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Wang Y, Xu HQ, Han HL, Chen D, Jiang H, Smagghe G, Wang JJ, Wei D. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of a male accessory glands-specific gene takeout1 decreases the fecundity of Zeugodacus cucurbitae female. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38676538 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is an invasive Tephritidae pest with robust fertility. The male accessory glands (MAGs) form a vital organ that ensures insect reproductive efficiency. Most of the secreted proteins by MAGs exhibit a male bias expression. Takeout, one of these proteins, is abundantly present in the MAGs of many insects. RESULTS In this study, we identified 32 takeout genes in Z. cucurbitae. The phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment results showed that Zctakeout1 is the most related homolog to the MAGs-specific takeout in Tephritidae. The real-time quantitative PCR results showed that Zctakeout1 was exclusively expressed in the male adult stage, and its expression level gradually increased with the increase in age and then remained stable at the sexually matured stage. The distribution among tissues demonstrated the specific expression of Zctakeout1 in the MAGs, and fluorescence immunohistochemical results confirmed the presence of Zctakeout1 in close proximity to binuclear cells of the mesoderm epidermal MAGs. In continuation, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing was employed, resulting in successfully generating a homozygous strain with an +8 bp insertion. The mating experiments with the Zctakeout1-/- males resulted in significant reductions in both the mating rate and egg production of females. CONCLUSION These findings prove that the MAGs-specific Zctakeout1 is essential in regulating fecundity in female Z. cucurbitae fruit flies. Our data suggests its utilization in future essential insect-specific gene-directed sterility insect technique (SIT) by the genetic manipulation to keep these important Tephritidae populations under control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui-Qian Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Liang Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
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Han WK, Tang FX, Yan YY, Wang Y, Zhang YX, Yu N, Wang K, Liu ZW. An OBP gene highly expressed in non-chemosensory tissues affects the phototaxis and reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:81-90. [PMID: 37815404 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12880] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Insect odorant binding proteins (OBPs) were initially regarded as carriers of the odorants involved in chemosensation. However, it had been observed that a growing number of OBP genes exhibited broad expression patterns beyond chemosensory tissues. Here, an OBP gene (OBP31) was found to be highly expressed in the larval ventral nerve cord, adult brain and male reproductive organ of Spodoptera frugiperda. An OBP31 knockout strain (OBP31-/- ) was generated by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis. For OBP31-/- , the larvae needed longer time to pupate, but there was no difference in the pupal weight between OBP31-/- and wild type (WT). OBP31-/- larvae showed stronger phototaxis than the WT larvae, indicating the importance of OBP31 in light perception. For mating rhythm of adults, OBP31-/- moths displayed an earlier second mating peak. In the cross-pairing of OBP31-/- and WT moths, the mating duration was longer, and hatchability was lower in OBP31-/- group and OBP31+/- ♂ group than that in the WT group. These results suggested that OBP31 played a vital role in larval light perception and male reproductive process and could provide valuable insights into understanding the biological functions of OBPs that were not specific in chemosensory tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Kang Han
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng-Xian Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang-Yang Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ze-Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Brown NC, Gordon B, McDonough-Goldstein CE, Misra S, Findlay GD, Clark AG, Wolfner MF. The seminal odorant binding protein Obp56g is required for mating plug formation and male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster. eLife 2023; 12:e86409. [PMID: 38126735 PMCID: PMC10834028 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86409] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster and other insects, the seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) and male sex pheromones that enter the female with sperm during mating are essential for fertility and induce profound post-mating effects on female physiology. The SFPs in D. melanogaster and other taxa include several members of the large gene family known as odorant binding proteins (Obps). Work in Drosophila has shown that some Obp genes are highly expressed in the antennae and can mediate behavioral responses to odorants, potentially by binding and carrying these molecules to odorant receptors. These observations have led to the hypothesis that the seminal Obps might act as molecular carriers for pheromones or other compounds important for male fertility, though functional evidence in any species is lacking. Here, we used functional genetics to test the role of the seven seminal Obps in D. melanogaster fertility and the post-mating response (PMR). We found that Obp56g is required for male fertility and the induction of the PMR, whereas the other six genes are dispensable. We found males lacking Obp56g fail to form a mating plug in the mated female's reproductive tract, leading to ejaculate loss and reduced sperm storage, likely due to its expression in the male ejaculatory bulb. We also examined the evolutionary history of these seminal Obp genes, as several studies have documented rapid evolution and turnover of SFP genes across taxa. We found extensive lability in gene copy number and evidence of positive selection acting on two genes, Obp22a and Obp51a. Comparative RNAseq data from the male reproductive tract of multiple Drosophila species revealed that Obp56g shows high male reproductive tract expression in a subset of taxa, though conserved head expression across the phylogeny. Together, these functional and expression data suggest that Obp56g may have been co-opted for a reproductive function over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora C Brown
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Benjamin Gordon
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | | | - Snigdha Misra
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Geoffrey D Findlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
- Department of Biology, College of the Holy CrossWorcesterUnited States
| | - Andrew G Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
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Abendroth JA, Moural TW, Wei H, Zhu F. Roles of insect odorant binding proteins in communication and xenobiotic adaptation. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1274197. [PMID: 38469469 PMCID: PMC10926425 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1274197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are small water-soluble proteins mainly associated with olfaction, facilitating the transport of odorant molecules to their relevant receptors in the sensillum lymph. While traditionally considered essential for olfaction, recent research has revealed that OBPs are engaged in a diverse range of physiological functions in modulating chemical communication and defense. Over the past 10 years, emerging evidence suggests that OBPs play vital roles in purifying the perireceptor space from unwanted xenobiotics including plant volatiles and pesticides, potentially facilitating xenobiotic adaptation, such as host location, adaptation, and pesticide resistance. This multifunctionality can be attributed, in part, to their structural variability and effectiveness in transporting, sequestering, and concealing numerous hydrophobic molecules. Here, we firstly overviewed the classification and structural properties of OBPs in diverse insect orders. Subsequently, we discussed the myriad of functional roles of insect OBPs in communication and their adaptation to xenobiotics. By synthesizing the current knowledge in this field, our review paper contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the significance of insect OBPs in chemical ecology, xenobiotic adaptation, paving the way for future research in this fascinating area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Abendroth
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Timothy W. Moural
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Hongshuang Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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5
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Chen G, Gao X, Zhang Y, Ma C, Ma W, Zhou Z. The carboxypeptidase B and carbonic anhydrase genes play a reproductive regulatory role during multiple matings in Ophraella communa. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1095645. [PMID: 37266330 PMCID: PMC10229896 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1095645] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are key factors in sexual reproduction and are transferred to females during mating with sperm. SFPs have a nutritional value because they protect and activate sperm storage and release to optimize fecundity. Multiple matings promote ovipositioning in several insect species. Therefore, insects may obtain more SFP through multiple matings to maximize reproduction, but this process has not yet been clearly confirmed. Here, the relationship between multiple matings and the SFPs in Ophraella communa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of the common ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asterales: Asteraceae), was studied. Multiple matings significantly increased female fecundity and ovary egg deposition. Carboxypeptidase B (OcCpb) and carbonic anhydrase (OcCa) genes were identified as putative SFP genes in O. communa and they showed strong male-biased expression. Additionally, OcCpb and OcCa expression was upregulated in the bursa copulatrix of mating females compared to that in virgin females, but their expression gradually declined after copulation. Furthermore, OcCpb and OcCa knockdown in males led to a decrease in insect fecundity compared to that in the control. The reproductive tract of females mated with dsRNA-treated males was dissected and observed and, notably, the ovaries produced significantly fewer eggs. These data suggest that OcCpb and OcCa play regulatory roles during multiple matings in O. communa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangmei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Xuyuan Gao
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Biology of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
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6
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Fricke C, Sanghvi K, Emery M, Lindenbaum I, Wigby S, Ramm SA, Sepil I. Timeless or tainted? The effects of male ageing on seminal fluid. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1066022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive ageing can occur due to the deterioration of both the soma and germline. In males, it has mostly been studied with respect to age-related changes in sperm. However, the somatic component of the ejaculate, seminal fluid, is also essential for maintaining reproductive function. Whilst we know that seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are required for male reproductive success across diverse taxa, age-related changes in SFP quantity and composition are little understood. Additionally, only few studies have explored the reproductive ageing of the tissues that produce SFPs, and the resulting reproductive outcomes. Here we provide a systematic review of studies addressing how advancing male age affects the production and properties of seminal fluid, in particular SFPs and oxidative stress, highlighting many open questions and generating new hypotheses for further research. We additionally discuss how declines in function of different components of seminal fluid, such as SFPs and antioxidants, could contribute to age-related loss of reproductive ability. Overall, we find evidence that ageing results in increased oxidative stress in seminal fluid and a decrease in the abundance of various SFPs. These results suggest that seminal fluid contributes towards important age-related changes influencing male reproduction. Thus, it is essential to study this mostly ignored component of the ejaculate to understand male reproductive ageing, and its consequences for sexual selection and paternal age effects on offspring.
