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Wannassi T, Sayadi A, Abbes K, Djebbi S, Naccache C, Khemakhem MM, Chermiti B. Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in field natural population of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae). Int Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s10123-024-00593-9. [PMID: 39264544 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00593-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Obligate endosymbiont bacteria associated with insects are naturally providing their hosts with essential nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids and biological services including protection from pathogens. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of Wolbachia infection among males and females of the parasitic apricot seed wasp (ASW) Eurytoma samsonowi Vassiliev (Vassiliev Petrograd 11: 1-15, 1915) (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a very harmful pest of apricot (Prunus armeniaca), in the oasis of Gafsa, Southern-West of Tunisia. The detection of Wolbachia infection was assessed based on the amplification of the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene and a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) as a universal genotyping tool for Wolbachia involving the analyses of genes gatB, coxA, hcpA, fbpA, and ftsz. Confirming the screening results, Wolbachia was detected in the natural apricot wasp for the first time, with a significant difference between males (5%) and females (59%) based on wsp gene. All Wolbachia strains identified in E. samsonowi were clustered among supergroups B of Wolbachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takwa Wannassi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Plant Protection, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariem, University of Sousse, 4042, Sousse, Tunisia.
| | - Ahmed Sayadi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Plant Protection, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariem, University of Sousse, 4042, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Khaled Abbes
- Department of Biological Sciences and Plant Protection, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariem, University of Sousse, 4042, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Salma Djebbi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (LR01ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Chahnez Naccache
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (LR01ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maha Mezghani Khemakhem
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (LR01ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Brahim Chermiti
- Department of Biological Sciences and Plant Protection, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariem, University of Sousse, 4042, Sousse, Tunisia
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Noor PS, Ahmed M, Ansari AS, Gadahi JA, Memon SB, Tariq M, Laghari ZA, Soomro F, Bhutto B, Mari NUN, Chen Z. Molecular Identification of Hyalomma Ticks and Application of Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins as an Effective Biological Acaricide. J Parasitol Res 2024; 2024:9952738. [PMID: 39296814 PMCID: PMC11410401 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9952738] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) is considered one of the most important entomopathogenic microorganisms. It produces potent toxins against insects. Therefore, the present study investigates the bioacaricidal properties of B. thuringiensis on the Hyalomma tick species. Firstly, we identify Hyalomma ticks based on morphological screening and molecular characterization. The cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene was selected for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which resulted in the amplification of 656 bp. The amplified products were sequenced, and the isolated (COX1) gene of ticks was submitted to the gene bank of NCBI (Accession No. OR077934.1). The nucleotide sequences were retrieved from the NCBI data bank by BLASTn analysis, which confirmed that all obtained sequences belong to genus Hyalomma, and multiple alignments confirmed that the sequence of Hyalomma anatolicum Tandojam-isolate (HA-TJ) 100% aligned with Hyalomma analoticum KP792577.1, Hyalomma detritum KP792595.1, Hyalomma excavatum KX911989.1, and H. excavatum OQ449693.1. The generated phylogenetic tree confirmed that sequences of HA-TJ COX1 clustered with a single clad of H. analoticum, H. excavatum, and H. detritum. The acaricidal effect of B. thuringiensis toxins B. thuringiensis spore crystal mix (BtSCM) and B. thuringiensis crystal proteins (Btcps) was evaluated against larvae and adult life stages of Hyalomma ticks in vitro. We applied Btcps and BtSCM separately with different concentrations and calculated the mortality percentage. Adult mortality was estimated at the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 15th days posttreatment and larval mortality after 24 h. During treatment of the adult life stage, at first, ticks were immersed in different concentrations of Btcps and BtSCM for 5 min after the treatments, and the samples were transferred to sterile containers and placed in an incubator with 80% humidity at 23°C. Furthermore, Btcps produced the highest mortality on Day 15, 89 ± 1.00% at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days produced 83 ± 1.91%, 70 ± 1.15%, and 61 ± 1.00%, respectively. BtSCM produced mortality of 69 ± 1.91% on Day 15 at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days at 57 ± 2.51%, 37 ± 1.91%, and 34 ± 2.00%. The present study revealed that B. thuringiensis toxins produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mortality rate in adults of Hyalomma ticks. Additionally, Btcps and BtSCM were used to treat the larval stage. The treatments were applied to calculate the mortality percentage via the Laravel packet test. At a 1500 μg/mL concentration, Btcps resulted in the highest mortality of 98 ± 1.15%; this was followed by 1250 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL, and 750 μg/mL, which produced mortalities of 76 ± 1.63%, 60 ± 1.63%, and 56 ± 1.63%, respectively. In addition, BtSCM produced a mortality rate of 79 ± 2.51% at a concentration of 1500 μg/mL. Furthermore, 75 ± 2.51%, 65 ± 1.91%, and 58 ± 1.15% mortality were observed at concentrations of 1250 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL, and 750 μg/mL, respectively. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in larval mortality compared to the control group. We conclude that B. thuringiensis toxins are applicable as a bioacaricide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panhwer Sana Noor
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Model College of Veterinary Medicine Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | - Munir Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Suboor Ansari
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Javaid Ali Gadahi
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Shahar Bano Memon
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Mansoor Tariq
- Department of Veterinary Pathology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Zubair Ahmed Laghari
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Feroza Soomro
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Bachal Bhutto
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | | | - Zhengli Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Model College of Veterinary Medicine Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
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Srisaisap M, Suwankhajit T, Boonserm P. A fusion protein designed for soluble expression, rapid purification, and enhanced stability of parasporin-2 with potential therapeutic applications. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 43:e00851. [PMID: 39219730 PMCID: PMC11364052 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2024.e00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis parasporin-2 (PS2Aa1 or Mpp46Aa1) selectively destroys human cancer cells, making it a promising anticancer agent. PS2Aa1 protoxin expression in Escherichia coli typically results in inclusion bodies that must be solubilized and digested by proteinase K to become active. Here, maltose-binding protein (MBP) was fused to the N-terminus of PS2Aa1, either full-length (MBP-fPS2) or truncated (MBP-tPS2), to increase soluble protein expression in E. coli and avoid solubilization and proteolytic activation. Soluble MBP-fPS2 and MBD-tPS2 proteins were produced in E. coli and purified with endotoxin levels below 1 EU/μg. MBP-fPS2 was cytotoxic against T cell leukemia MOLT-4 and Jurkat cell lines after proteinase-K digestion. However, MBP-tPS2 was cytotoxic immediately without MBP tag removal or activation. MBP-tPS2's thermal stability also makes it appropriate for bioproduction and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monrudee Srisaisap
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Thanya Suwankhajit
- Undergraduate Program in Biological Sciences, Mahidol University International College, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Panadda Boonserm
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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Osborne CJ, Su T, Silver KS, Cohnstaedt LW. Variable gut pH as a potential mechanism of tolerance to Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis toxins in the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4006-4012. [PMID: 38527917 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8104] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) are safer alternatives for controlling dipteran pests such as black flies and mosquitoes. The biting midge Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is an important pest of livestock in much of the United States and larval midges utilize semi-aquatic habitats which are permissive for Bti product application. Reports suggest that Bti products are ineffective at killing biting midges despite their taxonomic relation to black flies and mosquitoes. Here, we investigate the toxicity of a Bti-based commercial insecticide and its active ingredient in larval Culicoides sonorensis. A suspected mechanism of Bti tolerance is an acidic larval gut, and we used a pH indicator dye to examine larval Culicoides sonorensis gut pH after exposure to Bti. RESULTS The lethal concentration to kill 90% (LC90) of larvae of the commercial product (386 mg/L) was determined to be almost 10 000 times more than that of some mosquito species, and no concentration of active ingredient tested achieved 50% larval mortality. The larval gut was found to be more acidic after exposure to Bti which inhibits Bti toxin activity. By comparison, 100% mortality was achieved in larval Aedes aegypti at the product's label rate for this species and mosquito larvae had alkaline guts regardless of treatment. Altering the larval rearing water to alkaline conditions enhanced Bti efficacy when using the active ingredient. CONCLUSION We conclude that Bti is not practical for larval Culicoides sonorensis control at the same rates as mosquitos but show that alterations or additives to the environment could make the products more effective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Osborne
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Tianyun Su
- EcoZone International, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Lee W Cohnstaedt
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, USA
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Castellane TCL, Fernandes CC, Pinheiro DG, Lemos MVF, Varani AM. Exploratory comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals potential gene targets associated with Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 resistance in fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:129. [PMID: 39039331 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops, expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal toxins, have substantially transformed agriculture. Despite rapid adoption, their environmental and economic benefits face scrutiny due to unsustainable agricultural practices and the emergence of resistant pests like Spodoptera frugiperda, known as the fall armyworm (FAW). FAW's adaptation to Bt technology in corn and cotton compromises the long-term efficacy of Bt crops. To advance the understanding of the genetic foundations of resistance mechanisms, we conducted an exploratory comparative transcriptomic analysis of two divergent FAW populations. One population exhibited practical resistance to the Bt insecticidal proteins Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2, expressed in the genetically engineered MON-89Ø34 - 3 maize, while the other population remained susceptible to these proteins. Differential expression analysis supported that Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 significantly affect the FAW physiology. A total of 247 and 254 differentially expressed genes were identified in the Cry-resistant and susceptible populations, respectively. By integrating our findings with established literature and databases, we underscored 53 gene targets potentially involved in FAW's resistance to Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2. In particular, we considered and discussed the potential roles of the differentially expressed genes encoding ABC transporters, G protein-coupled receptors, the P450 enzymatic system, and other Bt-related detoxification genes. Based on these findings, we emphasize the importance of exploratory transcriptomic analyses to uncover potential gene targets involved with Bt insecticidal proteins resistance, and to support the advantages of GM crops in the face of emerging challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cristina L Castellane
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane km 5, Jaboticabal, CEP 14884-900, SP, Brasil.
| | - Camila C Fernandes
- Instituto de Pesquisa em Bioenergia, Laboratório Multiusuário de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala e Expressão Gênica, IPBEN, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Daniel G Pinheiro
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Agropecuária e Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane km 5, Jaboticabal, CEP 14884-900, SP, Brasil
| | - Manoel Victor Franco Lemos
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane km 5, Jaboticabal, CEP 14884-900, SP, Brasil
- Instituto de Pesquisa em Bioenergia, Laboratório Multiusuário de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala e Expressão Gênica, IPBEN, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Alessandro M Varani
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Agropecuária e Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane km 5, Jaboticabal, CEP 14884-900, SP, Brasil.
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Bryce-Sharron N, Nasiri M, Powell T, West MJ, Crickmore N. A Shared Receptor Suggests a Common Ancestry between an Insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Cry Protein and an Anti-Cancer Parasporin. Biomolecules 2024; 14:795. [PMID: 39062509 PMCID: PMC11274968 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cry toxins, produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, are of significant agronomic value worldwide due to their potent and highly specific activity against various insect orders. However, some of these pore-forming toxins display specific activity against a range of human cancer cells whilst possessing no known insecticidal activity; Cry41Aa is one such toxin. Cry41Aa has similarities to its insecticidal counterparts in both its 3-domain toxic core structure and pore-forming abilities, but how it has evolved to target human cells is a mystery. This work shows that some insecticidal Cry toxins can enhance the toxicity of Cry41Aa against hepatocellular carcinoma cells, despite possessing no intrinsic toxicity themselves. This interesting crossover is not limited to human cancer cells, as Cry41Aa was found to inhibit some Aedes-active Cry toxins in mosquito larval assays. Here, we present findings that suggest that Cry41Aa shares a receptor with several insecticidal toxins, indicating a stronger evolutionary relationship than their divergent activities might suggest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Neil Crickmore
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK; (N.B.-S.); (M.N.); (T.P.); (M.J.W.)
