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Vengatharajuloo V, Goh HH, Hassan M, Govender N, Sulaiman S, Afiqah-Aleng N, Harun S, Mohamed-Hussein ZA. Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Reveals Key Regulatory Genes in Metisa plana Hormone Pathways. INSECTS 2023; 14:503. [PMID: 37367319 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) is a major oil palm pest species distributed across Southeast Asia. M. plana outbreaks are regarded as serious ongoing threats to the oil palm industry due to their ability to significantly reduce fruit yield and subsequent productivity. Currently, conventional pesticide overuses may harm non-target organisms and severely pollute the environment. This study aims to identify key regulatory genes involved in hormone pathways during the third instar larvae stage of M. plana gene co-expression network analysis. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted on the M. plana transcriptomes to construct a gene co-expression network. The transcriptome datasets were obtained from different development stages of M. plana, i.e., egg, third instar larvae, pupa, and adult. The network was clustered using the DPClusO algorithm and validated using Fisher's exact test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The clustering analysis was performed on the network and 20 potential regulatory genes (such as MTA1-like, Nub, Grn, and Usp) were identified from ten top-most significant clusters. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed to identify hormone signalling pathways and these pathways were identified, i.e., hormone-mediated signalling, steroid hormone-mediated signalling, and intracellular steroid hormone receptor signalling as well as six regulatory genes Hnf4, Hr4, MED14, Usp, Tai, and Trr. These key regulatory genes have a potential as important targets in future upstream applications and validation studies in the development of biorational pesticides against M. plana and the RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hoe-Han Goh
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Maizom Hassan
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nisha Govender
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suhaila Sulaiman
- FGV R&D Sdn Bhd, FGV Innovation Center, PT23417 Lengkuk Teknologi, Bandar Baru Enstek, Nilai 71760, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Nor Afiqah-Aleng
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Sarahani Harun
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zeti-Azura Mohamed-Hussein
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
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Van Lommel J, Lenaerts C, Delgouffe C, Vanden Broeck J. Knockdown of ecdysone receptor in male desert locusts affects relative weight of accessory glands and mating behavior. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 138:104368. [PMID: 35134451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Locusts have been known as pests of agricultural crops for thousands of years. Recently (2018-2021) the world has faced the largest swarms of desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, in decades and food security in large parts of Africa and Asia was under extreme pressure. There is an urgent need for the development of highly specific bio-rational pesticides to combat these pests. However, to do so, fundamental research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind key physiological processes underpinning swarm formation, such as development and reproduction. The scope of this study is to investigate the possible role(s) of the ecdysteroid receptor in the reproductive physiology of male S. gregaria. Ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones are two important classes of insect hormones and are key regulators of post-embryonic development. Ecdysteroids are best known for their role in moulting and exert their function via a heterodimer consisting of the nuclear receptors ecdysone receptor (EcR) and retinoid-X receptor (RXR). To gain insight into the role of SgEcR and/or SgRXR in the male reproductive physiology of S. gregaria we performed RNAi-induced knockdown experiments. A knockdown of SgEcR, but not SgRXR, resulted in an increased relative weight of the male accessory glands (MAG). Furthermore, the knockdown of these genes, either in combination or separately, caused a significant delay in the onset of mating behavior. Nevertheless, the MAG appeared to mature normally and the fertility of mated males was not affected. The high transcript levels of SgEcR in the fat body, especially towards the end of sexual maturation in both males and females, represent a remarkable finding since as of yet the exact role of SgEcR in this tissue in S. gregaria is unknown. Finally, our data suggest that in some cases SgEcR and SgRXR might act independently of each other. This is supported by the fact that the spatiotemporal expression profiles of SgEcR and SgRXR do not always coincide and that knockdown of SgEcR, but not SgRXR, significantly affected the relative weight of the MAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Van Lommel
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cynthia Lenaerts
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Delgouffe
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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3
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Toyota K, Watanabe H, Hirano M, Abe R, Miyakawa H, Song Y, Sato T, Miyagawa S, Tollefsen KE, Yamamoto H, Tatarazako N, Iguchi T. Juvenile hormone synthesis and signaling disruption triggering male offspring induction and population decline in cladocerans (water flea): Review and adverse outcome pathway development. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 243:106058. [PMID: 34965494 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.106058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) are a family of multifunctional hormones regulating larval development, molting, metamorphosis, reproduction, and phenotypic plasticity in arthropods. Based on its importance in arthropod life histories, many insect growth regulators (IGRs) mimicking JH have been designed to control harmful insects in agriculture and aquaculture. These JH analogs (JHAs) may also pose hazards to nontarget species by causing unexpected endocrine-disrupting (ED) effects such as molting and metamorphosis defects, larval lethality, and disruption of the sexual identity. This critical review summarizes the current knowledge of the JH-mediated effects in the freshwater cladoceran crustaceans such as Daphnia species on JHA-triggered endocrine disruptive outputs to establish a systematic understanding of JHA effects. Based on the current knowledge, adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) addressing the JHA-mediated ED effects in cladoceran leading to male offspring production and subsequent population decline were developed. The weight of evidence (WoE) of AOPs was assessed according to established guidelines. The review and AOP development aim to present the current scientific understanding of the JH pathway and provide a robust reference for the development of tiered testing strategies and new risk assessment approaches for JHAs in future ecotoxicological research and regulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Toyota
- Marine Biological Station, Sado Center for Ecological Sustainability, Niigata University, 87 Tassha, Sado, Niigata 952-2135, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, 2946 Tsuchiya, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1293, Japan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan.
