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Quicke DLJ, Ghafouri Moghaddam M, Butcher BA. Dietary Challenges for Parasitoid Wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea); Coping with Toxic Hosts, or Not? Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:424. [PMID: 37505693 PMCID: PMC10467097 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many insects defend themselves against predation by being distasteful or toxic. The chemicals involved may be sequestered from their diet or synthesized de novo in the insects' body tissues. Parasitoid wasps are a diverse group of insects that play a critical role in regulating their host insect populations such as lepidopteran caterpillars. The successful parasitization of caterpillars by parasitoid wasps is contingent upon their aptitude for locating and selecting suitable hosts, thereby determining their efficacy in parasitism. However, some hosts can be toxic to parasitoid wasps, which can pose challenges to their survival and reproduction. Caterpillars employ a varied array of defensive mechanisms to safeguard themselves against natural predators, particularly parasitoid wasps. These defenses are deployed pre-emptively, concurrently, or subsequently during encounters with such natural enemies. Caterpillars utilize a range of strategies to evade detection or deter and evade attackers. These tactics encompass both measures to prevent being noticed and mechanisms aimed at repelling or eluding potential threats. Post-attack strategies aim to eliminate or incapacitate the eggs or larvae of parasitoids. In this review, we investigate the dietary challenges faced by parasitoid wasps when encountering toxic hosts. We first summarize the known mechanisms through which insect hosts can be toxic to parasitoids and which protect caterpillars from parasitization. We then discuss the dietary adaptations and physiological mechanisms that parasitoid wasps have evolved to overcome these challenges, such as changes in feeding behavior, detoxification enzymes, and immune responses. We present new analyses of all published parasitoid-host records for the Ichneumonoidea that attack Lepidoptera caterpillars and show that classically toxic host groups are indeed hosts to significantly fewer species of parasitoid than most other lepidopteran groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Buntika A. Butcher
- Integrative Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (D.L.J.Q.); (M.G.M.)
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Zaharie MGO, Radu N, Pirvu L, Bostan M, Voicescu M, Begea M, Constantin M, Voaides C, Babeanu N, Roman V. Studies Regarding the Pharmaceutical Potential of Derivative Products from Plantain. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1827. [PMID: 35890460 PMCID: PMC9321672 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, three types of extracts isolated from leaves of Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) were tested for their chemical content and biological activities. The three bioproducts are combinations of polysaccharides and polyphenols (flavonoids and iridoidic compounds), and they were tested for antioxidant, antifungal, antitumor, and prebiotic activity (particularly for polysaccharides fraction). Briefly, the iridoid-enriched fraction has revealed a pro-oxidant activity, while the flavonoid-enriched fraction had a high antioxidant potency; the polysaccharide fraction also indicated a pro-oxidant activity, explained by the co-presence of iridoid glycosides. All three bioproducts demonstrated moderate antifungal effects against Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and dermatophytes, too. Studies in vitro proved inhibitory activity of the three fractions on the leukemic tumor cell line THP-1, the main mechanism being apoptosis stimulation, while the polysaccharide fraction indicated a clear prebiotic activity, in the concentration range between 1 and 1000 µg/mL, evaluated as higher than that of the reference products used, inulin and dextrose, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena-Gabriela Olteanu Zaharie
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicoleta Radu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Chemistry and Petrochemistry R & D of Bucharest, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Lucia Pirvu
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Chemical Pharmaceutical R & D, 112 Vitan Road, 031299 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marinela Bostan
- Institute of Virology Stefan S. Nicolau, Center of Immunology, 285 Mihai Bravu Avenue, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.B.); (V.R.)
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Voicescu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry Ilie Murgulescu, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Begea
- Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060026 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Constantin
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Chemistry and Petrochemistry R & D of Bucharest, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Titu Maiorescu, 178 Calea Vacaresti, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalina Voaides
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Narcisa Babeanu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Viviana Roman
- Institute of Virology Stefan S. Nicolau, Center of Immunology, 285 Mihai Bravu Avenue, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.B.); (V.R.)
