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Liu L, Wilcox XE, Fisher AJ, Boyd SD, Zhi J, Winkler DD, Bulla LA. Functional and Structural Analysis of the Toxin-Binding Site of the Cadherin G-Protein-Coupled Receptor, BT-R 1, for Cry1A Toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis. Biochemistry 2022; 61:752-766. [PMID: 35438971 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled receptor BT-R1 in the moth Manduca sexta represents a class of single-membrane-spanning α-helical proteins within the cadherin family that regulate intercellular adhesion and contribute to important signaling activities that control cellular homeostasis. The Cry1A toxins, Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, and Cry1Ac, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis bind BT-R1 very tightly (Kd = 1.1 nM) and trigger a Mg2+-dependent signaling pathway that involves the stimulation of G-protein α-subunit, which subsequently launches a coordinated signaling cascade, resulting in insect death. The three Cry1A toxins compete for the same binding site on BT-R1, and the pattern of inhibition of insecticidal activity against M. sexta is strikingly similar for all three toxins. The binding domain is localized in the 12th cadherin repeat (EC12: Asp1349 to Arg1460, 1349DR1460) in BT-R1 and to various truncation fragments derived therefrom. Fine mapping of EC12 revealed that the smallest fragment capable of binding is a highly conserved 94-amino acid polypeptide bounded by Ile1363 and Ser1456 (1363IS1456), designated as the toxin-binding site (TBS). Logistical regression analysis revealed that binding of an EC12 truncation fragment containing the TBS is antagonistic to each of the Cry1A toxins and completely inhibits the insecticidal activity of all three. Elucidation of the EC12 motif of the TBS by X-ray crystallography at a 1.9 Å resolution combined with results of competitive binding analyses, live cell experiments, and whole insect bioassays substantiate the exclusive involvement of BT-R1 in initiating insect cell death and demonstrate that the natural receptor BT-R1 contains a single TBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75083, United States
| | | | | | - Stefanie D Boyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75083, United States
| | - Jiahe Zhi
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75083, United States
| | - Duane D Winkler
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75083, United States
| | - Lee A Bulla
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75083, United States
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2
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Xu J, Ma HH, Liu ZM, Zheng W, Lai XY, Zhu H, Liu J, Zhou Y, Zhou XM. Expression and alternative splicing analysis of a large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel gene in Plutella xylostella. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 105:e21720. [PMID: 32557681 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21720] [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: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa ) plays an important role in the regulation of insect neural circuits and locomotion, and thus is a potential target of insecticides. In this study, iberiotoxin, an inhibitor of BKCa , was found to prolong the anesthetic time of ethyl acetate on Plutella xylostella larvae. Therefore, the coding sequence of slowpoke gene coding the alpha subunit of BKCa was cloned to investigate the function of this channel in P. xylostella, and the gene expression profile in the developmental stages and tissues was also characterized. The total length of pxslo DNA was more than 19.9 kb, which harbored four alternative splicing sites (ASP-A, ASP-C, ASP-E, and ASP-G), and the coding sequence of pxslo with the highest frequency of splicing (GenBank ID: MN938456) was 3,405 base pair. The characterized PxSlo protein contained conserved domains previously identified in other insects. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that pxslo was expressed in all the developmental stages of P. xylostella, with the highest level in adults. In the larval stage, pxslo was mainly expressed in the head and epidermis, while a limited protein was expressed in the midgut. In the adult stage, pxslo was highly expressed in the head, followed by in the ovarian tubule, and was not expressed in the testis or wings. These results suggest that BKCa plays an important physiological role in P. xylostella and provides useful information for the functional study and screening of BKCa inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- College of Plant Protection, Graduate School of Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Hao Ma
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Zhe-Ming Liu
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Lai
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Hang Zhu
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, Graduate School of Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
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3