| | - Haruna Watanabe
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Masashi Hirano
- Department of Bioscience, School of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan
| | - Ryoko Abe
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | - You Song
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Gaustadalléen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tomomi Sato
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
| | - Knut Erik Tollefsen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Gaustadalléen, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Department of Environmental Sciences (IMV), Ås, Norway
| | - Hiroshi Yamamoto
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Norihisa Tatarazako
- Department of Science and Technology for Biological Resources and Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan.
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Watanabe M, Nakamura-Nakayama M, Fujihara M, Kawasaki M, Nakano S, Kakuta H. Increased Molecular Flexibility Widens the Gap between K i and K d values in Screening for Retinoid X Receptor Modulators. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:211-217. [PMID: 35178177 PMCID: PMC8842113 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening for small-molecule modulators targeting a particular receptor is frequently based on measurement of K d, i.e., the binding constant between the receptor and the compound of interest. However, K d values also reflect binding at receptor protein sites other than the modulatory site. We designed derivatives of retinoid X receptor (RXR) antagonist CBTF-EE (1) with modifications that altered their conformational flexibility. Compounds 6a,b and 7a,b showed quite similar K d values, but 7a,b exhibited 10-fold higher K i values than those of 6a,b. Further, 6a,b showed potent RXR-antagonistic activity, while 7a,b were inactive. These results suggest that increased conformational flexibility promotes binding at nontarget receptor sites. In this situation, conventional determination of K d is less effective for screening purposes than the determination of K i using a ligand that binds specifically to the site regulating transcriptional activity. Thus, the use of K i values for orthosteric ligands may increase the hit rate in screening active regulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Watanabe
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Mariko Nakamura-Nakayama
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Michiko Fujihara
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan,AIBIOS
K.K., Tri-Seven Roppongi
8F, 7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
| | - Mayu Kawasaki
- Graduate
School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Shogo Nakano
- Graduate
School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kakuta
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan,. Phone: +81-(0)86-251-7963
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5
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Nicewicz AW, Sawadro MK, Nicewicz Ł, Babczyńska AI. Juvenile hormone in spiders. Is this the solution to a mystery? Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 308:113781. [PMID: 33862048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The juvenile hormone (JH) plays a crucial role in arthropod physiological processes, e.g., the regulation of metamorphosis, development, and reproduction (the vitellogenesis, the development of gonads, egg production). Still, data about this sesquiterpenoid hormone in spiders (Araneae) are rudimentary and equivocal. The presence of the JH or its precursors (e.g. methyl farnesoate) is not confirmed in spiders. The site of synthesis of its is still undetermined. No receptors of the JH are identified in spiders and thus, the molecular mechanism of action of this group of hormones is still unknown. Here we show by using the phylogenetic analysis and qPCR method the presence of the transcript of the enzyme catalyzing the last phase of the JH biosynthesis pathway (epox CYP15A1), the JH receptor (Met), and a possible candidate to the methyl farnesoate receptor (USP) in the various tissues and stages of ontogenesis in both sexes of spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum. Our results indicate that the juvenile hormone and/or methyl farnesoate presence is possible in the species of spider P. tepidariorum. The presence of the Ptepox CYP15A1 gene suggests that the main site of the juvenile hormone synthesis can be the integument and not the Schneider organ 2. It also seems that the juvenile hormone and/or methyl farnesoate can be hormones with biological activity due to the presence of the transcript of insect and crustacean JH/MG receptor - Met. The Ptepox CYP15A1, PtMet, and Ptusp expression are sex-, tissue-and time-specific. This study is the first report about the presence of the Ptepox CYP15A1 and PtMet transcripts in the Arachnida, which may indicate the presence of the juvenile hormone and/or methyl farnesoate in spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wanda Nicewicz
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Bankowa 9, 40007 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Marta Katarzyna Sawadro
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Bankowa 9, 40007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Nicewicz
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Bankowa 9, 40007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Izabela Babczyńska
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Bankowa 9, 40007 Katowice, Poland
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6
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Taubenheim J, Kortmann C, Fraune S. Function and Evolution of Nuclear Receptors in Environmental-Dependent Postembryonic Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653792. [PMID: 34178983 PMCID: PMC8222990 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) fulfill key roles in the coordination of postembryonal developmental transitions in animal species. They control the metamorphosis and sexual maturation in virtually all animals and by that the two main environmental-dependent developmental decision points. Sexual maturation and metamorphosis are controlled by steroid receptors and thyroid receptors, respectively in vertebrates, while both processes are orchestrated by the ecdysone receptor (EcR) in insects. The regulation of these processes depends on environmental factors like nutrition, temperature, or photoperiods and by that NRs form evolutionary conserved mediators of phenotypic plasticity. While the mechanism of action for metamorphosis and sexual maturation are well studied in model organisms, the evolution of these systems is not entirely understood and requires further investigation. We here review the current knowledge of NR involvement in metamorphosis and sexual maturation across the animal tree of life with special attention to environmental integration and evolution of the signaling mechanism. Furthermore, we compare commonalities and differences of the different signaling systems. Finally, we identify key gaps in our knowledge of NR evolution, which, if sufficiently investigated, would lead to an importantly improved understanding of the evolution of complex signaling systems, the evolution of life history decision points, and, ultimately, speciation events in the metazoan kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Taubenheim
- Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constantin Kortmann
- Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fraune
- Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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7
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Yokoi T, Nabe T, Ishizuka C, Hayashi K, Ito-Harashima S, Yagi T, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Transcription-inducing activity of natural and synthetic juvenile hormone agonists through the Drosophila Methoprene-tolerant protein. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:2316-2323. [PMID: 32003111 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Juvenile hormones (JHs) are a class of sesquiterpenoids that play a pivotal role in insect growth and reproduction. Synthetic JH agonists (JHAs), including pyriproxyfen, have been widely used as insecticides to control agricultural pests and disease vectors. The antimetamorphic action of JHAs is mediated by their intracellular receptor, the heterodimer of Methoprene-tolerant (Met) and Taiman (Tai) proteins. Although a range of bioassay systems has been developed to detect the activity of JHAs, each of these systems has its own drawback(s), such as poor reproducibility, the use of radioactive ligands or the effect of endogenous JH-signaling factors. RESULTS To address these issues, we constructed a new luciferase reporter assay for JHAs in mammalian HEK293T cells transiently transfected with the Drosophila Met and Tai genes. This reporter system gave highly reproducible results and showed nanomolar sensitivity to natural JHs. We then applied this reporter system to a structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of 14 natural and synthetic JHAs, leading to identification of the ligand structural factors important for the transcription-inducing activity. CONCLUSION Because this reporter system is not affected by the signaling cascade downstream of the JH receptors, it is suitable for evaluating the intrinsic activity of JHAs. The SAR results obtained in this study therefore provide invaluable information on the rational design of novel JHA insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyo Yokoi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taku Nabe
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chiharu Ishizuka
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken'ichiro Hayashi
- Department of RNA Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Sayoko Ito-Harashima
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan
| | - Takashi Yagi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Lenaerts C, Marchal E, Peeters P, Vanden Broeck J. The ecdysone receptor complex is essential for the reproductive success in the female desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15. [PMID: 30626886 PMCID: PMC6327042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroid hormones influence the development and reproduction of arthropods by binding a heterodimeric complex of nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the retinoid-X-receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP). Here, we report on the in vivo role(s) of the ecdysone receptor complex, SchgrEcR/SchgrRXR, in the female reproductive physiology of a major phytophagous pest insect, i.e. the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Tissue and temporal distribution profiles were analysed during the first gonadotrophic cycle of adult female locusts. RNA interference was used as a reverse genetics tool to investigate the in vivo role of the ecdysone receptor complex in ovarian maturation, oogenesis, fertility and fecundity. We discovered that silencing the ecdysone receptor complex in S. gregaria resulted in impaired ovulation and oviposition, indicative for a crucial role of this complex in chorion formation. We also found evidence for a feedback of SchgrEcR/SchgrRXR on juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. Furthermore, we observed a tissue-dependent effect of the SchgrEcR/SchgrRXR knockdown on the transcript levels of the insulin receptor and neuroparsin 3 and 4. The insulin receptor transcript levels were upregulated in the brain, but not the fat body and gonads. Neuroparsins 3 and 4 transcript levels were down regulated in the brain and fat body, but not in the gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Lenaerts
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Hyde CJ, Elizur A, Ventura T. The crustacean ecdysone cassette: A gatekeeper for molt and metamorphosis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 185:172-183. [PMID: 30157455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Arthropods have long been utilized as models to explore molecular function, and the findings derived from them can be applied throughout metazoa, including as a basis for medical research. This has led to the adoption of many representative insect models beyond Drosophila, as each lends its own unique perspective to questions in endocrinology and genetics. However, non-insect arthropods are yet to be realised for the potential insight they may provide in such studies. The Crustacea are among the most ancient arthropods from which insects descended, comprising a huge variety of life histories and ecological roles. Of the events in a typical crustacean development, metamorphosis is perhaps the most ubiquitous, challenging and highly studied. Despite this, our knowledge of the endocrinology which underpins metamorphosis is rudimentary at best; although several key molecules have been identified and studied in depth, the link between them is quite nebulous and leans heavily on well-explored insect models, which diverged from the Pancrustacea over 450 million years ago. As omics technologies become increasingly accessible, they bring the prospect of explorative molecular research which will allow us to uncover components and pathways unique to crustaceans. This review reconciles known components of crustacean metamorphosis and reflects on our findings in insects to outline a future search space, with focus given to the ecdysone cascade. To expand our knowledge of this ubiquitous endocrine system not only aids in our understanding of crustacean metamorphosis, but also provides a deeper insight into the adaptive capacity of arthropods throughout evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Hyde
- Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland, 4558, Australia
| | - Abigail Elizur
- Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland, 4558, Australia
| | - Tomer Ventura
- Genecology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland, 4558, Australia.
