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Wang HC, Li L, Zhang JH, Yao ZH, Pang BP. MicroRNA miR-285 modulates the metamorphosis in Galeruca daurica by targeting Br-C. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3349-3357. [PMID: 38385645 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8038] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Galeruca daurica has become a new pest on the Inner Mongolia grasslands since an abrupt outbreak in 2009 caused serious damage. As a pupa indicator during insect metamorphosis, the early response gene of the ecdysone signaling pathway, Broad-Complex (Br-C), plays a vital role in the growth and development of insects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which mediate various biological activities, but it is unknown whether and how Br-C is regulated by miRNAs. RESULTS Temporal expression profiles revealed that miR-285 and Br-C basically displayed an opposite trend during larval-adult development, and Br-C was sharply up-regulated on the last day of final-instar larvae while miR-285 was significantly down-regulated. Both dual-luciferase reporter assay and miRNA-mRNA interaction assay indicated that miR-285 interacts with the coding sequence of Br-C and represses its expression. Not only overexpression but also downexpression of miR-285 led to the failure of larval to pupal to adult metamorphosis. In addition, both overexpression of miR-285 and silence of Br-C inhibited the expression of Br-C and other ecdysone signaling pathway genes, including E74, E75, ECR, FTZ-F1, and HR3. On the contrary, suppressing miR-285 obtained opposite results. Further experiments showed that 20-hydroxyecdysone down-regulated miR-285 and up-regulated Br-C and above-mentioned genes, whereas juvenile hormone alalogue (JHA) resulted in opposite effects. CONCLUSION Our results reveal that miR-285 is involved in mediating the metamorphosis in G. daurica by targeting Br-C in the ecdysone signaling pathway. miR-285 and its target Br-C could be as a potential target for G. daurica management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Chao Wang
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ling Li
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jing-Hang Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Center for Plant Protection and Quarantine, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhi-Han Yao
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Bao-Ping Pang
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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Gaddelapati SC, George S, Moola A, Sengodan K, Palli SR. N(alpha)-acetyltransferase 40-mediated histone acetylation plays an important role in ecdysone regulation of metamorphosis in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Commun Biol 2024; 7:521. [PMID: 38702540 PMCID: PMC11068786 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06212-7] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation, a crucial epigenetic modification, is governed by histone acetyltransferases (HATs), that regulate many biological processes. Functions of HATs in insects are not well understood. We identified 27 HATs and determined their functions using RNA interference (RNAi) in the model insect, Tribolium castaneum. Among HATs studied, N-alpha-acetyltransferase 40 (NAA40) knockdown caused a severe phenotype of arrested larval development. The steroid hormone, ecdysone induced NAA40 expression through its receptor, EcR (ecdysone receptor). Interestingly, ecdysone-induced NAA40 regulates EcR expression. NAA40 acetylates histone H4 protein, associated with the promoters of ecdysone response genes: EcR, E74, E75, and HR3, and causes an increase in their expression. In the absence of ecdysone and NAA40, histone H4 methylation by arginine methyltransferase 1 (ART1) suppressed the above genes. However, elevated ecdysone levels at the end of the larval period induced NAA40, promoting histone H4 acetylation and increasing the expression of ecdysone response genes. NAA40 is also required for EcR, and steroid-receptor co-activator (SRC) mediated induction of E74, E75, and HR3. These findings highlight the key role of ecdysone-induced NAA40-mediated histone acetylation in the regulation of metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharath Chandra Gaddelapati
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO, 63132, USA
| | - Smitha George
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Anilkumar Moola
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Karthi Sengodan
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
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Khong H, Hattley KB, Suzuki Y. The BTB transcription factor, Abrupt, acts cooperatively with Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) to repress metamorphosis and promotes leg regeneration. Dev Biol 2024; 509:70-84. [PMID: 38373692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Many insects undergo the process of metamorphosis when larval precursor cells begin to differentiate to create the adult body. The larval precursor cells retain stem cell-like properties and contribute to the regenerative ability of larval appendages. Here we demonstrate that two Broad-complex/Tramtrack/Bric-à-brac Zinc-finger (BTB) domain transcription factors, Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) and Abrupt (Ab), act cooperatively to repress metamorphosis in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Knockdown of chinmo led to precocious development of pupal legs and antennae. We show that although topical application of juvenile hormone (JH) prevents the decrease in chinmo expression in the final instar, chinmo and JH act in distinct pathways. Another gene encoding the BTB domain transcription factor, Ab, was also necessary for the suppression of broad (br) expression in T. castaneum in a chinmo RNAi background, and simultaneous knockdown of ab and chinmo led to the precocious onset of metamorphosis. Furthermore, knockdown of ab led to the loss of regenerative potential of larval legs independently of br. In contrast, chinmo knockdown larvae exhibited pupal leg regeneration when a larval leg was ablated. Taken together, our results show that both ab and chinmo are necessary for the maintenance of the larval tissue identity and, apart from its role in repressing br, ab acts as a crucial regulator of larval leg regeneration. Our findings indicate that BTB domain proteins interact in a complex manner to regulate larval and pupal tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesper Khong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA
| | - Kayli B Hattley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA
| | - Yuichiro Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA.
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Cao Z, Bakumenko O, Vlasenko V, Li W, Cao J. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the ecdysone receptor isoform (EcR) from the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22110. [PMID: 38605666 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22110] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a vital role in a series of biological processes, via the nuclear receptors, EcR/USP by activating the ecdysone regulatory cascade. To clarify the role of EcR during the development of Grapholita molesta, the complementary DNA of ecdysone receptor isoform B1 (GmEcR-B1) was obtained from the transcriptome of G. molesta and verified by PCR. Alignment analysis revealed that the deduced protein sequence of GmEcR-B1 was highly homologous to EcR proteins identified in other lepidopteran species, especially the EcR-B1 isoform in Spodoptera litura. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that GmEcRs was expressed at all test developmental stages, and the expression level of GmEcRs was relatively higher during the period of the 3rd day of fifth instar larvae to 2nd of pupa than those in other stages. Moreover, the messenger RNA of GmEcRs was much more strongly expressed in the Malpighian tubule and epidermis than those in other tissues, which suggests that this gene may function in a tissue-specific manner during larval development. Silencing of GmEcRs could significantly downregulate the transcriptional level of ecdysone-inducible genes and result in increased mortality during metamorphosis and prolonged prepupal duration. Taken together, the present results indicate that GmEcRs may directly or indirectly affect the development of G. molesta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishan Cao
- Department of Plant Protection, International Joint Laboratory of Taxonomy and Systematic Evolution of Insecta, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Olha Bakumenko
- Department of Plant Protection, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Vlasenko
- Department of Plant Protection, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Weihai Li
- Department of Plant Protection, International Joint Laboratory of Taxonomy and Systematic Evolution of Insecta, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jinjun Cao
- Department of Plant Protection, International Joint Laboratory of Taxonomy and Systematic Evolution of Insecta, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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Ahmad S, Jamil M, Jaworski CC, Wu Y, Palma-Onetto V, Lyu B, Luo Y. Knockdown of the ecdysone receptor disrupts development and causes mortality in the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:738-747. [PMID: 37646607 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbits are important economic plants that are attacked by numerous pests, among which the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae is extremely problematic. New sustainable pest control strategies are necessary to replace chemical insecticides that are harmful to the environment, human health and nontarget species. The RNA interference (RNAi) technology is one of the most promising tools due to high efficiency and species specificity. We developed an RNAi strategy targeting the ecdysone receptor (ECR) of Z. cucurbitae, which plays an important role in moulting and reproduction. We identified, described and isolated the ECR gene of Z. cucurbitae and measured its expression pattern across developmental stages and tissues. ZcECR knockdown via dsZcECR ingestion caused a significant larval mortality and abnormal phenotypes in pupae and adults. About 68% of larvae fed with a dsZcECR-treated diet failed to enter the pupal stage and died. In addition, ZcECR knockdown dramatically reduced pupal weight (by 3.24 mg on average) and fecundity (by about 23%). RNAi targeting the ECR gene is therefore a promising method to control Z. cucurbitae, paving the way for the development of novel sustainable and highly specific control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmad
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Momana Jamil
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | | | - Yuejie Wu
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Valeria Palma-Onetto
- Departamento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Baoqian Lyu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, China
| | - Yanping Luo
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Palli SR. RNAi turns 25:contributions and challenges in insect science. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1209478. [PMID: 38469536 PMCID: PMC10926446 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1209478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi), a Nobel prize-winning technology, made significant contributions to advances in biology because of its ability to mediate the knockdown of specific target genes. RNAi applications in medicine and agriculture have been explored with mixed success. The past 25 years of research on RNAi resulted in advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of its action, target specificity, and differential efficiency among animals and plants. RNAi played a major role in advances in insect biology. Did RNAi technology fully meet insect pest and disease vector management expectations? This review will discuss recent advances in the mechanisms of RNAi and its contributions to insect science. The remaining challenges, including delivery to the target site, differential efficiency, potential resistance development and possible solutions for the widespread use of this technology in insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Li J, Lyu B, Bi J, Shan R, Stanley D, Feng Q, Song Q. Partner of neuropeptide bursicon homodimer pburs mediates a novel antimicrobial peptide Ten3LP via Dif/Dorsal2 in Tribolium castaneum. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 247:125840. [PMID: 37454995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Bursicon is a cystine knot family neuropeptide, composed of two subunits, bursicon (burs) and partner of burs (pburs). The subunits can form heterodimers to regulate cuticle tanning and wing maturation and homodimers to signal different biological functions in innate immunity, midgut stem cell proliferation and energy homeostasis, and reproductive physiology in the model insects Drosophila melanogaster or Tribolium castaneum. Here, we report on the role of the pburs homodimer in signaling innate immunity in T. castaneum larvae. Through transcriptome analysis we identified a set of immune-related genes that respond to pburs RNAi. Treating larvae with recombinant-pburs protein led to up-regulation of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes in vivo and in vitro. The upregulation of most AMP genes was dependent on the NF-κB transcription factor Relish. Most importantly, we identified a novel AMP, Tenecin 3-like peptide (Ten3LP), regulated by pburs via NF-κB transcription factor Dorsal-related immunity factor (Dif)/Dorsal2, but not Relish. We conducted Ten3LP RNAi, synthesized recombinant Ten3LP protein for microbial inhibition assays and functionally characterized Ten3LP as an AMP specific for fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. We demonstrate that expression of Ten3LP is activated by pburs via the Toll pathway. These findings identify new molecular targets for development of potential antibiotics for treating microbial infections and perhaps for RNAi based pest management technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Bo Lyu
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Institution of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-product, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Ruiqi Shan
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - David Stanley
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Biological Control of Insect Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station (USDA/ARS), Columbia, MO 65203, USA.