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Bell P, Down RE, Matthews HJ, Isaac RE, Audsley N. Peptidergic control of the crop of the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum (L.) Diptera: Anthomyiidae): A role for myosuppressin. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 278:50-57. [PMID: 30077792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There is much interest in targeting neuropeptide signaling for the development of new and environmentally friendly insect control chemicals. In this study we have focused attention on the peptidergic control of the adult crop of Delia radicum (cabbage root fly), an important pest of brassicas in European agriculture. The dipteran crop is a muscular organ formed from the foregut of the digestive tract and plays a vital role in the processing of food in adult flies. We have shown using direct tissue profiling by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry that the decapeptide myosuppressin (TDVDHVFLRFamide) is present in the crop nerve bundle and that application of this peptide to the crop potently inhibits the spontaneous contractions of the muscular lobes with an IC50 of 4.4 × 10-8 M. The delivery of myosuppressin either by oral administration or by injection had no significant detrimental effect on the adult fly. This failure to elicit a response is possibly due to the susceptibility of the peptide to degradative peptidases that cleave the parent peptide to inactive fragments. Indeed, we show that the crop of D. radicum is a source of neuropeptide-degrading endo- and amino-peptidases. In contrast, feeding benzethonium chloride, a non-peptide agonist of myosuppressin, reduced feeding rate and increased the rate of mortality of adult D. radicum. Current results are indicative of a key role for myosuppressin in the regulation of crop physiology and the results achieved during this project provide the basis for subsequent studies aimed at developing insecticidal molecules targeting the peptidergic control of feeding and food digestion in this pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bell
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; FERA Science, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | | | | | - R Elwyn Isaac
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
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Hillyer JF. Insect heart rhythmicity is modulated by evolutionarily conserved neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 29:41-48. [PMID: 30551824 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Insects utilize an open circulatory system to transport nutrients, waste, hormones and immune factors throughout the hemocoel. The primary organ that drives hemolymph circulation is the dorsal vessel, which is a muscular tube that traverses the length of the body and is divided into an aorta in the head and thorax, and a heart in the abdomen. The dorsal vessel is myogenic, but its rhythmicity is modulated by neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. This review summarizes how neuropeptides such as crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), FMRFamide-like peptides, proctolin, allatotropin and allatostatin modulate the heart contraction rate and the directionality of heart contractions. Likewise, it discusses how neurotransmitters such as serotonin, octopamine, glutamate and nitric oxide influence the heart rate, and how transcriptomic and proteomic approaches are advancing our understanding of insect circulatory physiology. Finally, this review argues that the immune system may modulate heart rhythmicity, and discusses how the myotropic activity of cardioactive factors extends to the accessory pulsatile organs, such as the auxiliary hearts of the antennae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
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Lismont E, Mortelmans N, Verlinden H, Vanden Broeck J. Molecular cloning and characterization of the SIFamide precursor and receptor in a hymenopteran insect, Bombus terrestris. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 258:39-52. [PMID: 29127004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
SIFamides (SIFa) are a family of neuropeptides that are highly conserved among arthropods. In insects, this peptide is mainly expressed in four medial interneurons in the pars intercerebralis and affects sexual behavior, sleep regulation and pupal mortality. Furthermore, an influence on the hatching rate has been observed. The first SIFa receptor (SIFR) was pharmacologically characterized in Drosophila melanogaster and is homologous to the vertebrate gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) receptor (NPFFR). In this study, we pharmacologically characterized the SIFR of the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We demonstrated an intracellular increase in calcium ions and cyclic AMP (cAMP) upon ligand binding with an EC50 value in the picomolar and nanomolar range, respectively. In addition, we studied the agonistic properties of a range of related and modified peptides. By means of quantitative real time PCR (qPCR), we examined the relative transcript levels of Bomte-SIFa and Bomte-SIFR in a variety of tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Lismont
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Nele Mortelmans