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7
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Brown NC, Gordon B, McDonough-Goldstein CE, Misra S, Findlay GD, Clark AG, Wolfner MF. The seminal odorant binding protein Obp56g is required for mating plug formation and male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.03.526941. [PMID: 36798169 PMCID: PMC9934574 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.03.526941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster and other insects, the seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) and male sex pheromones that enter the female with sperm during mating are essential for fertility and induce profound post-mating effects on female physiology and behavior. The SFPs in D. melanogaster and other taxa include several members of the large gene family known as odorant binding proteins (Obps). Previous work in Drosophila has shown that some Obp genes are highly expressed in the antennae and can mediate behavioral responses to odorants, potentially by binding and carrying these molecules to odorant receptors. These observations have led to the hypothesis that the seminal Obps might act as molecular carriers for pheromones or other compounds important for male fertility in the ejaculate, though functional evidence in any species is lacking. Here, we used RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 generated mutants to test the role of the seven seminal Obps in D. melanogaster fertility and the post-mating response (PMR). We found that Obp56g is required for male fertility and the induction of the PMR, whereas the other six genes had no effect on fertility when mutated individually. Obp56g is expressed in the male's ejaculatory bulb, an important tissue in the reproductive tract that synthesizes components of the mating plug. We found males lacking Obp56g fail to form a mating plug in the mated female's reproductive tract, leading to ejaculate loss and reduced sperm storage. We also examined the evolutionary history of these seminal Obp genes, as several studies have documented rapid evolution and turnover of SFP genes across taxa. We found extensive lability in gene copy number and evidence of positive selection acting on two genes, Obp22a and Obp51a. Comparative RNAseq data from the male reproductive tract of multiple Drosophila species revealed that Obp56g shows high male reproductive tract expression only in species of the melanogaster and obscura groups, though conserved head expression in all species tested. Together, these functional and expression data suggest that Obp56g may have been co-opted for a reproductive function over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora C. Brown
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Benjamin Gordon
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Present address: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Snigdha Misra
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Present address: University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, UK, India
| | - Geoffrey D. Findlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Biology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Andrew G. Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Wu LJ, Li F, Song Y, Zhang ZF, Fan YL, Liu TX. Proteome Analysis of Male Accessory Gland Secretions in the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 36835702 PMCID: PMC9960318 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In insects, male accessory gland proteins (ACPs) are important reproductive proteins secreted by male accessory glands (MAGs) of the internal male reproductive system. During mating, ACPs are transferred along with sperms inside female bodies and have a significant impact on the post-mating physiology changes of the females. Under sexual selection pressures, the ACPs exhibit remarkably rapid and divergent evolution and vary from species to species. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a major insect pest of cruciferous vegetables worldwide. Mating has a profound impact on the females' behavior and physiology in this species. It is still unclear what the ACPs are in this species. In this study, two different proteomic methods were used to identify ACPs in P. xylostella. The proteins of MAGs were compared immediately before and after mating by using a tandem mass tags (TMT) quantitative proteomic analysis. The proteomes of copulatory bursas (CB) in mated females shortly after mating were also analyzed by the shotgun LC-MS/MS technique. In total, we identified 123 putative secreted ACPs. Comparing P. xylostella with other four insect ACPs, trypsins were the only ACPs detected in all insect species. We also identified some new insect ACPs, including proteins with chitin binding Peritrophin-A domain, PMP-22/ EMP/ MP20/ Claudin tight junction domain-containing protein, netrin-1, type II inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase, two spaetzles, allatostatin-CC, and cuticular protein. This is the first time that ACPs have been identified and analyzed in P. xylostella. Our results have provided an important list of putative secreted ACPs, and have set the stage for further exploration of the functions of these putative proteins in P. xylostella reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Fan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Suqian, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suqian 223800, China
| | - Yue Song
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Zhan-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Patlar B. On the Role of Seminal Fluid Protein and Nucleic Acid Content in Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314533. [PMID: 36498858 PMCID: PMC9739459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The evidence supports the occurrence of environmentally-induced paternal epigenetic inheritance that shapes the offspring phenotype in the absence of direct or indirect paternal care and clearly demonstrates that sperm epigenetics is one of the major actors mediating these paternal effects. However, in most animals, while sperm makes up only a small portion of the seminal fluid, males also have a complex mixture of proteins, peptides, different types of small noncoding RNAs, and cell-free DNA fragments in their ejaculate. These seminal fluid contents (Sfcs) are in close contact with the reproductive cells, tissues, organs, and other molecules of both males and females during reproduction. Moreover, their production and use are adjusted in response to environmental conditions, making them potential markers of environmentally- and developmentally-induced paternal effects on the next generation(s). Although there is some intriguing evidence for Sfc-mediated paternal effects, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this review, the current evidence regarding the links between seminal fluid and environmental paternal effects and the potential pathways and mechanisms that seminal fluid may follow in mediating paternal epigenetic inheritance are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Patlar
- Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany
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10
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Zhang Y, Ma W, Ma C, Zhang Q, Tian Z, Tian Z, Chen H, Guo J, Wan F, Zhou Z. The hsp70 new functions as a regulator of reproduction both female and male in Ophraella communa. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:931525. [PMID: 36203880 PMCID: PMC9531545 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.931525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (Hsps) function as molecular chaperones that enable organisms to withstand stress and maintain normal life activities. In this study, we identified heat shock protein 70 (encoded by hsp70), which exhibits a higher expression in the mature male testis than in the unmature testis of Ophraella communa. Tissue expression profile revealed that Ochsp70 levels in males were highest in the testis, whereas those in females were highest in the head. Moreover, the expression of Ochsp70 was found to be significantly induced in female bursa copulatrix after mating. Double-stranded RNA dsOchsp70 was injected into males to performance RNA interference, which significantly decreased the male Ochsp70 expression levels within 20 d post-injection, whereas no effect was observed on the Ochsp70 expression level in the females after mating with dsOchsp70-injected males. However, significant downregulation of female fertility was marked simultaneously. Furthermore, knockdown of female Ochsp70 expression also led to a significant reduction in fertility. Finally, comparative transcriptomic analysis identified glucose dehydrogenase and insulin-like growth factor binding protein as putative downstream targets of Ochsp70. Overall, we deduced that Ochsp70 is an indispensable gene and a potential male mating factor in O. communa, which regulates reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinglu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenya Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenqi Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Jianying Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fanghao Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongshi Zhou,
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11