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Eigharlou M, Hashemi Z, Mohammadi A, Khelghatibana F, Nami Y, Sadeghi A. Herbicidal proteins from Bacillus wiedmannii isolate ZT selectively inhibit ryegrass (Lolium temulentum L.). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3478-3490. [PMID: 38426586 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8053] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread use of chemical herbicides and the growing issue of weed resistance pose significant challenges in agriculture. To address these problems, there is a pressing need to develop biological herbicides based on bacterial metabolites. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the impact of the cell-free culture filtrate (CFCF) from the ZT isolate, a bacilliform bacterium obtained from diseased wheat seeds, on the germination and seedling growth of various plant species, including wild oat, ryegrass, redroot, wheat, and chickpea. The results revealed that CFCF had a detrimental effect on the fresh and dry weight of stems and roots in most of the studied plants, except chickpeas. The CFCF was further subjected to separation into aqueous and organic phases using chloroform, followed by the division of the aqueous phase into 13 fractions using an alumina column. Notably, both the aqueous phase (20%) and all 13 fractions (ranging from 50% to 83%) displayed the ability to reduce the root length of ryegrass, a monocotyledonous weed. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis identified that fractions 3 and 7, which were effective against ryegrass but not redroot, contained Cry family proteins, including Cry10 Aa, Cry4 Ba, and Cry4 Aa. Additionally, 16s rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the ZT isolate is closely related (98.27%) to Bacillus wiedmannii. CONCLUSION Conclusively, metabolites from the ZT bacterium hold promise for monocotyledonous weed-targeted herbicides, providing a constructive strategy to confront agricultural issues tied to chemical herbicides and weed resistance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Eigharlou
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, College of Science, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinabalsadat Hashemi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khelghatibana
- Plant Pathology Department, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Yousef Nami
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Branch for Northwest and West Region, Agricultural Biotechnology Research, Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tabriz, Iran
| | - Akram Sadeghi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Berini F, Montali A, Liguori R, Venturini G, Bonelli M, Shaltiel-Harpaz L, Reguzzoni M, Siti M, Marinelli F, Casartelli M, Tettamanti G. Production and characterization of Trichoderma asperellum chitinases and their use in synergy with Bacillus thuringiensis for lepidopteran control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3401-3411. [PMID: 38407453 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8045] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their known negative effects on ecosystems and human health, synthetic pesticides are still largely used to control crop insect pests. Currently, the biopesticide market for insect biocontrol mainly relies on the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). New biocontrol tools for crop protection might derive from fungi, in particular from Trichoderma spp., which are known producers of chitinases and other bioactive compounds able to negatively affect insect survival. RESULTS In this study, we first developed an environmentally sustainable production process for obtaining chitinases from Trichoderma asperellum ICC012. Then, we investigated the biological effects of this chitinase preparation - alone or in combination with a Bt-based product - when orally administered to two lepidopteran species. Our results demonstrate that T. asperellum efficiently produces a multi-enzymatic cocktail able to alter the chitin microfibril network of the insect peritrophic matrix, resulting in delayed development and larval death. The co-administration of T. asperellum chitinases and sublethal concentrations of Bt toxins increased larval mortality. This synergistic effect was likely due to the higher amount of Bt toxins that passed the damaged peritrophic matrix and reached the target receptors on the midgut cells of chitinase-treated insects. CONCLUSION Our findings may contribute to the development of an integrated pest management technology based on fungal chitinases that increase the efficacy of Bt-based products, mitigating the risk of Bt-resistance development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Berini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Centre for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Centre), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Riccardo Liguori
- Isagro Research Centre affiliated to Gowan Crop Protection Ltd, Novara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Venturini
- Isagro Research Centre affiliated to Gowan Crop Protection Ltd, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Bonelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Liora Shaltiel-Harpaz
- Integrated Pest Management Laboratory Northern R&D, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel Hai College, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Marcella Reguzzoni
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Moran Siti
- Luxembourg Industries Ltd, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Flavia Marinelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Centre for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Centre), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Interuniversity Centre for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Centre), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Centre for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Centre), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
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Ribeiro TP, Martins-de-Sa D, Macedo LLP, Lourenço-Tessutti IT, Ruffo GC, Sousa JPA, Rósario Santana JMD, Oliveira-Neto OB, Moura SM, Silva MCM, Morgante CV, Oliveira NG, Basso MF, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Cotton plants overexpressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa binary-like toxins exhibit high resistance to the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis). PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 344:112079. [PMID: 38588981 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The cotton boll weevil (CBW, Anthonomus grandis) stands as one of the most significant threats to cotton crops (Gossypium hirsutum). Despite substantial efforts, the development of a commercially viable transgenic cotton event for effective open-field control of CBW has remained elusive. This study describes a detailed characterization of the insecticidal toxins Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa against CBW. Our findings reveal that CBW larvae fed on artificial diets supplemented exclusively with Cry23Aa decreased larval survival by roughly by 69%, while supplementation with Cry37Aa alone displayed no statistical difference compared to the control. However, the combined provision of both toxins in the artificial diet led to mortality rates approaching 100% among CBW larvae (LC50 equal to 0.26 PPM). Additionally, we engineered transgenic cotton plants by introducing cry23Aa and cry37Aa genes under control of the flower bud-specific pGhFS4 and pGhFS1 promoters, respectively. Seven transgenic cotton events expressing high levels of Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa toxins in flower buds were selected for greenhouse bioassays, and the mortality rate of CBW larvae feeding on their T0 and T1 generations ranged from 75% to 100%. Our in silico analyses unveiled that Cry23Aa displays all the hallmark characteristics of β-pore-forming toxins (β-PFTs) that bind to sugar moieties in glycoproteins. Intriguingly, we also discovered a distinctive zinc-binding site within Cry23Aa, which appears to be involved in protein-protein interactions. Finally, we discuss the major structural features of Cry23Aa that likely play a role in the toxin's mechanism of action. In view of the low LC50 for CBW larvae and the significant accumulation of these toxins in the flower buds of both T0 and T1 plants, we anticipate that through successive generations of these transgenic lines, cotton plants engineered to overexpress cry23Aa and cry37Aa hold promise for effectively managing CBW infestations in cotton crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuanne Pires Ribeiro
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Diogo Martins-de-Sa
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; Genesilico Biotech, Brasília, DF 71503-508, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lima Pepino Macedo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Isabela Tristan Lourenço-Tessutti
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Caseca Ruffo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - João Pedro Abreu Sousa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Julia Moura do Rósario Santana
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Osmundo Brilhante Oliveira-Neto
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Euroamerican University Center, Unieuro, Brasília, DF 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Stéfanie Menezes Moura
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Mattar Silva
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Carolina Vianna Morgante
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Embrapa Semi-Arid, Pretrolina, PE 56302-970, Brazil
| | - Nelson Geraldo Oliveira
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fernando Basso
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 71966-700, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Catholic University Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117-900, Brazil.
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10
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de Oliveira JC, de Melo Katak R, Muniz VA, de Oliveira MR, Rocha EM, da Silva WR, do Carmo EJ, Roque RA, Marinotti O, Terenius O, Astolfi-Filho S. Bacteria isolated from Aedes aegypti with potential vector control applications. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108094. [PMID: 38479456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Highly anthropophilic and adapted to urban environments, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the main vectors of arboviruses that cause human diseases such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya fever, especially in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. Microorganisms with mosquitocidal and larvicidal activities have been suggested as environmentally safe alternatives to chemical or mechanical mosquito control methods. Here, we analyzed cultivable bacteria isolated from all stages of the mosquito life cycle for their larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti. A total of 424 bacterial strains isolated from eggs, larvae, pupae, or adult Ae. aegypti were analyzed for the pathogenic potential of their crude cultures against larvae of this same mosquito species. Nine strains displayed larvicidal activity comparable to the strain AM65-52, reisolated from commercial BTi-based product VectoBac® WG. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the set of larvicidal strains contains two representatives of the genus Bacillus, five Enterobacter, and two Stenotrophomonas. This study demonstrates that some bacteria isolated from Ae. aegypti are pathogenic for the mosquito from which they were isolated. The data are promising for developing novel bioinsecticides for the control of these medically important mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marta Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", University of São Paulo - ESALQ - USP, Brazil
| | - Elerson Matos Rocha
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, Central Multiuser Laboratory, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Edson Júnior do Carmo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia - PPGBIOTEC/UFAM, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB/UFAM, Brazil
| | | | - Osvaldo Marinotti
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Olle Terenius
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Spartaco Astolfi-Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia - PPGBIOTEC/UFAM, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB/UFAM, Brazil
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11
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Pal A, Mann A, den Bakker HC. Analysis of Microbial Composition of Edible Insect Products Available for Human Consumption within the United States Using Traditional Microbiological Methods and Whole Genome Sequencing. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100277. [PMID: 38615992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Edible insects offer a promising protein source for humans, but their food safety risks have not been previously investigated within the United States. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the microbial content of processed edible insect products. A total of eight different types of edible insect products, including diving beetles, silkworms, grasshoppers, Jamaican crickets, mealworms, mole crickets, whole roasted crickets, and 100% pure cricket powder, were purchased from a large online retailer for the analysis. All the products were purchased in August 2022 and examined between August 2022 and November 2022. Traditional microbiological methods were employed to determine microbial counts for each product type using three replicates (total number of samples = 24). This included assessing aerobic bacterial spore, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, total viable counts, and the presence of Salmonella. Additionally, whole genome sequencing was employed to further characterize selected colonies (n = 96). Microbial counts data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, while sequence data were taxonomically classified using Sepia.Bacilluscereusgroup isolates underwent additional characterization with Btyper3. Product type significantly influenced total viable counts, bacterial spore counts, and lactic acid bacteria counts (P = 0.00391, P = 0.0065, and P < 0.001, respectively), with counts ranging from < 1.70 to 6.01 Log10 CFU/g, <1.70 to 5.25 Log10 CFU/g, and < 1.70 to 4.86 Log10 CFU/g, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae were only detected in mole crickets (<2.30 Log10 CFU/g) and house cricket powder (<2.15 Log10 CFU/g). All samples were negative for Salmonella. Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of 12 different bacterial genera among the analyzed isolates, with a majority belonging to the Bacillus genus. Some of the isolates of Bacillus cereus group were identified as biovar Emeticus. Overall, although edible insects offer a promising food alternative, the presence of Bacillus cereus group in some products could raise concerns regarding food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrit Pal
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA
| | - Amy Mann
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA
| | - Henk C den Bakker
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA.