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10
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Bittova L, Jedlicka P, Dracinsky M, Kirubakaran P, Vondrasek J, Hanus R, Jindra M. Exquisite ligand stereoselectivity of a Drosophila juvenile hormone receptor contrasts with its broad agonist repertoire. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:410-423. [PMID: 30455350 PMCID: PMC6333893 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH) is vital to insect development and reproduction. Intracellular JH receptors have recently been established as basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (bHLH)/PAS proteins in Drosophila melanogaster known as germ cell–expressed (Gce) and its duplicate paralog, methoprene-tolerant (Met). Upon binding JH, Gce/Met activates its target genes. Insects possess multiple native JH homologs whose molecular activities remain unexplored, and diverse synthetic compounds including insecticides exert JH-like effects. How the JH receptor recognizes its ligands is unknown. To determine which structural features define an active JH receptor agonist, we tested several native JHs and their nonnative geometric and optical isomers for the ability to bind the Drosophila JH receptor Gce, to induce Gce-dependent transcription, and to affect the development of the fly. Our results revealed high ligand stereoselectivity of the receptor. The geometry of the JH skeleton, dictated by two stereogenic double bonds, was the most critical feature followed by the presence of an epoxide moiety at a terminal position. The optical isomerism at carbon C11 proved less important even though Gce preferentially bound a natural JH enantiomer. The results of receptor-ligand–binding and cell-based gene activation assays tightly correlated with the ability of different geometric JH isomers to induce gene expression and morphogenetic effects in the developing insects. Molecular modeling supported the requirement for the proper double-bond geometry of JH, which appears to be its major selective mechanism. The strict stereoselectivity of Gce toward the natural hormone contrasts with the high potency of synthetic Gce agonists of disparate chemistries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Bittova
- From the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic and
| | - Pavel Jedlicka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Dracinsky
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Palani Kirubakaran
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Vondrasek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Hanus
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Jindra
- From the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic and
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11
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Sugime Y, Watanabe D, Yasuno Y, Shinada T, Miura T, Tanaka NK. Upregulation of Juvenile Hormone Titers in Female Drosophila melanogaster Through Mating Experiences and Host Food Occupied by Eggs and Larvae. Zoolog Sci 2017; 34:52-57. [PMID: 28148219 DOI: 10.2108/zs160150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) plays a crucial role in the determination of developmental timing in insects. In Drosophila melanogaster, reports indicate that JH titers are the highest immediately following eclosion and that the mating experience increases the titers in females. However, the titers have not been successively measured for an extended period of time after eclosion. This study reveals that JH titers are increased after eclosion in virgin females when supplied with food that is occupied by eggs and larvae as well as in mated females. With the presence of eggs and larvae, food induced the virgin females to lay unfertilized eggs. When combined with previous work indicating that females are attracted to such food where they prefer to lay eggs, these results suggest that flies can prepare themselves to lay eggs by changing the titers of JH under the presence of growing larvae, ensuring that the food is an appropriate place to oviposit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Sugime
- 1 Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Dai Watanabe
- 1 Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Yoko Yasuno
- 2 Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinada
- 2 Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Toru Miura
- 1 Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Nobuaki K Tanaka
- 3 Creative Research Institution, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan.,4 Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
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12
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Jordão R, Campos B, Piña B, Tauler R, Soares AMVM, Barata C. Mechanisms of Action of Compounds That Enhance Storage Lipid Accumulation in Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:13565-13573. [PMID: 27993043 PMCID: PMC5322474 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of storage lipids in the crustacean Daphnia magna can be altered by a number of exogenous and endogenous compounds, like 20-hydroxyecdysone (natural ligand of the ecdysone receptor, EcR), methyl farnesoate, pyrirproxyfen (agonists of the methyl farnesoate receptor, MfR), and tributyltin (agonist of the retinoid X acid receptor, RXR). This effect, analogous to the obesogenic disruption in mammals, alters Daphnia's growth and reproductive investment. Here we propose that storage lipid accumulation in droplets is regulated in Daphnia by the interaction between the nuclear receptor heterodimer EcR:RXR and MfR. The model was tested by determining changes in storage lipid accumulation and on gene transcription in animals exposed to different effectors of RXR, EcR, and MfR signaling pathways, either individually or in combination. RXR, EcR, and MfR agonists increased storage lipid accumulation, whereas fenarimol and testosterone (reported inhibitors of ecdysteroid synthesis and an EcR antagonist, respectively) decreased it. Joint effects of mixtures with fenarimol, testosterone, and ecdysone were antagonistic, mixtures of juvenoids showed additive effects following a concentration addition model, and combinations of tributyltin with juvenoids resulted in greater than additive effects. Co-exposures of ecdysone with juvenoids resulted in deregulation of ecdysone- and farnesoid-regulated genes, accordingly with the observed changes in lipid accumulation These results indicate the requirement of ecdysone binding to the EcR:RXR:MfR complex to regulate lipid storage and that an excess of ecdysone disrupts the whole process, probably by triggering negative feedback mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Jordão
- Department
of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of
Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research
Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre
for Environmental and Marine studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Campos
- Department
of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of
Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research
Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamín Piña
- Department
of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of
Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research
Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Romà Tauler
- Department
of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of
Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research
Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amadeu M. V. M. Soares
- Centre
for Environmental and Marine studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Barata
- Department
of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of
Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research
Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Telephone: ± 34-93-4006100. Fax: ±
34-93-2045904. E-mail: (C.B.)
