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Sun K, Fu K, Hu T, Shentu X, Yu X. Leveraging insect viruses and genetic manipulation for sustainable agricultural pest control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2515-2527. [PMID: 37948321 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7878] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential of insect viruses in the biological control of agricultural pests is well-recognized, yet their practical application faces obstacles such as host specificity, variable virulence, and resource scarcity. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies have significantly advanced our capabilities in discovering and identifying new insect viruses, thereby enriching the arsenal for pest management. Concurrently, progress in reverse genetics has facilitated the development of versatile viral expression vectors. These vectors have enhanced the specificity and effectiveness of insect viruses in targeting specific pests, offering a more precise approach to pest control. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the methodologies employed in the identification of insect viruses using HTS. Additionally, it explores the domain of genetically modified insect viruses and their associated challenges in pest management. The adoption of these cutting-edge approaches holds great promise for developing environmentally sustainable and effective pest control solutions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kang Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Zhejinag Seed Industry Group Xinchuang Bio-breeding Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuping Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
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Jiang S, Marco HG, Scheich N, He S, Wang Z, Gäde G, McMahon DP. Comparative analysis of adipokinetic hormones and their receptors in Blattodea reveals novel patterns of gene evolution. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:615-633. [PMID: 37382487 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a neuropeptide produced in the insect corpora cardiaca that plays an essential role in mobilising carbohydrates and lipids from the fat body to the haemolymph. AKH acts by binding to a rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR). In this study, we tackle AKH ligand and receptor gene evolution as well as the evolutionary origins of AKH gene paralogues from the order Blattodea (termites and cockroaches). Phylogenetic analyses of AKH precursor sequences point to an ancient AKH gene duplication event in the common ancestor of Blaberoidea, yielding a new group of putative decapeptides. In total, 16 different AKH peptides from 90 species were obtained. Two octapeptides and seven putatively novel decapeptides are predicted for the first time. AKH receptor sequences from 18 species, spanning solitary cockroaches and subsocial wood roaches as well as lower and higher termites, were subsequently acquired using classical molecular methods and in silico approaches employing transcriptomic data. Aligned AKHR open reading frames revealed 7 highly conserved transmembrane regions, a typical arrangement for GPCRs. Phylogenetic analyses based on AKHR sequences support accepted relationships among termite, subsocial (Cryptocercus spp.) and solitary cockroach lineages to a large extent, while putative post-translational modification sites do not greatly differ between solitary and subsocial roaches and social termites. Our study provides important information not only for AKH and AKHR functional research but also for further analyses interested in their development as potential candidates for biorational pest control agents against invasive termites and cockroaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiong Jiang
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heather G Marco
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Nina Scheich
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shulin He
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongqing Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Dino P McMahon
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
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Zhu H, Xu C, Chen Y, Liang Y. His-Ala-Phe-Lys peptide from Burkholderia arboris possesses antifungal activity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1071530. [PMID: 36560956 PMCID: PMC9763614 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1071530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia arboris, which belongs to the Burkholderia cepacia complex, has been shown to possess antifungal activity against several plant fungal pathogens; however, the antifungal compounds are yet to be identified. Here, we identified the antifungal compounds produced by B. arboris using genetic and metabolomic approaches. We generated a Tn5 transposon mutation library of 3,000 B. arboris mutants and isolated three mutants with reduced antifungal activity against the plant fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Among the mutants, the M464 mutant exhibited the weakest antifungal activity. In the M464 genome, the transposon was inserted into the cobA gene, encoding uroporphyrin-III methyltransferase. Deletion of the cobA gene also resulted in reduced antifungal activity, indicating that the cobA gene contributed to the antifungal activity of B. arboris. Furthermore, a comparison of the differential metabolites between wild type B. arboris and the ∆cobA mutant showed a significantly decreased level of tetrapeptide His-Ala-Phe-Lys (Hafk) in the ∆cobA mutant. Therefore, a Hafk peptide with D-amino acid residues was synthesized and its antifungal activity was evaluated. Notably, the Hafk peptide displayed significant antifungal activity against F. oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea, two plant pathogens that cause destructive fungal diseases. Overall, a novel antifungal compound (Hafk) that can be used for the biocontrol of fungal diseases in plants was identified in B. arboris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cuihong Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yicun Chen
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yan Liang, ; Yicun Chen,
| | - Yan Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yan Liang, ; Yicun Chen,
