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Leyria J. Endocrine factors modulating vitellogenesis and oogenesis in insects: An update. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 587:112211. [PMID: 38494046 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The endocrine system plays a pivotal role in shaping the mechanisms that ensure successful reproduction. With over a million known insect species, understanding the endocrine control of reproduction has become increasingly complex. Some of the key players include the classic insect lipid hormones juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids, and neuropeptides such as insulin-like peptides (ILPs). Individual endocrine factors not only modulate their own target tissue but also play crucial roles in crosstalk among themselves, ensuring successful vitellogenesis and oogenesis. Recent advances in omics, gene silencing, and genome editing approaches have accelerated research, offering both fundamental insights and practical applications for studying in-depth endocrine signaling pathways. This review provides an updated and integrated view of endocrine factors modulating vitellogenesis and oogenesis in insect females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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Casuso A, Benavente BP, Leal Y, Carrera-Naipil C, Valenzuela-Muñoz V, Gallardo-Escárate C. Sex-Biased Transcription Expression of Vitellogenins Reveals Fusion Gene and MicroRNA Regulation in the Sea Louse Caligus rogercresseyi. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 26:243-260. [PMID: 38294574 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10291-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The caligid ectoparasite, Caligus rogercresseyi, is one of the main concerns in the Chilean salmon industry. The molecular mechanisms displayed by the parasite during the reproductive process represent an opportunity for developing novel control strategies. Vitellogenin is a multifunctional protein recognized as a critical player in several crustaceans' biological processes, including reproduction, embryonic development, and immune response. This study aimed to characterize the C. rogercresseyi vitellogenins, including discovering novel transcripts and regulatory mechanisms associated with microRNAs. Herein, vitellogenin genes were identified by homology analysis using the reference sea louse genome, transcriptome database, and arthropods vitellogenin-protein database. The validation of expression transcripts was conducted by RNA nanopore sequencing technology. Moreover, fusion gene profiling, miRNA target analysis, and functional validation were performed using luciferase assay. Six putative vitellogenin genes were identified in the C. rogercresseyi genome with high homology with other copepods vitellogenins. Furthermore, miR-996 showed a putative role in regulating the Cr_Vitellogenin1 gene, which is highly expressed in females. Moreover, vitellogenin-fusion genes were identified in adult stages and highly regulated in males, demonstrating sex-related expression patterns. In females, the identified fusion genes merged with several non-vitellogenin genes involved in biological processes of ribosome assembly, BMP signaling pathway, and biosynthetic processes. This study reports the genome array of vitellogenins in C. rogercresseyi for the first time, revealing the putative role of fusion genes and miRNA regulation in sea lice biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Casuso
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Bárbara P Benavente
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Yeny Leal
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Crisleri Carrera-Naipil
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Valentina Valenzuela-Muñoz
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Cristian Gallardo-Escárate
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Department of Oceanography, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Taracena-Agarwal ML, Hixson B, Nandakumar S, Girard-Mejia AP, Chen RY, Huot L, Padilla N, Buchon N. The midgut epithelium of mosquitoes adjusts cell proliferation and endoreplication to respond to physiological challenges. BMC Biol 2024; 22:22. [PMID: 38281940 PMCID: PMC10823748 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01769-x] [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] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematophagous mosquitoes transmit many pathogens that cause human diseases. Pathogen acquisition and transmission occur when female mosquitoes blood feed to acquire nutrients for reproduction. The midgut epithelium of mosquitoes serves as the point of entry for transmissible viruses and parasites. RESULTS We studied midgut epithelial dynamics in five major mosquito vector species by quantifying PH3-positive cells (indicative of mitotic proliferation), the incorporation of nucleotide analogs (indicative of DNA synthesis accompanying proliferation and/or endoreplication), and the ploidy (by flow cytometry) of cell populations in the posterior midgut epithelium of adult females. Our results show that the epithelial dynamics of post-emergence maturation and of mature sugar-fed guts were similar in members of the Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles genera. In the first three days post-emergence, ~ 20% of cells in the posterior midgut region of interest incorporated nucleotide analogs, concurrent with both proliferative activity and a broad shift toward higher ploidy. In mature mosquitoes maintained on sugar, an average of 3.5% of cells in the posterior midgut region of interest incorporated nucleotide analogs from five to eight days post-emergence, with a consistent presence of mitotic cells indicating constant cell turnover. Oral bacterial infection triggered a sharp increase in mitosis and nucleotide analog incorporation, suggesting that the mosquito midgut undergoes accelerated cellular turnover in response to damage. Finally, blood feeding resulted in an increase in cell proliferation, but the nature and intensity of the response varied by mosquito species and by blood source (human, bovine, avian or artificial). In An. gambiae, enterocytes appeared to reenter the cell cycle to increase ploidy after consuming blood from all sources except avian. CONCLUSIONS We saw that epithelial proliferation, differentiation, and endoreplication reshape the blood-fed gut to increase ploidy, possibly to facilitate increased metabolic activity. Our results highlight the plasticity of the midgut epithelium in mosquitoes' physiological responses to distinct challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Taracena-Agarwal
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - B Hixson
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - S Nandakumar
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - A P Girard-Mejia
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Vectores, Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, 01015, Guatemala
| | - R Y Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - L Huot
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - N Padilla
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Vectores, Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, 01015, Guatemala
| | - N Buchon
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA.
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Yuan H, Cai P, Zhang W, Jin S, Jiang S, Xiong Y, Gong Y, Qiao H, Fu H. Identification of genes regulated by 20-Hydroxyecdysone in Macrobrachium nipponense using comparative transcriptomic analysis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:35. [PMID: 38183039 PMCID: PMC10768235 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09927-9] [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] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrobrachium nipponense is a freshwater prawn of economic importance in China. Its reproductive molt is crucial for seedling rearing and directly impacts the industry's economic efficiency. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) controls various physiological behaviors in crustaceans, among which is the initiation of molt. Previous studies have shown that 20E plays a vital role in regulating molt and oviposition in M. nipponense. However, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the reproductive molt and role of 20E in M. nipponense is still limited. RESULTS A total of 240.24 Gb of data was obtained from 18 tissue samples by transcriptome sequencing, with > 6 Gb of clean reads per sample. The efficiency of comparison with the reference transcriptome ranged from 87.05 to 92.48%. A total of 2532 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Eighty-seven DEGs associated with molt or 20E were screened in the transcriptomes of the different tissues sampled in both the experimental and control groups. The reliability of the RNA sequencing data was confirmed using Quantitative Real-Time PCR. The expression levels of the eight strong candidate genes showed significant variation at the different stages of molt. CONCLUSION This study established the first transcriptome library for the different tissues of M. nipponense in response to 20E and demonstrated the dominant role of 20E in the molting process of this species. The discovery of a large number of 20E-regulated strong candidate DEGs further confirms the extensive regulatory role of 20E and provides a foundation for the deeper understanding of its molecular regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huwei Yuan
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Shubo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Sufei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Yiwei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Hui Qiao
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China.
| | - Hongtuo Fu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, 214081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China.