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12
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Tavares CS, Mishra R, Kishk A, Wang X, Ghobrial PN, Killiny N, Bonning BC. The beta pore-forming bacterial pesticidal protein Tpp78Aa1 is toxic to the Asian citrus psyllid vector of the citrus greening bacterium. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108122. [PMID: 38710321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri transmits the causative agent of huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, that has decimated global citrus production. Pesticidal proteins derived from bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can provide effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for management of D. citri, but few with sufficient toxicity to D. citri have been identified. Here, we report on the toxicity of 14 Bt-derived pesticidal proteins from five different structural groups against D. citri. These proteins were selected based on previously reported toxicity to other hemipteran species and on pesticidal protein availability. Most of the proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified from inclusion bodies or His-tag affinity purification, while App6Aa2 was expressed in Bt and purified from spore/crystal mixtures. Pesticidal proteins were initially screened by feeding psyllids on a single dose, and lethal concentration (LC50) then determined for proteins with significantly greater mortality than the buffer control. The impact of CLas infection of D. citri on toxicity was assessed for selected proteins via topical feeding. The Bt protein Tpp78Aa1 was toxic to D. citri adults with an LC50 of approximately 204 µg/mL. Nymphs were more susceptible to Tpp78Aa1 than adults but no significant difference in susceptibility was observed between healthy and CLas-infected nymphs or adults. Tpp78Aa1 and other reported D. citri-active proteins may provide valuable tools for suppression of D. citri populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clebson S Tavares
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Ruchir Mishra
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abdelaziz Kishk
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA; Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University 31527, Egypt
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Pierre N Ghobrial
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nabil Killiny
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University 31527, Egypt
| | - Bryony C Bonning
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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13
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Storer NP, Simmons AR, Sottosanto J, Anderson JA, Huang MH, Mahadeo D, Mathesius CA, Sanches da Rocha M, Song S, Urbanczyk-Wochniak E. Modernizing and harmonizing regulatory data requirements for genetically modified crops-perspectives from a workshop. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1394704. [PMID: 38798956 PMCID: PMC11117168 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1394704] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops that have been engineered to express transgenes have been in commercial use since 1995 and are annually grown on 200 million hectares globally. These crops have provided documented benefits to food security, rural economies, and the environment, with no substantiated case of food, feed, or environmental harm attributable to cultivation or consumption. Despite this extensive history of advantages and safety, the level of regulatory scrutiny has continually increased, placing undue burdens on regulators, developers, and society, while reinforcing consumer distrust of the technology. CropLife International held a workshop at the 16th International Society of Biosafety Research (ISBR) Symposium to examine the scientific basis for modernizing global regulatory frameworks for GM crops. Participants represented a spectrum of global stakeholders, including academic researchers, GM crop developers, regulatory consultants, and regulators. Concurrently examining the considerations of food and feed safety, along with environmental safety, for GM crops, the workshop presented recommendations for a core set of data that should always be considered, and supplementary (i.e., conditional) data that would be warranted only on a case-by-case basis to address specific plausible hypotheses of harm. Then, using a case-study involving a hypothetical GM maize event expressing two familiar traits (insect protection and herbicide tolerance), participants were asked to consider these recommendations and discuss if any additional data might be warranted to support a science-based risk assessment or for regulatory decision-making. The discussions during the workshop highlighted that the set of data to address the food, feed, and environmental safety of the hypothetical GM maize, in relation to a conventional comparator, could be modernized compared to current global regulatory requirements. If these scientific approaches to modernize data packages for GM crop regulation were adopted globally, GM crops could be commercialized in a more timely manner, thereby enabling development of more diverse GM traits to benefit growers, consumers, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ming Hua Huang
- Syngenta Seeds LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | - Shuang Song
- Syngenta Seeds LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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14
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Niu X, Jiang J, Sun Y, Hull JJ, Ma W, Hua H, Lin Y. Knockdown of MAPK p38-linked genes increases the susceptibility of Chilo suppressalis larvae to various transgenic Bt rice lines. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:130815. [PMID: 38537847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins have provided exceptional control of agricultural insect pests, however, over reliance on the proteins would potentially contribute to the development of field tolerance. Developing new sustainable insect pest control methods that target the mechanisms underlying Bt tolerance can potentially support the Bt control paradigm while also providing insights into basic insect physiology. The MAPK p38 pathway is strongly associated with Bt tolerance in Chilo suppressalis, a major pest of rice. To gain insights into how this pathway impacts tolerance, high-throughput screening of C. suppressalis larval midguts initially identified eight novel target genes. Increased larval sensitivity to the transgenic cry1Ca rice strain T1C-19 was observed following RNA interference-mediated knockdown of four of the genes, Cscnc, Csgcp, Cszfp26 and CsZMYM1. Similar enhanced sensitivity to the TT51 (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac) and T2A-1 (expressing Cry2Aa) transgenic rice lines occurred when Cszfp26 and CsZMYM1 were knocked down. All four target genes are downstream of the MAPK p38 pathway but do not participate in negative feedback loop of the pathway. These results implicate Cscnc, Csgcp, Cszfp and CsZMYM1 in the C. suppressalis transgenic cry1Ca rice tolerance mechanism regulated by MAPK p38. These findings further enhance our understanding of the MAPK p38-dependent molecular mechanisms underlying Bt tolerance in C. suppressalis and open new avenues of tolerance management to develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xurong Niu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Jialiang Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Yajie Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - J Joe Hull
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Weihua Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Hongxia Hua
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Yongjun Lin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
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15
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Williams PDE, Brewer MT, Aroian RV, Robertson AP, Martin RJ. The nematode (Ascaris suum) intestine is a location of synergistic anthelmintic effects of Cry5B and levamisole. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011835. [PMID: 38758969 PMCID: PMC11139322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A novel group of biocidal compounds are the Crystal 3D (Cry) and Cytolytic (Cyt) proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Some Bt Cry proteins have a selective nematocidal activity, with Cry5B being the most studied. Cry5B kills nematode parasites by binding selectively to membrane glycosphingolipids, then forming pores in the cell membranes of the intestine leading to damage. Cry5B selectively targets multiple species of nematodes from different clades and has no effect against mammalian hosts. Levamisole is a cholinergic anthelmintic that acts by selectively opening L-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ion-channels (L-AChRs) that have been found on muscles of nematodes. A synergistic nematocidal interaction between levamisole and Cry5B at the whole-worm level has been described previously, but the location, mechanism and time-course of this synergism is not known. In this study we follow the timeline of the effects of levamisole and Cry5B on the Ca2+ levels in enterocyte cells in the intestine of Ascaris suum using fluorescence imaging. The peak Ca2+ responses to levamisole were observed after approximately 10 minutes while the peak responses to activated Cry5B were observed after approximately 80 minutes. When levamisole and Cry5B were applied simultaneously, we observed that the responses to Cry5B were bigger and occurred sooner than when it was applied by itself. It is proposed that the synergism is due to the cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload that is induced by the combination of levamisole opening Ca2+ permeable L-subtype nAChRs and the Ca2+ permeable Cry5B toxin pores produced in the enterocyte plasma membranes. The effect of levamisole potentiates and speeds the actions of Cry5B that gives rise to bigger Ca2+ overloads that accelerates cell-death of the enterocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. E. Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Matthew T. Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Raffi V. Aroian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alan P. Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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16
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Savelyeva E, Avdeenko A. The use of antigens derived from Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria for further differentiation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29744. [PMID: 38681647 PMCID: PMC11053190 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This study is devoted to studying Bacillus thuringiensis antigens and their insecticide activity as critical features in bacterial differentiation. Indeed, 190 samples were examined for flagellar antigenicity as well as the insecticidal activity exhibited. From a serological perspective, 122 isolates (64.2 %) were attributed to 8 H-serogroups, including 3 non-typeable and 65 unverified. The dominant serotype was H3abc (82 % frequency); H6 was less frequent (8.5 %). The other 6 serotypes accounted for a low frequency of occurrence (up to 1.5 %). Of the 190 isolates tested, 125 (65.8 %) formed bipyramidal, and 63 (33.2 %) represented spherical inclusions. All H3abc isolates contained bipyramidal inclusions. The same applied to H8ab and H7 isolates. Insecticide activity was noted in 70.1 % of the population. In general, 128 samples were toxic to both species (Bombyx mori, Aedes sp.). Another 3 samples were toxic only to B. mori, and 2 for Aedes sp. Among the samples exhibiting toxicity to both species, 97.6 % belonged to bipyramidal paraspore inclusions (H3abc). All H7 samples were toxic to two insect species. Monotoxic B. thuringiensis against Aedes sp. were found only among organisms producing spherical parasporal inclusions in the cell. Examples of such microorganisms include an isolate of the H4ab/43 serotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Savelyeva
- Department of Medical Genetics, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Aleksei Avdeenko
- Department of Agriculture and Storage Technologies for Crop Products, Don State Agrarian University, Persianovsky, Russian Federation
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17
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Zafar H, Saier MHH. An Insider's Perspective about the Pathogenic Relevance of Gut Bacterial Transportomes. Microb Physiol 2024; 34:133-141. [PMID: 38636461 PMCID: PMC11283328 DOI: 10.1159/000538779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiome is integral to host health, hosting complex interactions between the host and numerous microbial species in the gastrointestinal tract. Key among the molecular mechanisms employed by gut bacteria are transportomes, consisting of diverse transport proteins crucial for bacterial adaptation to the dynamic, nutrient-rich environment of the mammalian gut. These transportomes facilitate the movement of a wide array of molecules, impacting both the host and the microbial community. SUMMARY This communication explores the significance of transportomes in gut bacteria, focusing on their role in nutrient acquisition, competitive interactions among microbes, and potential pathogenicity. It delves into the transportomes of key gut bacterial species like E. coli, Salmonella, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Clostridia, and Bifidobacterium, examining the functions of predicted transport proteins. The overview synthesizes recent research efforts, highlighting how these transportomes influence host-microbe interactions and contribute to the microbial ecology of the gut. KEY MESSAGES Transportomes are vital for the survival and adaptation of bacteria in the gut, enabling the import and export of various nutrients and molecules. The complex interplay of transport proteins not only supports bacterial growth and competition but also has implications for host health, potentially contributing to pathogenic processes. Understanding the pathogenic potential of transportomes in major gut bacterial species provides insights into gut health and disease, offering avenues for future research and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Zafar
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milton H. Herman Saier
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093-0116, USA
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18
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Pan X, Cao F, Guo X, Wang Y, Cui Z, Huang T, Hou Y, Guan X. Development of a Safe and Effective Bacillus thuringiensis-Based Nanobiopesticide for Controlling Tea Pests. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7807-7817. [PMID: 38514390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Mg(OH)2 was used as the nanocarrier of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac protein, and the synthesized Cry1Ac-Mg(OH)2 composites were regular and uniform nanosheets. Nano-Mg(OH)2 could effectively improve the insecticidal effect of the Cry1Ac protein toward Ectropis obliqua. It could enhance the damage degree of the Cry1Ac protein to intestinal epithelial cells and microvilli, induce and enrich the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the midgut, and enhance the degradation of the Cry1Ac protein into active fragments. Furthermore, an anti-rinsing assay showed that the Cry1Ac-Mg(OH)2 composites were bound to the notch structure of the tea leaf surface. The retention of the Cry1Ac protein increased by 11.45%, and sprayed nano-Mg(OH)2 was rapidly absorbed by different tissues of tea plants. Moreover, nano-Mg(OH)2 and composites did not significantly affect non-target organisms. These results show that nano-Mg(OH)2 can serve as a safe and effective biopesticide carrier, which provides a new approach for stable and efficient Bt preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianpei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Youming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiong Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education & Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People's Republic of China
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19
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Zhang Z, Yang X, Wang W, Wu K. Insecticidal Effects of Transgenic Maize Bt-Cry1Ab, Bt-Vip3Aa, and Bt-Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa against the Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) in Southwest China. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:134. [PMID: 38535800 PMCID: PMC10974810 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16030134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker), an important migratory pest of maize and wheat, is posing a severe threat to maize production in Asian countries. As source areas of spring-summer emigratory populations, the control of M. separata in southwestern China is of great significance for East Asian maize production. To assess the toxicity of Bt maize against the pest, bioassays of Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize (event DBN3601T), Bt-Cry1Ab maize (event DBN9936), and Bt-Vip3Aa maize (event DBN9501) were conducted in Yunnan province of southwest China. There were significant differences in insecticidal activity between the three Bt maize events, and DBN3601T presented the highest insecticidal role. The results also indicated that the insecticidal effect of various Bt maize tissues took an order in leaf > kernel > silk, which is highly consistent with the expression amounts of Bt insecticidal protein in leaf (69.69 ± 1.18 μg/g), kernel (11.69 ± 0.75 μg/g), and silk (7.32 ± 0.31 μg/g). In field trials, all larval population densities, plant damage rates, and leaf damage levels of DBN3601T maize were significantly lower than the conventional maize. This research indicated that the DBN3601T event had a high control efficiency against M. separata and could be deployed in southwest China for the management of M. separata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Xianming Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
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20
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Güney G, Cedden D, Hänniger S, Hegedus DD, Heckel DG, Toprak U. Peritrophins are involved in the defense against Bacillus thuringiensis and nucleopolyhedrovirus formulations in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 166:104073. [PMID: 38215915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104073] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The peritrophic matrix (or peritrophic membrane, PM) is present in most insects where it acts as a barrier to mechanical insults and pathogens, as well as a facilitator of digestive processes. The PM is formed by the binding of structural PM proteins, referred to as peritrophins, to chitin fibrils and spans the entire midgut in lepidopterans. To investigate the role of peritrophins in a highly polyphagous lepidopteran pest, namely the cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis), we generated Insect Intestinal Mucin (IIM-) and non-mucin Peritrophin (PER-) mutant strains via CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis. Both strains exhibited deformed PMs and retarded developmental rates. Bioassays conducted with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) formulations showed that both the IIM- and PER- mutant larvae were more susceptible to these bioinsecticides compared to the wild-type (WT) larvae with intact PM. Interestingly, the provision of chitin-binding agent Calcofluor (CF) in the diet lowered the toxicity of Bt formulations in both WT and IIM- larvae and the protective effect of CF was significantly lower in PER- larvae. This suggested that the interaction of CF with PER is responsible for Bt resistance mediated by CF. In contrast, the provision of CF caused increased susceptibility to SpliNPV in both mutants and WT larvae. The study showed the importance of peritrophins in the defense against pathogens in S. littoralis and revealed novel insights into CF-mediated resistance to Cry toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gözde Güney
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Jena, Germany; Ankara University, Molecular Entomology Lab., Dept. of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Doga Cedden
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Ankara University, Molecular Entomology Lab., Dept. of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sabine Hänniger
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Jena, Germany
| | - Dwayne D Hegedus
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; University of Saskatchewan, Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - David G Heckel
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Jena, Germany.