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Božunović J, Milutinović M, Aničić N, Skorić M, Matekalo D, Živković S, Dragićević M, Filipović B, Banjanac T, Petrović L, Mišić D. Functional Characterization of Genes Coding for Novel β-D-Glucosidases Involved in the Initial Step of Secoiridoid Glucosides Catabolism in Centaurium erythraea Rafn. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:914138. [PMID: 35812935 PMCID: PMC9260424 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.914138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Secoiridoid glucosides (SGs) are monoterpenoids derived from the iridoid cyclopentane-C-pyran skeleton with β-D glucose linked at C1 position. Coordinated metabolic processes, such as biosynthesis and catabolism of SGs, ensure constitutive presence of these bitter tasting compounds in plant tissues, which plays a decisive role in the defense against pathogens and herbivores. These compounds are susceptible to hydrolysis mediated by enzymes β-glucosidases, and the resulting aglycones are subsequently directed toward different metabolic pathways in plants. Function of two β-D-glucosidases (named CeBGlu1 and CeBGlu2) from centaury (Centaurium erythraea Rafn; fam. Gentianaceae), belonging to the glycoside hydrolase 1 (GH1) family, was confirmed using in vitro assays with recombinant proteins, following their heterologous expression in E. coli and His-tag affinity purification. Although they show slightly differential substrate preference, both isoforms display high specificity toward SGs and the organ-specific distribution of transcripts was positively correlated with the content of SGs in diploid and tetraploid C. erythraea plants. Transient overexpression of CeBGlu1 and CeBGlu2 in C. erythraea leaves induced changes in metabolite profiles. The effectiveness of transgene overexpression has been altered by plant ploidy. UHPLC/DAD/(±)HESI - MS2 profiling of leaves of diploid and tetraploid C. erythraea genotypes revealed that the amounts of major SGs; sweroside, swertiamarin, and gentiopicrin was decreased in agroinfiltrated leaves, especially when CeBGlu1 and CeBGlu2 were co-expressed with transgene silencing suppressor p19. The work demonstrates that in planta metabolic engineering adopting transient overexpression of CeBGlu1 and CeBGlu2 is a suitable tool for the modulation of SGs content and glucosides/aglycones ratio, which might have substantial effects on overall phytochemistry of C. erythraea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dragana Matekalo
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”- National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Danijela Mišić
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”- National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Fierascu RC, Fierascu I, Ortan A, Paunescu A. Plantago media L.-Explored and Potential Applications of an Underutilized Plant. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:265. [PMID: 33573139 PMCID: PMC7912141 DOI: 10.3390/plants10020265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The search of valuable natural compounds should be directed towards alternative vegetal resources, and to the re-discovery of underutilized plants. Belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, the hoary plantain (Plantago media L.) represents one of the lesser studied species from the Plantago genus. The literature study revealed the under-utilization of the hoary plantain, a surprising aspect, considering its widespread. If the composition of Plantago media L. is rather well established, its applications are not nearly studied as for other Plantago species. The goal of the present paper is to summarize the findings regarding the applications of P. media, and, having as starting point the applications of related species, to propose new emerging areas of research, such as the biomedical applications validation through in vivo assays, and the evaluation of its potential towards industrial applications (i.e., development of food or personal care products), pisciculture or zootechny, phytoremediation and other environmental protection applications, or in the nanotechnology area (materials phytosynthesis). The present work constitutes not only a brief presentation of this plant's present and potential applications, but also an invitation to research groups world-wide to explore the available vegetal resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Claudiu Fierascu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Fierascu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alina Ortan
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alina Paunescu
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Pitesti, 1 Targu din Vale Str., Pitesti, 110040 Arges, Romania;
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Pankoke H, Tewes LJ, Matties S, Hensen I, Schädler M, Ebeling S, Auge H, Müller C. Pre-adaptations and shifted chemical defences provide Buddleja davidii populations with high resistance against antagonists in the invasive range. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-018-1825-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Soufbaf M, Fathipour Y, Harvey JA, Hui C. Finish line plant-insect interactions mediated by insect feeding mode and plant interference: a case study of Brassica interactions with diamondback moth and turnip aphid. INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 25:690-702. [PMID: 28092131 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12439] [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: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There are gaps in our understanding of plant responses under different insect phytophagy modes and their subsequent effects on the insect herbivores' performance at late season. Here we compared different types of insect feeding by an aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, and a lepidopteran, Plutella xylostella, and how this affected defensive metabolites in leaves of 2 Brassica species when plants