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Choi DY, Mo HH, Park Y. Different development and fecundity between Spodoptera frugiperda USA and China populations, influenced by ecdysone-related genes. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22074. [PMID: 38288488 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most harmful plant pests in the world and is globally distributed from the American continent to the Asian region. The FAW USA population (Sf-USA) and China population (Sf-CHN), which belong to corn strain, showed different developmental periods and fecundity rates in lab conditions. Sf-USA had faster development and higher fecundity compared with Sf-CHN. To examine these differences, transcriptomic data from two FAW populations were analyzed and compared. Twelve gigabytes of transcripts were read from each sample and 21,258 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. DEGs with log2 fold change ≥ 2 were identified and compared in two populations. In comparison to the Sf-CHN, we discovered that 3471 and 3851 individual DEGs upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Comparing transcriptome profiles for differential gene expression revealed several DEGs, including 39 of ecdysone (E)-, 25 of juvenile hormone-, and 15 of insulin-related genes. We selected six of E-related genes, such as Neverland, Shade, Ecdysone receptor, Ecdysone-inducible protein 74 (E74), E75, and E78 from DEGs. Gene expressions were suppressed by RNA interference to confirm the physiological functions of the selected genes from Sf-USA. The Sf-USA showed developmental retardation and a decrease in fecundity rate by suppression of E-related genes. These findings show that biological characteristics between Sf-USA and Sf-CHN are influenced by E-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du-Yeol Choi
- Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Ho Mo
- Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Korea
| | - Youngjin Park
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
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Magistrado D, El-Dougdoug NK, Short SM. Sugar restriction and blood ingestion shape divergent immune defense trajectories in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12368. [PMID: 37524824 PMCID: PMC10390476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune defense is comprised of (1) resistance: the ability to reduce pathogen load, and (2) tolerance: the ability to limit the disease severity induced by a given pathogen load. The study of tolerance in the field of animal immunity is fairly nascent in comparison to resistance. Consequently, studies which examine immune defense comprehensively (i.e. considering both resistance and tolerance in conjunction) are uncommon, despite their exigency in achieving a thorough understanding of immune defense. Furthermore, understanding tolerance in arthropod disease vectors is uniquely relevant, as tolerance is essential to the cyclical transmission of pathogens by arthropods. Here, we tested the effect(s) of dietary sucrose concentration and blood ingestion on resistance and tolerance to Escherichia coli infection in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Resistance and tolerance were measured concurrently and at multiple timepoints. We found that mosquitoes from the restricted sugar treatment displayed enhanced resistance at all timepoints post-infection compared to those from the laboratory standard sugar treatment. Blood also improved resistance, but only early post-infection. While sucrose restriction had no effect on tolerance, we show that consuming blood prior to bacterial infection ameliorates a temporal decline in tolerance that mosquitoes experience when provided with only sugar meals. Taken together, our findings indicate that different dietary components can have unique and sometimes temporally dynamic impacts on resistance and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dom Magistrado
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Noha K El-Dougdoug
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Sarah M Short
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Benrabaa S, Orchard I, Lange AB. A critical role for ecdysone response genes in regulating egg production in adult female Rhodnius prolixus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283286. [PMID: 36940230 PMCID: PMC10027210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids control ovary growth and egg production through a complex gene hierarchy. In the female Rhodnius prolixus, a blood-gorging triatomine and the vector of Chagas disease, we have identified the ecdysone response genes in the ovary using transcriptomic data. We then quantified the expression of the ecdysone response gene transcripts (E75, E74, BR-C, HR3, HR4, and FTZ-F1) in several tissues, including the ovary, following a blood meal. These results confirm the presence of these transcripts in several tissues in R. prolixus and show that the ecdysone response genes in the ovary are mostly upregulated during the first three days post blood meal (PBM). Knockdown of E75, E74, or FTZ-F1 transcripts using RNA interference (RNAi) was used to understand the role of the ecdysone response genes in vitellogenesis and egg production. Knockdown significantly decreases the expression of the transcripts for the ecdysone receptor and Halloween genes in the fat body and the ovaries and reduces the titer of ecdysteroid in the hemolymph. Knockdown of each of these transcription factors typically alters the expression of the other transcription factors. Knockdown also significantly decreases the expression of vitellogenin transcripts, Vg1 and Vg2, in the fat body and ovaries and reduces the number of eggs produced and laid. Some of the laid eggs have an irregular shape and smaller volume, and their hatching rate is decreased. Knockdown also influences the expression of the chorion gene transcripts Rp30 and Rp45. The overall effect of knockdown is a decrease in number of eggs produced and a severe reduction in number of eggs laid and their hatching rate. Clearly, ecdysteroids and ecdysone response genes play a significant role in reproduction in R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiha Benrabaa
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Wolbachia inhibits ovarian formation and increases blood feeding rate in female Aedes aegypti. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010913. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia, a gram-negative endosymbiotic bacterium widespread in arthropods, is well-known for changing the reproduction of its host in ways that increase its rate of spread, but there are also costs to hosts that can reduce this. Here we investigated a novel reproductive alteration of Wolbachia wAlbB on its host Aedes aegypti, using studies on mosquito life history traits, ovarian dissection, as well as gene expression assays. We found that an extended period of the larval stage as well as the egg stage (as previously shown) can increase the proportion of Wolbachia-infected females that become infertile; an effect which was not observed in uninfected females. Infertile females had incomplete ovarian formation and also showed a higher frequency of blood feeding following a prior blood meal, indicating that they do not enter a complete gonotrophic cycle. Treatments leading to infertility also decreased the expression of genes related to reproduction, especially the vitellogenin receptor gene whose product regulates the uptake of vitellogenin (Vg) into ovaries. Our results demonstrate effects associated with the development of infertility in wAlbB-infected Ae. aegypti females with implications for Wolbachia releases. The results also have implications for the evolution of Wolbachia infections in novel hosts.
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Choi DY, Kim Y. Transcriptome analysis of female western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, exhibiting neo-panoistic ovarian development. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272399. [PMID: 35913957 PMCID: PMC9342723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is one of the most devastating insect pests with explosive reproductive potential. However, its reproductive physiological processes are not well understood. This study reports the ovarian development and associated transcriptomes of F. occidentalis. Each ovary consisted of four ovarioles, each of which contained a maximum of nine follicles in the vitellarium. The germarium consisted of several dividing cells forming a germ cell cluster, presumably consisting of oocytes and nurse cells. The nurse cells were restricted to the germarium while the subsequent follicles did not possess nurse cells or a nutritive cord, supporting the neo-panoistic ovariole usually found in thysanopteran insects. Oocyte development was completed 72 h after adult emergence (AAE). Transcriptome analysis was performed at mid (36 h AAE) and late (60 h AAE) ovarian developmental stages using RNA sequencing (RNASeq) technology. More than 120 million reads per replication were matched to ≈ 15,000 F. occidentalis genes. Almost 500 genes were differentially expressed at each of the mid and late ovarian developmental stages. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with metabolic pathways along with protein and nucleic acid biosynthesis. In both ovarian developmental stages, vitellogenin, mucin, and chorion genes were highly (> 8-fold) expressed. Endocrine signals associated with ovarian development were further investigated from the DEGs. Insulin and juvenile hormone signals were upregulated only at 36 h AAE, whereas the ecdysteroid signal was highly maintained at 60 h AAE. This study reports the transcriptome associated with the ovarian development of F. occidentalis, which possesses a neo-panoistic ovariole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du-Yeol Choi
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Wang N, Zhang C, Chen M, Shi Z, Zhou Y, Shi X, Zhou W, Zhu Z. Characterization of MicroRNAs Associated with Reproduction in the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7808. [PMID: 35887156 PMCID: PMC9316625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects have a robust capacity to produce offspring for propagation, and the reproductive events of female insects have been achieved at the molecular and physiological levels via regulatory gene pathways. However, the roles of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in the reproductive development of the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, remain largely unexplored. To understand the roles of miRNAs in reproductive development, miRNAs were identified by Solexa sequencing in short-winged (SW) female adults of BPH. Small RNA libraries derived from three developmental phases (1 day, 3 days, and 5 days after emergence) were constructed and sequenced. We identified 905 miRNAs, including 263 known and 642 novel miRNAs. Among them, a total of 43 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the three developmental phases, and 14,568 putative targets for 43 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were predicted by TargetScan and miRanda. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the predicted miRNA targets illustrated the putative roles for these DEMs in reproduction. The progress events were annotated, including oogenesis, lipid biosynthetic process, and related pathways such as apoptosis, ABC transporters, and amino acid metabolism. Four highly abundant DEMs (miR-9a-5p, miR-34-5p, miR-275-3p, and miR-317-3p) were further screened, and miR-34-5p was confirmed to be involved in the regulation of reproduction. Overexpression of miR-34-5p via injecting its mimics reduced fecundity and decreased Vg expression. Moreover, target genes prediction for miR-34-5p showed they might be involved in 20E signaling cascades, apoptosis, and gonadal development, including hormone receptor 4 (HR4), caspase-1 (Cp-1), and spermatogenesis-associated protein 20 (SPATA20). These findings provide a valuable resource for future studies on the role of miRNAs in BPH reproductive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.S.); (X.S.); (W.Z.)