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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8
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Yu J, Song H, Wang Y, Liu Z, Wang H, Xu B. 20-hydroxyecdysone Upregulates Ecdysone Receptor (ECR) Gene to Promote Pupation in the Honeybee, Apis mellifera Ligustica. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:288-303. [PMID: 37365683 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A heterodimeric complex of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (ECR) and ultraspiracle (USP), transduces 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling to modulate insect growth and development. Here, we aimed to determine the relationship between ECR and 20E during larval metamorphosis and also the specific roles of ECR during larval-adult transition in Apis mellifera. We found that ECR gene expression peaked in the 7-day-old larvae, then decreased gradually from the pupae stage. 20E slowly reduced food consumption and then induced starvation, resulting in small-sized adults. In addition, 20E induced ECR expression to regulate larval development time. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were prepared using common dsECR as templates. After dsECR injection, larval transition to the pupal stage was delayed, and 80% of the larvae showed prolonged pupation beyond 18 h. Moreover, the mRNA levels of shd, sro, nvd, and spo, and ecdysteroid titers were significantly decreased in ECR RNAi larvae compared with those in GFP RNAi control larvae. ECR RNAi disrupted 20E signaling during larval metamorphosis. We performed rescuing experiments by injecting 20E in ECR RNAi larvae and found that the mRNA levels of ECR, USP, E75, E93, and Br-c were not restored. 20E induced apoptosis in the fat body during larval pupation, while RNAi knockdown of ECR genes reduced apoptosis. We concluded that 20E induced ECR to modulate 20E signaling to promote honeybee pupation. These results assist our understanding of the complicated molecular mechanisms of insect metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Hongyu Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Hongfang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Baohua Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, China
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Li J, Lyu B, Song Q. TGF-β Type II Receptor Punt Suppresses Antimicrobial Peptide Expression and Influences Development in Tribolium castaneum. INSECTS 2023; 14:515. [PMID: 37367331 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily in insects regulated various physiological events, including immune response, growth and development, and metamorphosis. This complex network of signaling pathways involves conserved cell-surface receptors and signaling co-receptors that allow for precisely coordinated cellular events. However, the roles of TGF-β receptors, particularly the type II receptor Punt, in mediating the innate immunity in insects remains unclear. In this study, we used the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model species to investigate the role of TGF-β type II receptor Punt in mediating antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression. Developmental and tissue-specific transcript profiles revealed Punt was constitutively expressed throughout development, with the highest transcript level in 1-day female pupae and the lowest transcript level in 18-day larvae. Tissue specific expression profiles showed the highest transcript level of Punt was observed in the Malpighian tubule and ovary in 18-day larvae and 1-day female adults, respectively, suggesting Punt might have distinct functions in larvae and adults. Further results indicated that Punt RNAi in the 18-day larvae led to increased transcript level of AMP genes through transcription factor Relish, leading to inhibition of Escherichia coli proliferation. Knockdown of Punt in larvae also led to splitting of adult elytra and abnormal compound eyes. Furthermore, knockdown of Punt during the female pupal stage resulted in increased transcript levels of AMP genes, as well as abnormal ovary, reduced fecundity, and failure of eggs to hatch. This study deepens our understanding of the biological significance of Punt in insect TGF-β signaling and lays the groundwork for further research of its role in insect immune response, development, and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Bo Lyu
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Wellmeyer B, Böhringer AC, Rösner J, Merzendorfer H. Analyses of ecdysteroid transporters in the fat body of Tribolium castaneum. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36892191 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The control of insect moulting and metamorphosis involves ecdysteroids that orchestrate the execution of developmental genetic programs by binding to dimeric hormone receptors consisting of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP). In insects, the main ecdysteroids comprise ecdysone (E), which is synthesized in the prothoracic gland and secreted into the haemolymph, and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), which is considered the active form by binding to the nuclear receptor of the target cell. While biosynthesis of ecdysteroids has been studied in detail in different insects, the transport systems involved in guiding these steroid hormones across cellular membranes have just recently begun to be studied. By analysing RNAi phenotypes in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, we have identified three transporter genes, TcABCG-8A, TcABCG-4D and TcOATP4-C1, whose silencing results in phenotypes similar to that observed when the ecdysone receptor gene TcEcRA is silenced, that is, abortive moulting and abnormal development of adult compound eyes during the larval stage. The genes of all three transporters are expressed at higher levels in the larval fat body of T. castaneum. We analysed potential functions of these transporters by combining RNAi and mass spectrometry. However, the analysis of gene functions is challenged by mutual RNAi effects indicating interdependent gene regulation. Based on our findings, we propose that TcABCG-8A, TcABCG-4D and TcOATP4-C1 participate in the ecdysteroid transport in fat body cells, which are involved in E → 20E conversion catalysed by the P450 enzyme TcShade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Wellmeyer
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, 57068, Germany
| | | | - Janin Rösner
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, 57068, Germany
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, 57068, Germany
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Xie J, Peng G, Wang M, Zhong Q, Song X, Bi J, Tang J, Feng F, Gao H, Li B. RR-1 cuticular protein TcCPR69 is required for growth and metamorphosis in Tribolium castaneum. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1612-1628. [PMID: 35312233 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cuticle is not only critical for protecting insects from noxious stimuli but is also involved in a variety of metabolic activities. Cuticular proteins (CPs) affect cuticle structure and mechanical properties during insect growth, reproduction, and environmental adaptation. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a member of the RR-1 subfamily of CPs with an R&R consensus (CPR) in Tribolium castaneum (TcCPR69). Although it was previously reported to be highly expressed in the wings, we found that knocking down TcCPR69 by RNA interference (RNAi) did not cause obvious wing abnormalities but markedly disrupted the growth and metamorphosis of beetles with 100% cumulative mortality; additionally, the chitin content of the pharate adult was decreased and the new abdominal cuticle was significantly thinner before molting. TcCPR69 showed chitin-binding ability and the expression levels of key genes involved in chitin metabolism (trehalase [TcTRE], chitin synthase [TcCHSA and TcCHSB], and chitinase [TcCHT5 and TcCHT10]) were also decreased by TcCPR69 knockdown. TcCPR69 gene expression peaked shortly after molting and was increased 2.61 fold at 12 h after 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) injection. This was reversed by RNAi of the ecdysone-related genes ecdysone receptor (TcECR) and fushi tarazu transcription factor 1 (TcFTZ-F1). These results indicate that TcCPR69 is positively regulated by 20E signaling to contribute to cuticle formation and maintain chitin accumulation during the growth and metamorphosis of beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Guifang Peng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qisheng Zhong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowen Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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Zhao W, Zhang B, Geng Z, Chang Y, Wei J, An S. The uncommon function and mechanism of the common enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the metamorphosis of Helicoverpa armigera. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1042867. [DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1042867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a key enzyme in glycolysis, is commonly used as an internal reference gene in humans, mice, and insects. However, the function of GAPDH in insect development, especially in metamorphosis, has not been reported. In the present study, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda ovarian cell lines (Sf9 cells) were used as materials to study the function and molecular mechanism of GAPDH in larval metamorphosis. The results showed that HaGAPDH was more closely related to GAPDH of S. frugiperda and Spodoptera litura. The transcript peaks of HaGAPDH in sixth instar larvae were 6L-3 (epidermal and midgut) and 6L-1 (fat body) days, and 20E and methoprene significantly upregulated the transcripts of HaGAPDH of larvae in qRT-PCR. HaGAPDH–GFP–His was specifically localized in mitochondria in Sf9 cells. Knockdown of HaGAPDH by RNA interference (RNAi) in sixth instar larvae resulted in weight loss, increased mortality, and decreases in the pupation rate and emergence rates. HaGAPDH is directly bound to soluble trehalase (HaTreh1) physically and under 20E treatment in yeast two-hybrid, coimmunoprecipitation, and colocalization experiments. In addition, knockdown of HaGAPDH increased the Treh1 activity, which in turn decreased the trehalose content but increased the glucose content in larvae. Therefore, these data demonstrated that GAPDH controlled the glucose content within the normal range to ensure glucose metabolism and metamorphosis by directly binding with HaTreh1.
