of extrapolating the results of the research to vertebrates, insects have been used for various bioassays and comparative physiological studies. For these reasons, it is valuable to examine the influence of melittin on insect physiology. Here, for the first time, we report the immunotropic and cardiotropic effects of melittin on the beetle Tenebrio molitor as a model insect. After melittin injection at 10−7 M and 10−3 M, the number of apoptotic cells in the haemolymph increased in a dose-dependent manner. The pro-apoptotic action of MEL was likely compensated by increasing the total number of haemocytes. However, the injection of MEL did not cause any changes in the percent of phagocytic haemocytes or in the phenoloxidase activity. In an in vitro bioassay with a semi-isolated Tenebrio heart, MEL induced a slight chronotropic-positive effect only at a higher concentration (10−4 M). Preliminary results indicated that melittin exerts pleiotropic effects on the functioning of the immune system and the endogenous contractile activity of the heart. Some of the induced responses in T. molitor resemble the reactions observed in vertebrate models. Therefore, the T. molitor beetle may be a convenient invertebrate model organism for comparative physiological studies and for the identification of new properties and mechanisms of action of melittin and related compounds.
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Urbański A, Lubawy J, Marciniak P, Rosiński G. Myotropic activity and immunolocalization of selected neuropeptides of the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides (Coleoptera: Silphidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 26:656-670. [PMID: 29333681 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Burying beetles (Nicrophorus sp.) are necrophagous insects with developed parental care. Genome of Nicrophorus vespilloides has been recently sequenced, which makes them interesting model organism in behavioral ecology. However, we know very little about their physiology, including the functioning of their neuroendocrine system. In this study, one of the physiological activities of proctolin, myosuppressin (Nicve-MS), myoinhibitory peptide (Trica-MIP-5) and the short neuropeptide F (Nicve-sNPF) in N. vespilloides have been investigated. The tested neuropeptides were myoactive on N. vespilloides hindgut. After application of the proctolin increased hindgut contraction frequency was observed (EC50 value was 5.47 × 10-8 mol/L). The other tested neuropeptides led to inhibition of N. vespilloides hindgut contractions (Nicve-MS: IC50 = 5.20 × 10-5 mol/L; Trica-MIP-5: IC50 = 5.95 × 10-6 mol/L; Nicve-sNPF: IC50 = 4.08 × 10-5 mol/L). Moreover, the tested neuropeptides were immunolocalized in the nervous system of N. vespilloides. Neurons containing sNPF and MIP in brain and ventral nerve cord (VNC) were identified. Proctolin-immunolabeled neurons only in VNC were observed. Moreover, MIP-immunolabeled varicosities and fibers in retrocerebral complex were observed. In addition, our results have been supplemented with alignments of amino acid sequences of these neuropeptides in beetle species. This alignment analysis clearly showed amino acid sequence similarities between neuropeptides. Moreover, this allowed to deduce amino acid sequence of N. vespilloides proctolin (RYLPTa), Nicve-MS (QDVDHVFLRFa) and six isoforms of Nicve-MIP (Nicve-MIP-1-DWNRNLHSWa; Nicve-MIP-2-AWQNLQGGWa; Nicve-MIP-3-AWQNLQGGWa; Nicve-MIP-4-AWKNLNNAGWa; Nicve-MIP-5-SEWGNFRGSWa; Nicve-MIP-6- DPAWTNLKGIWa; and Nicve-sNPF-SGRSPSLRLRFa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Urbański
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Lubawy
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
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9
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Adamski Z, Bufo SA, Chowański S, Falabella P, Lubawy J, Marciniak P, Pacholska-Bogalska J, Salvia R, Scrano L, Słocińska M, Spochacz M, Szymczak M, Urbański A, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Rosiński G. Beetles as Model Organisms in Physiological, Biomedical and Environmental Studies - A Review. Front Physiol 2019; 10:319. [PMID: 30984018 PMCID: PMC6447812 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Model organisms are often used in biological, medical and environmental research. Among insects, Drosophila melanogaster, Galleria mellonella, Apis mellifera, Bombyx mori, Periplaneta americana, and Locusta migratoria are often used. However, new model organisms still appear. In recent years, an increasing number of insect species has been suggested as model organisms in life sciences research due to their worldwide distribution and environmental significance, the possibility of extrapolating research studies to vertebrates and the relatively low cost of rearing. Beetles are the largest insect order, with their representative - Tribolium castaneum - being the first species with a completely sequenced genome, and seem to be emerging as new potential candidates for model organisms in various studies. Apart from T. castaneum, additional species representing various Coleoptera families, such as Nicrophorus vespilloides, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Coccinella septempunctata, Poecilus cupreus, Tenebrio molitor and many others, have been used. They are increasingly often included in two major research aspects: biomedical and environmental studies. Biomedical studies focus mainly on unraveling mechanisms of basic life processes, such as feeding, neurotransmission or activity of the immune system, as well as on elucidating the mechanism of different diseases (neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, or immunological) using beetles as models. Furthermore, pharmacological bioassays for testing novel biologically active substances in beetles have also been developed. It should be emphasized that beetles are a source of compounds with potential antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Environmental-based studies focus mainly on the development and testing of new potential pesticides of both chemical and natural origin. Additionally, beetles are used as food or for their valuable supplements. Different beetle families are also used as bioindicators. Another important research area using beetles as models is behavioral ecology studies, for instance, parental care. In this paper, we review the current knowledge regarding beetles as model organisms and their practical application in various fields of life science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
- Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Sabino A. Bufo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Jan Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Pacholska-Bogalska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Laura Scrano
- Department of European and Mediterranean Cultures, University of Basilicata, Matera, Italy
| | - Małgorzata Słocińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Spochacz
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Szymczak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
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10
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Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Nowicki G, Kuczer M, Rosiński G. New activity of yamamarin, an insect pentapeptide, on immune system of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2018; 108:351-359. [PMID: 28893327 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485317000839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In insects, two types of the immune responses, cellular and humoral, constitute a defensive barrier against various parasites and pathogens. In response to pathogens, insects produce a wide range of immune agents that act on pathogens directly, such as cecropins or lysozyme, or indirectly by the stimulation of hemocyte migration or by increasing phenoloxidase (PO) activity. Recently, many new immunologically active substances from insects, such as peptides and polypeptides, have been identified. Nevertheless, in the most cases, their physiological functions are not fully known. One such substance is yamamarin - a pentapeptide isolated from the silk moth Antheraea yamamai. This yamamarin possesses strong antiproliferative properties and is probably involved in diapause regulation. Here, we examined the immunotropic activity of yamamarin by testing its impact on selected functions of the immune system in heterologous bioassays with the beetle Tenebrio molitor, commonly known as a stored grains pest. Our results indicate that the pentapeptide affects the activity of immune processes in the beetle. We show that yamamarin induces changes in both humoral and cellular responses. The yamamarin increases the activity of PO, as well as causes changes in the hemocyte cytoskeleton and stimulates phagocytic activity. We detected an increased number of apoptotic hemocytes, however after the yamamarin injection, no significant variations in the antibacterial activity in the hemolymph were observed. The obtained data suggest that yamamarin could be an important controller of the immune system in T. molitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development,Faculty of Biology,Adam Mickiewicz University,Umultowska 89,61-614 Poznań,Poland
| | - G Nowicki
- Department of Molecular Virology,Faculty of Biology,Adam Mickiewicz University,Umultowska 89,61-614 Poznań,Poland
| | - M Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry,University of Wroclaw,Joliot-Curie 14,50-383 Wrocław,Poland
| | - G Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development,Faculty of Biology,Adam Mickiewicz University,Umultowska 89,61-614 Poznań,Poland
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11
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Czarniewska E, Urbański A, Chowański S, Kuczer M. The long-term immunological effects of alloferon and its analogues in the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 25:429-438. [PMID: 27925389 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The subject of this article is a search for the long-term immunological effects of alloferon and 3 structural analogues of alloferon, which were earlier characterized by the highest pro-apoptotic activity in Tenebrio molitor. The differences in the actions of these peptides on immune response were observed. Alloferon increased nodulation and significantly phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of experimentally infected T. molitor. However, [Phe(p-NH2 )1 ]- and [Phe(p-OMe)1 ]-alloferon strongly inhibited cellular and humoral defense of the mealworm against Staphylococcus aureus infection. One day after injection of these peptides, the specific biochemical and morphological hallmarks of apoptosis in bacteria-challenged hemocytes were visible; in contrast, 3 days after peptides injection in all hemocytes, caspase activation was not observed. However, these new, circulating hemocytes differed from the control and the peptide-untreated bacteria-challenged hemocytes. They had an increased adhesion that led to a separation of viable, anucleated fragments of hemocytes that retain the ability to adhere and to form long filopodia. The peptide-induced separation of hemocyte fragments may resemble the formation of platelets in mammals and perhaps play a role in sealing wounds in insects. The results of in vivo studies may suggest a long half-life of studied peptides in the hemolymph of mealworm. Moreover, we showed the importance of the N-terminal histidine residues at position one of the alloferon molecule for its immunological properties in insects. The results obtained here show that alloferon plays pleiotropic functions in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University, Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
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12
