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Smith FW, Game M, Mapalo MA, Chavarria RA, Harrison TR, Janssen R. Developmental and genomic insight into the origin of the tardigrade body plan. Evol Dev 2024; 26:e12457. [PMID: 37721221 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12457] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Tardigrada is an ancient lineage of miniaturized animals. As an outgroup of the well-studied Arthropoda and Onychophora, studies of tardigrades hold the potential to reveal important insights into body plan evolution in Panarthropoda. Previous studies have revealed interesting facets of tardigrade development and genomics that suggest that a highly compact body plan is a derived condition of this lineage, rather than it representing an ancestral state of Panarthropoda. This conclusion was based on studies of several species from Eutardigrada. We review these studies and expand on them by analyzing the publicly available genome and transcriptome assemblies of Echiniscus testudo, a representative of Heterotardigrada. These new analyses allow us to phylogenetically reconstruct important features of genome evolution in Tardigrada. We use available data from tardigrades to interrogate several recent models of body plan evolution in Panarthropoda. Although anterior segments of panarthropods are highly diverse in terms of anatomy and development, both within individuals and between species, we conclude that a simple one-to-one alignment of anterior segments across Panarthropoda is the best available model of segmental homology. In addition to providing important insight into body plan diversification within Panarthropoda, we speculate that studies of tardigrades may reveal generalizable pathways to miniaturization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Smith
- Biology Department, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Mandy Game
- Biology Department, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Marc A Mapalo
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raul A Chavarria
- Biology Department, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Taylor R Harrison
- Biology Department, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Ralf Janssen
- Department of Earth Sciences, Palaeobiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Klementz BC, Brenneis G, Hinne IA, Laumer EM, Neu SM, Hareid GM, Gainett G, Setton EVW, Simian C, Vrech DE, Joyce I, Barnett AA, Patel NH, Harvey MS, Peretti AV, Gulia-Nuss M, Sharma PP. A novel expression domain of extradenticle underlies the evolutionary developmental origin of the chelicerate patella. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.594547. [PMID: 38826321 PMCID: PMC11142128 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.594547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Neofunctionalization of duplicated gene copies is thought to be an important process underlying the origin of evolutionary novelty and provides an elegant mechanism for the origin of new phenotypic traits. One putative case where a new gene copy has been linked to a novel morphological trait is the origin of the arachnid patella, a taxonomically restricted leg segment. In spiders, the origin of this segment has been linked to the origin of the paralog dachshund-2 , suggesting that a new gene facilitated the expression of a new trait. However, various arachnid groups that possess patellae do not have a copy of dachshund-2 , disfavoring the direct link between gene origin and trait origin. We investigated the developmental genetic basis for patellar patterning in the harvestman Phalangium opilio , which lacks dachshund-2 . Here, we show that the harvestman patella is established by a novel expression domain of the transcription factor extradenticle . Leveraging this definition of patellar identity, we surveyed targeted groups across chelicerate phylogeny to assess when this trait evolved. We show that a patellar homolog is present in Pycnogonida (sea spiders) and various arachnid orders, suggesting a single origin of the patella in the ancestor of Chelicerata. A potential loss of the patella is observed in Ixodida. Our results suggest that the modification of an ancient gene, rather than the neofunctionalization of a new gene copy, underlies the origin of the patella. Broadly, this work underscores the value of comparative data and broad taxonomic sampling when testing hypotheses in evolutionary developmental biology.
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Khong H, Hattley KB, Suzuki Y. The BTB transcription factor, Abrupt, acts cooperatively with Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) to repress metamorphosis and promotes leg regeneration. Dev Biol 2024; 509:70-84. [PMID: 38373692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.006] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Many insects undergo the process of metamorphosis when larval precursor cells begin to differentiate to create the adult body. The larval precursor cells retain stem cell-like properties and contribute to the regenerative ability of larval appendages. Here we demonstrate that two Broad-complex/Tramtrack/Bric-à-brac Zinc-finger (BTB) domain transcription factors, Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) and Abrupt (Ab), act cooperatively to repress metamorphosis in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Knockdown of chinmo led to precocious development of pupal legs and antennae. We show that although topical application of juvenile hormone (JH) prevents the decrease in chinmo expression in the final instar, chinmo and JH act in distinct pathways. Another gene encoding the BTB domain transcription factor, Ab, was also necessary for the suppression of broad (br) expression in T. castaneum in a chinmo RNAi background, and simultaneous knockdown of ab and chinmo led to the precocious onset of metamorphosis. Furthermore, knockdown of ab led to the loss of regenerative potential of larval legs independently of br. In contrast, chinmo knockdown larvae exhibited pupal leg regeneration when a larval leg was ablated. Taken together, our results show that both ab and chinmo are necessary for the maintenance of the larval tissue identity and, apart from its role in repressing br, ab acts as a crucial regulator of larval leg regeneration. Our findings indicate that BTB domain proteins interact in a complex manner to regulate larval and pupal tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesper Khong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA
| | - Kayli B Hattley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA
| | - Yuichiro Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA.
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Xie Y, Tan Y, Wen X, Deng W, Yu J, Li M, Meng F, Wang X, Zhu D. The Expression and Function of Notch Involved in Ovarian Development and Fecundity in Basilepta melanopus. INSECTS 2024; 15:292. [PMID: 38667422 PMCID: PMC11050577 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway in the reproductive system of B. melanopus. The functional domains and expression patterns of Bmnotch were analyzed. Bmnotch contains 45 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) domains, one negative regulatory region, one NODP domain and one repeat-containing domain superfamily. The qPCR reveals heightened expression in early developmental stages and specific tissues like the head and ovaries. The RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of notch decreased its expression by 52.1%, exhibiting heightened sensitivity to dsNotch at lower concentrations. Phenotypic and mating experiments have demonstrated that dsNotch significantly impairs ovarian development, leading to reduced mating frequencies and egg production. This decline underscores the Notch pathway's crucial role in fecundity. The findings advocate for RNAi-based, Notch-targeted pest control as an effective and sustainable strategy for managing B. melanopus populations, signifying a significant advancement in forest pest control endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Xie
- Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (Y.T.); (F.M.)
- Institute of Forestry and Grassland Protection, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China; (W.D.); (J.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Yifan Tan
- Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (Y.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Xuanye Wen
- Center for Biological Disaster Prevention and Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang 110031, China;
| | - Wan Deng
- Institute of Forestry and Grassland Protection, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China; (W.D.); (J.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Jinxiu Yu
- Institute of Forestry and Grassland Protection, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China; (W.D.); (J.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Mi Li
- Institute of Forestry and Grassland Protection, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China; (W.D.); (J.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Fanhui Meng
- Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (Y.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Xiudan Wang
- Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (Y.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Daohong Zhu
- Laboratory of Insect Behavior and Evolutionary Ecology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (Y.T.); (F.M.)