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Li J, Yin L, Bi J, Stanley D, Feng Q, Song Q. The TGF-β Receptor Gene Saxophone Influences Larval-Pupal-Adult Development in Tribolium castaneum. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27186017. [PMID: 36144752 PMCID: PMC9505606 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily encodes a large group of proteins, including TGF-β isoforms, bone morphogenetic proteins and activins that act through conserved cell-surface receptors and signaling co-receptors. TGF-β signaling in insects controls physiological events, including growth, development, diapause, caste determination and metamorphosis. In this study, we used the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model species to investigate the role of the type I TGF-β receptor, saxophone (Sax), in mediating development. Developmental and tissue-specific expression profiles indicated Sax is constitutively expressed during development with lower expression in 19- and 20-day (6th instar) larvae. RNAi knockdown of Sax in 19-day larvae prolonged developmental duration from larvae to pupae and significantly decreased pupation and adult eclosion in a dose-dependent manner. At 50 ng dsSax/larva, Sax knockdown led to an 84.4% pupation rate and 46.3% adult emergence rate. At 100 ng and 200 ng dsSax/larva, pupation was down to 75.6% and 50%, respectively, with 0% adult emergence following treatments with both doses. These phenotypes were similar to those following knockdowns of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) receptor genes, ecdysone receptor (EcR) or ultraspiracle protein (USP). Expression of 20E biosynthesis genes disembodied and spookier, 20E receptor genes EcR and USP, and 20E downstream genes BrC and E75, were suppressed after the Sax knockdown. Topical application of 20E on larvae treated with dsSax partially rescued the dsSax-driven defects. We can infer that the TGF-β receptor gene Sax influences larval-pupal-adult development via 20E signaling in T. castaneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Letong Yin
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Institution of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Product, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan 250100, China
| | - David Stanley
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Biological Control of Insect Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station (USDA/ARS), Columbia, MO 65203, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence:
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14
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Tang J, Zhai M, Yu R, Song X, Feng F, Gao H, Li B. MiR-3017b contributes to metamorphosis by targeting sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase in Tribolium castaneum. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:286-296. [PMID: 35038196 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing numbers of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate insect metamorphosis. One thousand, one hundred fifty-four miRNAs have been previously identified from Tribolium castaneum by high-throughput sequencing; however, little is known about which miRNAs can participate in metamorphosis, leaving the role of miRNAs in regulating the underlying mechanism elusive. Here, we report the participation of miR-3017b in the metamorphosis of T. castaneum. Temporal profiles revealed that miR-3017b was highly expressed at the late larval stage, but significantly decreased at the early pupal stage. Overexpression of miR-3017b caused larval to pupal to adult metamorphosis arrested. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and miRNA-mRNA interaction assay illustrated that miR-3017b interacts with the coding sequence of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) and suppresses its expression. Knockdown of SERCA caused metamorphosis arrested, similar to that observed in miR-3017b overexpression beetles. Further functional mechanism analyses revealed that 20-hydroxyecdysone application downregulates miR-3017b and up-regulates SERCA expression. The expression level of downstream genes in the 20E pathway was disrupted after overexpressing miR-3017 and the knockdown of SERCA. These results provided evidence miR-3017b-SERCA contributes to metamorphosis by regulating the 20E pathway in T. castaneum. It could advance our understanding of the coordination of 20E and miRNA regulation in insect metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengfan Zhai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Runnan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowen Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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15
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Kottaipalayam-Somasundaram SR, Jacob JP, Aiyar B, Merzendorfer H, Nambiar-Veetil M. Chitin metabolism as a potential target for RNAi-based control of the forestry pest Hyblaea puera Cramer (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:296-303. [PMID: 34487617 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyblaea puera, commonly known as the teak defoliator, is a serious pest in teak plantations. Despite the availability of control measures, this pest causes losses in yield and quality of timber through voracious feeding. RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising strategy for the control of this pest. Chitin metabolism, which is vital for the growth and development of arthropods, is a potential target for developing RNAi-based insecticides. RESULTS To assess the effects of chitin metabolism inhibition, H. puera larvae were treated with a chitin synthesis inhibitor, diflubenzuron (DFB). DFB treatment caused pupal deformities and disrupted eclosion. Partial gene sequences for three key genes of H. puera chitin metabolism were cloned and sequenced: chitin synthase 1 (HpCHS1), chitinase-h (HpChi-h) and ecdysone receptor (HpEcR). Feeding dsRNA cognate for these three target genes to the first instar of H. puera resulted in mortality and reduction in the corresponding transcript levels as assessed through qRT-PCR. This is the first report of RNAi in this forestry pest. The highest mortality was 45.9%, in response to dsHpEcR treatment; HpChi-h transcripts were the most down-regulated in response to dsHpEcR feeding. DsHpEcR RNAi resulted in growth inhibition and molting arrest. The mortalities were 29.7% and 32.4% for dsHpCHS1 and dsHpChi-h feeding, respectively. CONCLUSION Chitin metabolism could be a potential target for RNAi-based control of H. puera, and HpCHS1, HpChi-h and HpEcR could be suitable target genes. However, the RNAi efficacy needs to be improved through formulations that improve stability and uptake, and employing better delivery strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmiya R Kottaipalayam-Somasundaram
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
- Department Biology/Chemistry, Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - John P Jacob
- Forest Protection Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
| | - Balasubramanian Aiyar
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Department Biology/Chemistry, Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Mathish Nambiar-Veetil
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
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16
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Li J, Zhu Z, Bi J, Feng Q, Beerntsen BT, Song Q. Neuropeptide Bursicon Influences Reproductive Physiology in Tribolium Castaneum. Front Physiol 2021; 12:717437. [PMID: 34744761 PMCID: PMC8567023 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.717437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bursicon is a neuropeptide belonging to the cystine knot family and is composed of burs and partner of burs (pburs) subunits. It can form heterodimers or homodimers to execute different biological functions. Bursicon heterodimers regulate cuticle sclerotization and wing maturation, whereas bursicon homodimers mediate innate immunity and midgut stem cell proliferation. A recent study has shown that bursicon potentially induces the expression of vitellogenin (Vg) in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of bursicon in the reproductive physiology of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. The knockdown of burs, pburs, or its receptor T. castaneum rickets (Tcrk) in 2-day pupae significantly downregulated the expression levels of Vg1, Vg2, and Vg receptor (VgR) genes in females 3- and 5-day post-adult emergence, leading to abnormal oocytes with limited Vg content. The silencing of burs repressed the number of eggs laid and completely inhibited egg hatch, whereas the silencing of pburs dramatically decreased the number of eggs laid, hatch rate, and offspring larval size, and this RNA interference (RNAi) effects persisted to the next generation. Furthermore, the knockdown of burs or pburs downregulated the expression of the insulin/insulin-like signaling/target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling genes encoding insulin receptor (InR), protein kinase B (Akt), TOR, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K). Most importantly, the injection of recombinant pburs (r-pburs) protein was able to upregulate the expression of Vg, VgR, InR, Akt, TOR, S6K, JH synthesis (JHAMT), Methoprene-tolerant (Met), and Taiman (Tai) in normal females and rescue the expression of Vg and VgR in pburs RNAi females but failed to rescue Vg and VgR in Tcrk knockdown females. We infer that bursicon homodimers influence Vg expression via the receptor Tcrk, possibly by mediating the expression of the juvenile hormone (JH) and IIS/TOR pathway genes, thereby regulating reproduction in T. castaneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Zidan Zhu
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Institution of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Product, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Brenda T Beerntsen
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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17
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Suzuki Y, Toh L. Constraints and Opportunities for the Evolution of Metamorphic Organisms in a Changing Climate. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.734031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We argue that developmental hormones facilitate the evolution of novel phenotypic innovations and timing of life history events by genetic accommodation. Within an individual’s life cycle, metamorphic hormones respond readily to environmental conditions and alter adult phenotypes. Across generations, the many effects of hormones can bias and at times constrain the evolution of traits during metamorphosis; yet, hormonal systems can overcome constraints through shifts in timing of, and acquisition of tissue specific responses to, endocrine regulation. Because of these actions of hormones, metamorphic hormones can shape the evolution of metamorphic organisms. We present a model called a developmental goblet, which provides a visual representation of how metamorphic organisms might evolve. In addition, because developmental hormones often respond to environmental changes, we discuss how endocrine regulation of postembryonic development may impact how organisms evolve in response to climate change. Thus, we propose that developmental hormones may provide a mechanistic link between climate change and organismal adaptation.