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Chang J, Zhao J, Tian X. In silico prediction of neuropeptides in Hymenoptera parasitoid wasps. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193561. [PMID: 29489917 PMCID: PMC5831470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps of the order Hymenoptera, the most diverse groups of animals, are important natural enemies of arthropod hosts in natural ecosystems and can be used in biological control. To date, only one neuropeptidome of a parasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, has been identified. This study aimed to identify more neuropeptides of parasitoid wasps, by using a well-established workflow that was previously adopted for predicting insect neuropeptide sequences. Based on publicly accessible databases, totally 517 neuropeptide precursors from 24 parasitoid wasp species were identified; these included five neuropeptides (CNMamide, FMRFamide-like, ITG-like, ion transport peptide-like and orcokinin B) that were identified for the first time in parasitoid wasps, to our knowledge. Next, these neuropeptides from parasitoid wasps were compared with those from other insect species. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the divergence of AST-CCC within Hymenoptera. Further, the encoding patterns of CAPA/PK family genes were found to be different between Hymenoptera species and other insect species. Some neuropeptides that were not found in some parasitoid superfamilies (e.g., sulfakinin), or considerably divergent between different parasitoid superfamilies (e.g., sNPF) might be related to distinct physiological processes in the parasitoid life. Information of neuropeptide sequences in parasitoid wasps can be useful for better understanding the phylogenetic relationships of Hymenoptera and further elucidating the physiological functions of neuropeptide signaling systems in parasitoid wasps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhua Chang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Pesticide Research Institute, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Jianhua Zhao
- Vegetable Technology Center of Xiyang County, Xiyang, China
| | - Xiaoli Tian
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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7
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Gough CS, Fairlamb GM, Bell P, Nachman RJ, Audsley N, Isaac RE. Peptidergic control in a fruit crop pest: The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188021. [PMID: 29125862 PMCID: PMC5681264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides play an important role in the regulation of feeding in insects and offer potential targets for the development of new chemicals to control insect pests. A pest that has attracted much recent attention is the highly invasive Drosophila suzukii, a polyphagous pest that can cause serious economic damage to soft fruits. Previously we showed by mass spectrometry the presence of the neuropeptide myosuppressin (TDVDHVFLRFamide) in the nerve bundle suggesting that this peptide is involved in regulating the function of the crop, which in adult dipteran insects has important roles in the processing of food, the storage of carbohydrates and the movement of food into the midgut for digestion. In the present study antibodies that recognise the C-terminal RFamide epitope of myosuppressin stain axons in the crop nerve bundle and reveal peptidergic fibres covering the surface of the crop. We also show using an in vitro bioassay that the neuropeptide is a potent inhibitor (EC50 of 2.3 nM) of crop contractions and that this inhibition is mimicked by the non-peptide myosuppressin agonist, benzethonium chloride (Bztc). Myosuppressin also inhibited the peristaltic contractions of the adult midgut, but was a much weaker agonist (EC50 = 5.7 μM). The oral administration of Bztc (5 mM) in a sucrose diet to adult female D. suzukii over 4 hours resulted in less feeding and longer exposure to dietary Bztc led to early mortality. We therefore suggest that myosuppressin and its cognate receptors are potential targets for disrupting feeding behaviour of adult D. suzukii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S. Gough
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Grace M. Fairlamb
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Bell
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ronald J. Nachman
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | | | - R. Elwyn Isaac
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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8
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Yeoh JGC, Pandit AA, Zandawala M, Nässel DR, Davies SA, Dow JAT. DINeR: Database for Insect Neuropeptide Research. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 86:9-19. [PMID: 28502574 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including development, metabolism, water and ion homeostasis, and as neuromodulators in circuits of the central nervous system. Numerous neuropeptides have been identified and characterized. However, both discovery and functional characterization of neuropeptides across the massive Class Insecta has been sporadic. To leverage advances in post-genomic technologies for this rapidly growing field, insect neuroendocrinology requires a consolidated, comprehensive and standardised resource for managing neuropeptide information. The Database for Insect Neuropeptide Research (DINeR) is a web-based database-application used for search and retrieval of neuropeptide information of various insect species detailing their isoform sequences, physiological functionality and images of their receptor-binding sites, in an intuitive, accessible and user-friendly format. The curated data includes representatives of 50 well described neuropeptide families from over 400 different insect species. Approximately 4700 FASTA formatted, neuropeptide isoform amino acid sequences and over 200 records of physiological functionality have been recorded based on published literature. Also available are images of neuropeptide receptor locations. In addition, the data include comprehensive summaries for each neuropeptide family, including their function, location, known functionality, as well as cladograms, sequence alignments and logos covering most insect orders. Moreover, we have adopted a standardised nomenclature to address inconsistent classification of neuropeptides. As part of the H2020 nEUROSTRESSPEP project, the data will be actively maintained and curated, ensuring a comprehensive and standardised resource for the scientific community. DINeR is publicly available at the project website: http://www.neurostresspep.eu/diner/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G C Yeoh
