The hormonal pathway controlling cell death during metamorphosis in a hemimetabolous insect

5mC modification orchestrates choriogenesis and fertilization by preventing prolonged ftz-f1 expression

DNA methylation at the fifth position of cytosine (5-methylcytosine, 5mC) is a crucial epigenetic modification for regulating gene expression, but little is known about how it regulates gene expression in insects. Here, we pursue the detailed molecular mechanism by which DNMT1-mediated 5mC maintenance regulates female reproduction in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. Our results show that Dnmt1 knockdown decreases the level of 5mC in the ovary, upregulating numerous genes during choriogenesis, especially the transcription factor ftz-f1. The hypomethylation at the ftz-f1 promoter region increases and prolongs ftz-f1 expression in ovarian follicle cells during choriogenesis, which consequently causes aberrantly high levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone and excessively upregulates the extracellular matrix remodeling gene Mmp1. These changes further impair choriogenesis and disrupt fertilization by causing anoikis of the follicle cells, a shortage of chorion proteins, and malformation of the sponge-like bodies. This study significantly advances our understanding of how DNA 5mC modification regulates female reproduction in insects.

Research Progress on the Regulation of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Insects by Sterol Hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone

20E (20-Hydroxyecdysone) is a central steroid hormone that orchestrates developmental changes and metamorphosis in arthropods. While its molecular mechanisms have been recognized for some time, detailed elucidation has primarily emerged in the past decade. PCD (Programmed cell death), including apoptosis, necrosis, efferocytosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, plays a crucial role in regulated cell elimination, which is vital for cells' development and tissue homeostasis. This review summarizes recent findings on 20E signaling regulated autophagy and apoptosis in insects, including Drosophila melanogaster, Bombyx mori, Helicoverpa armigera, and other species. Firstly, we comprehensively explore the biosynthesis of the sterol hormone 20E and its subsequent signal transduction in various species. Then, we focus on the involvement of 20E in regulating autophagy and apoptosis, elucidating its roles in both developmental contexts and bacterial infection scenarios. Furthermore, our discussion unfolds as a panoramic exposition, where we delve into the fundamental questions with our findings, anchoring them within the grander scheme of our study in insects. Deepening the understanding of 20E-autophagy/apoptosis axis not only underscores the intricate tapestry of endocrine networks, but also offers fresh perspectives on the adaptive mechanisms that have evolved in the face of environmental challenges.

TGFß/activin-dependent activation of Torso controls the timing of the metamorphic transition in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum

Understanding the mechanisms governing body size attainment during animal development is of paramount importance in biology. In insects, a crucial phase in determining body size occurs at the larva-pupa transition, marking the end of the larval growth period. Central to this process is the attainment of the threshold size (TS), a critical developmental checkpoint that must be reached before the larva can undergo metamorphosis. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms by which the TS orchestrates this transition remain poor understood. In this study, we investigate the role of the interaction between the Torso and TGFß/activin signaling pathways in regulating metamorphic timing in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Our results show that Torso signaling is required specifically during the last larval instar and that its activation is mediated not only by the prothoracicotropic hormone (Tc-Ptth) but also by Trunk (Tc-Trk), another ligand of the Tc-Torso receptor. Interestingly, we show that while Tc-Torso activation by Tc-Ptth determines the onset of metamorphosis, Tc-Trk promotes growth during the last larval stage. In addition, we found that the expression of Tc-torso correlates with the attainment of the TS and the decay of juvenile hormone (JH) levels, at the onset of the last larval instar. Notably, our data reveal that activation of TGFß/activin signaling pathway at the TS is responsible for repressing the JH synthesis and inducing Tc-torso expression, initiating metamorphosis. Altogether, these findings shed light on the pivotal involvement of the Ptth/Trunk/Torso and TGFß/activin signaling pathways as critical regulatory components orchestrating the TS-driven metamorphic initiation, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying body size determination in insects.

Segmental expression of two ecdysone pathway genes during embryogenesis of hemimetabolous insects

Signaling networks are redeployed across different developmental times and places to generate phenotypic diversity from a limited genetic toolkit. Hormone signaling networks in particular have well-studied roles in multiple developmental processes. In insects, the ecdysone pathway controls critical events in late embryogenesis and throughout post-embryonic development. While this pathway has not been shown to function in the earliest stage of embryonic development in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster, one component of the network, the nuclear receptor E75A, is necessary for proper segment generation in the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus. Published expression data from several other species suggests possible conservation of this role across hundreds of millions of years of insect evolution. Previous work also demonstrates a second nuclear receptor in the ecdysone pathway, Ftz-F1, plays a role in segmentation in multiple insect species. Here we report tightly linked expression patterns of ftz-F1 and E75A in two hemimetabolous insect species, the German cockroach Blattella germanica and the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. In both species, the genes are expressed segmentally in adjacent cells, but they are never co-expressed. Using parental RNAi, we show the two genes have distinct roles in early embryogenesis. E75A appears necessary for abdominal segmentation in B. germanica, while ftz-F1 is essential for proper germband formation. Our results suggest that the ecdysone network is critical for early embryogenesis in hemimetabolous insects.