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Meriño-Cabrera Y, Castro JS, de Almeida Barros R, da Silva Junior NR, de Oliveira Ramos H, de Almeida Oliveira MG. Arginine-containing dipeptides decrease affinity of gut trypsins and compromise soybean pest development. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 184:105107. [PMID: 35715046 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105107] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The design and production of molecules capable of mimicking the binding or/and functional sites of proteins inhibitors represent a promising strategy for the exploration and modulation of gut trypsin function in insect pests, specifically Lepidoptera. Here, for the first time, we characterized the trypsin activity present in the gut, performance and development of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae when exposed to arginine-containing dipeptides. In silico assessment showed that arginine-containing dipeptides have a greater affinity for the active site of A. gemmatalis trypsins than lysine-containing peptides due to the presence of the double-charged guanidinium group that enhances the interaction at the S1 subsite of trypsins. Furthermore, the inhibitory and anti-insect potential of the peptides was demonstrated through kinetic and larval life cycle parameters, respectively. These dipeptides showed structural stability, binding to the active site, corroborated in vitro (competitive inhibition), and significant reduction of trypsin enzyme activity in the gut, survival, and weight of the A. gemmatalis larvae. Our findings reinforce the idea that small peptides are promising candidates for lepidopteran pest management. The optimization of DI2 and DI1 peptides, enhancing uptake and affinity to trypsins, may turn the use of these molecules feasible in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaremis Meriño-Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil; Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - José Severiche Castro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil; Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Almeida Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil; Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Neilier Rodrigues da Silva Junior
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil; Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Humberto de Oliveira Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil; Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Goreti de Almeida Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil; Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
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de Almeida Barros R, Meriño-Cabrera Y, Severiche Castro JG, Rodrigues da Silva Júnior N, Schultz H, de Andrade RJ, Aguilar de Oliveira JV, de Oliveira Ramos HJ, de Almeida Oliveira MG. Inhibition constant and stability of tripeptide inhibitors of gut trypsin-like enzyme of the soybean pest Anticarsia gemmatalis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 110:e21887. [PMID: 35315942 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21887] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insects overcome the action of natural protease inhibitors (PIs) due to evolutionary adaptations through endogenous proteolysis and reprogramming proteases. Insect adaptations complicate the formulation of IP-based crop protection products. However, small peptides designed based on the active site of enzymes have shown promising results that could change this scenario. GORE1 and GORE2 are designed tripeptides that reduce the survival of Anticarsia gemmatalis when ingested orally. In this article, the stability and ability of the peptides to bind trypsin-like enzymes of A. gemmatalis were evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The ability of the peptides to inhibit trypsin-like enzymes in vivo was compared with the SKTI protein by feeding A. gemmatalis larvae at different concentrations, followed by an inhibition persistence assay. During the MD simulation of enzyme-ligand complexes, both peptides showed a small variation of root-mean-square deviation and root-mean-square fluctuation, suggesting that these molecules reach equilibrium when forming a complex with the trypsin-like enzyme. Furthermore, both peptides form hydrogen bonds with substrate recognition sites of A. gemmatalis trypsin-like enzyme, with GORE2 having more interactions than GORE1. Larvae of A. gemmatalis exposed to the peptides and SKTI showed a similar reduction in proteolytic activity, but the persistence of inhibition of trypsin-like enzyme was longer in peptide-fed insects. Despite their size, the peptides exhibit important active and substrate binding site interactions, stability during complex formation, and steadiness effects in vivo. The results provide fundamental information for the development of mimetic molecules and help in decision-making for the selection of delivery methods for larger-scale experiments regarding similar molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael de Almeida Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yaremis Meriño-Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José G Severiche Castro
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia
| | - Neilier Rodrigues da Silva Júnior
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Halina Schultz
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael J de Andrade
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João V Aguilar de Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Humberto J de Oliveira Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria G de Almeida Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Biochemistry of Proteins and Peptides, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, BIOAGRO-UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Araújo IF, Loureiro HA, Marinho VH, Neves FB, Sarquis RS, Faustino SM, Yoshioka SA, Ferreira RM, Souto RN, Ferreira IM. Larvicidal activity of the methanolic, hydroethanolic and hexanic extracts from Acmella oleracea, solubilized with silk fibroin, against Aedes aegypti. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2020.101550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Lovett B, Bilgo E, Diabate A, St Leger R. A review of progress toward field application of transgenic mosquitocidal entomopathogenic fungi. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2316-2324. [PMID: 30801913 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In Africa, adult mosquito populations are primarily controlled with insecticide-impregnated bed nets and residual insecticide sprays. This coupled with widespread applications of pesticides in agriculture has led to increasing insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. We have developed multiple alternative strategies for exploiting transgenic Metarhizium spp. directed at: (i) shortening the lifespan of adult mosquitoes; (ii) reducing transmission potential of Plasmodium spp.; (iii) reducing vector competence via pre-lethal effects. The present challenge is to convert this promising strategy into a validated public health intervention by resolving outstanding issues related to the release of genetically modified organisms. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovett
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Etienne Bilgo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Raymond St Leger
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Caccia S, Casartelli M, Tettamanti G. The amazing complexity of insect midgut cells: types, peculiarities, and functions. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 377:505-525. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03076-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Wang X, Tang X, Xu D, Yu D. Molecular basis and mechanism underlying the insecticidal activity of venoms and toxins from Latrodectus spiders. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:318-323. [PMID: 30204933 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5206] [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] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Latrodectus species are among the most venomous of spiders, with abundant toxic proteinaceous components in their venomous glands and other tissues, as well as their eggs. To date, several proteinaceous toxins with insecticidal potential, including α-insectotoxin and δ-insectotoxin, two of the most potent known insecticidal toxins, have been purified and characterized by comprehensively utilizing conventional biochemical techniques. This has greatly enhanced our knowledge of the molecular basis and mechanism of action of their toxicity. Application of proteomic and transcriptomic techniques further revealed the synergistic action of multiple Latrodectus proteinaceous toxins and toxin-like components. Insecticidal toxins from Latrodectus spiders have great potential in insect pest control; however, more studies are needed to further reveal their mechanisms of action and understand their structures and properties before any practical application, for example, the insecticidal toxin-containing fusion proteins with oral activity. Here, we review current knowledge of the molecular basis and mechanism of action underlying the insecticidal activity of venoms and toxins from Latrodectus spiders, and examine their potential application in insect pest control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianchun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Dehong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Dianmei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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Denecke S, Swevers L, Douris V, Vontas J. How do oral insecticidal compounds cross the insect midgut epithelium? INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 103:22-35. [PMID: 30366055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of oral insecticidal molecules (small molecules, peptides, dsRNA) via spray or plant mediated applications represents an efficient way to manage damaging insect species. With the exception of Bt toxins that target the midgut epithelium itself, most of these compounds have targets that lie within the hemocoel (body) of the insect. Because of this, one of the greatest factors in determining the effectiveness of an oral insecticidal compound is its ability to traverse the gut epithelium and enter the hemolymph. However, for many types of insecticidal compounds, neither the pathway taken across the gut nor the specific genes which influence uptake are fully characterized. Here, we review how different types of insecticidal compounds enter or cross the midgut epithelium through passive (diffusion) or active (transporter based, endocytosis) routes. A deeper understanding of how insecticidal molecules cross the gut will help to best utilize current insecticides and also provide for more rational design of future ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Denecke
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 73100, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis Douris
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 73100, Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Vontas
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 73100, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Crop Science, Pesticide Science Lab, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Fungal Ribotoxins: A Review of Potential Biotechnological Applications. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9020071. [PMID: 28230789 PMCID: PMC5331450 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi establish a complex network of biological interactions with other organisms in nature. In many cases, these involve the production of toxins for survival or colonization purposes. Among these toxins, ribotoxins stand out as promising candidates for their use in biotechnological applications. They constitute a group of highly specific extracellular ribonucleases that target a universally conserved sequence of RNA in the ribosome, the sarcin-ricin loop. The detailed molecular study of this family of toxic proteins over the past decades has highlighted their potential in applied research. Remarkable examples would be the recent studies in the field of cancer research with promising results involving ribotoxin-based immunotoxins. On the other hand, some ribotoxin-producer fungi have already been studied in the control of insect pests. The recent role of ribotoxins as insecticides could allow their employment in formulas and even as baculovirus-based biopesticides. Moreover, considering the important role of their target in the ribosome, they can be used as tools to study how ribosome biogenesis is regulated and, eventually, may contribute to a better understanding of some ribosomopathies.
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12
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A Novel Insecticidal Peptide SLP1 Produced by Streptomyces laindensis H008 against Lipaphis erysimi. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21081101. [PMID: 27556442 PMCID: PMC6273262 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21081101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphids are major insect pests for crops, causing damage by direct feeding and transmission of plant diseases. This paper was completed to discover and characterize a novel insecticidal metabolite against aphids from soil actinobacteria. An insecticidal activity assay was used to screen 180 bacterial strains from soil samples against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi. The bacterial strain H008 showed the strongest activity, and it was identified by the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and physiological traits as a novel species of genus Streptomyces (named S. laindensis H008). With the bioassay-guided method, the insecticidal extract from S. laindensis H008 was subjected to chromatographic separations. Finally, a novel insecticidal peptide was purified from Streptomyces laindensis H008 against L. erysimi, and it was determined to be S-E-P-A-Q-I-V-I-V-D-G-V-D-Y-W by TOF-MS and amino acid analysis.