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Aniruddha A Pandit
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, S-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, S-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shireen-Anne Davies
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Julian A T Dow
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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Choi MY, Ahn SJ, Kim AY, Koh Y. Identification and characterization of pyrokinin and CAPA peptides, and corresponding GPCRs from spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:354-362. [PMID: 28069423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The family of FXPRLamide peptides serves as a major insect hormone. It is characterized by a core active amino acid sequence conserved at the C-terminal ends, and provides various physiological roles across the Insecta. In this study we identified and characterized pyrokinin (PK) and CAPA cDNAs encoding two FXPRLamide peptides, pyrokinin and CAPA-DH (diapause hormone), and two corresponding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) from spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii. Expressions of PK and CAPA mRNAs were differentially observed during all life stages except the embryo, and the detection of CAPA transcription was relatively strong compared with the PK gene in SWD. Both D. suzukii pyrokinin receptor (DrosuPKr) and CAPA-DH receptor (DrosuCAPA-DHr) were functionally expressed and confirmed through binding to PK and DH peptides. Differential expression of two GPCRs occurred during all life stages; a strong transcription of DrosuPKr was observed in the 3rd instar. DrosuCAPA-DHr was clearly expressed from the embryo to the larva, but not detected in the adult. Gene regulation during the life stages was not synchronized between ligand and receptor. For example, SWD CAPA mRNA has been up-regulated in the adult while CAPA-DHr was down-regulated. The difference could be from the CAPA mRNA translating multiple peptides including CAPA-DH and two CAPA-PVK (periviscerokinin) peptides to act on different receptors. Comparing the genes of SWD PK, CAPA, PKr and CAPA-DHr to four corresponding genes of D. melanogaster, SWD CAPA and the receptor are more similar to D. melanogaster than PK and the receptor. These data suggest that the CAPA gene could be evolutionally more conserved to have a common biological role in insects. In addition, the effect of Kozak sequences was investigated by the expression of the GPCRs with or without Kozak sequences in Sf9 insect cells. The Kozak sequenced PK receptor was significantly less active than the original (= no Kozak sequenced) receptor. Our results provide a knowledge for potential biological function(s) of PK and CAPA-DH peptides in SWD, and possibly offer a novel control method for this pest insect in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yeon Choi
- USDA-ARS, Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, 3420 NW Orchard Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA.
| | - Seung-Joon Ahn
- USDA-ARS, Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, 3420 NW Orchard Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA; Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - A Young Kim
- Department of Bio-medical Gerontology, Ilsong Institute of Life Sciences, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngho Koh
- Department of Bio-medical Gerontology, Ilsong Institute of Life Sciences, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Solari P, Rivelli N, De Rose F, Picciau L, Murru L, Stoffolano JG, Liscia A. Opposite effects of 5-HT/AKH and octopamine on the crop contractions in adult Drosophila melanogaster: Evidence of a double brain-gut serotonergic circuitry. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174172. [PMID: 28334024 PMCID: PMC5363830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study showed that in adult Drosophila melanogaster, the type of sugar-either present within the crop lumen or in the bathing solution of the crop-had no effect on crop muscle contraction. What is important, however, is the volume within the crop lumen. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that exogenous applications of serotonin on crop muscles increases both the amplitude and the frequency of crop contraction rate, while adipokinetic hormone mainly enhances the crop contraction frequency. Conversely, octopamine virtually silenced the overall crop activity. The present study reports for the first time an analysis of serotonin effects along the gut-brain axis in adult D. melanogaster. Injection of serotonin into the brain between the interocellar area shows that brain applications of serotonin decrease the frequency of crop activity. Based on our results, we propose that there are two different, opposite pathways for crop motility control governed by serotonin: excitatory when added in the abdomen (i.e., directly bathing the crop) and inhibitory when supplied within the brain (i.e., by injection). Finally, our results point to a double brain-gut serotonergic circuitry suggesting that not only the brain can affect gut functions, but the gut can also affect the central nervous system. On the basis of our results, and data in the literature, a possible mechanism for these two discrete serotonergic functions is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Solari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Nicholas Rivelli