Activation of EGFR signaling by Tc-Vein and Tc-Spitz regulates the metamorphic transition in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum

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.

Hormonal Regulation of Programmed Cell Death in Sea Urchin Metamorphosis

Programmed cell death (PCD) has been identified as a key process in the metamorphic transition of indirectly developing organisms such as frogs and insects. Many marine invertebrate species with indirect development and biphasic life cycles face the challenge of completing the metamorphic transition of the larval body into a juvenile when they settle into the benthic habitat. Some key characteristics stand out during this transition in comparison to frogs and insects: (1) the transition is often remarkably fast and (2) the larval body is largely abandoned and few structures transition into the juvenile stage. In sea urchins, a group with a drastic and fast metamorphosis, development and destruction of the larval body is regulated by endocrine signals. Here we provide a brief review of the basic regulatory mechanisms of PCD in animals. We then narrow our discussion to metamorphosis with a specific emphasis on sea urchins with indirect life histories and discuss the function of thyroid hormones and histamine in larval development, metamorphosis and settlement of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. We were able to annotate the large majority of PCD related genes in the sea urchin S. purpuratus and ongoing studies on sea urchin metamorphosis will shed light on the regulatory architecture underlying this dramatic life history transition. While we find overwhelming evidence for hormonal regulation of PCD in animals, especially in the context of metamorphosis, the mechanisms in many marine invertebrate groups with indirect life histories requires more work. Hence, we propose that studies of PCD in animals requires functional studies in whole organisms rather than isolated cells. We predict that future work, targeting a broader array of organisms will not only help to reveal important new functions of PCD but provide a fundamentally new perspective on its use in a diversity of taxonomic, developmental, and ecological contexts.

Response Mechanisms of Invertebrates to Bacillus thuringiensis and Its Pesticidal Proteins

Extensive use of chemical insecticides adversely affects both environment and human health. One of the most popular biological pest control alternatives is bioinsecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis This entomopathogenic bacterium produces different protein types which are toxic to several insect, mite, and nematode species. Currently, insecticidal proteins belonging to the Cry and Vip3 groups are widely used to control insect pests both in formulated sprays and in transgenic crops. However, the benefits of B. thuringiensis-based products are threatened by insect resistance evolution. Numerous studies have highlighted that mutations in genes coding for surrogate receptors are responsible for conferring resistance to B. thuringiensis Nevertheless, other mechanisms may also contribute to the reduction of the effectiveness of B. thuringiensis-based products for managing insect pests and even to the acquisition of resistance. Here, we review the relevant literature reporting how invertebrates (mainly insects and Caenorhabditis elegans) respond to exposure to B. thuringiensis as either whole bacteria, spores, and/or its pesticidal proteins.

Programmed cell death reshapes the central nervous system during metamorphosis in insects

Metamorphosis is fascinating and dramatic stage of postembryonic development in insects [1]. The most prominent metamorphic changes seen in holometabolous insects involve destruction of most larval structures and concomitant generation of adult ones. Such diverse cellular events are orchestrated by ecdysone. The central nervous system (CNS) is also extensively remodeled to process new sensory inputs; to coordinate new types of locomotion; and to perform higher-order decision making [2]. Programmed cell death (PCD) is an integral part of the metamorphic development. It eliminates obsolete larval tissues and extra cells that are generated from the morphogenesis of adult tissues. In the CNS, PCD of selected neurons and glial cells as well as reshaping of persistent larval cells are essential for establishing the adult CNS. In this review, we summarize the ecdysone signaling, and then molecular and cellular events associated with PCD primarily in the metamorphosing CNS of Drosophila melanogaster.

