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Ribeiro TP, Martins-de-Sa D, Macedo LLP, Lourenço-Tessutti IT, Ruffo GC, Sousa JPA, Rósario Santana JMD, Oliveira-Neto OB, Moura SM, Silva MCM, Morgante CV, Oliveira NG, Basso MF, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Cotton plants overexpressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa binary-like toxins exhibit high resistance to the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis). PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 344:112079. [PMID: 38588981 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112079] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The cotton boll weevil (CBW, Anthonomus grandis) stands as one of the most significant threats to cotton crops (Gossypium hirsutum). Despite substantial efforts, the development of a commercially viable transgenic cotton event for effective open-field control of CBW has remained elusive. This study describes a detailed characterization of the insecticidal toxins Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa against CBW. Our findings reveal that CBW larvae fed on artificial diets supplemented exclusively with Cry23Aa decreased larval survival by roughly by 69%, while supplementation with Cry37Aa alone displayed no statistical difference compared to the control. However, the combined provision of both toxins in the artificial diet led to mortality rates approaching 100% among CBW larvae (LC50 equal to 0.26 PPM). Additionally, we engineered transgenic cotton plants by introducing cry23Aa and cry37Aa genes under control of the flower bud-specific pGhFS4 and pGhFS1 promoters, respectively. Seven transgenic cotton events expressing high levels of Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa toxins in flower buds were selected for greenhouse bioassays, and the mortality rate of CBW larvae feeding on their T0 and T1 generations ranged from 75% to 100%. Our in silico analyses unveiled that Cry23Aa displays all the hallmark characteristics of β-pore-forming toxins (β-PFTs) that bind to sugar moieties in glycoproteins. Intriguingly, we also discovered a distinctive zinc-binding site within Cry23Aa, which appears to be involved in protein-protein interactions. Finally, we discuss the major structural features of Cry23Aa that likely play a role in the toxin's mechanism of action. In view of the low LC50 for CBW larvae and the significant accumulation of these toxins in the flower buds of both T0 and T1 plants, we anticipate that through successive generations of these transgenic lines, cotton plants engineered to overexpress cry23Aa and cry37Aa hold promise for effectively managing CBW infestations in cotton crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuanne Pires Ribeiro
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Diogo Martins-de-Sa
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; Genesilico Biotech, Brasília, DF 71503-508, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lima Pepino Macedo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Isabela Tristan Lourenço-Tessutti
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Caseca Ruffo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - João Pedro Abreu Sousa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Julia Moura do Rósario Santana
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Osmundo Brilhante Oliveira-Neto
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Euroamerican University Center, Unieuro, Brasília, DF 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Stéfanie Menezes Moura
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Mattar Silva
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Carolina Vianna Morgante
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Embrapa Semi-Arid, Pretrolina, PE 56302-970, Brazil
| | - Nelson Geraldo Oliveira
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fernando Basso
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Catholic University Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117-900, Brazil.
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Titball RW. The Molecular Architecture and Mode of Action of Clostridium perfringens ε-Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:180. [PMID: 38668605 PMCID: PMC11053738 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040180] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens ε-toxin has long been associated with a severe enterotoxaemia of livestock animals, and more recently, was proposed to play a role in the etiology of multiple sclerosis in humans. The remarkable potency of the toxin has intrigued researchers for many decades, who suggested that this indicated an enzymatic mode of action. Recently, there have been major breakthroughs by finding that it is a pore-forming toxin which shows exquisite specificity for cells bearing the myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) receptor. This review details the molecular structures of the toxin, the evidence which identifies MAL as the receptor and the possible roles of other cell membrane components in toxin binding. The information on structure and mode of action has allowed the functions of individual amino acids to be investigated and has led to the creation of mutants with reduced toxicity that could serve as vaccines. In spite of this progress, there are still a number of key questions around the mode of action of the toxin which need to be further investigated.