- Hainan Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China;
| | - Chao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.S.); (X.S.); (W.Z.)
- Hainan Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China;
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.S.); (X.S.); (W.Z.)
- Hainan Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China;
| | - Zheyi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.S.); (X.S.); (W.Z.)
- Hainan Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China;
| | - Ying Zhou
- Hainan Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China;
| | - Xiaoxiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.S.); (X.S.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wenwu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.S.); (X.S.); (W.Z.)
- Hainan Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China;
| | - Zengrong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.S.); (X.S.); (W.Z.)
- Hainan Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China;
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He Q, Zhang Y. Kr-h1, a Cornerstone Gene in Insect Life History. Front Physiol 2022; 13:905441. [PMID: 35574485 PMCID: PMC9092015 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.905441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect life cycle is coordinated by hormones and their downstream effectors. Krüppel homolog1 (Kr-h1) is one of the crucial effectors which mediates the actions of the two critical hormones of insects, the juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). It is a transcription factor with a DNA-binding motif of eight C2H2 zinc fingers which is found to be conserved among insect orders. The expression of Kr-h1 is fluctuant during insect development with high abundance in juvenile instars and lower levels in the final instar and pupal stage, and reappearance in adults, which is governed by the coordination of JH, 20E, and miRNAs. The dynamic expression pattern of Kr-h1 is closely linked to its function in the entire life of insects. Over the past several years, accumulating studies have advanced our understanding of the role of Kr-h1 during insect development. It acts as a universal antimetamorphic factor in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous species by directly inhibiting the transcription of 20E signaling genes Broad-Complex (Br-C) and Ecdysone induced protein 93F (E93), and steroidogenic enzyme genes involved in ecdysone biosynthesis. Meanwhile, it promotes vitellogenesis and ovarian development in the majority of studied insects. In addition, Kr-h1 regulates insect behavioral plasticity and caste identity, neuronal morphogenesis, maturation of sexual behavior, as well as embryogenesis and metabolic homeostasis. Hence, Kr-h1 acts as a cornerstone regulator in insect life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu He
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yuanxi Zhang
- Daqing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, Daqing, China
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12
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Maharaj S, Ekoka E, Erlank E, Nardini L, Reader J, Birkholtz LM, Koekemoer LL. The ecdysone receptor regulates several key physiological factors in Anopheles funestus. Malar J 2022; 21:97. [PMID: 35305668 PMCID: PMC8934008 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Malaria is a devastating disease, transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium parasites. Current insecticide-based strategies exist to control the spread of malaria by targeting vectors. However, the increase in insecticide resistance in vector populations hinder the efficacy of these methods. It is, therefore, essential to develop novel vector control methods that efficiently target transmission reducing factors such as vector density and competence. A possible vector control candidate gene, the ecdysone receptor, regulates longevity, reproduction, immunity and other physiological processes in several insects, including malaria vectors. Anopheles funestus is a prominent vector in sub-Saharan Africa, however, the function of the ecdysone receptor in this mosquito has not previously been studied. This study aimed to determine if the ecdysone receptor depletion impacts An. funestus longevity, reproduction and susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infection.
Methods
RNA interference was used to reduce ecdysone receptor expression levels in An. funestus females and investigate how the above-mentioned phenotypes are influenced. Additionally, the expression levels of the ecdysone receptor, and reproduction genes lipophorin and vitellogenin receptor as well as the immune gene, leucine rich immune molecule 9 were determined in ecdysone receptor-depleted mosquitoes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Results
Ecdysone receptor-depleted mosquitoes had a shorter lifespan, impaired oogenesis, were less fertile, and had reduced P. falciparum infection intensity.
Conclusions
Overall, this study provides the first experimental evidence that supports ecdysone receptor as a potential target in the development of vector control measures targeting An. funestus.
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13
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Sahrawat TR, Talwar D, Patial R. Identification of novel-vector control target proteins of Aedes sp.: A Systems Network Biology Approach. BIONATURA 2022. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2022.07.01.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes is an important vector for various viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya and zika, which affect human health globally. Due to regular outbreaks of these diseases worldwide, there is a need to identify essential vector proteins that are critical for the survival of the vector, which may be targeted to control the spread of vector-borne disease (VBD). In silico computational methods involving comparative proteomics, analysis of orthologous proteins common amongst members of Aedes genus and protein-protein interaction (PPI) pathway were used to identify essential proteins that could act as novel therapeutic candidates. Twenty-three conserved proteins between A. aegypti and A. albopictus were identified from a BLASTP search with an e-value threshold of 0.005, and their PPI networks were constructed in the STRING database. The merged network was analyzed using various Cytoscape plugins viz. ClusterONE, Cytohubba and MCODE. Thirty-one hub proteins were identified from the system's network biology analysis, and detailed data and literature mining were carried out. Twelve novel vector-control target proteins of A. aegypti, having no human homologs, were determined in the present study that can effectively act as potential therapeutic candidates for drug design and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammanna R. Sahrawat
- Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, UIEAST, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Devika Talwar
- Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, UIEAST, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ritika Patial
- Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, UIEAST, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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14
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Lu K, Cheng YB, Li YM, Li WR, Song YY, Zeng RS, Sun ZX. The KNRL nuclear receptor controls hydrolase-mediated vitellin breakdown during embryogenesis in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1633-1650. [PMID: 33191602 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Vitellin (Vn) homeostasis is central to the fecundity of oviparous insects. Most studies have focused on the synthesis and transportation of Vn as a building block for developing eggs during vitellogenesis; however, less is known about how the utilization of this nutrient reserve affects embryonic development. Here, we show that the single ortholog of the knirps and knirps-like nuclear receptors, KNRL, negatively regulates Vn breakdown by suppressing the expression of hydrolase genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. KNRL was highly expressed in the ovary of adult females, and knockdown of KNRL by RNA interference resulted in the acceleration of Vn breakdown and the inhibition of embryonic development. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that numerous hydrolase genes, including cathepsins and trypsins were up-regulated after KNRL knockdown. At least eight of the nine significantly enriched Gene Ontology terms for the up-regulated genes were in proteolysis-related categories. The expression levels of five selected trypsin genes and the enzymatic activities of trypsin in the embryos were significantly increased after KNRL knockdown. Moreover, trypsin injection prolonged egg duration, delayed embryonic development, accelerated Vn breakdown and severely reduced egg hatchability, a pattern similar to that observed in KNRL-silenced N. lugens. These observations suggest that KNRL controls Vn breakdown in embryos via the transcriptional inhibition of hydrolases. Generally, this study provides a foundation for understanding how embryo nutrient reserves are mobilized during embryogenesis and identifies several genes and pathways that may prove valuable targets for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Bei Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Min Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ru Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Song
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ren-Sen Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Xiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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15
