Cloning and characterization of a novel cry8Ab1 gene from Bacillus thuringiensis strain B-JJX with specific toxicity to scarabaeid (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) larvae

Interaction of insecticidal proteins from Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus thuringiensis for boll weevil management

Cotton crop yields are largely affected by infestations of Anthonomus grandis, which is its main pest. Although Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) derived proteins can limit insect pest infestations, the diverse use of control methods becomes a viable alternative in order to prolong the use of technology in the field. One of the alternative methods to Bt technology has been the utilization of certain Pseudomonas species highly efficient in controlling coleopteran insects have been used to produce highly toxic insecticidal proteins. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of IPD072Aa and PIP-47Aa proteins, isolated from Pseudomonas spp., in interaction with Cry1Ia10, Cry3Aa, and Cry8B proteins isolated from B. thuringiensis, to control A. grandis in cotton crops. The genes IPD072Aa and PIP-47Aa were synthesized and cloned into a pET-SUMO expression vector. Moreover, Cry1Ia10, Cry3Aa, and Cry8B proteins were obtained by inducing recombinant E. coli clones, which were previously acquired by our research group from the Laboratory of Bacteria Genetics and Applied Biotechnology (LGBBA). These proteins were visualized in SDS-PAGE, quantified, and incorporated into an artificial diet to estimate their lethal concentrations (LC) through individual or combined bioassays. The results of individual toxicity revealed that IPD072Aa, PIP-47Aa, Cry1Ia10, Cry3Aa, and Cry8B were efficient in controlling A. grandis, with the latter being the most toxic. Regarding interaction assays, a high synergistic interaction was observed between Cry1Ia10 and Cry3Aa. All interactions involving Cry3Aa and PIP-47Aa, when combined with other proteins, showed a clear synergistic effect. Our findings highlighted that the tested proteins in combination, for the most part, increase toxicity against A. grandis neonate larvae, suggesting possible constructions for pyramiding cotton plants to the manage and the control boll weevils.

JA. Identification of Cry toxin receptor genes homologs in a de novo transcriptome of Premnotrypes vorax (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The white potato worm Premnotrypes vorax (Hustache) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most destructive insect pests of potato crops in South America. Like many coleopteran insects, P. vorax shows low susceptibility to Cry insecticidal proteins produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, the presence of Cry toxin receptors in the midgut of this this insect has never been studied. The main Cry-binding proteins described in other insect species are cadherin (CAD), aminopeptidase N (APN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. In this study, we analyzed and validated a de novo assembled transcriptome of Illumina sequencing data to identify and to characterize homologs of Cry toxin receptors. We identified the protein sequences in P. vorax that show high identity with their orthologous sequences of the Cry toxin binding proteins in other coleopteran larvae such as APN, ALP, CAD and ABC transporter. This study provides preliminary identification of putative receptor genes of Cry proteins that would be useful for future studies involving biocontrol of this important potato crop pest.

Whole genome analysis and functional characterization of a novel Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt 62) isolate against sugarcane white grub Holotrichia serrata (F)

In this study, we report the whole genome assembly of Bt 62, a novel isolate harbouring cry8 holotype gene identified by us earlier. Sequencing was carried out using a combination of Illumina NextSeq 500 and Oxford Nanopore sequencing Technologies (ONT). The final assembled genome was 6.13 Mb comprising a circular chromosome and four plasmids. The bioassay studies against Holotrichia serrata (F.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a polyphagous pest infesting sugarcane and other crops, indicated significant toxicity to first instar grubs over untreated larvae achieving a highest mean mortality of 91.11% for various doses tested. In vitro proteolytic assay and histopathological studies of the midgut of infected white grubs revealed proteolytic processing of the protoxin and extensive degeneration of larval midgut epithelial cells. The results demonstrate that this novel isolate could be used as a biopesticide or its crystal toxin genes could be expressed in sugarcane and other crops for resistance against H. serrata.