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Williamson LJ, Galchenkova M, Best HL, Bean RJ, Munke A, Awel S, Pena G, Knoska J, Schubert R, Dörner K, Park HW, Bideshi DK, Henkel A, Kremling V, Klopprogge B, Lloyd-Evans E, Young MT, Valerio J, Kloos M, Sikorski M, Mills G, Bielecki J, Kirkwood H, Kim C, de Wijn R, Lorenzen K, Xavier PL, Rahmani Mashhour A, Gelisio L, Yefanov O, Mancuso AP, Federici BA, Chapman HN, Crickmore N, Rizkallah PJ, Berry C, Oberthür D. Structure of the Lysinibacillus sphaericus Tpp49Aa1 pesticidal protein elucidated from natural crystals using MHz-SFX. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2203241120. [PMID: 38015839 PMCID: PMC10710082 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203241120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Lysinibacillus sphaericus proteins Tpp49Aa1 and Cry48Aa1 can together act as a toxin toward the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and have potential use in biocontrol. Given that proteins with sequence homology to the individual proteins can have activity alone against other insect species, the structure of Tpp49Aa1 was solved in order to understand this protein more fully and inform the design of improved biopesticides. Tpp49Aa1 is naturally expressed as a crystalline inclusion within the host bacterium, and MHz serial femtosecond crystallography using the novel nanofocus option at an X-ray free electron laser allowed rapid and high-quality data collection to determine the structure of Tpp49Aa1 at 1.62 Å resolution. This revealed the packing of Tpp49Aa1 within these natural nanocrystals as a homodimer with a large intermolecular interface. Complementary experiments conducted at varied pH also enabled investigation of the early structural events leading up to the dissolution of natural Tpp49Aa1 crystals-a crucial step in its mechanism of action. To better understand the cooperation between the two proteins, assays were performed on a range of different mosquito cell lines using both individual proteins and mixtures of the two. Finally, bioassays demonstrated Tpp49Aa1/Cry48Aa1 susceptibility of Anopheles stephensi, Aedes albopictus, and Culex tarsalis larvae-substantially increasing the potential use of this binary toxin in mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Galchenkova
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hannah L. Best
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anna Munke
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Salah Awel
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gisel Pena
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juraj Knoska
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA92504
| | - Dennis K. Bideshi
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA92504
| | - Alessandra Henkel
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viviane Kremling
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bjarne Klopprogge
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emyr Lloyd-Evans
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Mark T. Young
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marco Kloos
- European XFEL GmbH, 22869Schenefeld, Germany
| | | | - Grant Mills
- European XFEL GmbH, 22869Schenefeld, Germany
| | | | | | - Chan Kim
- European XFEL GmbH, 22869Schenefeld, Germany
| | | | | | - Paul Lourdu Xavier
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, 22761Hamburg, Germany
| | - Aida Rahmani Mashhour
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gelisio
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Yefanov
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adrian P. Mancuso
- European XFEL GmbH, 22869Schenefeld, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC3086, Australia
| | - Brian A. Federici
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA92521
| | - Henry N. Chapman
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Universität Hamburg, 22761Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Universität Hamburg, 22761Hamburg, Germany
| | - Neil Crickmore
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BrightonBN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | | | - Colin Berry
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Dominik Oberthür
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22607Hamburg, Germany
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Chen Z, Shi Y, Wang D, Liu X, Jiao X, Gao X, Jiang K. Structural insight into Bacillus thuringiensis Sip1Ab reveals its similarity to ETX_MTX2 family beta-pore-forming toxin. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:4264-4273. [PMID: 37341620 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbially derived, protein-based biopesticides are an important approach for sustainable pest management. The secreted insecticidal proteins (Sips) produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis exhibit potent insecticidal activity against coleopteran pests and are, therefore, attractive as candidate biopesticides. However, the modes-of-action of Sips are unclear as comprehensive structural information for these proteins is lacking. RESULTS Using X-ray crystallography, we elucidated the structure of monomeric Sip1Ab at 2.28 Å resolution. Structural analyses revealed that Sip1Ab has the three domains and conserved fold characteristic of other aerolysin-like beta-pore-forming toxins (β-PFTs). Based on the sequence and structural similarities between Sip1Ab and other ETX_MTX2 subfamily toxins, we suggested the mechanism of these proteins and proposed that it is common to them all. CONCLUSION The atomic-level structural data for Sip1Ab generated by the present study could facilitate future structural and mechanistic research on Sips as well as their application in sustainable insect pest management. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yiting Shi