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Zhang Y, Zhao C, Ma W, Cui S, Chen H, Ma C, Guo J, Wan F, Zhou Z. Larger males facilitate population expansion in Ophraella communa. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2782-2792. [PMID: 34448211 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the most intriguing concepts in animal ecology is the reproductive advantages offered by larger body size, and the females prefer to mate with larger males to gain reproductive advantage. Currently, it is not clear how females recognize signs of male 'quality' and what mechanisms are involved in producing offspring with direct or indirect benefits. Our study aims to assess the preferences of females for males in Ophraella communa, determine the reproductive benefits and reveal the underlying mechanism behind this advantage. We demonstrate that male body size is an important determinant in the evolutionary process of O. communa, affecting female mate choice. Moreover, our study establishes that females prefer males with a larger body size, and this could further improve the developmental and reproductive fitness of their offspring. Finally, we focus on the seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) in O. communa, determine differentially expressed genes (i.e. OcACE, OcCBP and OcSFP) by analysing their proteomes and transcriptomes, and define the role of these SFPs-related genes through RNAi. Our study proved that the reproductive benefit of large males may be regulated by biased expression of crucial SFPs genes. The present study advances our understanding of the biological significance of preferential mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaowei Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianying Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fanghao Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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12
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Lin YB, Rong JJ, Wei XF, Sui ZX, Xiao J, Huang DW. Proteomics and ultrastructural analysis of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larval peritrophic matrix. Proteome Sci 2021; 19:7. [PMID: 33836751 PMCID: PMC8035744 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-021-00175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has significant economic potential. The larvae can be used in financially viable waste management systems, as they are voracious feeders able to efficiently convert low-quality waste into valuable biomass. However, most studies on H. illucens in recent decades have focused on optimizing their breeding and bioconversion conditions, while information on their biology is limited. METHODS About 200 fifth instar well-fed larvae were sacrificed in this work. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy were employed in this study to perform a proteomic and ultrastructural analysis of the peritrophic matrix (PM) of H. illucens larvae. RESULTS A total of 565 proteins were identified in the PM samples of H. illucen, of which 177 proteins were predicted to contain signal peptides, bioinformatics analysis and manual curation determined 88 proteins may be associated with the PM, with functions in digestion, immunity, PM modulation, and others. The ultrastructure of the H. illucens larval PM observed by scanning electron microscopy shows a unique diamond-shaped chitin grid texture. CONCLUSIONS It is the first and most comprehensive proteomics research about the PM of H. illucens larvae to date. All the proteins identified in this work has been discussed in details, except several unnamed or uncharacterized proteins, which should not be ignored and need further study. A comparison of the ultrastructure between H. illucens larval PM and those of other insects as observed by SEM indicates that the PM displays diverse textures on an ultra-micro scale and we suscept a unique diamond-shaped chitin grid texture may help H. illucens larval to hold more food. This work deepens our understanding of the molecular architecture and ultrastructure of the H. illucens larval PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Bo Lin
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing-Jing Rong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xun-Fan Wei
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhuo-Xiao Sui
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jinhua Xiao
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Da-Wei Huang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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13
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Xiao HY, Li GC, Wang ZQ, Guo YR, Liu NY. Combined transcriptomic, proteomic and genomic analysis identifies reproductive-related proteins and potential modulators of female behaviors in Spodoptera litura. Genomics 2021; 113:1876-1894. [PMID: 33839272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, is a polyandrous moth with high reproductive ability. Sexual reproduction is a unique strategy for survival and reproduction of population in this species. However, to date available information about its reproductive genes is rare. Here, we combined transcriptomics, genomics and proteomics approaches to characterize reproductive-related proteins in S. litura. Illumina sequencing in parallel with the reference genome led to the yields of 12,161 reproductive genes, representing 47.83% of genes annotated in the genome. Further, 524 genes of 19 specific gene families annotated in the genome were detected in reproductive tissues of both sexes, some of which exhibited sex-biased and/or tissue-enriched expression. Of these, manual efforts together with the transcriptome analyses re-annotated 54 odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and 23 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) with an increase of 18 OBPs and one CSP compared to those previously annotated in the genome. Interestingly, at least 35 OBPs and 22 CSPs were transcribed in at least one reproductive tissue, suggestive of their involvement in reproduction. Further proteomic analysis revealed 2381 common proteins between virgin and mated female reproductive systems, 79 of which were differentially expressed. More importantly, 74 proteins exclusive to mated females were identified as transferred relatives, coupled with their specific or high expression in male reproductive systems. Of the transferred proteins, several conserved protein classes across insects were observed including OBPs, serpins, trypsins and juvenile hormone-binding proteins. Our current study has extensively surveyed reproductive genes in S. litura with an emphasis on the roles of OBPs and CSPs in reproduction, and identifies potentially transferred proteins serving as modulators of female post-mating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Gen-Ceng Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Zheng-Quan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Yu-Ruo Guo
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Nai-Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China.
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14
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The 40-Year Mystery of Insect Odorant-Binding Proteins. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040509. [PMID: 33808208 PMCID: PMC8067015 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival of insects depends on their ability to detect molecules present in their environment. Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) form a family of proteins involved in chemoreception. While OBPs were initially found in olfactory appendages, recently these proteins were discovered in other chemosensory and non-chemosensory organs. OBPs can bind, solubilize and transport hydrophobic stimuli to chemoreceptors across the aqueous sensilla lymph. In addition to this broadly accepted "transporter role", OBPs can also buffer sudden changes in odorant levels and are involved in hygro-reception. The physiological roles of OBPs expressed in other body tissues, such as mouthparts, pheromone glands, reproductive organs, digestive tract and venom glands, remain to be investigated. This review provides an updated panorama on the varied structural aspects, binding properties, tissue expression and functional roles of insect OBPs.
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15
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Isolation, Identification, and Bioinformatic Analysis of Antibacterial Proteins and Peptides from Immunized Hemolymph of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010083. [PMID: 33440876 PMCID: PMC7826645 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, 1791, Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a destructive pest of palms, rapidly extending its native geographical range and causing large economic losses worldwide. The present work describes isolation, identification, and bioinformatic analysis of antibacterial proteins and peptides from the immunized hemolymph of this beetle. In total, 17 different bactericidal or bacteriostatic compounds were isolated via a series of high-pressure liquid chromatography steps, and their partial amino acid sequences were determined by N-terminal sequencing or by mass spectrometry. The bioinformatic analysis of the results facilitated identification and description of corresponding nucleotide coding sequences for each peptide and protein, based on the recently published R. ferrugineus transcriptome database. The identified compounds are represented by several well-known bactericidal factors: two peptides similar to defensins, one cecropin-A1-like peptide, and one attacin-B-like protein. Interestingly, we have also identified some unexpected compounds comprising five isoforms of pheromone-binding proteins as well as seven isoforms of odorant-binding proteins. The particular role of these factors in insect response to bacterial infection needs further investigation.