E93-depleted adult insects preserve the prothoracic gland and molt again

Insect metamorphosis originated around the middle Devonian, associated with the innovation of the final molt; this occurs after histolysis of the prothoracic gland (PG; which produces the molting hormone) in the first days of adulthood. We previously hypothesized that transcription factor E93 is crucial in the emergence of metamorphosis, because it triggers metamorphosis in extant insects. This work on the cockroach Blattella germanica reveals that E93 also plays a crucial role in the histolysis of PG, which fits the above hypothesis. Previous studies have shown that the transcription factor FTZ-F1 is essential for PG histolysis. We have found that FTZ-F1 depletion towards the end of the final nymphal instar downregulates the expression of E93, whereas E93-depleted nymphs molt to adults that retain a functional PG. Interestingly, these adults are able to molt again, which is exceptional in insects. The study of insects able to molt again in the adult stage may reveal clues about how nymphal epidermal cells definitively become adult cells, and whether it is possible to reverse this process.

Upregulation of E93 Gene Expression Acts as the Trigger for Metamorphosis Independently of the Threshold Size in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum

Body size in holometabolous insects is determined by the size at which the juvenile larva undergoes metamorphosis to the pupal stage. To undergo larva-pupa transition, larva must reach a critical developmental checkpoint, the threshold size (TS); however, the molecular mechanisms through which the TS cues this transition remain to be fully characterized. Here, we use the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying entry into metamorphosis. We found that T. castaneum reaches a TS at the beginning of the last larval instar, which is associated with the downregulation of TcKr-h1 and the upregulation of TcE93 and TcBr-C. Unexpectedly, we found that while there is an association between TS and TcE93 upregulation, it is the latter that constitutes the molecular trigger for metamorphosis initiation. In light of our results, we evaluate the interactions that control the larva-pupa transition and suggest alternative models.

Cell death during complete metamorphosis

In insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, cell death is essential for reshaping or removing larval tissues and organs, thus contributing to formation of the adult's body structure. In the last few decades, the study of metamorphosis in Lepidoptera and Diptera has provided broad information on the tissue remodelling processes that occur during larva-pupa-adult transition and made it possible to unravel the underlying regulatory pathways. This review summarizes recent knowledge on cell death mechanisms in Lepidoptera and other holometabolous insects, highlighting similarities and differences with Drosophila melanogaster, and discusses the role of apoptosis and autophagy in this developmental setting. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of complete metamorphosis'.

The innovation of the final moult and the origin of insect metamorphosis

The three modes of insect postembryonic development are ametaboly, hemimetaboly and holometaboly, the latter being considered the only significant metamorphosis mode. However, the emergence of hemimetaboly, with the genuine innovation of the final moult, represents the origin of insect metamorphosis and a necessary step in the evolution of holometaboly. Hemimetaboly derives from ametaboly and might have appeared as a consequence of wing emergence in Pterygota, in the early Devonian. In extant insects, the final moult is mainly achieved through the degeneration of the prothoracic gland (PG), after the formation of the winged and reproductively competent adult stage. Metamorphosis, including the formation of the mature wings and the degeneration of the PG, is regulated by the MEKRE93 pathway, through which juvenile hormone precludes the adult morphogenesis by repressing the expression of transcription factor E93, which triggers this change. The MEKRE93 pathway appears conserved in extant metamorphosing insects, which suggest that this pathway was operative in the Pterygota last common ancestor. We propose that the final moult, and the consequent hemimetabolan metamorphosis, is a monophyletic innovation and that the role of E93 as a promoter of wing formation and the degeneration of the PG was mechanistically crucial for their emergence. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of complete metamorphosis'.

Hormonal control and target genes of ftz-f1 expression in the honeybee Apis mellifera: a positive loop linking juvenile hormone, ftz-f1, and vitellogenin

Ftz-f1 is an orphan member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. A 20-hydroxyecdysone pulse allows ftz-f1 gene expression, which then regulates the activity of downstream genes involved in major developmental progression events. In honeybees, the expression of genes like vitellogenin (vg), prophenoloxidase and juvenile hormone-esterase during late pharate-adult development is known to be hormonally controlled in both queens and workers by increasing juvenile hormone (JH) titres in the presence of declining levels of ecdysteroids. Since Ftz-f1 is known for mediating intracellular JH signalling, we hypothesized that ftz-f1 could mediate JH action during the pharate-adult development of honeybees, thus controlling the expression of these genes. Here, we show that ftz-f1 has caste-specific transcription profiles during this developmental period, with a peak coinciding with the increase in JH titre, and that its expression is upregulated by JH and downregulated by ecdysteroids. RNAi-mediated knock down of ftz-f1 showed that the expression of genes essential for adult development (e.g. vg and cuticular genes) depends on ftz-f1 expression. Finally, a double-repressor hypothesis-inspired vg gene knock-down experiment suggests the existence of a positive molecular loop between JH, ftz-f1 and vg.