- Taishan College, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongdong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyao Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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5
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Mishra R, Narayana R, Ibanez F, Achor D, Shilts T, El-Mohtar C, Orbović V, Stelinski LL, Bonning BC. Bacterial Pesticidal Protein Mpp51Aa1 Delivered via Transgenic Citrus Severely Impacts the Fecundity of Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0072323. [PMID: 37458593 PMCID: PMC10467345 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00723-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri vectors the causative agent of citrus greening disease that has the capacity to decimate citrus production. As an alternative and more sustainable approach to manage D. citri than repeated application of chemical insecticides, we investigated the potential use of the bacteria-derived pesticidal protein, Mpp51Aa1, when delivered by transgenic Citrus sinensis cv. Valencia sweet orange or Citrus paradisi cv. Duncan grapefruit. Following confirmation of transcription and translation of mpp51aa1 by transgenic plants, no impact of Mpp51Aa1 expression was seen on D. citri host plant choice between transgenic and control Duncan grapefruit plants. A slight but significant drop in survival of adult psyllids fed on these transgenic plants was noted relative to those fed on control plants. In line with this result, damage to the gut epithelium consistent with that caused by pore-forming proteins was only observed in a minority of adult D. citri fed on the transgenic Duncan grapefruit. However, greater impacts were observed on nymphs than on adults, with a 40% drop in the survival of nymphs fed on transgenic Duncan grapefruit relative to those fed on control plants. For Valencia sweet orange, a 70% decrease in the number of eggs laid by adult D. citri on transgenic plants was noted relative to those on control plants, with a 90% drop in emergence of progeny. These impacts that contrast with those associated with other bacterial pesticidal proteins and the potential for use of Mpp51Aa1-expressing transgenic plants for suppression of D. citri populations are discussed. IMPORTANCE Pesticidal proteins derived from bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis are valuable tools for management of agricultural insect pests and provide a sustainable alternative to the application of chemical insecticides. However, relatively few bacterial pesticidal proteins have been used for suppression of hemipteran or sap-sucking insects such as the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. This insect is particularly important as the vector of the causative agent of citrus greening, or huanglongbing disease, which severely impacts global citrus production. In this study, we investigated the potential of transgenic citrus plants that produce the pesticidal protein Mpp51Aa1. While adult psyllid mortality on transgenic plants was modest, the reduced number of eggs laid by exposed adults and the decreased survival of progeny was such that psyllid populations dropped by more than 90%. These results provide valuable insight for potential deployment of Mpp51Aa1 in combination with other control agents for the management of D. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchir Mishra
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ravishankar Narayana
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, Lake Alfred, Florida, USA
| | - Freddy Ibanez
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, Lake Alfred, Florida, USA
| | - Diann Achor
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, Lake Alfred, Florida, USA
| | - Turksen Shilts
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, Lake Alfred, Florida, USA
| | - Choaa El-Mohtar
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, Lake Alfred, Florida, USA
| | - Vladimir Orbović
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, Lake Alfred, Florida, USA
| | - Lukasz L. Stelinski
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, Lake Alfred, Florida, USA
| | - Bryony C. Bonning
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Bian X, Si Z, Wang Q, Liu L, Shi Z, Tian C, Lee W, Zhang Y. IgG Fc-binding protein positively regulates the assembly of pore-forming protein complex βγ-CAT evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104717. [PMID: 37068610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104717] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell membranes form barriers for molecule exchange between the cytosol and the extracellular environments. βγ-CAT, a complex of pore-forming protein (PFP) BmALP1 (two βγ-crystallin domains with an aerolysin pore-forming domain) and the trefoil factor BmTFF3, has been identified in toad Bombina maxima. It plays pivotal roles, via inducing channel formation in various intra- or extra- cellular vesicles, as well as in nutrient acquisition, maintaining water balance, and antigen presentation. Thus, such a protein machine should be tightly regulated. Indeed, BmALP3 (a paralog of BmALP1) oxidizes BmALP1 to form a water-soluble polymer, leading to dissociation of the βγ-CAT complex and loss of biological activity. Here, we found that the B. maxima IgG Fc-binding protein (FCGBP), a well-conserved vertebrate mucin-like protein with unknown functions, acted as a positive regulator for βγ-CAT complex assembly. The interactions among FCGBP, BmALP1, and BmTFF3 were revealed by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Interestingly, FCGBP reversed the inhibitory effect of BmALP3 on the βγ-CAT complex. Furthermore, FCGBP reduced BmALP1 polymers and facilitated the assembly of βγ-CAT with the biological pore-forming activity in the presence of BmTFF3. Our findings define the role of FCGBP in mediating the assembly of a PFP machine evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianling Bian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Ziru Si
