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Wu T, Dong Q, Tang X, Zhu X, Deng D, Ding Y, Ahmad S, Zhang W, Mao Z, Zhao X, Ge L. CYP303A1 regulates molting and metamorphosis through 20E signaling in Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 281:136234. [PMID: 39366602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.136234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450s play a crucial role in the breakdown of external substances and perform important activities in the hormone system of insects. It has been understood that P450s were essential in the metabolism of ecdysteroids. CYP303A1 is a highly conserved CYP in most insects, but its specific physiological functions remain poorly understood in Nilaparvata lugens Stål. In this study, NlCYP303A1 was identified and highly expressed in the pre-molt stages, predominantly in the cuticle-producing tissues. Silencing of NlCYP303A1 caused a lethal phenotype with a molting defect. Moreover, the 20E titers, the expression levels of Halloween genes, and critical genes associated with the 20E signaling pathway in N. lugens nymphs were significantly decreased with the silencing NlCYP303A1. We further performed additional backfilling of 20E to rescue the RNAi effects on NlCYP303A1. The gene expression levels that were previously reduced caused by silencing NlCYP303A1 were significantly elevated. However, the molting defects of nymphs were not effectively improved. The results demonstrated NlCYP303A1 plays a crucial role in the molting and metamorphosis of N. lugens by regulating the 20E signaling pathway and cuticular formation, enhances the understanding of the functional role of CYP 2 clans, and identifies candidate gene for RNAi-based control of N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China; College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Qiaoqiao Dong
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xingyu Tang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xuhui Zhu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Di Deng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yuting Ding
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Sheraz Ahmad
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Ziyue Mao
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Linquan Ge
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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Vafopoulou X, Steel CGH. Halloween genes are expressed with a circadian rhythm during development in prothoracic glands of the insect RHODNIUS PROLIXUS. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 290:111588. [PMID: 38242349 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111588] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
We analyse the developmental and circadian profiles of expression of the genes responsible for ecdysteroidogenesis (Halloween genes) in the PGs of Rhodnius prolixus throughout larval-adult development. Extensive use of in vitro techniques enabled multiple different parameters to be measured in individual PGs. Expression of disembodied and spook closely paralleled the ecdysteroid synthesis of the same PGs, and the ecdysteroid titre in vivo, but with functionally significant exceptions. Various tissues other than PGs expressed one, both or neither genes. Both gonads express both genes in pharate adults (larvae close to ecdysis). Both genes were expressed at low, but significant, levels in UF Rhodnius, raising questions concerning how developmental arrest is maintained in UF animals. IHC confirmed the subcellular localisation of the coded proteins. Gene knockdown suppressed transcription of both genes and ecdysteroid synthesis, with spook apparently regulating the downstream gene disembodied. Transcription of both genes occurred with a daily rhythm (with peaks at night) that was confirmed to be under circadian control using aperiodic conditions. The complex behaviour of the rhythm in LL implied two anatomically distinct oscillators regulate this transcription rhythm. First, the circadian clock in the PGs and second, the circadian rhythm of of Rhodnius PTTH which is released rhythmically from the brain under control of the circadian clock therein, both of which were described previously. We conclude ecdysteroidogenesis in Rhodnius PGs employs a similar pathway as other insects, but its control is complex, involving mechanisms both within and outside the PGs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin G H Steel
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada.