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Elgendy AM, Mohamed AA, Duvic B, Tufail M, Takeda M. Involvement of Cis-Acting Elements in Molecular Regulation of JH-Mediated Vitellogenin Gene 2 of Female Periplaneta americana. Front Physiol 2021; 12:723072. [PMID: 34526913 PMCID: PMC8435907 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.723072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenins (Vgs) are yolk protein precursors that are regulated by juvenile hormone (JH) and/or 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in insects. JH acts as the principal gonadotropin that stimulates vitellogenesis in hemimetabolous insects. In this study, we cloned and characterized the Periplaneta americana Vitellogenin 2 (Vg2) promoter. Multiple sites for putative transcription factor binding were predicted for the 1,804 bp Vg2 promoter region, such as the Broad-Complex, ecdysone response element (EcRE), GATA, Hairy, JH response element (JHRE), and Methoprene (Met)-binding motif, among others. Luciferase reporter assay has identified that construct -177 bp is enough to support JH III induction but not 20E suppression. This 38 bp region (from -177 to -139 bp) contains two conserved response element half-sites separated by 2 nucleotides spacer (DR2) and is designated as Vg2RE (-168GAGTCACGGAGTCGCCGCTG-149). Mutation assay and luciferase assay data using mutated constructs verified the crucial role of G residues in Vg2RE for binding the isolated fat body nuclear protein. In Sf9 cells, a luciferase reporter placed under the control of a minimal promoter containing Vg2RE was induced by JH III in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nuclear proteins isolated from previtellogenic female fat body cells bound to Vg2RE, and this binding was outcompeted by a 50-fold excess of cold Drosophila melanogaster DR4 and Galleria mellonella JH binding protein response elements (Chorion factor-I/Ultraspiracle). Affinity pull-down experiment with nuclear extracts of previtellogenic female fat body, using 31-bp probe Vg2RE as bait, yielded a 71 kDa candidate nuclear protein that may mediate the regulatory action of the JH III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M Elgendy
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Amr A Mohamed
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan.,Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Makio Takeda
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan
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16
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Wu Q, Zhang G, Chen Y, Yu J, Zhou Y, Shu Z, Ge L. Seed dressing with triflumezopyrim controls brown planthopper populations by inhibiting feeding behavior, fecundity and enhancing rice plant resistance. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:2870-2886. [PMID: 33554424 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triflumezopyrim (TFM), a novel mesoionic insecticide, has high efficiency at a low dosage, and is mainly used to control hopper species. A previous study demonstrated that seed dressing with TFM effectively controlled rice planthopper populations in mechanically transplanted rice fields; however, mode of action for control was unclear. RESULTS The study shows that seed dressing with TFM resulted in elevated levels of oxalic acid, flavonoids, phenolic substances, callose and other compounds associated with Nilaparvata lugens resistance in rice plants, and low TFM residue content in rice plant stem and grain. Host choice behavioral experiments showed that N. lugens females prefer feeding on untreated rice plants. Electrical penetration graph (EPG) data showed that seed dressing with TFM at medium and high doses significantly prolonged the non-probing period and inhibited phloem ingestion in N. lugens females. These changes led to a significant decrease in female secretion of honeydew, expression of genes encoding vitellogenin and juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase, body weight and longevity, and significantly influenced several physiological parameters resulting in impaired oocyte growth, fecundity and population. Field survey data showed that seed dressing with TFM was efficacious and relatively durable in protecting rice plants from infestation by planthoppers. CONCLUSION This study revealed that seed dressing with TFM enhances rice plant resistance to N. lugens by limiting phloem ingestion and increasing the N. lugens non-probing period; this leads to reduced fecundity of females and lowers N. lugens numbers in the field. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wu
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guo Zhang
- Zhenjiang Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Hilly Area of Jiangsu Province, Jurong, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Julong Yu
- Zhenjiang Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Hilly Area of Jiangsu Province, Jurong, China
| | - Yongkai Zhou
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhaolin Shu
- Zhenjiang Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Hilly Area of Jiangsu Province, Jurong, China
| | - Linquan Ge
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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17
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Jin B, Zhao Y, Liu P, Sun Y, Li X, Zhang X, Chen XG, Gu J. The direct regulation of Aalbdsx on AalVgR is indispensable for ovarian development in Aedes albopictus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:1654-1667. [PMID: 33205515 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes albopictus is an important vector with an extensive worldwide distribution. Only female mosquitoes play a significant role in the transmission of pathogens. Doublesex (dsx) is a central nexus gene in the insect somatic sex determination hierarchy. RESULTS In this study, we characterized the full-length sex-specific splicing forms of the Ae. albopictus dsx (Aalbdsx) gene. Then, we identified 15 direct target genes of DSX in adult females using digital gene expression combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) by performing a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay with specific DSX antibodies. Knockdown of Aalbdsx suppressed ovarian development and decreased the transcript levels of the Aalbdsx target vitellogenin receptor (VgR) gene, whereas vitellogenin (Vg) expression showed an increase in the fat body. Genes in the major Vg regulatory pathway were also up-regulated. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that both Vg and VgR are direct target genes of Aalbdsx and that direct regulation of Aalbdsx on VgR is indispensable for ovarian development in Ae. albopictus, which not only provides a reference for the further elucidation of the evolutionarily conserved role of dsx in Ae. albopictus sexual differentiation but also reveals potential molecular targets for application to the development of sterile male mosquitoes to be released for vector control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Jin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiwen Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaocong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Hixson B, Taracena ML, Buchon N. Midgut Epithelial Dynamics Are Central to Mosquitoes' Physiology and Fitness, and to the Transmission of Vector-Borne Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:653156. [PMID: 33842397 PMCID: PMC8027260 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.653156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bretta Hixson
- Department of Entomology. Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Mabel Laline Taracena
- Department of Entomology. Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Department of Entomology. Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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19
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Ito-Harashima S, Yagi T. Reporter gene assays for screening and identification of novel molting hormone- and juvenile hormone-like chemicals. JOURNAL OF PESTICIDE SCIENCE 2021; 46:29-42. [PMID: 33746544 PMCID: PMC7953021 DOI: 10.1584/jpestics.d20-079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A reporter gene assay (RGA) is used to investigate the activity of synthetic chemicals mimicking the molting hormones (MHs) and juvenile hormones (JHs) of insects, so-called insect growth regulators (IGRs). The MH receptor, a heterodimer of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP), and the JH receptor Methoprene-tolerant (Met) are ligand-dependent transcription factors. Ligand-bound EcR-USP and Met bind to specific cis-acting DNA elements, referred to as the ecdysone-responsive element (EcRE) and the JH-responsive element (JHRE), respectively, in order to transactivate target genes. Insect hormone-induced transactivation systems have been reconstituted by the introduction of reporter genes under the control of EcRE and JHRE, or two-hybrid reporter genes, into insect, mammalian, and yeast cells expressing receptor proteins. RGA is easy to use and convenient for examining the MH- and JH-like activities of synthetic chemicals and is suitable for the high-throughput screening of novel structural classes of chemicals targeting EcR-USP and Met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayoko Ito-Harashima
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1–1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai city, Osaka 599–8531, Japan
| | - Takashi Yagi
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1–1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai city, Osaka 599–8531, Japan
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20
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Guo S, Tian Z, Wu QW, King-Jones K, Liu W, Zhu F, Wang XP. Steroid hormone ecdysone deficiency stimulates preparation for photoperiodic reproductive diapause. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009352. [PMID: 33529191 PMCID: PMC7880476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Diapause, a programmed developmental arrest primarily induced by seasonal environmental changes, is very common in the animal kingdom, and found in vertebrates and invertebrates alike. Diapause provides an adaptive advantage to animals, as it increases the odds of surviving adverse conditions. In insects, individuals perceive photoperiodic cues and modify endocrine signaling to direct reproductive diapause traits, such as ovary arrest and increased fat accumulation. However, it remains unclear as to which endocrine factors are involved in this process and how they regulate the onset of reproductive diapause. Here, we found that the long day-mediated drop in the concentration of the steroid hormone ecdysone is essential for the preparation of photoperiodic reproductive diapause in Colaphellus bowringi, an economically important cabbage beetle. The diapause-inducing long-day condition reduced the expression of ecdysone biosynthetic genes, explaining the drop in the titer of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E, the active form of ecdysone) in female adults. Application of exogenous 20E induced vitellogenesis and ovarian development but reduced fat accumulation in the diapause-destined females. Knocking down the ecdysone receptor (EcR) in females destined for reproduction blocked reproductive development and induced diapause traits. RNA-seq and hormone measurements indicated that 20E stimulates the production of juvenile hormone (JH), a key endocrine factor in reproductive diapause. To verify this, we depleted three ecdysone biosynthetic