| | - Umut Toprak
- Ankara University, Molecular Entomology Lab., Dept. of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara, Turkey.
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21
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Fang Q, Cao Y, Oo TH, Zhang C, Yang M, Tang Y, Wang M, Zhang W, Zhang L, Zheng Y, Li W, Meng F. Overexpression of cry1c* Enhances Resistance against to Soybean Pod Borer ( Leguminivora glycinivorella) in Soybean. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:630. [PMID: 38475476 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], an essential staple food and oil crop worldwide, boasts abundant vegetable proteins and fats beneficial for both human and animal consumption. However, the soybean pod borer (Leguminivora glycinivorella) (SPB) stands as the most destructive soybean insect pest in northeast China and other northeastern Asian regions, leading to significant annual losses in soybean yield and economic burden. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the introduction of a previously tested codon-optimized cry1c gene, cry1c*, into the soybean genome and assess its effect on the SPB infestation by generating and characterizing stable transgenic soybeans overexpressing cry1c*. The transgenic soybean lines that constitutively overexpressed cry1c* exhibited a significant reduction in the percentage of damaged seeds, reaching as low as 5% in plants under field conditions. Additionally, feeding transgenic leaves to the larvae of S. exigua, S. litura, and M. separta resulted in inhibited larval growth, decreased larval body weight, and lower survival rates compared to larvae fed on wild-type leaves. These findings showed that the transgenic lines maintained their resistance to SPB and other lepidopteran pests, especially the transgenic line KC1. Southern blotting and genome-wide resequencing analysis revealed that T-DNA integration occurred as a single copy between loci 50,868,122 and 50,868,123 of chromosome 10 in the transgenic line KC1. Therefore, the transgenic line KC1, overexpressing high levels of cry1c* in leaves and seeds, holds strong potential for commercial use in the integrated management of SPB and other lepidopteran pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxi Fang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yingxue Cao
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Thinzar Hla Oo
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Mingyu Yang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yuecheng Tang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Meizi Wang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Wu Zhang
- Heihe Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Heihe 164300, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Agricultural Science & Technology Northeast Innovation Center, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Yuhong Zheng
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Agricultural Science & Technology Northeast Innovation Center, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Fanli Meng
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
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22
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Jammor P, Sanguanphun T, Meemon K, Promdonkoy B, Boonserm P. Biosynthesis of Cry5B-Loaded Sulfur Nanoparticles using Arthrobotrys oligospora Filtrate: Effects on Nematicidal Activity, Thermal Stability, and Pathogenicity against Caenorhabditis elegans. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:6945-6954. [PMID: 38371837 PMCID: PMC10870406 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Cry5B, a crystal protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), is a bionematicide with potent nematicidal activity against various plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. This protein, however, is susceptible to destruction by ultraviolet light, proteolytic enzymes, and high temperatures. This study aims to produce Cry5B protein for bionematicidal use and improve its stability and nematicidal efficacy by loading it intoArthrobotrys oligospora-mediated sulfur nanoparticles (AO-SNPs). Based on the mortality assay, the Cry5B protein exhibited dose-dependent nematicidal activity against the model organismCaenorhabditis elegans. The nematicidal activity, thermal stability, and pathogenic effects of Cry5B-loaded AO-SNPs (Cry5B-SNPs) were compared to those of free Cry5B. After 3 h of exposure to heat at 60 °C, Cry5B-SNPs had greater nematicidal activity than free Cry5B protein, indicating the effective formulation of Cry5B-SNPs that could be used as an alternative to current nematicide delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasin Jammor
- Institute
of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Tanatcha Sanguanphun
- Department
of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol
University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Krai Meemon
- Department
of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol
University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Boonhiang Promdonkoy
- National
Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Phahonyothin Road, Khlong
Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Panadda Boonserm
- Institute
of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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23
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Fu BW, Xu L, Zheng MX, Shi Y, Zhu YJ. Engineering of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ab toxin for improved insecticidal activity. AMB Express 2024; 14:15. [PMID: 38300478 PMCID: PMC10834393 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-024-01669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ab toxin was a widely used bioinsecticide to control lepidopteran pests all over the world. In the present study, engineering of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ab toxin was performed for improved insecticidal activity using site-specific saturation mutation. Variants L183I were screened with lower LC50 (0.129 µg/cm2) against P. xylostella when compared to wild-type Cry2Ab (0.267 µg/cm2). To investigate the molecular mechanism behind the enhanced activity of variant L183I, the activation, oligomerization and pore-formation activities of L183I were evaluated, using wild-type Cry2Ab as a control. The results demonstrated that the proteolytic activation of L183I was the same as that of wild-type Cry2Ab. However, variant L183I displayed higher oligomerization and pore-formation activities, which was consistence with its increased insecticidal activity. The current study demonstrated that the insecticidal activity of Cry2Ab toxin could be assessed using oligomerization and pore-formation activities, and the screened variant L183I with improved activity might contribute to Cry2Ab toxin's future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Wen Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Lian Xu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350013, China
| | - Mei-Xia Zheng
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350013, China
| | - Yan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Yu-Jing Zhu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350013, China.
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24
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He X, Yang Y, Soberón M, Bravo A, Zhang L, Zhang J, Wang Z. Bacillus thuringiensis Cry9Aa Insecticidal Protein Domain I Helices α3 and α4 Are Two Core Regions Involved in Oligomerization and Toxicity. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:1321-1329. [PMID: 38175929 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry9 proteins show high insecticidal activity against different lepidopteran pests. Cry9 could be a valuable alternative to Cry1 proteins because it showed a synergistic effect with no cross-resistance. However, the pore-formation region of the Cry9 proteins is still unclear. In this study, nine mutations of certain Cry9Aa helices α3 and α4 residues resulted in a complete loss of insecticidal activity against the rice pest Chilo suppressalis; however, the protein stability and receptor binding ability of these mutants were not affected. Among these mutants, Cry9Aa-D121R, Cry9Aa-D125R, Cry9Aa-D163R, Cry9Aa-E165R, and Cry9Aa-D167R are unable to form oligomers in vitro, while the oligomers formed by Cry9Aa-R156D, Cry9Aa-R158D, and Cry9Aa-R160D are unstable and failed to insert into the membrane. These data confirmed that helices α3 and α4 of Cry9Aa are involved in oligomerization, membrane insertion, and toxicity. The knowledge of Cry9 pore-forming action may promote its application as an alternative to Cry1 insecticidal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang He
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230036, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanchao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mario Soberón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Apdo. Postal 510-3, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Bravo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Apdo. Postal 510-3, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230036, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Green Pesticide Development and Application, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230036, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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25
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Lin M, Liu Y, Shen C, Meng M, Zhang X, Xu C, Jin J, Hu X, Zhu Q, Xie Y, Chen W, Liu X, Lin J. Generation of anti-idiotypic antibodies mimicking Cry2Aa toxin from an immunized mouse phage display library as potential insecticidal agents against Plutella xylostella. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 691:149308. [PMID: 38029542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
This study tried to generate anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2s) which mimic Cry2Aa toxin using a phage-display antibody library (2.8 × 107 CFU/mL). The latter was constructed from a mouse immunized with F (ab')2 fragments digested from anti-Cry2Aa polyclonal antibodies. The F (ab')2 fragments and Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella) brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were utilized as targets for selection. Eight mouse phage-display single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) were isolated and identified by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), PCR and DNA sequencing after four rounds of biopanning. Among them, M3 exhibited the highest binding affinity with F (ab')2, while M4 bound the best with the toxin binding region of cadherin of P. xylostella (PxCad-TBR). Both of these two fragments were chosen for prokaryotic expression. The expressed M3 and M4 proteins with molecular weights of 30 kDa were purified. The M4 showed a binding affinity of 29.9 ± 2.4 nM with the PxCad-TBR and resulted in 27.8 ± 4.3 % larvae mortality against P. xylostella. Computer-assisted molecular modeling and docking analysis showed that mouse scFv M4 mimicked some Cry2Aa toxin binding sites when interacting with PxCad-TBR. Therefore, anti-idiotypic antibodies generated by BBMV-based screening could be useful for the development of new bio-insecticides as an alternative to Cry2Aa toxin for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; School of Life Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Yuan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Cheng Shen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Meng Meng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Chongxin Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Jiafeng Jin