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13
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Rocha LFO. Analysis of molecular structures and mechanisms for toxins derived from venomous animals. Comput Biol Chem 2015; 61:8-14. [PMID: 26707907 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
As predominant component in the venom of many dangerous animal species, toxins have been thoroughly investigated for drug design or as pharmacologic tools. The present study demonstrated the use of size and hydrophobicity of amino acid residues for the purposes of quantifying the valuable sequence-structure relationship and performing further analysis of interactional mechanisms in secondary structure elements (SSEs) for toxin native conformations. First, we showed that the presence of large and hydrophobic residues varying in availability in the primary sequences correspondingly affects the amount of these residues being used in the SSEs in accordance with linear behavioral patterns from empirical assessments of experimentally derived toxins and non-toxins. Subsequent derivation of prediction rules was established with the aim of analyzing molecular structures and mechanisms by means of 114 residue compositions for venom toxins. The obtained results concerning the linear behavioral patterns demonstrated the nature of the information transfer occurring from the primary to secondary structures. A dual action mechanism was established, taking into account steric and hydrophobic interactions. Finally, a new residue composition prediction method for SSEs of toxins was suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F O Rocha
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Av. do café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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14
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Yang S, Fitches E, Pyati P, Gatehouse JA. Effect of insecticidal fusion proteins containing spider toxins targeting sodium and calcium ion channels on pyrethroid-resistant strains of peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2015; 71:951-956. [PMID: 25077959 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recombinant fusion proteins Pl1a/GNA and Hv1a/GNA contain the spider venom peptides δ-amaurobitoxin-PI1a or ω-hexatoxin-Hv1a respectively, linked to snowdrop lectin (GNA). Pl1a targets receptor site 4 of insect voltage-gated sodium channels (NaCh), while Hv1a targets voltage-gated calcium channels. Insecticide-resistant strains of peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae) contain mutations in NaCh. The pyrethroid-resistant kdr (794J) and super-kdr (UKO) strains contain mutations at residues L1014 and M918 in the channel α-subunit respectively, while the kdr + super-kdr strain (4824J), insensitive to pyrethroids, contains mutations at both L1014 and M918. RESULTS Pl1a/GNA and Hv1a/GNA fusion proteins have estimated LC50 values of 0.35 and 0.19 mg mL(-1) when fed to wild-type M. persicae. For insecticide-resistant aphids, LC50 for the Pl1a/GNA fusion protein increased by 2-6-fold, correlating with pyrethroid resistance (wild type < kdr < super-kdr < kdr + super-kdr strains). In contrast, LC50 for the Hv1a/GNA fusion protein showed limited correlation with pyrethroid resistance. CONCLUSION Mutations in the sodium channel in pyrethroid-resistant aphids also protect against a fusion protein containing a sodium-channel-specific toxin, in spite of differences in ligand-channel interactions, but do not confer resistance to a fusion protein targeting calcium channels. The use of fusion proteins with differing targets could play a role in managing pesticide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yang
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Elaine Fitches
- Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Sand Hutton, York, UK
| | - Prashant Pyati
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - John A Gatehouse
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
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Yang S, Pyati P, Fitches E, Gatehouse JA. A recombinant fusion protein containing a spider toxin specific for the insect voltage-gated sodium ion channel shows oral toxicity towards insects of different orders. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 47:1-11. [PMID: 24486516 PMCID: PMC4024200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant fusion protein technology allows specific insecticidal protein and peptide toxins to display activity in orally-delivered biopesticides. The spider venom peptide δ-amaurobitoxin-PI1a, which targets insect voltage-gated sodium channels, was fused to the "carrier" snowdrop lectin (GNA) to confer oral toxicity. The toxin itself (PI1a) and an amaurobitoxin/GNA fusion protein (PI1a/GNA) were produced using the yeast Pichia pastoris as expression host. Although both proteins caused mortality when injected into cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) larvae, the PI1a/GNA fusion was approximately 6 times as effective as recombinant PI1a on a molar basis. PI1a alone was not orally active against cabbage moth larvae, but a single 30 μg dose of the PI1a/GNA fusion protein caused 100% larval mortality within 6 days when fed to 3rd instar larvae, and caused significant reductions in survival, growth and feeding in 4th - 6th instar larvae. Transport of fusion protein from gut contents to the haemolymph of cabbage moth larvae, and binding to the nerve chord, was shown by Western blotting. The PI1a/GNA fusion protein also caused mortality when delivered orally to dipteran (Musca domestica; housefly) and hemipteran (Acyrthosiphon pisum; pea aphid) insects, making it a promising candidate for development as a biopesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yang
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Prashant Pyati
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Elaine Fitches
- Fera (Food and Environment Research Agency), Sand Hutton, York, UK
| | - John A Gatehouse
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