Differential expression of the adult specifier E93 in the strepsipteran Xenos vesparum Rossi suggests a role in female neoteny

Holometaboly is a key evolutionary innovation that has facilitated the spectacular radiation of insects. Despite the undeniable advantage of complete metamorphosis, the female of some holometabolous species have lost the typical holometabolous development through neoteny. In Xenos vesparum Rossi (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae), a derived species of the holometabolous endoparasitic order Strepsiptera, neotenic females reach sexual maturity without the pupal and the imaginal stages, thus retaining their larval morphology (with the exception of the anterior part of the body or cephalothorax), while males undergo normal pupal-based metamorphosis. Expression of the “adult-specifier” E93 factor has been shown to be required for proper metamorphosis in holometabolous insects. Here, we investigated the involvement of E93 in female neoteny by cloning XvE93. Interestingly, while we detected a clear up-regulation of XvE93 expression in pupal and adult stages of males, persistent low levels of XvE93 were detected in X. vesparum females. However, a specific up-regulation of XvE93 was observed in the cephalothorax of late 4^th female instar larva, which correlates with the occurrence of neotenic-specific features in the anterior part of the female body. Moreover, the same expression dynamic in the cephalothorax and abdomen was also observed for other two critical metamorphic regulators, the anti-metamorphic XvKr-h1 and the pupal specifier XvBr-C. The specific up-regulation of XvE93 and XvBr-C in the female cephalothorax seems to be the result of an increase in 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling in this region for we detected higher expression levels of the 20E-dependent nuclear receptors XvHR3 and XvE75 in the cephalothorax. Overall, our results detect a sex-specific expression pattern of critical metamorphic genes in X. vesparum, suggesting that neoteny in Strepsiptera results from the modification of the normal expression of E93, Br-C and Kr-h1 genes.

A comparative analysis of corpora allata-corpora cardiaca microRNA repertoires revealed significant changes during mosquito metamorphosis

The corpora allata (CA) are a pair of endocrine glands with neural connections to the brain and close association with another neuroendocrine organ, the corpora cardiaca (CC). The CA from adult female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes synthesize fluctuating levels of juvenile hormone (JH), which have been linked to the ovarian development and are influenced by nutritional signals. In this study, we investigated the potential involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs), a type of small non-coding RNAs, in the regulation of gene expression in CA-CC complexes during mosquito reproductive development, at stages with distinct JH biosynthesis patterns. We analyzed the miRNA repertoires expressed in the CA-CC of pupae, sugar-fed and blood-fed female Ae. aegypti. In total, 156 mature miRNAs were detected in the CA-CC, with 84 displaying significant differences in expression among the three CA-CC developmental stages. There were more miRNAs that were expressed in pupae, and decreased or were absent after adult emergence, when compared with changes between CA-CC of sugar and blood-fed females. Analysis of the genes identified as potential targets for the CA-CC miRNA repertoires classified them into the broad categories of metabolism, information storage and processing, and cellular processes and signaling; with genes involved in cellular processes and signaling representing the largest portion. Among them, the signal-transduction mechanisms and intracellular trafficking, secretion and vesicular transport contained almost 55% of the genes' targets. A substantial number of miRNAs were differentially abundant in the libraries of the three developmental stages, and those changes were much more notable when pupae and adult stages were compared. We detected putative binding sites for some of the most abundant miRNAs on genes encoding JH biosynthetic enzymes and CC neuropeptides. These studies should help us to gain a better understanding of the regulation of CA-CC activity mediated by miRNAs during major developmental stages in mosquitoes.

Juvenile hormone biosynthesis in adult Blattella germanica requires nuclear receptors Seven-up and FTZ-F1

In insects, the transition from juvenile development to the adult stage is controlled by juvenile hormone (JH) synthesized from the corpora allata (CA) glands. Whereas a JH-free period during the last juvenile instar triggers metamorphosis and the end of the growth period, the reappearance of this hormone after the imaginal molt marks the onset of reproductive adulthood. Despite the importance of such transition, the regulatory mechanism that controls it remains mostly unknown. Here, using the hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica, we show that nuclear hormone receptors Seven-up-B (BgSvp-B) and Fushi tarazu-factor 1 (BgFTZ-F1) have essential roles in the tissue- and stage-specific activation of adult CA JH-biosynthetic activity. Both factors are highly expressed in adult CA cells. Moreover, RNAi-knockdown of either BgSvp-B or BgFTZ-F1 results in adult animals with a complete block in two critical JH-dependent reproductive processes, vitellogenesis and oogenesis. We show that this reproductive blockage is the result of a dramatic impairment of JH biosynthesis, due to the CA-specific reduction in the expression of two key JH biosynthetic enzymes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase-1 (BgHMG-S1) and HMG-reductase (BgHMG-R). Our findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the specific changes in the CA gland necessary for the proper transition to adulthood.

RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the Halloween gene Spookiest (CYP307B1) impedes adult eclosion in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus

Ecdysteroids play a critical role in coordinating insect growth, development and reproduction. A suite of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases coded by what are collectively termed Halloween genes mediate ecdysteroid biosynthesis. In this study, we describe cloning and RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of the CYP307B1 Halloween gene (Spookiest) in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus. Transcripts for Ly. hesperus Spookiest (LhSpot) were amplified from all life stages and correlated well with timing of the pre-moult ecdysteroid pulse. In adults, LhSpot was amplified from heads of both genders as well as female reproductive tissues. Heterologous expression of a LhSpot fluorescent chimera in cultured insect cells co-localized with a fluorescent marker of the endoplasmic reticulum/secretory pathway. RNAi-mediated knockdown of LhSpot in fifth instars reduced expression of ecdysone-responsive genes E74 and E75, and prevented adult development. This developmental defect was rescued following application of exogenous 20-hydroxyecdysone but not exogenous 7-dehydrocholesterol. The unequivocal RNAi effects on Ly. hesperus development and the phenotypic rescue by 20-hydroxyecdysone are causal proof of the involvement of LhSpot in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and related developmental processes, and may provide an avenue for development of new control measures against Ly. hesperus.

ECDYSTEROID AND CHITINASE FLUCTUATIONS IN THE WESTERN TARNISHED PLANT BUG (Lygus hesperus) PRIOR TO MOLT INDICATE ROLES IN DEVELOPMENT

Vital physiological processes that drive the insect molt represent areas of interest for the development of alternative control strategies. The western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus Knight) is a pest of numerous agronomic and horticultural crops but the development of novel control approaches is impeded by limited knowledge of the mechanisms regulating its molt. To address this deficiency, we examined the fundamental relationship underlying the hormonal and molecular components of ecdysis. At 27°C L. hesperus exhibits a temporally controlled nymph-adult molt that occurs about 4 days after the final nymph-nymph molt with ecdysteroid levels peaking 2 days prior to the final molt. Application of exogenous ecdysteroids when endogenous levels had decreased disrupted the nymphal-adult molt, with treated animals exhibiting an inability to escape the old exoskeleton and resulting in mortality compared to controls. Using accessible transcriptomic data, we identified 10 chitinase-like sequences (LhCht), eight of which had protein motifs consistent with chitinases. Phylogenetic analyses revealed orthologous relationships to chitinases critical to molting in other insects. RT-PCR based transcript profiling revealed that expression changes to four of the LhChts was coordinated with the molt period and ecdysteroid levels. Collectively, our results support a role for ecdysteroid regulation of the L. hesperus molt and suggest that cuticle clearance is mediated by LhCht orthologs of chitinases that are essential to the molt process. These results provide the initial hormonal and molecular basis for future studies to investigate the specific roles of these components in molting.

The Occurrence of the Holometabolous Pupal Stage Requires the Interaction between E93, Krüppel-Homolog 1 and Broad-Complex

Complete metamorphosis (Holometaboly) is a key innovation that underlies the spectacular success of holometabolous insects. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Holometabola form a monophyletic group that evolved from ancestors exhibiting hemimetabolous development (Hemimetaboly). However, the nature of the changes underlying this crucial transition, including the occurrence of the holometabolan-specific pupal stage, is poorly understood. Using the holometabolous beetle Tribolium castaneum as a model insect, here we show that the transient up-regulation of the anti-metamorphic Krüppel-homolog 1 (TcKr-h1) gene at the end of the last larval instar is critical in the formation of the pupa. We find that depletion of this specific TcKr-h1 peak leads to the precocious up-regulation of the adult-specifier factor TcE93 and, hence, to a direct transformation of the larva into the adult form, bypassing the pupal stage. Moreover, we also find that the TcKr-h1-dependent repression of TcE93 is critical to allow the strong up-regulation of Broad-complex (TcBr-C), a key transcription factor that regulates the correct formation of the pupa in holometabolous insects. Notably, we show that the genetic interaction between Kr-h1 and E93 is also present in the penultimate nymphal instar of the hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica, suggesting that the evolution of the pupa has been facilitated by the co-option of regulatory mechanisms present in hemimetabolan metamorphosis. Our findings, therefore, contribute to the molecular understanding of insect metamorphosis, and indicate the evolutionary conservation of the genetic circuitry that controls hemimetabolan and holometabolan metamorphosis, thereby shedding light on the evolution of complete metamorphosis.