Isolation, molecular characterization and pathogenicity of native Bacillus thuringiensis, from Ethiopia, against the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta: Detection of a new high lethal phylogenetic group

Tuta absoluta (tomato leafminer) is one of the devastating agricultural pest that attack mainly tomatoes. The continuous use of chemical pesticides is not affordable and poses a collateral damage to human and environmental health. This requires integrated pest management to reduce chemical pesticides. B. thuringiensis is a cosmopolitan, antagonistic soil bacterium used to control agricultural pests. In this study, effective Bt strains were screened from different sample sources based on their lepidopteran specific cry genes and larvicidal efficacy against tomato leafminer, T. absoluta under laboratory conditions. Of the 182 bacterial isolates, 55 (30 %) of isolates harbored parasporal protein crystals. Out of these, 34 (62 %) isolates possess one or more lepidopteran specific cry genes: 20 % of isolates positive for cry2, 18.2 % for cry9, 3.6 % for cry1, 16.4 % for cry2 + cry9, 1.8 % for cry1 + cry9, and 1.8 % for cry1 + cry2 + cry9. However, 21 (38.2 %) isolates did not show any lepidopteran specific cry genes. Isolates positive for cry genes showed 36.7-75 % and 46.7-98.3 % mortality against second and third instar larvae of the T. absoluta at the concentration of 10⁸ colony forming units (CFUs) ml^-1. Cry1 and cry1 plus other cry gene positive isolates were relatively more pathogenic against T. absoluta. However, third instar larvae of the T. absoluta was more susceptible than second instar larvae. Two of the isolates, AAUF6 and AAUMF9 were effective and scored LT₅₀ values of 2.3 and 2.7 days and LC₅₀ values of 3.4 × 10³ and 4.15 × 10³ CFUs ml^-1 against the third instar larvae, respectively. The phylogenetic studies showed some congruence of groups with cry gene profiles and lethality level of isolates and very interestingly, we have detected a putative new phylogenetic group of Bt from Ethiopia.

Dominant egg surface bacteria of Holotrichia oblita (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) inhibit the multiplication of Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana

Holotrichia oblita (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and some other scarab beetles are the main soil-dwelling pests in China. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) are entomopathogens that have been used as biocontrol agents of various pests. However, scarab larvae especially H. oblita exhibited strong adaptability to these pathogens. Compared to other scarabs, H. oblita could form a specific soil egg case (SEC) structure surrounding its eggs, and young larvae complete the initial development process inside this structure. In this study, we investigated the role of SEC structure and microorganisms from SEC and egg surface in pathogen adaptability. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed low bacterial richness and high community unevenness in egg surface, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria dominating. In terms of OTUs composition analysis, the data show that the egg surface contains a large number of unique bacteria, indicating that the egg bacterial community may be derived from maternal transmission. Furthermore, we found that all culturable bacteria isolated from egg surface possessed antimicrobial activity against both Bt and Bb. The Pseudomonas bacteria with a significantly higher abundance in egg surface showed strong Bt- and Bb antagonistic ability. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a unique and antimicrobial bacterial community of H. oblita egg surface, which may contribute to its adaptability. Furthermore, the specific SEC structure surrounding the H. oblita eggs will provide a stable microenvironment for the eggs and egg surface bacteria, which probably provides more advantages for H. oblita adaptation ability.

Characterization of Two Novel Bacillus thuringiensis Cry8 Toxins Reveal Differential Specificity of Protoxins or Activated Toxins against Chrysomeloidea Coleopteran Superfamily

Scarabaeoidea and Chrysomeloidea insects are agriculture-destructive coleopteran pests. Few effective Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins against these species have been described. Bt isolate BtSU4 was found to be active against coleopteran insects. Genome sequencing revealed two new cry8 genes in BtSU4, designated as cry8Ha1 and cry8Ia1. Both genes expressed a 135 kDa protoxin forming irregular shape crystals. Bioassays performed with Cry8Ha1 protoxin showed that it was toxic to both larvae and adult stages of Holotrichia parallela, also to Holotrichia oblita adults and to Anoplophora glabripennis larvae, but was not toxic to larval stages of H. oblita or Colaphellus bowringi. The Cry8Ia1 protoxin only showed toxicity against H. parallela larvae. After activation with chymotrypsin, the Cry8Ha1 activated toxin lost its insecticidal activity against H. oblita adults and reduced its activity on H. parallela adults, but gained toxicity against C. bowringi larvae, a Chrysomeloidea insect pest that feeds on crucifer crops. The chymotrypsin activated Cry8Ia1 toxin did not show toxicity to any one of these insects. These data show that Cry8Ha1 and Cry8Ia1 protoxin and activated toxin proteins have differential toxicity to diverse coleopteran species, and that protoxin is a more robust protein for the control of coleopteran insects.

