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Wang L, Li Z, Shen S, Wong TS. Geometric design of antireflective leafhopper brochosomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312700121. [PMID: 38498725 PMCID: PMC10998617 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312700121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In nature, leafhoppers cover their body surfaces with brochosomes as a protective coating. These leafhopper-produced brochosomes are hollow, buckyball-shaped, nanoscopic spheroids with through-holes distributed across their surfaces, representing a class of deployable optical materials that are rare in nature. Despite their discovery in the 1950s, it remains unknown why the sizes of brochosomes and their through-holes consistently fall within the range of hundreds of nanometers across different leafhopper species. Here, we demonstrate that the hierarchical geometries of brochosomes are engineered within a narrow size range with through-hole architecture to significantly reduce light reflection. By utilizing two-photon polymerization three-dimensional printing to fabricate high-fidelity synthetic brochosomes, we investigated the optical form-to-function relationship of brochosomes. Our results show that the diameters of brochosomes are engineered within a specific size range to maximize broadband light scattering, while the secondary through-holes are designed to function as short-wavelength, low-pass filters, further reducing light reflection. These synergistic effects enable brochosomes to achieve a substantial reduction in specular reflection, by up to approximately 80 to 94%, across a broadband wavelength range. Importantly, brochosomes represent a biological example demonstrating short-wavelength, low-pass filter functionality. Furthermore, our results indicate that the geometries of natural brochosomes may have evolved to effectively reduce reflection from ultraviolet to visible light, thereby enabling leafhoppers to evade predators whose vision spectrum encompasses both ultraviolet and visible light. Our findings offer key design insights into a class of deployable bioinspired optical materials with potential applications in omnidirectional antireflection coatings, optical encryption, and multispectral camouflage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Sheng Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Tak-Sing Wong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
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Li Z, Wang L, Liu X, Li J, Yun HS, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wong TS, Shen S. Brochosome-inspired binary metastructures for pixel-by-pixel thermal signature control. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl4027. [PMID: 38427742 PMCID: PMC11094652 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl4027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Microscale thermal signature control using incoherent heat sources remains challenging, despite recent advancements in plasmonic materials and phase-change materials. Inspired by leafhopper-generated brochosomes, we design binary metastructures functioning as pixel twins to achieve pixelated thermal signature control at the microscale. In the infrared range, the pixel twins exhibit distinct emissivities, creating thermal counterparts of "0-1" binary states for storing and displaying information. In the visible range, the engineered surface morphology of the pixel twins ensures similar scattering behaviors. This renders them visually indistinguishable, thereby concealing the stored information. The brochosome-like pixel twins are self-emitting when thermally excited. Their structure-enabled functions do not rely on the permittivities of specific materials, which distinguishes them from the conventional laser-illuminated plasmonic holographic metasurfaces. The unique combination of visible camouflage and infrared display offers a systemic solution to microscale spatial control of thermal signatures and has substantial implications for optical security, anticounterfeiting, and data encryption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xiu Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hyeong Seok Yun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Zexiao Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tak-Sing Wong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Sheng Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Wu W, Ye Z, Mao Q, Shan HW, Li JM, Chen JP. Combined Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis of the Protein Composition of the Brochosomes of the Leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps. INSECTS 2023; 14:784. [PMID: 37887796 PMCID: PMC10607721 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Brochosomes, unique coatings on the integuments of Cicadellidae, are synthesized in specialized glandular sections of Malpighian tubules. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the protein composition of brochosomes. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic and proteomic profiling to characterize the brochosome protein composition in the rice green leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps. Brochosomes were collected from the forewings of leafhoppers using ultrasonic treatment, allowing for more effective brochosome collection and shaking treatment, resulting in purer brochosomes. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified 106 genes specifically expressed in the Malpighian tubules; combined with proteomic data, we identified 22 candidate brochosome proteins. These proteins were classified into 12 brochosomins (BSM) and 10 brochosome-associated proteins (BSAP) based on previous research. Conserved motif analysis and functional predictions unveiled unique motifs in each BSM, while BSAP appeared to play a crucial role in BSM folding and pathogen resistance. Comparative analysis of other Hemiptera species demonstrated that all BSM and some BSAP are specific to the Cicadellidae family. Our findings could contribute to understanding the mechanism of brochosome synthesis, its function, and evolutionary genesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Jian-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Wu W, Lei JN, Mao Q, Tian YZ, Shan HW, Chen JP. Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in Maiestas dorsalis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:734. [PMID: 37754701 PMCID: PMC10531587 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The leafhopper family Cicadellidae, comprising over 22,000 species, exhibits a unique behavior of anointing their bodies with excretions containing brochosomes. Brochosomes are synthesized in the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules and serve various functions, including hydrophobic protection and defense against pathogens and predators. In this study, we investigated the distribution, synthesis, and release mechanisms of brochosomes in the rice pest leafhopper Maiestas dorsalis. Using SEM and TEM, we observed brochosomes' consistent coverage on the integument throughout the insect's life cycle. Moreover, we identified four distinct developmental stages of brochosome synthesis within the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules, originating from the Golgi region. Most importantly, our research revealed a novel and highly efficient release mechanism involving the fusion of brochosome-containing vesicles, leading to a rapid and substantial release of brochosomes into the tubule lumen after molting. These findings shed light on the intricate processes of brochosome synthesis and release in leafhoppers, offering valuable insights into their functional significance and ecological role in these fascinating insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Jian-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Yuan F, Su M, Li T, Zhang Y, Dietrich CH, Webb MD, Wei C. Functional and evolutionary implications of protein and metal content of leafhopper brochosomes. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 157:103962. [PMID: 37178742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103962] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Brochosomes derived from the specialized glandular segments of the Malpighian tubules (MTs) form superhydrophobic coatings for insects of Membracoidea, and have multiple hypothetical functions. However, the constituents, biosynthesis and evolutionary origin of brochosomes remain poorly understood. We investigated general chemical and physical characteristics of the integumental brochosomes (IBs) of the leafhopper Psammotettix striatus, determined the constituents of IBs, identified the unigenes involved in brochosomal protein synthesis, and investigated the potential associations among brochosomal protein synthesis, amino acid composition of food source, and the possible roles of endosymbionts in brochosome production. The results show that IBs are mainly composed of glycine- and tyrosine-rich proteins and some metal elements, which contain both essential and non-essential amino acids (EAAs and NEAAs) for insects, including EAAs deficient in the sole food source. All 12 unigenes involved in synthesizing the 12 brochosomal proteins (BPs) with high confidence are exclusively highly expressed in the glandular segment of MTs, confirming that brochosomes are synthesized by this segment. The synthesis of BPs is one of the key synapomorphies of Membracoidea but may be lost secondarily in a few lineages. The synthesis of BPs might be related to the symbiosis of leafhoppers/treehoppers with endosymbionts that provide these insects with EAAs, including those are deficient in the sole diet (i.e., plant sap) and could only be made available by the symbionts. We hypothesize that the functional modification of MTs have combined with the application of BPs enabling Membracoidea to colonize and adapt to novel ecological niches, and evolve to the dramatic diversification of this hemipteran group (in particular the family Cicadellidae). This study highlights the importance of evolutionary plasticity and multiple functions of MTs in driving the adaptations and evolution of sap-sucking insects of Hemiptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feimin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Minjing Su
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Christopher H Dietrich
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Michael D Webb
- Department of Science (Insects), The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD, London, UK
| | - Cong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Farina P, Bedini S, Conti B. Multiple Functions of Malpighian Tubules in Insects: A Review. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13111001. [PMID: 36354824 PMCID: PMC9697091 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Malpighian Tubules (MTs) are the main excretory organs in most insects. They play a key role in the production of primary urine and osmoregulation, selectively reabsorbing water, ions, and solutes. Besides these functions conserved in most insects, MTs can serve some specialized tasks at different stages of some species' development. The specialized functions include the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides and proteins for the building of foam nests, mucofibrils for the construction of dwelling tubes, adhesive secretions to help the locomotion, and brochosomes for protection as well as the usage of inorganic salts to harden the puparia, eggs chorion, and pupal cells' closing lids. MTs are also the organs responsible for the astonishing bioluminescence of some Diptera glowworms and can go through some drastic histological changes to produce a silk-like fiber utilized to spin cocoons. The specialized functions are associated with modifications of cells within the entire tubules, in specific segments, or, more rarely, modified secretory cells scattered along the MTs. In this review, we attempted to summarize the observations and experiments made over more than a century concerning the non-excretive functions of insects' MTs, underlying the need for new investigations supported by the current, advanced technologies available to validate outdated theories and clarify some dubious aspects.
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Li Z, Li Y, Xue AZ, Dang V, Renee Holmes V, Spencer Johnston J, Barrick JE, Moran NA. The genomic basis of evolutionary novelties in a leafhopper. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6677381. [PMID: 36026509 PMCID: PMC9450646 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary innovations generate phenotypic and species diversity. Elucidating the genomic processes underlying such innovations is central to understanding biodiversity. In this study, we addressed the genomic basis of evolutionary novelties in the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis, GWSS), an agricultural pest. Prominent evolutionary innovations in leafhoppers include brochosomes, proteinaceous structures that are excreted and used to coat the body, and obligate symbiotic associations with two bacterial types that reside within cytoplasm of distinctive cell types. Using PacBio long-read sequencing and Dovetail Omni-C technology, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for the GWSS and then validated the assembly using flow cytometry and karyotyping. Additional transcriptomic and proteomic data were used to identify novel genes that underlie brochosome production. We found that brochosome-associated genes include novel gene families that have diversified through tandem duplications. We also identified the locations of genes involved in interactions with bacterial symbionts. Ancestors of the GWSS acquired bacterial genes through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and these genes appear to contribute to symbiont support. Using a phylogenomics approach, we inferred HGT sources and timing. We found that some HGT events date to the common ancestor of the hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha, representing some of the oldest known examples of HGT in animals. Overall, we show that evolutionary novelties in leafhoppers are generated by the combination of acquiring novel genes, produced both de novo and through tandem duplication, acquiring new symbiotic associations that enable use of novel diets and niches, and recruiting foreign genes to support symbionts and enhance herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yiyuan Li
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.,State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Allen Z Xue
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Vy Dang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - V Renee Holmes
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX,USA
| | | | - Jeffrey E Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Jiang J, Dietrich CH, Li C, Song Y. Comparative morphology of part of the integumental fine structure of two Erythroneurine species: Singaporashinshana (Matsumura, 1932) and Empoascanarasipra Dworakowska, 1980 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae). Zookeys 2022; 1103:1-23. [PMID: 36761786 PMCID: PMC9848861 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1103.80787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the fine structure of the mouthparts, antennae, forewings, and brochosomes of two leafhopper species belonging to the typhlocybine tribe Erythroneurini collected from the Karst area of Guizhou Province, southern China: Singaporashinshana, which prefers woody dicot hosts, and Empoascanarasipra, which feeds on grasses. As in other leafhoppers, the piercing-sucking mouthparts consist of a conical labrum, a cylindrical three-segmented labium, and a slender stylet fascicle. The labrum of both species has no sensilla and the labium has several common types of sensilla, but the two species differ in the numbers, types, and distribution of sensilla and in other aspects of the surface sculpture of the mouthparts. The stylet fascicle has distinctive dentition on both the maxillary and mandibular stylets. The antennae of the two species differ in several respects, including the sensilla and sculpture of the scape, pedicel, and flagellum, as well as the degree of sub-segmentation of the flagellum. Except for the variable scaly structure and rounded protrusions on the surface of S.shinshana, the fine structure of the forewing surfaces of the two species are similar to those of other leafhoppers. Only small spherical brochosomes were found on the body surface of S.shinshana and E.sipra. Similar studies of additional erythroneurine species are needed to determine whether differences in mouthpart and antennal fine structure may reflect adaptation to different host plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jiang
- School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University / State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, Guizhou, Guiyang, 550001, ChinaGuizhou Normal UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Christopher H. Dietrich
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820, USAUniversity of IllinoisChampaignUnited States of America
| | - Can Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Guiyang University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550005, ChinaGuiyang UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Yuehua Song
- School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University / State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, Guizhou, Guiyang, 550001, ChinaGuizhou Normal UniversityGuiyangChina
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Yuan F, Wei C. Gene expression profiles in Malpighian tubules of the vector leafhopper Psammotettix striatus (L.) revealed regional functional diversity and heterogeneity. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:67. [PMID: 35057738 PMCID: PMC8781387 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many leafhoppers are known as pests and disease vectors of economically important plants. Previous studies of the physiological functions of vector leafhoppers have mainly focused on the salivary glands and the alimentary tract that are deemed to be associated with digestion, host defense and phytoplasma and/or virus transmission. By contrast, the significance of Malpighian tubules (MTs) is less studied. To clarify the physiological function of MTs of the vector leafhopper Psammotettix striatus that transmits phytoplasma triggering the wheat blue dwarf disease, we performed a transcriptome study on P. striatus MTs and compared gene expression profiles among different anatomical regions in the tubules (i.e., MT1+2, the anterior segment together with the sub-anterior segment; MT3, the inflated segment; and MT4, the distal segment). Results Transcriptome of P. striatus MTs generate a total of 42,815 high-quality unigenes, among which highly expressed unigenes are mainly involved in organic solute transport, detoxification and immunity in addition to osmoregulation. Region-specific comparative analyses reveal that all these MT regions have functions in osmoregulation, organic solute transport and detoxification, but each region targets different substrates. Differential expression and regional enrichment of immunity-related effector activities and molecules involved in phagocytosis and the biosynthesis of antimicrobial peptides among different regions indicate that MT1+2 and MT4 have the ability to eliminate the invading pathogens. However, in MT3 which secrets brochosomes to the integument and eggs as physical barriers, disulfide-isomerase, acidic ribosomal protein P and many other unigenes were highly expressed, which can be attractive candidate genes for future studies of the biosynthesis and the origin of brochosomes. Conclusions Psammotettix striatus MTs perform multiple physiological functions as versatile organs than just excretory organs with osmoregulatory function. Heterogeneity of physiological functions among different MT regions is related to organic solute transport, detoxification, immunity and brochosome biosynthesis in addition to osmoregulation, and each region targets different substrates. These functions may be helpful for P. striatus to resist pathogens from habitats and to utilize a wider range of host plants, which may assist the transmission and spread of phytoplasmas. The results provide potential molecular targets for the exploit of chemical and/or gene-silencing insecticides. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08300-6.
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Rakitov R, Moysa AA, Kopylov AT, Moshkovskii SA, Peters RS, Meusemann K, Misof B, Dietrich CH, Johnson KP, Podsiadlowski L, Walden KKO. Brochosomins and other novel proteins from brochosomes of leafhoppers (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 94:10-17. [PMID: 29331591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Brochosomes (BS) are secretory granules resembling buckyballs, produced intracellularly in specialized glandular segments of the Malpighian tubules and forming superhydrophobic coatings on the integuments of leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae). Their composition is poorly known. Using a combination of SDS-PAGE, LC-MS/MS, next-generation sequencing (RNAseq) and bioinformatics we demonstrate that the major structural component of BS of the leafhopper Graphocephala fennahi Young is a novel family of 21-40-kDa secretory proteins, referred to herein as brochosomins (BSM), apparently cross-linked by disulfide bonds. At least 28 paralogous BSM were identified in a transcriptome assembly of this species, most of which were detected in BS. Multiple additional BS-associated proteins (BSAP), possibly loosely attached to the outer and inner surfaces of BS, were also identified; some of these were glycine-, tyrosine- and proline-rich. BSM and BSAP together accounted for half of the 100 most expressed transcripts in the Malpighian tubules of G. fennahi. Except for several minor BSAP possibly related to cyclases, BSM and BSAP had no homologs among known proteins, thus representing taxonomically restricted gene families (orphans). Searching in 50 whole-body transcriptome assemblies of Hemiptera found homologs of BSM in representatives of all five families of the superfamily Membracoidea (Cicadellidae, Myerslopiidae, Aetalionidae, Membracidae, and Melizoderidae), but not in other lineages. Among the identified proteins only BSM were shared in common between all 17 surveyed leafhoppers known to produce BS. Combined CHN elemental and aminoacid analyses estimated the total protein content of BS from the integument of G. fennahi to be 60-70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Rakitov
- Paleontological Institute RAS, Profsoyuznaya St. 123, Moscow 117647, Russia.
| | - Alexander A Moysa
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10, Moscow 119121, Russia.
| | - Arthur T Kopylov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10, Moscow 119121, Russia.
| | | | - Ralph S Peters
- Center of Taxonomy and Evolutionary Research, Arthropoda Department, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Karen Meusemann
- University of Freiburg, Institute for Biology I (Zoology), Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, Hauptstr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Misof
- Center for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Christopher H Dietrich
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, 61820, IL, USA.
| | - Kevin P Johnson
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, 61820, IL, USA.
| | - Lars Podsiadlowski
- Center for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Kimberly K O Walden
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61801, IL, USA.
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Li Q, Zhong H, Zhang Y, Wei C. Comparative morphology of the distal segments of Malpighian tubules in cicadas and spittlebugs, with reference to their functions and evolutionary indications to Cicadomorpha (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). ZOOL ANZ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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Zhong H, Zhang Y, Wei C. Morphology and ultrastructure of the Malpighian tubules in Kolla paulula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). ZOOL ANZ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Liang X, Zhang C, Li Z, Xu L, Dai W. Fine structure and sensory apparatus of the mouthparts of the pear psyllid, Cacopsylla chinensis (Yang et Li) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2013; 42:495-506. [PMID: 24036521 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2013] [Revised: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The pear psyllid, Cacopsylla chinensis (Yang et Li) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is one of the most significant economic pests of pear in China, causing direct damage through feeding by the highly specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts. The ultrastructural morphology and sensory apparatus of the mouthparts of the adult were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The piercing-sucking mouthparts of C. chinensis are composed of a three-segmented labium with a deep groove in the anterior side, a stylet fascicle consisting of two mandibular and two maxillary stylets, and a pyramid-shaped labrum. Proximal to the labium, the stylet fascicle forms a large loop within a membranous crumena. Mandibles, with more than ten teeth on the external convex region, can be seen on the distal extremity. Smooth maxillary stylets are interlocked to form a larger food canal and a smaller salivary canal. One dendritic canal housing 2 dendrites is also found in each mandible. Two types of sensilla trichodea, four types of sensilla basiconica, single as well as groups of sensilla campaniformia, and oval flattened sensilla occur in different locations on the labium, whereas a kind of sensilla basiconica is at the junction of the labrum and anteclypeus. Sensilla trichodea and sensilla campaniformia, always present with denticles, are present on the middle labial segment. Three types of sensilla basiconica, two types of sensilla trichodea and two oval flattened sensilla are located on the distal labial segment. The mouthpart morphology and abundance of sensilla located on the labium in C. chinensis are illustrated, along with a brief discussion of their taxonomic and putative functional significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chunni Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhilin Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management, Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lingfei Xu
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management, Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Dai W, Pan L, Lu Y, Jin L, Zhang C. External morphology of the mouthparts of the whitebacked planthopper Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), with special reference to the sensilla. Micron 2013; 56:8-16. [PMID: 24126109 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The whitebacked planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is a major pest of rice in Asia, with the adults and larvae sucking the phloem sap and affecting plant growth. The ultrastructural morphology of the mouthparts, with distribution of sensilla located on the maxillae and labium in adult S. furcifera was observed using scanning electron microscopy and illustrated, with a brief discussion of their taxonomic and putative functional significance. The gross mouthparts comprising an uppermost small cone-shaped labrum, a three-segmented labium with a deep longitudinal groove on the anterior side, and a stylet fascicle consisting of two mandibular and two maxillary stylets, are consistent with the conventional piercing-sucking type of mouth parts found in Hemiptera. The mandibles bear 5 teeth on the external convex region on the distal extremity. Smooth maxillary stylets, interlocked to form a larger food canal and a smaller