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13
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Lenaerts C, Van Wielendaele P, Peeters P, Vanden Broeck J, Marchal E. Ecdysteroid signalling components in metamorphosis and development of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 75:10-23. [PMID: 27180725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The arthropod-specific hormone family of ecdysteroids plays an important role in regulating diverse physiological processes, such as moulting and metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause and innate immunity. Ecdysteroids mediate their response by binding to a heterodimeric complex of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the retinoid-X-receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP). In this study we investigated the role of EcR and RXR in metamorphosis and development of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. The desert locust is a voracious, phytophagous, swarming pest that can ruin crops and harvests in some of the world's poorest countries. A profound knowledge of the ecdysteroid signalling pathway can be used in the development of more target-specific insecticides to combat this harmful plague insect. Here we report an in-depth profiling study of the transcript levels of EcR and RXR, as well as its downstream response genes, in different tissues isolated throughout the last larval stage of a hemimetabolous insect, showing a clear correlation with circulating ecdysteroid titres. Using RNA interference (RNAi), the role of SgEcR/SgRXR in moulting and development was investigated. We have proven the importance of the receptor components for successful moulting of locust nymphs into the adult stage. Some SgEcR/SgRXR knockdown females were arrested in the last larval stage, and 65 % of them initiated vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation, which normally only occurs in adults. Furthermore, our results clearly indicate that at the peak of ecdysteroid synthesis, on day six of the last larval stage, knockdown of SgEcR/SgRXR is affecting the transcript levels of the Halloween genes, Spook, Shadow and Shade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Lenaerts
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Wielendaele
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Jindra M, Bellés X, Shinoda T. Molecular basis of juvenile hormone signaling. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 11:39-46. [PMID: 28285758 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite important roles played by juvenile hormone (JH) in insects, the mechanisms underlying its action were until recently unknown. A breakthrough has been the demonstration that the bHLH-PAS protein Met is an intracellular receptor for JH. Binding of JH to Met triggers dimerization of Met with its partner protein Tai, and the resulting complex induces transcription of target genes. In addition, JH can potentiate this response by phosphorylating Met and Tai via cell membrane, second-messenger signaling. An important gene induced by the JH-Met-Tai complex is Kr-h1, which inhibits metamorphosis. Kr-h1 represses an 'adult specifier' gene E93. The action of this JH-activated pathway in maintaining the juvenile status is dispensable during early postembryonic development when larvae/nymphs lack competence to metamorphose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jindra
- Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic.
| | - Xavier Bellés
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Passeig Marítim 37, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tetsuro Shinoda
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Ohwashi 1-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
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15
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Toyota K, Miyakawa H, Hiruta C, Furuta K, Ogino Y, Shinoda T, Tatarazako N, Miyagawa S, Shaw JR, Iguchi T. Methyl farnesoate synthesis is necessary for the environmental sex determination in the water flea Daphnia pulex. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 80:22-30. [PMID: 25721056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sex-determination systems can be divided into two groups: genotypic sex determination (GSD) and environmental sex determination (ESD). ESD is an adaptive life-history strategy that allows control of sex in response to environmental cues in order to optimize fitness. However, the molecular basis of ESD remains largely unknown. The micro crustacean Daphnia pulex exhibits ESD in response to various external stimuli. Although methyl farnesoate (MF: putative juvenile hormone, JH, in daphnids) has been reported to induce male production in daphnids, the role of MF as a sex-determining factor remains elusive due to the lack of a suitable model system for its study. Here, we establish such a system for ESD studies in D. pulex. The WTN6 strain switches from producing females to producing males in response to the shortened day condition, while the MFP strain only produces females, irrespective of day-length. To clarify whether MF has a novel physiological role as a sex-determining factor in D. pulex, we demonstrate that a MF/JH biosynthesis inhibitor suppressed male production in WTN6 strain reared under the male-inducible condition, shortened day-length. Moreover, we show that juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT), a critical enzyme of MF/JH biosynthesis, displays MF-generating activity by catalyzing farnesoic acid. Expression of the JHAMT gene increased significantly just before the MF-sensitive period for male production in the WTN6 strain, but not in the MFP strain, when maintained under male-inducible conditions. These results suggest that MF synthesis regulated by JHAMT is necessary for male offspring production in D. pulex. Our findings provide novel insights into the genetic underpinnings of ESD and they begin to shed light on the physiological function of MF as a male-fate determiner in D. pulex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Toyota
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, and National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, and National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Chizue Hiruta
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, and National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; Department of Biology, Center for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iwate Medical University, 2-1-1, Nishi-Tokuda, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate 028-3694, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Furuta
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ogino
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, and National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinoda
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2, Oowashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Norihisa Tatarazako
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, and National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Joseph R Shaw
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 East Tenth Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, and National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.