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18
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Jin W, Tan E, Ghartey-Kwansah G, Jia Y, Xi G. Expression of 20-hydroxyecdysone-related genes during gonadal development of Teleogryllus emma (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 108:e21824. [PMID: 34272758 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect gonads develop under endocrine signals. In this study, we assessed the characters of partial complementary DNAs encoding the Teleogryllus emma orthologs of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E)-related genes (RXR, E75, HR3, Hsc70, and Hsp90) and analyzed their expression patterns in both nymph and adult crickets. 20E treatment suppressed expression of TeEcR, TeRXR, TeE75, TeHR3, TeHsc70, and TeHsp90. Temporal expression analysis demonstrated that TeERR and 20E-related genes were expressed in four stages of gonadal development from the fourth-instar nymph stage to the adult stage. The expression pattern of these genes differed in testicular and ovarian development. TeRXR, HR3, TeHsc70, and TeHsp90 were irregularly expressed in gonads of the same developmental stages, while mRNAs encoding TeERR, TeEcR, and TeE75 accumulated in higher levels in ovaries than in testes. RNA interference (RNAi) of TeEcR expression led to decrease of the expression levels of TeEcR, TeRXR, TeHR3, and TeHsc70, while it enhanced TeE75 and TeHsp90 expressions. These results demonstrate that the TeERR and 20E-related genes help regulate gonadal development, while TeEcR appears to inhibit TeE75 expression, TeE75 inhibits HR3 expression. Hsc70 indirectly regulated the expression of the primary and secondary response genes E74A, E75B, and HR3. Hsp90 regulated Usp expression with no direct regulatory relationship with EcR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - E Tan
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - George Ghartey-Kwansah
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yishu Jia
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gengsi Xi
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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19
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Hou QL, Chen EH. RNA-seq analysis of gene expression changes in cuticles during the larval-pupal metamorphosis of Plutella xylostella. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 39:100869. [PMID: 34171685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a holometabolous insect that its cuticles must undergo the significant changes during the larval-pupal metamorphosis development. To elucidate these changes at molecular levels, RNA-seq analysis of cuticles from LLS (later fourth instar larval stage), PPS (prepupal stage) and PS (pupal stage) were performed in P. xylostella. In this paper, a total of 17,710 transcripts were obtained in the larval-pupal transition of P. xylostella, and out of which 2293 (881 up-regulated and 1412 down-regulated) and 2989 transcripts (2062 up-regulated and 927 down-regulated) were identified to be differentially expressed between LLS and PPS, as well as PPS and PS, respectively. The further GO and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the 'structural constituent of cuticle', 'chitin metabolic process', 'chitin binding', 'tyrosine metabolism' and 'insect hormone biosynthesis' pathways were significantly enriched, indicating these pathways might be involved in the process of larval pupation in P. xylostella. Then, we found some genes that encoded cuticular proteins, chitinolytic enzymes, chitin synthesis enzymes, and cuticle tanning proteins changed their expression levels remarkably, indicating these genes might play important roles in the restruction (degradation and biosynthesis) of insect cuticles during the larval metamorphosis. Additionally, the significant changes in the mRNA levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) related genes suggested their crucial roles in regulating cuticle remodeling during the larval metamorphosis of P. xylostella. In conclusion, the present study provide us the comprehensive gene expression profiles to explore the molecular mechanisms of cuticle metamorphosis in P. xylostella, which laid a molecular basis to study roles of specific pathways and genes in insect development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Li Hou
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Er-Hu Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China.
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20
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HuangFu N, Zhu X, Chang G, Wang L, Li D, Zhang K, Gao X, Ji J, Luo J, Cui J. Dynamic transcriptome analysis and Methoprene-tolerant gene knockdown reveal that juvenile hormone regulates oogenesis and vitellogenin synthesis in Propylea Japonica. Genomics 2021; 113:2877-2889. [PMID: 34116170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Propylea japonica has been regarded as one of the most remarkable natural enemies against aphid in China. However, the mechanism of juvenile hormone (JH) regulation of reproduction in P. japonica is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the JH titers of P. japonica and the development of the ovaries. We selected the six different developmental stages of ladybeetle females for transcriptome sequencing. We identified 583 genes involved in insect reproduction regulation, including 107 insect hormone synthesis signaling pathway-related genes and 476 nutrition-sensing signaling pathway-related genes. Transcriptome analysis indicated that a large number JH synthesis- and metabolism-related enzyme genes and some potential nutrient signal sensing- and transduction-related genes were significantly differentially expressed during P. japonica development. We investigated the effects of Met gene silencing on the reproduction of female adults and found that the ovarian maturation, vitellogenesis, and follicular epithelium development in the dsMet treatment group were significantly inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningbo HuangFu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Guofeng Chang
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Junyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jinjie Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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21
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Wu JJ, Mu LL, Kang WN, Ze LJ, Shen CH, Jin L, Anjum AA, Li GQ. RNA interference targeting ecdysone receptor blocks the larval-pupal transition in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:419-429. [PMID: 32162469 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is a serious insect pest which attacks a large number of nightshades and cucurbits in Asian countries, Brazil and Australia. Prolonged application of traditional pesticides has caused environmental pollution and exerted deleterious effects on human health. Finding new approaches with high target specificity and low environmental contamination has become an urgent task. RNA interference (RNAi) induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is expected to be applicable to managing this pest. Here we evaluated the effects of Escherichia coli-expressed dsRNAs targeting ecdysone receptor (EcR) gene via dietary delivery in laboratory and foliar spraying in a greenhouse. The target transcript was successfully knocked down when the 4th-instar larvae had fed on potato foliage dipped with dsEcR in a laboratory bioassay. Around 85% of the HvEcR RNAi larvae remained as prepupae or became abnormal pupae, and failed to emerge into adults. Ingestion of dsEcR-immersed foliage by the 3rd-instar larvae effectuated a comparable RNAi response and brought about more severe defects: all the resultant larvae arrested development, remained as prepupae and finally died. For assay in the greenhouse, a dsEcR-contained E. coli suspension was directly sprayed to the foliage of greenhouse-growing potato plants and the 3rd- and 4th-instar larvae were transferred to the leaves. High RNAi efficacy was obtained and identical RNAi phenotypes were observed in treated larvae. In addition, spraying dsEcR reduced leaf damage. Our results indicate a possibility of practical application of dsEcR as an environmentally friendly RNA pesticide to control H. vigintioctopunctata larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jian Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Li Mu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Nan Kang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long-Ji Ze
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen-Hui Shen
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ahmad Ali Anjum
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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22
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Functional characterization of a special dicistronic transcription unit encoding histone methyltransferase su(var)3-9 and translation regulator eIF2γ in Tribolium castaneum. Biochem J 2021; 477:3059-3074. [PMID: 32749451 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Operons are rare in eukaryotes, where they often allow concerted expression of functionally related genes. While a dicistronic transcription unit encoding two unrelated genes, the suppressor of position-effect variegation su(var)3-9 and the gamma subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2γ) has been found in insecta, and its significance is not well understood. Here, we analyzed the evolutionary history of this transcription unit in arthropods and its functions by using model Coleoptera insect Tribolium castaneum. In T. castaneum, Tcsu(var)3-9 fused into the 80 N-terminal amino acids of TceIF2γ, the transcription of these two genes are resolved by alternative splicing. Phylogenetic analysis supports the natural gene fusion of su(var)3-9 and eIF2γ occurred in the ancestral line of winged insects and silverfish, but with frequent re-fission during the evolution of insects. Functional analysis by using RNAi for these two genes revealed that gene fusion did not invoke novel functions for the gene products. As a histone methyltransferase, Tcsu(var)3-9 is primarily responsible for H3K9 di-, and tri-methylation and plays important roles in metamorphosis and embryogenesis in T. castaneum. While TceIF2γ plays essential roles in T. castaneum by positively regulating protein translation mediated ecdysteroid biosynthesis. The vulnerability of the gene fusion and totally different role of su(var)3-9 and eIF2γ in T. castaneum confirm this gene fusion is a non-selected, constructive neutral evolution event in insect. Moreover, the positive relationship between protein translation and ecdysteroid biosynthesis gives new insights into correlations between translation regulation and hormonal signaling.
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Sapin GD, Tomoda K, Tanaka S, Shinoda T, Miura K, Minakuchi C. Involvement of the transcription factor E75 in adult cuticular formation in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 126:103450. [PMID: 32818622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insect adult metamorphosis generally proceeds with undetectable levels of juvenile hormone (JH). In adult development of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, biosynthesis of adult cuticle followed by its pigmentation and sclerotization occurs, and dark coloration of the cuticle becomes visible in pharate adults. Here, we examined the molecular mechanism of adult cuticular formation in more detail. We noticed that an exogenous JH mimic (JHM) treatment of Day 0 pupae did not inhibit pigmentation or sclerotization, but instead, induced precocious pigmentation of adult cuticle two days in advance. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that ecdysone-induced protein 75B (E75) is downregulated in JHM-treated pupae. Meanwhile, tyrosine hydroxylase (Th), an enzyme involved in cuticular pigmentation and sclerotization, was precociously induced, whereas a structural cuticular protein CPR27 was downregulated, by exogenous JHM treatment. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of E75 resulted in precocious adult cuticular pigmentation, which resembled the phenotype caused by JHM treatment. Notably, upregulation of Th as well as suppression of CPR27 were observed with E75 knockdown. Meanwhile, JHM treatment suppressed the expression of genes involved in melanin synthesis, such as Yellow-y and Laccase 2, but E75 knockdown did not result in marked reduction in their expression. Taken together, these results provided insights into the regulatory mechanisms of adult cuticular formation; the transcription of genes involved in adult cuticular formation proceeds in a proper timing with undetectable JH, and exogenous JHM treatment disturbs their transcription. For some of these genes such as Th and CPR27, E75 is involved in transcriptional regulation. This study shed light on the molecular mode of action of JHM as insecticides; exogenous JHM treatment disturbed the expression of genes involved in the adult cuticular formation, which resulted in lethality as pharate adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelyn D Sapin
- Applied Entomology Laboratory, Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kai Tomoda
- Applied Entomology Laboratory, Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Sayumi Tanaka
- Applied Entomology Laboratory, Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinoda
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, 305-8634, Japan; Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Ken Miura
- Applied Entomology Laboratory, Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Chieka Minakuchi
- Applied Entomology Laboratory, Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan; National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, 305-8634, Japan.