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Medina-Jiménez BI, Budd GE, Janssen R. Single-cell RNA sequencing of mid-to-late stage spider embryos: new insights into spider development. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:150. [PMID: 38326752 PMCID: PMC10848406 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09898-x] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The common house spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum represents an emerging new model organism of arthropod evolutionary and developmental (EvoDevo) studies. Recent technical advances have resulted in the first single-cell sequencing (SCS) data on this species allowing deeper insights to be gained into its early development, but mid-to-late stage embryos were not included in these pioneering studies. RESULTS Therefore, we performed SCS on mid-to-late stage embryos of Parasteatoda and characterized resulting cell clusters by means of in-silico analysis (comparison of key markers of each cluster with previously published information on these genes). In-silico prediction of the nature of each cluster was then tested/verified by means of additional in-situ hybridization experiments with additional markers of each cluster. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that SCS data reliably group cells with similar genetic fingerprints into more or less distinct clusters, and thus allows identification of developing cell types on a broader level, such as the distinction of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal cell lineages, as well as the identification of distinct developing tissues such as subtypes of nervous tissue cells, the developing heart, or the ventral sulcus (VS). In comparison with recent other SCS studies on the same species, our data represent later developmental stages, and thus provide insights into different stages of developing cell types and tissues such as differentiating neurons and the VS that are only present at these later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda I Medina-Jiménez
- Department of Earth Sciences, Palaeobiology, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Graham E Budd
- Department of Earth Sciences, Palaeobiology, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ralf Janssen
- Department of Earth Sciences, Palaeobiology, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Chen Y, Li H, Yi TC, Shen J, Zhang J. Notch Signaling in Insect Development: A Simple Pathway with Diverse Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14028. [PMID: 37762331 PMCID: PMC10530718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814028] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway which functions between adjacent cells to establish their distinct identities. Despite operating in a simple mechanism, Notch signaling plays remarkably diverse roles in development to regulate cell fate determination, organ growth and tissue patterning. While initially discovered and characterized in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster, recent studies across various insect species have revealed the broad involvement of Notch signaling in shaping insect tissues. This review focuses on providing a comprehensive picture regarding the roles of the Notch pathway in insect development. The roles of Notch in the formation and patterning of the insect embryo, wing, leg, ovary and several specific structures, as well as in physiological responses, are summarized. These results are discussed within the developmental context, aiming to deepen our understanding of the diversified functions of the Notch signaling pathway in different insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Haomiao Li
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Tian-Ci Yi
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Junzheng Zhang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.)
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Chafino S, Martín D, Franch-Marro X. Activation of EGFR signaling by Tc-Vein and Tc-Spitz regulates the metamorphic transition in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18807. [PMID: 34552169 PMCID: PMC8458297 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98334-9] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal development relies on a sequence of specific stages that allow the formation of adult structures with a determined size. In general, juvenile stages are dedicated mainly to growth, whereas last stages are devoted predominantly to the maturation of adult structures. In holometabolous insects, metamorphosis marks the end of the growth period as the animals stops feeding and initiate the final differentiation of the tissues. This transition is controlled by the steroid hormone ecdysone produced in the prothoracic gland. In Drosophila melanogaster different signals have been shown to regulate the production of ecdysone, such as PTTH/Torso, TGFß and Egfr signaling. However, to which extent the roles of these signals are conserved remains unknown. Here, we study the role of Egfr signaling in post-embryonic development of the basal holometabolous beetle Tribolium castaneum. We show that Tc-Egfr and Tc-pointed are required to induced a proper larval-pupal transition through the control of the expression of ecdysone biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, we identified an additional Tc-Egfr ligand in the Tribolium genome, the neuregulin-like protein Tc-Vein (Tc-Vn), which contributes to induce larval-pupal transition together with Tc-Spitz (Tc-Spi). Interestingly, we found that in addition to the redundant role in the control of pupa formation, each ligand possesses different functions in organ morphogenesis. Whereas Tc-Spi acts as the main ligand in urogomphi and gin traps, Tc-Vn is required in wings and elytra. Altogether, our findings show that in Tribolium, post-embryonic Tc-Egfr signaling activation depends on the presence of two ligands and that its role in metamorphic transition is conserved in holometabolous insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Chafino
- grid.507636.10000 0004 0424 5398Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig de la Barceloneta 37, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - David Martín
- grid.507636.10000 0004 0424 5398Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig de la Barceloneta 37, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Xavier Franch-Marro
- grid.507636.10000 0004 0424 5398Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig de la Barceloneta 37, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
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8
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Thümecke S, Schröder R. The odd-skipped related gene drumstick is required for leg development in the beetle Tribolium castaneum. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:1456-1471. [PMID: 33871128 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evolutionarily conserved odd-skipped related genes odd-skipped (odd), drumstick (drm), sister of odd and bowel (sob), and brother-of-odd-with-entrails-limited (bwl) act downstream of the Notch pathway in various insect tissues including the appendages and the gut. While the function of some of these genes have been analyzed in the adult Tribolium beetle, the expression during and their requirement for embryonic development is not known. RESULTS We describe here the embryonic expression patterns of drm, sob, and bwl and analyze the RNAi knockdown phenotypes with emphasize on the appendages and the hindgut. We show that in Tribolium, drm acts independently of other odd-family members in the formation of legs, hindgut, and the dorsal epidermis. Moreover, we establish drm and sob as further markers for segment borders in the appendages that include the gnathobasic mandibles. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the regulatory interrelationship among the odd genes differs between Tribolium and Drosophila, where odd and drm seem to act redundantly. In Tribolium, the genes drm and sob uncover the relict of a precoxal joint incorporated in the lateral body wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Thümecke
- Institut für Insektenbiotechnologie, Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany.,Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Reinhard Schröder
- Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Game M, Smith FW. Loss of intermediate regions of perpendicular body axes contributed to miniaturization of tardigrades. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201135. [PMID: 33043863 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades have a miniaturized body plan. Miniaturization in tardigrades is associated with the loss of several organ systems and an intermediate region of their anteroposterior (AP) axis. However, how miniaturization has affected tardigrade legs is unclear. In arthropods and in onychophorans, the leg gap genes are expressed in regionalized proximodistal (PD) patterns in the legs. Functional studies indicate that these genes regulate growth in their respective expression domains and establish PD identities, partly through mutually antagonistic regulatory interactions. Here, we investigated the expression patterns of tardigrade orthologs of the leg gap genes. Rather than being restricted to a proximal leg region, as in arthropods and onychophorans, we detected coexpression of orthologues of homothorax and extradenticle broadly across the legs of the first three trunk segments in the tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris. We could not identify a dachshund orthologue in tardigrade genomes, a gene that is expressed in an intermediate region of developing legs in arthropods and onychophorans, suggesting that this gene was lost in the tardigrade lineage. We detected Distal-less expression broadly across all developing leg buds in H. exemplaris embryos, unlike in arthropods and onychophorans, in which it exhibits a distally restricted expression domain. The broad expression patterns of the remaining leg gap genes in H. exemplaris legs may reflect the loss of dachshund and the accompanying loss of an intermediate region of the legs in the tardigrade lineage. We propose that the loss of intermediate regions of both the AP and PD body axes contributed to miniaturization of Tardigrada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Game