enzymes via RNAi, which confirmed that 20E is critical for JH biosynthesis and reproductive diapause. Importantly, impairing Met function, a component of the JH intracellular receptor, partially blocked the 20E-regulated reproductive diapause preparation, indicating that 20E regulates reproductive diapause in both JH-dependent and -independent manners. Finally, we found that 20E deficiency decreased ecdysis-triggering hormone signaling and reduced JH production, thereby inducing diapause. Together, these results suggest that 20E signaling is a pivotal regulator that coordinates reproductive plasticity in response to environmental inputs. Developmental arrest pervades organismal development and physiology where it facilitates an enormous range of adaptive responses to stressful conditions. Many animals exhibit various forms of developmental arrest that ensures survival under the most adverse environments. Reproductive diapause occurs when adults temporarily suspend reproduction in response to environmental stress and has been documented for a variety of invertebrates, particularly insects. Endocrine signals play a central role in translating environmental cues such as photoperiod into reproductive diapause-related physiology and behavior. However, it has been an unresolved issue as to which endocrine factors can respond to photoperiodic inputs and regulate diapause outputs. In this study, we found that a decrease in ecdysone levels is critical for reproductive diapause to occur. Also, ecdysone could interact with juvenile hormone to regulate the occurrence of reproductive diapause in response to photoperiodic cues. Our findings provide new insight into endocrine mechanisms of photoperiodic reproductive diapause and an example of phenotypic plasticity in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhong Tian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qing-Wen Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Kirst King-Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
- * E-mail: (WL); (X-PW)
| | - Fen Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
- * E-mail: (WL); (X-PW)
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21
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Ekoka E, Maharaj S, Nardini L, Dahan-Moss Y, Koekemoer LL. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling as a promising target for the chemical control of malaria vectors. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:86. [PMID: 33514413 PMCID: PMC7844807 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development and spread of resistance to insecticides among anopheline malaria vectors, the efficacy of current World Health Organization (WHO)-approved insecticides targeting these vectors is under threat. This has led to the development of novel interventions, including improved and enhanced insecticide formulations with new targets or synergists or with added sterilants and/or antimalarials, among others. To date, several studies in mosquitoes have revealed that the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway regulates both vector abundance and competence, two parameters that influence malaria transmission. Therefore, insecticides which target 20E signaling (e.g. methoxyfenozide and halofenozide) may be an asset for malaria vector control. While such insecticides are already commercially available for lepidopteran and coleopteran pests, they still need to be approved by the WHO for malaria vector control programs. Until recently, chemicals targeting 20E signaling were considered to be insect growth regulators, and their effect was mostly studied against immature mosquito stages. However, in the last few years, promising results have been obtained by applying methoxyfenozide or halofenozide (two compounds that boost 20E signaling) to Anopheles populations at different phases of their life-cycle. In addition, preliminary studies suggest that methoxyfenozide resistance is unstable, causing the insects substantial fitness costs, thereby potentially circumventing one of the biggest challenges faced by current vector control efforts. In this review, we first describe the 20E signaling pathway in mosquitoes and then summarize the mechanisms whereby 20E signaling regulates the physiological processes associated with vector competence and vector abundance. Finally, we discuss the potential of using chemicals targeting 20E signaling to control malaria vectors.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Ekoka
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Surina Maharaj
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Luisa Nardini
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yael Dahan-Moss
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kluebsoongnoen J, Panyim S, Sarnowski TJ, Udomkit A. Retinoid X receptor modulates vitellogenin gene expression in black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 254:110877. [PMID: 33352261 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Effective inducing of ovarian maturation in female shrimp broodstock is important for successful breeding programs. Vitellogenesis is a biochemical process during which a yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (Vg) is synthesized and thus, can be used to indicate ovarian maturation stage. In this study, transcriptional regulation of Vg synthesis in the black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon was investigated. Genome walking on 5' upstream sequence of Vg gene revealed several putative binding sites of lipophilic retinoic acid response elements (RARE), and nuclear hormone responsive elements. Deletion of RARE significantly reduced the promoter activity to drive the expression of luciferase reporter gene in Sf-9 cells. To validate the trans-factor that potentially controls Vg expression through RARE, a cDNA encoding retinoid X receptor (PmRXR), one of the RARE-bound transcription factors was cloned from P. monodon's ovary. PmRXR expression was detected in various shrimp tissues, and was up-regulated during ovary development in a similar way to Vg expression. The DNA-binding domain of PmRXR protein showed specific binding to RARE-containing region on Vg 5' upstream sequence as determined by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). Furthermore, dsRNA-mediated PmRXR silencing in previtellogenic and vitellogenic shrimp revealed that suppression of PmRXR could reduce Vg transcript in both stages. Taken together, the results presented in this study indicate that RXR is possibly an activator protein that modulates Vg expression in shrimp ovary through the binding to RARE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakkapong Kluebsoongnoen
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Sakol Panyim
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tomasz J Sarnowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Apinunt Udomkit
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
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Ge L, Jiang L, Zheng S, Zhou Y, Wu Q, Liu F. Frizzled 2 Functions in the Regulation of TOR-Mediated Embryonic Development and Fecundity in Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter. Front Physiol 2020; 11:579233. [PMID: 33041875 PMCID: PMC7526694 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.579233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mirid bug, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter, is an important predator of rice planthoppers in Asia. In a previous study, C. lividipennis fed on gramineous weeds with brown planthopper (BPH) eggs had reduced development compared to those fed on rice with BPH eggs. In the current study, the concentrations of selected amino acids (AAs) were higher in rice than five gramineous species, which might explain the enhanced growth of C. lividipennis on rice. When C. lividipennis was fed on AA-deprived artificial diets, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited. Furthermore, C. lividipennis females silenced for expression of Frizzled 2 (Fz2) showed a significant reduction in the Wnt/β-catenin and target of rapamycin (TOR) pathways. Silencing Fz2 led to decreased expression of the vitellogenin gene (Vg), lower Vg accumulation in oocytes, reduced soluble protein in ovaries and fat bodies, reduced titers of juvenile hormone, prolonged preoviposition periods, and lower predation capacity, body weight, and egg numbers as controlled to controls. Fz2 silencing resulted in undeveloped ovaries and the inhibition of oocyte growth in the ovarioles, resulting in decreased numbers of offspring and reduced hatching rates. The silencing of Fz2 also resulted in aberrant embryos with undeveloped eyespots and organs, suggesting that Fz2 is an essential gene for embryonic development, oogenesis, and egg maturation. In summary, this study established a potential link between Wnt and TOR pathways, which interact synergistically to regulate C. lividipennis reproduction in response to AA signals. These results provide valuable new information that can be applied to large-scale rearing of C. lividipennis predators, which is important for reducing planthopper damage in rice fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fang Liu
- School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Li YN, Liu YB, Xie XQ, Zhang JN, Li WL. The Modulation of Trehalose Metabolism by 20-Hydroxyecdysone in Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) During its Diapause Termination and Post-Termination Period. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5924361. [PMID: 33057682 PMCID: PMC7583272 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Trehalose plays a crucial role in the diapause process of many insects, serving as an energy source and a stress protectant. Trehalose accumulation has been reported in diapause pupae of Antheraea pernyi; however, trehalose metabolic regulatory mechanisms associated with diapause termination remain unclear. Here, we showed that the enhanced trehalose catabolism was associated with an increase in endogenous 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in hemolymph of A. pernyi pupae during their diapause termination and posttermination period. Injection of 20E increased the mRNA level of trehalase 1A (ApTre-1A) and trehalase 2 (ApTre-2) of A. pernyi diapause pupae in a dose-dependent manner but did not affect the mRNA level of trehalase 1B (ApTre-1B). Meanwhile, exogenous 20E increased the enzyme activities of soluble and membrane-bound trehalase, leading to a decline in hemolymph trehalose. Conversely, the expression of ApTre-1A and ApTre-2 were down-regulated after the ecdysone receptor gene (ApEcRB1) was silenced by RNA interference or by injection of an ecdysone receptor antagonist cucurbitacin B (CucB), which inhibits the 20E pathway. Moreover, CucB treatment delayed adult emergence, which suggests that ApEcRB1 might be involved in regulating pupal-adult development of A. pernyi by mediating ApTre-1A and ApTre-2 expressions. This study provides an overview of the changes in the expression and activity of different trehalase enzymes in A. pernyi in response to 20E, confirming the important role of 20E in controlling trehalose catabolism during A. pernyi diapause termination and posttermination period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Na Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yu-Bo Liu