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16
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Liu ZF, Liang YY, Sun XT, Yang J, Zhang PJ, Gao Y, Fan JB, Fan RJ. Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes of Chrysoperla sinica Related to Flight Capacity by Transcriptome. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6147310. [PMID: 33620485 PMCID: PMC7901589 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The lacewing Chrysoperla sinica (Tjeder) is a common natural enemy of many insect pests in China and is frequently employed for biological control programs. Adults make migratory flights after emergence, which reduces their effectiveness as biological control agents. Previously, we proved that 2-d-old unmated females exhibited significantly stronger flight ability than 3-d-old ones. Meanwhile, 3-d-old unmated adults flew significantly longer distances than mated ones. In this study, Illumina RNA sequencing was performed to characterize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between virgin and mated adults of different ages in a single female strain of C. sinica. In total, 713,563,726 clean reads were obtained and de novo assembled into 109,165 unigenes with an average length of 847 bp (N50 of 1,754 bp), among which 4,382 (4.01%) unigenes matched known proteins. Based on these annotations, many putative transcripts were related to C. sinica's flight capacity and muscle structure, energy supply, growth, development, environmental adaptability, and metabolism of nutritional components and bioactive components. In addition, the differential expression of transcripts between different ages and mating status were analyzed, and DEGs participating in flight capacity and muscles were detected, including glutathione hydrolase, NAD-specific glutamate dehydrogenase, aminopeptidase, and acidic amino acid decarboxylase. The DEGs with functions associated with flight capacity and muscles exhibited higher transcript levels for younger (2 d--old) virgins. This comprehensive C. sinica transcriptomic data provide a foundation for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the flight capacity to meet the physiological demands of flight muscles in C. sinica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Fang Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Yao-yao Liang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-ting Sun
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Jiu Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Bin Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Ren-Jun Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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17
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Ramm SA. Seminal fluid and accessory male investment in sperm competition. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200068. [PMID: 33070740 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm production and allocation strategies have been a central concern of sperm competition research for the past 50 years. But during the 'sexual cascade' there may be strong selection for alternative routes to maximizing male fitness. Especially with the evolution of internal fertilization, a common and by now well-studied example is the accessory ejaculate investment represented by seminal fluid, the complex mixture of proteins, peptides and other components transferred to females together with sperm. How seminal fluid investment should covary with sperm investment probably depends on the mechanism of seminal fluid action. If seminal fluid components boost male paternity success by directly enhancing sperm function or use, we might often expect a positive correlation between the two forms of male investment, whereas trade-offs seem more likely if seminal fluid acts independently of sperm. This is largely borne out by a broad taxonomic survey to establish the prevailing patterns of seminal fluid production and allocation during animal evolution, in light of which I discuss the gaps that remain in our understanding of this key ejaculate component and its relationship to sperm investment, before outlining promising approaches for examining seminal fluid-mediated sperm competitiveness in the post-genomic era. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Ramm
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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18
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Short neuropeptide F signaling regulates functioning of male reproductive system in Tenebrio molitor beetle. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:521-534. [PMID: 32749520 PMCID: PMC7441091 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides of short neuropeptides F family (sNPF) have been identified in various arthropods. They are pleiotropic neuromolecules which so far have been mainly associated with regulation of feeding and metabolism, as well as growth and development, locomotion, circadian rhythm or learning and memory. Here, we describe the effects of Tenebrionid sNPF peptide (SGRSPSLRLRFa) on various aspects of the male reproductive physiology in the Tenebrio molitor beetle. We identified in silico the putative sNPF receptor Tenmo-sNPFR. Based on RT-PCR technique, it was shown that the receptor might be present in the male reproductive tissues of this beetle. The analysis of receptor amino acid sequence showed that it is similar to other beetle sNPFRs, as well as other insect species, and belongs rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Injections of Trica-sNPF and its shorter form Trica-sNPF(4–11) caused differentiated effects in T. molitor male reproductive tissues. After 24 h post injections, the peptides decreased the concentration of the soluble protein fraction in testes of 4- and 8-day-old beetles as well as the dry mass of these organs but only in 8-day-old individuals. The same effects were shown with regard to accessory glands. Both peptides decrease the concentration of the soluble protein fraction but do not affect the dry mass of this organ. Furthermore, injections of Trica-sNPF at the 10–7 M concentration decrease the total sperm number in the reproductive system. Surprisingly, the same concentration of the shorter form, Trica-sNPF(4–11) increased the sperm number. It was also shown that both peptides in different manner influence contractions of ejaculatory duct. The data presented in this article give new evidence that sNPFs are involved in the regulation of reproductive events in beetles, which might be the part of a larger neuropeptide network combining feeding, growth and development with the physiology of reproduction.
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19
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Gao X, Tian Z, Zhang Y, Chen G, Ma C, Tian Z, Cui S, Lu Y, Zhou Z. Transcriptome Analysis of Ophraella communa Male Reproductive Tract in Indirect Response to Elevated CO 2 and Heat Wave. Front Physiol 2020; 11:417. [PMID: 32431624 PMCID: PMC7215069 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increase in atmospheric CO2 directly affects the insect physiology and behavior, and indirectly affects the herbivorous insects by affecting their hosts. The increase in atmospheric CO2 is accompanied by an increase in temperature and heat waves. Ophraella communa LeSage is a natural enemy of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed). The development and reproduction of this beetle is weakened upon eating common ragweed grown under stress conditions. As female behavior and physiology alter after mating, the reproductive tract of males is likely to modulate reproduction and development in this species. Herein, the transcriptional profiles of testes and accessory glands from male O. communa individuals feeding on common ragweed under conditions of high CO2 concentration and heat waves and that grown under ambient CO2 concentration were compared. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the same tissues from beetles fed on common ragweed grown under different stress conditions. There were 3, 2, 3, 1and 5 genes related to decomposition and transport of macromolecular substances, host location, stress response, reproduction, and poisonous food-utilization. No expected response was observed in the male reproductive tract, but some of the identified DEGs might control the development of the population. The results presented here should be helpful in guiding future studies on deciphering the indirect response of other organs to high CO2 concentration and heat waves, as well as the functions of seminal fluid proteins in O. communa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyuan Gao
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenya Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangmei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenqi Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaowei Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongyue Lu
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Zhang Y, Chen J, Chen G, Ma C, Chen H, Gao X, Tian Z, Cui S, Tian Z, Guo J, Wan F, Zhou Z. Identification and Validation of Reference Genes for Quantitative Gene Expression Analysis in Ophraella communa. Front Physiol 2020; 11:355. [PMID: 32457641 PMCID: PMC7220992 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ophraella communa is an effective bio-control agent of the invasive common weed. By now, the reference genes in O. communa have not yet been screened and validated. The aim of this study was to screen for the most stable reference genes in different backgrounds, such as different developmental stages, sexes, tissues, and male reproductive system with different body sizes. We selected 12 common housekeeping genes involved in different biological processes, including GAPDH, ACT1, ACT2, ARF1, ARF4, SDH, βTUBC, RPL4, RPL19, RPS18, EF1α, and COX as the candidate reference genes. To analyze the stability of the candidate reference genes, we first used three dedicated algorithms, GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, and further comprehensive ranking was provided by ReFinder. The results showed that RPL19 and RPL4 exhibited the least variation in different developmental stages/sexes and in male reproductive systems with different body sizes. COX proved to be most suitable for normalizing the gene expression levels in different tissues, and coincidentally, RPL19 was also found to be second in terms of stability in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify suitable reference genes for analyzing gene expression in O. communa; thus, this study would lay the foundation for future research on the molecular physiology and biochemistry of O. communa and other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangmei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Xuyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenqi Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaowei Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenya Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianying Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fanghao Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Weber M, Giannakara A, Ramm SA. Seminal fluid-mediated fitness effects in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13889-13901. [PMID: 31938489 PMCID: PMC6953679 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As a class, seminal fluid proteins are expected to exert strong effects on mating partners due to the selection pressures of sperm competition and sexual conflict. But because of the complexity of this secretion, linking specific proteins to downstream effects on own fitness-via manipulating the reproductive behavior, physiology, and ultimately the sperm utilization of mating partners-is not straightforward. Here, we adopted a systematic gene knockdown approach to screen for seminal fluid-mediated fitness effects in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We focused on 18 transcripts in M. lignano seminal fluid, testing how their RNA interference-induced knockdown impacted on three aspects of donor (male) reproductive success: (a) fertility (offspring production of the partner); (b) defensive sperm competitive ability, P 1; and (c) offensive sperm competitive ability, P 2. In general, the knockdown of most individual transcripts appeared to have only a minor impact on male reproductive success, though we found evidence that the knockdown of up to five different transcripts impacted on fertility; the knockdown of two other transcripts resulted in reduced P 2; and knockdown of a further transcript actually increased P 2. We thus identify a number of candidate seminal fluid transcripts that appear to modulate offspring production and sperm competitiveness in M. lignano. That only a minority of transcripts exhibit such a pattern likely reflects both the difficulty of accurately estimating sperm competitiveness and the functional redundancy of seminal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weber
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Athina Giannakara
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Steven A. Ramm
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
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22
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Sirot LK. On the evolutionary origins of insect seminal fluid proteins. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 278:104-111. [PMID: 30682344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In most cases, proteins affect the phenotype of the individual in which they are produced. However, in some cases, proteins have evolved in such a way that they are able to influence the phenotype of another individual of the same or of a different species ("influential proteins"). Examples of interspecific influential proteins include venom proteins and proteins produced by parasites that influence their hosts' physiology or behavior. Examples of intraspecific influential proteins include those produced by both mothers and fetuses that mitigate maternal resource allocation and proteins transferred to females in the seminal fluid during mating that change female physiology and behavior. Although there has been much interest in the functions and evolutionary dynamics of these influential proteins, less is known about the origin of these proteins. Where does the DNA that encodes the proteins that can impact another individual's phenotype come from and how do the proteins acquire their influential abilities? In this mini-review, I use insect seminal fluid proteins as a case study to consider the origin of intraspecific influential proteins. The existing data suggest that influential insect seminal fluid proteins arise both through co-option of existing genes (both single copy genes and gene duplicates) and de novo evolution. Other mechanisms for the origin of new insect seminal fluid proteins (e.g., retrotransoposition and horizontal gene transfer) are plausible but have not yet been demonstrated. Additional gaps in our understanding of the origin of insect seminal fluid proteins include an understanding of the cis-regulatory elements that designate expression in the male reproductive tract and of the evolutionary steps by which individual proteins come to depend on other seminal fluid proteins for their activity within the mated female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura King Sirot
- Department of Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH 44691, United States.