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Wen D, Chen Z, Wen J, Jia Q. Sterol Regulation of Development and 20-Hydroxyecdysone Biosynthetic and Signaling Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Cells 2023; 12:1739. [PMID: 37443773 PMCID: PMC10340181 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131739] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are crucial in regulating the growth and development of insects. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, both C27 and C28 ecdysteroids have been identified. While the biosynthetic pathway of the C27 ecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) from cholesterol is relatively well understood, the biosynthetic pathway of C28 ecdysteroids from C28 or C29 dietary sterols remains unknown. In this study, we found that different dietary sterols (including the C27 sterols cholesterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol, the C28 sterols brassicasterol, campesterol, and ergosterol, and the C29 sterols β-sitosterol, α-spinasterol, and stigmasterol) differentially affected the expression of 20E biosynthetic genes to varying degrees, but similarly activated 20E primary response gene expression in D. melanogaster Kc cells. We also found that a single dietary sterol was sufficient to support D. melanogaster growth and development. Furthermore, the expression levels of some 20E biosynthetic genes were significantly altered, whereas the expression of 20E signaling primary response genes remained unaffected when flies were reared on lipid-depleted diets supplemented with single sterol types. Overall, our study provided preliminary clues to suggest that the same enzymatic system responsible for the classical C27 ecdysteroid 20E biosynthetic pathway also participated in the conversion of C28 and C29 dietary sterols into C28 ecdysteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wen
- College of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China;
| | - Zhi Chen
- College of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China;
| | - Jiamin Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China;
| | - Qiangqiang Jia
- College of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China;
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China;
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
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Wrońska AK, Kaczmarek A, Boguś MI, Kuna A. Lipids as a key element of insect defense systems. Front Genet 2023; 14:1183659. [PMID: 37359377 PMCID: PMC10289264 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1183659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between insect pathogenic fungi and their insect hosts is a classic example of a co-evolutionary arms race between pathogen and target host: parasites evolve towards mechanisms that increase their advantage over the host, and the host increasingly strengthens its defenses. The present review summarizes the literature data describing the direct and indirect role of lipids as an important defense mechanism during fungal infection. Insect defense mechanisms comprise anatomical and physiological barriers, and cellular and humoral response mechanisms. The entomopathogenic fungi have the unique ability to digest the insect cuticle by producing hydrolytic enzymes with chitin-, lipo- and proteolytic activity; besides the oral tract, cuticle pays the way for fungal entry within the host. The key factor in insect resistance to fungal infection is the presence of certain types of lipids (free fatty acids, waxes or hydrocarbons) which can promote or inhibit fungal attachment to cuticle, and might also have antifungal activity. Lipids are considered as an important source of energy, and as triglycerides are stored in the fat body, a structure analogous to the liver and adipose tissue in vertebrates. In addition, the fat body plays a key role in innate humoral immunity by producing a range of bactericidal proteins and polypeptides, one of which is lysozyme. Energy derived from lipid metabolism is used by hemocytes to migrate to the site of fungal infection, and for phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation. One polyunsaturated fatty acid, arachidonic acid, is used in the synthesis of eicosanoids, which play several crucial roles in insect physiology and immunology. Apolipoprotein III is important compound with antifungal activity, which can modulate insect cellular response and is considered as important signal molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warszawa, Poland
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Kaczmarek
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warszawa, Poland
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warszawa, Poland
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kuna
- Independent Researcher, Warsaw, Poland
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Shimell M, O'Connor MB. The cytochrome P450 Cyp6t3 is not required for ecdysone biosynthesis in Drosophila melanogaster. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000611. [PMID: 35991292 PMCID: PMC9386511 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is essential for proper development and the timing of intermediary stage transitions in insects. As a result, there is intense interest in identifying and defining the roles of the enzymes and signaling pathways that regulate 20E production in the prothoracic gland (PG), the major endocrine organ of juvenile insect phases. Transcriptomics is one powerful tool that has been used to identify novel genes that are up- or down-regulated in the PG which may contribute to 20E regulation. Additional functional characterization of putative regulatory candidate genes typically involves qRT-PCR and/or RNAi mediated knockdown of the candidate mRNA in the PG to assess whether the gene's expression shows temporal regulation in the PG and whether its expression is essential for proper 20E production and the correct timing of developmental transitions. While these methods have proved fruitful for identifying novel regulators of 20E production, characterizing the null phenotype of putative regulatory genes is the gold standard for assigning gene function since RNAi is known to generate various types of "off target" effects. Here we describe the genetic null mutant phenotype of the Drosophila melanogaster Cyp6t3 gene . Cyp6t3 was originally identified as a differentially regulated gene in a PG microarray screen and assigned a place in the "Black Box" step of the E biosynthetic pathway based on RNAi mediated knockdown phenotypes and rescue experiments involving feeding of various intermediate compounds of the E biosynthetic pathway. In contrast, we find that Crispr generated null mutations in Cyp6t3 are viable and have normal developmental timing. Therefore, we conclude that Cyp6t3 is not required for E production under typical lab growth conditions and therefore is not an obligate enzymatic component of the Black Box.