gain maturity. Thiocyanate concentrations after P. xylostella and L. erysimi feeding activities were the same. Total phenolics was higher after the phloem feeder feeding than the folivore activity. The plants compensatory responses (i.e., tolerance) to L. erysimi feeding was significantly higher than the responses to P. xylostella. This study showed that L. erysimi had higher carbon than P. xylostella whereas nitrogen in P. xylostella was 1.42 times that in L. erysimi. Population size of the phloem feeder was not affected by plant species or insect coexistence. However, there was no correlation between plant defensive metabolites and both insects' population size and biomass. This suggests that plant root biomass and tolerance index after different insect herbivory modes are not necessarily unidirectional. Importantly, the interaction between the folivore and the phloem feeder insects is asymmetric and the phloem feeder might be a trickier problem for plants than the folivore. Moreover, as both plants' common and special defenses decreased under interspecific interference, we suggest that specialist insect herbivores can be more challenged in ecosystems in which plants are not involved in interspecific interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Soufbaf
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaghoub Fathipour
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jeffrey A Harvey
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Section Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cang Hui
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
- Mathematical and Physical Biosciences, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
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Burse A, Boland W. Deciphering the route to cyclic monoterpenes in Chrysomelina leaf beetles: source of new biocatalysts for industrial application? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 72:417-427. [PMID: 28593879 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2017-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The drastic growth of the population on our planet requires the efficient and sustainable use of our natural resources. Enzymes are indispensable tools for a wide range of industries producing food, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or biofuels. Because insects constitute one of the most species-rich classes of organisms colonizing almost every ecological niche on earth, they have developed extraordinary metabolic abilities to survive in various and sometimes extreme habitats. Despite this metabolic diversity, insect enzymes have only recently generated interest in industrial applications because only a few metabolic pathways have been sufficiently characterized. Here, we address the biosynthetic route to iridoids (cyclic monoterpenes), a group of secondary metabolites used by some members of the leaf beetle subtribe Chrysomelina as defensive compounds against their enemies. The ability to produce iridoids de novo has also convergently evolved in plants. From plant sources, numerous pharmacologically relevant structures have already been described. In addition, in plants, iridoids serve as building blocks for monoterpenoid indole alkaloids with broad therapeutic applications. As the commercial synthesis of iridoid-based drugs often relies on a semisynthetic approach involving biocatalysts, the discovery of enzymes from the insect iridoid route can account for a valuable resource and economic alternative to the previously used enzymes from the metabolism of plants. Hence, this review illustrates the recent discoveries made on the steps of the iridoid pathway in Chrysomelina leaf beetles. The findings are also placed in the context of the studied counterparts in plants and are further discussed regarding their use in technological approaches.
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Tomczak VV, Schweiger R, Müller C. Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza on Plant Chemistry and the Development and Behavior of a Generalist Herbivore. J Chem Ecol 2016; 42:1247-1258. [PMID: 27787678 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-016-0785-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) formed between plants and AM fungi (AMF) can alter host plant quality and thus influence plant-herbivore interactions. While AM is known to affect the development of generalist chewing-biting herbivores, AM-mediated impacts on insect behavior have been neglected until now. In this study, the effects of Rhizophagus irregularis, a generalist AMF, on phenotypic and leaf metabolic traits of Plantago major plants were investigated. Further, the influence of AM-mediated host plant modifications on the development and on seven behavioral traits of larvae of the generalist Mamestra brassicae were recorded. Tests were carried out in the third (L3) and fourth (L4) larval instar, respectively. While shoot water content, specific leaf area, and foliar concentrations of the secondary metabolite aucubin were higher in AM-treated compared to non-mycorrhized (NM) plants, lower concentrations of the primary metabolites citric acid and isocitric acid were found in leaves of AM plants. Larvae reared on AM plants gained a higher body mass and tended to develop faster than individuals reared on NM plants. However, plant treatment had no significant effect on any of the behavioral traits. Instead, differences between larvae of different ages were detected in several behavioral features, with L4 being less active and less bold than L3 larvae. The results demonstrate that AM-induced modifications of host plant quality influence larval development, whereas the behavioral phenotype seems to be more fixed at least under the tested conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria V Tomczak
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Rabea Schweiger
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Caroline Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
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