Insecticidal Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis Proteins Against Coleopteran Pests

Bacillus thuringiensis is the most successful microbial insecticide agent and its proteins have been studied for many years due to its toxicity against insects mainly belonging to the orders Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera, which are pests of agro-forestry and medical-veterinary interest. However, studies on the interactions between this bacterium and the insect species classified in the order Coleoptera are more limited when compared to other insect orders. To date, 45 Cry proteins, 2 Cyt proteins, 11 Vip proteins, and 2 Sip proteins have been reported with activity against coleopteran species. A number of these proteins have been successfully used in some insecticidal formulations and in the construction of transgenic crops to provide protection against main beetle pests. In this review, we provide an update on the activity of Bt toxins against coleopteran insects, as well as specific information about the structure and mode of action of coleopteran Bt proteins.

Effective bacterial insecticidal proteins against coleopteran pests: A review

Coleoptera, the order of insects commonly referred to as beetles, are able to survive in various environments, and thus, comprise the largest order in the animal kingdom. Coleopterans mainly include coprophagous and phytophagous lineages, and many species of the latter lineage are serious pests. In addition to traditional chemical methods, biocontrol measures using various bacterial insecticidal proteins have also gradually been developed to control these insect pests. In this review, we summarized the possible coleopteran-pest-specific bacteria and insecticidal proteins that have been reported in the literature thus far and have provided a comprehensive overview and long-term guidance for the control of coleopteran pests in the future.

Toxin Gene Contents and Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis Strains Against Two Sugarcane Borer Species, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) and D. flavipennella (Box)

Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) bears essential characteristics in the control of insect pests, such as its unique mode of action, which confers specificity and selectivity. This study assessed cry gene contents from Bt strains and their entomotoxicity against Diatraea saccharalis (F.) and Diatraea flavipennella (Box) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Bioassays with Bt strains were performed against neonates to evaluate their lethal and sublethal activities and were further analyzed by PCR, using primers to identify toxin genes. For D. saccharalis and D. flavipennella, 16 and 18 strains showed over 30% larval mortality in the 7th day, respectively. The LC₅₀ values of strains for D. saccharalis varied from 0.08 × 10⁵ (LIIT-0105) to 4104 × 10⁵ (LIIT-2707) spores + crystals mL^-1. For D. flavipennella, the LC₅₀ values of strains varied from 0.40 × 10⁵ (LIIT-2707) to 542 × 10⁵ (LIIT-2109) spores + crystals mL^-1. For the LIIT-0105 strain, which was the most toxic to D. saccharalis, the genes cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ac, cry1B, cry1C, cry1D, cry1F, cry1I, cry2Aa, cry2Ab, cry8, and cry9C were detected, whereas for the strain LIIT-2707, which was the most toxic to D. flavipennella, detected genes were cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ac, cry1B, cry1D, cry1F, cry1I, cry2Aa, cry2Ab, and cry9. The toxicity data and toxin gene content in these strains of Bt suggest a great variability of activity with potential to be used in the development of novel biopesticides or as source of resistance genes that can be expressed in plants to control pests.

Holotrichia oblita Midgut Proteins That Bind to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry8-Like Toxin and Assembly of the H. oblita Midgut Tissue Transcriptome

The Bacillus thuringiensis strain HBF-18 (CGMCC 2070), containing two cry genes (cry8-like and cry8Ga), is toxic to Holotrichia oblita larvae. Both Cry8-like and Cry8Ga proteins are active against this insect pest, and Cry8-like is more toxic. To analyze the characteristics of the binding of Cry8-like and Cry8Ga proteins to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) in H. oblita larvae, binding assays were conducted with a fluorescent DyLight488-labeled Cry8-like toxin. The results of saturation binding assays demonstrated that Cry8-like bound specifically to binding sites on BBMVs from H. oblita, and heterologous competition assays revealed that Cry8Ga shared binding sites with Cry8-like. Furthermore, Cry8-like-binding proteins in the midgut from H. oblita larvae were identified by pulldown assays and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, the H. oblita midgut transcriptome was assembled by high-throughput RNA sequencing and used for identification of Cry8-like-binding proteins. Eight Cry8-like-binding proteins were obtained from pulldown assays conducted with BBMVs. The LC-MS/MS data for these proteins were successfully matched with the H. oblita transcriptome, and BLASTX results identified five proteins as serine protease, transferrin-like, uncharacterized protein LOC658236 of Tribolium castaneum, ATPase catalytic subunit, and actin. These identified Cry8-like-binding proteins were different from those confirmed previously as receptors for Cry1A proteins in lepidopteran insect species, such as aminopeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and cadherin.IMPORTANCEHolotrichia oblita is one of the main soil-dwelling pests in China. The larvae damage the roots of crops, resulting in significant yield reductions and economic losses. H. oblita is difficult to control, principally due to its soil-dwelling habits. In recent years, some Cry8 toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis were shown to be active against this pest. Study of the mechanism of action of these Cry8 toxins is needed for their effective use in the control of H. oblita and for their future utilization in transgenic plants. Our work provides important basic data and promotes understanding of the insecticidal mechanism of Cry8 proteins against H. oblita larvae.