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Li LF, Xu ZW, Liu NY, Wu GX, Ren XM, Zhu JY. Parasitism and venom of ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani impairs host cellular immunity. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 98:e21451. [PMID: 29399896 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Venom is a prominently maternal virulent factor utilized by parasitoids to overcome hosts immune defense. With respect to roles of this toxic mixture involved in manipulating hosts immunity, great interest has been mostly restricted to Ichneumonoidea parasitoids associated with polydnavirus (PDV), of which venom is usually considered as a helper component to enhance the role of PDV, and limited Chalcidoidea species. In contrast, little information is available in other parasitoids, especially ectoparasitic species not carrying PDV. The ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani injects venom into its host, Tenebrio molitor, implying its venom was involved in suppression of hosts immune response for successful parasitism. Thus, we investigated the effects of parasitism and venom of this parasitoid on counteracting the cellular immunity of its host by examining changes of hemocyte counts, and hemocyte spreading and encapsulation ability. Total hemocyte counts were elevated in parasitized and venom-injected pupae. The spreading behavior of both granulocytes and plasmatocytes was impaired by parasitization and venom. High concentration of venom led to more severely increased hemocyte counts and suppression of hemocyte spreading. The ability of hemocyte encapsulation was inhibited by venom in vitro. In addition to immediate effects observed, venom showed persistent interference in hosts cellular immunity. These results indicate that venom alone from S. guani plays a pivotal role in blocking hosts cellular immune response, serving as a regulator that guarantees the successful development of its progenies. The findings provide a foundation for further investigation of the underlying mechanisms in immune inhibitory action of S. guani venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Fang Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Nai-Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Guo-Xing Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xue-Min Ren
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Jia-Ying Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
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13
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Li J, Wang N, Liu Y, Qiu S. Proteomics of Nasonia vitripennis and the effects of native Wolbachia infection on N. vitripennis. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4905. [PMID: 29868291 PMCID: PMC5978391 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nasonia vitripennis, a parasitic wasp, is a good model organism to study developmental and evolutionary genetics and to evaluate the interactions between insect hosts and their symbionts. Wolbachia may be the most prevalent endosymbiont among insect species due to their special ability to improve the fitness of the infected hosts. Transinfection of bacteria or fungi could substantially alter the expression of host immune system components. However, few studies have focused on the effects of native Wolbachia infection. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the proteomics of N. vitripennis following Wolbachia infection. Methods We studied the proteomics of N. vitripennis following native Wolbachia infection and in antibiotic-treated Wolbachia-free samples using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, accompanying with some ecological experiments. Results In total, 3,096 proteins were found to be associated with a wide range of biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. Interestingly, there were few significant changes in immune or reproductive proteins between samples with and without Wolbachia infection. Differentially expressed proteins were involved in the binding process, catalytic activity, and the metabolic process, as confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Discussion Invasion of any pathogen or bacterium within a short time can cause an immunoreaction in the host. Our results implied that during the long process of coexistence, the immune system of the host was not as sensitive as when the symbiont initially infected the host, implying that the organisms had gradually adjusted to cohabitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Ningxin Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Shiqi Qiu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
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14
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Urbański A, Adamski Z, Rosiński G. Developmental changes in haemocyte morphology in response to Staphylococcus aureus and latex beads in the beetle Tenebrio molitor L. Micron 2017; 104:8-20. [PMID: 29049928 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary success of insects is undoubtedly related to a well-functioning immune system. This is especially apparent during insect development by the adaptation of individuals to the changing risk of infection. In addition, current studies show that the insect immune system is characterized by some specificity in response to natural pathogens (for example, bacteria, viruses or fungi) and artificial challengers (for example, latex beads or nylon filaments). However, developmental changes and the specificity of immune system reactions simultaneously have not been analysed. Thus, the aim of the present research was to determine changes in haemocyte morphology in response to attenuated Staphylococcus aureus and latex beads across each developmental stage of the beetle Tenebrio molitor. The results of the present research clearly showed differences in the morphology of T. molitor haemocytes during development. The haemocytes of larvae and 4-day-old adult males were characterized by the highest adhesion ability, which was expressed as the largest average surface area, filopodia length and number of filopodia. In contrast, the haemocytes of pupae and 30-day-old adult males had a significantly lower value for these morphological parameters, which was probably related to metamorphosis (pupae) and immunosenescence (30-day-old adults). The haemocytes of the tested individuals reacted differently to the presence of S. aureus and latex beads. The presence of S. aureus led to a significant decrease in all previously mentioned morphological parameters in larvae and in both groups of adult individuals. In these groups, incubation of haemocytes with latex beads caused only a slight decrease in surface area and filopodia length and number. This morphological response of haemocytes to biotic and artificial challengers might be related to an increase in the migration abilities of haemocytes during infection. However, the differences in haemocyte reactivity towards S. aureus and latex beads might be explained by differences in pathogen recognition. Conversely, increased adhesive abilities of pupal haemocytes were also observed, which might be related to the specificity of metamorphosis and the hormonal titre during this developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland; Electron and Confocal Microscope Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