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16
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Jindra M, Uhlirova M, Charles JP, Smykal V, Hill RJ. Genetic Evidence for Function of the bHLH-PAS Protein Gce/Met As a Juvenile Hormone Receptor. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005394. [PMID: 26161662 PMCID: PMC4498814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile hormones (JHs) play a major role in controlling development and reproduction in insects and other arthropods. Synthetic JH-mimicking compounds such as methoprene are employed as potent insecticides against significant agricultural, household and disease vector pests. However, a receptor mediating effects of JH and its insecticidal mimics has long been the subject of controversy. The bHLH-PAS protein Methoprene-tolerant (Met), along with its Drosophila melanogaster paralog germ cell-expressed (Gce), has emerged as a prime JH receptor candidate, but critical evidence that this protein must bind JH to fulfill its role in normal insect development has been missing. Here, we show that Gce binds a native D. melanogaster JH, its precursor methyl farnesoate, and some synthetic JH mimics. Conditional on this ligand binding, Gce mediates JH-dependent gene expression and the hormone's vital role during development of the fly. Any one of three different single amino acid mutations in the ligand-binding pocket that prevent binding of JH to the protein block these functions. Only transgenic Gce capable of binding JH can restore sensitivity to JH mimics in D. melanogaster Met-null mutants and rescue viability in flies lacking both Gce and Met that would otherwise die at pupation. Similarly, the absence of Gce and Met can be compensated by expression of wild-type but not mutated transgenic D. melanogaster Met protein. This genetic evidence definitively establishes Gce/Met in a JH receptor role, thus resolving a long-standing question in arthropod biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jindra
- Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Food and Nutrition Flagship, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mirka Uhlirova
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Charles
- Centre des Sciences du Gout et de l’Alimentation (CSGA), CNRS 6265, INRA 1324, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Vlastimil Smykal
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ronald J. Hill
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Food and Nutrition Flagship, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Wen D, Rivera-Perez C, Abdou M, Jia Q, He Q, Liu X, Zyaan O, Xu J, Bendena WG, Tobe SS, Noriega FG, Palli SR, Wang J, Li S. Methyl farnesoate plays a dual role in regulating Drosophila metamorphosis. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005038. [PMID: 25774983 PMCID: PMC4361637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Corpus allatum (CA) ablation results in juvenile hormone (JH) deficiency and pupal lethality in Drosophila. The fly CA produces and releases three sesquiterpenoid hormones: JH III bisepoxide (JHB3), JH III, and methyl farnesoate (MF). In the whole body extracts, MF is the most abundant sesquiterpenoid, followed by JHB3 and JH III. Knockout of JH acid methyl transferase (jhamt) did not result in lethality; it decreased biosynthesis of JHB3, but MF biosynthesis was not affected. RNAi-mediated reduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (hmgcr) expression in the CA decreased biosynthesis and titers of the three sesquiterpenoids, resulting in partial lethality. Reducing hmgcr expression in the CA of the jhamt mutant further decreased MF titer to a very low level, and caused complete lethality. JH III, JHB3, and MF function through Met and Gce, the two JH receptors, and induce expression of Kr-h1, a JH primary-response gene. As well, a portion of MF is converted to JHB3 in the hemolymph or peripheral tissues. Topical application of JHB3, JH III, or MF precluded lethality in JH-deficient animals, but not in the Met gce double mutant. Taken together, these experiments show that MF is produced by the larval CA and released into the hemolymph, from where it exerts its anti-metamorphic effects indirectly after conversion to JHB3, as well as acting as a hormone itself through the two JH receptors, Met and Gce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Life Science, Qiannan Normal College for Nationalities, Duyun, Guizhou, China
| | - Crisalejandra Rivera-Perez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Abdou
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Qiangqiang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianyu He
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ola Zyaan
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | | | - Stephen S. Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fernando G. Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Subba R. Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JW); (SL)
| | - Sheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (JW); (SL)
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18
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Schmehl DR, Teal PEA, Frazier JL, Grozinger CM. Genomic analysis of the interaction between pesticide exposure and nutrition in honey bees (Apis mellifera). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 71:177-90. [PMID: 25450567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Populations of pollinators are in decline worldwide. These declines are best documented in honey bees and are due to a combination of stressors. In particular, pesticides have been linked to decreased longevity and performance in honey bees; however, the molecular and physiological pathways mediating sensitivity and resistance to pesticides are not well characterized. We explored the impact of coumaphos and fluvalinate, the two most abundant and frequently detected pesticides in the hive, on genome-wide gene expression patterns of honey bee workers. We found significant changes in 1118 transcripts, including genes involved in detoxification, behavioral maturation, immunity, and nutrition. Since behavioral maturation is regulated by juvenile hormone III (JH), we examined effects of these miticides on hormone titers; while JH titers were unaffected, titers of methyl farnesoate (MF), the precursor to JH, were decreased. We further explored the association between nutrition- and pesticide-regulated gene expression patterns and demonstrated that bees fed a pollen-based diet exhibit reduced sensitivity to a third pesticide, chlorpyrifos. Finally, we demonstrated that expression levels of several of the putative pesticide detoxification genes identified in our study and previous studies are also upregulated in response to pollen feeding, suggesting that these pesticides and components in pollen modulate similar molecular response pathways. Our results demonstrate that pesticide exposure can substantially impact expression of genes involved in several core physiological pathways in honey bee workers. Additionally, there is substantial overlap in responses to pesticides and pollen-containing diets at the transcriptional level, and subsequent analyses demonstrated that pollen-based diets reduce workers' pesticide sensitivity. Thus, providing honey bees and other pollinators with high quality nutrition may improve resistance to pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Schmehl