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Shen CH, Xu QY, Mu LL, Fu KY, Guo WC, Li GQ. Involvement of Leptinotarsa hormone receptor 38 in the larval-pupal transition. Gene 2020; 751:144779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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25
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Su Y, Guo Q, Gong J, Cheng Y, Wu X. Functional expression patterns of four ecdysteroid receptor isoforms indicate their different functions during vitellogenesis of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 248:110754. [PMID: 32649982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In arthropods, alternative splicing of ecdysteroid receptor gene (EcR) leads to multiple functions of different EcR isoforms during metamorphosis, growth and ovarian development via ecdysteroid signaling pathway. This study was conducted to investigate the expression patterns of four EcRs of Eriocheir sinensis (EsEcRs) and the changes of haemolymph ecdysteroid titer during the ovarian development. The results showed that four EsEcR isoforms had the tissue-specific expression among 12 examined tissues, and the highest transcript levels of the four EsEcR isoforms were detected in Y-organ or sinus gland. During the ovarian development, EsEcR1 showed the highest transcript abundance of the four EsEcR isoforms. The expression profiles of all the EsEcR isoforms were similar in the hepatopancreas during the ovarian maturation cycle of E. sinensis with a trend of "high-low-high-low". In ovary, the highest expression levels of EsEcR1 and EsEcR4 were both found at stage V ovary, while the peaks of EsEcR2 and EsEcR3 were found on stage III ovary and stage IV ovary, respectively. Meanwhile, the ecdysteroid titer in haemolymph decreased gradually during ovarian maturation cycle. Further regression analysis revealed significant negative correlations were found between the ovarian EsEcR3/ EsEcR4 expression levels and haemolymph ecdysteroid titer during part or whole ovarian development cycle. These results together indicated that four EsEcR isoforms may have different functions during ovary maturation of E. sinensis. All EcR isoforms and ecdysteroid seemed to have important roles in the hepatopancreas during early ovarian development stages, while EsEcR3 and EsEcR4 were closely related to the mid-late vitellogenesis stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Su
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Gong
- School of Life Sciences (School of Ocean Science), Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China.
| | - Yongxu Cheng
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Centre for Research on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xugan Wu
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Centre for Research on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Liu S, He C, Liang J, Su Q, Hua D, Wang S, Wu Q, Xie W, Zhang Y. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the Halloween genes and CYP18A1 in Bemisia tabaci MED. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 167:104602. [PMID: 32527436 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ecdysteroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a critical hormone in arthropods, plays an essential role in insect growth, molting and reproduction. A previous study showed that 20E is actually regulated by six P450 genes (five P450 genes belonging to the Halloween family and a CYP18A1 gene) in model insects. However, the role of the six P450 genes in Bemisia tabaci Q (also call Mediterranean, MED), an important pest of field crops, remains unclear. Here, six P450 genes were cloned by RT-PCR, and the phylogenetic tree indicated a close orthologous relationship of these P450 genes between MED and other insects. Spatiotemporal expression profiling revealed that five P450 genes (CYP18A1, CYP306A1, CYP307A2, CYP314A1 and CYP315A1) were expressed at significantly higher levels in the head than in the abdomen and thorax. Four P450 genes (CYP302A1, CYP307A2, CYP314A1 and CYP315A1) were expressed at the highest levels in males, and CYP18A1 was expressed at the highest levels in the 4th nymph stage. The molting process was delayed by approximately 1-3 days after knockdown of these genes at the 4th nymph stage, and the mean proportion of shriveled or dead insects reached 8.3% (CYP18A1), 20.8% (CYP302A1), 7.0% (CYP307A2), 31.8% (CYP306A1), 28.6% (CYP314A1) and 24.1% (CYP315A1). In addition, 20E rescued the negative effect of ds-CYP306A1, ds-CYP314A1 and ds-CYP315A1 on the eclosion rate. We concluded that these Halloween genes and CYP18A1 likely participate in the development of MED, and in particular, CYP306A1 could be used as a putative insecticide target for controlling this piercing-sucking insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaonan Liu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, PR China
| | - Chao He
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Jinjin Liang
- College of Plant Protection of Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Qi Su
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, PR China
| | - Dengke Hua
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, PR China
| | - Shaoli Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Qingjun Wu
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Wen Xie
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China.
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Xu Q, Deng P, Zhang Q, Li A, Fu K, Guo W, Li G. Ecdysone receptor isoforms play distinct roles in larval-pupal-adult transition in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:487-499. [PMID: 30688001 PMCID: PMC7277042 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A heterodimer of two nuclear receptors, ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle, mediates 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling to modulate many aspects in insect life, such as molting and metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause and innate immunity. In the present paper, we intended to determine the isoform-specific roles of EcR during larval-pupal-adult transition in the Colorado potato beetle. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were prepared using the common (dsEcR) or isoform-specific (dsEcRA, dsEcRB1) regions of EcR as templates. Ingestion of either dsEcR or dsEcRA, rather than dsEcRB1, by the penultimate (3rd) and final (4th) instar larvae caused failure of larval-pupal and pupal-adult ecdysis. The RNA interference (RNAi) larvae remained as prepupae, or became deformed pupae and adults. Determination of messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of EcR isoforms found that LdEcRA regulates the expression of LdEcRB1. Moreover, silencing the two EcR transcripts, LdEcRA or LdEcRB1 reduced the mRNA levels of Ldspo and Ldsad, and lowered 20E titer. In contrast, the expression levels of HR3, HR4, E74 and E75 were significantly decreased in the LdEcR or LdEcRA RNAi larvae, but not in LdEcRB1 depleted specimens. Dietary supplement with 20E did not restore the expression of five 20E signaling genes (USP, HR3, HR4, E74 and E75), and only partially alleviated the pupation defects in dsEcR- or dsEcRA-fed beetles. These data suggest that EcR plays isoform-specific roles in the regulation of ecdysteroidogenesis and the transduction of 20E signal in L. decemlineata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing‐Yu Xu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Pan Deng
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ang Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Kai‐Yun Fu
- Institute of Plant ProtectionXinjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesUrumqiChina
| | - Wen‐Chao Guo
- Institute of Microbiological ApplicationXinjiang Academy of Agricultural ScienceUrumqiChina
| | - Guo‐Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
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28
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Song J, Zhou S. Post-transcriptional regulation of insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1893-1909. [PMID: 31724082 PMCID: PMC11105025 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metamorphic transformation from larvae to adults along with the high fecundity is key to insect success. Insect metamorphosis and reproduction are governed by two critical endocrines, juvenile hormone (JH), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Recent studies have established a crucial role of microRNA (miRNA) in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. While miRNAs target genes involved in JH and 20E-signaling pathways, these two hormones reciprocally regulate miRNA expression, forming regulatory loops of miRNA with JH and 20E-signaling cascades. Insect metamorphosis and oogenesis rely on the coordination of hormones, cognate genes, and miRNAs for precise regulation. In addition, the alternative splicing of genes in JH and 20E-signaling pathways has distinct functions in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We, therefore, focus in this review on recent advances in post-transcriptional regulation, with the emphasis on the regulatory role of miRNA and alternative splicing, in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We will highlight important new findings of miRNA interactions with hormonal signaling and alternative splicing of JH receptor heterodimer gene Taiman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Song
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
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29
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Ovarian Transcriptomic Analyses in the Urban Human Health Pest, the Western Black Widow Spider. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010087. [PMID: 31940922 PMCID: PMC7017306 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010087] [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: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their abundance and ability to invade diverse environments, many arthropods have become pests of economic and health concern, especially in urban areas. Transcriptomic analyses of arthropod ovaries have provided insight into life history variation and fecundity, yet there are few studies in spiders despite their diversity within arthropods. Here, we generated a de novo ovarian transcriptome from 10 individuals of the western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus), a human health pest of high abundance in urban areas, to conduct comparative ovarian transcriptomic analyses. Biological processes enriched for metabolism—specifically purine, and thiamine metabolic pathways linked to oocyte development—were significantly abundant in L. hesperus. Functional and pathway annotations revealed overlap among diverse arachnid ovarian transcriptomes for highly-conserved genes and those linked to fecundity, such as oocyte maturation in vitellogenin and vitelline membrane outer layer proteins, hormones, and hormone receptors required for ovary development, and regulation of fertility-related genes. Comparative studies across arachnids are greatly needed to understand the evolutionary similarities of the spider ovary, and here, the identification of ovarian proteins in L. hesperus provides potential for understanding how increased fecundity is linked to the success of this urban pest.