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15
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Urbański A, Czarniewska E, Baraniak E, Rosiński G. Impact of cold on the immune system of burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides (Coleoptera: Silphidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:443-454. [PMID: 26799536 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Insect overwintering is one of the most astonishing phases of the insect life cycle. Despite vast amounts of knowledge available about the physiological mechanisms of this phenomenon, the impact of stress factors on insect immune system functioning during the winter is still unknown. The aim of this study is to analyze how low temperatures influence the immune system of the beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. The results show that the beetle's immune system is differently modulated by cold induced in laboratory settings than that which occurs in natural conditions. Among beetles cultured in conditions similar to summer, low temperatures, did not influence the number of circulating haemocytes, phenoloxidase activity, haemocytes morphology, and percentage ratio of haemocyte types. In these beetles, differences were noted only in the ability of haemocytes to perform phagocytosis. Individuals acclimated in natural conditions in autumn had a higher level of humoral response and a different percentage ratio of haemocyte types. During the winter period, the number of haemocytes in the beetles decreased, but the percentage ratio of phagocytic haemocytes increased. Furthermore, we noted an increase of phenoloxidase activity. Our study also showed mitotic divisions of haemocytes in haemolymph collected from burying beetles after cold exposure and from burying beetles collected from natural conditions during autumn and winter. Differences in response to low temperatures in laboratory conditions and the natural environment suggest that the simultaneous presence of other stress factors during winter such as desiccation and starvation have a significant influence on the activity of burying beetle's immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Edward Baraniak
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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16
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Wang Y, Rozen DE. Gut Microbiota Colonization and Transmission in the Burying Beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides throughout Development. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e03250-16. [PMID: 28213538 PMCID: PMC5394326 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03250-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Carrion beetles in the genus Nicrophorus rear their offspring on decomposing carcasses where larvae are exposed to a diverse community of decomposer bacteria. Parents coat the carcass with antimicrobial secretions prior to egg hatch (defined as prehatch care) and also feed regurgitated food, and potentially bacteria, to larvae throughout development (defined as full care). Here, we partition the roles of prehatch and posthatch parental care in the transmission and persistence of culturable symbiotic bacteria to larvae. Using three treatment groups (full care, prehatch care only, and no care), we found that larvae receiving full care are predominantly colonized by bacteria resident in the maternal gut while larvae receiving no care are colonized with bacteria from the carcass. More importantly, larvae receiving only prehatch care were also predominantly colonized by maternal bacteria; this result indicates that parental treatment of the carcass, including application of bacteria to the carcass surface, is sufficient to ensure symbiont transfer even in the absence of direct larval feeding. Later in development, we found striking evidence that pupae undergo an aposymbiotic stage, after which they are recolonized at eclosion with bacteria similar to those found on the molted larval cuticle and on the wall of the pupal chamber. Our results clarify the importance of prehatch parental care for symbiont transmission in Nicrophorus vespilloides and suggest that these bacteria successfully outcompete decomposer bacteria during larval and pupal gut colonization.IMPORTANCE Here, we examine the origin and persistence of the culturable gut microbiota of larvae in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides This insect is particularly interesting for this study because larvae are reared on decomposing vertebrate carcasses, where they are exposed to high densities of carrion-decomposing microbes. Larvae also receive extensive parental care in the form of carcass preservation and direct larval feeding. We find that parents transmit their gut bacteria to larvae both directly, through regurgitation, and indirectly via their effects on the carcass. In addition, we find that larvae become aposymbiotic during pupation but are recolonized apparently from bacteria shed onto the insect cuticle before adult eclosion. Our results highlight the diverse interactions between insect behavior and development on microbiota composition. They further suggest that competitive interactions mediate the bacterial composition of Nicrophorus larvae together with or apart from the influence of beetle immunity, suggesting that the bacterial communities of these insects may be highly coevolved with those of their host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wang
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel E Rozen