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, College of Natural Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Francescaelena De Rose
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Lorenzo Picciau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Ludovico Murru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - John G. Stoffolano
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, College of Natural Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Anna Liscia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
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11
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Christie AE, Hull JJ, Richer JA, Geib SM, Tassone EE. Prediction of a peptidome for the western tarnished plant bug Lygus hesperus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 243:22-38. [PMID: 27789347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Many strategies for controlling insect pests require an understanding of their hormonal signaling agents, peptides being the largest and most diverse single class of these molecules. Lygus hesperus is a pest species of particular concern, as it is responsible for significant damage to a wide variety of commercially important plant crops. At present, little is known about the peptide hormones of L. hesperus. Here, transcriptomic data were used to predict a peptidome for L. hesperus. Fifty-three L. hesperus transcripts encoding peptide precursors were identified, with a subset amplified by PCR for sequence verification. The proteins deduced from these transcripts allowed for the prediction of a 119-sequence peptidome for L. hesperus. The predicted peptides include isoforms of allatostatin A, allatostatin B (AST-B), allatostatin C, allatotropin, bursicon, CCHamide, corazonin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/ion transport peptide, diuretic hormone 31, GSEFLamide, insulin-like peptide, myosuppressin, neuroparsin, neuropeptide F, orcokinin, orcomyotropin, pyrokinin, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide, sulfakinin and tachykinin-related peptide. Of note were several isoforms of AST-B that possess -WX7Wamide carboxyl-termini rather than the stereotypical -WX6Wamide (e.g., KWQDMQNPGWamide), an allatotropin ending in -SARGFamide rather than -TARGFamide (GLKNGPLNSARGFamide), a GSEFLamide ending in -GTEFLamide (TVGTEFLamide), several orcokinins with PMDEIDR- rather than NFDEIDR- amino-termini (e.g., PMDEIDRAGFTHFV), and an eight rather than 12 amino acid long isoform of SIFamide (PPFNGSIFamide). Collectively, the L. hesperus peptidome predicted here provides a resource for initiating physiological investigations of peptidergic signaling in this species, including studies directed at the biological control of this agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Christie
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Josh A Richer
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Scott M Geib
- Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit, Daniel K. Inouye Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Erica E Tassone
- Plant Physiology and Genetics Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
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12
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Wei H, Chang H, Zheng L, Lin S, Chen Y, Tian H, Zhao J, Chen Y, Cai H, Gu X, Murugan K. Identification and expression profiling of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide in Chlumetia transversa (Walker). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 135:89-96. [PMID: 28043337 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Insect neuropeptides (NPs) in the pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) family are actively involved in many essential endocrine functions. These peptides are potential targets in the search for novel insect control agents. This is the first report on the cloning and sequence determination of Chlumetia transversa (Walker) PBAN (Ct-PBAN) using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The open reading frame of Ct-PBAN was 588bp in length and encoded 195 amino acids, which were assembled into five putative neuropeptides (diapause hormone homolog, α-neuropeptide, β-neuropeptide, PBAN, and γ-neuropeptide). These peptides were amidated at C-terminus and shared the conserved pentapeptide motif FXPR (or K) L. Moreover, Ct-PBAN had high homology to PBANs in Helicoverpa zea (84.1%), Helicoverpa armigera (83.5%), Helicoverpa assulta (83%), and Heliothis virescens (82.6%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that Ct-PBAN was closely related to its orthologs in the family Noctuidae. In addition, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays showed that the expression of Ct-PBAN peaked in the female head and was also detected at high levels in 1-d-old adults. These results suggested that Ct-PBAN is associated with sex pheromone biosynthesis in female C. transversa and could be used for developing C. transversa control systems based on molecular techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wei
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China.
