1
|
Li X, Wang M, Feng K, Sun H, Tang F. The Function of Termicin from Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) in the Defense against Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) Infection. INSECTS 2024; 15:360. [PMID: 38786916 PMCID: PMC11122213 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is a subterranean termite species known for causing severe damage to trees and structures such as dams. During the synergistic evolution of O. formosanus with pathogenic bacteria, the termite has developed a robust innate immunity. Termicin is a crucial antimicrobial peptide in termites, significantly contributing to the defense against external infections. Building upon the successful construction and expression of the dsRNA-HT115 engineering strains of dsOftermicin1 and dsOftermicin2 in our laboratory, this work employs the ultrasonic breaking method to establish an inactivated dsOftermicins-HT115 technological system capable of producing a substantial quantity of dsRNA. This approach also addresses the limitation of transgenic strains which cannot be directly applied. Treatment of O. formosanus with dsOftermicins produced by this method could enhance the virulence of both Bt and Bb to the termites. This study laid the theoretical groundwork for the development of novel termite immunosuppressants and for the advancement and application of termite biological control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Jiangsu Province Rural Water Conservancy Science and Technology Development Center, Nanjing 210029, China;
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen WW, Zhang H, Chen Y, Zeng WH, Li ZQ. Combined use of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein dsRNA and Gram-negative bacteria for pest management of Coptotermes formosanus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2299-2310. [PMID: 36775842 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) technology is an environmentally friendly strategy for controlling insect pests. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) recognizes lipopolysaccharides, which are a major outer membrane constituent of Gram-negative bacteria. We propose that the LBP gene is a potential target for termite management; however, to date, no studies have examined this gene in termites. RESULTS In this study, we cloned the LBP gene of Coptotermes formosanus (Cf) and found that the mortality rate of termite workers significantly increased, and the repellence of these workers to Gram-negative bacteria was suppressed after knockdown of CfLBP using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection and feeding. Moreover, the mortality rate of termite workers fed with CfLBP dsRNA and three Gram-negative bacteria (provided separately) was over 50%, which was much higher than that of termites treated with either CfLBP dsRNA or Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, we found that CfLBP impacts the IMD pathway to regulate the immune response of C. formosanus to Gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSION CfLBP plays a important role in the immune defense of termites against Gram-negative bacteria. It can be used as an immunosuppressant for RNAi-based termite management and is an ideal target for termite control based on the combined use of RNAi and pathogenic bacteria. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wen Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hui Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
RNA Interference-Based Pesticides and Antiviral Agents: Microbial Overproduction Systems for Double-Stranded RNA for Applications in Agriculture and Aquaculture. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12062954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are pest control agents that use RNAi mechanisms as the basis of their action. They are regarded as environmentally friendly and are a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. The effective substance in RNAi-based pesticides is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) designed to match the nucleotide sequence of a target essential gene of the pest of concern. When taken up by the pest, this exerts an RNAi effect and inhibits some vital biochemical/biological process in the pest. dsRNA products are also expected to be applied for the control of viral diseases in aquaculture by RNAi, especially in shrimp farming. A critical issue in the practical application of RNAi agents is that production of the dsRNA must be low-cost. Here, we review recent methods for microbial production of dsRNAs using representative microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas syringae, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and others) as host strains. The characteristics of each dsRNA production system are discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmad F, Fouad H, Liang S, Hu Y, Mo J. Termites and Chinese agricultural system: applications and advances in integrated termite management and chemical control. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:2-20. [PMID: 31529680 PMCID: PMC7818233 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Termites are eusocial arthropod decomposers, and improve soil fertility, crop yield, and also are used by humans for their benefits across the world. However, some species of termites are becoming a threat to the farming community as they are directly and indirectly causing major losses to the agricultural system. It is estimated that termites cost the global economy more than 40 billion USD annually, and considerable research has been done on their management. In this review, we present the available information related to sustainable and integrated termite management practices (ITM). Furthermore, we insist that the better management of this menace can be possible through: (i) improving traditional methods to keep termites away from crops; (ii) improving agricultural practices to maintain plants with more vigor and less susceptible to termite attack; and (iii) integration of available techniques to reduce termite infestation in crops and surroundings. The application of an effective combination of traditional practices with recently developed approaches is the best option for agricultural growers. Moreover, keeping in mind the beneficial nature of this pest, more innovative efforts for its management, particularly using rapidly emerging technology (e.g., RNA interference), are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Ahmad