Expression of cry1Ab gene from a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain SY49-1 active on pest insects

In this study, the cry1Ab gene of previously characterized and Lepidoptera-, Diptera-, and Coleoptera-active Bacillus thuringiensis SY49-1 strain was cloned, expressed and individually tested on Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. pET-cry1Ab plasmids were constructed by ligating the cry1Ab into pET28a (+) expression vector. Constructed plasmids were transferred to an Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain rendered competent with CaCl2. Isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside was used to induce the expression of cry1Ab in E. coli BL21(DE3), and consequently, ∼130kDa of Cry1Ab was obtained. Bioassay results indicated that recombinant Cry1Ab at a dose of 1000μgg(-1) caused 40% and 64% mortality on P. interpunctella and E. kuehniella larvae, respectively. However, the mortality rates of Bt SY49-1 strains' spore-crystal mixture at the same dose were observed to be 70% on P. interpunctella and 90% on E. kuehniella larvae. The results indicated that cry1Ab may be considered as a good candidate in transgenic crop production and as an alternative biocontrol agent in controlling stored product moths.

Use of Redundant Exclusion PCR To Identify a Novel Bacillus thuringiensis Cry8 Toxin Gene from Pooled Genomic DNA

With the aim of optimizing the cloning of novel genes from a genomic pool containing many previously identified homologous genes, we designed a redundant exclusion PCR (RE-PCR) technique. In RE-PCR, a pair of generic amplification primers are combined with additional primers that are designed to specifically bind to redundant, unwanted genes that are a subset of those copied by the amplification primers. During RE-PCR, the specific primer blocks amplification of the full-length redundant gene. Using this method, we managed to clone a number of cry8 or cry9 toxin genes from a pool of Bacillus thuringiensis genomic DNA while excluding amplicons for cry9Da, cry9Ea, and cry9Eb The method proved to be very efficient at increasing the number of rare genes in the resulting library. One such rare (and novel) cry8-like gene was expressed, and the encoded toxin was shown to be toxic to Anomala corpulenta

IMPORTANCE

Protein toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are being increasingly used as biopesticides against a wide range of insect pests, yet the search for new or improved toxins is becoming more difficult, as traditional methods for gene discovery routinely isolate previously identified clones. This paper describes an approach that we have developed to increase the success rate for novel toxin gene identification through reducing or eliminating the cloning of previously characterized genes.

Assembling of Holotrichia parallela (dark black chafer) midgut tissue transcriptome and identification of midgut proteins that bind to Cry8Ea toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis

Holotrichia parallela is one of the most severe crop pests in China, affecting peanut, soybean, and sweet potato crops. Previous work showed that Cry8Ea toxin is highly effective against this insect. In order to identify Cry8Ea-binding proteins in the midgut cells of H. parallela larvae, we assembled a midgut tissue transcriptome by high-throughput sequencing and used this assembled transcriptome to identify Cry8Ea-binding proteins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). First, we obtained de novo sequences of cDNAs from midgut tissue of H. parallela larvae and used available cDNA data in the GenBank. In a parallel assay, we obtained 11 Cry8Ea-binding proteins by pull-down assays performed with midgut brush border membrane vesicles. Peptide sequences from these proteins were matched to the H. parallela newly assembled midgut transcriptome, and 10 proteins were identified. Some of the proteins were shown to be intracellular proteins forming part of the cell cytoskeleton and/or vesicle transport such as actin, myosin, clathrin, dynein, and tubulin among others. In addition, an apolipophorin, which is a protein involved in lipid metabolism, and a novel membrane-bound alanyl aminopeptidase were identified. Our results suggest that Cry8Ea-binding proteins could be different from those characterized for Cry1A toxins in lepidopteran insects.