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30
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Xu QY, Deng P, Li A, Zhang Q, Mu LL, Fu KY, Guo WC, Li GQ. Functional characterization of ultraspiracle in Leptinotarsa decemlineata using RNA interference assay. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:676-688. [PMID: 30834617 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A heterodimer of ultraspiracle (USP) and ecdysone receptor (EcR) mediates 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signalling cascade to regulate insect moulting and metamorphosis. However, at least two questions remain to be addressed in terms of the molecular importance of USP in insect species. First, is USP involved in both regulation of ecdysteroidogenesis and mediation of 20E signalling in non-drosophilid insects, as in Drosophila melanogaster? Second, does USP play any role in larval metamorphosis except as the partner of heterodimeric receptor to activate the downstream 20E signalling genes? In this paper, we found that RNA interference (RNAi) of LdUSP in the final (fourth) instar larvae reduced the messenger RNA levels of four ecdysteroidogenesis genes (Ldspo, Ldphm, Lddib and Ldsad) and 20E titre, and repressed the expression of five 20E signal genes (EcRA, HR3, HR4, E74 and E75) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. The LdUSP RNAi larvae remained as prepupae, with developing antennae, legs and discs of forewings and hindwings. Dietary supplement with 20E restored the expression of the five 20E signal genes, but only partially alleviated the decreased pupation rate in LdUSP RNAi beetles. Knockdown of LdUSP at the penultimate (third) instar larvae did not affect third-fourth instar moulting. However, silencing LdUSP caused similar but less severe impairments on pupation. Accordingly, we propose that USP is undoubtedly necessary for ecdysteroidogenesis, for mediation of 20E signalling and for initiation of metamorphosis in L. decemlineata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q-Y Xu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - P Deng
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - A Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Q Zhang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - L-L Mu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - K-Y Fu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Harmful Crop Vermin of China North-western Oasis, Ministry of Agriculture, Urumqi, China
| | - W-C Guo
- Institute of Microbiological Application, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Urumqi, China
| | - G-Q Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Peng L, Wang L, Zou MM, Vasseur L, Chu LN, Qin YD, Zhai YL, You MS. Identification of Halloween Genes and RNA Interference-Mediated Functional Characterization of a Halloween Gene shadow in Plutella xylostella. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1120. [PMID: 31555150 PMCID: PMC6724230 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids play an essential role in controlling insect development and reproduction. Their pathway is regulated by a group of enzymes called Halloween gene proteins. The relationship between the Halloween genes and ecdysteroid synthesis has yet to be clearly understood in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide Lepidoptera pest attacking cruciferous crops and wild plants. In this study, complete sequences for six Halloween genes, neverland (nvd), shroud (sro), spook (spo), phantom (phm), disembodied (dib), shadow (sad), and shade (shd), were identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong conservation in insects, including Halloween genes of P. xylostella that was clustered with all other Lepidoptera species. Three Halloween genes, dib, sad, and shd were highly expressed in the adult stage, while nvd and spo were highly expressed in the egg and pupal stages, respectively. Five Halloween genes were highly expressed specifically in the prothorax, which is the major site of ecdysone production. However, shd was expressed predominantly in the fat body to convert ecdysone into 20-hydroxyecdysone. RNAi-based knockdown of sad, which is involved in the last step of ecdysone biosynthesis, significantly reduced the 20E titer and resulted in a longer developmental duration and lower pupation of fourth-instar larvae, as well as caused shorter ovarioles and fewer fully developed eggs of P. xylostella. Furthermore, after the knockdown of sad, the expression levels of Vg and VgR genes were significantly decreased by 77.1 and 53.0%. Meanwhile, the number of eggs laid after 3 days was significantly reduced in sad knockdown females. These results suggest that Halloween genes may play a critical role in the biosynthesis of ecdysteroids and be involved in the development and reproduction of P. xylostella. Our work provides a solid basis for understanding the functional importance of these genes, which will help to screening potential genes for pest management of P. xylostella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming-Min Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Li-Na Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Dong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Long Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Min-Sheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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32
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Deng P, Xu QY, Fu KY, Guo WC, Li GQ. RNA interference against the putative insulin receptor substrate gene chico affects metamorphosis in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 103:1-11. [PMID: 30296480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It is noted that insect insulin/insulin-like growth factor/target of rapamycin signaling is critical for the regulation of metamorphosis in holometabolous insects. However, the molecular mechanism remains undetermined. Our previous findings reveal that RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of an insulin gene (LdILP2) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata disturbs both 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) signaling, and impairs pupation. In the present paper, we further observed that the expression of the insulin receptor substrate gene chico (Ldchico) and the phosphoinositide-3-kinase gene pi3k (Ldpi3k92E) was repressed in LdILP2 depleted larvae. Moreover, RNAi of Ldchico or Ldpi3k92E decreased food consumption, affected absorption and metabolism of amino acids and sugars, and reduced expression of several 20E (LdEcR, LdHR3 and LdE75) and JH (LdJHAMT, LdKr-h1 and LdHairy) signaling genes. As a result, larval development was postponed and larval growth was inhibited. Intriguingly, knockdown of Ldchico, rather than Ldpi3k92E, impaired larval-pupal and pupal-adult ecdysis, and specifically repressed transcription of another 20E signaling gene LdUSP. Ingestion of 20E rescued the expression of LdEcR, LdHR3 and LdE75, whereas 20E feeding restored neither the decreased LdUSP mRNA level, nor the reduced pupation and adult emergence rates in Ldchico RNAi larvae. Therefore, Chico is critical for the regulation of larval-pupal-adult transition by a PI3K-independent pathway, perhaps through activation of USP in L. decemlineata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Deng
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Qing-Yu Xu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Kai-Yun Fu
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China.
| | - Wen-Chao Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China; Xinjiang Laboratory of Special Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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A Crucial Caste Regulation Gene Detected by Comparing Termites and Sister Group Cockroaches. Genetics 2018; 209:1225-1234. [PMID: 29934338 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterile castes are a defining criterion of eusociality; investigating their evolutionary origins can critically advance theory. In termites, the soldier caste is regarded as the first acquired permanently sterile caste. Previous studies showed that juvenile hormone (JH) is the primary factor inducing soldier differentiation, and treatment of workers with artificial JH can generate presoldier differentiation. It follows that a shift from a typical hemimetabolous JH response might be required for soldier formation during the course of termite evolution within the cockroach clade. To address this possibility, analysis of the role of JH and its signaling pathway was performed in the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis and compared with the wood roach Cryptocercus punctulatus, a member of the sister group of termites. Treatment with a JH analog (JHA) induced a nymphal molt in C. punctulatus RNA interference (RNAi) of JH receptor Methoprene tolerant (Met) was then performed, and it inhibited the presoldier molt in Z. nevadensis and the nymphal molt in C. punctulatus Knockdown of Met in both species inhibited expression of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E; the active form of ecdysone) synthesis genes. However, in Z. nevadensis, several 20E signaling genes were specifically inhibited by Met RNAi. Consequently, RNAi of these genes were performed in JHA-treated termite individuals. Knockdown of 20E signaling and nuclear receptor gene, Hormone receptor 39 (HR39/FTZ-F1β) resulted in newly molted individuals with normal worker phenotypes. This is the first report of the JH-Met signaling feature in termites and Cryptocercus JH-dependent molting activation is shared by both taxa and mediation between JH receptor and 20E signalings for soldier morphogenesis is specific to termites.
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Liu XJ, Sun YW, Li DQ, Li S, Ma EB, Zhang JZ. Identification of LmUAP1 as a 20-hydroxyecdysone response gene in the chitin biosynthesis pathway from the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 25:211-221. [PMID: 27696733 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In Locusta migratoria, we found that two chitin biosynthesis genes, UDP N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene LmUAP1 and chitin synthase gene LmCHS1, are expressed mainly in the integument and are responsible for cuticle formation. However, whether these genes are regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is still largely unclear. Here, we showed the developmental expression pattern of LmUAP1, LmCHS1 and the corresponding 20E titer during the last instar nymph stage of locust. RNA interference (RNAi) directed toward a common region of the two isoforms of LmEcR (LmEcRcom) reduced the expression level of LmUAP1, while there was no difference in the expression of LmCHS1. Meantime, injection of 20E in vivo induced the expression of LmUAP1 but not LmCHS1. Further, we found injection-based RNAi of LmEcRcom resulted in 100% mortality. The locusts failed to molt with no apolysis, and maintained in the nymph stage until death. In conclusion, our preliminary results indicated that LmUAP1 in the chitin biosynthesis pathway is a 20E late-response gene and LmEcR plays an essential role in locust growth and development, which could be a good potential target for RNAi-based pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jian Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ya-Wen Sun
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Da-Qi Li
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - En-Bo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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Lin X, Yu N, Smagghe G. FoxO mediates the timing of pupation through regulating ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 258:149-156. [PMID: 28526479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), the major developmental hormone in insects, controls all the developmental transitions including ecdysis and metamorphosis. In our study with last larval stages of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, dsRNA-mediated gene silencing of Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) resulted in reduced food intake and larval mass and this agreed with a reduction in the expression of insulin signaling-related genes (insulin-like peptides 2, 3, 4, and chico). Interestingly, we also observed a significant delay in the moment of the pupation and these FoxO-silenced larvae then turned brown at the middle pupal stage followed by death. The observed delay of pupation concurred with a significant delay in 20E titer in dsFoxO-injected larvae and this in turn agreed with a significant delay in expression of prothoracicotropic hormone (ptth) that is a gene stimulating ecdysteroid biosynthesis, and of spook (spo) that is one of the early Halloween genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis. In addition, there was also a delayed expression of the ecdysteroid response gene hormone receptor 3 (HR3). In an attempt to rescue the effects by dsFoxO, injection of 20E into T. castaneum larvae stimulated the expression of HR3 and induced one extra larval-larval molt, confirming the responsiveness for ecdysteroid signaling in dsFoxO-injected larvae. The observations of this project suggest that FoxO is a player in the timing of pupation via the regulating of ecdysteroid biosynthesis, together with the regulation of both insulin signaling and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyu Lin
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Na Yu
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Sun YX, Tang L, Wang P, Abbas MN, Tian JW, Zhu BJ, Liu CL. Cathepsin L-like protease can regulate the process of metamorphosis and fat body dissociation in Antheraea pernyi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 78:114-123. [PMID: 28958702 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsins are a group of protease, located in lysosome and play a vital role in physiological process. Here, we reported cathepsin L-like protease (Ap-cathL), which contained an open reading frame of 1155 bp and encoding 385 amino acid residues protein. The I29 inhibitor domain and peptidase C1A (clan CA of cysteine proteases, papain family C1 subfamily) putative conserved domains were detected in Ap-cathL. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that Ap-cathL highly expressed in the fat body and midgut. The high expression during the molting stage, pupal stage and following 20E (20-hydroxyecdysone) treatment indicated that it maybe involved in the process of molting and metamorphosis. In addition, depletion of Ap-cathL influenced the expression of apoptosis pathway related genes. The protease inhibitor and RNA interference experiments showed that Ap-cathL was involved in the fat body dissociation of A. pernyi. These results suggest that Ap-cathL may involve in the process of metamorphosis and fat body dissociation of A. pernyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xuan Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Pei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | | | - Ji-Wu Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Bao-Jian Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Chao-Liang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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Structure and function of the alternatively spliced isoforms of the ecdysone receptor gene in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12993. [PMID: 29021633 PMCID: PMC5636884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13474-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is an essential molecular mechanism that increase the protein diversity of a species to regulate important biological processes. Ecdysone receptor (EcR), an essential nuclear receptor, is essential in the molting, growth, development, reproduction, and regeneration of crustaceans. In this study, the whole sequence of EcR gene from Eriocheir sinensis was obtained. The sequence was 45,481 bp in length with 9 exons. Moreover, four alternatively spliced EcR isoforms (Es-EcR-1, Es-EcR-2, Es-EcR-3 and Es-EcR-4) were identified. The four isoforms harbored a common A/B domain and a DNA-binding region but different D domains and ligand-binding regions. Three alternative splicing patterns (alternative 5′ splice site, exon skipping, and intron retention) were identified in the four isoforms. Functional studies indicated that the four isoforms have specific functions. Es-EcR-3 may play essential roles in regulating periodic molting. Es-EcR-2 may participate in the regulation of ovarian development. Our results indicated that Es-EcR has broad regulatory functions in molting and development and established the molecular basis for the investigation of ecdysteroid signaling related pathways in E. sinensis.