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Affiliation(s)
- MaryJane Shimell
- University of Minnesota
,
Correspondence to: MaryJane Shimell (
)
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6
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Zhang XY, He QH, Zhang TT, Wu HH, Zhang JZ, Ma EB. Characteristics of Halloween genes and RNA interference-mediated functional analysis of LmCYP307a2 in Locusta migratoria. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:51-64. [PMID: 33634599 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Halloween genes are involved in the biosynthesis of the molting hormone, which plays a key role in insect ecdysis, development, metamorphosis, and reproduction. Our previous work identified five Halloween genes from Locusta migratoria, but their functions are currently unknown. In this study, the sequences of these five Halloween genes were analyzed and characterized. LmCYP307a2, LmCYP306a1, LmCYP302a1, and LmCYP315a1 were primarily expressed in the prothoracic glands, while LmCYP314a1 was universally expressed in peripheral tissues, especially in the ovaries and Malpighian tubules. All five Halloween genes were mainly expressed from the 5th to the 7th d in 5th-instar nymphs. RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of LmCYP307a2 resulted in severe molting delays and molting failure, which could be rescued by supplementary 20-hydroxyecdysone. A hematoxylin and eosin staining analysis suggested that the RNAi of LmCYP307a2 inhibited the ecdysis process by inhibiting the apolysis and degradation of the old cuticle, and by promoting the synthesis of a new cuticle. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results showed that the expressions of LmE74, LmCht5, and LmCht10 were dramatically down-regulated, while that of LmChsI was substantially up-regulated, after knockdown of LmCYP307a2. The results suggest that LmCYP307a2 is related to the molt process via regulation of chitin synthesis and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yao Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Qi-Hui He
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Hai-Hua Wu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - En-Bo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
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7
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Koiwai K, Morohashi K, Inaba K, Ebihara K, Kojima H, Okabe T, Yoshino R, Hirokawa T, Nampo T, Fujikawa Y, Inoue H, Yumoto F, Senda T, Niwa R. Non-steroidal inhibitors of Drosophila melanogaster steroidogenic glutathione S-transferase Noppera-bo. JOURNAL OF PESTICIDE SCIENCE 2021; 46:75-87. [PMID: 33746549 PMCID: PMC7953034 DOI: 10.1584/jpestics.d20-072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) can be developed by elucidating the molecular mechanisms of insect-specific biological events. Because insect molting, and metamorphosis are controlled by ecdysteroids, their biosynthetic pathways can serve as targets for IGR development. The glutathione S-transferase Noppera-bo (Nobo), which is conserved in dipteran and lepidopteran species, plays an essential role in ecdysteroid biosynthesis. Our previous study using 17β-estradiol as a molecular probe revealed that Asp113 of Drosophila melanogaster Nobo (DmNobo) is essential for its biological function. However, to develop IGRs with a greater Nobo inhibitory activity than 17β-estradiol, further structural information is warranted. Here, we report five novel non-steroidal DmNobo inhibitors. Analysis of crystal structures of complexes revealed that DmNobo binds these inhibitors in an Asp113-independent manner. Among amino acid residues at the substrate-recognition site, conformation of conserved Phe39 was dynamically altered upon inhibitor binding. Therefore, these inhibitors can serve as seed compounds for IGR development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Koiwai
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
| | - Kana Morohashi
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
| | - Kazue Inaba
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
| | - Kana Ebihara
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
| | - Hirotatsu Kojima
- Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, 7–3–1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–0033, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Okabe
- Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, 7–3–1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–0033, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Yoshino
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences Majors of Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8575, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8575, Japan
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8575, Japan
- Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 2–4–7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135–0064, Japan
| | - Taiki Nampo
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan
| | - Yuuta Fujikawa
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan
| | - Hideshi Inoue
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Yumoto
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
| | - Toshiya Senda
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- School of High Energy Accelerator Science, SOKENDAI University, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Ibaraki 305–8571, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8577, Japan
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8
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Pan X, Connacher RP, O'Connor MB. Control of the insect metamorphic transition by ecdysteroid production and secretion. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 43:11-20. [PMID: 32950745 PMCID: PMC7965781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are a class of steroid hormones that controls molting and metamorphic transitions in Ecdysozoan species including insects, in which ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its regulation have been extensively studied. Insect ecdysteroids are produced from dietary sterols by a series of reduction-oxidation reactions in the prothoracic gland and in Drosophila they are released into the hemolymph via vesicle-mediated secretion at the time of metamorphosis. To initiate precisely controlled ecdysteroid pulses, the prothoracic gland functions as a central node integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic signals to control ecdysteroid biosynthesis and secretion. In this review, we outline recent progress in the characterization of ecdysone biosynthesis and steroid trafficking pathways and the discoveries of novel factors regulating prothoracic gland function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Pan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
| | - Robert P Connacher
- Department Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael B O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, USA.
