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Corrêa EJA, Carvalho FC, de Castro Oliveira JA, Bertolucci SKV, Scotti MT, Silveira CH, Guedes FC, Melo JOF, de Melo-Minardi RC, de Lima LHF. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of essential oils' insecticidal action using a novel cheminformatics protocol. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4598. [PMID: 36944648 PMCID: PMC10028760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29981-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) are a promising source for novel environmentally safe insecticides. However, the structural diversity of their compounds poses challenges to accurately elucidate their biological mechanisms of action. We present a new chemoinformatics methodology aimed at predicting the impact of essential oil (EO) compounds on the molecular targets of commercial insecticides. Our approach merges virtual screening, chemoinformatics, and machine learning to identify custom signatures and reference molecule clusters. By assigning a molecule to a cluster, we can determine its most likely interaction targets. Our findings reveal that the main targets of EOs are juvenile hormone-specific proteins (JHBP and MET) and octopamine receptor agonists (OctpRago). Three of the twenty clusters show strong similarities to the juvenile hormone, steroids, and biogenic amines. For instance, the methodology successfully identified E-Nerolidol, for which literature points indications of disrupting insect metamorphosis and neurochemistry, as a potential insecticide in these pathways. We validated the predictions through experimental bioassays, observing symptoms in blowflies that were consistent with the computational results. This new approach sheds a higher light on the ways of action of EO compounds in nature and biotechnology. It also opens new possibilities for understanding how molecules can interfere with biological systems and has broad implications for areas such as drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo José Azevedo Corrêa
- Multicenter Program in Postgraduate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São João del-Rei, Campus Divinópolis, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
- Minas Gerais Agricultural Research Company (EPAMIG), Pitangui, MG, Brazil
| | - Frederico Chaves Carvalho
- Department of Computer Science, Institute of Exact Sciences-ICEx, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Campus Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Suzan Kelly Vilela Bertolucci
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Medicinal Plants, Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Chemistry Department, Exact and Nature Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Campus I, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiana Costa Guedes
- Technological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itabira, MG, Brazil
| | - Júlio Onésio Ferreira Melo
- Department of Exact and Biological Sciences, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Sete Lagoas Campus, Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil
| | - Raquel Cardoso de Melo-Minardi
- Department of Computer Science, Institute of Exact Sciences-ICEx, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Campus Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Henrique França de Lima
- Multicenter Program in Postgraduate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São João del-Rei, Campus Divinópolis, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil.
- Department of Exact and Biological Sciences, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Sete Lagoas Campus, Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil.
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Perkin LC, Cohen ZP, Carlson JW, Suh CPC. The Transcriptomic Response of the Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), following Exposure to the Organophosphate Insecticide Malathion. INSECTS 2023; 14:197. [PMID: 36835767 PMCID: PMC9960965 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Insecticide tolerance and resistance have evolved countless times in insect systems. Molecular drivers of resistance include mutations in the insecticide target site and/or gene duplication, and increased gene expression of detoxification enzymes. The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a pest of commercial cotton and has developed resistance in the field to several insecticides; however, the current organophosphate insecticide, malathion, used by USA eradication programs remains effective despite its long-term use. Here, we present findings from an RNA-seq experiment documenting gene expression post-exposure to field-relevant concentrations of malathion, which was used to provide insight on the boll weevil's continued susceptibility to this insecticide. Additionally, we incorporated a large collection of boll weevil whole-genome resequencing data from nearly 200 individuals collected from three geographically distinct areas to determine SNP allele frequency of the malathion target site, as a proxy for directional selection in response to malathion exposure. No evidence was found in the gene expression data or SNP data consistent with a mechanism of enhanced tolerance or resistance adaptation to malathion in the boll weevil. Although this suggests continued effectiveness of malathion in the field, we identified important temporal and qualitative differences in gene expression between weevils exposed to two different concentrations of malathion. We also identified several tandem isoforms of the detoxifying esterase B1 and glutathione S-transferases, which are putatively associated with organophosphate resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey C. Perkin
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 2771 F and B Road, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Zachary P. Cohen
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 2771 F and B Road, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Jason W. Carlson
- Center for Plant Health Science and Technology, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 22675 N. Moorefield Rd Bldg. 6414, Edinburg, TX 78541, USA
| | - Charles P.-C. Suh
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 2771 F and B Road, College Station, TX 77845, USA
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Lin Z, Pang S, Zhang W, Mishra S, Bhatt P, Chen S. Degradation of Acephate and Its Intermediate Methamidophos: Mechanisms and Biochemical Pathways. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2045. [PMID: 33013750 PMCID: PMC7461891 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Acephate is an organophosphate pesticide that has been widely used to control insect pests in agricultural fields for decades. However, its use has been partially restricted in many countries due to its toxic intermediate product methamidophos. Long term exposure to acephate and methamidophos in non-target organisms results in severe poisonous effects, which has raised public concern and demand for the removal of these pollutants from the environment. In this paper, the toxicological effects of acephate and/or methamidophos on aquatic and land animals, including humans are reviewed, as these effects promote the necessity of removing acephate from the environment. Physicochemical degradation mechanisms of acephate and/or methamidophos are explored and explained, such as photo-Fenton, ultraviolet/titanium dioxide (UV/TiO2) photocatalysis, and ultrasonic ozonation. Compared with physicochemical methods, the microbial degradation of acephate and methamidophos is emerging as an eco-friendly method that can be used for large-scale treatment. In recent years, microorganisms capable of degrading methamidophos or acephate have been isolated, including Hyphomicrobium sp., Penicillium oxalicum, Luteibacter jiangsuensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis. Enzymes related to acephate and/or methamidophos biodegradation include phosphotriesterase, paraoxonase 1, and carboxylesterase. Furthermore, several genes encoding organophosphorus degrading enzymes have been identified, such as opd, mpd, and ophc2. However, few reviews have focused on the biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms of acephate and methamidophos. In this review, the mechanisms and degradation pathways of acephate and methamidophos are summarized in order to provide a new way of thinking for the study of the degradation of acephate and methamidophos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiu Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shimei Pang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sandhya Mishra