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Delivery of intrahemocoelic peptides for insect pest management. Trends Biotechnol 2014; 32:91-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Stoffolano JG, Danai L, Chambers J. Effect of channel blockers on the smooth muscle of the adult crop of the queen blowfly, Phormia regina. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2013; 13:97. [PMID: 24205919 PMCID: PMC3841069 DOI: 10.1673/031.013.9701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the various factors affecting the rate of contraction of the supercontractile muscles of the crop lobes of adult Phormia regina Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Using an in situ bioassay of the crop organ, various ion channel blockers were tested and it was demonstrated that in all cases the blockers (i.e., against the following conductances: Cl⁻, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and a FMRF-amide action) significantly reduced the contraction rates of the crop lobes, which were filled with 4.5 µL of 1.0 M sucrose containing 10 mM of the dye amaranth. Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride, never before reported for its effect on insect muscle, was as effective in suppressing crop muscle contraction as benzethonium chloride, which is a reported agonist of dromyosuppressin.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G. Stoffolano
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Laura Danai
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - James Chambers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Tamhane VA, Dhaware DG, Khandelwal N, Giri AP, Panchagnula V. Enhanced permeation, leaf retention, and plant protease inhibitor activity with bicontinuous microemulsions. J Colloid Interface Sci 2012; 383:177-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Windley MJ, Herzig V, Dziemborowicz SA, Hardy MC, King GF, Nicholson GM. Spider-venom peptides as bioinsecticides. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:191-227. [PMID: 22741062 PMCID: PMC3381931 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 10,000 arthropod species are currently considered to be pest organisms. They are estimated to contribute to the destruction of ~14% of the world's annual crop production and transmit many pathogens. Presently, arthropod pests of agricultural and health significance are controlled predominantly through the use of chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, the widespread use of these agrochemicals has resulted in genetic selection pressure that has led to the development of insecticide-resistant arthropods, as well as concerns over human health and the environment. Bioinsecticides represent a new generation of insecticides that utilise organisms or their derivatives (e.g., transgenic plants, recombinant baculoviruses, toxin-fusion proteins and peptidomimetics) and show promise as environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals. Spider-venom peptides are now being investigated as potential sources of bioinsecticides. With an estimated 100,000 species, spiders are one of the most successful arthropod predators. Their venom has proven to be a rich source of hyperstable insecticidal mini-proteins that cause insect paralysis or lethality through the modulation of ion channels, receptors and enzymes. Many newly characterized insecticidal spider toxins target novel sites in insects. Here we review the structure and pharmacology of these toxins and discuss the potential of this vast peptide library for the discovery of novel bioinsecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique J. Windley
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia; (M.J.W.); (S.A.D.)
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (M.C.H.)
| | - Sławomir A. Dziemborowicz
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia; (M.J.W.); (S.A.D.)
| | - Margaret C. Hardy
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (M.C.H.)
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (M.C.H.)
| | - Graham M. Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia; (M.J.W.); (S.A.D.)
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Cermenati G, Terracciano I, Castelli I, Giordana B, Rao R, Pennacchio F, Casartelli M. The CPP Tat enhances eGFP cell internalization and transepithelial transport by the larval midgut of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera, Bombycidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:1689-1697. [PMID: 21959108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) are short peptides that are able to translocate across the cell membrane a wide range of cargoes. In the past decade, different mammalian cell lines have been used to clarify the mechanism of CPPs penetration and to characterize the internalization process, which has been described either as an energy-independent direct penetration through the plasma membrane, or as endocytic uptake. Whatever the mechanism involved, the cell penetration properties of these peptides make their use very attractive as vector for promoting the cellular uptake of coupled bioactive macromolecules, such as peptides, proteins and oligonucleotides. Here we demonstrate, for the first time in insect, that cultured columnar cells from the larval midgut of Bombyx mori more readily internalize eGFP (enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein) when fused to CPP Tat. Tat-eGFP translocates across the plasma membrane of absorptive cells in an energy-independent and non-endocytic manner, since no inhibition of the fusion protein uptake is exerted by metabolic inhibitors and by drugs that interfere with the endocytic uptake. Moreover, the CPP Tat enhances the internalization of eGFP in the columnar cells of intact midgut tissue, mounted in a suitable perfusion apparatus, and the transepithelial flux of the protein. These results open new perspectives for effective delivery of insecticidal macromolecules targeting receptors located both within the insect gut epithelium and behind the gut barrier, in the hemocoel compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Cermenati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Baradaran M, Jolodar A, Jalali A, Navidpour S, Kafilzadeh F. Sequence analysis of lysozyme C from the scorpion mesobuthus eupeus venom glands using semi-nested rt-PCR. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2011; 13:719-25. [PMID: 22737410 PMCID: PMC3371883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysozyme is an antimicrobial protein widely distributed among eukaryotes and prokaryotes and take part in protecting microbial infection. Here, we amplified cDNA of MesoLys-C, a c-type lysozyme from the most common scorpion in Khuzestan Province, Southern Iran. METHODS Scorpions of Mesobuthus eupeus were collected from the Khuzestan Province. Using RNXTM solution, the total RNA was extracted from the twenty separated venom glands. cDNA was synthesized with extracted total RNA as template and modified oligo(dT) as primer. In order to amplify cDNA encoding a lysozyme C, semi-nested RT-PCR was done with the specific primers. Follow amplification, the fragment was sequenced. RESULTS Sequence determination of amplified fragment revealed that MesoLys-C cDNA had 438 bp, encoding for 144 aa residues peptide with molecular weight of 16.702 kDa and theoretical pI of 7.54. A putative 22-aminoacids signal peptide was identified. MesoLys-C protein was composed of one domain belonged to c-type lysosyme/ alphalactalbumin. CONCLUSION Multiple alignment of MesoLys-C protein with the related cDNA sequences from various organisms by ClustalW program revealed that some of the conserved residues of other c-type lysosymes were also seen in MesoLys-C. However, the comparison suggested that Mesobuthus eupeus of Khuzestan and east Mediterranean Mesobuthus eupeus belonged to different subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baradaran
- Toxicology Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran,Correspondence: Masoumeh Baradaran, MSc, Toxicology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Tel.: +98-611-3738378, Fax: +98-611-3738380, E-mail:
| | - A Jolodar
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - A Jalali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Toxicology Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sh Navidpour
- Veterinary Parasitology Department of Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - F Kafilzadeh
- Azad Islamic University, Jahrom Branch, Jahrom, Iran
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Ahmad P, Ashraf M, Younis M, Hu X, Kumar A, Akram NA, Al-Qurainy F. Role of transgenic plants in agriculture and biopharming. Biotechnol Adv 2011; 30:524-40. [PMID: 21959304 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
At present, environmental degradation and the consistently growing population are two main problems on the planet earth. Fulfilling the needs of this growing population is quite difficult from the limited arable land available on the globe. Although there are legal, social and political barriers to the utilization of biotechnology, advances in this field have substantially improved agriculture and human life to a great extent. One of the vital tools of biotechnology is genetic engineering (GE) which is used to modify plants, animals and microorganisms according to desired needs. In fact, genetic engineering facilitates the transfer of desired characteristics into other plants which is not possible through conventional plant breeding. A variety of crops have been engineered for enhanced resistance to a multitude of stresses such as herbicides, insecticides, viruses and a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses in different crops including rice, mustard, maize, potato, tomato, etc. Apart from the use of GE in agriculture, it is being extensively employed to modify the plants for enhanced production of vaccines, hormones, etc. Vaccines against certain diseases are certainly available in the market, but most of them are very costly. Developing countries cannot afford the disease control through such cost-intensive vaccines. Alternatively, efforts are being made to produce edible vaccines which are cheap and have many advantages over the commercialized vaccines. Transgenic plants generated for this purpose are capable of expressing recombinant proteins including viral and bacterial antigens and antibodies. Common food plants like banana, tomato, rice, carrot, etc. have been used to produce vaccines against certain diseases like hepatitis B, cholera, HIV, etc. Thus, the up- and down-regulation of desired genes which are used for the modification of plants have a marked role in the improvement of genetic crops. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the role of genetic engineering in generating transgenic lines/cultivars of different crops with improved nutrient quality, biofuel production, enhanced production of vaccines and antibodies, increased resistance against insects, herbicides, diseases and abiotic stresses as well as the safety measures for their commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaiz Ahmad
- Department of Botany, A.S. College, 190008, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
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Fang Q, Wang L, Zhu J, Li Y, Song Q, Stanley DW, Akhtar ZR, Ye G. Expression of immune-response genes in lepidopteran host is suppressed by venom from an endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:484. [PMID: 20813030 PMCID: PMC2996980 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationships between parasitoids and their insect hosts have attracted attention at two levels. First, the basic biology of host-parasitoid interactions is of fundamental interest. Second, parasitoids are widely used as biological control agents in sustainable agricultural programs. Females of the gregarious endoparasitoid Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) inject venom along with eggs into their hosts. P. puparum does not inject polydnaviruses during oviposition. For this reason, P. puparum and its pupal host, the small white butterfly Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), comprise an excellent model system for studying the influence of an endoparasitoid venom on the biology of the pupal host. P. puparum venom suppresses the immunity of its host, although the suppressive mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that P. puparum venom influences host gene expression in the two main immunity-conferring tissues, hemocytes and fat body. RESULTS At 1 h post-venom injection, we recorded significant decreases in transcript levels of 217 EST clones (revealing 113 genes identified in silico, including 62 unknown contigs) derived from forward subtractive libraries of host hemocytes and in transcript levels of 288 EST clones (221 genes identified in silico, including 123 unknown contigs) from libraries of host fat body. These genes are related to insect immune response, cytoskeleton, cell cycle and apoptosis, metabolism, transport, stress response and transcriptional and translational regulation. We verified the reliability of the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) data with semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of a set of randomly selected genes. This analysis showed that most of the selected genes were down-regulated after venom injection. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support our hypothesis that P. puparum venom influences gene expression in host hemocytes and fat body. Specifically, the venom treatments led to reductions in expression of a large number of genes. Many of the down-regulated genes act in immunity, although others act in non-immune areas of host biology. We conclude that the actions of venom on host gene expression influence immunity as well as other aspects of host biology in ways that benefit the development and emergence of the next generation of parasitoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Jiaying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Yanmin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - David W Stanley
- USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
| | - Zunnu-raen Akhtar
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Gongyin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
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Farias DF, Cavalheiro MG, Viana MP, Queiroz VA, Rocha-Bezerra LC, Vasconcelos IM, Morais SM, Carvalho AF. Water extracts of Brazilian leguminous seeds as rich sources of larvicidal compounds against Aedes aegypti L. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2010; 82:585-94. [DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652010000300006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the toxicity of seed water extracts of 15 leguminous species upon Aedes aegypti larvae. A partial chemical and biochemical characterization of water extracts, as well as the assessment of their acute toxicity in mice, were performed. The extracts of Amburana cearensis, Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Dioclea megacarpa, Enterolobium contortisiliquum and Piptadenia moniliformis caused 100% of mortalit y after 1 to 3 h of exposure. They showed LC50 and LC90 values ranging from 0.43 ± 0.01 to 9.06 ± 0.12 mg/mL and from 0.71 ± 0.02 to 13.03 ± 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. Among the secondary metabolite constituents, the seed water extracts showed tannins, phenols, flavones, favonols, xanthones, saponins and alkaloids. The extracts also showed high soluble proteins content (0.98 to 7.71 mg/mL), lectin (32 to 256 HU/mL) and trypsin inhibitory activity (3.64 = 0.43 to 26.19 = 0.05 gIT/kg of flour) The electrophoretic profiles showed a great diversity of protein bands, many of which already described as insecticide proteins. The extracts showed low toxicity to mice (LD50 > 0.15 = 0.01 g/kg body weight), but despite these promising results, further studies are necessary to understand the toxicity of these extracts and their constituentsfrom primary and secondary metabolism upon Ae. aegypti.
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Swedberg JE, de Veer SJ, Harris JM. Natural and engineered kallikrein inhibitors: an emerging pharmacopoeia. Biol Chem 2010; 391:357-74. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2010.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe kallikreins and kallikrein-related peptidases are serine proteases that control a plethora of developmental and homeostatic phenomena, ranging from semen liquefaction to skin desquamation and blood pressure. The diversity of roles played by kallikreins has stimulated considerable interest in these enzymes from the perspective of diagnostics and drug design. Kallikreins already have well-established credentials as targets for therapeutic intervention and there is increasing appreciation of their potential both as biomarkers and as targets for inhibitor design. Here, we explore the current status of naturally occurring kallikrein protease-inhibitor complexes and illustrate how this knowledge can interface with strategies for rational re-engineering of bioscaffolds and design of small-molecule inhibitors.
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St. Leger RJ, Wang C. Genetic engineering of fungal biocontrol agents to achieve greater efficacy against insect pests. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2009; 85:901-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-009-2306-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Revised: 10/10/2009] [Accepted: 10/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Abdel-Rahman MA, Omran MAA, Abdel-Nabi IM, Nassier OA, Schemerhorn BJ. Neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects of venom from different populations of the Egyptian Scorpio maurus palmatus. Toxicon 2009; 55:298-306. [PMID: 19682484 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects of venoms from Scorpio maurus palmatus taken from different populations were assessed for geographic based variability in toxicity, and to evaluate their insecticidal potency. Scorpions were collected from four regions. Three locations were mutually isolated pockets in the arid area of Southern Sinai. The fourth sample was collected from a population inhabiting the semi-arid environment of Western Mediterranean Coastal Desert. The neurotoxic (paralytic) effect of the venom from each population was assayed by its ability to induce permanent disability in adult cockroaches within 3h. Venom was applied using microinjection techniques through an intersegmental membrane. Probit analysis was used to calculate the Paralytic Effective Dose (PED(50), ng/100mg). Levels of glutathione, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content and nitric oxide, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and cholinesterase, were measured to assess the cytotoxicity of the venom. The results show that the injected venom from each population induced obvious spasticity, followed by flaccid paralysis. All the tested biochemical parameters, except glutathione content, revealed significant differences in toxicity in venom taken from the different scorpion populations. We conclude that (i) the venom of this scorpion has significant neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects on insect cells, (ii) its efficacy, as assessed by the PED(50) unit, exhibited variation across its geographic range, and (iii) components in the venom may have the potential for being developed into effective and environmentally friendly bioinsecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt.