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Puthumana J, Lee MC, Han J, Kim HS, Hwang DS, Lee JS. Ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) genes from the cyclopoid copepod Paracyclopina nana: Identification and expression in response to water accommodated fractions (WAFs). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 192:7-15. [PMID: 27890717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroid hormones are pivotal in the development, growth, and molting of arthropods, and the hormone pathway is triggered by binding ecdysteroid to a heterodimer of the two nuclear receptors; ecdysone receptors (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP). We have characterized EcR and USP genes, and their 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) from the copepod Paracyclopina nana, and studied mRNA transcription levels in post-embryonic stages and in response to water accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil. The open reading frames (ORF) of EcR and USP were 1470 and 1287bp that encoded 490 and 429 amino acids with molecular weight of 121.18 and 105.03kDa, respectively. Also, a well conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD) were identified which confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. Messenger RNA transcriptional levels of EcR and USP were developmental stage-specific in early post-embryonic stages (N3-4). However, an evoked expression of USP was observed throughout copepodid stage and in adult females. WAFs (40 and 80%) were acted as an ecdysone agonist in P. nana, and elicited the mRNA transcription levels in adults. Developmental stage-specific transcriptional activation of EcR and USP in response to WAFs was observed. USP gene was down-regulated in the nauplius in response to WAF, whereas up-regulation of USP was observed in the adults. This study represents the first data of molecular elucidation of EcR and USP genes and their regulatory elements from P. nana and the developmental stage specific expression in response to WAFs, which can be used as potential biomarkers for environmental stressors with ecotoxicological evaluations in copepods.
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MESH Headings
- 5' Untranslated Regions
- Animals
- Arthropod Proteins/genetics
- Arthropod Proteins/metabolism
- Copepoda/drug effects
- Copepoda/genetics
- Copepoda/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Environmental Monitoring/methods
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Genetic Markers
- Metamorphosis, Biological
- Phylogeny
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/genetics
- Receptors, Steroid/metabolism
- Regulatory Elements, Transcriptional
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh Puthumana
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Min-Chul Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Han
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Hui-Su Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Dae-Sik Hwang
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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Sandlund L, Nilsen F, Male R, Dalvin S. The ecdysone receptor (EcR) is a major regulator of tissue development and growth in the marine salmonid ectoparasite, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda, Caligidae). Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 208:65-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Lenaerts C, Van Wielendaele P, Peeters P, Vanden Broeck J, Marchal E. Ecdysteroid signalling components in metamorphosis and development of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 75:10-23. [PMID: 27180725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The arthropod-specific hormone family of ecdysteroids plays an important role in regulating diverse physiological processes, such as moulting and metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause and innate immunity. Ecdysteroids mediate their response by binding to a heterodimeric complex of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the retinoid-X-receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP). In this study we investigated the role of EcR and RXR in metamorphosis and development of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. The desert locust is a voracious, phytophagous, swarming pest that can ruin crops and harvests in some of the world's poorest countries. A profound knowledge of the ecdysteroid signalling pathway can be used in the development of more target-specific insecticides to combat this harmful plague insect. Here we report an in-depth profiling study of the transcript levels of EcR and RXR, as well as its downstream response genes, in different tissues isolated throughout the last larval stage of a hemimetabolous insect, showing a clear correlation with circulating ecdysteroid titres. Using RNA interference (RNAi), the role of SgEcR/SgRXR in moulting and development was investigated. We have proven the importance of the receptor components for successful moulting of locust nymphs into the adult stage. Some SgEcR/SgRXR knockdown females were arrested in the last larval stage, and 65 % of them initiated vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation, which normally only occurs in adults. Furthermore, our results clearly indicate that at the peak of ecdysteroid synthesis, on day six of the last larval stage, knockdown of SgEcR/SgRXR is affecting the transcript levels of the Halloween genes, Spook, Shadow and Shade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Lenaerts
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Wielendaele
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Zhu J, Dong YC, Li P, Niu CY. The effect of silencing 20E biosynthesis relative genes by feeding bacterially expressed dsRNA on the larval development of Chilo suppressalis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28697. [PMID: 27352880 PMCID: PMC4926234 DOI: 10.1038/srep28697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a robust tool to study gene functions as well as potential for insect pest control. Finding suitable target genes is the key step in the development of an efficient RNAi-mediated pest control technique. Based on the transcriptome of Chilo suppressalis, 24 unigenes which putatively associated with insect hormone biosynthesis were identified. Amongst these, four genes involved in ecdysteroidogenesis i.e., ptth, torso, spook and nm-g were evaluated as candidate targets for function study. The partial cDNA of these four genes were cloned and their bacterially expressed dsRNA were fed to the insects. Results revealed a significant reduction in mRNA abundance of target genes after 3 days. Furthermore, knocked down of these four genes resulted in abnormal phenotypes and high larval mortality. After 15 days, the survival rates of insects in dsspook, dsptth, dstorso, and dsnm-g groups were significantly reduced by 32%, 38%, 56%, and 67% respectively, compared with control. Moreover, about 80% of surviving larvae showed retarded development in dsRNA-treated groups. These results suggest that oral ingestion of bacterially expressed dsRNA in C. suppressalis could silence ptth, torso, spook and nm-g. Oral delivery of bacterially expressed dsRNA provides a simple and potential management scheme against C. suppressalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhu
- College of Plant Science &Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yong-Cheng Dong
- College of Plant Science &Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ping Li
- Pest Control Division, National Agricultural Technology Extension and Service Center, Ministry of Agricultural, Beijing 100125, China
| | - Chang-Ying Niu
- College of Plant Science &Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Guo WC, Liu XP, Fu KY, Shi JF, Lü FG, Li GQ. Nuclear receptor ecdysone-induced protein 75 is required for larval-pupal metamorphosis in the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:44-57. [PMID: 26542892 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) are key regulators of insect development. In this study, three Leptinotarsa decemlineata Ecdysone-induced protein 75 (LdE75) cDNAs (LdE75A, B and C) were cloned from L. decemlineata. The three LdE75 isoforms were highly expressed just before or right after each moult. Within the fourth larval instar, they showed a small rise and a big peak 40 and 80 h after ecdysis. The expression peaks of the three LdE75s coincided with the peaks of circulating 20E levels. In vitro midgut culture and in vivo bioassay revealed that 20E and an ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide (Hal) enhanced LdE75 expression in the day 1 final larval instars. Conversely, a decrease in 20E by feeding a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against an ecdysteroidogenesis gene, Shade (LdSHD), repressed the expression of LdE75. Moreover, Hal upregulated the expression of the three LdE75s in LdSHD-silenced larvae. Thus, 20E pulses activate the transcription of LdE75s. Furthermore, ingesting dsE75-1 and dsE75-2 from a common fragment of the three isoforms successfully knocked down these LdE75s, and caused developmental arrest. Finally, knocking down LdE75s significantly repressed the transcription of three ecdysteroidogenesis genes, lowered the 20E titre and affected the expression of two 20E-response genes. Silencing LdE75s also induced the expression of a JH biosynthesis gene, increased JH titre and activated the transcription of a JH early-inducible gene. Thus, Ld E75s are required for larval-pupal metamorphosis and act mainly by modulating 20E and JH titres and mediating their signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-C Guo
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - X-P Liu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - K-Y Fu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - J-F Shi
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - F-G Lü
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - G-Q Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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43
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Christjani M, Fink P, von Elert E. Phenotypic plasticity in three Daphnia genotypes in response to predator kairomone: evidence for an involvement of chitin deacetylases. J Exp Biol 2016; 219:1697-704. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.133504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The genetic background of inducible morphological defences in Daphnia is still largely unknown. Dissolved infochemicals from the aquatic larvae of the phantom midge Chaoborus induce so called ‘neck-teeth’ in the first three postembryonic stages of Daphnia pulex. This defence has become a textbook example for inducible defences. In a target gene approach, by applying a gradient of three Daphnia genotypes which differed significantly in neck-teeth induction in response to equal amounts of kairomone, we report a high correlation of neck-teeth induction in D. pulex and relative gene expression of two chitin deacetylases. Further, previous studies suggested genes from both the juvenoid and the insulin hormone signalling pathways as well as several morphogenetic genes downstream to be responsible for the neck-teeth induction in D. pulex. However, these data on previously suggested genes reported were not supported by this study. None of the three D. pulex clones did show an upregulation of these previously proposed candidate genes tested in this study as a response to predator kairomone, which is interpreted as the result of refined methods used for both RNA sampling and kairomone enrichment, which yielded unambiguous results compared to earlier studies. The assessment of a clonal gradient of Daphnia in the presence and absence of infochemicals provides a promising approach to identify further genes being involved in the induction of morphological defences by correlating gene expression and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Christjani
