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Riccieri A, Spagoni L, Li M, Franchini P, Rossi MN, Fratini E, Cervelli M, Bologna MA, Mancini E. Comparative genomics provides insights into molecular adaptation to hypermetamorphosis and cantharidin metabolism in blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Integr Zool 2024; 19:975-988. [PMID: 38488179 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) are currently subdivided into three subfamilies: Eleticinae (a basal group), Nemognathinae, and Meloinae. These are all characterized by the endogenous production of the defensive terpene cantharidin (CA), whereas the two most derived subfamilies show a hypermetamorphic larval development. Here, we provide novel draft genome assemblies of five species sampled across the three blister beetle subfamilies (Iselma pallidipennis, Stenodera caucasica, Zonitis immaculata, Lydus trimaculatus, and Mylabris variabilis) and performed a comparative analysis with other available Meloidae genomes and the closely-related canthariphilous species (Pyrochroa serraticornis) to disclose adaptations at a molecular level. Our results highlighted the expansion and selection of genes potentially responsible for CA production and metabolism, as well as its mobilization and vesicular compartmentalization. Furthermore, we observed adaptive selection patterns and gain of genes devoted to epigenetic regulation, development, and morphogenesis, possibly related to hypermetamorphosis. We hypothesize that most genetic adaptations occurred to support both CA biosynthesis and hypermetamorphosis, two crucial aspects of Meloidae biology that likely contributed to their evolutionary success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ming Li
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Paolo Franchini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Emiliano Fratini
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for Energy New Technologies and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Roma, Italy
| | - Manuela Cervelli
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
- Neurodevelopment, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco A Bologna
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
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Mora P, Montiel EE, Palomeque T, Lorite P. Complete mitochondrial genome of the blister beetle Hycleus scutellatus Rosenhauer, 1856 (Coleoptera, Meloidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2022; 7:986-988. [PMID: 35712538 PMCID: PMC9196748 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2022.2080603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome or mitogenome of the blister beetle Hycleus scutellatus, one endemic species from the Iberian Peninsula. The mitogenome was 16,035 base pairs in length, with an A + T content of 71.7%. It has 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. To analyze the evolutionary position of H. scutellatus, we constructed a phylogenetic tree using all available mitogenomes from species of the family Meloidae. The results show that Hycleus species are very close to the genus Mylabris. We present here the mitogenome of H. scutellatus as a new resource to elucidate the phylogenetic relations among the Meloidea family, being this source very useful for future evolutionary analyses of blister beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Mora
- Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Eugenia E Montiel
- Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Teresa Palomeque
- Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Pedro Lorite
- Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
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Abdel-Gaber R, Alajmi R, Haddadi R. Identifying two moth species (Lepidoptera: Ditrysia) from Saudi Arabia using mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:7253-7256. [PMID: 34867029 PMCID: PMC8626258 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial genetic markers are considered useful tools for discrimination between more closely related lepidopteran taxa. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of mitochondrial (mt) 16 s rRNA gene in the determination of the taxonomic position for two moth species within Ditrysia clade. Maximum likelihood analysis has indicated a well-supported dendrogram based on the Tamura-Nei model for the recovered lepidopterans. The mt 16 s rRNA query sequences from 24 species within seven families were analyzed. This analysis and bootstrap confidence revealed two major clades representing Glossata suborder within Lepidoptera, with a close relationship of Noctuoidea + (Pyraloidea (Hesperioidea + Papilionoidea)). The subfamily Heliothinae forming a sister group with Risobinae (Noctinae + Hadeninae). In addition, there is a clear observation about the close relation between Phycitinae + Galleriinae within Pyraloidea and Cyrestinae + Limenitidinae within Papilionoidea. The present study supported that the Helicoverpa and Meroptera species are the first accounts of these genera inhabiting Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 145111, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 145111, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania Haddadi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 145111, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Cytogenetic Analysis, Heterochromatin Characterization and Location of the rDNA Genes of Hycleus scutellatus (Coleoptera, Meloidae); A Species with an Unexpected High Number of rDNA Clusters. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050385. [PMID: 33925926 PMCID: PMC8146434 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The family Meloidae contains approximately 3000 species, commonly known as blister beetles for their ability to secrete a substance called cantharidin, which causes irritation and blistering in contact with animal or human skin. In recent years there have been numerous studies focused on the anticancer action of cantharidin and its derivatives. Despite the recent interest in blister beetles, cytogenetic and molecular studies in this group are scarce and most of them use only classical chromosome staining techniques. The main aim of our study was to provide new information in Meloidae. In this study, cytogenetic and molecular analyses were applied for the first time in the family Meloidae. We applied fluorescence staining with DAPI and the position of ribosomal DNA in Hycleus scutellatus was mapped by FISH. Hycleus is one of the most species-rich genera of Meloidae but no cytogenetic data have yet been published for this particular genus. Additionally, we isolated a satellite DNA family located within the pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes. The results obtained in this study may be a suitable starting point to initiate more extensive cytogenetic analyses in this important species-rich genus, and in the family Meloidae in general. Abstract Meloidae are commonly known as blister beetles, so called for the secretion of cantharidin, a toxic substance that causes irritation and blistering. There has been a recent increase in the interest of the cantharidin anticancer potential of this insect group. Cytogenetic and molecular data in this group are scarce. In this study, we performed a karyotype analysis of Hycleus scutellatus, an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula. We determined its chromosome number, 2n = 20, as well as the presence of the X and Y sex chromosomes. In addition to a karyotype analysis, we carried out DAPI staining. By fluorescence in situ hybridization we mapped the rDNA clusters on 12 different chromosomes. Compared to others, this species shows an unusually high number of chromosomes carrying rDNA. This is one of the highest numbers of rDNA sites found in the Polyphaga suborder (Coleoptera). Additionally, we isolated a satellite DNA family (Hyscu-H), which was located within the pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes, including the sex chromosomes. The results suggest that Hyscu-H is likely to be one of the most abundant satellite DNA repeats in H. scutellatus.
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Liu M, Huang M, Cline AR, Mancini E, Scaramuzzi A, Paradisi S, Audisio P, Badano D, Sabatelli S. Rosaceae, Brassicaceae and pollen beetles: exploring relationships and evolution in an anthophilous beetle lineage (Nitidulidae, Meligethes-complex of genera) using an integrative approach. Front Zool 2021; 18:9. [PMID: 33676546 PMCID: PMC7936458 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00390-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meligethes are pollen-beetles associated with flowers of Rosaceae as larvae. This genus currently consists of 63 known species in two subgenera, Meligethes and Odonthogethes, predominantly occurring in the eastern Palaearctic. We analyzed 74 morphological and ecological characters (169 states) of all species, as well as of 11 outgroup species from 7 Meligethinae genera (including Brassicogethes), to investigate their phylogeny. We also conducted a parallel molecular analysis on 9 Meligethes, 9 Odonthogethes, 3 Brassicogethes and 2 Meligethinus species based on DNA sequence data from mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (CAD) genes. RESULTS Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions supported the monophyly of the whole genus and clades corresponding to purported subgenera Meligethes s.str. and Odonthogethes. Main species-groups were mostly confirmed, however some unresolved polytomies remained. Molecular data placed members of Brassicogethes (including 42 mostly W Palearctic species associated with Brassicaceae) as sister to Odonthogethes, with this clade being sister to Meligethes s.str. This phylogenetic scenario suggests that monophyletic Meligethes s.str., Odonthogethes and Brassicogethes should be regarded alternatively as three subgenera of a monophyletic Meligethes, or three genera in a monophyletic genus-complex, with mutually monophyletic Brassicogethes and Odonthogethes. Molecular analyses estimated the origin of this lineage at ca. 14-15 Mya from a common stem including Meligethinus. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that the ancestor of Meligethes specialized on Rosaceae in the Middle Miocene (likely in Langhian Age) and subsequently radiated during Late Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene maintaining a trophic niche on this plant family. This radiation was primarily due to geographic isolation in E Asiatic mountain systems. Combined evidence from morphology, ancestral state parsimony reconstruction of host-plant associations and molecular evidence suggested that Rosoideae (Rosa spp.) represented the ancestral hosts of Meligethes s.str., followed by an independent shift of ancestral Odonthogethes (ca. 9-15 Mya) on Rubus (Rosoideae) and members of Rosaceae Spiraeoideae. Other ancestral Odonthogethes probably shifted again on the unrelated plant family Brassicaceae (maybe 8-14 Mya in S China), allowing a rapid westward radiation of the Brassicogethes clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Andrew Richard Cline