Expression Profiles and RNAi Silencing of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Transcripts in Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Effective mosquito control is vital to curtail the devastating health effects of many vectored diseases. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of mosquitoes is an attractive alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. Previous studies have suggested that transcripts for inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) may be good RNAi targets. To revisit and extend previous reports, we examined the expression of Aedes aegypti (L.) IAPs (AaeIAPs) 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, and a viral IAP-associated factor (vIAF) as well as Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say and Culex quinquefasciatus Say IAP1 homologs (AquIAP1 and CquIAP1) in adult females. Expression profiles of IAPs suggested that some older female mosquitoes had significantly higher IAP mRNA levels when compared to the youngest ones. Minor differences in expression of AaeIAPs were observed in mosquitoes that imbibed a bloodmeal, but the majority of the time points (up to 48 h) were not significantly different. Although in vitro experiments with the Ae. aegypti Aag-2 cell line demonstrated that the various AaeIAPs could be effectively knocked down within one day after dsRNA treatment, only Aag-2 cells treated with dsIAP1 displayed apoptotic morphology. Gene silencing and mortality were also evaluated after topical application and microinjection of the same dsRNAs into female Ae. aegypti. In contrast to previous reports, topical administration of dsRNA against AaeIAP1 did not yield a significant reduction in gene expression or increased mortality. Knockdown of IAP1 and other IAPs by microinjection did not result in significant mortality. In toto, our findings suggest that IAPs may not be suitable RNAi targets for controlling adult mosquito populations.

Evolution of SUMO Function and Chain Formation in Insects

SUMOylation, the covalent binding of Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) to target proteins, is a posttranslational modification that regulates critical cellular processes in eukaryotes. In insects, SUMOylation has been studied in holometabolous species, particularly in the dipteran Drosophila melanogaster, which contains a single SUMO gene (smt3). This has led to the assumption that insects contain a single SUMO gene. However, the analysis of insect genomes shows that basal insects contain two SUMO genes, orthologous to vertebrate SUMO1 and SUMO2/3. Our phylogenetical analysis reveals that the SUMO gene has been duplicated giving rise to SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 families early in Metazoan evolution, and that later in insect evolution the SUMO1 gene has been lost after the Hymenoptera divergence. To explore the consequences of this loss, we have examined the characteristics and different biological functions of the two SUMO genes (SUMO1 and SUMO3) in the hemimetabolous cockroach Blattella germanica and compared them with those of Drosophila Smt3. Here, we show that the metamorphic role of the SUMO genes is evolutionary conserved in insects, although there has been a regulatory switch from SUMO1 in basal insects to SUMO3 in more derived ones. We also show that, unlike vertebrates, insect SUMO3 proteins cannot form polySUMO chains due to the loss of critical lysine residues within the N-terminal part of the protein. Furthermore, the formation of polySUMO chains by expression of ectopic human SUMO3 has a deleterious effect in Drosophila. These findings contribute to the understanding of the functional consequences of the evolution of SUMO genes.

Indeterminate Growth: Could It Represent the Ancestral Condition?

Although we are used to the idea that many organisms stop growing when they reach a predictable size, in many taxa, growth occurs throughout the life of an organism, a phenomenon referred to as indeterminate growth. Our comparative analysis suggests that indeterminate growth may indeed represent the ancestral condition, whereas the permanent arrest of growth may be a more derived state. Consistent with this idea, in diverse taxa, the basal branches show indeterminate growth, whereas more derived branches arrest their growth. Importantly, in some closely related taxa, the termination of growth has evolved in mechanistically distinct ways. Also, even within a single organism, different organs can differ with respect to whether they terminate their growth or not. Finally, the study of tooth development indicates that, even at the level of a single tissue, multiple determinate patterns of growth can evolve from an ancestral one that is indeterminate.