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Zhou X, Ye YZ, Ogihara MH, Takeshima M, Fujinaga D, Liu CW, Zhu Z, Kataoka H, Bao YY. Functional analysis of ecdysteroid biosynthetic enzymes of the rice planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 123:103428. [PMID: 32553573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids, insect steroid hormones, play key roles in regulating insect development and reproduction. Hemipteran insects require ecdysteroids for egg production; however, ecdysteroid synthesis (ecdysteroidogenesis) details have not been elucidated. We identified all known genes encoding ecdysteroidogenic enzymes in Nilaparvata lugens and clarified their necessity during nymphal and ovarian development. We confirmed that N. lugens utilized 20-hydroxyecdysone as an active hormone. Assays using heterologous expression of enzymes in Drosophila S2 cells showed conserved functions of enzymes Neverland, CYP306A2, CYP314A1 and CYP315A1, but not CYP302A1. RNA interference and rescue analysis using 20-hydroxyecdysone demonstrated that most of the genes were necessary for nymphal development. The identified N. lugens enzymes showed conserved functions and pathways for ecdysteroidogenesis. Knockdown of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes in newly molted females caused failure of egg production: less vitellogenic and mature eggs in ovaries, fewer laid eggs and embryonic development deficiency of laid eggs. Considering the high expressions of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes in adults and ovaries, ecdysteroidogenesis in ovaries was critical for N. lugens ovarian development. Our study presents initial evidence that hemipteran insects require ecdysteroidogenesis for ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Ye
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduated School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Mari H Ogihara
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduated School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8562, Japan; Present Address: Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2 Ikenodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0901, Japan
| | - Mika Takeshima
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduated School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Daiki Fujinaga
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduated School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Cheng-Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduated School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kataoka
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduated School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8562, Japan.
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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10
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Muramatsu M, Tsuji T, Tanaka S, Shiotsuki T, Jouraku A, Miura K, Vea IM, Minakuchi C. Sex-specific expression profiles of ecdysteroid biosynthesis and ecdysone response genes in extreme sexual dimorphism of the mealybug Planococcus kraunhiae (Kuwana). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231451. [PMID: 32282855 PMCID: PMC7153872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect molting hormone (ecdysteroids) and juvenile hormone regulate molting and metamorphic events in a variety of insect species. Mealybugs undergo sexually dimorphic metamorphosis: males develop into winged adults through non-feeding, pupa-like stages called prepupa and pupa, while females emerge as neotenic wingless adults. We previously demonstrated, in the Japanese mealybug Planococcus kraunhiae (Kuwana), that the juvenile hormone titer is higher in males than in females at the end of the juvenile stage, which suggests that juvenile hormone may regulate male-specific adult morphogenesis. Here, we examined the involvement of ecdysteroids in sexually dimorphic metamorphosis. To estimate ecdysteroid titers, quantitative RT-PCR analyses of four Halloween genes encoding for cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in ecdysteroid biosynthesis, i.e., spook, disembodied, shadow and shade, were performed. Overall, their expression levels peaked before each nymphal molt. Transcript levels of spook, disembodied and shadow, genes that catalyze the steps in ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the prothoracic gland, were higher in males from the middle of the second nymphal instar to adult emergence. In contrast, the expression of shade, which was reported to be involved in the conversion of ecdysone into 20-hydroxyecdysone in peripheral tissues, was similar between males and females. These results suggest that ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the prothoracic gland is more active in males than in females, although the final conversion into 20-hydroxyecdysone occurs at similar levels in both sexes. Moreover, expression profiles of ecdysone response genes, ecdysone receptor and ecdysone-induced protein 75B, were also analyzed. Based on these expression profiles, we propose that the changes in ecdysteroid titer differ between males and females, and that high ecdysteroid titer is essential for directing male adult development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Muramatsu
- Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tsuji
- Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sayumi Tanaka
- Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Shiotsuki
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Akiya Jouraku
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ken Miura
- Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Isabelle Mifom Vea
- Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chieka Minakuchi
- Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail:
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11