- California Department of Food & Agriculture, Plant Pest Diagnostics Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Scaramuzzi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Paradisi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Audisio
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Badano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Sabatelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
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Abdel-Gaber R, Alajmi R, Haddadi R, El-Ashram S. The phylogenetic position of Arhaphe deviatica within Hemipteran insects: A potential model species for eco-devo studies of symbiosis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 336:73-78. [PMID: 33351288 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Insecta is known to be the most diverse group of species, exhibiting numerous forms of endosymbiotic associations. Molecular techniques have provided significant indicators for insect-microbe interactions. The present study aimed to register one of the true bugs of pentatomomorpha and clarify its taxonomic position through phylogenetic analysis of the partial 16S rRNA gene region. A maximum likelihood analysis retrieved a generally well-supported phylogeny based on Tamura 3-parameter model. Based on the partial mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences, a phylogenetic study of suborder Heteroptera relationships within Hemipteras' order was constructed. Sequences of 221 bases of the 3' end of the gene from 28 species within 16 families were analyzed. This analysis and bootstrap confidence revealed two major clades comprising four suborders within Hemiptera, with a close relationship between Heteroptera + (Sternorrhyncha + (Auchenorrhycha + Coleorrhyncha)). Infraorder Pentatomomorpha is forming a sister group with a substantial bootstrap value to Cimicomorpha. Pyrrhocoroidea forms a sister relationship with Lygaeoidea + Coreoidea. There is a close relationship between Largidae and Pyrrhocoridae within Pyrrhocoroidea. The results show that the present species is firmly embedded in the genus Arhaphe with 94.35% sequence resemblance to its congeners. Besides, the recovered hemipteran species considered a potential model group for studying different symbionts. We propose both phylogenetic and ecological evolutionary developmental biology viewpoints for a more synthetic understanding of insect populations' molecular evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania Haddadi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.,Faculty of Science, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
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Riccieri A, Mancini E, Iannella M, Salvi D, Bologna MA. Phylogenetics and population structure of the steppe species Hycleus polymorphus (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Mylabrini) reveal multiple refugia in Mediterranean mountain ranges. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMany continental species distributed in the Eurasian steppe occur as relict populations in the mountains of Western Europe. Their biogeographical responses to Quaternary climate changes have been poorly studied; however, they could have responded as cold-adapted species. We investigated the biogeographic history of a steppe beetle, Hycleus polymorphus, using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences (COI, CAD, ITS2), and species distribution modelling (SDM) under present and past bioclimatic envelopes. We first performed a phylogenetic assessment to define species boundaries within the H. polymorphus species group. Specimens previously treated as Hycleus humerosus on morphological grounds are assigned to H. polymorphus, and those identified as Hycleus zebraeus assigned to Hycleus atratus. ITS2 data analyses revealed a strong phylogeographical structure of H. polymorphus populations, with four haplogroups corresponding to the (i) Italian Alps, (ii) French Alps and Pyrenees, (iii) South Balkan and Pontic mountains, and (iv) North Dinaric Alps. Based on these analyses and the SDM, we propose that during a glacial period, following the spread of steppic habitat, H. polymorphus underwent a range expansion from Asia to South-West Europe. Within the Mediterranean area, during the last interglacial the climatic suitability for the species was limited to mountains that acted as refugia and prompted allopatric divergence into four main lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Riccieri
- Department of Sciences, University “Roma Tre”, Viale G. Marconi, Roma, Italy
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università, Roma, Italy
| | - Mattia Iannella
- Department of Health, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio snc, L’Aquila-Coppito, Italy
| | - Daniele Salvi
- Department of Health, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio snc, L’Aquila-Coppito, Italy
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Marco A Bologna
- Department of Sciences, University “Roma Tre”, Viale G. Marconi, Roma, Italy
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