Ecdysone promotes growth of imaginal discs through the regulation of Thor in D. melanogaster

Animals have a determined species-specific body size that results from the combined action of hormones and signaling pathways regulating growth rate and duration. In Drosophila, the steroid hormone ecdysone controls developmental transitions, thereby regulating the duration of the growth period. Here we show that ecdysone promotes the growth of imaginal discs in mid-third instar larvae, since imaginal discs from larvae with reduced or no ecdysone synthesis are smaller than wild type due to smaller and fewer cells. We show that insulin-like peptides are produced and secreted normally in larvae with reduced ecdysone synthesis, and upstream components of insulin/insulin-like signaling are activated in their discs. Instead, ecdysone appears to regulate the growth of imaginal discs via Thor/4E-BP, a negative growth regulator downstream of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor/Tor pathways. Discs from larvae with reduced ecdysone synthesis have elevated levels of Thor, while mutations in Thor partially rescue their growth. The regulation of organ growth by ecdysone is evolutionarily conserved in hemimetabolous insects, as shown by our results obtained using Blattella germanica. In summary, our data provide new insights into the relationship between components of the insulin/insulin-like/Tor and ecdysone pathways in the control of organ growth.

Initiation of metamorphosis and control of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in insects: The interplay of absence of Juvenile hormone, PTTH, and Ca(2+)-homeostasis

The paradigm saying that release of the brain neuropeptide big prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) initiates metamorphosis by activating the Torso-receptor/ERK pathway in larval prothoracic glands (PGs) is widely accepted nowadays. Upon ligand-receptor interaction Ca(2+) enters the PG cells and acts as a secondary messenger. Ecdysteroidogenesis results, later followed by apoptosis. Yet, some data do not fit in this model. In some species decapitated animals can still molt, even repeatedly, and metamorphose. PTTH does not universally occur in all insect species. PGs may also have other functions; PGs as counterpart of the vertebrate thymus? There are also small PTTHs. Finally, PTTH remains abundantly present in adults and plays a role in control of ecdysteroidogenesis (=sex steroid production) in gonads. This is currently documented only in males. This urges a rethinking of the PTTH-PG paradigm. The key question is: Why does PTTH-induced Ca(2+) entry only result in ecdysteroidogenesis and apoptosis in specific cells/tissues, namely the PGs and gonads? Indeed, numerous other neuropeptides also use Ca(2+) as secondary messenger. The recent rediscovery that in both invertebrates and vertebrates at least some isoforms of Ca(2+)-ATPase need the presence of an endogenous farnesol/juvenile hormone(JH)-like sesquiterpenoid for keeping cytosolic [Ca(2+)]i below the limit of apoptosis-induction, triggered the idea that it is not primarily PTTH, but rather the drop to zero of the JH titer that acts as the primordial initiator of metamorphosis by increasing [Ca(2+)]i. PTTH likely potentiates this effect but only in cells expressing Torso. PTTH: an evolutionarily ancient gonadotropin?

Transcription factor E93 specifies adult metamorphosis in hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects

All immature animals undergo remarkable morphological and physiological changes to become mature adults. In winged insects, metamorphic changes either are limited to a few tissues (hemimetaboly) or involve a complete reorganization of most tissues and organs (holometaboly). Despite the differences, the genetic switch between immature and adult forms in both types of insects relies on the disappearance of the antimetamorphic juvenile hormone (JH) and the transcription factors Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) and Broad-Complex (BR-C) during the last juvenile instar. Here, we show that the transcription factor E93 is the key determinant that promotes adult metamorphosis in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects, thus acting as the universal adult specifier. In the hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica, BgE93 is highly expressed in metamorphic tissues, and RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of BgE93 in the nymphal stage prevented the nymphal-adult transition, inducing endless reiteration of nymphal development, even in the absence of JH. We also find that BgE93 down-regulated BgKr-h1 and BgBR-C expression during the last nymphal instar of B. germanica, a key step necessary for proper adult differentiation. This essential role of E93 is conserved in holometabolous insects as TcE93 RNAi in Tribolium castaneum prevented pupal-adult transition and produced a supernumerary second pupa. In this beetle, TcE93 also represses expression of TcKr-h1 and TcBR-C during the pupal stage. Similar results were obtained in the more derived holometabolous insect Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting that winged insects use the same regulatory mechanism to promote adult metamorphosis. This study provides an important insight into the understanding of the molecular basis of adult metamorphosis.

The essence of insect metamorphosis and aging: electrical rewiring of cells driven by the principles of juvenile hormone-dependent Ca(2+)-homeostasis

