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Yadav P, Seth RK, Reynolds SE. A sperm-activating trypsin-like protease from the male reproductive tract of Spodoptera litura: Proteomic identification, sequence characterization, gene expression profile, RNAi and the effects of ionizing radiation. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 156:104664. [PMID: 38897288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104664] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Like other lepidopteran insects, males of the tobacco cutworm moth, Spodoptera litura produce two kinds of spermatozoa, eupyrene (nucleate) and apyrene (anucleate) sperm. Formed in the testis, both kinds of sperm are released into the male reproductive tract in an immature form and are stored in the duplex region of the tract. Neither type of sperm is motile at this stage. When stored apyrene sperm from the duplex are treated in vitro with an extract of the prostatic region of the male tract, or with mammalian trypsin, they become motile; activation is greater and achieved more rapidly with increasing concentration of extract or enzyme. The activating effect of prostatic extract is blocked by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), also in a dose-dependent way. These results suggest that the normal sperm-activating process is due to an endogenous trypsin-like protease produced in the prostatic region. Proteomic analysis of S. litura prostatic extracts revealed a Trypsin-Like Serine Protease, TLSP, molecular weight 27 kDa, whose 199-residue amino acid sequence is identical to that of a predicted protein from the S. litura genome and is highly similar to predicted proteins encoded by genes in the genomes of several other noctuid moth species. Surprisingly, TLSP is only distantly related to Serine Protease 2 (initiatorin) of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, the only identified lepidopteran protein so far shown to activate sperm. TLSP has features typical of secreted proteins, probably being synthesized as an inactive precursor zymogen, which is later activated by proteolytic cleavage. cDNA was synthesized from total RNA extracted from the prostatic region and was used to examine TLSP expression using qPCR. tlsp mRNA was expressed in both the prostatic region and the accessory glands of the male tract. Injection of TLSP-specific dsRNA into adult males caused a significant reduction after 24 h in tlsp mRNA levels in both locations. The number of eggs laid by females mated to adult males that were given TLSP dsRNA in 10 % honey solution, and the fertility (% hatched) of the eggs were reduced. Injecting pupae with TLSP dsRNA caused the later activation of apyrene sperm motility by adult male prostatic extracts to be significantly reduced compared to controls. Exposure of S. litura pupae to ionizing radiation significantly reduced expression of tlsp mRNA in the prostatic part and accessory gland of irradiated males in both the irradiated generation and also in their (unirradiated) F1 progeny. The implications of these findings for the use of the inherited sterility technique for the control of S. litura and other pest Lepidoptera are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Yadav
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Rakesh K Seth
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Stuart E Reynolds
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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Cao MH, Zou MM, Liu LL, Dong SJ, Huang MQ, Zheng JH, Li RN, Cui JD, Peng L. Sast1-mediated manifold effects inhibit Plutella xylostella fertility. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2596-2609. [PMID: 38252701 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) is a destructive pest of cruciferous crops due to its strong reproductive capacity and extensive resistance to pesticides. Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are the main effective factors that determine the reproductive physiology and behaviour of both sexes. Although an increasing number of SFPs have been identified, the effects of astacins in SFPs on agricultural pests have not yet been reported. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms by which Sast1 (seminal astacin 1) regulates the fertility of Plutella xylostella (L.). RESULTS PxSast1 was specifically expressed in the testis and accesssory gland. CRISPR/Cas9-induced PxSast1 knockout successfully constructed two homozygous mutant strains. Sast1 impaired the fertility of P. xylostella by separately regulating the reproductive capacity of males and females. Loss of PxSast1, on the one hand, significantly decreased the ability of males to mate and fertilize, mainly manifested as shortened mating duration, reduced mating competitiveness and decreased eupyrene sperm production; on the other hand, it significantly inhibited the expression of chorion genes in females, resulting in oogenesis deficits. Simultaneously, for mated females, the differentially expressed genes in signalling pathways related to oogenesis and chorion formation were significantly enriched after PxSast1 knockout. CONCLUSION These analyses of the functions of PxSast1 as the regulator of spermatogenesis and oogenesis establish its importance in the fertility process of P. xylostella, as well as its potential as a promising target for genetic regulation-based pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming-Min Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Hao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Dong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Iorjiim WM, Omale S, Ede S, Ugokwe CV, Alemika TE. Involvement of functional senescence in efavirenz-induced toxicity in fruit fly. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:853-862. [PMID: 37915498 PMCID: PMC10615817 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad076] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed in this article to assess the likeliness of efavirenz to induce functional senescence in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Methods Ten different concentrations of EFV were mixed with fly food and fed to 3-day-old flies orally for a 7 day LC50 calculation. Drug concentrations from LC50 were selected for a 28 day survival to determine the duration of treatment for behavioral and biochemical assays. A 5day feeding plan was used to investigate the effects of the drug on organismal, neuromuscular, reproductive, and metabolic senescence. An in silico study was executed to decipher a molecular interaction of Drosophila enzymes glutathione-s-transferase (GST) or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with EFV. Results The calculated LC50 of EFV was 118 mg/10-g fly diet. The test drug induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in fly mortality, climbing difficulty, and procreative deficits after a 5 day oral exposure. Similarly, there were significant (P < 0.05) biochemical alterations, which suggested in vivo biochemical damage against total thiols (T-SH), SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), GST, AChE, and MDA (malondialdehyde) in the test flies compared to the control groups. In silico study revealed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher binding energy between EFV and the active amino acids of fly AChE and GST when compared to the substrates or standard inhibitors respectively. Conclusion EFV exhibited ecotoxic potentials evidenced by age-related deficits in the fly's functional integrity such as sluggish movement, procreative deficiency, increased mortality, and oxidant-antioxidant inequality. Results from in silico study suggested antagonism against GST and AChE activities as a likely mechanism of EFV-induced toxicity in the fruit fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mdekera Iorjiim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Jos, Bauchi Road, Jos North, Postcode-930003, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Simeon Omale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Jos, Bauchi Road, Jos North, Postcode-930003, Plateau State, Nigeria
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos, Bauchi Road, Jos North, Postcode-930003 Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Ede
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Jos, Bauchi Road, Jos North, Postcode-930003, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Chinelo Vera Ugokwe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Bauchi Road, Jos North, Postcode-93003, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo Emmanuel Alemika
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos, Bauchi Road, Jos North, Postcode-930003 Plateau State, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Jos, Bauchi Road, Jos North, Postcode-930003 Plateau State, Nigeria
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Seth RK, Yadav P, Reynolds SE. Dichotomous sperm in Lepidopteran insects: a biorational target for pest management. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1198252. [PMID: 38469506 PMCID: PMC10926456 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1198252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Lepidoptera are unusual in possessing two distinct kinds of sperm, regular nucleated (eupyrene) sperm and anucleate (apyrene) sperm ('parasperm'). Sperm of both types are transferred to the female and are required for male fertility. Apyrene sperm play 'helper' roles, assisting eupyrene sperm to gain access to unfertilized eggs and influencing the reproductive behavior of mated female moths. Sperm development and behavior are promising targets for environmentally safer, target-specific biorational control strategies in lepidopteran pest insects. Sperm dimorphism provides a wide window in which to manipulate sperm functionality and dynamics, thereby impairing the reproductive fitness of pest species. Opportunities to interfere with spermatozoa are available not only while sperm are still in the male (before copulation), but also in the female (after copulation, when sperm are still in the male-provided spermatophore, or during storage in the female's spermatheca). Biomolecular technologies like RNAi, miRNAs and CRISPR-Cas9 are promising strategies to achieve lepidopteran pest control by targeting genes directly or indirectly involved in dichotomous sperm production, function, or persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh K. Seth
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Priya Yadav
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Stuart E. Reynolds
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Egan BM, Scharf A, Pohl F, Kornfeld K. Control of aging by the renin–angiotensin system: a review of C. elegans, Drosophila, and mammals. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:938650. [PMID: 36188619 PMCID: PMC9518657 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.938650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The free-living, non-parasitic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a premier model organism for the study of aging and longevity due to its short lifespan, powerful genetic tools, and conservation of fundamental mechanisms with mammals. Approximately 70 percent of human genes have homologs in C. elegans, including many that encode proteins in pathways that influence aging. Numerous genetic pathways have been identified in C. elegans that affect lifespan, including the dietary restriction pathway, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway, and the disruption of components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. C. elegans is also a powerful system for performing drug screens, and many lifespan-extending compounds have been reported; notably, several FDA-approved medications extend the lifespan in C. elegans, raising the possibility that they can also extend the lifespan in humans. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in mammals is an endocrine system that regulates blood pressure and a paracrine system that acts in a wide range of tissues to control physiological processes; it is a popular target for drugs that reduce blood pressure, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Emerging evidence indicates that this system influences aging. In C. elegans, decreasing the activity of the ACE homolog acn-1 or treatment with the ACE-inhibitor Captopril significantly extends the lifespan. In Drosophila, treatment with ACE inhibitors extends the lifespan. In rodents, manipulating the RAS with genetic or pharmacological interventions can extend the lifespan. In humans, polymorphisms in the ACE gene are associated with extreme longevity. These results suggest the RAS plays a conserved role in controlling longevity. Here, we review studies of the RAS and aging, emphasizing the potential of C. elegans as a model for understanding the mechanism of lifespan control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Egan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Andrea Scharf
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
| | - Franziska Pohl
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Kerry Kornfeld,
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Shepherd JG, Sartoris Bonk K. Activation of parasperm and eusperm upon ejaculation in Lepidoptera. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 130:104201. [PMID: 33582103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Almost all Lepidoptera produce two kinds of spermatozoa, a typical nucleated spermatozoön and an anucleate one. Inactive in the male prior to ejaculation, both of these spermatozoa become motile upon ejaculation and move to the female's sperm storage organ. This study shows that in several phylogenetically and morphologically diverse species of Lepidoptera, the anucleate spermatozoa, or parasperm (also known as apyrene spermatozoa), and the nucleated spermatozoa, or eusperm (also known as eupyrene spermatozoa), are activated by a protein of approximately 37.7 kDa added by a secretion from the male. Although proteases have been shown to activate these parasperm, inhibitors of proteases did not prevent activation of the tobacco hornworm moth, Manduca sexta, parasperm, even at well over normal working concentrations of the inhibitors. Parasperm could also be activated by an ionophore, indicating that a trans-membrane ionic event is involved. In contrast to parasperm, eusperm are first ejaculated as bundles of 256 spermatozoa. This study identified a male protein of similar molecular weight that dissociates the eusperm from the bundles, but that is sensitive to proteases. Based on these characteristics, the activators of both types of spermatozoa appear to be different from the initiatorin imputed to be the activator of commercial silkmoth, Bombyx mori, spermatozoa. The role of these proteins in these unique modes of lepidopterous sperm activation may have been adapted from other roles in other kinds of insects, and indicates especially an important function of parasperm in the reproductive physiology and/or behavior of female lepidopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian G Shepherd
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-2000, USA.
| | - Karen Sartoris Bonk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-2000, USA
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A Molecular Docking Approach to Evaluate the Pharmacological Properties of Natural and Synthetic Treatment Candidates for Use against Hypertension. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16060923. [PMID: 30875817 PMCID: PMC6466102 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16060923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the leading cause of disability and death worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Hypertension, a major cause of CVD progression, is widely attributable to genetic, behavioral, and environmental risk factors. Among the genetic reasons, angiotensin II enzyme, produced as a result of abnormal functioning of the renin⁻angiotensin system, is reported as the foremost cause of hypertension. A cascade of genes, including those encoding for WNK kinases (WNK1 and WNK4), Bp1, Bp2, angiotensinogen, and other enzymes, is involved in the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. However, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a crucial role in this pathway. Therefore, ACE could be a potential therapeutic target in regulating the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and eventually controlling hypertension. In this study, a molecular docking-based approach was utilized for identifying and evaluating potential inhibitors of ACE present in herbs, other natural sources, and synthetic sources, on the basis of these compounds' binding affinities and other physicochemical features. In addition, the suitability of these inhibitors as drugs for biological systems, considering their adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), was predicted using Lipinski's rule. In conclusion, our study provides a novel and clearer insight into the interaction properties of known putative inhibitors of ACE.
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