| | - Hong Chang
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 15 Shangxia Dian Road, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lizhen Zheng
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Shuo Lin
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Houjun Tian
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, ', 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China; Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, 247 Wusi Road, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Hongjiao Cai
- Fishery college, Jimei University, 43 Yindou Road, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xiaojun Gu
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 15 Shangxia Dian Road, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Kadarkarai Murugan
- Division of Entomology, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
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13
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Traverso L, Sierra I, Sterkel M, Francini F, Ons S. Neuropeptidomics in Triatoma infestans. Comparative transcriptomic analysis among triatomines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 110:83-98. [PMID: 27993629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Chagas' disease, affecting up to 6-7 million people worldwide, is transmitted to humans through the feces of triatomine kissing bugs. From these, Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma dimidiata, Triatoma infestans and Triatoma pallidipennis are important vectors distributed throughout the Latin American subcontinent. Resistance to pyrethroids has been developed by some triatomine populations, especially T. infestans, obstructing their control. Given their role in the regulation of physiological processes, neuroendocrine-derived factors have been proposed as a source of molecular targets for new-generation insecticides. However, the involvement of neuropeptides in insecticide metabolism and resistance in insects has been poorly studied. In the present work, the sequences of 20 neuropeptide precursor genes in T. infestans, 16 in T. dimidiata, and 13 in T. pallidipennis detected in transcriptomic databases are reported, and a comparative analysis in triatomines is presented. A total of 59 neuropeptides were validated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in brain and nervous ganglia from T. infestans, revealing the existence of differential post-translational modifications, extended and truncated forms. The results suggest a high sequence conservation in some neuropeptide systems in triatomines, whereas remarkable differences occur in several others within the core domains. Comparisons of the basal expression levels for several neuropeptide precursor genes between pyrethroid sensitive and resistant population of T. infestans are also presented here, in order to introduce a proof of concept to test the involvement of neuropeptides in insecticide resistance. From the precursors tested, NVP and ITG peptides are significantly higher expressed in the resistant population. To our knowledge, this is the first report to associate differential neuropeptide expression with insecticide resistance. The information provided here contributes to creating conditions to widely extend functional and genetic studies involving neuropeptides in triatomines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Traverso
- Laboratory of Insect Neurobiology, Regional Center for Genomic Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Bvd 120 N(o). 1459, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ivana Sierra
- Laboratory of Insect Neurobiology, Regional Center for Genomic Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Bvd 120 N(o). 1459, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcos Sterkel
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, bloco D. Prédio do CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Flavio Francini
- Center of Experimental and Applied Endocrinology, CONICET-CCT La Plata, National University of La Plata, 60 and 120 Street, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Sheila Ons
- Laboratory of Insect Neurobiology, Regional Center for Genomic Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata, Bvd 120 N(o). 1459, CP: 1900, La Plata, Argentina.
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14
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Audsley N, Down RE. G protein coupled receptors as targets for next generation pesticides. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 67:27-37. [PMID: 26226649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There is an on-going need for the discovery and development of new pesticides due to the loss of existing products through the continuing development of resistance, the desire for products with more favourable environmental and toxicological profiles and the need to implement the principles of integrated pest management. Insect G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important roles in modulating biology, physiology and behaviour, including reproduction, osmoregulation, growth and development. Modifying normal receptor function by blocking or over stimulating its actions may either result in the death of a pest or disrupt its normal fitness or reproductive capacity to reduce pest populations. Hence GPCRs offer potential targets for the development of next generation pesticides providing opportunities to discover new chemistries for invertebrate pest control. Such receptors are important targets for pharmaceutical drugs, but are under-exploited by the agro-chemical industry. The octopamine receptor agonists are the only pesticides with a recognized mode of action, as described in the classification scheme developed by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee, that act via a GPCR. The availability of sequenced insect genomes has facilitated the characterization of insect GPCRs, but the development and utilization of screening assays to identify lead compounds has been slow. Various studies using knock-down technologies or applying the native ligands and/or neuropeptide analogues to pest insects in vivo, have however demonstrated that modifying normal receptor function can have an insecticidal effect. This review presents examples of potential insect neuropeptide receptors that are potential targets for lead compound development, using case studies from three representative pest species, Tribolium castaneum, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Drosophila suzukii. Functional analysis studies on T. castaneum suggest that GPCRs involved in growth and development (eclosion hormone, ecdysis triggering hormone and crustacean cardioacceleratory peptide receptors) as well as the dopamine-2 like, latrophilin-like, starry night, frizzled-like, methuselah-like and the smoothened receptors may be suitable pesticide targets. From in vivo studies using native ligands and peptide analogues, receptors which appear to have a role in the regulation of feeding in the pea aphid, such as the PISCF-allatostatin and the various "kinin" receptors, are also potential targets. In Drosophila melanogaster various neuropeptides and their signalling pathways have been studied extensively. This may provide insights into potential pesticide targets that could be exploited in D. suzukii. Examples include the sex peptide receptor, which is involved in reproduction and host seeking behaviours, and those responsible for osmoregulation such as the diuretic hormone receptors. However the neuropeptides and their receptors in insects are often poorly characterized, especially in pest species. Although data from closely related species may be transferable (e.g. D. melanogaster to D. suzukii), peptides and receptors may have different roles in different insects, and hence a target in one insect may not be appropriate in another. Hence fundamental knowledge of the roles and functions of receptors is vital for development to proceed.