- Biology Department, University of North Florida, USA
| | - Frank W Smith
- Biology Department, University of North Florida, USA
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10
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Nunes V, Souto P, Minelli A, Stanger-Hall K, Silveira L. Antennomere numbers in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): unique patterns and tentative explanations. ZOOL ANZ 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Fujisawa T, Sasabe M, Nagata N, Takami Y, Sota T. Genetic basis of species-specific genitalia reveals role in species diversification. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav9939. [PMID: 31249868 PMCID: PMC6594765 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav9939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The diversity of genital morphology among closely related animals with internal fertilization is well known, but the genetic backgrounds are unclear. Here, we show that, in Carabus (Ohomopterus) beetles showing correlated evolution of male and female genital parts, only a few major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) determine differences in genital dimensions between sister species, and sequence divergence is pronounced in the genomic regions containing genital QTLs. The major QTLs for male and female genital dimensions reside in different locations within the same linkage group, implying that coevolution between the sexes is only loosely constrained and can respond to sexually antagonistic selection. The same genomic regions containing the major QTLs show elevated divergence between three pairs of parapatric species with marked differences in genital parts. Our study demonstrates that species diversification can follow coevolution of genitalia between the sexes, even without tight linkage of loci affecting male and female genital dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomochika Fujisawa
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Masataka Sasabe
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Nagata
- Division of Collections Conservation, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba 305-0005, Japan
| | - Yasuoki Takami
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Teiji Sota
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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12
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Li X, Liu FZ, Cai WL, Zhao J, Hua HX, Zou YL. The function of spineless in antenna and wing development of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:196-207. [PMID: 30230080 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A wide array of sensilla are distributed on insect antennae, and they play a variety of important roles. Rice planthoppers, destructive pests on rice, have a unique antenna sensilla structure called the 'sensory plaque organ'. The spineless (ss) gene encodes a bHLH-PAS transcription factor and plays a key role in antenna development. In the current study, a 3029 bp full-length cDNA of the Nilaparvata lugens ss gene (Nlss) was cloned, and it encodes 654 amino acid residues. The highest level of Nlss expression was detected in the thorax of fourth-instar nymphs. Knockdown of Nlss in nymphs led to a decrease in the number and size of plaque organs. Moreover, the flagella of the treated insects were poorly developed, wilted, and even dropped off from the pedicel. Nlss-knockdown also resulted in twisted wings in both long-winged and short-winged brown planthoppers. Y-type olfactometer analyses indicated that antenna defects originating from Nlss depletion resulted in less sensitivity to host volatiles. This study represents the first report of the characteristics and functions of Nlss in N. lugens antenna and wing development and illuminates the function of the plaque organ of N. lugens in host volatile perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - F-Z Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - W-L Cai
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - J Zhao
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - H-X Hua
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Y-L Zou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Gerken AR, Scully ED, Campbell JF. Red Flour Beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Response to Volatile Cues Varies With Strain and Behavioral Assay. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:1252-1265. [PMID: 30010815 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvy107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a major pest of facilities where grain is processed because of its ability to find and colonize food resource patches. Traps baited with pheromone and kairomone lures are commonly used to monitor for the presence of insects in warehouses or flour mills, for example. However, two nonmutually exclusive components, environment and genetics, could influence insect responsiveness to volatiles, impacting the efficacy of monitoring. Intraspecific variation in attraction behavior to food and mates is largely unexplored in stored-product insects, but tapping into natural genetic variation could provide a baseline for identifying genetic mechanisms associated with finding resources. Here, we assess eight strains of T. castaneum for variation in response to kairomone- and pheromone-based lures using three behavioral assays: paired choice with no forced air flow, upwind attraction with forced air flow, and movement pattern in an arena with a single odor source. We find strain-specific responses to kairomones and pheromones and evidence for heritability in behavioral responses. However, environmental coefficients for behavioral responses to both lures are high, suggesting that environment, and its potential interaction with genotype, strongly influences behavioral outcomes in these assays. Furthermore, despite the different environmental conditions among the different behavioral assays, we find a correlation for volatile preference among the assays. Our results provide a baseline assessment of natural variation for preference to kairomone and pheromone lures and suggest that careful consideration of behavioral assay is key to understanding the mechanisms of attraction in these stored-product pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Gerken
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS
| | - Erin D Scully
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS
| | - James F Campbell
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS
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Ando T, Fujiwara H, Kojima T. The pivotal role of aristaless in development and evolution of diverse antennal morphologies in moths and butterflies. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:8. [PMID: 29370752 PMCID: PMC5785806 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antennae are multi-segmented appendages and main odor-sensing organs in insects. In Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), antennal morphologies have diversified according to their ecological requirements. While diurnal butterflies have simple, rod-shaped antennae, nocturnal moths have antennae with protrusions or lateral branches on each antennal segment for high-sensitive pheromone detection. A previous study on the Bombyx mori (silk moth) antenna, forming two lateral branches per segment, during metamorphosis has revealed the dramatic change in expression of antennal patterning genes to segmentally reiterated, branch-associated pattern and abundant proliferation of cells contributing almost all the dorsal half of the lateral branch. Thus, localized cell proliferation possibly controlled by the branch-associated expression of antennal patterning genes is implicated in lateral branch formation. Yet, actual gene function in lateral branch formation in Bombyx mori and evolutionary mechanism of various antennal morphologies in Lepidoptera remain elusive. Results We investigated the function of several genes and signaling specifically in lateral branch formation in Bombyx mori by the electroporation-mediated incorporation of siRNAs or morpholino oligomers. Knock down of aristaless, a homeobox gene expressed specifically in the region of abundant cell proliferation within each antennal segment, during metamorphosis resulted in missing or substantial shortening of lateral branches, indicating its importance for lateral branch formation. aristaless expression during metamorphosis was lost by knock down of Distal-less and WNT signaling but derepressed by knock down of Notch signaling, suggesting the strict determination of the aristaless expression domain within each antennal segment by the combinatorial action of them. In addition, analyses of pupal aristaless expression in antennae with various morphologies of several lepidopteran species revealed that the aristaless expression pattern has a striking correlation with antennal shapes, whereas the segmentally reiterated expression pattern was observed irrespective of antennal morphologies. Conclusions Our results presented here indicate the significance of aristaless function in lateral branch formation in B. mori and imply that the diversification in the aristaless expression pattern within each antennal segment during metamorphosis is one of the significant determinants of antennal morphologies. According to these findings, we propose a mechanism underlying development and evolution of lepidopteran antennae with various morphologies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1124-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Ando
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.,Present address: Division of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Fujiwara
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Kojima
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.