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Koiwai K, Inaba K, Morohashi K, Enya S, Arai R, Kojima H, Okabe T, Fujikawa Y, Inoue H, Yoshino R, Hirokawa T, Kato K, Fukuzawa K, Shimada-Niwa Y, Nakamura A, Yumoto F, Senda T, Niwa R. An integrated approach to unravel a crucial structural property required for the function of the insect steroidogenic Halloween protein Noppera-bo. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:7154-7167. [PMID: 32241910 PMCID: PMC7242711 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are the principal steroid hormones essential for insect development and physiology. In the last 18 years, several enzymes responsible for ecdysteroid biosynthesis encoded by Halloween genes were identified and genetically and biochemically characterized. However, the tertiary structures of these proteins have not yet been characterized. Here, we report the results of an integrated series of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses of the Halloween GST protein Noppera-bo (Nobo). We determined crystal structures of Drosophila melanogaster Nobo (DmNobo) complexed with GSH and 17β-estradiol, a DmNobo inhibitor. 17β-Estradiol almost fully occupied the putative ligand-binding pocket and a prominent hydrogen bond formed between 17β-estradiol and Asp-113 of DmNobo. We found that Asp-113 is essential for 17β-estradiol–mediated inhibition of DmNobo enzymatic activity, as 17β-estradiol did not inhibit and physically interacted less with the D113A DmNobo variant. Asp-113 is highly conserved among Nobo proteins, but not among other GSTs, implying that this residue is important for endogenous Nobo function. Indeed, a homozygous nobo allele with the D113A substitution exhibited embryonic lethality and an undifferentiated cuticle structure, a phenocopy of complete loss-of-function nobo homozygotes. These results suggest that the nobo family of GST proteins has acquired a unique amino acid residue that appears to be essential for binding an endogenous sterol substrate to regulate ecdysteroid biosynthesis. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study describing the structural characteristics of insect steroidogenic Halloween proteins. Our findings provide insights relevant for applied entomology to develop insecticides that specifically inhibit ecdysteroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Koiwai
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - Kazue Inaba
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan.,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Kana Morohashi
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Sora Enya
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Reina Arai
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hirotatsu Kojima
- Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Okabe
- Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuuta Fujikawa
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Hideshi Inoue
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Yoshino
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences Majors of Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kato
- Mizuho Information & Research Institute, Inc., 2-3 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8443, Japan
| | - Kaori Fukuzawa
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yuko Shimada-Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Akira Nakamura
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Yumoto
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - Toshiya Senda
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan.,School of High Energy Accelerator Science, Sokendai University, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan.,Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan .,Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
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12
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Lin X, Yu N, Smagghe G. FoxO mediates the timing of pupation through regulating ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 258:149-156. [PMID: 28526479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), the major developmental hormone in insects, controls all the developmental transitions including ecdysis and metamorphosis. In our study with last larval stages of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, dsRNA-mediated gene silencing of Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) resulted in reduced food intake and larval mass and this agreed with a reduction in the expression of insulin signaling-related genes (insulin-like peptides 2, 3, 4, and chico). Interestingly, we also observed a significant delay in the moment of the pupation and these FoxO-silenced larvae then turned brown at the middle pupal stage followed by death. The observed delay of pupation concurred with a significant delay in 20E titer in dsFoxO-injected larvae and this in turn agreed with a significant delay in expression of prothoracicotropic hormone (ptth) that is a gene stimulating ecdysteroid biosynthesis, and of spook (spo) that is one of the early Halloween genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis. In addition, there was also a delayed expression of the ecdysteroid response gene hormone receptor 3 (HR3). In an attempt to rescue the effects by dsFoxO, injection of 20E into T. castaneum larvae stimulated the expression of HR3 and induced one extra larval-larval molt, confirming the responsiveness for ecdysteroid signaling in dsFoxO-injected larvae. The observations of this project suggest that FoxO is a player in the timing of pupation via the regulating of ecdysteroid biosynthesis, together with the regulation of both insulin signaling and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyu Lin
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Na Yu
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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13
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Cooperative Control of Ecdysone Biosynthesis in Drosophila by Transcription Factors Séance, Ouija Board, and Molting Defective. Genetics 2017; 208:605-622. [PMID: 29187506 PMCID: PMC5788525 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that control many aspects of development and physiology. During larval development, ecdysone is synthesized in an endocrine organ called the prothoracic gland through a series of ecdysteroidogenic enzymes encoded by the Halloween genes. The expression of the Halloween genes is highly restricted and dynamic, indicating that their spatiotemporal regulation is mediated by their tight transcriptional control. In this study, we report that three zinc finger-associated domain (ZAD)-C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors—Séance (Séan), Ouija board (Ouib), and Molting defective (Mld)—cooperatively control ecdysone biosynthesis in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Séan and Ouib act in cooperation with Mld to positively regulate the transcription of neverland and spookier, respectively, two Halloween genes. Remarkably, loss-of-function mutations in séan, ouib, or mld can be rescued by the expression of neverland, spookier, or both, respectively. These results suggest that the three transcription factors have distinct roles in coordinating the expression of just two genes in Drosophila. Given that neverland and spookier are located in constitutive heterochromatin, Séan, Ouib, and Mld represent the first example of a transcription factor subset that regulates genes located in constitutive heterochromatin.
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