- School of Life Science and Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, China
| | - Xue-Qin Xie
- School of Life Science and Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, China
| | - Jia-Ning Zhang
- School of Life Science and Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, China
| | - Wen-Li Li
- School of Life Science and Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, China
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25
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Transcriptomic analyses of Aedes aegypti cultured cells and ex vivo midguts in response to an excess or deficiency of heme: a quest for transcriptionally-regulated heme transporters. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:604. [PMID: 32867680 PMCID: PMC7460771 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06981-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes aegypti is the principle vector of many arboviruses, including dengue virus and Zika virus, which are transmitted when an infected female mosquito takes a blood meal in order to initiate vitellogenesis. During blood digestion, ~ 10 mM heme-iron is ingested into the midgut lumen. While heme acts as both a nutrient and signaling molecule during blood digestion, it can also be highly toxic if left unchaperoned. Both signaling by, and degradation of, heme are intracellular processes, occurring in the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively. However, the precise mechanism of heme uptake into the midgut epithelium is not currently known. Results We used next generation RNA sequencing with the goal to identify genes that code for membrane bound heme import protein(s) responsible for heme uptake into the midgut epithelium. Heme deprivation increased uptake of a heme fluorescent analog in cultured cells, while treatment of midguts with an excess of heme decreased uptake, confirming physiological changes were occurring in these heme-sensitive cells/tissues prior to sequencing. A list of candidate genes was assembled for each of the experimental sample sets, which included Aag2 and A20 cultured cells as well as midgut tissue, based on the results of a differential expression analysis, soft cluster analysis and number of predicted transmembrane domains. Lastly, the functions related to heme transport were examined through RNAi knockdown. Conclusions Despite a large number of transmembrane domain containing genes differentially expressed in response to heme, very few were highly differentially expressed in any of the datasets examined. RNAi knockdown of a subset of candidates resulted in subtle changes in heme uptake, but minimal overall disruption to blood digestion/egg production. These results could indicate that heme import in Ae. aegypti may be controlled by a redundant system of multiple distinct transport proteins. Alternatively, heme membrane bound transport in Ae. aegypti could be regulated post-translationally.
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20-Hydroxyecdysone Primes Innate Immune Responses That Limit Bacterial and Malarial Parasite Survival in Anopheles gambiae. mSphere 2020; 5:5/2/e00983-19. [PMID: 32295874 PMCID: PMC7160685 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00983-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood feeding is an integral behavior of mosquitoes to acquire nutritional resources needed for reproduction. This requirement also enables mosquitoes to serve as efficient vectors to acquire and potentially transmit a multitude of mosquito-borne diseases, most notably malaria. Recent studies suggest that mosquito immunity is stimulated following a blood meal, independent of infection status. Since blood feeding promotes production of the hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), we hypothesized that 20E plays an important role in priming the immune response for pathogen challenge. Here, we examine the immunological effects of priming Anopheles gambiae with 20E prior to pathogen infection, demonstrating a significant reduction in bacteria and Plasmodium berghei survival in the mosquito host. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis following 20E treatment identifies several known 20E-regulated genes, as well as several immune genes with previously reported function in antipathogen defense. Together, these data demonstrate that 20E influences cellular immune function and antipathogen immunity following mosquito blood feeding, arguing the importance of hormones in the regulation of mosquito innate immune function.IMPORTANCE Blood feeding is required to provide nutrients for mosquito egg production and serves as a mechanism to acquire and transmit pathogens. Shortly after a blood meal is taken, there is a peak in the production of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a mosquito hormone that initiates physiological changes, including yolk protein production and mating refractoriness. Here, we examine additional roles of 20E in the regulation of mosquito immunity, demonstrating that priming the immune system with 20E increases mosquito resistance to pathogens. We identify differentially expressed genes in response to 20E treatment, including several involved in innate immune function as well as lipid metabolism and transport. Together, these data argue that 20E stimulates mosquito cellular immune function and innate immunity shortly after blood feeding.
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27
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Kluebsoongnoen J, Panyim S, Udomkit A. Regulation of vitellogenin gene expression under the negative modulator, gonad-inhibiting hormone in Penaeus monodon. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 243:110682. [PMID: 32092399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Vitellogenesis is a principal process during ovarian maturation in crustaceans. This process is negatively regulated by gonad-inhibiting hormone (GIH), a neuronal peptide hormone from eyestalks. However, the detailed mechanism through which GIH regulates Vg expression is still ambiguous. In this study, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) under specific GIH-knockdown condition was utilized to determine the expression of genes in the ovary that may act downstream of GIH to control vitellogenin synthesis in Penaeus monodon. The total of 102 and 82 positive clones of up-regulated and down-regulated genes in GIH- knockdown shrimp were identified from the forward and reverse SSH libraries, respectively. Determination of the expression profiles of these reproduction-related genes during ovarian development revealed that the expression of calreticulin (CALR) was significantly reduced in vitellogenic ovary suggesting its role in vitellogenesis. Suppression of CALR by specific dsRNA showed elevated vitellogenin (Vg) transcript level in the ovary at day 7 post-dsRNA injection. Since CALR can bind to steroid hormone receptors and prevents the binding of the receptor to its responsive element to regulate gene expression, it is possible that CALR is an inhibitory mediator of vitellogenin synthesis via steroidal pathway. Our results posted a possible novel pathway of GIH signaling that might interfere the steroid signaling cascade to mediate Vg synthesis in the shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakkapong Kluebsoongnoen
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Sakol Panyim
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Apinunt Udomkit
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
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28
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Md Abdullah AB, Lee DW, Jung J, Kim Y. Deletion mutant of sPLA 2 using CRISPR/Cas9 exhibits immunosuppression, developmental retardation, and failure of oocyte development in legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:103500. [PMID: 31589887 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes release of free fatty acids linked to phospholipids at sn-2 position. Some of these released free fatty acids are used to synthesize eicosanoids that mediate various physiological processes in insects. Although a large number of PLA2s form a superfamily consisting of at least 16 groups, few PLA2s have been identified and characterized in insects. Furthermore, physiological functions of insect PLA2s remain unclear. Clustered regularly interspaced short parlindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has been a useful research tool to validate gene function. This study identified and characterized a secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) from legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), and validated its physiological functions using CRISPR/Cas9. An open reading frame of M. vitrata sPLA2 (Mv-sPLA2) encoding 192 amino acids contained signal peptide, calcium-binding domain, and catalytic site. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Mv-sPLA2 was related to other Group III sPLA2s. Mv-sPLA2 was expressed in both larval and adult stages. It was inducible by immune challenge. RNA interference (RNAi) of Mv-sPLA2 significantly suppressed cellular immunity and impaired larval development. Furthermore, RNAi treatment in female adults prevented oocyte development. These physiological alterations were also observed in a mutant line of M. vitrata with Mv-sPLA2 deleted by using CRISPR/Cas9. Mv-sPLA2 was not detected in the mutant line from western blot analysis. Addition of an eicosanoid, PGE2, significantly rescued oocyte development of females of the mutant line. These results suggest that Mv-sPLA2 plays crucial role in immune, developmental, and reproductive processes of M. vitrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al Baki Md Abdullah
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, South Korea
| | - Dae-Weon Lee
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, South Korea
| | - Jinkyo Jung
- Division of Crop Cultivation and Environment Research, Department of Central Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 16429, South Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, South Korea.
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29
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Taylor DM, Olds CL, Haney RS, Torrevillas BK, Luckhart S. Comprehensive and Durable Modulation of Growth, Development, Lifespan and Fecundity in Anopheles stephensi Following Larval Treatment With the Stress Signaling Molecule and Novel Antimalarial Abscisic Acid. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3024. [PMID: 32010091 PMCID: PMC6979008 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The larval environment of holometabolous insects determines many adult life history traits including, but not limited to, rate and success of development and adult lifespan and fecundity. The ancient stress signaling hormone abscisic acid (ABA), released by plants inundated with water and by leaf and root fragments in water, is likely ubiquitous in the mosquito larval environment and is well known for its wide ranging effects on invertebrate biology. Accordingly, ABA is a relevant stimulus and signal for mosquito development. In our studies, the addition of ABA at biologically relevant levels to larval rearing containers accelerated the time to pupation and increased death of A. stephensi pupae. We could not attribute these effects, however, to ABA-dependent changes in JH biosynthesis-associated gene expression, 20E titers or transcript patterns of insulin-like peptide genes. Adult females derived from ABA-treated larvae had reduced total protein content and significantly reduced post blood meal transcript expression of vitellogenin, effects that were consistent with variably reduced egg clutch sizes and oviposition success from the first through the third gonotrophic cycles. Adult female A. stephensi derived from ABA-treated larvae also exhibited reduced lifespans relative to controls. Collectively, these effects of ABA on A. stephensi life history traits are robust, durable and predictive of multiple impacts of an important malaria vector spreading to new malaria endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean M Taylor
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Cassandra L Olds
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Reagan S Haney
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Brandi K Torrevillas
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
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30
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In S, Yoon HW, Yoo JW, Cho H, Kim RO, Lee YM. Acute toxicity of bisphenol A and its structural analogues and transcriptional modulation of the ecdysone-mediated pathway in the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 179:310-317. [PMID: 31030948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a representative endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) that has estrogenic effects in aquatic animals. In recent years, due to the continuing usage of BPA, its analogues have been developed as alternative substances to replace its use. The molting process is a pivotal point in the development and reproduction of crustaceans. However, studies of the effects of EDCs on molting in crustaceans at the molecular level are scarce. In the present study, we examined the acute toxicity of BPA and its analogues bisphenol F (BPF) and S (BPS) to the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. We further identified four ecdysteroid pathway - related genes (cyp314a1, EcRA, EcRB, and USP) in D. celebensis, and investigated the transcriptional modulation of these genes during molting and after exposure to BPA and its analogues for 48 h. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that these four genes are highly conserved among arthropods and may be involved in development and reproduction in the adult stage. The mRNA expression patterns of cyp314a1, EcRA and USP were matched with the molting cycle, suggesting that these genes play a role in the molting process in the adult stage in cladocerans. Following relative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses, BPA and its analogues were found to modulate the expression of each of these four genes differently, indicating that these compounds can disrupt the normal endocrine system function of D. celebensis. This study improves our understanding of the molecular mode of action of BPA and its analogues in D. celebensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon In
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Won Yoon
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Won Yoo
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayoung Cho
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryeo-Ok Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mi Lee
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea.
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Al Baki MA, Lee DW, Jung JK, Kim Y. Insulin signaling mediates previtellogenic development and enhances juvenile hormone-mediated vitellogenesis in a lepidopteran insect, Maruca vitrata. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:14. [PMID: 31277577 PMCID: PMC6610926 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0194-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Insulin/insulin-like growth peptide signaling (IIS) down-regulates hemolymph sugar level and facilitates larval growth in the soybean pod borer, Maruca vitrata. The objective of this study is to determine whether IIS of M. vitrata can mediate ovarian development of adult females. Results A pair of ovaries consists of 8 ovarioles, each of which is separated into distal germarium and proximal vitellarium in M. vitrata. In the germarium, oocyte development occurred with active mitotic activity which was visible by incorporating bromodeoxyribose uridine. Previtellogenic development and subsequent vitellogenesis began soon after adult emergence. They continued with increase of female age. Oocyte development was facilitated by up-regulation of vitellogenin (Vg) and Vg receptor (VgR) gene expression. Larval diets significantly influenced on ovarian development of M. vitrata because oocyte development varied with pupal size derived from larvae treated with different nutritional diets. Its ovarian development was dependent on endocrine signal(s) from the head because decapitation soon after adult emergence prevented oogenesis and subsequent vitellogenesis along with marked reduction of Vg and VgR expression. Topical application of juvenile hormone (JH) significantly recovered its ovarian development whereas farnesoic acid (a precursor of JH biosynthesis) or 20-hydroxyecdysone treatment did not. JH stimulated vitellogenesis and choriogenesis, but not previtellogenic development. In contrast, insulin injection to decapitated females stimulated oocyte differentiation and vitellogenesis along with increase of Vg and VgR expression. To further analyze the effect of insulin on ovarian development, expression of four IIS components (InR, FOXO, Akt, and TOR) genes was manipulated by RNA interference. Hemocoelic injection of gene-specific double stranded RNAs significantly reduced their target gene mRNA levels and interfered with ovarian development. An addition of insulin to JH treatment against decapitated females enhanced the gonadotropic effect of JH by stimulating oogenesis. Conclusions IIS plays crucial role in mediating previtellogenic development of M. vitrata in response to nutrient signal. It also enhances the gonadotropic effect of JH II on vitellogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0194-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdullah Al Baki
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, Korea
| | - Dae-Weon Lee
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, Korea
| | - Jin Kyo Jung
- Division of Crop Cultivation and Environment Research, Department of Central Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 16429, Korea.
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, Korea.
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32
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Chai C, Xu X, Sun W, Zhang F, Ye C, Ding G, Li J, Zhong G, Xiao W, Liu B, von Lintig J, Lu C. Characterization of the novel role of NinaB orthologs from Bombyx mori and Tribolium castaneum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 109:106-115. [PMID: 30871993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids can be enzymatically converted to apocarotenoids by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. Insect genomes encode only one member of this ancestral enzyme family. We cloned and characterized the ninaB genes from the silk worm (Bombyx mori) and the flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). We expressed BmNinaB and TcNinaB in E. coli and analyzed their biochemical properties. Both enzymes catalyzed a conversion of carotenoids into cis-retinoids. The enzymes catalyzed a combined trans to cis isomerization at the C11, C12 double bond and oxidative cleavage reaction at the C15, C15' bond of the carotenoid carbon backbone. Analyses of the spatial and temporal expression patterns revealed that ninaB genes were differentially expressed during the beetle and moth life cycles with high expression in reproductive organs. In Bombyx mori, ninaB was almost exclusively expressed in female reproductive organs of the pupa and adult. In Tribolium castaneum, low expression was found in reproductive organs of females but high expressions in male reproductive organs of the pupa and imagoes. We performed RNAi experiments to characterize the role of NinaB in insect reproduction. We observed that RNAi treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of BmninaB and TcninaB and reduced the egg laying capacity of both insects. Together, our study revealed that NinaB's unique enzymatic properties are well conserved among insects and implicate NinaB function in insect reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Weizhong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chuan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guangshu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guoxuan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Life Sciences Institute and the Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Binbin Liu
- Sericulture Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Science, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Johannes von Lintig