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23
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Karr TL, Southern H, Rosenow MA, Gossmann TI, Snook RR. The Old and the New: Discovery Proteomics Identifies Putative Novel Seminal Fluid Proteins in Drosophila. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S23-S33. [PMID: 30760537 PMCID: PMC6427231 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.001098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs), the nonsperm component of male ejaculates produced by male accessory glands, are viewed as central mediators of reproductive fitness. SFPs effect both male and female post-mating functions and show molecular signatures of rapid adaptive evolution. Although Drosophila melanogaster, is the dominant insect model for understanding SFP evolution, understanding of SFP evolutionary causes and consequences require additional comparative analyses of close and distantly related taxa. Although SFP identification was historically challenging, advances in label-free quantitative proteomics expands the scope of studying other systems to further advance the field. Focused studies of SFPs has so far overlooked the proteomes of male reproductive glands and their inherent complex protein networks for which there is little information on the overall signals of molecular evolution. Here we applied label-free quantitative proteomics to identify the accessory gland proteome and secretome in Drosophila pseudoobscura,, a close relative of D. melanogaster,, and use the dataset to identify both known and putative novel SFPs. Using this approach, we identified 163 putative SFPs, 32% of which overlapped with previously identified D. melanogaster, SFPs and show that SFPs with known extracellular annotation evolve more rapidly than other proteins produced by or contained within the accessory gland. Our results will further the understanding of the evolution of SFPs and the underlying male accessory gland proteins that mediate reproductive fitness of the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Karr
- From the ‡Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona;.
| | - Helen Southern
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Toni I Gossmann
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rhonda R Snook
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Weber M, Wunderer J, Lengerer B, Pjeta R, Rodrigues M, Schärer L, Ladurner P, Ramm SA. A targeted in situ hybridization screen identifies putative seminal fluid proteins in a simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:81. [PMID: 29848299 PMCID: PMC5977470 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Along with sperm, in many taxa ejaculates also contain large numbers of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs). SFPs and sperm are transferred to the mating partner, where they are thought to play key roles in mediating post-mating sexual selection. They modulate the partner's behavior and physiology in ways that influence the reproductive success of both partners, thus potentially leading to sexual conflict. Despite the presumed general functional and evolutionary significance of SFPs, their identification and characterization has to date focused on just a few animal groups, predominantly insects and mammals. Moreover, until now seminal fluid profiling has mainly focused on species with separate sexes. Here we report a comprehensive screen for putative SFPs in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. RESULTS Based on existing transcriptomic data, we selected 150 transcripts known to be (a) predominantly expressed in the tail region of the worms, where the seminal fluid-producing prostate gland cells are located, and (b) differentially expressed in social environments differing in sperm competition level, strongly implying that they represent a phenotypically plastic aspect of male reproductive allocation in this species. For these SFP candidates, we then performed whole-mount in situ hybridization (ISH) experiments to characterize tissue-specific expression. In total, we identified 98 transcripts that exhibited prostate-specific expression, 76 of which we found to be expressed exclusively in the prostate gland cells; additional sites of expression for the remaining 22 included the testis or other gland cells. Bioinformatics analyses of the prostate-limited candidates revealed that at least 64 are predicted to be secretory proteins, making these especially strong candidates to be SFPs that are transferred during copulation. CONCLUSIONS Our study represents a first comprehensive analysis using a combination of transcriptomic and ISH screen data to identify SFPs based on transcript expression in seminal fluid-producing tissues. We thereby extend the range of taxa for which seminal fluid has been characterized to a flatworm species with a sequenced genome and for which several methods such as antibody staining, transgenesis and RNA interference have been established. Our data provide a basis for testing the functional and evolutionary significance of SFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weber
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Julia Wunderer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcelo Rodrigues
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Current address: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Ridley Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England NE1 7RU UK
| | - Lukas Schärer
- Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steven A. Ramm
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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25
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Gotoh A, Shigenobu S, Yamaguchi K, Kobayashi S, Ito F, Tsuji K. Transcriptome characterization of male accessory glands in ants to identify molecules involved in their reproductive success. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:212-220. [PMID: 29226989 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In insects, seminal fluid proteins that are produced by male accessory glands and transferred to females during mating have key functions in sperm competition and sperm physiology that lead to male reproductive success. In ants, male reproductive success also depends on the longevity of sperm stored in the queen's spermatheca because their sexual offspring are usually produced only after a prolonged storage period. We identified genes that were up-regulated in the male accessory glands relative to the bodies of Crematogaster osakensis to characterize the reproductive molecules associated with male reproductive success in ants. We found novel genes that had no hits in a homology search and that were predominantly expressed in the accessory glands. These reproductive proteins may have evolved under rapid positive selection for reproductive success in the species. Furthermore, we discovered that three spermatheca-specific genes of C. osakensis queens were also enriched in the accessory glands relative to the bodies of males. These genes may be important for maintaining the sperm quality continuously from ejaculation by males to prolonged storage by queens. This research provides crucial information about the molecular mechanisms of sperm maintenance and sexual selection in ants, and also insight into the evolution of reproductive strategies in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gotoh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering and Institute for Integrative Neurobiology, Konan University, Kobe, Japan
| | - S Shigenobu
- NIBB Core Research Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - K Yamaguchi
- NIBB Core Research Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - S Kobayashi
- Life Science Center of Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA Center), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - F Ito
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Ikenobe, Miki, Japan
| | - K Tsuji
- Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Nishihara, Japan
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26
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Marciniak P, Urbański A, Kudlewska M, Szymczak M, Rosiński G. Peptide hormones regulate the physiological functions of reproductive organs in Tenebrio molitor males. Peptides 2017; 98:35-42. [PMID: 27353004 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In insects, the majority of studies have been conducted on the hormonal regulation of female reproduction. Thus far, little is known about the regulation of male reproductive physiology, especially by peptide hormones. We report here, for the first time in insects, the effects of three peptides, Neb-colloostatin (SIVPLGLPVPIGPIVVGPR), Neb-TMOF (NPTNLH) and Lepde-NPF-I (ARGPQLRLRFa), on various aspects of reproduction in male Tenebrio molitor beetles. All three tested peptides increased the soluble protein concentration in the testes and the dry mass of the beetle's testes. They also significantly changed the protein profiles of the testes. Injection of these peptides also significantly changed the number of sperm cells in the testes. However, the observed effects were age specific. The most prominent changes were observed in 4-day-old males. Neb-colloostatin and Neb-TMOF decreased the number of sperm cells, whereas Lepde-NPF-I increased the number of spermatocytes. Moreover, in vitro experiments revealed that Neb-TMOF and Lepde-NPF-I increased the contractility of the ejaculatory duct of T. molitor males. The results obtained suggest that different reproductive processes in males might be regulated by complex mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Milena Kudlewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Szymczak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umutlowska Str. 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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27
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Nagaoka S, Kawasaki S, Kawasaki H, Kamei K. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril disrupts the motility activation of sperm from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 103:18-28. [PMID: 28964767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (also known as peptidyl dicarboxypeptidase A, ACE, and EC 3.4.15.1), which is found in a wide range of organisms, cleaves C-terminal dipeptides from relatively short oligopeptides. Mammalian ACE plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. However, the precise physiological functions of insect ACE homologs have not been understood. As part of our effort to elucidate new physiological roles of insect ACE, we herein report a soluble ACE protein in male reproductive secretions from the silkmoth, Bombyx mori. Seminal vesicle sperm are quiescent in vitro, but vigorous motility is activated by treatment with either a glandula (g.) prostatica homogenate or trypsin in vitro. When seminal vesicle sperm were pre-incubated with captopril, a strong and specific inhibitor of mammalian ACE, and then stimulated to initiate motility by the addition of the g. prostatica homogenate or trypsin, the overall level of acquired motility was reduced in an inhibitor-concentration-dependent manner. In the course of this project, we detected ACE-related carboxypeptidase activity that was inhibited by captopril in both the vesicular (v.) seminalis of the noncopulative male reproductive tract and in the spermatophore that forms in the female bursa copulatrix at the time of mating, just as in an earlier report on the tomato moth, Lacanobia oleracea, which belongs to a different lepidopteran species (Ekbote et al., 2003a). Two distinct genes encoding ACE-like proteins were identified by analysis of B. mori cDNA, and were named BmAcer and BmAcer2, respectively [the former was previously reported by Quan et al. (2001) and the latter was first isolated in this paper]. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses indicated that the BmAcer2 was predominantly produced in v. seminalis and transferred to the spermatophore during copulation, while the BmAcer was not detected in the adult male reproductive organs. A recombinant protein of BmAcer2 (devoid of a signal peptide) that was expressed in Escherichia coli cells exhibited captopril-sensitive carboxypeptidase activities. Our findings show that the BmAcre2 gene encodes a secreted ACE protein included in the Bombyx seminal plasma. In particular, the silkworm ACE protein in the seminal fluid might be involved in the signaling pathway that leads to the activation and regulation of sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiharu Nagaoka
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; The Center for Advanced Insect Research Promotion (CAIRP), Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.