Genomic sequencing identifies novel Bacillus thuringiensis Vip1/Vip2 binary and Cry8 toxins that have high toxicity to Scarabaeoidea larvae

The Bacillus thuringiensis strain HBF-18 (CGMCC 2070), which has previously been shown to encode the cry8Ga toxin gene, is active against both Holotrichia oblita and Holotrichia parallela. Recombinant Cry8Ga however is only weakly toxic to these insect pests suggesting the involvement of additional toxins in the native strain. We report that through the use of Illumina sequencing three additional, and novel, genes, namely vip1Ad1, vip2Ag1, and cry8-like, were identified in this strain. Although no protein corresponding to these genes could be identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis of the HBF-18 proteome, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR indicated that all three genes were transcribed in the native strain. The two vip genes were cloned and expressed and, as with other Vip1/2 toxins, appeared to function as a binary toxin and showed strong activity against H. oblita, H. parallela and Anomala corpulenta. This is the first report to demonstrate that the Vip1/Vip2 binary toxin is active against these Scarabaeoidea larvae. The cry8-like gene appeared to be a C-terminally truncated form of a typical cry8 gene and was not expressed in our usual recombinant Bt expression system. When however the missing C-terminal region was replaced with the corresponding sequence from cry8Ea, the resulting hybrid expressed well and the toxin was active against the three test insects.

Establishment and application of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system for detection of cry1Ac transgenic sugarcane

To meet the demand for detection of foreign genes in genetically modified (GM) sugarcane necessary for regulation of gene technology, an efficient method with high specificity and rapidity was developed for the cry1Ac gene, based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). A set of four primers was designed using the sequence of cry1Ac along with optimized reaction conditions: 5.25 mM of Mg(2+), 4:1 ratio of inner primer to outer primer, 2.0 U of Bst DNA polymerase in a reaction volume of 25.0 μL. Three post-LAMP detection methods (precipitation, calcein (0.60 mM) with Mn(2+) (0.05 mM) complex and SYBR Green I visualization), were shown to be effective. The sensitivity of the LAMP method was tenfold higher than that of conventional PCR when using templates of the recombinant cry1Ac plasmid or genomic DNA from cry1Ac transgenic sugarcane plants. More importantly, this system allowed detection of the foreign gene on-site when screening GM sugarcane without complex and expensive instruments, using the naked eye. This method can not only provide technological support for detection of cry1Ac, but can also further facilitate the use of this detection technique for other transgenes in GM sugarcane.

Establishment and characterization of three new cell lines from the embryonic tissue of Holotrichia oblita Faldermann (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

The establishment of new insect cell lines plays important roles in the researches of insect pathology, insect toxicology, insecticide screening and activity assay, etc. Using embryos of Holotrichia oblita Faldermann (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) as materials, this study describes the establishment of three cell lines designated as QAU-Ho-E-3 (Ho-3), QAU-Ho-E-4 (Ho-4), and QAU-Ho-E-6 (Ho-6), respectively. Currently, the three cell lines have been passaged more than 50 times in the TNM-FH insect cell medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). All of them showed adherent growth. The majority of Ho-3 cells are spindle-shaped, with a size of 24.35 ± 5.29 × 11.56 ± 1.67 μm. The Ho-4 cells were either spindle-shaped or oblong, with a size of 38.07 ± 8.57 × 17.62 ± 2.48 μm. The Ho-6 cells were primarily round in shape with a diameter of 14.54 ± 1.96 μm. The Ho-3 and Ho-4 cell lines contained 20 chromosomes (i.e., diploid, 2n = 20) at passages 14 and 45. The Ho-6 cell line contained 20 chromosomes (i.e., diploid, 2n = 20) at passage 14 but 40 chromosomes (i.e., polyploidy, 4n = 40) at passage 45. The results of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis showed that the RAPD fingerprint of the three cell lines was consistent with that of H. oblita eggs, but clearly different from that of BTI-Tn5B1-4 and Sf-9 cells, demonstrating that the three cell lines Ho-3, Ho-4, and Ho-6 are H. oblita cell lines. The results of the growth curve test showed that the population doubling times of Ho-3, Ho-4, and Ho-6 were 101.1, 105.2, and 83.6 h, respectively. The viral infection assay indicated that these H. oblita cell lines were not permissive to infection by Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) or Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV).