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Komisarczuk AZ, Kongshaug H, Li M, Nilsen F. RNAi mediated myosuppressin deficiency affects muscle development and survival in the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Sci Rep 2019; 9:6944. [PMID: 31061463 PMCID: PMC6502818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43515-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle activity is regulated by stimulatory and inhibitory neuropeptides allowing for contraction and relaxation. In Arthropods, one of the important myoinhibitors is Myosuppressin, belonging to FMRFamide-like peptides, that was shown to have inhibitory effects on visceral muscle contraction and to regulate vital physiological processes including reproduction or feeding. We have identified myosuppressin in salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis (LsalMS) and systematically characterised its function and complex abnormalities emerging after LsalMS knockdown by RNAi in all developmental stages in this species. Immunohistochemistry analysis localized the LsalMS mainly to the central nervous system, but also to the vital organs within the alimentary tract and the reproductive system. The most striking feature of LsalMS deficiency during lice development was severe reduction of the muscle content, with abnormalities detected in both the visceral and skeletal muscles. Moreover, down-regulation of LsalMS affects moulting, spermatophore deposition and feeding by affecting development of the intestinal wall and increasing its contraction frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Z Komisarczuk
- Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 53 A/B, 5008, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Heidi Kongshaug
- Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 53 A/B, 5008, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, and State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Frank Nilsen
- Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 53 A/B, 5008, Bergen, Norway
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2
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Procházka E, Michalková V, Daubnerová I, Roller L, Klepsatel P, Žitňan D, Tsiamis G, Takáč P. Gene expression in reproductive organs of tsetse females - initial data in an approach to reduce fecundity. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:144. [PMID: 30470199 PMCID: PMC6251150 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomes, and their vectorial capacity results in a major public health emergency and vast economic losses in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the limited ability of trypanosome prevention and eradication, tsetse vectors remain major targets of control efforts. Larvae of all three instars are developed in mothers' uteri, nourished through milk, and 'larviposited' shortly before pupation. The past few years have witnessed the emergence of approaches based on knockdown of genes involved in milk production, resulting in a significant reduction of fecundity. RESULTS In order to identify further genes applicable in the control of tsetse flies, we determined the expression of protein-coding genes in ovaries and uteri from both virgin and heavily pregnant Glossina morsitans morsitans females. Comparison of expression profiles allowed us to identify candidate genes with increased expression in pregnant individuals. Lists with the highest increases include genes involved in oocyte and embryonic development, or nourishment. Maximum ovarian fold change does not exceed 700, while the highest uterine fold change reaches to more than 4000. Relatively high fold changes of two neuropeptide receptors (for corazonin and myosuppressin) propose the corresponding genes alternative targets. CONCLUSIONS Given the higher fold changes in the uterus, targeting gene expression in this tissue may result in a more evident reduction of fecundity. However, ovaries should not be neglected, as manifested by several genes with top fold changes involved in early developmental stages. Apart from focusing on the highest fold changes, neuropeptide receptors with moderate increases in expression should be also verified as targets, given their roles in mediating the tissue control. However, this data needs to be considered initial, and the potential of these genes in affecting female fecundity needs to be verified experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Procházka
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Michalková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Daubnerová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Roller
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Klepsatel
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žitňan
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - George Tsiamis
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, 2 Georgiou Seferi St, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Peter Takáč
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia. .,Scientica, Ltd., Hybešova 33, 831 06, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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3
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Lubawy J, Marciniak P, Kuczer M, Rosiński G. Myotropic activity of allatostatins in tenebrionid beetles. Neuropeptides 2018; 70:26-36. [PMID: 29776677 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides control the functioning of the nervous system of insects, and they are the most diverse signalling molecules in terms of structure and function. Allatostatins are pleiotropic neuropeptides that are considered potent myoinhibitors of muscle contractions in insects. We investigated the effects caused by three distinct allatostatins, Dippu-AST1 (LYDFGL-NH2 from Diploptera punctata), Grybi-MIP1 (GWQDLNGGW-NH2 from Gryllus bimaculatus) and Trica-ASTC (pESRYRQCYFNPISCF-OH from Tribolium castaneum) on contractile activity of the myocardium, oviduct and hindgut of two tenebrionid beetles, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas atratus. Studies showed that all three peptides exerted myostimulatory effects on the oviduct and hindgut of the beetles, however they did not cause any effect on myocardium. The effects of Dippu-AST1, Grybi-MIP1 and Trica-ASTC were dose-dependent and tissue and species specific. The highest stimulatory effect was caused by Trica-ASTC, showing stimulation of approximately 82% at a 10-12 M concentration and 76% at a 10-11 M concentration for T. molitor and Z. atratus, respectively. The oviduct of T. molitor was more susceptible to allatostatins than that of Z. atratus. Dippu-AST1 showed the maximum stimulating effect at 10-11 M (57%), whereas Grybi-MIP 1 at 10-10 M caused a 41% stimulation. Trica-ASTC, in both species, showed a myostimulatory effect over the whole range of tested concentrations but was most potent at a 10-12 M concentration and caused a 54% and 31.9% increase in the frequency of contractions in the oviduct of T. molitor and Z. atratus, respectively. The results suggest that allatostatins may affect the regulation of egg movement within the oviducts and movement of food in the digestive tract of beetles and do not regulate directly the activity of heart, thus being good candidate compounds in neuropeptides based pest control agents in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89 Str, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89 Str, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University, F. Joliot-Curie 14D Str, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89 Str, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Solari P, Rivelli N, De Rose F, Picciau L, Murru L, Stoffolano JG, Liscia A. Opposite effects of 5-HT/AKH and octopamine on the crop contractions in adult Drosophila melanogaster: Evidence of a double brain-gut serotonergic circuitry. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174172. [PMID: 28334024 PMCID: PMC5363830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study showed that in adult Drosophila melanogaster, the type of sugar-either present within the crop lumen or in the bathing solution of the crop-had no effect on crop muscle contraction. What is important, however, is the volume within the crop lumen. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that exogenous applications of serotonin on crop muscles increases both the amplitude and the frequency of crop contraction rate, while adipokinetic hormone mainly enhances the crop contraction frequency. Conversely, octopamine virtually silenced the overall crop activity. The present study reports for the first time an analysis of serotonin effects along the gut-brain axis in adult D. melanogaster. Injection of serotonin into the brain between the interocellar area shows that brain applications of serotonin decrease the frequency of crop activity. Based on our results, we propose that there are two different, opposite pathways for crop motility control governed by serotonin: excitatory when added in the abdomen (i.e., directly bathing the crop) and inhibitory when supplied within the brain (i.e., by injection). Finally, our results point to a double brain-gut serotonergic circuitry suggesting that not only the brain can affect gut functions, but the gut can also affect the central nervous system. On the basis of our results, and data in the literature, a possible mechanism for these two discrete serotonergic functions is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Solari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Nicholas Rivelli
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, College of Natural Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Francescaelena De Rose
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Lorenzo Picciau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Ludovico Murru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - John G. Stoffolano
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, College of Natural Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Anna Liscia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, Monserrato (CA), Italy
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5
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Elevated extension of longevity by cyclically heat stressing a set of recombinant inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster throughout their adult life. Biogerontology 2016; 17:883-892. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-016-9658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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6
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Fuller ZL, Niño EL, Patch HM, Bedoya-Reina OC, Baumgarten T, Muli E, Mumoki F, Ratan A, McGraw J, Frazier M, Masiga D, Schuster S, Grozinger CM, Miller W. Genome-wide analysis of signatures of selection in populations of African honey bees (Apis mellifera) using new web-based tools. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:518. [PMID: 26159619 PMCID: PMC4496815 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1712-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the development of inexpensive, high-throughput sequencing technologies, it has become feasible to examine questions related to population genetics and molecular evolution of non-model species in their ecological contexts on a genome-wide scale. Here, we employed a newly developed suite of integrated, web-based programs to examine population dynamics and signatures of selection across the genome using several well-established tests, including FST, pN/pS, and McDonald-Kreitman. We applied these techniques to study populations of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in East Africa. In Kenya, there are several described A. mellifera subspecies, which are thought to be localized to distinct ecological regions. Results We performed whole genome sequencing of 11 worker honey bees from apiaries distributed throughout Kenya and identified 3.6 million putative single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The dense coverage allowed us to apply several computational procedures to study population structure and the evolutionary relationships among the populations, and to detect signs of adaptive evolution across the genome. While there is considerable gene flow among the sampled populations, there are clear distinctions between populations from the northern desert region and those from the temperate, savannah region. We identified several genes showing population genetic patterns consistent with positive selection within African bee populations, and between these populations and European A. mellifera or Asian Apis florea. Conclusions These results lay the groundwork for future studies of adaptive ecological evolution in honey bees, and demonstrate the use of new, freely available web-based tools and workflows (http://usegalaxy.org/r/kenyanbee) that can be applied to any model system with genomic information. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1712-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L Fuller
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Elina L Niño
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Harland M Patch
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Oscar C Bedoya-Reina
- Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Tracey Baumgarten
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Elliud Muli
- Department of Biological Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), P.O. Box 170-90200, Kitui, Kenya.
| | - Fiona Mumoki
- The International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Aakrosh Ratan
- Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - John McGraw
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Maryann Frazier
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Daniel Masiga
- The International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Stephen Schuster
- Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Christina M Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Webb Miller
- Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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7
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Kiss B, Szlanka T, Zvara Á, Žurovec M, Sery M, Kakaš Š, Ramasz B, Hegedűs Z, Lukacsovich T, Puskás L, Fónagy A, Kiss I. Selective elimination/RNAi silencing of FMRF-related peptides and their receptors decreases the locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 191:137-45. [PMID: 23770020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 01/05/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Five neuropeptide genes are classified in the FMRF-related (FaRP) group: the Fmrf, dromyosuppressin (Dms), drosulfakinin (Dsk), neuropeptide F (npf) and short neuropeptide F (sNPF) genes coding for 8, 1, 2, 1 and 4 peptides, respectively. In order to compare their effects on the locomotor activity of Drosophila adults, we made RNAi knockdown of the peptides and their specific receptor genes. In addition, we constructed Gal4 drivers with three distinct parts of the Fmrf gene's 5' regulatory sequence (RS8-Gal4, RS11-Gal4, RS17-Gal4), and used them to ablate FMRF-positive neurons inducing apoptosis by expressing the reaper (rpr) gene. We examined the locomotor activity of flies by measuring the mean velocity of movement (MVM) following repeated air-puffs. Locomotor activity was decreased by RNAi knockdown induced in the CNS by the elav-Gal4 driver. According to the MVM curve profiles, RNAi knockdown most effectively decreased the velocity when the DmsR-1 and DmsR-2 genes were silenced together (DmsR-1-RNAi/elav-Gal4; DmsR-2-RNAi/+). Similar effect was observed in Dsk-RNAi/ elav-Gal4; DskR-2-RNAi/+, while moderate effects were found in three other combinations (Fmrf-RNAi/elav-Gal4; FR-RNAi/+, Dms-RNAi/ elav-Gal4;DmsR-2-RNAi/+, CCKLR-17D1-RNAi/elav-Gal4; CCKLR-17D3-RNAi/+), and weak effect in DmsR-2-RNAi/elav-Gal4; DmsR-1-RNAi/+. Male and female flies were not different in this respect. In the cell ablation experiment, the MVM profiles of the female flies were different from the controls when the UAS-rpr transgene was driven by RS8-Gal4 or RS17-Gal4. The RS11-Gal4 and Fmrf-Gal4 drivers were ineffective. In the males only the RS17-Gal4 showed a weak effect. RNAi silencing of the FaRP and FaRP-receptor genes effectively decreased the startle-induced locomotor activity of flies. Ablation of FMRF-positive neurons by the RS8-Gal4 and/or RS17-Gal4 drivers also decreased the flies' activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Kiss
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
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8
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Audsley N, Vandersmissen HP, Weaver R, Dani P, Matthews J, Down R, Vuerinckx K, Kim YJ, Vanden Broeck J. Characterisation and tissue distribution of the PISCF allatostatin receptor in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 43:65-74. [PMID: 23085356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The insect PISCF/allatostatins (ASTs) are pleiotropic peptides that are involved in the regulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis, are myoinhibitory on the gut and the heart, and suppress feeding in various insects, but their roles in beetles are poorly understood. To provide further insight into the significance of PISCF/ASTs in beetles, the PISCF/AST receptor from Tribolium castaneum has been characterised and its tissue distribution determined. The biological activity of the T. castaneum PISCF/AST (Trica-AS) was also investigated. The Trica-AS receptor shows high sequence homology to other insect PISCF/AST receptors, which are related to the mammalian somatostatin/opioid receptors, a family of G protein-coupled receptors. The Trica-AS receptor was activated in a dose-dependent manner by both Trica-AS and T. castaneum allatostatin double C (Trica-ASTCC) as well as Manduca sexta-allatostatin (Manse-AS). Other allatoregulatory peptides (a FLG/AST, a MIP/AST and an allatotropin) and somatostatin(14) were inactive on this receptor. Receptor transcript levels in tissues, determined by qRT-PCR, were highest in the head and the gut, with variable amounts in the fat body and reproductive organs. There were measurable differences in receptor levels of the head, fat body and reproductive organs between males and females. There was also a widespread distribution of Trica-AS in various tissues of T. castaneum. The Trica-AS peptide precursor was most abundant in the head and there was a significant difference between levels in the heads and reproductive organs of males and females. Whole mount immunocytochemistry localised Trica-AS in the median and lateral neurosecretory cells of the brain, in the corpus cardiacum and throughout the ventral nerve cord. The peptide was also present in midgut neurosecretory cells, but no immunostaining was detected in the reproductive organs or Malpighian tubules. The widespread distribution of both Trica-AS and its receptor suggest this peptide may have multiple roles in beetles. However, Trica-AS had no effect on the spontaneous contractions of the gut or ovaries of T. castaneum but this peptide did stimulate the release of proteases from the anterior midgut of another beetle, Tenebrio molitor. The activation of the Trica-AS receptor by Trica-ASTCC implies a physiological role for this peptide in beetles, which remains to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Audsley
- The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK.
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Drosophila metalloproteases in development and differentiation: The role of ADAM proteins and their relatives. Eur J Cell Biol 2011; 90:770-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2011.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Papaefthimiou C, Theophilidis G. Octopamine--a single modulator with double action on the heart of two insect species (Apis mellifera macedonica and Bactrocera oleae): Acceleration vs. inhibition. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:316-325. [PMID: 21147117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2010] [Revised: 11/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The effects of octopamine, the main cardioacceleratory transmitter in insects, were investigated, in the isolated hearts of the honeybee, Apis mellifera macedonica, and the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae. Octopamine induced a biphasic effect on the frequency and force of cardiac contractions acting as an agonist, with a strong acceleratory effect, at concentrations higher than 10(-12)M for the honeybee and higher than 50×10(-9)M for the olive fruit fly. The heart of the honeybee is far more sensitive than the heart of olive fruit fly. This unusual sensitivity is extended to the blockers of octopaminergic receptors, where phentolamine at 10(-5)M stopped the spontaneous contractions of the honeybee heart completely and permanently, while the same blocker at the same concentration caused only 50% inhibition in the heart of the olive fruit fly. Phentolamine and mianserin at low concentrations of 10(-7)M also blocked the heart octopaminergic receptors, but for a short period of time, of less than 15.0 min, while a partial recovery in heart contraction started in spite of the presence of the antagonist. The unusual response of the honeybee heart in the presence of phentolamine and/or mianserin suggests excitatory effects of octopamine via two different receptor subtypes. At lower concentrations, 10(-14)M, the agonist octopamine was converted to an antagonist, inducing a hyperpolarization in the membrane potential of the honeybee cardiac pacemaker cells and inhibiting the firing rate of the heart. The inhibitory effects of octopamine on certain parameters of the rhythmic bursts of the heart of the honeybee, were similar to those of mianserin and phentolamine, typical blockers of octopaminergic receptors. The heart of the olive fruit fly was 10(5) times less sensitive to octopamine, since a persistent inhibition of heart contractions occurred at 10(-9)M. In conclusion, the acceleration of the insect heart is achieved by increasing the levels of octopamine, while there is a passive but also an active decrease in heart activity due to the minimization of octopamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisovalantis Papaefthimiou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Hellas, Greece.