| | - Saori Kawasaki
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Hideki Kawasaki
- Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Kaeko Kamei
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
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28
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Gotoh A, Shigenobu S, Yamaguchi K, Kobayashi S, Ito F, Tsuji K. Transcriptome profiling of the spermatheca identifies genes potentially involved in the long-term sperm storage of ant queens. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5972. [PMID: 28729606 PMCID: PMC5519678 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05818-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Females of social Hymenoptera only mate at the beginning of their adult lives and produce offspring until their death. In most ant species, queens live for over a decade, indicating that ant queens can store large numbers of spermatozoa throughout their long lives. To reveal the prolonged sperm storage mechanisms, we identified enriched genes in the sperm-storage organ (spermatheca) relative to those in body samples in Crematogaster osakensis queens using the RNA-sequencing method. The genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, proteases, and extracellular matrix-related genes, and novel genes that have no similar sequences in the public databases were identified. We also performed differential expression analyses between the virgin and mated spermathecae or between the spermathecae at 1-week and 1-year after mating, to identify genes altered by the mating status or by the sperm storage period, respectively. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses suggested that antioxidant function is enhanced in the spermatheca at 1-week after mating compared with the virgin spermatheca and the spermatheca at 1-year after mating. In situ hybridization analyses of 128 selected contigs revealed that 12 contigs were particular to the spermatheca. These genes have never been reported in the reproductive organs of insect females, suggesting specialized roles in ant spermatheca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Gotoh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering and Institute for Integrative Neurobiology, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, 658-8501, Japan.
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- NIBB Core Research Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Katsushi Yamaguchi
- NIBB Core Research Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Satoru Kobayashi
- Life Science Center of Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA Center), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Fuminori Ito
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Ikenobe, Miki, 761-0795, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tsuji
- Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
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29
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Pelosi P, Iovinella I, Zhu J, Wang G, Dani FR. Beyond chemoreception: diverse tasks of soluble olfactory proteins in insects. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2017; 93:184-200. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pelosi
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests; Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100193 China
| | | | - Jiao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests; Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100193 China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests; Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100193 China
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30
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Yan HY, Mita K, Zhao X, Tanaka Y, Moriyama M, Wang H, Iwanaga M, Kawasaki H. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene family of Bombyx mori. Gene 2017; 608:58-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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31
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The toxicity of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors to larvae of the disease vectors Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45409. [PMID: 28345667 PMCID: PMC5366949 DOI: 10.1038/srep45409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of mosquitoes is threatened by the appearance of insecticide resistance and therefore new control chemicals are urgently required. Here we show that inhibitors of mosquito peptidyl dipeptidase, a peptidase related to mammalian angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), are insecticidal to larvae of the mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. ACE inhibitors (captopril, fosinopril and fosinoprilat) and two peptides (trypsin-modulating oostatic factor/TMOF and a bradykinin-potentiating peptide, BPP-12b) were all inhibitors of the larval ACE activity of both mosquitoes. Two inhibitors, captopril and fosinopril (a pro-drug ester of fosinoprilat), were tested for larvicidal activity. Within 24 h captopril had killed >90% of the early instars of both species with 3rd instars showing greater resistance. Mortality was also high within 24 h of exposure of 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars of An. gambiae to fosinopril. Fosinopril was also toxic to Ae. aegypti larvae, although the 1st instars appeared to be less susceptible to this pro-drug even after 72 h exposure. Homology models of the larval An. gambiae ACE proteins (AnoACE2 and AnoACE3) reveal structural differences compared to human ACE, suggesting that structure-based drug design offers a fruitful approach to the development of selective inhibitors of mosquito ACE enzymes as novel larvicides.
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32
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Bayram H, Sayadi A, Goenaga J, Immonen E, Arnqvist G. Novel seminal fluid proteins in the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus identified by a proteomic and transcriptomic approach. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:58-73. [PMID: 27779332 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus is a significant agricultural pest and increasingly studied model of sexual conflict. Males possess genital spines that increase the transfer of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) into the female body. As SFPs alter female behaviour and physiology, they are likely to modulate reproduction and sexual conflict in this species. Here, we identified SFPs using proteomics combined with a de novo transcriptome. A prior 2D-sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis identified male accessory gland protein spots that were probably transferred to the female at mating. Proteomic analysis of these spots identified 98 proteins, a majority of which were also present within ejaculates collected from females. Standard annotation workflows revealed common functional groups for SFPs, including proteases and metabolic proteins. Transcriptomic analysis found 84 transcripts differentially expressed between the sexes. Notably, genes encoding 15 proteins were highly expressed in male abdomens and only negligibly expressed within females. Most of these sequences corresponded to 'unknown' proteins (nine of 15) and may represent rapidly evolving SFPs novel to seed beetles. Our combined analyses highlight 44 proteins for which there is strong evidence that they are SFPs. These results can inform further investigation, to better understand the molecular mechanisms of sexual conflict in seed beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bayram
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Sayadi
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Goenaga
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Immonen
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - G Arnqvist
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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33
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Al-Wathiqui N, Fallon TR, South A, Weng JK, Lewis SM. Molecular characterization of firefly nuptial gifts: a multi-omics approach sheds light on postcopulatory sexual selection. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38556. [PMID: 28004739 PMCID: PMC5177949 DOI: 10.1038/srep38556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Postcopulatory sexual selection is recognized as a key driver of reproductive trait evolution, including the machinery required to produce endogenous nuptial gifts. Despite the importance of such gifts, the molecular composition of the non-gametic components of male ejaculates and their interactions with female reproductive tracts remain poorly understood. During mating, male Photinus fireflies transfer to females a spermatophore gift manufactured by multiple reproductive glands. Here we combined transcriptomics of both male and female reproductive glands with proteomics and metabolomics to better understand the synthesis, composition and fate of the spermatophore in the common Eastern firefly, Photinus pyralis. Our transcriptome of male glands revealed up-regulation of proteases that may enhance male fertilization success and activate female immune response. Using bottom-up proteomics we identified 208 functionally annotated proteins that males transfer to the female in their spermatophore. Targeted metabolomic analysis also provided the first evidence that Photinus nuptial gifts contain lucibufagin, a firefly defensive toxin. The reproductive tracts of female fireflies showed increased gene expression for several proteases that may be involved in egg production. This study offers new insights into the molecular composition of male spermatophores, and extends our understanding of how nuptial gifts may mediate postcopulatory interactions between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy R Fallon
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Adam South
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jing-Ke Weng
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sara M Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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34
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Serpins in arthropod biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 62:105-119. [PMID: 27603121 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Serpins are the largest known family of serine proteinase inhibitors and perform a variety of physiological functions in arthropods. Herein, we review the field of serpins in arthropod biology, providing an overview of current knowledge and topics of interest. Serpins regulate insect innate immunity via inhibition of serine proteinase cascades that initiate immune responses such as melanization and antimicrobial peptide production. In addition, several serpins with anti-pathogen activity are expressed as acute-phase serpins in insects upon infection. Parasitoid wasps can downregulate host serpin expression to modulate the host immune system. In addition, examples of serpin activity in development and reproduction in Drosophila have also been discovered. Serpins also function in host-pathogen interactions beyond immunity as constituents of venom in parasitoid wasps and saliva of blood-feeding ticks and mosquitoes. These serpins have distinct effects on immunosuppression and anticoagulation and are of interest for vaccine development. Lastly, the known structures of arthropod serpins are discussed, which represent the serpin inhibitory mechanism and provide a detailed overview of the process.