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15
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Ku HY, Sun YH. Notch-dependent epithelial fold determines boundary formation between developmental fields in the Drosophila antenna. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006898. [PMID: 28708823 PMCID: PMC5533456 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Compartment boundary formation plays an important role in development by separating adjacent developmental fields. Drosophila imaginal discs have proven valuable for studying the mechanisms of boundary formation. We studied the boundary separating the proximal A1 segment and the distal segments, defined respectively by Lim1 and Dll expression in the eye-antenna disc. Sharp segregation of the Lim1 and Dll expression domains precedes activation of Notch at the Dll/Lim1 interface. By repressing bantam miRNA and elevating the actin regulator Enable, Notch signaling then induces actomyosin-dependent apical constriction and epithelial fold. Disruption of Notch signaling or the actomyosin network reduces apical constriction and epithelial fold, so that Dll and Lim1 cells become intermingled. Our results demonstrate a new mechanism of boundary formation by actomyosin-dependent tissue folding, which provides a physical barrier to prevent mixing of cells from adjacent developmental fields. During development, boundary formation between adjacent developmental fields is important to maintain the integrity of complex organs and tissues. We examined how boundaries become established between adjacent developmental fields—which are defined by expression of distinct selector genes and developmental fates—using the Drosophila eye-antennal disc as a model. We show that boundary formation is a progressive process. We focused our analysis on the antennal A1 fold that separates the A1 and A2-Ar segments, corresponding to the evolutionarily conserved segregation between coxopodite and telopodite segments of arthropod appendages. We describe a clear temporal and causal sequence of events from selector gene expression to establishment of a lineage-restricting boundary. We found that Notch activation at the boundary between adjacent fields of selector gene expression triggers actomyosin-mediated cell apical constriction, which induces the formation of an epithelial fold and prevents intermixing of cells from adjacent fields. Our findings describe a novel mechanism by which epithelial fold provides a physical barrier for cell segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yu Ku
- Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y. Henry Sun
- Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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16
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Ribeiro L, Tobias-Santos V, Santos D, Antunes F, Feltran G, de Souza Menezes J, Aravind L, Venancio TM, Nunes da Fonseca R. Evolution and multiple roles of the Pancrustacea specific transcription factor zelda in insects. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006868. [PMID: 28671979 PMCID: PMC5515446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) evolve as a result of the coevolutionary processes acting on transcription factors (TFs) and the cis-regulatory modules they bind. The zinc-finger TF zelda (zld) is essential for the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) in Drosophila melanogaster, where it directly binds over thousand cis-regulatory modules to regulate chromatin accessibility. D. melanogaster displays a long germ type of embryonic development, where all segments are simultaneously generated along the whole egg. However, it remains unclear if zld is also involved in the MZT of short-germ insects (including those from basal lineages) or in other biological processes. Here we show that zld is an innovation of the Pancrustacea lineage, being absent in more distant arthropods (e.g. chelicerates) and other organisms. To better understand zld´s ancestral function, we thoroughly investigated its roles in a short-germ beetle, Tribolium castaneum, using molecular biology and computational approaches. Our results demonstrate roles for zld not only during the MZT, but also in posterior segmentation and patterning of imaginal disc derived structures. Further, we also demonstrate that zld is critical for posterior segmentation in the hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus, indicating this function predates the origin of holometabolous insects and was subsequently lost in long-germ insects. Our results unveil new roles of zld in different biological contexts and suggest that changes in expression of zld (and probably other major TFs) are critical in the evolution of insect GRNs. Pioneer transcription factors (TFs) are considered the first regulators of chromatin accessibility in fruit flies and vertebrates, modulating the expression of a large number of target genes. In fruit flies, zelda resembles a pioneer TF, being essential during early embryogenesis. However, the evolutionary origins and ancestral functions of zelda remain largely unknown. Through a number of gene silencing, microscopy and evolutionary analysis, the present work shows that zelda is an innovation of the Pancrustacea lineage, governing not only the MZT in the short-germ insect Tribolium castaneum, but also posterior segmentation and post-embryonic patterning of imaginal disc derived structures such as wings, legs and antennae. Further, zelda regulation of posterior segmentation predates the origin of insects with complete metamorphosis (holometabolous), as supported by gene silencing experiments in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus. We hypothesize that the emergence of zelda contributed to the evolution of gene regulatory networks and new morphological structures of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lupis Ribeiro
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento SócioAmbiental de Macaé (NUPEM), Campus UFRJ Macaé, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Macaé, Brazil
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vitória Tobias-Santos
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento SócioAmbiental de Macaé (NUPEM), Campus UFRJ Macaé, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Macaé, Brazil
| | - Daniele Santos
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento SócioAmbiental de Macaé (NUPEM), Campus UFRJ Macaé, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Macaé, Brazil
| | - Felipe Antunes
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento SócioAmbiental de Macaé (NUPEM), Campus UFRJ Macaé, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Macaé, Brazil
| | - Geórgia Feltran
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento SócioAmbiental de Macaé (NUPEM), Campus UFRJ Macaé, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Macaé, Brazil
| | - Jackson de Souza Menezes
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento SócioAmbiental de Macaé (NUPEM), Campus UFRJ Macaé, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Macaé, Brazil
| | - L. Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thiago M. Venancio
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail: (TMV); (RNdF)
| | - Rodrigo Nunes da Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento SócioAmbiental de Macaé (NUPEM), Campus UFRJ Macaé, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular - INCT-EM, Macaé, Brazil
- * E-mail: (TMV); (RNdF)
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17
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Janssen R. Gene expression reveals evidence for EGFR-dependent proximal-distal limb patterning in a myriapod. Evol Dev 2017; 19:124-135. [PMID: 28444830 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evolution of segmented limbs is one of the key innovations of Arthropoda, allowing development of functionally specific specialized head and trunk appendages, a major factor behind their unmatched evolutionary success. Proximodistal limb patterning is controlled by two regulatory networks in the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster, and other insects. The first is represented by the function of the morphogens Wingless (Wg) and Decapentaplegic (Dpp); the second by the EGFR-signaling cascade. While the role of Wg and Dpp has been studied in a wide range of arthropods representing all main branches, that is, Pancrustacea (= Hexapoda + Crustacea), Myriapoda and Chelicerata, investigation of the potential role of EGFR-signaling is restricted to insects (Hexapoda). Gene expression analysis of Egfr, its potential ligands, and putative downstream factors in the pill millipede Glomeris marginata (Myriapoda: Diplopoda), reveals that-in at least mandibulate arthropods-EGFR-signaling is likely a conserved regulatory mechanism in proximodistal limb patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Janssen
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Gotoh H, Zinna RA, Ishikawa Y, Miyakawa H, Ishikawa A, Sugime Y, Emlen DJ, Lavine LC, Miura T. The function of appendage patterning genes in mandible development of the sexually dimorphic stag beetle. Dev Biol 2016; 422:24-32. [PMID: 27989519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the defining features of the evolutionary success of insects is the morphological diversification of their appendages, especially mouthparts. Although most insects share a common mouthpart ground plan, there is remarkable diversity in the relative size and shapes of these appendages among different insect lineages. One of the most prominent examples of mouthpart modification can be found in the enlargement of mandibles in stag beetles (Coleoptera, Insecta). In order to understand the proximate mechanisms of mouthpart modification, we investigated the function of appendage-patterning genes in mandibular enlargement during extreme growth of the sexually dimorphic mandibles of the stag beetle Cyclommatus metallifer. Based on knowledge from Drosophila and Tribolium studies, we focused on seven appendage patterning genes (Distal-less (Dll), aristaless (al), dachshund (dac), homothorax (hth), Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr), escargot (esg), and Keren (Krn). In order to characterize the developmental function of these genes, we performed functional analyses by using RNA interference (RNAi). Importantly, we found that RNAi knockdown of dac resulted in a significant mandible size reduction in males but not in female mandibles. In addition to reducing the size of mandibles, dac knockdown also resulted in a loss of the serrate teeth structures on the mandibles of males and females. We found that al and hth play a significant role during morphogenesis of the large male-specific inner mandibular tooth. On the other hand, knockdown of the distal selector gene Dll did not affect mandible development, supporting the hypothesis that mandibles likely do not contain the distal-most region of the ancestral appendage and therefore co-option of Dll expression is unlikely to be involved in mandible enlargement in stag beetles. In addition to mandible development, we explored possible roles of these genes in controlling the divergent antennal morphology of Coleoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Gotoh
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan; Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan.