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Qiquan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Lingzhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Zhihong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Changlin Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
| | - Wenhui Lee
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
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7
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Bacteria-derived pesticidal proteins active against hemipteran pests. J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 195:107834. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Kron NS. In search of the Aplysia immunome: an in silico study. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:543. [PMID: 35906538 PMCID: PMC9334734 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08780-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune repertoires of mollusks beyond commercially important organisms such as the pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas or vectors for human pathogens like the bloodfluke planorb Biomphalaria glabrata are understudied. Despite being an important model for neural aging and the role of inflammation in neuropathic pain, the immune repertoire of Aplysia californica is poorly understood. Recent discovery of a neurotropic nidovirus in Aplysia has highlighted the need for a better understanding of the Aplysia immunome. To address this gap in the literature, the Aplysia reference genome was mined using InterProScan and OrthoFinder for putative immune genes. The Aplysia genome encodes orthologs of all critical components of the classical Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. The presence of many more TLRs and TLR associated adapters than known from vertebrates suggest yet uncharacterized, novel TLR associated signaling pathways. Aplysia also retains many nucleotide receptors and antiviral effectors known to play a key role in viral defense in vertebrates. However, the absence of key antiviral signaling adapters MAVS and STING in the Aplysia genome suggests divergence from vertebrates and bivalves in these pathways. The resulting immune gene set of this in silico study provides a basis for interpretation of future immune studies in this important model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S. Kron
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149 USA
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Massey JH, Newton ILG. Diversity and function of arthropod endosymbiont toxins. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:185-198. [PMID: 34253453 PMCID: PMC8742837 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial endosymbionts induce dramatic phenotypes in their arthropod hosts, including cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization, parthenogenesis, male killing, parasitoid defense, and pathogen blocking. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown but recent evidence suggests that protein toxins secreted by the endosymbionts play a role. Here, we describe the diversity and function of endosymbiont proteins with homology to known bacterial toxins. We focus on maternally transmitted endosymbionts belonging to the Wolbachia, Rickettsia, Arsenophonus, Hamiltonella, Spiroplasma, and Cardinium genera because of their ability to induce the above phenotypes. We identify at least 16 distinct toxin families with diverse enzymatic activities, including AMPylases, nucleases, proteases, and glycosyltransferases. Notably, several annotated toxins contain domains with homology to eukaryotic proteins, suggesting that arthropod endosymbionts mimic host biochemistry to manipulate host physiology, similar to bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene L. G. Newton
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA,Corresponding author,
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Challenges and approaches to studying pore-forming proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2749-2765. [PMID: 34747994 PMCID: PMC8892993 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pore-forming proteins (PFPs) are a broad class of molecules that comprise various families, structural folds, and assembly pathways. In nature, PFPs are most often deployed by their host organisms to defend against other organisms. In humans, this is apparent in the immune system, where several immune effectors possess pore-forming activity. Furthermore, applications of PFPs are found in next-generation low-cost DNA sequencing, agricultural crop protection, pest control, and biosensing. The advent of cryoEM has propelled the field forward. Nevertheless, significant challenges and knowledge-gaps remain. Overcoming these challenges is particularly important for the development of custom, purpose-engineered PFPs with novel or desired properties. Emerging single-molecule techniques and methods are helping to address these unanswered questions. Here we review the current challenges, problems, and approaches to studying PFPs.
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