In holometabolous insects the fall to zero of the titer of Juvenile Hormone ends its still poorly understood "status quo" mode of action in larvae. Concurrently it initiates metamorphosis of which the programmed cell death of all internal tissues that actively secrete proteins, such as the fat body, midgut, salivary glands, prothoracic glands, etc. is the most drastic aspect. These tissues have a very well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, a known storage site of intracellular Ca(2+). A persistent high [Ca(2+)]i is toxic, lethal and causal to apoptosis. Metamorphosis becomes a logical phenomenon if analyzed from: (1) the causal link between calcium toxicity and apoptosis; (2) the largely overlooked fact that at least some isoforms of Ca(2+)-ATPases have a binding site for farnesol-like endogenous sesquiterpenoids (FRS). The Ca(2+)-ATPase blocker thapsigargin, like JH a sesquiterpenoid derivative, illustrates how absence of JH might work. The Ca(2+)-homeostasis system is concurrently extremely well conserved in evolution and highly variable, enabling tissue-, developmental-, and species specificity. As long as JH succeeds in keeping [Ca(2+)]i low by keeping the Ca(2+)-ATPases pumping, it acts as "the status quo" hormone. When it disappears, its various inhibitory effects are lifted. The electrical wiring system of cells, in particular in the regenerating tissues, is subject to change during metamorphosis. The possibility is discussed that in vertebrates an endogenous farnesol-like sesquiterpenoid, probably farnesol itself, acts as a functional, but hitherto completely overlooked Juvenile anti-aging "Inbrome", a novel concept in signaling.

The possible impact of persistent virus infection on the function of the RNAi machinery in insects: a hypothesis

RNAi experiments in insects are characterized by great variability in efficiency; for instance beetles and locusts are very amenable to dsRNA-mediated gene silencing, while other insect groups, most notably lepidopterans, are more refractory to RNAi. Several factors can be forwarded that could affect the efficiency of RNAi, such as the composition and function of the intracellular RNAi machinery, the mechanism of dsRNA uptake, the presence of dsRNA- and siRNA-degrading enzymes and non-specific activation of the innate immune response. In this essay, we investigate the evidence whether persistent infection with RNA viruses could be a major factor that affects the response to exogenous dsRNA in insects. The occurrence of RNA viruses in different insect groups will be discussed, as well as several mechanisms by which viruses could interfere with the process of RNAi. Finally, the impact of RNA virus infection on the design of dsRNA-based insect control strategies will be considered.

Juvenile hormone titer and wing-morph differentiation in the vetch aphid Megoura crassicauda

Most aphids exhibit wing polyphenism, in which winged and wingless females are produced depending on aphid densities. Although juvenile hormone (JH) has been implicated in the regulation of aphid wing polyphenism, relatively few studies examining the direct relationship between JH titer and resultant wing morphs have been undertaken. We therefore investigated the relationship between JH III titer and the development of wing morphs in the vetch aphid Megoura crassicauda during postembryonic development. JH III measurements by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) revealed that, at the third instar, presumptive wingless nymphs had significantly higher JH III titers than winged nymphs. In winged nymphs at the third instar, JH III application inhibited wing development resulting in the appearance of winged/wingless intermediates as well as juvenilized individuals with supernumerary molting. These results suggest that JH III plays an important role in wing-morph differentiation during postembryonic development.

Nuclear receptor HR4 plays an essential role in the ecdysteroid-triggered gene cascade in the development of the hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica

Despite the differences in the developmental strategies between hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects, a common feature between both types of development is that periodic pulses of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) dictate each developmental transition. Although the molecular action of 20E has been extensively studied in holometabolous insects, data on hemimetabolous is scarce. To address this, we have used the German cockroach Blattella germanica to show that 20E signals through a transcriptional cascade of the nuclear hormone receptor-encoding genes BgE75, BgHR3 and BgFTZ-F1. Here, we report the isolation and functional characterization of BgHR4, another nuclear receptor involved in this cascade. Expression studies along with tissue incubations and RNAi experiments show that cross-regulation between BgE75 and BgHR3 directs the expression of BgHR4. Finally, we have also shown that BgHR4 is an essential gene required for successfully completing nymphal-nymphal and nymphal-adult transitions, by allowing the appropriate delay in the induction of BgFTZ-F1.

Conserved repressive function of Krüppel homolog 1 on insect metamorphosis in hemimetabolous and holometabolous species

Insect metamorphosis is regulated by ecdysteroids, which induce molts, and juvenile hormone (JH), which inhibits metamorphic changes. The molecular action of ecdysteroids has been thoroughly studied, but that of JH is poorly understood, with data currently only being available for holometabolous species, like Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum. We studied the function of Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) in Blattella germanica, a hemimetabolous model. Kr-h1 is a Zn finger transcription factor whose function as transductor of the antimetamorphic action of JH has recently been demonstrated in D. melanogaster and T. castaneum. The RNAi experiments reported herein indicated that Kr-h1 transduces the antimetamorphic action of JH also in B. germanica, thereby suggesting that this role is an ancestral condition that has been conserved in insect evolution from hemimetabolous to holometabolous species.