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Peter E A Teal
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - James L Frazier
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Christina M Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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19
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Van Ekert E, Powell CA, Shatters RG, Borovsky D. Control of larval and egg development in Aedes aegypti with RNA interference against juvenile hormone acid methyl transferase. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 70:143-150. [PMID: 25111689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful approach for elucidating gene functions in a variety of organisms, including mosquitoes and many other insects. Little has been done, however, to harness this approach in order to control adult and larval mosquitoes. Juvenile hormone (JH) plays a pivotal role in the control of reproduction in adults and metamorphism in larval mosquitoes. This report describes an approach to control Aedes aegypti using RNAi against JH acid methyl transferase (AeaJHAMT), the ultimate enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of JH III that converts JH acid III (JHA III) into JH III. In female A. aegypti that were injected or fed jmtA dsRNA targeting the AeaJHAMT gene (jmtA) transcript, egg development was inhibited in 50% of the treated females. In mosquito larvae that were fed transgenic Pichia pastoris cells expressing long hair pin (LHP) RNA, adult eclosion was delayed by 3 weeks causing high mortality. Northern blot analyses and qPCR studies show that jmtA dsRNA causes inhibition of jmtA transcript in adults and larvae, which is consistent with the observed inhibition of egg maturation and larval development. Taken together, these results suggest that jmtA LHP RNA expressed in heat inactivated genetically modified P. pastoris cells could be used to control mosquito populations in the marsh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Van Ekert
- Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, FL 34945, USA
| | - Charles A Powell
- Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, FL 34945, USA
| | | | - Dov Borovsky
- Borovsky Consulting, 135 36th Court, Vero Beach, FL 32968, USA.
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20
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Juvenile Hormone Biosynthesis in Insects: What Is New, What Do We Know, and What Questions Remain? INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY RESEARCH NOTICES 2014; 2014:967361. [PMID: 27382622 PMCID: PMC4897325 DOI: 10.1155/2014/967361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of JH biosynthesis has significantly changed in the last years. In this review I would like to discuss the following topics: (1) the progresses in understanding the JH biosynthesis pathway. Access to genome sequences has facilitated the identification of all the genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes and the completion of comprehensive transcriptional studies, as well as the expression and characterization of recombinant enzymes. Now the existence of different flux directionalites, feed-back loops and pathway branching points in the JH biosynthesis pathways can be explored; (2) the new concepts in the modulation of JH synthesis by allatoregulators. The list of putative JH modulators is increasing. I will discuss their possible role during the different physiological states of the CA; (3) the new theoretical and physiological frameworks for JH synthesis analysis. I will discuss the bases of the flux model for JH biosynthesis. JH plays multiple roles in the control of ovary development in female mosquitoes; therefore, the CA presents different physiological states, where JH synthesis is altered by gating the flux at distinctive points in the pathway; (4) in the final section I will identify new challenges and future directions on JH synthesis research.
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Durica DS, Das S, Najar F, Roe B, Phillips B, Kappalli S, Anilkumar G. Alternative splicing in the fiddler crab cognate ecdysteroid receptor: variation in receptor isoform expression and DNA binding properties in response to hormone. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 206:80-95. [PMID: 25025945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RXR cDNA cloning from three Uca species led to the identification of 4 conserved isoforms, indicative of alternative splicing in the hinge and ligand binding domains (LBD). Sequencing of overlapping clones from a Ucapugilator genomic library identified EcR isoforms matching previously identified cDNA variants; in addition, a cryptic exon in the LBD was detected and evidence for expression of this new isoform was obtained from next-generation sequencing. RNA-seq analysis also identified a new amino terminal EcR variant. EcR and RXR transcript abundance increases throughout ovarian maturation in U. pugilator, while cognate receptor transcript abundance remains constant in a related Indo-Pacific species with a different reproductive strategy. To examine if crab RXR LBD isoforms have different physical properties in vitro, electromobility shift assays were performed with different EcR isoforms. The cognate crab and fruit fly receptors differ in their responses to hormone. Ecdysteroids did not increase DNA binding for the crab heterodimers, while ecdysteroids stimulate binding for Drosophilamelanogaster EcR/USP heterodimers. In swapping experiments, UpEcR/USP heterodimers did not show ligand-responsive differences in DNA binding; both crab RXR LBD isoforms, however, conferred ligand-responsive increases in DNA binding with DmEcRs. These data indicate that both UpRXR LBD isoforms can heterodimerize with the heterologous DmEcR receptors and promote ligand and DNA binding. Unresponsiveness of the cognate receptors to ecdysteroid, however, suggest additional factors may be required to mediate endogenous, perhaps isoform-specific, differences in EcR conformation, consistent with previously reported effects of UpRXR isoforms on UpEcR ligand-binding affinities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Durica