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Xiaodan Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; School of Life Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Qing Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Yajing Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; School of Life Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Wei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Xianjin Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Ministry of Agriculture), Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Johnson Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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26
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Zhao Y, Li P, Yao X, Li Y, Tian Y, Xie G, Deng Z, Xu S, Wei J, Li X, An S. V-ATPase E mediates Cry2Ab binding and toxicity in Helicoverpa armigera. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 198:105744. [PMID: 38225087 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105744] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Cry2Ab is one of the important alternative Bt proteins that can be used to manage insect pests resistant to Cry1A toxins and to expand the insecticidal spectrum of pyramided Bt crops. Previous studies have showed that vacuolar H+-ATPase subunits A and B (V-ATPase A and B) may be involved in Bt insecticidal activities. The present study investigated the role of V-ATPases subunit E in the toxicity of Cry2Ab in Helicoverpa amigera. RT-PCR analysis revealed that oral exposure of H. amigera larvae to Cry2Ab led to a significant reduction in the expression of H. armigera V-ATPase E (HaV-ATPase E). Ligand blot, homologous and heterologous competition experiments confirmed that HaV-ATPases E physically and specifically bound to activated Cry2Ab toxin. Heterologous expressing of HaV-ATPase E in Sf9 cells made the cell line more susceptible to Cry2Ab, whereas knockdown of the endogenous V-ATPase E in H. zea midgut cells decreased Cry2Ab's cytotoxicity against this cell line. Further in vivo bioassay showed that H. armigera larvae fed a diet overlaid with both Cry2Ab and E. coli-expressed HaV-ATPase E protein suffered significantly higher mortality than those fed Cry2Ab alone. These results support that V-ATPases E is a putative receptor of Cry2Ab and can be used to improve Cry2Ab toxicity and manage Cry2Ab resistance at least in H. armigera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuge Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Pin Li
- State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xue Yao
- State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yuepu Li
- State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yu Tian
- State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Guiying Xie
- State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zhongyuan Deng
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuxia Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Jizhen Wei
- State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Xianchun Li
- Department of Entomology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Shiheng An
- State key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science/College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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27
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Kinkar OU, Kumar A, Prashar A, Yadav B, Hadapad AB, Hire RS, Makde RD. The crystal structure of insecticidal protein Txp40 from Xenorhabdus nematophila reveals a two-domain unique binary toxin with homology to the toxin-antitoxin (TA) system. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 164:104045. [PMID: 38040266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Txp40 is a ubiquitous, conserved, and novel toxin from Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria, toxic to a wide range of insect pests. However, the three-dimensional structure and toxicity mechanism for Txp40 or any of its sequence homologs are not yet known. Here, we are reporting the crystal structure of the insecticidal protein Txp40 from Xenorhabdus nematophila at 2.08 Å resolution. The Txp40 was structurally distinct from currently known insecticidal proteins. Txp40 consists of two structurally different domains, an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD), primarily joined by a 33-residue long linker peptide. Txp40 displayed proteolytic propensity. Txp40 gets proteolyzed, removing the linker peptide, which is essential for proper crystal packing. NTD adopts a novel fold composed of nine amphipathic helices and has no shared sequence or structural homology to any known proteins. CTD has structural homology with RNases of type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) complex belonging to the RelE/ParE toxin domain superfamily. NTD and CTD were individually toxic to Galleria mellonella larvae. However, maximal toxicity was observed when both domains were present. Our results suggested that the Txp40 acts as a two-domain binary toxin, which is unique and different from any known binary toxins and insecticidal proteins. Txp40 is also unique because it belongs to the prokaryotic RelE/ParE toxin family with a toxic effect on eukaryotic organisms, in contrast to other members of the same family. Broad insect specificity and unique binary toxin complex formation make Txp40 a viable candidate to overcome the development of resistance in insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omkar U Kinkar
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Arpit Prashar
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Beena Yadav
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ashok B Hadapad
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ramesh S Hire
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, Maharashtra, India; Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
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Kinkar OU, Singh R, Prashar A, Kumar A, Hire RS, Makde RD. 20-kDa accessory protein (P20) from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis ISPC-12: Purification, characterization, solution scattering and structural analysis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127985. [PMID: 37949263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The 20-kDa accessory protein (P20) from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) has been identified as an essential molecular chaperone in the enhancement of Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa toxins production and their bio-crystallization. Additionally, P20 plays a vital role in suppressing the toxic effect of Cyt toxin on the host bacterium and also enhances insecticidal activity of Cry1Ac protein. Thus, the function of P20 is more specific than that of the chaperones. However, P20 is poorly investigated and insufficiently characterized. In the present study, we recombinantly expressed p20 from local isolate Bti ISPC-12 in heterologous bacterium E. coli and P20 protein was purified to homogeneity. Detailed biochemical and biophysical characterization provides crucial insights about in-vitro behavior as well as spatial conformations of P20 protein. Further, structural modelling and analysis provides insights into three-dimensional organization of the protein and shows that P20 is a non-toxic member of cytolytic (Cyt) toxin family similar to Cyt1Ca, with presence of conserved cytolysin fold. Additionally, solution scattering reveals that P20 is present as a dimer in the solution and probable dimeric assembly of P20 is presented. The findings reported here reveal engaging facts about P20 thereby advancing our understanding about this protein, which will expedite future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omkar U Kinkar
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Rahul Singh
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Arpit Prashar
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ramesh S Hire
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India; Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
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Guo Q, Li W, Niu Y, Dai X, Chen L. Culex quinquefasciatus membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase is a putative receptor for Lysinibacillus sphaericus Tpp49Aa1 toxin. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 164:104044. [PMID: 38036275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104044] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The binary toxin Cry48Aa1/Tpp49Aa1 produced by Lysinibacillus sphaericus exhibits potent toxicity against Culicidae larvae. Both Cry48Aa1 and Tpp49Aa1 toxins are crucial for binding to the toxin receptor in Culex quinquefasciatus larvae, albeit with different binding sites. Previous studies have identified Glu71, a membrane-bound α-glucosidase, as a putative binding protein for the Cry48Aa1 toxin, involved in the Cry48Aa1/Tpp49Aa1 toxicity. In this study, we employed pulldown assays to identify a group of Tpp49Aa1-binding proteins from C. quinquefasciatus solubilized midgut brush-border membrane proteins (BBMFs). RNA interference assays revealed that the silencing of an alkaline phosphatase gene (referred to as ALP1263) in C. quinquefasciatus resulted in a significant reduction in larval mortality upon exposure to Cry48Aa1/Tpp49Aa1 toxin in vivo. Furthermore, the ALP1263 protein exhibited specific and high-affinity binding to the Tpp49Aa1 toxin, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of approximately 57.3 nM. The dot blot analysis demonstrated that Tpp49Aa1 C-terminal region was essential for its interaction with the ALP1263 protein. In summary, our findings establish ALP1263 as a functional receptor for Tpp49Aa1 and emphasize its role in the toxicity of Cry48Aa1/Tpp49Aa1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China.
| | - Wei Li
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
| | - Yingchao Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Dai
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
| | - Lin Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
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Viana JL, da Silva JS, de Mattos GC, Pinto MCC, Dutra LDS, Carvalho LLDA, Pinto JCCDS, Pinheiro VCS, Roque RA. Microencapsulation of Bacillus thuringiensis strains for the control of Aedes aegypti. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108654. [PMID: 37956783 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the microencapsulation of two strains of the entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) (BtMA-750 and BtMA-1114), which are biopesticides of high toxicity for the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. The encapsulation of different concentrations of microorganisms in starch microparticles was evaluated, and the inverse suspension polymerization technique was explored. It was possible to observe that the higher amounts of the biopesticide caused a slight decrease in the diameter of the particles; however, even when encapsulated, the biopesticide still presents an average diameter that is able to be consumed by the larvae of Aedes aegypti. Furthermore, it was noticed that the presence of both of the B. thuringiensis strains did not affect the thermal stability of the particles. The microencapsulated bacterial strains presented a high number of viable spores and preserved the expression of proteins with molecular masses corresponding to the insecticidal toxins Cry and Cyt, indicating that the encapsulation process was conducted satisfactorily. Finally, the encapsulated strains were tested against Ae. aegypti larvae and maintained 100% larval mortality even after 35 days. Therefore, microencapsulation of B. thuringiensis not only guarantees the bacterial activity, but also prolongs the action of the biopesticide. Collectively, such findings highlight the great potential of the new biopesticides, which may help to reduce the population indices of the mosquito vector Ae. aegypti via a sustainable and environment-friendly route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliete L Viana
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas - UEA, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Rede BIONORTE - PPG BIONORTE, Av. Carvalho Leal, 1777, Ed. Anexo, 4° andar, Cachoeirinha, Manaus, CEP 69065001, AM, Brazil.