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Christie AE. Neuropeptide discovery in Symphylella vulgaris (Myriapoda, Symphyla): In silico prediction of the first myriapod peptidome. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 223:73-86. [PMID: 26407502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Arthropods have contributed greatly to our understanding of peptidergic control of physiology and behavior, and being the largest and most diverse animal phylum, represent a model for investigating peptide hormone evolution. Surprisingly, one arthropod subphylum, the Myriapoda, is uninvestigated in terms of its peptide hormones. The public deposition of a transcriptome for Symphylella vulgaris, a pseudocentipede, provides a means for peptide discovery in myriapods. Here, in silico transcriptome mining was used to identify 47 S. vulgaris neuropeptide-encoding transcripts within this dataset. The identified transcripts allowed for the deduction of 31 unique pre/preprohormone sequences, with 97 distinct mature peptides predicted from the deduced proteins. The predicted S. vulgaris peptidome includes members of the adipokinetic hormone/red pigment concentrating hormone, adipokinetic hormone-corazonin-like peptide, allatostatin A, allatostatin C (AST-C), allatotropin, CCHamide, crustacean cardioactive peptide, GSEFLamide, insulin-like peptide, intocin, proctolin, pyrokinin, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide and sulfakinin families. This is the first, and thus far only, peptidome predicted for a myriapod. Of particular note were a modified AST-C, TYWKQCAFNAVSRFamide, that lacks one of two cysteine residues (i.e. one at position 13) stereotypically present in members of this peptide family (and hence is missing the disulfide bridge that spans these residues) and a SIFamide, PPFNGSIFamide, that is truncated due to a lysine for arginine substitution in the dibasic residue pair commonly located at positions 3 and 4 of stereotypical full-length isoforms (e.g. the crustacean peptide GYRKPPFNGSIFamide). The peptides predicted here represent the only extant resource for initiating investigations of native peptidergic signaling in the Myriapoda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Christie
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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16
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Felix RC, Trindade M, Pires IRP, Fonseca VG, Martins RS, Silveira H, Power DM, Cardoso JCR. Unravelling the Evolution of the Allatostatin-Type A, KISS and Galanin Peptide-Receptor Gene Families in Bilaterians: Insights from Anopheles Mosquitoes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130347. [PMID: 26135459 PMCID: PMC4489612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allatostatin type A receptors (AST-ARs) are a group of G-protein coupled receptors activated by members of the FGL-amide (AST-A) peptide family that inhibit food intake and development in arthropods. Despite their physiological importance the evolution of the AST-A system is poorly described and relatively few receptors have been isolated and functionally characterised in insects. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the origin and comparative evolution of the AST-A system. To determine how evolution and feeding modified the function of AST-AR the duplicate receptors in Anopheles mosquitoes, were characterised. Phylogeny and gene synteny suggested that invertebrate AST-A receptors and peptide genes shared a common evolutionary origin with KISS/GAL receptors and ligands. AST-ARs and KISSR emerged from a common gene ancestor after the divergence of GALRs in the bilaterian genome. In arthropods, the AST-A system evolved through lineage-specific events and the maintenance of two receptors in the flies and mosquitoes (Diptera) was the result of a gene duplication event. Speciation of Anopheles mosquitoes affected receptor gene organisation and characterisation of AST-AR duplicates (GPRALS1 and 2) revealed that in common with other insects, the mosquito receptors were activated by insect AST-A peptides and the iCa2+-signalling pathway was stimulated. GPRALS1 and 2 were expressed mainly in mosquito midgut and ovaries and transcript abundance of both receptors was modified by feeding. A blood meal strongly up-regulated expression of both GPRALS in the midgut (p < 0.05) compared to glucose fed females. Based on the results we hypothesise that the AST-A system in insects shared a common origin with the vertebrate KISS system and may also share a common function as an integrator of metabolism and reproduction. Highlights: AST-A and KISS/GAL receptors and ligands shared common ancestry prior to the protostome-deuterostome divergence. Phylogeny and gene synteny revealed that AST-AR and KISSR emerged after GALR gene divergence. AST-AR genes were present in the hemichordates but were lost from the chordates. In protostomes, AST-ARs persisted and evolved through lineage-specific events and duplicated in the arthropod radiation. Diptera acquired and maintained functionally divergent duplicate AST-AR genes.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Anopheles/classification