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agricultural and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Entomology SectionCentral Cotton Research Institute, SakrandShaheed BenazirabadSindhPakistan
| | - Hatem Fouad
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agricultural and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Field Crop Pests, Plant Protection Research InstituteAgricultural Research CentreCairoEgypt
| | - Shi‐You Liang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agricultural and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yin Hu
- National Termite Control CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Jian‐Chu Mo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agricultural and BiotechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scharf ME, Peterson BF. A Century of Synergy in Termite Symbiosis Research: Linking the Past with New Genomic Insights. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 66:23-43. [PMID: 33417825 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-022420-074746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Termites have long been studied for their symbiotic associations with gut microbes. In the late nineteenth century, this relationship was poorly understood and captured the interest of parasitologists such as Joseph Leidy; this research led to that of twentieth-century biologists and entomologists including Cleveland, Hungate, Trager, and Lüscher. Early insights came via microscopy, organismal, and defaunation studies, which led to descriptions of microbes present, descriptions of the roles of symbionts in lignocellulose digestion, and early insights into energy gas utilization by the host termite. Focus then progressed to culture-dependent microbiology and biochemical studies of host-symbiont complementarity, which revealed specific microhabitat requirements for symbionts and noncellulosic mechanisms of symbiosis (e.g., N2 fixation). Today, knowledge on termite symbiosis has accrued exponentially thanks to omic technologies that reveal symbiont identities, functions, and interdependence, as well as intricacies of host-symbiont complementarity. Moving forward, the merging of classical twentieth-century approaches with evolving omic tools should provide even deeper insights into host-symbiont interplay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Scharf
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA;
| | - Brittany F Peterson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois 62026, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kunte N, McGraw E, Bell S, Held D, Avila LA. Prospects, challenges and current status of RNAi through insect feeding. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:26-41. [PMID: 31419022 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference is a phenomenon in which the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into cells triggers the degradation of the complementary messenger RNA in a sequence-specific manner. Suppressing expression of vital genes could lead to insect death, therefore this technology has been considered as a potential strategy for insect pest control. There are three main routes of dsRNA administration into insects: (i) injections to the hemolymph, (ii) topical, and (iii) feeding. In this review, we focus on dsRNA administration through feeding. We summarize novel strategies that have been developed to improve the efficacy of this method, such as the use of nano-based formulations, engineered microorganisms, and transgenic plants. We also expose the hurdles that have to be overcome in order to use this technique as a reliable pest management method. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Kunte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Erin McGraw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Sydney Bell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - David Held
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Luz-Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lyu Z, Chen J, Li Z, Cheng J, Wang C, Lin T. Knockdown of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase gene disrupts molting process in Heortia vitessoides Moore. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 101:e21561. [PMID: 31218752 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) is a key enzyme in insect chitin metabolism and plays an important role in many physiological activities of insects. The HvNAG1 gene was identified from the Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) cDNA library and its expression patterns were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that HvNAG1 mRNA levels were high in the midgut and before molting, and 20E could induce its expression. Subsequently, the HvNAG1 gene was knocked down via RNA interference to identify its functions. We found that 3 μg of dsNAG1 resulted in optimal interference at 48 and 72 hr after injection, causing a decrease in NAG1 protein content, which resulted in abnormal or lethal phenotypes, and a sharp decrease in the survival rate. These results indicate that HvNAG1 plays a key role in the molting process of H. vitessoides. However, the silencing of HvNAG1 had no significant effect on the chitin metabolism-related genes tested in this study. Our present study provides a reference for further research on the utility of key genes involved in the chitin metabolic pathway in the insect molting process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Lyu
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxiang Chen
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Li
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Lin
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|