| | - Robert A Zinna
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Yuki Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan; Graduate School of Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - Asano Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan; Division of Ecological Genetics, Department of Population Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Sugime
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
| | - Douglas J Emlen
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana-Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Laura C Lavine
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Toru Miura
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
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19
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Sharma PP, Tarazona OA, Lopez DH, Schwager EE, Cohn MJ, Wheeler WC, Extavour CG. A conserved genetic mechanism specifies deutocerebral appendage identity in insects and arachnids. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20150698. [PMID: 25948691 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The segmental architecture of the arthropod head is one of the most controversial topics in the evolutionary developmental biology of arthropods. The deutocerebral (second) segment of the head is putatively homologous across Arthropoda, as inferred from the segmental distribution of the tripartite brain and the absence of Hox gene expression of this anterior-most, appendage-bearing segment. While this homology statement implies a putative common mechanism for differentiation of deutocerebral appendages across arthropods, experimental data for deutocerebral appendage fate specification are limited to winged insects. Mandibulates (hexapods, crustaceans and myriapods) bear a characteristic pair of antennae on the deutocerebral segment, whereas chelicerates (e.g. spiders, scorpions, harvestmen) bear the eponymous chelicerae. In such hexapods as the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, cephalic appendages are differentiated from the thoracic appendages (legs) by the activity of the appendage patterning gene homothorax (hth). Here we show that embryonic RNA interference against hth in the harvestman Phalangium opilio results in homeonotic chelicera-to-leg transformations, and also in some cases pedipalp-to-leg transformations. In more strongly affected embryos, adjacent appendages undergo fusion and/or truncation, and legs display proximal defects, suggesting conservation of additional functions of hth in patterning the antero-posterior and proximo-distal appendage axes. Expression signal of anterior Hox genes labial, proboscipedia and Deformed is diminished, but not absent, in hth RNAi embryos, consistent with results previously obtained with the insect G. bimaculatus. Our results substantiate a deep homology across arthropods of the mechanism whereby cephalic appendages are differentiated from locomotory appendages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant P Sharma
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Oscar A Tarazona
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Davys H Lopez
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Evelyn E Schwager
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Martin J Cohn
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ward C Wheeler
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Cassandra G Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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20
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Chen P, Tong XL, Fu MY, Hu H, Song JB, He SZ, Gai TT, Dai FY, Lu C. Molecular mapping and characterization of the silkworm apodal mutant. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18956. [PMID: 26738847 PMCID: PMC4704060 DOI: 10.1038/srep18956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological diversity of insects is important for their survival; in essence, it results from the differential expression of genes during development of the insect body. The silkworm apodal (ap) mutant has degraded thoracic legs making crawling and eating difficult and the female is sterile, which is an ideal subject for studying the molecular mechanisms of morphogenesis. Here, we confirmed that the infertility of ap female moths is a result of the degradation of the bursa copulatrix. Positional cloning of ap locus and expression analyses reveal that the Bombyx mori sister of odd and bowl (Bmsob) gene is a strong candidate for the ap mutant. The expression of Bmsob is down-regulated, while the corresponding Hox genes are up-regulated in the ap mutant compared to the wild type. Analyses with the dual luciferase assay present a declined activity of the Bmsob promoter in the ap mutant. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Bmsob can inhibit Hox gene expression directly and by suppressing the expression of other genes, including the BmDsp gene. The results of this study are an important contribution to our understanding of the diversification of insect body plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.,Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ming-Yue Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hai Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jiang-Bo Song
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Song-Zhen He
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ting-Ting Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Fang-Yin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.,Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.,Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
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21
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Ravisankar P, Lai YT, Sambrani N, Tomoyasu Y. Comparative developmental analysis of Drosophila and Tribolium reveals conserved and diverged roles of abrupt in insect wing evolution. Dev Biol 2015; 409:518-29. [PMID: 26687509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Morphological innovation is a fundamental process in evolution, yet its molecular basis is still elusive. Acquisition of elytra, highly modified beetle forewings, is an important innovation that has driven the successful radiation of beetles. Our RNAi screening for candidate genes has identified abrupt (ab) as a potential key player in elytron evolution. In this study, we performed a series of RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in both Tribolium and Drosophila to understand the contributions of ab to the evolution of beetle elytra. We found that (i) ab is essential for proper wing vein patterning both in Tribolium and Drosophila, (ii) ab has gained a novel function in determining the unique elytron shape in the beetle lineage, (iii) unlike Hippo and Insulin, other shape determining pathways, the shape determining function of ab is specific to the elytron and not required in the hindwing, (iv) ab has a previously undescribed role in the Notch signal-associated wing formation processes, which appears to be conserved between beetles and flies. These data suggest that ab has gained a new function during elytron evolution in beetles without compromising the conserved wing-related functions. Gaining a new function without losing evolutionarily conserved functions may be a key theme in the evolution of morphologically novel structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi-Ting Lai
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Nagraj Sambrani
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
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22
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Notch signaling induces cell proliferation in the labrum in a regulatory network different from the thoracic legs. Dev Biol 2015; 408:164-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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23
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Villarreal CM, Darakananda K, Wang VR, Jayaprakash PM, Suzuki Y. Hedgehog signaling regulates imaginal cell differentiation in a basally branching holometabolous insect. Dev Biol 2015; 404:125-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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24
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RNAi screening of developmental toolkit genes: a search for novel wing genes in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Dev Genes Evol 2015; 225:11-22. [PMID: 25613748 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-015-0488-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The amazing array of diversity among insect wings offers a powerful opportunity to study the mechanisms guiding morphological evolution. Studies in Drosophila (the fruit fly) have identified dozens of genes important for wing development. These genes are often called candidate genes, serving as an ideal starting point to study wing development in other insects. However, we also need to explore beyond the candidate genes to gain a more comprehensive view of insect wing evolution. As a first step away from the traditional candidate genes, we utilized Tribolium (the red flour beetle) as a model and assessed the potential involvement of a group of developmental toolkit genes (embryonic patterning genes) in beetle wing development. We hypothesized that the highly pleiotropic nature of these developmental genes would increase the likelihood of finding novel wing genes in Tribolium. Through the RNA interference screening, we found that Tc-cactus has a less characterized (but potentially evolutionarily conserved) role in wing development. We also found that the odd-skipped family genes are essential for the formation of the thoracic pleural plates, including the recently discovered wing serial homologs in Tribolium. In addition, we obtained several novel insights into the function of these developmental genes, such as the involvement of mille-pattes and Tc-odd-paired in metamorphosis. Despite these findings, no gene we examined was found to have novel wing-related roles unique in Tribolium. These results suggest a relatively conserved nature of developmental toolkit genes and highlight the limited degree to which these genes are co-opted during insect wing evolution.