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
| | - Sunetra Das
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Fares Najar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Bruce Roe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Barret Phillips
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | | | - Gopinathan Anilkumar
- School of Biotechnology, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore 632 014, India
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Ren B, Peat TS, Streltsov VA, Pollard M, Fernley R, Grusovin J, Seabrook S, Pilling P, Phan T, Lu L, Lovrecz GO, Graham LD, Hill RJ. Unprecedented conformational flexibility revealed in the ligand-binding domains of theBovicola ovisecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) subunits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 70:1954-64. [DOI: 10.1107/s1399004714009626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The heterodimeric ligand-binding region of theBovicola ovisecdysone receptor has been crystallized either in the presence of an ecdysteroid or a synthetic methylene lactam insecticide. Two X-ray crystallographic structures, determined at 2.7 Å resolution, show that the ligand-binding domains of both subunits of this receptor, like those of other nuclear receptors, can display significant conformational flexibility. Thermal melt experiments show that while ponasterone A stabilizes the higher order structure of the heterodimer in solution, the methylene lactam destabilizes it. The conformations of the EcR and USP subunits observed in the structure crystallized in the presence of the methylene lactam have not been seen previously in any ecdysone receptor structure and represent a new level of conformational flexibility for these important receptors. Interestingly, the new USP conformation presents an open, unoccupied ligand-binding pocket.
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Teal PEA, Jones D, Jones G, Torto B, Nyasembe V, Borgemeister C, Alborn HT, Kaplan F, Boucias D, Lietze VU. Identification of methyl farnesoate from the hemolymph of insects. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2014; 77:402-405. [PMID: 24467367 DOI: 10.1021/np400807v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Methyl farnesoate, [methyl (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trienoate (1)] has not been thought be present in the hemolymph of insects, although it is the immediate biosynthetic precursor of the circulating insect hormone juvenile hormone III (methyl (2E,6E)-10,11-epoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6-dodecadienoate) (2). Compound 1 was identified from the hemolymph obtained from five orders of insects. Identification of 1 from the American bird grasshopper was facilitated using both electron impact and chemical-ionization GC-MS, GC-FTIR, and 2D NMR techniques. The identifications from other insects were made using GC-MS, and the amounts of all were quantified using LIM-CI-GC-MS. The ratios of 1 and 2 varied in these insects during different developmental stages. The present results underscore the need for further studies on methyl farnesoate (1) as a circulating hormone in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E A Teal
- Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS , 1700 SW 23 Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32604, United States
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Nijhout HF, Riddiford LM, Mirth C, Shingleton AW, Suzuki Y, Callier V. The developmental control of size in insects. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2014; 3:113-34. [PMID: 24902837 PMCID: PMC4048863 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms that control the sizes of a body and its many parts remain among the great puzzles in developmental biology. Why do animals grow to a species-specific body size, and how is the relative growth of their body parts controlled to so they grow to the right size, and in the correct proportion with body size, giving an animal its species-characteristic shape? Control of size must involve mechanisms that somehow assess some aspect of size and are upstream of mechanisms that regulate growth. These mechanisms are now beginning to be understood in the insects, in particular in Manduca sexta and Drosophila melanogaster. The control of size requires control of the rate of growth and control of the cessation of growth. Growth is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Insulin and ecdysone, their receptors, and intracellular signaling pathways are the principal genetic regulators of growth. The secretion of these growth hormones, in turn, is controlled by complex interactions of other endocrine and molecular mechanisms, by environmental factors such as nutrition, and by the physiological mechanisms that sense body size. Although the general mechanisms of growth regulation appear to be widely shared, the mechanisms that regulate final size can be quite diverse.
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Jones D, Jones G, Teal PEA. Sesquiterpene action, and morphogenetic signaling through the ortholog of retinoid X receptor, in higher Diptera. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 194:326-35. [PMID: 24120505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenetic signaling by small terpenoid hormones is a common feature of both vertebrate and invertebrate development. Most attention on insect developmental signaling by small terpenoids has focused on signaling by juvenile hormone through bHLH-PAS proteins (e.g., the MET protein), especially as that signaling axis intersects with ecdysteroid action through the receptor EcR. However, a series of endocrine and pharmacological studies on pupariation in cyclorrhaphous Diptera have remained persistently refractory to explanation with the above two-axis model. Recently, the terpenoid compound methyl farnesoate has been physicochemically demonstrated to exist in circulation at physiological concentrations, in several mecopterid orders, including Diptera. In addition, it has also been recently demonstrated that the receptor to which methyl farnesoate binds with nanomolar affinity (ultraspiracle, an ortholog of retinoid X receptor) requires a functioning ligand binding pocket to sustain the morphogenetic transition to puparium formation. This review evaluates endocrine and pharmacological evidence for developmental pathways reached by methyl farnesoate action, and assesses the participation of the retinoid X receptor ligand pocket in signal transduction to those developmental endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davy Jones
- Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA.
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