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NICHOLS RUTHANN, BENDENA WILLIAMG, TOBE STEPHENS. Myotropic Peptides in Drosophila Melanogaster And The Genes That Encode Them. J Neurogenet 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/01677060290024592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- RUTHANN NICHOLS
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | | | - STEPHEN S. TOBE
- Zoology Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
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12
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Angioy AM, Muroni P, Barbarossa IT, McCormick J, Nichols R. Evidence dromyosuppressin acts at posterior and anterior pacemakers to decrease the fast and the slow cardiac activity in the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae. Peptides 2007; 28:585-93. [PMID: 17141921 PMCID: PMC3422744 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2006] [Revised: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 10/30/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The molecular complexity of the simple blowfly heart makes it an attractive preparation to delineate cardiovascular mechanisms. Blowfly cardiac activity consists of a fast, high-frequency signal phase alternating with a slow, low-frequency signal phase triggered by pacemakers located in the posterior abdominal heart and anterior thoracocephalic aorta, respectively. Mechanisms underlying FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs) effects on heart contractions are not well understood. Here, we report antisera generated to a FaRP, dromyosuppressin (DMS, TDVDHVFLRFamide), recognized neuronal processes that innervated the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae heart and aorta. Dromyosuppressin caused a reversible cardiac arrest. High- and low-frequency signals were abolished after which they resumed; however, the concentration-dependent resumption of the fast phase differed from the slow phase. Dromyosuppressin decreased the frequency of cardiac activity in a dose-dependent manner with threshold values between 5 fM and 0.5 fM (fast phase), and 0.5 fM and 0.1 fM (slow phase). Dromyosuppressin structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the decrease of the fast-phase frequency was not the same as the SAR for the decrease of the slow-phase frequency. The alanyl-substituted analog TDVDHVFLAFamide ([Ala9] DMS) was inactive on the fast phase, but active on the slow phase, a novel finding. FaRPs including myosuppressins are reported to require the C-terminal RFamide for activity. Our data are consistent with the conclusions DMS acts on posterior and anterior cardiac tissue to play a role in regulating the fast and slow phases of cardiac activity, respectively, and ligand-receptor binding requirements of the abdominal and thoracocephalic pacemakers are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Angioy
- Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Fisiologia Generale, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Muroni
- Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Fisiologia Generale, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Fisiologia Generale, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jennifer McCormick
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0606 USA
| | - Ruthann Nichols
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0606 USA
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Yu Y, Jawa A, Pan W, Kastin AJ. Effects of peptides, with emphasis on feeding, pain, and behavior A 5-year (1999-2003) review of publications in Peptides. Peptides 2004; 25:2257-89. [PMID: 15572212 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2004] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Novel effects of naturally occurring peptides are continuing to be discovered, and their mechanisms of actions as well as interactions with other substances, organs, and systems have been elucidated. Synthetic analogs may have actions similar or antagonistic to the endogenous peptides, and both the native peptides and analogs have potential as drugs or drug targets. The journal Peptides publishes many leading articles on the structure-activity relationship of peptides as well as outstanding reviews on some families of peptides. Complementary to the reviews, here we extract information from the original papers published during the past five years in Peptides (1999-2003) to summarize the effects of different classes of peptides, their modulation by other chemicals and various pathophysiological states, and the mechanisms by which the effects are exerted. Special attention is given to peptides related to feeding, pain, and other behaviors. By presenting in condensed form the effects of peptides which are essential for systems biology, we hope that this summary of existing knowledge will encourage additional novel research to be presented in Peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Yu
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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14
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Mispelon M, Thakur K, Chinn L, Owen R, Nichols R. A nonpeptide provides insight into mechanisms that regulate Drosophila melanogaster heart contractions. Peptides 2003; 24:1599-605. [PMID: 14706539 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2003.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Here we report the effect of a nonpeptide, benzethonium chloride (bztc), on Drosophila melanogaster larval, pupal, and adult heart rates in vivo. Benzethonium chloride reduced the frequency of spontaneous contractions in the D. melanogaster pupal heart, but not in the larval heart or the adult heart as measured in noninvasive whole animal preparations. When applied directly to the D. melanogaster heart, in the absence of hemolymph, bztc reduced the frequency of spontaneous contractions in larval, pupal, and adult hearts. These findings are consistent with the conclusion that bztc acts through or is regulated by different mechanisms in these three developmental stages. An alternative explanation is that larval hemolymph and adult hemolymph contain a material that interferes with the effect of the nonpeptide on heart contractions. Bztc mimicked the effect of the peptide dromyosuppressin (DMS) on the heart at an equivalent concentration; in contrast, 103-fold more nonpeptide is required to mimic the effect of DMS on fly gut. These findings are consistent with the presence of tissue-specific myosuppressin receptors or mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Mispelon
- Undergraduate Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, 4444 Medical Sciences Building I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0606, USA
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15
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Nichols R. Signaling pathways and physiological functions of Drosophila melanogaster FMRFamide-related peptides. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2002; 48:485-503. [PMID: 12414735 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.48.091801.112525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs) contain a C-terminal RFamide but unique N-terminal extensions. They are expressed throughout the animal kingdom and affect numerous biological activities. Like other animal species, Drosophila melanogaster contains multiple genes that encode different FaRPs. The ease of genetic manipulations, the availability of genomic sequence data, the existence of established bioassays, and its short lifespan make D. melanogaster a versatile experimental organism in which to investigate peptide processing, functions, and signal transduction pathways. Here, the structures, precursor organizations, distributions, and activities of FaRPs encoded by D. melanogaster FMRFamide (dFMRFamide), myosuppressin (Dms), and sulfakinin (Dsk) genes are reviewed, and predictions are made on their signaling pathways and biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthann Nichols
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0606, USA.
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