| | - Joelma S da Silva
- Curso Ciências Naturais, Campus VII, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Avenida Dr. José Anselmo, 2008, São Sebastião, Codó, CEP 65400-000, MA, Brazil
| | - Gabriela C de Mattos
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPE - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
| | - Martina C C Pinto
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPE - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana da S Dutra
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPE - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
| | - Larissa L de A Carvalho
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPE - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Carlos C da S Pinto
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPE - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valéria Cristina S Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Departamento de Química e Biologia, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão Campus Caxias, Praça Duque de Caxias, s/n, Morro do Alecrim, Caxias, CEP 65604-380, MA, Brazil
| | - Rosemary A Roque
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Laboratório de Controle Biológico e Biotecnologia da Malária e Dengue, Manaus, CEP 69060-001, AM, Brazil
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Jeon MY, Han JE, Lee DG, Cho YL, Jang JH, Lee J, Park JG, Kwon DH, Park SY, Kim W, Lee K, Kim JH, Lee NK. Novel sandwich immunoassay detects a shrimp AHPND-causing binary PirAB Vp toxin produced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1294801. [PMID: 38089817 PMCID: PMC10711049 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1294801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The binary PirA/PirB toxin expressed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (PirABVp) is a virulent complex that causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimps, affecting the global shrimp farming industry. AHPND is currently diagnosed by detecting pirA and pirB genes by PCR; however, several V. parahaemolyticus strains do not produce the two toxins as proteins. Thus, an immunoassay using antibodies may be the most effective tool for detecting toxin molecules. In this study, we report a sandwich ELISA-based immunoassay for the detection of PirABVp. Methods We utilized a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody library to select scFvs against the PirA or PirB subunits. Phage display panning rounds were conducted to screen and identify scFv antibodies directed against each recombinant toxin subunit. Selected scFvs were converted into IgGs to develop a sandwich immunoassay to detect recombinant and bacterial PirABVp. Results Antibodies produced as IgG forms showed sub-nanomolar to nanomolar affinities (KD), and a pair of anti-PirA antibody as a capture and anti-PirB antibody as a detector showed a limit of detection of 201.7 ng/mL for recombinant PirABVp. The developed immunoassay detected PirABVp in the protein lysates of AHPND-causing V. parahaemolyticus (VpAHPND) and showed a significant detectability in moribund or dead shrimp infected with a VpAHPND virulent strain compared to that in non-infected shrimp. Discussion These results indicate that the developed immunoassay is a reliable method for diagnosing AHPND by detecting PirABVp at the protein level and could be further utilized to accurately determine the virulence of extant or newly identified VpAHPND in the global shrimp culture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Young Jeon
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Eun Han
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gwang Lee
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Lai Cho
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hong Jang
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jangwook Lee
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Gil Park
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hyung Kwon
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Young Park
- Division of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Wantae Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunglee Lee
- Cetacean Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Kyung Lee
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Williams PDE, Brewer MT, Aroian R, Robertson AP, Martin RJ. The nematode ( Ascaris suum) intestine is a location of synergistic anthelmintic effects of Cry5B and levamisole. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.20.567786. [PMID: 38045368 PMCID: PMC10690214 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.20.567786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
A novel group of biocidal compounds are the Crystal 3D (Cry) and Cytolytic (Cyt) proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Some Bt Cry proteins have a selective nematocidal activity, with Cry5B being the most studied. Cry5B kills nematode parasites by binding selectively to membrane glycosphingolipids, then forming pores in the cell membranes of the intestine leading to damage. Cry5B selectively targets multiple species of nematodes from different clades and has no effect against mammalian hosts. Levamisole is a cholinomimetic anthelmintic that acts by selectively opening L-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ion-channels (L-AChRs) that have been found on muscles of nematodes. A synergistic nematocidal interaction between levamisole and Cry5B has been described previously, but the location, mechanism and time-course of this synergism is not known. In this study we follow the timeline of the effects of levamisole and Cry5B on the Ca2+ levels in enterocyte cells from the intestine of Ascaris suum using fluorescence imaging. The peak Ca2+ responses to levamisole were observed after approximately 10 minutes while the peak responses to activated Cry5B were observed after approximately 80 minutes. When levamisole and Cry5B were applied simultaneously, we observed that the responses to Cry5B were bigger and occurred sooner than when it was applied by itself. It is proposed that there is an irreversible cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload that leads to necrotic cell-death in the enterocyte that is induced by levamisole opening Ca2+ permeable L-subtype nAChRs and the development of Ca2+ permeable Cry5B toxin pores in enterocyte plasma membranes. The effects of levamisole potentiate and speed the actions of Cry5B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. E. Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Matthew T. Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Raffi Aroian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alan P. Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Misra V, Mall AK, Pandey H, Srivastava S, Sharma A. Advancements and prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for abiotic and biotic stresses in sugar beet. Front Genet 2023; 14:1235855. [PMID: 38028586 PMCID: PMC10665535 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1235855] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sugar beet is a crop with high sucrose content, known for sugar production and recently being considered as an emerging raw material for bioethanol production. This crop is also utilized as cattle feed, mainly when animal green fodder is scarce. Bioethanol and hydrogen gas production from this crop is an essential source of clean energy. Environmental stresses (abiotic/biotic) severely affect the productivity of this crop. Over the past few decades, the molecular mechanisms of biotic and abiotic stress responses in sugar beet have been investigated using next-generation sequencing, gene editing/silencing, and over-expression approaches. This information can be efficiently utilized through CRISPR/Cas 9 technology to mitigate the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses in sugar beet cultivation. This review highlights the potential use of CRISPR/Cas 9 technology for abiotic and biotic stress management in sugar beet. Beet genes known to be involved in response to alkaline, cold, and heavy metal stresses can be precisely modified via CRISPR/Cas 9 technology for enhancing sugar beet's resilience to abiotic stresses with minimal off-target effects. Similarly, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology can help generate insect-resistant sugar beet varieties by targeting susceptibility-related genes, whereas incorporating Cry1Ab and Cry1C genes may provide defense against lepidopteron insects. Overall, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology may help enhance sugar beet's adaptability to challenging environments, ensuring sustainable, high-yield production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varucha Misra
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
| | - A. K. Mall
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Himanshu Pandey
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India
- Khalsa College, Amritsar, India
| | | | - Avinash Sharma
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, India
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Hemthanon T, Promdonkoy B, Boonserm P. Screening and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates for high production of Vip3A and Cry proteins and high thermostability to control Spodoptera spp. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:108020. [PMID: 37956858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.108020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an entomopathogenic bacterium that produces crystalline (Cry and Cyt) and soluble (vegetative insecticidal proteins or Vips) proteins during the sporulation and vegetative growth phases, respectively. Combining Cry and Vip proteins could delay insect resistance development and exhibit synergistic activity against various insect pests. This study aims to screen Bt isolates collected from Thailand for high Vip3A and Cry protein production levels and high thermostability to control Spodoptera spp. Among the selected Bt isolates with high target protein synthesis, Bt isolate 506 was found to be safe for further biopesticide formulation due to the absence of non-specific metabolite, as determined by the detection of thermo-stable β-exotoxin I based on biological assays and PCR analysis. Bt isolate 506 showed the presence of Cry1A, Cry2A, and Vip3A-type proteins identified as Cry1Aa45, Cry2Aa22, and Vip3A87, respectively. The insecticidal activity of whole culture extracts containing Vip3A and Cry mixtures and culture supernatants containing secreted Vip3A protein was evaluated against the second-instar larvae of S. exigua and S. frugiperda. The Bt isolate 506 showed high toxicity against both insects, and the insecticidal proteins produced by this isolate retained their activity after heating at 50 °C. This Bt isolate is a promising candidate for further development as a biopesticide against lepidopteran pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharathip Hemthanon
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Boonhiang Promdonkoy
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Panadda Boonserm
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
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Prashar A, Kinkar OU, Kumar A, Hadapad AB, Makde RD, Hire RS. Crystal structures of PirA and PirB toxins from Photorhabdus akhurstii subsp. akhurstii K-1. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 162:104014. [PMID: 37778713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104014] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
PirAB binary toxin from Photorhabdus is toxic to the larvae of dipteran and lepidopteran insect pests. However, the 3-D structures and their toxicity mechanism are not yet fully understood. Here we report the crystal structures of PirA and PirB proteins from Photorhabdus akhurstii subsp. akhurstii K-1 at 1.6 and 2.1 Å, respectively. PirA comprises of eight β-strands depicting jelly-roll topology while PirB folds into two distinct domains, an N-terminal domain (PirB-N) made up of seven α-helices and a C-terminal domain (PirB-C) consists of ten β-strands. Despite the low sequence identity, PirA adopts similar architecture as domain III and PirB shared similar architecture as domain I/II of the Cry δ-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis, respectively. However, PirA shows significant structural variations as compared to domain III of lepidopteran and dipteran specific Cry toxins (Cry1Aa and Cry11Ba) suggesting its role in virulence among range of insect pests and hence, in receptor binding. High structural resemblance between PirB-N and domain I of Cry toxin raises the possibility that the putative PirAB binary toxin may mimic the toxicity mechanism of the Cry protein, particularly its ability to perform pore formation. The mixture of independently purified PirA and PirB proteins are not toxic to insects. However, PirA-PirB protein complex purified from expression of pir operon with non-coding Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) sequences found toxic to Galleria mellonella larvae with LD50 value of 1.62 μg/larva. This suggests that toxic conformation of PirA and PirB are achieved in-vivo with the help of ERIC sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpit Prashar
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Omkar U Kinkar
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ashok B Hadapad
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ramesh S Hire
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, Maharashtra, India.
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Berçot MR, Queiroz PRM, Grynberg P, Togawa R, Martins ÉS, Rocha GT, Monnerat RG. Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Genes from Brazilian Bacillus thuringiensis Strains Toxic to Agricultural Insect Pests Revealed by Real-Time PCR. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2515-2526. [PMID: 37392204 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02255-1] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive aerobic bacterium and the most used biopesticide worldwide. Given the importance of B. thuringiensis strain characterization for the development of new bioinsecticides or transgenic events and the identification and classification of new B. thuringiensis genes and strains to understand its distribution and diversity, this work is aimed at creating a gene identification system based on qPCR reactions utilizing core B. thuringiensis genes cry1, cry2, cry3, cry4, cry5, app6, cry7, cry8, cry9, cry10, cry11, vpb1, vpa2, vip3, cyt1, and cyt2 for the characterization of 257 strains of B. thuringiensis. This system was based on the Invertebrate Bacteria Collection from Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology and analyzed (a) the degree of correlation between the distribution of these strains and the origin of the substrate from which the strain was isolated and (b) between its distribution and geoclimatic conditions. This study made it possible to observe that the cry1, cry2, and vip3A/B genes occur homogeneously in the Brazilian territory, and some genes are found in specific regions. The biggest reservoir of variability is within B. thuringiensis strains in each region, and it is suggested that both geoclimatic conditions and regional crops interfere with the genetic diversity of the B. thuringiensis strains present in the region, and B. thuringiensis strains can constantly exchange genetic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Rodrigues Berçot
- Entompathogenic Bacteria Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte (Final) Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF-CEP, 70770-917, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Grynberg
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte (Final) Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF-CEP, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Roberto Togawa
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte (Final) Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF-CEP, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Érica Soares Martins
- Distrito Federal State Department of Education (SEEDF), SBN Quadra 02 Bloco C, Edifício Phenícia, CEP: 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Teodoro Rocha
- Entompathogenic Bacteria Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte (Final) Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF-CEP, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Rose Gomes Monnerat
- Entompathogenic Bacteria Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte (Final) Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF-CEP, 70770-917, Brazil
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Diao F, Li Y, Gao X, Luo J, Zhu X, Wang L, Zhang K, Li D, Ji J, Cui J. Response of the Propylea japonica Microbiota to Treatment with Cry1B Protein. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2008. [PMID: 38002951 PMCID: PMC10671136 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a dominant natural enemy of insect pests in farmland ecosystems. It also serves as an important non-target insect for environmental safety evaluations of transgenic crops. Widespread planting of transgenic crops may result in direct or indirect exposure of P. japonica to recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein, which may in turn affect the biological performance of this natural enemy by affecting the P. japonica microflora. However, the effects of Bt proteins (such as Cry1B) on the P. japonica microbiota are currently unclear. Here, we used a high-throughput sequencing method to investigate differences in the P. japonica microbiota resulting from treatment with Cry1B compared to a sucrose control. The results demonstrated that the P. japonica microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes at the phylum level and by Staphylococcus at the genus level. Within-sample (α) diversity indices demonstrated a high degree of consistency between the microbial communities of P. japonica treated with the sucrose control and those treated with 0.25 or 0.5 mg/mL Cry1B. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the abundance of any taxa after treatment with 0.25 mg/mL Cry1B for 24 or 48 h, and treatment with 0.5 mg/mL Cry1B for 24 or 48 h led to changes only in Staphylococcus, a member of the phylum Firmicutes. Treatment with a high Cry1B concentration (1.0 mg/mL) for 24 or 48 h caused significant changes in the abundance of specific taxa (e.g., Gemmatimonades, Patescibacteria, Thauera, and Microbacterium). However, compared with the control, most taxa remained unchanged. The statistically significant differences may have been due to the stimulatory effects of treatment with a high concentration of Cry1B. Overall, the results showed that Cry1B protein could alter endophytic bacterial community abundance, but not composition, in P. japonica. The effects of Bt proteins on endophytes and other parameters in non-target insects require further study. This study provides data support for the safety evaluation of transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Diao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Yarong Li