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Fiandra L, Casartelli M, Cermenati G, Burlini N, Giordana B. The intestinal barrier in lepidopteran larvae: permeability of the peritrophic membrane and of the midgut epithelium to two biologically active peptides. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 55:10-18. [PMID: 18948109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2008] [Revised: 09/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous peptide regulators of insect physiology and development are presently being considered as potential biopesticides, but their efficacy by oral delivery cannot be easily anticipated because of the limited information on how the insect gut barrier handles these kind of molecules. We investigated, in Bombyx mori larvae, the permeability properties of the two components of the intestinal barrier, the peritrophic membrane (PM) and the midgut epithelium, separately isolated and perfused in conventional Ussing chambers. The PM discriminated compounds of different dimensions but was easily crossed by two small peptides recently proposed as bioinsecticides, the neuropeptide proctolin and Aedes aegypti Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor (Aea-TMOF), although their flux values indicated that the permeability was highly affected by their steric conformation. To date, there is very little functional data available on how peptides cross the insect intestinal epithelium, but it has been speculated that peptides could reach the haemocoel through the paracellular pathway. We characterized the permeability properties of this route to a number of organic molecules, showing that B. mori septate junction was highly selective to both the dimension and the charge of the permeant compound. Confocal images of whole-mount midguts incubated with rhodamine(rh)-proctolin or fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-Aea-TMOF added to the mucosal side of the epithelium, revealed that rh-proctolin did not enter the cell and crossed the midgut only by the paracellular pathway, while FITC-Aea-TMOF did cross the cell apical membrane, permeating also through the transcellular route.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fiandra
- Department of Biology, University of Milan, Italy.
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Hernández-Campuzano B, Suárez R, Lina L, Hernández V, Villegas E, Corzo G, Iturriaga G. Expression of a spider venom peptide in transgenic tobacco confers insect resistance. Toxicon 2009; 53:122-8. [PMID: 19000914 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spider venom contains a mixture of peptide toxins, some able to kill insects specifically to those considered as important pest. In this study, a peptide toxin produced by the Macrothele gigas spider, Magi 6, was cloned and expressed in tobacco plants, as this toxin has been shown to constitute an effective insecticide. For this purpose, a genetic construction for the cDNA that codifies for Magi 6 was subcloned in a plant expression vector using the 35S promoter and the 5'-end leader from tobacco mosaic virus, in order to transform tobacco leaf disks. The resulting plants demonstrated the presence of Magi 6 gene in the tobacco genome using PCR, and transcription of the cDNA was verified by means of RT-PCR. The expression of the Magi 6 peptide in tobacco was demonstrated by Western blot, which exhibited the expected size, thus suggesting a correct processing of the signal peptide. No morphological alterations in the different transgenic lines were observed, nor any change in plant growth. Subsequently, experiments were carried out challenging detached leaves or whole plants with the herbivorous insect Spodoptera frugiperda. The bioassays indicated that the transgenic lines were significantly more resistant than the wild type plants. This work demonstrated that the expression of Magi 6 peptide in transgenic plants conferred resistance to insect attack and opens the possibility of employing this peptide to improve the resistance of diverse plants.
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Casartelli M, Cermenati G, Rodighiero S, Pennacchio F, Giordana B. A megalin-like receptor is involved in protein endocytosis in the midgut of an insect (Bombyx mori, Lepidoptera). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008; 295:R1290-300. [PMID: 18635456 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00036.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism responsible for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-albumin internalization by columnar cells in culture obtained from the midgut of Bombyx mori larvae was examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Protein uptake changed over time, and it appeared to be energy dependent, since it was strongly reduced by both low temperatures and metabolic inhibitors. Labeled albumin uptake as a function of increasing protein concentration showed a saturation kinetics with a Michaelis constant value of 2.0 +/- 0.6 microM. These data are compatible with the occurrence of receptor-mediated endocytosis. RT-PCR analysis and colocalization experiments with an anti-megalin primary antibody indicated that the receptor involved was a putative homolog of megalin, the multiligand endocytic receptor belonging to the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, responsible for the uptake of various molecules, albumin included, in many epithelial cells of mammals. This insect receptor, like the mammalian counterpart, required Ca(2+) for albumin internalization and was inhibited by gentamicin. FITC-albumin internalization was clathrin mediated, since two inhibitors of this process caused a significant reduction of the uptake, and clathrin and albumin colocalized in the intermicrovillar areas of the apical plasma membrane. The integrity of actin and microtubule organization was essential for the correct functioning of the endocytic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Casartelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Kozminsky-Atias A, Somech E, Zilberberg N. Isolation of the first toxin from the scorpion Buthus occitanus israelis showing preference for Shaker potassium channels. FEBS Lett 2007; 581:2478-84. [PMID: 17490656 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2007] [Revised: 04/22/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We have purified BoiTx1, the first toxin from the venom of the Israeli scorpion, Buthus occitanus israelis, and studied its activity and genomic organization. BoiTx1 is a 37 amino acid-long peptide contained six conserved cysteines, and is classified as an alpha-KTx3.10 toxin. The pharmacological effects of BoiTx1 were studied on various cloned K(+) channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. BoiTx1 inhibited currents through Drosophila Shaker channels with an IC(50) value of 3.5+/-0.5nM, yet had much lesser effect on its mammalian orthologs. Thus, BoiTx1 is the first member of the alpha-KTx3 family that preferentially affects insect potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Kozminsky-Atias
- Department of Life Sciences and the Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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