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35
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Yu B, Li DT, Lu JB, Zhang WX, Zhang CX. Seminal fluid protein genes of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:654. [PMID: 27538518 PMCID: PMC4990865 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are produced mainly in the accessory gland of male insects and transferred to females during mating, in which they induce numerous physiological and post-mating behavioral changes. The brown plant hopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is an economically important hemipterous pest of rice. The behavior and physiology of the female of this species is significantly altered by mating. SFPs in hemipteran species are still unclear. Results We applied high-throughput mass spectrometry proteomic analyses to characterize the SFP composition in N. lugens. We identified 94 putative secreted SFPs, and the expression levels of these proteins was determined from the male accessory gland digital gene expression database. The 94 predicted SFPs showed high expression in the male accessory gland. Comparing N. lugens and other insect SFPs, the apparent expansion of N. lugens seminal fluid trypsins and carboxylesterases was observed. The number of N. lugens seminal fluid trypsins (20) was at least twice that in other insects. We detected 6 seminal fluid carboxylesterases in N. lugens seminal fluid, while seminal fluid carboxylesterases were rarely detected in other insects. Otherwise, new insect SFPs, including mesencephalic astrocyte–derived neurotrophic factor, selenoprotein, EGF (epidermal growth factor) domain–containing proteins and a neuropeptide ion transport-like peptide were identified. Conclusion This work represents the first characterization of putative SFPs in a hemipeteran species. Our results provide a foundation for future studies to investigate the functions of SFPs in N. lugens and are an important addition to the available data for comparative studies of SFPs in insects. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3013-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dan-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jia-Bao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wen-Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Wei D, Tian CB, Liu SH, Wang T, Smagghe G, Jia FX, Dou W, Wang JJ. Transcriptome analysis to identify genes for peptides and proteins involved in immunity and reproduction from male accessory glands and ejaculatory duct of Bactrocera dorsalis. Peptides 2016; 80:48-60. [PMID: 26297881 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the male reproductive system of insects, the male accessory glands and ejaculatory duct (MAG/ED) are important organs and their primary function is to enhance the fertility of spermatozoa. Proteins secreted by the MAG/ED are also known to induce post-mating changes and immunity responses in the female insect. To understand the gene expression profile in the MAG/ED of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), that is an important pest in fruits, we performed an Illumina-based deep sequencing of mRNA. This yielded 54,577,630 clean reads corresponding to 4.91Gb total nucleotides that were assembled and clustered to 30,669 unigenes (average 645bp). Among them, 20,419 unigenes were functionally annotated to known proteins/peptides in Gene Orthology, Clusters of Orthologous Groups, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway databases. Typically, many genes were involved in immunity and these included microbial recognition proteins and antimicrobial peptides. Subsequently, the inducible expression of these immunity-related genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis when insects were challenged with immunity-inducible factors, suggesting their function in guaranteeing fertilization success. Besides, we identified some important reproductive genes such as juvenile hormone- and ecdysteroid-related genes in this de novo assembly. In conclusion, this transcriptomic sequencing of B. dorsalis MAG/ED provides insights to facilitate further functional research of reproduction, immunity and molecular evolution of reproductive proteins in this important agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chuan-Bei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Shi-Huo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fu-Xian Jia
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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Bonilla ML, Todd C, Erlandson M, Andres J. Combining RNA-seq and proteomic profiling to identify seminal fluid proteins in the migratory grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes (F). BMC Genomics 2015; 16:1096. [PMID: 26694822 PMCID: PMC4689059 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2327-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal fluid proteins control many aspects of fertilization and in turn, they play a key role in post-mating sexual selection and possibly reproductive isolation. Because effective proteome profiling relies on the availability of high-quality DNA reference databases, our knowledge of these proteins is still largely limited to model organisms with ample genetic resources. New advances in sequencing technology allow for the rapid characterization of transcriptomes at low cost. By combining high throughput RNA-seq and shotgun proteomic profiling, we have characterized the seminal fluid proteins secreted by the primary male accessory gland of the migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes), one of the main agricultural pests in central North America. RESULTS Using RNA sequencing, we characterized the transcripts of ~ 8,100 genes expressed in the long hyaline tubules (LHT) of the accessory glands. Proteomic profiling identified 353 proteins expressed in the long hyaline tubules (LHT). Of special interest are seminal fluid proteins (SFPs), such as EJAC-SP, ACE and prostaglandin synthetases, which are known to regulate female oviposition in insects. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides new insights into the proteomic components of male ejaculate in Orthopterans, and highlights several important patterns. First, the presence of proteins that lack predicted classical secretory tags in accessory gland proteomes is common in male accessory glands. Second, the products of a few highly expressed genes dominate the accessory gland secretions. Third, accessory gland transcriptomes are enriched for novel transcripts. Fourth, there is conservation of SFPs' functional classes across distantly related taxonomic groups with very different life histories, mating systems and sperm transferring mechanisms. The identified SFPs may serve as targets of future efforts to develop species- specific genetic control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Bonilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, A.237. Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
| | - Christopher Todd
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
| | - Martin Erlandson
- Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-0X2, Canada.
| | - Jose Andres
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N-5E2, Canada.
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Proteome analysis of male accessory gland secretions in oriental fruit flies reveals juvenile hormone-binding protein, suggesting impact on female reproduction. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16845. [PMID: 26582577 PMCID: PMC4652233 DOI: 10.1038/srep16845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, the accessory gland proteins (Acps) secreted by male accessory glands (MAGs) account for the majority of seminal fluids proteins. Mixed with sperm, they are transferred to the female at mating and so impact reproduction. In this project, we identified 2,927 proteins in the MAG secretions of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, an important agricultural pest worldwide, using LC-MS analysis, and all sequences containing open reading frames were analyzed using signalP. In total, 90 Acps were identified. About one third (26) of these 90 Acps had a specific functional description, while the other two thirds (64) had no functional description including dozens of new classes of proteins. Hence, several of these novel Acps were abundant in the MAG secretions, and we confirmed their MAG-specific expression by qPCR. Finally and interestingly, one of these novel proteins was functionally predicted as juvenile hormone-binding protein, suggesting the impact of Acps with reproductive events in the female. Our results will aid in the development of an experimental method to identify Acps in insects, and in turn this information with new Acps in B. dorsalis will pave the way of further exploration their function in reproduction and potential development as new insecticide targets.
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A Catalog of Proteins Expressed in the AG Secreted Fluid during the Mature Phase of the Chinese Mitten Crabs (Eriocheir sinensis). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136266. [PMID: 26305468 PMCID: PMC4549300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The accessory gland (AG) is an important component of the male reproductive system of arthropods, its secretions enhance fertility, some AG proteins bind to the spermatozoa and affect its function and properties. Here we report the first comprehensive catalog of the AG secreted fluid during the mature phase of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). AG proteins were separated by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and analyzed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Altogether, the mass spectra of 1173 peptides were detected (1067 without decoy and contaminants) which allowed for the identification of 486 different proteins annotated upon the NCBI database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and our transcritptome dataset. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited at the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000700. An extensive description of the AG proteome will help provide the basis for a better understanding of a number of reproductive mechanisms, including potentially spermatophore breakdown, dynamic functional and morphological changes in sperm cells and sperm acrosin enzyme vitality. Thus, the comprehensive catalog of proteins presented here can serve as a valuable reference for future studies of sperm maturation and regulatory mechanisms involved in crustacean reproduction.