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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Chowański S, Lubawy J, Paluch-Lubawa E, Spochacz M, Rosiński G, Słocińska M. The physiological role of fat body and muscle tissues in response to cold stress in the tropical cockroach Gromphadorhina coquereliana. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173100. [PMID: 28253309 PMCID: PMC5333868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective mechanisms against cold stress are well studied in terrestrial and polar insects; however, little is known about these mechanisms in tropical insects. In our study, we tested if a tropical cockroach Gromphadorhina coquereliana, possesses any protective mechanisms against cold stress. Based on the results of earlier studies, we examined how short-term (3 h) cold (4°C) influences biochemical parameters, mitochondrial respiration activity, and the level of HSPs and aquaporins expression in the fat body and leg muscles of G. coquereliana. Following cold exposure, we found that the level of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins did not change significantly. Nevertheless, we observed significant changes in mitochondrial respiration activity. The oxygen consumption of resting (state 4) and phosphorylating (state 3) mitochondria was altered following cold exposure. The increase in respiratory rate in state 4 respiration was observed in both tissues. In state 3, oxygen consumption by mitochondria in fat body was significantly lower compared to control insects, whereas there were no changes observed for mitochondria in muscle tissue. Moreover, there were cold-induced changes in UCP protein activity, but the changes in activity differed in fat body and in muscles. Additionally, we detected changes in the level of HSP70 and aquaporins expression. Insects treated with cold had significantly higher levels of HSP70 in fat body and muscles. On the other hand, there were lower levels of aquaporins in both tissues following exposure to cold. These results suggest that fat body play an important role in protecting tropical insects from cold stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
- * E-mail: (SC); (MS); (JL)
| | - Jan Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
- * E-mail: (SC); (MS); (JL)
| | - Ewelina Paluch-Lubawa
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Spochacz
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Słocińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
- * E-mail: (SC); (MS); (JL)
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18
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McKay AF, Ezenwa VO, Altizer S. Consequences of Food Restriction for Immune Defense, Parasite Infection, and Fitness in Monarch Butterflies. Physiol Biochem Zool 2016; 89:389-401. [DOI: 10.1086/687989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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19
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Formica V, Chan AKM. No Effect of Host Species on Phenoloxidase Activity in a Mycophagous Beetle. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141167. [PMID: 26513243 PMCID: PMC4625955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141167] [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: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological immunology is an interdisciplinary field that helps elucidate interactions between the environment and immune response. The host species individuals experience have profound effects on immune response in many species of insects. However, this conclusion comes from studies of herbivorous insects even though species of mycophagous insects also inhabit many different host species. The goal of this study was to determine if fungal host species as well as individual, sex, body size, and host patch predict one aspect of immune function, phenoloxidase activity (PO). We sampled a metapopulation of Bolitotherus cornutus, a mycophagous beetle in southwestern Virginia. B. cornutus live on three species of fungus that differ in nutritional quality, social environment, and density. A filter paper phenoloxidase assay was used to quantify phenoloxidase activity. Overall, PO activity was significantly repeatable among individuals (0.57) in adult B. cornutus. While there was significant variance among individuals in PO activity, there were surprisingly no significant differences in PO activity among subpopulations, beetles living on different host species, or between the sexes; there was also no effect of body size. Our results suggest that other factors such as age, genotype, disease prevalence, or natal environment may be generating variance among individuals in PO activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Formica
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amanda Kar-Men Chan
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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20
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Matusiak A, Kuczer M, Czarniewska E, Urbański A, Rosiński G, Kowalik-Jankowska T. Copper(II) complexes of terminally free alloferon peptide mutants containing two different histidyl (H1 and H6 or H9 or H12) binding sites Structure Stability and Biological Activity. J Inorg Biochem 2015; 151:44-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Gäde G, Šimek P, Marco HG. Two novel tyrosine-containing peptides (Tyr(4)) of the adipokinetic hormone family in beetles of the families Coccinellidae and Silphidae. Amino Acids 2015; 47:2323-33. [PMID: 26031827 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Novel members of the adipokinetic hormone family of peptides have been identified from the corpora cardiaca (CC) of two species of beetles representing two families, the Silphidae and the Coccinellidae. A crude CC extract (0.3 gland equivalents) of the burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides, was active in mobilizing trehalose in a heterologous assay using the cockroach Periplaneta americana, whereas the CC extract (0.5 gland equivalents) of the ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, exhibited no hypertrehalosemic activity. Primary sequences of one adipokinetic hormone from each species were elucidated by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The multiple MS(N) electrospray mass data revealed an octapeptide with an unusual tyrosine residue at position 4 for each species: pGlu-Leu-Thr-Tyr-Ser-Thr-Gly-Trp amide for N. vespilloides (code-named Nicve-AKH) and pGlu-Ile-Asn-Tyr-Ser-Thr-Gly-Trp amide for H. axyridis (code-named Harax-AKH). Assignment of the correct sequences was confirmed by synthesis of the peptides and co-elution in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection or by LC-MS. Moreover, synthetic peptides were shown to be active in the heterologous cockroach assay system, but Harax-AKH only at a dose of 30 pmol, which explains the negative result with the crude CC extract. It appears that the tyrosine residue at position 4 can be used as a diagnostic feature for certain beetle adipokinetic peptides, because this feature has not been found in another order other than Coleoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa.