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Li Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Dongyang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
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Upfold J, Rejasse A, Nielsen-Leroux C, Jensen AB, Sanchis-Borja V. The immunostimulatory role of an Enterococcus-dominated gut microbiota in host protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens in Galleria mellonella larvae. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1260333. [PMID: 38469511 PMCID: PMC10926436 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1260333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and the immune response in insects is crucial, given its diverse impact on the pathogenesis of various microbial species. The microbiota's modulation of the host immune system is one such mechanism, although its complete impact on immune responses remains elusive. This study investigated the tripartite interaction between the gut microbiota, pathogens, and the host's response in Galleria mellonella larvae reared under axenic (sterile) and conventional (non-sterile) conditions. The influence of the microbiota on host fitness during infections was evaluated via two different routes: oral infection induced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. galleriae (Btg), and topical infection induced by Metarhizium robertsii (Mr). We observed that larvae without a microbiota can successfully fulfill their life cycle, albeit with more variation in their developmental time. We subsequently performed survival assays on final-instar larvae, using the median lethal dose (LD50) of Btg and Mr. Our findings indicated that axenic larvae were more vulnerable to an oral infection of Btg; specifically, a dose that was calculated to be half-lethal for the conventional group resulted in a 90%-100% mortality rate in the axenic group. Through a dual-analysis experimental design, we could identify the status of the gut microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing and assess the level of immune-related gene expression in the same group of larvae at basal conditions and during infection. This analysis revealed that the microbiota of our conventionally reared population was dominated entirely by four Enterococcus species, and these species potentially stimulated the immune response in the gut, due to the increased basal expression of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)-gallerimycin and gloverin-in the conventional larvae compared with the axenic larvae. Furthermore, Enterococcus mundtii, isolated from the gut of conventional larvae, showed inhibition activity against Btg in vitro. Lastly, other immune effectors, namely, phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph and total reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in the gut, were tested to further investigate the extent of the stimulation of the microbiota on the immune response. These findings highlight the immune-modulatory role of the Enterococcus-dominated gut microbiota, an increasingly reported microbiota assemblage of laboratory populations of Lepidoptera, and its influence on the host's response to oral and topical infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Upfold
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Agnès Rejasse
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Annette Bruun Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Vincent Sanchis-Borja
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Cao SK, Du XX, Chen G, Zeng AP, Yu H. Relative activity of 15 bacterial strains against the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua, and Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:1505-1517. [PMID: 37499044 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toad147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Crystal toxins produced by different strains of entomopathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been characterized and widely applied as commercial biological pesticides owing to their excellent insecticidal properties. This study aimed to identify novel bacterial strains effective in controlling Spodoptera exigua Hübner, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, and Spodoptera litura Fabricius. Fifteen culturable bacterial strains were isolated from 60 dead larvae (H. armigera and S. exigua) collected in the field. The biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequences of these strains indicated that one strain (B7) was Lysinibacillus sp., 12 strains (B1, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and DW) were Bt kurstaki, and P2-2 and B2 were Bacillus velezensis subsp. Laboratory bioassays indicated that strains B3, P6, B6, and P4 showed high toxicity to second-instar larvae of S. exigua, with LC50 values of 5.11, 6.74, 205.82, and 595.93 µg/ml, respectively; while the strains P5, B5, B6, and P6, were the most efficient against second-instar larvae of H. armigera with LC50 values of 725.82, 11,022.72, 1,282.90, 2,005.28, respectively, and strains DW, P3, P2, and B4 had high insecticidal activity against second-instar larvae of S. litura with LC50 values of 576.69, 1,660.96, 6,309.42, and 5,486.10 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, several Bt kurstaki strains with good toxicity potential were isolated and identified in this study. These strains are expected to be useful for biointensive integrated pest management programs to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Kai Cao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Xing-Xing Du
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Ai-Ping Zeng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
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Wang S, Guo Y, Sun Y, Weng M, Liao Q, Qiu R, Zou S, Wu S. Identification of two Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa toxin-binding aminopeptidase N from Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:615-625. [PMID: 37466033 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a quarantine pest that mainly damages plants in tropical regions, which are essential economic resources. Cry3Aa has been used to control coleopteran pests and is known to be toxic to R. ferrugineus. The binding of the Cry toxin to specific receptors on the target insect plays a crucial role in the toxicological mechanism of Cry toxins. However, in the case of R. ferrugineus, the nature and identity of the receptor proteins involved remain unknown. In the present study, pull-down assays and mass spectrometry were used to identify two proteins of aminopeptidase N proteins (RfAPN2a and RfAPN2b) in the larval midguts of R. ferrugineus. Cry3Aa was able to bind to RfAPN2a (Kd = 108.5 nM) and RfAPN2b (Kd = 68.2 nM), as well as midgut brush border membrane vesicles (Kd = 482.5 nM). In silico analysis of both RfAPN proteins included the signal peptide and anchored sites for glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol. In addition, RfAPN2a and RfAPN2b were expressed in the human embryonic kidney 293T cell line, and cytotoxicity assays showed that the transgenic cells were not susceptible to activated Cry3Aa. Our results show that RfAPN2a and RfAPN2b are Cry3Aa-binding proteins involved in the Cry3Aa toxicity of R. ferrugineus. This study deepens our understanding of the action mechanism of Cry3Aa in R. ferrugineus larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhen Wang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yajie Guo
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Asian Research Center for Bioresource and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 188-0002, Japan
| | - Yunzhu Sun
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Mingqing Weng
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Qiliao Liao
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Ru Qiu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Shuangquan Zou
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China, 350002
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Šolinc G, Anderluh G, Podobnik M. Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cyt2Aa forms filamentous oligomers when exposed to lipid membranes or detergents. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 674:44-52. [PMID: 37393643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces insecticidal proteins during the sporulation phase. These proteins are located in parasporal crystals consisting of two delta-endotoxin classes, crystal (Cry) and cytolytic (Cyt) toxins. In vitro, Cyt toxins show cytolytic activity against bacterial and a variety of insect and mammalian cells. They bind to cell membranes with unsaturated phospholipids and sphingomyelin. Although Bt and its parasporal crystals containing both Cry and Cyt toxins have been successfully used as bioinsecticides, the molecular mechanism of action of Cyt toxins is not yet fully understood. To address this, we exposed Cyt2Aa to lipid membranes and visualized membrane disruption process using cryo-electron microscopy. We observed two types of Cyt2Aa oligomers. First, Cyt2Aa forms smaller curved oligomers on the membrane surface that become linear over time, and detach when the membrane ruptures. Similar linear filamentous oligomers were also formed by Cyt2Aa in the presence of detergents without prior exposure to lipid membranes, which exhibited attenuated cytolytic activity. Furthermore, our data suggest that Cyt2Aa adopts different conformations between its monomeric and oligomeric forms. Overall, our results provide new evidence for a detergent-like mechanism of action of Cyt2Aa rather than the pore-forming model of target membrane disruption of this important class of insecticidal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gašper Šolinc
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Marjetka Podobnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Velásquez C. LF, Cantón PE, Sanchez-Flores A, Soberón M, Bravo A, Cerón S. JA. Identification of Cry toxin receptor genes homologs in a de novo transcriptome of Premnotrypes vorax (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291546. [PMID: 37708134 PMCID: PMC10501650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The white potato worm Premnotrypes vorax (Hustache) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most destructive insect pests of potato crops in South America. Like many coleopteran insects, P. vorax shows low susceptibility to Cry insecticidal proteins produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, the presence of Cry toxin receptors in the midgut of this this insect has never been studied. The main Cry-binding proteins described in other insect species are cadherin (CAD), aminopeptidase N (APN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. In this study, we analyzed and validated a de novo assembled transcriptome of Illumina sequencing data to identify and to characterize homologs of Cry toxin receptors. We identified the protein sequences in P. vorax that show high identity with their orthologous sequences of the Cry toxin binding proteins in other coleopteran larvae such as APN, ALP, CAD and ABC transporter. This study provides preliminary identification of putative receptor genes of Cry proteins that would be useful for future studies involving biocontrol of this important potato crop pest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Emiliano Cantón
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Alejandro Sanchez-Flores
- Unidad Universitaria de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Mario Soberón
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Alejandra Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Jairo A. Cerón S.
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Chen SWW, Teulon JM, Pellequer JL. Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa exhibit different structural orders in crystal topography. J Mol Recognit 2023; 36:e3047. [PMID: 37474122 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.3047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa are two pesticidal toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. To improve our understanding of the nature of their oligomers in the toxic actions and synergistic effects, we performed the atomic force microscopy to probe the surfaces of their natively grown crystals, and used the L-weight filter to enhance the structural features. By L-weight filtering, molecular sizes of the Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa monomers obtained are in excellent agreement with the three-dimensional structures determined by x-ray crystallography. Moreover, our results show that the layered feature of a structural element distinguishes the topographic characteristics of Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa crystals, suggesting that the Cry11Aa toxin has a better chance than Cyt1Aa for multimerization and therefore cooperativeness of the toxic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Wen W Chen
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France
- Rue Cyprien Jullin, Vinay, France
| | - Jean-Marie Teulon
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Luc Pellequer
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France
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Oliveira-Santos N, Pimentel Rodrigues Dos Santos LB, Fernandes JV, Cruz-Magalhães V, Loguercio LL. More than just an insect killer: The non-insecticidal activities of Bacillus thuringiensis with biotechnological potential. Toxicon 2023; 233:107261. [PMID: 37611671 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is known for the biological control of important insect pests, but scientific advances have revealed several interesting characteristics, in addition to this classical function as a bioinsecticide. To investigate the current knowledge about these non-insecticidal activities, a systematic research on primary data in the scientific literature was conducted on alternative functions of Bt with biotechnological potential. Out of a total of 140 articles selected, 15 non-insecticidal Bt activities were found. Publications related to this topic are available since 1971, and different metadata were reported, such as biomolecules and genes involved in Bt performances in non-insecticidal bioactivities. A total of 11 Bt activities with different effect measures (response variables) were identified, with an average of 48 distinct Bt strains evaluated per activity. Approximately 81.2% of all identified experiments/tests deal with the direct effects of Bt on target cells/organisms, with 36.3% of the strains within these studies tested for antibacterial action; of all microbial targets tested, 92.8% are bacteria, which led to 75.2% of the experimental conditions for all direct activities being performed in vitro. Regarding indirect Bt activities, 67.6% of these studies reported tritrophic Bt-plant-pathogen interactions. Bioremediation also appears as a relevant Bt activity being investigated in-depth. Alternative Bt activities offer innovative ways of developing biotechnology for different areas of anthropic interest; hence, we also focus on the possibility of finding multifunctional strains of Bt, as this may be advantageous from a bioeconomic point of view. Our findings are discussed in terms of research trends, aspects, details and depth of the current knowledge on alternative non-insecticidal Bt traits. We also discuss the potential application of this science for useful technological developments, aiming at solving issues related to human health, sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation/restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiane Oliveira-Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Rod, Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km-16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Jacquelline Viana Fernandes
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Rod, Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km-16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Valter Cruz-Magalhães
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Rod, Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km-16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil; Department of Phytophatology (DFP), Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Lopes Loguercio
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Rod, Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km-16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil.
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Katak RDM, Cintra AM, Burini BC, Marinotti O, Souza-Neto JA, Rocha EM. Biotechnological Potential of Microorganisms for Mosquito Population Control and Reduction in Vector Competence. INSECTS 2023; 14:718. [PMID: 37754686 PMCID: PMC10532289 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that cause human diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika fever, and filariasis. Biotechnological approaches using microorganisms have a significant potential to control mosquito populations and reduce their vector competence, making them alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Ongoing research has identified many microorganisms that can be used effectively to control mosquito populations and disease transmission. However, the successful implementation of these newly proposed approaches requires a thorough understanding of the multipronged microorganism-mosquito-pathogen-environment interactions. Although much has been achieved in discovering new entomopathogenic microorganisms, antipathogen compounds, and their mechanisms of action, only a few have been turned into viable products for mosquito control. There is a discrepancy between the number of microorganisms with the potential for the development of new insecticides and/or antipathogen products and the actual available products, highlighting the need for investments in the intersection of basic research and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo de Melo Katak
- Malaria and Dengue Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia-INPA, Manaus 69060-001, AM, Brazil;
| | - Amanda Montezano Cintra
- Multiuser Central Laboratory, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil; (A.M.C.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Bianca Correa Burini
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA;
| | - Osvaldo Marinotti
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- Multiuser Central Laboratory, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil; (A.M.C.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Elerson Matos Rocha
- Multiuser Central Laboratory, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil; (A.M.C.); (J.A.S.-N.)