- Anopheles/genetics
- Anopheles/metabolism
- Calcium Signaling
- Evolution, Molecular
- Fat Body/chemistry
- Fat Body/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Genome, Insect
- Glucose/metabolism
- Insect Proteins/chemistry
- Insect Proteins/genetics
- Insect Proteins/metabolism
- Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism
- Intestines/chemistry
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Multigene Family
- Ovary/chemistry
- Ovary/metabolism
- Phylogeny
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/chemistry
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, Galanin/chemistry
- Receptors, Galanin/genetics
- Receptors, Galanin/metabolism
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/chemistry
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/genetics
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/metabolism
- Reproduction/genetics
- Sequence Alignment
- Synteny
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute C. Felix
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Marlene Trindade
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isa R. P. Pires
- Centro de Malária e outras Doenças Tropicais, UEI Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349–008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vera G. Fonseca
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rute S. Martins
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Henrique Silveira
- Centro de Malária e outras Doenças Tropicais, UEI Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349–008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Deborah M. Power
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - João C. R. Cardoso
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Romanova EV, Sweedler JV. Peptidomics for the discovery and characterization of neuropeptides and hormones. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:579-86. [PMID: 26143240 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of neuropeptides as signaling molecules with paracrine or hormonal regulatory functions has led to trailblazing advances in physiology and fostered the characterization of numerous neuropeptide-binding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as potential drug targets. The impact on human health has been tremendous: approximately 30% of commercial drugs act via the GPCR pathway. However, about 25% of the GPCRs encoded by the mammalian genome still lack their pharmacological identity. Searching for the orphan GPCR endogenous ligands that are likely to be neuropeptides has proved to be a formidable task. Here we describe the mass spectrometry (MS)-based technologies and experimental strategies that have been successful in achieving high-throughput characterization of endogenous peptides in nervous and endocrine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Romanova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Zandawala M, Hamoudi Z, Lange AB, Orchard I. Adipokinetic hormone signalling system in the Chagas disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 24:264-276. [PMID: 25545120 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides and their G protein-coupled receptors are widespread throughout Metazoa and in several cases, clear orthologues can be identified in both protostomes and deuterostomes. One such neuropeptide is the insect adipokinetic hormone (AKH), which is related to the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone. AKH has been studied extensively and is known to mobilize lipid, carbohydrates and proline for energy-consuming activities such as flight. In order to determine the possible roles for this signalling system in Rhodnius prolixus, we isolated the cDNA sequences encoding R. prolixus AKH (Rhopr-AKH) and its receptor (Rhopr-AKHR). We also examined their spatial expression pattern using quantitative PCR. Our expression analysis indicates that Rhopr-AKH is only expressed in the corpus cardiacum of fifth-instars and adults. Rhopr-AKHR, by contrast, is expressed in several peripheral tissues including the fat body. The expression of the receptor in the fat body suggests that AKH is involved in lipid mobilization, which was confirmed by knockdown of Rhopr-AKHR via RNA interference. Adult males that had been injected with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for Rhopr-AKHR exhibited increased lipid content in the fat body and decreased lipid levels in the haemolymph. Moreover, injection of Rhopr-AKH in Rhopr-AKHR dsRNA-treated males failed to elevate haemolymph lipid levels, confirming that this is indeed the receptor for Rhopr-AKH.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zandawala
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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