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25
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Smith FW, Angelini DR, Gaudio MS, Jockusch EL. Metamorphic labral axis patterning in the beetle Tribolium castaneum requires multiple upstream, but few downstream, genes in the appendage patterning network. Evol Dev 2014; 16:78-91. [PMID: 24617987 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The arthropod labrum is an anterior appendage-like structure that forms the dorsal side of the preoral cavity. Conflicting interpretations of fossil, nervous system, and developmental data have led to a proliferation of scenarios for labral evolution. The best supported hypothesis is that the labrum is a novel structure that shares development with appendages as a result of co-option. Here, we use RNA interference in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum to compare metamorphic patterning of the labrum to previously published data on ventral appendage patterning. As expected under the co-option hypothesis, depletion of several genes resulted in similar defects in the labrum and ventral appendages. These include proximal deletions and proximal-to-distal transformations resulting from depletion of the leg gap genes homothorax and extradenticle, large-scale deletions resulting from depletion of the leg gap gene Distal-less, and smaller distal deletions resulting from knockdown of the EGF ligand Keren. However, depletion of dachshund and many of the genes that function downstream of the leg gap genes in the ventral appendages had either subtle or no effects on labral axis patterning. This pattern of partial similarity suggests that upstream genes act through different downstream targets in the labrum. We also discovered that many appendage axis patterning genes have roles in patterning the epipharyngeal sensillum array, suggesting that they have become integrated into a novel regulatory network. These genes include Notch, Delta, and decapentaplegic, and the transcription factors abrupt, bric à brac, homothorax, extradenticle and the paralogs apterous a and apterous b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Smith
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Rd., U-3043, Storrs, CT, 06269-3043, USA
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Smith FW, Jockusch EL. Hox genes require homothorax and extradenticle for body wall identity specification but not for appendage identity specification during metamorphosis of Tribolium castaneum. Dev Biol 2014; 395:182-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Smith FW, Angelini DR, Jockusch EL. A functional genetic analysis in flour beetles (Tenebrionidae) reveals an antennal identity specification mechanism active during metamorphosis in Holometabola. Mech Dev 2014; 132:13-27. [PMID: 24534744 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The antenna was the first arthropod ventral appendage to evolve non-leg identity. Models of antennal evolution have been based on comparisons of antennal and leg identity specification mechanisms in Drosophila melanogaster, a species in which appendages develop from highly derived imaginal discs during the larval period. We test for conservation of the Drosophila antennal identity specification mechanism at metamorphosis in Tribolium castaneum and three other flour beetle species (Tribolium confusum, Tribolium brevicornis and Latheticus oryzae) in the family Tenebrionidae. In Drosophila, loss of function of four transcription factors-homothorax, extradenticle, Distal-less, and spineless-causes large-scale transformations of the antenna to leg identity. Distal-less and spineless function similarly during metamorphosis in T. castaneum. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting homothorax (hth) or extradenticle (exd) caused transformation of the proximal antenna to distal leg identity in flour beetles, but did not affect the identity of the distal antenna. This differs from the functional domain of these genes in early instar Drosophila, where they are required for identity specification throughout the antenna, but matches their functional domain in late instar Drosophila. The similarities between antennal identity specification at metamorphosis in flour beetles and in late larval Drosophila likely reflect the conservation of an ancestral metamorphic developmental mechanism. There were two notable differences in hth/exd loss of function phenotypes between flies and beetles. Flour beetles retained all of their primary segments in both the antenna and legs, whereas flies undergo reduction and fusion of primary segments. This difference in ground state appendage morphology casts doubt on interpretations of developmental ground states as evolutionary atavisms. Additionally, adult Tribolium eyes were transformed to elytron-like structures; we provide a developmental hypothesis for this evolutionarily surprising transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Smith
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Rd., U-3043, Storrs, CT 06269-3043, USA.
| | - David R Angelini
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Rd., U-3043, Storrs, CT 06269-3043, USA; Department of Biology, Colby College, 5734 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Jockusch
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Rd., U-3043, Storrs, CT 06269-3043, USA
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Oliveira MB, Liedholm SE, Lopez JE, Lochte AA, Pazio M, Martin JP, Mörch PR, Salakka S, York J, Yoshimoto A, Janssen R. Expression of arthropod distal limb-patterning genes in the onychophoran Euperipatoides kanangrensis. Dev Genes Evol 2014; 224:87-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00427-014-0466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Alabi T, Marion-Poll F, Danho M, Mazzucchelli GD, De Pauw E, Haubruge E, Francis F. Identification of taste receptors and proteomic characterization of the antenna and legs of Tribolium brevicornis, a stored food product pest. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 23:1-12. [PMID: 24191975 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Chemoreception plays an important role in mediating a diverse range of behaviours, including predation and food selection. In the present study, we combined anatomical observations, electrophysiology and proteomics to investigate sensilla that mediate chemoreception on the antenna and the legs of Tribolium. Scanning electron microscopy was used to differentiate the coxal and trochanteral segments of the pro-, meso- and metathoracic legs by the presence of sensilla trichoidea and chaetica, while the antennae were covered with five types of sensilla (chaetica, basiconica, trichoidea, squamiformia and coeloconica). Antenna morphology and ultrastructure were similar in both sexes. Electrophysiological recordings allowed us to characterize a row of small sensilla basiconica on the terminal segment of the antenna as taste receptors, responding to sucrose and NaCl. Proteomics investigations of antennae and legs yielded several proteins with specific interest for those involved in chemoreception. Odorant-binding proteins were antenna-specific, while chemosensory proteins were detected in both tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Alabi
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium; National Polytechnic Institute FHB, ESA of Yamoussoukro, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Cost
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Lee AK, Sze CC, Kim ER, Suzuki Y. Developmental coupling of larval and adult stages in a complex life cycle: insights from limb regeneration in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. EvoDevo 2013; 4:20. [PMID: 23826799 PMCID: PMC3711857 DOI: 10.1186/2041-9139-4-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A complex life cycle, such as complete metamorphosis, is a key innovation that can promote diversification of species. The evolution of a morphologically distinct larval stage is thought to have enabled insects to occupy broader ecological niches and become the most diverse metazoan taxon, yet the extent to which larval and adult morphologies can evolve independently remains unknown. Perturbation of larval limb regeneration allows us to generate larval legs and antennae with altered limb morphologies, which may be used to explore the developmental continuity that might exist between larval and adult appendages. In this study, we determined the roles of several appendage patterning transcription factors, abrupt (ab), dachshund (dac), Distal-less (Dll), and spineless (ss), in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, during larval appendage regeneration. The functions of these genes in regenerating and non-regenerating limbs were compared using RNA interference. Results During limb regeneration, dac and ss were necessary to re-pattern the same larval structures as those patterned during embryogenesis. Removal of these two genes led to larval appendage patterning defects that were carried over to the adult legs. Surprisingly, even though maternal knockdown of ab had minimal effects on limb allocation and patterning in the embryo, it was necessary for blastema growth, an earlier phase of regeneration. Finally, knockdown of Dll prevented the blastema-like bumps from re-differentiating into appendages. Conclusions Our results suggest that, similar to vertebrates, the re-patterning phase of Tribolium larval limb regeneration relies on the same genes that are used during embryonic limb patterning. Thus, the re-patterning phase of regeneration is likely to be regulated by taxon-specific patterning mechanisms. Furthermore, Ab and Dll appear to play important roles during blastema proliferation and re-differentiation, respectively. Finally, our results show that continuity exists between larval and adult limb patterning, and that larval and adult leg morphologies may be developmentally coupled. Thus, the evolution of imaginal discs may have been a key step towards completely removing any developmental constraints that existed between larval and adult phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| | - Christie C Sze