salivary canal, are asymmetrical only in the internal position of longitudinal carinae and grooves. Two dendritic canals are also found in each maxilla and one in each mandible. The cross-section of the stylet fascicle is oval. The labial tip is a rosette shape. Two types of sensilla trichoides, two types of uniporous peg sensilla, two pairs of sensilla basiconica and a pair of subapical labial sensory organs have been detected at different locations on the labium, specifically the labial tip is divided into dorsal paired sensory fields with 9 pairs of uniporous peg sensilla and 1 pairs of dome-shaped sensilla, and ventral paired sensory fields with 2 pairs of sensilla basiconica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Rakitov R, Gorb SN. Brochosomal coats turn leafhopper (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) integument to superhydrophobic state. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20122391. [PMID: 23235705 PMCID: PMC3574307 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leafhoppers (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) actively coat their integuments with brochosomes, hollow proteinaceous spheres of usually 200-700 nm in diameter, with honeycombed walls. The coats have been previously suggested to act as a water-repellent and anti-adhesive protective barrier against the insect's own exudates. We estimated their wettability through contact angle (CA) measurements of water, diiodomethane, ethylene glycol and ethanol on detached wings of the leafhoppers Alnetoidia alneti, Athysanus argentarius and Cicadella viridis. Intact brochosome-coated integuments were repellent to all test liquids, except ethanol, and exhibited superhydrophobicity, with the average water CAs of 165-172°, and the apparent surface free energy (SFE) estimates not exceeding 0.74 mN m(-1). By contrast, the integuments from which brochosomes were removed with a peeling technique using fluid polyvinylsiloxane displayed water CAs of only 103-129° and SFEs above 20 mN m(-1). Observations of water-sprayed wings in a cryo-scanning electron microscope confirmed that brochosomal coats prevented water from contacting the integument. Their superhydrophobic properties appear to result from fractal roughness, which dramatically reduces the area of contact with high-surface-tension liquids, including, presumably, leafhopper exudates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Rakitov
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya Street 123, Moscow 117647, Russia
| | - Stanislav N. Gorb
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
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Morphology and histology of the digestive system of the vector leafhopper Psammotettix striatus (L.) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Micron 2012; 43:725-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Chen W, Leopold RA, Boetel MA. Host plant effects on development and reproduction of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2010; 39:1545-1553. [PMID: 22546451 DOI: 10.1603/en10098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Development, survivorship, longevity, reproduction, and life table parameters of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar), were examined in the laboratory using three host plants, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), Chrysanthemum morifolium L., and euonymus (Euonymus japonica Thurb.). Females deposited similar-sized egg masses on all three plants. Hatching was highest with eggs deposited on euonymus and lowest for those deposited on sunflower. Embryonic development time among host plants was similar while nymph development time was shortest on sunflower and longest on euonymus. Nymph survival to adulthood ranged from 32% on euonymus to 82% for those reared on sunflower. Adult females had similar life spans on sunflower and chrysanthemum. H. vitripennis completed a lengthy egg-to-adult development on euonymus, however, mating did not occur. The onset of mating was contingent on maturation of adult females. The majority of mating activity occurred within the first three days after onset. Premating periods ranged from 6 to 7 d on sunflower to 27 d on chrysanthemum, with overall mating rates of 77.4 and 19.8%, respectively. Females typically mated more than once and they had the longest oviposition period and highest egg production on sunflower; ≈ 50 and 67% of total number of eggs were deposited within first 45 d after the start of oviposition on sunflower and chrysanthemum, respectively. Adult size and weight related to which host plant was consumed throughout development. Greater intrinsic and finite rates of increase and net reproduction rate, and shorter population doubling time occurred when the sharpshooters were allowed to develop on sunflower. The overall developmental and reproductive parameters obtained in this study indicate that a mixed host plant system, composed of sunflower and euonymus or chrysanthemum plants, is an efficient means for optimizing egg production and colony maintenance of the glassy-winged sharpshooter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Chen
- Department of Entomology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA
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Wyniger D, Burckhardt D, Mühlethaler R, Mathys D. Documentation of brochosomes within Hemiptera, with emphasis on Heteroptera (Insecta). ZOOL ANZ 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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RAKITOV ROMANA. Powdering of egg nests with brochosomes and related sexual dimorphism in leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Zool J Linn Soc 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2003.00103.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Rakitov RA. Structure and Function of the Malpighian Tubules, and Related Behaviors in Juvenile Cicadas: Evidence of Homology with Spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea & Cercopoidea). ZOOL ANZ 2002. [DOI: 10.1078/0044-5231-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Dietrich CH, Rakitov RA, Holmes JL, Black WC. Phylogeny of the major lineages of Membracoidea (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) based on 28S rDNA sequences. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2001; 18:293-305. [PMID: 11161763 DOI: 10.1006/mpev.2000.0873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of sequences from a 3.5-kb region of the nuclear ribosomal 28S DNA gene spanning divergent domains D2-D10 supports the hypothesis, based on fossil, biogeographic, and behavioral evidence, that treehoppers (Aetalionidae and Membracidae) are derived from leafhoppers (Cicadellidae). Maximum-parsimony analysis indicated that treehoppers are the sister group of a lineage comprising the currently recognized cicadellid subfamilies Agalliinae, Megophthalminae, Adelungiinae, and Ulopinae. Based on this phylogenetic estimate, the derivation of treehoppers approximately coincided with shifts in physiology and behavior, including loss of brochosome production and a reversal from active, jumping nymphs to sessile, nonjumping nymphs. Myerslopiidae, traditionally placed as a tribe of the cicadellid subfamily Ulopinae, represented a basal lineage distinct from other extant membracoids. The analysis recovered a large leafhopper lineage comprising a polyphyletic Deltocephalinae (sensu stricto) and its apparent derivatives Koebeliinae, Eupelicinae (polyphyletic), Selenocephalinae, and Penthimiinae. Clades comprising Macropsinae, Neocoelidiinae, Scarinae, Iassinae, Coelidiinae, Eurymelinae + Idiocerinae, Evacanthini + Pagaroniini, Aphrodinae + Ledrinae (in part), Stenocotini + Tartessinae, and Cicadellini + Proconiini were also recovered with moderate to high branch support. Cicadellinae (sensu lato), Ledrinae, Typhlocybinae, and Xestocephalinae were consistently polyphyletic on the most-parsimonious topologies, but constraining these groups to be monophyletic did not significantly increase the length of the cladograms. Relationships among the major lineages received low branch support, suggesting that more data are needed to provide a robust phylogenetic estimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Dietrich
- Center for Biodiversity, Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA
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Rakitov RA. NYMPHAL BIOLOGY AND ANOINTING BEHAVIORS OF XESTOCEPHALUS DESERTORUM (BERG) (HEMIPTERA: CICADELLIDAE), A LEAFHOPPER FEEDING ON GRASS ROOTS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1664/0028-7199(2000)108[0171:nbaabo]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Rakitov RA. Secretion of brochosomes during the ontogenesis of a leafhopper, Oncometopia orbona (F.) (Insecta, Homoptera, Cicadellidae). Tissue Cell 2000; 32:28-39. [PMID: 10798315 DOI: 10.1054/tice.1999.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Secretion of brochosomes, intricately structured symmetrical protein-lipid particles produced in the specialized Malpighian tubules of the Cicadellidae, was studied during the ontogenesis of Oncometopia orbona (F.). Unlike most other cicadellids, O. orbona displays sexual dimorphism in the production of brochosomes. The Malpighian tubule secretory cells of nymphs, males and young females produce spherical brochosomes of 0.3-1.4 microm in diameter, extruded after molts through the hindgut and spread across the integument as a coating. In females with developing eggs the same cells switch to producing rod-like brochosomes of 3.5-11.0 microm in length, which are used to powder the oviposition sites. The transition involves a dramatic change in morphogenesis of the secretory particles. Both types of brochosomes derive from homogenous condensing Golgi granules and acquire their definitive structure as a result of growth, differentiation of the contents into a wall and a core, and development of a lattice of surface invaginations. Final stages of this process take place in Golgi-derived vacuoles. In the development of rod-like brochosomes the condensing granules coalesce into masses several times larger than nascent spherical type. These giant granules flatten, then become doughnut-shaped and finally break open into a pair of linear particles. Whether the chemical composition differs between the two types of brochosomes remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Rakitov
- Center for Biodiversity, Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign 61820, USA.
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