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pankaj Bhatt
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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Costa-Júnior LM, Chaves DP, Brito DRB, Santos VAFD, Costa-Júnior HN, Barros ATM. A review on the occurrence of Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:548-562. [PMID: 31483031 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858), the New World screwworm, causes primary myiasis in wild and domestic animals in tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil. Although this species is considered to occur throughout the country, organized information about its recorded distribution has not been available until now. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the historical and current data published on both immature (myiasis) and adult stages of C. hominivorax in Brazil. A total of 174 articles were found; of these, 141 articles reported myiasis cases in cattle (146 records), humans (68 records), and other mammalian hosts (40 records), and captures of adult flies were reported in 33 articles. C. hominivorax is widespread in Brazil, having been recorded in 208 municipalities in all major biomes of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Martins Costa-Júnior
- Laboratório de Controle de Parasitos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Daniel Praseres Chaves
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | | | - Vitor Augusto Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Controle de Parasitos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Henrique Nelson Costa-Júnior
- Laboratório de Controle de Parasitos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
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Feyereisen R, Dermauw W, Van Leeuwen T. Genotype to phenotype, the molecular and physiological dimensions of resistance in arthropods. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 121:61-77. [PMID: 26047113 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The recent accumulation of molecular studies on mutations in insects, ticks and mites conferring resistance to insecticides, acaricides and biopesticides is reviewed. Resistance is traditionally classified by physiological and biochemical criteria, such as target-site insensitivity and metabolic resistance. However, mutations are discrete molecular changes that differ in their intrinsic frequency, effects on gene dosage and fitness consequences. These attributes in turn impact the population genetics of resistance and resistance management strategies, thus calling for a molecular genetic classification. Mutations in structural genes remain the most abundantly described, mostly in genes coding for target proteins. These provide the most compelling examples of parallel mutations in response to selection. Mutations causing upregulation and downregulation of genes, both in cis (in the gene itself) and in trans (in regulatory processes) remain difficult to characterize precisely. Gene duplications and gene disruption are increasingly reported. Gene disruption appears prevalent in the case of multiple, hetero-oligomeric or redundant targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Feyereisen
- INRA, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Sophia Antipolis, France.
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Shen GM, Wang XN, Dou W, Wang JJ. Biochemical and molecular characterisation of acetylcholinesterase in four field populations of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2012; 68:1553-1563. [PMID: 23007913 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is a major pest that infects fruits and agricultural products worldwide. The latest resistance monitoring of B. dorsalis from mainland China has identified high levels of resistance to insecticides. In this study, the biochemical and molecular characteristics of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in four field populations of B. dorsalis are investigated. RESULTS Among the four populations, the DG population and its purified AChE were found to be the least susceptible to malathion and five inhibitors, whereas the KM population and its purified AChE were the most susceptible. The highest catalytic activity of purified AChE was found for the KM population, and the catalytic activity of the DG population was the lowest. Among developmental stages, the AChE purified from larvae was found to be the most insusceptible to inhibitors, but its catalytic activity was the highest. Sequence analysis of the cDNA encoding AChE showed that some residue differences existed. However, no significant differences in expression levels of the AChE gene among populations and developmental stages were detected. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the decrease in susceptibility of B. dorsalis was mainly caused by decrease in AChE activity, and they provide a broad view on the relation between AChE and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Mao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
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Deep sequencing of New World screw-worm transcripts to discover genes involved in insecticide resistance. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:695. [PMID: 21143848 PMCID: PMC3022914 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The New World screw-worm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, is one of the most important myiasis-causing flies, causing severe losses to the livestock industry. In its current geographical distribution, this species has been controlled by the application of insecticides, mainly organophosphate (OP) compounds, but a number of lineages have been identified that are resistant to such chemicals. Despite its economic importance, only limited genetic information is available for the NWS. Here, as a part of an effort to characterize the C. hominivorax genome and identify putative genes involved in insecticide resistance, we sampled its transcriptome by deep sequencing of polyadenylated transcripts using the 454 sequencing technology. RESULTS Deep sequencing on the 454 platform of three normalized libraries (larval, adult male and adult female) generated a total of 548,940 reads. Eighteen candidate genes coding for three metabolic detoxification enzyme families, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases and carboxyl/cholinesterases were selected and gene expression levels were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Of the investigated candidates, only one gene was expressed differently between control and resistant larvae with, at least, a 10-fold down-regulation in the resistant larvae. The presence of mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (target site) and carboxylesterase E3 genes was investigated and all of the resistant flies presented E3 mutations previously associated with insecticide resistance. CONCLUSIONS Here, we provided the largest database of NWS expressed sequence tags that is an important resource, not only for further studies on the molecular basis of the OP resistance in NWS fly, but also for functional and comparative studies among Calliphoridae flies. Among our candidates, only one gene was found differentially expressed in resistant individuals, and its role on insecticide resistance should be further investigated. Furthermore, the absence of mutations in the OP target site and the high frequency of mutant carboxylesterase E3 indicate that metabolic resistance mechanisms have evolved predominantly in this species.
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