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| | - Elaine R Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| | - Yuichiro Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
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Mamidala P, Wijeratne AJ, Wijeratne S, Poland T, Qazi SS, Doucet D, Cusson M, Beliveau C, Mittapalli O. Identification of odor-processing genes in the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56555. [PMID: 23424668 PMCID: PMC3570424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insects rely on olfaction to locate food, mates, and suitable oviposition sites for successful completion of their life cycle. Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (emerald ash borer) is a serious invasive insect pest that has killed tens of millions of North American ash (Fraxinus spp) trees and threatens the very existence of the genus Fraxinus. Adult A. planipennis are attracted to host volatiles and conspecifics; however, to date no molecular knowledge exists on olfaction in A. planipennis. Hence, we undertook an antennae-specific transcriptomic study to identify the repertoire of odor processing genes involved in A. planipennis olfaction. Methodology and Principal Findings We acquired 139,085 Roche/454 GS FLX transcriptomic reads that were assembled into 30,615 high quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs), including 3,249 isotigs and 27,366 non-isotigs (contigs and singletons). Intriguingly, the majority of the A. planipennis antennal transcripts (59.72%) did not show similarity with sequences deposited in the non-redundant database of GenBank, potentially representing novel genes. Functional annotation and KEGG analysis revealed pathways associated with signaling and detoxification. Several odor processing genes (9 odorant binding proteins, 2 odorant receptors, 1 sensory neuron membrane protein and 134 odorant/xenobiotic degradation enzymes, including cytochrome P450s, glutathione-S-transferases; esterases, etc.) putatively involved in olfaction processes were identified. Quantitative PCR of candidate genes in male and female A. planipennis in different developmental stages revealed developmental- and sex-biased expression patterns. Conclusions and Significance The antennal ESTs derived from A. planipennis constitute a rich molecular resource for the identification of genes potentially involved in the olfaction process of A. planipennis. These findings should help in understanding the processing of antennally-active compounds (e.g. 7-epi-sesquithujene) previously identified in this serious invasive pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Mamidala
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Asela J. Wijeratne
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Imaging Center, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Saranga Wijeratne
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Imaging Center, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Therese Poland
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sohail S. Qazi
- Natural Resources Canada, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Doucet
- Natural Resources Canada, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Omprakash Mittapalli
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Winchell CJ, Jacobs DK. Expression of the Lhx genes apterous and lim1 in an errant polychaete: implications for bilaterian appendage evolution, neural development, and muscle diversification. EvoDevo 2013; 4:4. [PMID: 23369627 PMCID: PMC3579752 DOI: 10.1186/2041-9139-4-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND Arthropod and vertebrate appendages appear to have evolved via parallel co-option of a plesiomorphic gene regulatory network. Our previous work implies that annelids evolved unrelated appendage-forming mechanisms; we therefore found no support for homology of parapodia and arthropodia at the level of the whole appendage. We expand on that study here by asking whether expression of the LIM homeobox (Lhx) genes apterous and lim1 in the annelid Neanthes arenaceodentata supports homology of the dorsal branches as well as the proximodistal axes of parapodia and arthropodia. In addition, we explore whether the neural expression of apterous and lim1 in Neanthes supports the putative ancestral function of the Lhx gene family in regulating the differentiation and maintenance of neuronal subtypes. RESULTS Both genes exhibit continuous expression in specific portions of the developing central nervous system, from hatching to at least the 13-chaetiger stage. For example, nerve cord expression occurs in segmentally iterated patterns consisting of diffuse sets of many lim1-positive cells and comparatively fewer, clustered pairs of apterous-positive cells. Additionally, continuous apterous expression is observed in presumed neurosecretory ganglia of the posterior brain, while lim1 is continuously expressed in stomatogastric ganglia of the anterior brain. apterous is also expressed in the jaw sacs, dorsal parapodial muscles, and a presumed pair of cephalic sensory organs, whereas lim1 is expressed in multiple pharyngeal ganglia, the segmental peripheral nervous system, neuropodial chaetal sac muscles, and parapodial ligules. CONCLUSIONS The early and persistent nervous system expression of apterous and lim1 in Neanthes juveniles supports conservation of Lhx function in bilaterian neural differentiation and maintenance. Our results also suggest that diversification of parapodial muscle precursors involves a complementary LIM code similar to those generating distinct neuronal identities in fly and mouse nerve cords. Expression of apterous and lim1 in discrete components of developing parapodia is intriguing but does not map to comparable expression of these genes in developing arthropod appendages. Thus, annelid and arthropod appendage development apparently evolved, in part, via distinct co-option of the neuronal regulatory architecture. These divergent patterns of apterous and lim1 activity seemingly reflect de novo origins of parapodia and arthropodia, although we discuss alternative hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Winchell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 621 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
- Present address: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 515 LSA #3200, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - David K Jacobs
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 621 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
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Sharma PP, Schwager EE, Extavour CG, Giribet G. Evolution of the chelicera: adachshunddomain is retained in the deutocerebral appendage of Opiliones (Arthropoda, Chelicerata). Evol Dev 2012; 14:522-33. [DOI: 10.1111/ede.12005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn E. Schwager
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; Harvard University; 26 Oxford Street; Cambridge; MA 02138; USA
| | - Cassandra G. Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; Harvard University; 26 Oxford Street; Cambridge; MA 02138; USA
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Extent With Modification: Leg Patterning in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum and the Evolution of Serial Homologs. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2012; 2:235-48. [PMID: 22384402 PMCID: PMC3284331 DOI: 10.1534/g3.111.001537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Serial homologs are similar structures that develop at different positions within a body plan. These structures share some, but not all, aspects of developmental patterning, and their evolution is thought to be constrained by shared, pleiotropic gene functions. Here we describe the functions of 17 developmental genes during metamorphic development of the legs in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. This study provides informative comparisons between appendage development in Drosophila melanogaster and T. castaneum, between embryonic and adult development in T. castaneum, and between the development of serially homologous appendages. The leg gap genes Distal-less and dachshund are conserved in function. Notch signaling, the zinc-finger transcription factors related to odd-skipped, and bric-à-brac have conserved functions in promoting joint development. homothorax knockdown alters the identity of proximal leg segments but does not reduce growth. Lim1 is required for intermediate leg development but not distal tarsus and pretarsus development as in D. melanogaster. Development of the tarsus requires decapentaplegic, rotund, spineless, abrupt, and bric-à-brac and the EGF ligand encoded by Keren. Metathoracic legs of T. castaneum have four tarsomeres, whereas other legs have five. Patterns of gene activity in the tarsus suggest that patterning in the middle of the tarsal region, not the proximal- or distal-most areas, is responsible for this difference in segment number. Through comparisons with other recent studies of T. castaneum appendage development, we test hypotheses for the modularity or interdependence of development during evolution of serial homologs.