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Abu El-Ghiet UM, Moustafa SA, Ayashi MM, El-Sakhawy MA, Ateya AAES, Waggiallah HA. Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from soils in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, and their efficacy against Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti larvae. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103721. [PMID: 37457233 PMCID: PMC10344810 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103721] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pest control in Saudi Arabia depends on applying chemical insecticides, which have many undesirable considerations and impacts on the environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate Bacillus thuringiensis from different rhizosphere soil samples in the Jazan region for the biological control of Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti larvae. The samples were collected from the rhizosphere of different plants located in eight agricultural areas in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Out of 100 bacterial isolates, four bacterial isolates belonging to Bacillus species were selected namely JZ1, JZ2, JZ3, and JZ4, and identified using classical bacteriological and molecular identification using 16S rRNA. JZ1 and JZ2 isolates were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis. SDS-PAGE analysis and the detection of the Cry1 gene were used to describe the two isolates JZ1 and JZ2 in comparison to Bacillus thuringiensis reference strain Kurstaki HD1 (BTSK) were revealed that slightly different from each other due to the place of their isolation and namely Khlab JZ1 and Ayash JZ2. The EC50 of JZ1 and JZ2 isolates, BTSK, and the commercial biopesticide DiPEL 6.4 DF against the second-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were 207, 932, 400, and 500 ppm respectively, while EC50 against first-instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis were 193.93, 589.7, 265.108, and 342.9, ppm respectively. Isolate JZ1 recorded the highest mortality while JZ2 isolate gave the lowest mortality. It can be concluded that the local isolate of JZ1 and JZ2 can be developed for bio formulations to be used in Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti biological control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salah A. Moustafa
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
- Agriculture Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza 12619, Egypt
| | - Mousa M. Ayashi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. El-Sakhawy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abeer Ali El-Sherbiny Ateya
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham Ali Waggiallah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
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Karim AA, Idris AB, Yilmaz S. Bacillus thuringiensis pesticidal toxins: A global analysis based on a scientometric study (1980-2021). Heliyon 2023; 9:e18730. [PMID: 37576305 PMCID: PMC10415897 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have been conducted on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticidal toxins due to their successful environmentally friendly biopesticide activity against various insect pest orders, protozoa, mites, and nematodes. However, no existing study has systematically examined the trends and evolution of research on Bt pesticidal toxins from a scientometric perspective. This study aimed to analyze the trends and hotspots of global research in this field. 5757 publications on Bt pesticidal toxins were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) from 1980 to 2021. Statistical and scientometric analyses were performed using Excel, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer visualization tools to evaluate research evolution, journal contribution and subject categories, contributing countries and institutions, highly influential references, and most used author keywords. The 5757 publications featured in 917 journals spanning 116 subject categories. The top 5 subject categories ranked as Entomology, Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Agriculture. Out of these publications, the USA contributed the most, with 1562 publications, 72,754 citations, and 46.58 average citations per paper (ACPP); however, Belgium had the highest (106.43) ACPP among the top 20 contributing countries. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences is the leading institution with 298 publications and 21.20 ACPP. The Pasteur Institute is ranked first (90.04) in terms of ACPP. Keywords analyses revealed that recent studies are inclined toward the evolution of insect resistance against Bt toxins. In future, studies related to the development of resistance mechanisms by insects against Bt pesticidal toxins and ways to overcome them will likely receive more attention. This study highlights the past and current situations and prospective directions of Bt pesticidal toxins-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Aziz Karim
- School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Semih Yilmaz
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Rciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Chen F, Pang C, Zheng Z, Zhou W, Guo Z, Xiao D, Du H, Bravo A, Soberón M, Sun M, Peng D. Aminopeptidase MNP-1 triggers intestine protease production by activating daf-16 nuclear location to degrade pore-forming toxins in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011507. [PMID: 37440595 PMCID: PMC10368266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are effective tools for pathogens infection. By disrupting epithelial barriers and killing immune cells, PFTs promotes the colonization and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms in their host. In turn, the host triggers defense responses, such as endocytosis, exocytosis, or autophagy. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria produce PFT, known as crystal proteins (Cry) which damage the intestinal cells of insects or nematodes, eventually killing them. In insects, aminopeptidase N (APN) has been shown to act as an important receptor for Cry toxins. Here, using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as model, an extensive screening of APN gene family was performed to analyze the potential role of these proteins in the mode of action of Cry5Ba against the nematode. We found that one APN, MNP-1, participate in the toxin defense response, since the mnp-1(ok2434) mutant showed a Cry5Ba hypersensitive phenotype. Gene expression analysis in mnp-1(ok2434) mutant revealed the involvement of two protease genes, F19C6.4 and R03G8.6, that participate in Cry5Ba degradation. Finally, analysis of the transduction pathway involved in F19C6.4 and R03G8.6 expression revealed that upon Cry5Ba exposure, the worms up regulated both protease genes through the activation of the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16, which was translocated into the nucleus. The nuclear location of DAF-16 was found to be dependent on mnp-1 under Cry5Ba treatment. Our work provides evidence of new host responses against PFTs produced by an enteric pathogenic bacterium, resulting in activation of host intestinal proteases that degrade the PFT in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiyun Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Danyang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwen Du
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Alejandra Bravo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Mario Soberón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghai Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Arsov A, Gerginova M, Paunova-Krasteva T, Petrov K, Petrova P. Multiple cry Genes in Bacillus thuringiensis Strain BTG Suggest a Broad-Spectrum Insecticidal Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11137. [PMID: 37446315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The properties of Bacillus thuringiensis strains as a biopesticide with potent action against moths, beetles, and mosquitoes have been known for decades, with individual subspecies showing specific activity against a particular pest. The aim of the present work is to characterize strains that can be used for broad-spectrum pest control in agriculture. Twenty strains of B. thuringiensis were isolated from Bulgarian soil habitats. The strains were screened for genes encoding 12 different crystal (Cry) endotoxins by PCR with specific primer pairs. Seven of the isolates contained cry genes in their genomes. B. thuringiensis strains PL1, PL3, and PL20 contained at least three different cry genes, while B. thuringiensis serovar galleriae BTG contained at least four. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation revealed the production of bipyramidal (PL1, PL3, PL20), polygonal (PL1), cubic (BTG), and spherical crystals (BTG and PL20). Potentially containing the most cry genes, the BTG genome was sequenced and annotated. It comprises 6,275,416 base pairs, does not contain plasmids, has a GC content of 35.05%, and contained 7 genes encoding crystal toxins: cry1Ab35, cry1Db, cry1Fb, cry1Ib, cry2Ab, cry8Ea1, and cry9Ba. This unique combination would possibly enable the simultaneous pesticidal action against pest species from orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera, as well as class Gastropoda. Whole-genome sequencing provided accurate information about the presence, localization, and classification of Cry toxins in B. thuringiensis BTG, revealing the great potential of the strain for the development of new broad-spectrum bio-insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Arsov
- Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gerginova
- Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Kaloyan Petrov
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Penka Petrova
- Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Barssoum R, Al Kassis G, Nassereddine R, Saad J, El Ghoul M, Abboud J, Fayad N, Dupoiron S, Cescut J, Aceves-Lara CA, Fillaudeau L, Awad MK. Biochemical limitations of Bacillus thuringiensis based biopesticides production in a wheat bran culture medium. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104043. [PMID: 36764472 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis, a gram-positive sporulating bacteria found in the environment, produces, during its sporulation phase, crystals responsible for its insecticidal activity, constituted of an assembly of pore-forming δ-endotoxins. This has led to its use as a biopesticide, an eco-friendly alternative to harmful chemical pesticides. To minimize production cost, one endemic Bacillus thuringiensis sv. kurstaki (Btk) strain Lip, isolated from Lebanese soil, was cultivated in a wheat bran (WB) based medium (IPM-4-Citrus project EC n° 734921). With the aim of studying the biochemical limitations of Btk biopesticide production in a wheat bran based medium, the WB was sieved into different granulometries, heat treated, inoculated with Btk Lip at flask scale, then filtered and separated into an insoluble and a permeate fractions. Several biochemical analyses, ie. bio performances, starch, elemental composition, total nitrogen and ashes, were then conducted on both fractions before and after culture. On a morphological level, two populations were distinguished, the fine starch granules and the coarse lignocellulosic particles. The biochemical analyses showed that both the raw and sieved WB have a similar proteins content (0.115 g/gdm WB), water content (0.116 g/gdm WB) and elemental composition (carbon: 45%, oxygen: 37%, nitrogen: 3%, hydrogen: 6%, ashes: 5%). The starch content was 17%, 14% and 34% and the fermentable fraction was estimated to 32.1%, 36.1% and 51.1% respectively for classes 2, 3 and 4. Both the elemental composition and Kjeldahl analyses showed that the nitrogen is the limiting nutrient of the culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Barssoum
- Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, UR- EGP, Functional Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mar Roukos- Dekwaneh, B.P. 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon; Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Bio & Chemical Engineering, Université de Toulouse- (CNRS UMR5504- INRAE UMR792, INSA), 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 04, France.
| | - Gabrielle Al Kassis
- Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, UR- EGP, Functional Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mar Roukos- Dekwaneh, B.P. 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Rayan Nassereddine
- Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, UR- EGP, Functional Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mar Roukos- Dekwaneh, B.P. 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Jihane Saad
- Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, UR- EGP, Functional Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mar Roukos- Dekwaneh, B.P. 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon; Toulouse White Biotechnology (INRAE UMS1337, CNRS UMS3582, INSA), INSA-Toulouse, 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077, Toulouse Cedex 04, France.
| | - Meriem El Ghoul
- Pharmacological Laboratory Médis, Route de Tunis Km 7-BP 206, Nabeul 8000, Tunisia.
| | - Joanna Abboud
- Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, UR- EGP, Functional Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mar Roukos- Dekwaneh, B.P. 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon; Toulouse White Biotechnology (INRAE UMS1337, CNRS UMS3582, INSA), INSA-Toulouse, 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077, Toulouse Cedex 04, France.
| | - Nancy Fayad
- Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, UR- EGP, Functional Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mar Roukos- Dekwaneh, B.P. 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon; Multi-Omics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos 1401, Lebanon.
| | - Stéphanie Dupoiron
- Toulouse White Biotechnology (INRAE UMS1337, CNRS UMS3582, INSA), INSA-Toulouse, 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077, Toulouse Cedex 04, France.
| | - Julien Cescut
- Toulouse White Biotechnology (INRAE UMS1337, CNRS UMS3582, INSA), INSA-Toulouse, 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077, Toulouse Cedex 04, France.
| | - César Arturo Aceves-Lara
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Bio & Chemical Engineering, Université de Toulouse- (CNRS UMR5504- INRAE UMR792, INSA), 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 04, France.
| | - Luc Fillaudeau
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Bio & Chemical Engineering, Université de Toulouse- (CNRS UMR5504- INRAE UMR792, INSA), 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 04, France.
| | - Mireille Kallassy Awad
- Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, UR- EGP, Functional Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mar Roukos- Dekwaneh, B.P. 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon.
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