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Xu J, Anciro AL, Palli SR. Nutrition regulation of male accessory gland growth and maturation in Tribolium castaneum. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10567. [PMID: 26035685 PMCID: PMC4649929 DOI: 10.1038/srep10567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway is known to control growth, development and reproduction. Insulin-like peptide mediated body size plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster has been reported. Here, our studies showed that IIS pathway and nutrition regulate growth and maturation of the male accessory gland (MAG) in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. The size of MAG increased from day 1 to day 5 post-adult emergence (PAE). This increase in the size of MAG is contributed by an increase in cell size, but not cell number. The growth of MAG was impaired after double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated knockdown in the expression of genes coding for ILP3, InR, Chico, PI3k, AKT, and GATA1 involved in IIS pathway. Interestingly, starvation showed similar effects on the growth and maturation of MAG. The phenotypes observed in animals where IIS signaling pathway genes were knocked down are similar to the phenotypes observed after starving beetles for 5 days PAE. These data suggest that nutrition signals working through IIS pathway regulate maturation of MAG by promoting the growth of MAG cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Xu
- Department of Entomology, college of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Ashlee L Anciro
- Department of Entomology, college of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, college of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
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Dippel S, Oberhofer G, Kahnt J, Gerischer L, Opitz L, Schachtner J, Stanke M, Schütz S, Wimmer EA, Angeli S. Tissue-specific transcriptomics, chromosomal localization, and phylogeny of chemosensory and odorant binding proteins from the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum reveal subgroup specificities for olfaction or more general functions. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:1141. [PMID: 25523483 PMCID: PMC4377858 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemoreception is based on the senses of smell and taste that are crucial for animals to find new food sources, shelter, and mates. The initial step in olfaction involves the translocation of odorants from the periphery through the aqueous lymph of the olfactory sensilla to the odorant receptors most likely by chemosensory proteins (CSPs) or odorant binding proteins (OBPs). Results To better understand the roles of CSPs and OBPs in a coleopteran pest species, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), we performed transcriptome analyses of male and female antennae, heads, mouthparts, legs, and bodies, which revealed that all 20 CSPs and 49 of the 50 previously annotated OBPs are transcribed. Only six of the 20 CSP are significantly transcriptionally enriched in the main chemosensory tissues (antenna and/or mouthparts), whereas of the OBPs all eight members of the antenna binding proteins II (ABPII) subgroup, 18 of the 20 classic OBP subgroup, the C + OBP, and only five of the 21 C-OBPs show increased chemosensory tissue expression. By MALDI-TOF-TOF MS protein fingerprinting, we confirmed three CSPs, four ABPIIs, three classic OBPs, and four C-OBPs in the antennae. Conclusions Most of the classic OBPs and all ABPIIs are likely involved in chemoreception. A few are also present in other tissues such as odoriferous glands and testes and may be involved in release or transfer of chemical signals. The majority of the CSPs as well as the C-OBPs are not enriched in antennae or mouthparts, suggesting a more general role in the transport of hydrophobic molecules. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-1141) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ernst A Wimmer
- Department of Developmental Biology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, GZMB, Ernst-Caspari-Haus, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Goettingen 37077, Germany.
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Shpakov AO, Derkach KV. Functional role of membrane-bound adenylyl cyclases and coupled to them receptors and G-proteins in regulation of fertility of spermatozoa. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093014040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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van Iersel S, Swart EM, Nakadera Y, van Straalen NM, Koene JM. Effect of male accessory gland products on egg laying in gastropod molluscs. J Vis Exp 2014:e51698. [PMID: 24998794 PMCID: PMC4204792 DOI: 10.3791/51698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In internally fertilizing animals, seminal fluid is usually added to the spermatozoa, together forming the semen or ejaculate. Besides nourishing and activating sperm, the components in the seminal fluid can also influence female physiology to augment fertilization success of the sperm donor. While many studies have reported such effects in species with separate sexes, few studies have addressed this in simultaneously hermaphroditic animals. This video protocol presents a method to study effects of seminal fluid in gastropods, using a simultaneously hermaphroditic freshwater snail, the great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, as model organism. While the procedure is shown using complete prostate gland extracts, individual components (i.e., proteins, peptides, and other compounds) of the seminal fluid can be tested in the same way. Effects of the receipt of ejaculate components on egg laying can be quantified in terms of frequency of egg laying and more subtle estimates of female reproductive performance such as egg numbers within each egg masses. Results show that seminal fluid proteins affect female reproductive output in this simultaneous hermaphrodite, highlighting their importance for sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander van Iersel
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University
| | - Elferra M Swart
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University
| | - Yumi Nakadera
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University
| | - Nico M van Straalen
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University
| | - Joris M Koene
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University;
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Boes KE, Ribeiro JMC, Wong A, Harrington LC, Wolfner MF, Sirot LK. Identification and characterization of seminal fluid proteins in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2946. [PMID: 24945155 PMCID: PMC4063707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an important vector for pathogens that affect human health, including the viruses that cause dengue and Chikungunya fevers. It is also one of the world's fastest-spreading invasive species. For these reasons, it is crucial to identify strategies for controlling the reproduction and spread of this mosquito. During mating, seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) are transferred from male mosquitoes to females, and these Sfps modulate female behavior and physiology in ways that influence reproduction. Despite the importance of Sfps on female reproductive behavior in mosquitoes and other insects, the identity of Sfps in Ae. albopictus has not previously been reported. We used transcriptomics and proteomics to identify 198 Sfps in Ae. albopictus. We discuss possible functions of these Sfps in relation to Ae. albopictus reproduction-related biology. We additionally compare the sequences of these Sfps with proteins (including reported Sfps) in several other species, including Ae. aegypti. While only 72 (36.4%) of Ae. albopictus Sfps have putative orthologs in Ae. aegypti, suggesting low conservation of the complement of Sfps in these species, we find no evidence for an elevated rate of evolution or positive selection in the Sfps that are shared between the two Aedes species, suggesting high sequence conservation of those shared Sfps. Our results provide a foundation for future studies to investigate the roles of individual Sfps on feeding and reproduction in this mosquito. Functional analysis of these Sfps could inform strategies for managing the rate of pathogen transmission by Ae. albopictus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Boes
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - José M. C. Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alex Wong
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura C. Harrington
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura K. Sirot
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
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Pan PP, Zhan QT, Le F, Zheng YM, Jin F. Angiotensin-converting enzymes play a dominant role in fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:21071-86. [PMID: 24152441 PMCID: PMC3821659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141021071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, infertility, associated with metabolic syndrome, has become a global issue with a 10%-20% incidence worldwide. An accumulating body of evidence has shown that the renin-angiotensin system is involved in the fertility problems observed in some populations. Moreover, alterations in the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-1, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, and angiotensin-converting enzyme-3 might be one of the most important mechanisms underlying both female and male infertility. However, as a pseudogene in humans, further studies are needed to explore whether the abnormal angiotensin-converting enzyme-3 gene could result in the problems of human reproduction. In this review, the relationship between angiotensin-converting enzymes and fertile ability is summarized, and a new procedure for the treatment of infertility is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Pei Pan
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China; E-Mails: (P.-P.P.); (Q.-T.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.-M.Z.)
| | - Qi-Tao Zhan
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China; E-Mails: (P.-P.P.); (Q.-T.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.-M.Z.)
| | - Fang Le
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China; E-Mails: (P.-P.P.); (Q.-T.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.-M.Z.)
| | - Ying-Ming Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China; E-Mails: (P.-P.P.); (Q.-T.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.-M.Z.)
| | - Fan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou 310006, China; E-Mails: (P.-P.P.); (Q.-T.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.-M.Z.)
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Merzendorfer H. PROTECTING SPERM IN SEMINAL FLUID. J Exp Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.077842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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