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Aspiras AC, Smith FW, Angelini DR. Sex-specific gene interactions in the patterning of insect genitalia. Dev Biol 2011; 360:369-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Patterning of the adult mandibulate mouthparts in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Genetics 2011; 190:639-54. [PMID: 22135350 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.111.134296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Specialized insect mouthparts, such as those of Drosophila, are derived from an ancestral mandibulate state, but little is known about the developmental genetics of mandibulate mouthparts. Here, we study the metamorphic patterning of mandibulate mouthparts of the beetle Tribolium castaneum, using RNA interference to deplete the expression of 13 genes involved in mouthpart patterning. These data were used to test three hypotheses related to mouthpart development and evolution. First, we tested the prediction that maxillary and labial palps are patterned using conserved components of the leg-patterning network. This hypothesis was strongly supported: depletion of Distal-less and dachshund led to distal and intermediate deletions of these structures while depletion of homothorax led to homeotic transformation of the proximal maxilla and labium, joint formation required the action of Notch signaling components and odd-skipped paralogs, and distal growth and patterning required epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling. Additionally, depletion of abrupt or pdm/nubbin caused fusions of palp segments. Second, we tested hypotheses for how adult endites, the inner branches of the maxillary and labial appendages, are formed at metamorphosis. Our data reveal that Distal-less, Notch signaling components, and odd-skipped paralogs, but not dachshund, are required for metamorphosis of the maxillary endites. Endite development thus requires components of the limb proximal-distal axis patterning and joint segmentation networks. Finally, adult mandible development is considered in light of the gnathobasic hypothesis. Interestingly, while EGF activity is required for distal, but not proximal, patterning of other appendages, it is required for normal metamorphic growth of the mandibles.
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Dramatic changes in patterning gene expression during metamorphosis are associated with the formation of a feather-like antenna by the silk moth, Bombyx mori. Dev Biol 2011; 357:53-63. [PMID: 21664349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.05.672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many moths use sex pheromones to find their mates in the dark. Their antennae are well developed with lateral branches to receive the pheromone efficiently. However, how these structures have evolved remains elusive, because the mechanism of development of these antennae has not been studied at a molecular level. To elucidate the developmental mechanism of this type of antenna, we observed morphogenesis, cell proliferation, cell death and antennal patterning gene expression in the branched antenna of the silk moth, Bombyx mori. Region-specific cell proliferation and almost ubiquitous apoptosis occur during early pupal stages and appear to shape the lateral branch cooperatively. Antennal patterning genes are expressed in a pattern largely conserved among insects with branchless antennae until the late 5th larval instar but most of them change their expression dramatically to a pattern prefiguring the lateral branch during metamorphosis. These findings imply that although antennal primordium is patterned by conserved mechanisms before metamorphosis, most of the antennal patterning genes are reused to form the lateral branch during metamorphosis. We propose that the acquisition of a new regulatory circuit of antennal patterning genes may have been an important event during evolution of the sensory antenna with lateral branches in the Lepidoptera.
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ZarinKamar N, Yang X, Bao R, Friedrich F, Beutel R, Friedrich M. The Pax gene eyegone facilitates repression of eye development in Tribolium. EvoDevo 2011; 2:8. [PMID: 21463500 PMCID: PMC3082225 DOI: 10.1186/2041-9139-2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pax transcription factor gene eyegone (eyg) participates in many developmental processes in Drosophila, including the Notch signaling activated postembryonic growth of the eye primordium, global development of the adult head and the development of the antenna. In contrast to other Pax genes, the functional conservation of eyg in species other than Drosophila has not yet been explored. RESULTS We investigated the role of eyg during the postembryonic development of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Our results indicate conserved roles in antennal but not in eye development. Besides segmentation defects in the antenna, Tribolium eyg knockdown animals were characterized by eye enlargement due to the formation of surplus ommatidia at the central anterior edge of the compound eye. This effect resulted from the failure of the developing gena to locally repress retinal differentiation, which underlies the formation of the characteristic anterior notch in the Tribolium eye. Neither varying the induction time point of eyg knockdown nor knocking down components of the Janus kinase/Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription signaling pathway in combination with eyg reduced eye size like in Drosophila. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, expression and knockdown data suggest that Tribolium eyg serves as a competence factor that facilitates the repression of retinal differentiation in response to an unknown signal produced in the developing gena. At the comparative level, our findings reveal diverged roles of eyg associated with the evolution of different modes of postembryonic head development in endopterygote insects as well as diversified head morphologies in darkling beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin ZarinKamar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Riyue Bao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Frank Friedrich
- Institut fur Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Friedrich Schiller Universitat Jena, Erbertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Rolf Beutel
- Institut fur Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Friedrich Schiller Universitat Jena, Erbertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Maruzzo D, Minelli A. Post-embryonic development of amphipod crustacean pleopods and the patterning of arthropod limbs. ZOOL ANZ 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Wasik BR, Rose DJ, Moczek AP. Beetle horns are regulated by the Hox gene, Sex combs reduced, in a species- and sex-specific manner. Evol Dev 2010; 12:353-62. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-142x.2010.00422.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Bitra K, Tan A, Dowling A, Palli SR. Functional characterization of PAS and HES family bHLH transcription factors during the metamorphosis of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Gene 2009; 448:74-87. [PMID: 19683038 PMCID: PMC2760604 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 08/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors are present in animals, plants and fungi and play important roles in the control of cellular proliferation, tissue differentiation, development and detoxification. Although insect genomes contain more than 50 helix-loop-helix transcription factors, the functions of only a few are known. RNAi has become a widely used tool to knock-down the expression to analyze the function of genes. As RNAi works well in Tribolium castaneum, we utilized this insect and RNAi to determine functions of 19 bHLH transcription factors belonging to PAS and HES families during the larval stages of the red flour beetle, T. castaneum. We searched the genome sequence of T. castaneum and identified 53 bHLH genes. Phylogenetic analyses classified these 53 genes into ten families; PAS, HES, Myc/USF, Hand, Mesp, Shout, p48, NeuroD/Neurogenin, Atonal and AS-C. In RNAi studies, knocking-down the expression of seven members of the PAS and HES families affected the growth and development of T. castaneum. An inability to grow to reach critical weight to undergo metamorphosis, failure to complete larval-pupal or pupal-adult ecdysis and abnormal wing development are among the most common phenotypes observed in RNAi insects. Among the bHLH transcription factors studied, the steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) showed the most severe phenotypes. Knock-down in the expression of the gene coding for SRC caused growth arrest by affecting the regulation of lipid metabolism. These studies demonstrate the power of RNAi for functional characterization of members of the multigene families in this model insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Bitra
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - Anjiang Tan
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - Ashley Dowling
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - Subba R. Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
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