| | - Petr Šimek
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Heather G Marco
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa
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22
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Shi Z, Lin Y, Hou Y, Zhang H. Humoral immunocompetence shifts in response to developmental stage change and mating access in Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2015; 105:166-172. [PMID: 25611211 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485314000911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Because immune defenses are often costly employed, insect immunocompetence cannot be always maintained at its maximum level. Here, the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), was used as a study object to investigate how its immune defenses varied with the developmental stage change and mating access. Our data indicated that both phenoloxidase (PO) activity and antibacterial activity significantly increased from new larvae to pupae but decreased in adults after emergence. Furthermore, both the PO activity and antibacterial activity in the hemolymph of copulated male and female adults were dramatically higher than that of virgin male and female ones, respectively. It provided the evidence that copulation could increase the magnitude of immune defense in hemolymph of B. dorsalis. Together, these results suggest that B. dorsalis possess a flexible investment strategy in immunity to meet its specific needs based on the endo- and exogenous factors, such as their distinct food source and living environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Shi
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian-Taiwan Crops,Ministry of Agriculture,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology,College of Plant Protection,Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fujian,China
| | - Y Lin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian-Taiwan Crops,Ministry of Agriculture,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology,College of Plant Protection,Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fujian,China
| | - Y Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian-Taiwan Crops,Ministry of Agriculture,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology,College of Plant Protection,Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fujian,China
| | - H Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology,Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control,Institute of Urban and Horticultural Pests,College of Plant Science and Technology,Huazhong Agricultural University,Wuhan,China
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Jacobs CGC, Wang Y, Vogel H, Vilcinskas A, van der Zee M, Rozen DE. Egg survival is reduced by grave-soil microbes in the carrion beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides. BMC Evol Biol 2014; 14:208. [PMID: 25260512 PMCID: PMC4189599 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-014-0208-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicrophorus vespilloides eggs are deposited into the soil in close proximity to the decomposing vertebrate carcasses that these insects use as an obligate resource to rear their offspring. Eggs in this environment potentially face significant risks from the bacteria that proliferate in the grave-soil environment following nutrient influx from the decomposing carcass. Our aims in this paper are twofold: first, to examine the fitness effects of grave-soil bacteria to eggs, and second, to quantify egg immunocompetence as a defence against these bacteria. RESULTS Our results provide strong evidence that grave-soil microbes significantly reduce the survival of Nicrophorus eggs. Females provided with microbe rich carcasses to rear broods laid fewer eggs that were less likely to hatch than females given uncontaminated carcasses. Furthermore, we show that egg hatch success is significantly reduced by bacterial exposure. Using a split-brood design, which controlled for intrinsic differences in eggs produced by different females, we found that eggs washed free of surface-associated bacteria show increased survival compared to unwashed eggs. By contrast, eggs exposed to the entomopathogen Serratia marcescens show decreased survival compared to unexposed eggs. We next tested the immune competence of eggs under challenge from bacterial infection, and found that eggs lacked endogenous production of antimicrobial peptides, despite well-developed responses in larvae. Finally, we found that despite lacking immunity, N. vespilloides eggs produce an extraembryonic serosa, indicating that the serosa has lost its immune inducing capacity in this species. CONCLUSIONS The dependency on ephemeral resources might strongly select for fast developing animals. Our results suggest that Nicrophorus carrion beetles, and other species developing on ephemeral resources, face a fundamental trade-off between egg immunity and development time.
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