- Aquatic Chemical Ecology, University of Cologne, Biocenter, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Patrick Fink
- Aquatic Chemical Ecology, University of Cologne, Biocenter, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Eric von Elert
- Aquatic Chemical Ecology, University of Cologne, Biocenter, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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Tan YA, Xiao LB, Zhao J, Sun Y, Bai LX. Molecular and functional characterization of the ecdysone receptor isoform-A from the cotton mirid bug, Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür). Gene 2015; 574:88-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Tan YA, Xiao LB, Zhao J, Xiao YF, Sun Y, Bai LX. Ecdysone receptor isoform-B mediates soluble trehalase expression to regulate growth and development in the mirid bug, Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 24:611-623. [PMID: 26335337 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysone receptor (EcR) is the hormonal receptor of ecdysteroids and strictly regulates growth and development in insects. However, the action mechanism of EcR is not very clear. In this study, the cDNA of EcR isoform-B was cloned from Apolygus lucorum (AlEcR-B) and its expression profile was investigated. We reduced AlEcR-B mRNA expression using systemic RNA interference in vivo, and obtained knockdown specimens. Examination of these specimens indicated that AlEcR-B is required for nymphal survival, and that reduced expression is associated with longer development time and lower nymphal weight. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of the observed suppression effects, we selected trehalase for a detailed study. Transcript encoding soluble trehalase (AlTre-1) was up-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone and in agreement with the mRNA expression of AlEcR-B. The expression profile of AlTre-1, soluble trehalase activity and translated protein level in the midgut of surviving nymphs were down-regulated, compared with controls, after the knockdown expression of AlEcR-B. By contrast, membrane-bound trehalase activity, the related gene expression and translated protein level remained at their initial levels. However, trehalose content significantly increased and the glucose content significantly decreased under the same conditions. We propose that AlEcR-B controls normal carbohydrate metabolism by mediating the expression of AlTre-1 to regulate the growth and development in A. lucorum, which provide an extended information into the functions of AlEcR-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-A Tan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - L-B Xiao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - J Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Y-F Xiao
- Entomology and Nematology, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, FL, USA
| | - Y Sun
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - L-X Bai
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
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Jia S, Wan PJ, Li GQ. Molecular cloning and characterization of the putative Halloween gene Phantom from the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus. INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 22:707-718. [PMID: 24954278 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone plays fundamental roles in insect postembryonic development and reproduction. Several cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases (CYPs), encoded by the Halloween genes, have been documented to be involved in ecdysteroidogenesis in representative insects in Diptera, Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. Here the putative Halloween gene Phantom (Phm, cyp306a1) from a hemipteran insect species, the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus, was cloned. LsPHM shows five insect conserved P450 motifs, that is, Helix-C, Helix-I, Helix-K, PERF and heme-binding motifs. Temporal and spatial expression patterns of LsPhm were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Through the fourth-instar and the early fifth-instar stages, LsPhm showed two expression peaks in day 2 and days 4-5 fourth-instar nymphs, and three troughs in day 1 and 3 fourth instars and day 1 fifth instars. On day 5 of the fourth-instar nymphs, LsPhm clearly had a high transcript level in the thorax where the prothoracic glands were located. Dietary introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of LsPhm at the nymph stage successfully knocked down the target gene, decreased expression level of ecdysone receptor (LsEcR) gene and caused a higher nymphal mortality rate and delayed development. Ingestion of 20-hydroxyecdysone on LsPhm-dsRNA-exposed nymphs did not increase LsPhm expression level, but almost completely rescued the LsEcR mRNA level, and relieved the negative effects on survival and development. Thus, our data suggest that the putative LsPhm encodes a functional 25-hydroxylase that catalyzes the biosynthesis of ecdysteroids in L. striatellus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Jia
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Pin-Jun Wan
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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Cao J, Liu Y, Yang Y, Zhang H, Li Z, Yang Q, Zhang S, Zhang Q, Liu X. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the ultraspiracle (USP) in the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 190:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hult EF, Huang J, Marchal E, Lam J, Tobe SS. RXR/USP and EcR are critical for the regulation of reproduction and the control of JH biosynthesis in Diploptera punctata. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 80:48-60. [PMID: 25917982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
During development and reproduction the response to ecdysteroids is mediated by a heterodimeric receptor complex comprising the retinoid X receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP) and the ecdysone receptor (EcR). Here, the role of these receptors in the endocrine control of reproduction is examined in the cockroach Diploptera punctata. We report the sequence of four DpRXR and three DpEcR splice variants, including the first description of a Drosophila EcRB2-like isoform in a hemimetabolous insect. DpRXR and DpEcR are broadly expressed in the tissues of adult females, with relatively high transcript levels in the corpora allata (CA), nervous tissue and ovary. Developmental profiling revealed an inverse correlation between DpRXR and DpEcR expression and the activity of the CA. RNAi-mediated depletion of DpRXR and DpEcR did not affect oocyte growth, but inhibited oviposition and impaired chorion formation. Retained oocytes exhibited a degenerating follicular epithelium and were slowly resorbed. Treated animals showed significantly higher rates of JH biosynthesis and a decrease in ecdysteroid titers at the end of vitellogenesis. Reduction of DpRXR and DpEcR expression resulted in an upregulation of genes involved in JH production and a downregulation of allatostatin receptor mRNA in the CA. Treatment with dsRNA also affected the expression of genes downstream of JH in target tissues including vitellogenin and Krüppel-homolog 1 as well as Broad-Complex, an early ecdysone response gene. Overall, results suggest that DpRXR and DpEcR are not required early in the reproductive cycle when events are JH-dependent, but do mediate critical ecdysteroid feedback to the CA late in the gonadotropic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina F Hult
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Lam
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Guo WC, Liu XP, Fu KY, Shi JF, Lü FG, Li GQ. Functions of nuclear receptor HR3 during larval-pupal molting in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) revealed by in vivo RNA interference. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 63:23-33. [PMID: 26005119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Our previous results revealed that RNA interference-aided knockdown of Leptinotarsa decemlineata FTZ-F1 (LdFTZ-F1) reduced 20E titer, and impaired pupation. In this study, we characterized a putative LdHR3 gene, an early-late 20E-response gene upstream of LdFTZ-F1. Within the first, second and third larval instars, three expression peaks of LdHR3 occurred just before the molt. In the fourth (final) larval instar 80 h after ecdysis and prepupal stage 3 days after burying into soil, two LdHR3 peaks occurred. The LdHR3 expression peaks coincide with the peaks of circulating 20E level. In vitro midgut culture and in vivo bioassay revealed that 20E and an ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide (Hal) enhanced LdHR3 expression in the final larval instars. Conversely, a decrease in 20E by feeding a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against an ecdysteroidogenesis gene Ldshd repressed the expression. Moreover, Hal rescued the transcript levels in the Ldshd-silenced larvae. Thus, 20E peaks activate the expression of LdHR3. Furthermore, ingesting dsRNA against LdHR3 successfully knocked down the target gene, and impaired pupation. Finally, knockdown of LdHR3 upregulated the transcription of three ecdysteroidogenesis genes (Ldphm, Lddib and Ldshd), increased 20E titer, and activated the expression of two 20E-response genes (LdEcR and LdFTZ-F1). Thus, LdHR3 functions in regulation of pupation in the Colorado potato beetle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chao Guo
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi 830091, China.
| | - Xin-Ping Liu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Kai-Yun Fu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Ji-Feng Shi
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Feng-Gong Lü
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Jia S, Wan PJ, Zhou LT, Mu LL, Li GQ. RNA interference-mediated silencing of a Halloween gene spookier affects nymph performance in the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus. INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 22:191-202. [PMID: 24282064 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Post-embryonic development of insects is highly dependent on ecdysteroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. Halloween gene spookier (spok, cyp307a2) has been documented to be involved in ecdysteroidogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster and Bombyx mori. We describe here the cloning and characterization of Halloween gene spookier (Lsspok, Lscyp307a2) in the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus, a hemipteran insect species. LsSPOK has three insect-conserved P450 motifs, that is, Helix-K, PERF motif and heme-binding domain. Temporal and spatial expression patterns of Lsspok were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Through the fouth-instar and the early fifth-instar stages, Lsspok showed two expression peaks in the second- and fifth-day fourth-instar nymphs, and two troughs in the first-day fourth and fifth instars. On day 5 of the fourth-instar nymphs, Lsspok clearly had a high transcript level in the thorax where prothoracic glands were located. Dietary introduction of double-stranded RNA of Lsspok in the nymph stage successfully knocked down the target gene, decreased expression level of ecdysone receptor (LsEcR) gene, caused nymphal lethality and delayed development. Ingestion of 20-hydroxyecdysone in Lsspok-dsRNA-exposed nymphs did not increase Lsspok expression level, but almost completely rescued the LsEcR mRNA level and relieved the negative effects on survival and development. Thus, our data suggest that the ecdysteroidogenic pathway is conserved in insects and LsSPOK is responsible for specific steps in ecdysteroidogenesis in L. striatellus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Jia
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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