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Li X, Jin B, Dong Y, Chen X, Tu Z, Gu J. Two of the three Transformer-2 genes are required for ovarian development in Aedes albopictus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 109:92-105. [PMID: 30914323 PMCID: PMC6636634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster, transformer-2 (tra2) plays an essential role in the sex-specific splicing of doublesex (dsx) and fruitless (fru), two key transcription factor genes that program sexual differentiation and regulate sexual behavior. In the present study, the sequences and expression profiles of three tra2 (Aalbtra2) genes in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) were characterized. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these paralogs resulted from two duplication events. The first occurred in the common ancestor of Culicidae, giving rise to the tra2-α and tra2-β clades that are found across divergent mosquito genera, including Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles. The second occurred within the tra2-α clade, giving rise to tra2-γ in Ae. albopictus. In addition to the conserved RNA recognition motif (RRM), arginine-rich/serine-rich regions (RS domains) and a linker region, a glycine-rich region located between the RRM and RS2 was observed in Tra2-α and Tra2-γ of Ae. albopictus that has not yet been described in the Tra2 proteins of dipteran insects. Quantitative real-time PCR detected relatively high levels of transcripts from all three tra2 paralogs in 0-2 h embryos, suggesting maternal deposition of these transcripts. All three Aalbtra2 genes were highly expressed in the ovary, while Aalbtra2-β was also highly expressed in the testis. RNAi-mediated knockdown of any or all Aalbtra2 genes did not result in an obvious switch of the sex-specificity in dsx and fru splicing in the whole-body samples. However, knockdown of transcripts from all three tra2 genes significantly reduced the female isoform of dsx mRNA and increased the male isoform of the dsx mRNA in both the ovary and the fat body in adult females. Furthermore, knockdown of either Aalbtra2-α or Aalbtra2-γ or all three Aalbtra2 led to a decrease in ovariole number and ovary size after a blood meal. Taken together, these results indicate that two of the three tra2 genes affect female ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Binbin Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yunqiao Dong
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511442, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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Abdullah Al Baki M, Kim Y. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis leads to suppressed ovarian development in Spodoptera exigua. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 114:83-91. [PMID: 30872119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandins (PGs) are a group of eicosanoids that are C20 oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids. PGs can mediate various physiological processes such as immunity, salivary secretion, excretion, and reproduction in insects. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of PG on oocyte development in Spodoptera exigua, a lepidopteran insect known to biosynthesize PGs. Polytrophic ovarioles of S. exigua females exhibited follicle development in germarium, in which oocytes were distinct from nurse cells. During vitellogenesis, nurse cells degenerated by losing cytoplasm called "nurse cell dumping" while oocytes showed increase in cell volume. When PG biosynthesis inhibitors such as ibuprofen or aspirin were applied, nurse cell dumping was not complete and no chorion was formed, thus preventing egg formation. However, addition of PGE2 significantly rescued such inhibition and resumed oocyte development and choriogenesis. To support the observation with genetic factor, RNA interference (RNAi) specific to peroxynectins (Pxts: Se-Pxt1 and Se-Pxt2) known to act as insect cyclooxygenase was performed to suppress PG biosynthesis. Both Se-Pxt1 and Se-Pxt2 were highly expressed in the ovary of control female. RNAi treatment against Se-Pxt1 or Se-Pxt2 specifically suppressed target genes and inhibited oocyte development. Addition of PGE2 to adults treated with RNAi rescued the suppressed development of oocytes. Results of this study suggest that PGs can stimulate oocyte development as autocrine/paracrine mediators of vitellogenesis and choriogenesis in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdullah Al Baki
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea.
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Więch A, Rowińska-Żyrek M, Wątły J, Czarnota A, Hołubowicz R, Szewczuk Z, Ożyhar A, Orłowski M. The intrinsically disordered C-terminal F domain of the ecdysteroid receptor from Aedes aegypti exhibits metal ion-binding ability. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 186:42-55. [PMID: 30243841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The dominant vector of dengue and Zika diseases is a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its reproduction is controlled by the formation of an active heterodimer complex of the 20-hydroxyecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle protein (Usp). Although EcR exhibits a structural and functional organization typical of nuclear receptors (NRs), the EcR C-terminus has an additional F domain (AaFEcR) that is rarely present in the NRs superfamily. The presence of F domains is evolutionarily not well conserved in the NRs. The structure-function relationship of EcR F domains in arthropods is unclear and enigmatic. To date, there have been no data concerning the structure and function of AaFEcR. Our results showed that AaFEcR belongs to a family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and possesses putative pre-molten globule (PMG) characteristics. Unexpectedly, additional amino acid composition in silico analyses revealed the presence of short unique repeated Pro-His clusters forming an HGPHPHPHG motif, which is similar to those responsible for Zn2+ and Cu2+ binding in histidine-proline-rich glycoproteins (HPRGs). Using SEC, SV-AUC and ESI-TOF MS, we showed that the intrinsically disordered AaFEcR is able to bind metal ions and form complexes with these ions. Our studies provide new insight into the structural organization and activities of the F domains of NRs. This unique for the F domains of NRs ion-binding propensity demonstrated by the AaFEcR domain may be a part of the ecdysteroid receptor's mechanism for regulating the expression of genes encoding oxidative stress-protecting proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Więch
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Wątły
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czarnota
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Hołubowicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Ożyhar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Orłowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
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Schumann I, Kenny N, Hui J, Hering L, Mayer G. Halloween genes in panarthropods and the evolution of the early moulting pathway in Ecdysozoa. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180888. [PMID: 30839709 PMCID: PMC6170570 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Moulting is a characteristic feature of Ecdysozoa-the clade of moulting animals that includes the hyperdiverse arthropods and less speciose groups, such as onychophorans, tardigrades and nematodes. Moulting has been best analysed in arthropods, specifically in insects and crustaceans, in which a complex neuroendocrine system acts at the genomic level and initiates the transcription of genes responsible for moulting. The key moulting hormones, ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone, are subsequently synthesized from cholesterol ingested with food. Their biosynthesis is regulated by the Rieske-domain protein Neverland and cytochrome P450 enzymes encoded by the so-called 'Halloween' genes. Ecdysone is then released into the haemolymph and modified into 20-hydroxyecdysone, which binds to the nuclear receptor EcR/USP and initiates transcription of the Early genes. As little is known about the moulting pathway of other ecdysozoans, we examined the occurrence of genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and the early moulting cascade across ecdysozoan subgroups. Genomic and transcriptomic searches revealed no Halloween genes in cycloneuralians, whereas only shadow (CYP315A1) is present in onychophorans and tardigrades, suggesting that the Halloween genes evolved stepwise in panarthropods. These findings imply that the genes which were responsible for the ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the last common ancestor of Ecdysozoa are currently unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Schumann
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- Molecular Evolution and Animal Systematics, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nathan Kenny
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jerome Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lars Hering
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
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Girish B, Swetha CH, Srilatha M, Hemalatha M, Sreenivasula Reddy P. Evidence for retinoic acid involvement in the regulation of vitellogenesis in the fresh water edible crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 222:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Sun Z, Shi Q, Xu C, Wang R, Wang H, Song Y, Zeng R. Regulation of NlE74A on vitellogenin may be mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme through a fecundity-related SNP in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 225:26-32. [PMID: 29932974 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The major yolk protein precursors (YPP) gene, vitellogenin (Vg), usually considered as a reproductive indicator and molecular marker for evaluating insect fecundity, is controlled by insect hormone (mainly ecdysteroids and juvenile hormone), transcription factors and many other fecundity-related genes. To better understand the underlying molecular regulation mechanisms of the NlVg in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (N. lugens), the correlation between one early ecdysone response gene E74 and one important fecundity-related gene angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) on the regulation of Vg gene expression, was investigated. We first showed that the mRNA expression level of NlACE were significantly higher in a high-fecundity population (HFP) than a low-fecundity population (LFP) at different development stages, and knockdown of NlACE expression by RNA interference (RNAi) results in a reduced level of NlVg expression and N. lugens fecundity. Subsequently, we analyzed the promoter of NlACE and found an E74A binding site, which was also differentially expressed in HFP and LFP. Then a gene putatively encoding E74A, namely NlE74A, predominant in the ovary and fat body was cloned and characterized. Furthermore, the developmental profile during female adult and the tissue-specific expression pattern of NlACE and NlE74A were similar to the expression pattern of NlVg gene, implying that both NlACE and NlE74A may be involved in regulating the expression of NlVg. Finally, after injecting the dsRNA of NlE74A, the NlACE expression levels were significantly reduced simultaneously at 24 h and 48 h post-injection, and the NlVg expression level was significant reduced at 24 h post-injection and the downswing was more significant at 48 h post-injection. These results imply that regulation of NlE74A on NlVg transcription might be mediated by NlACE through the E74 binding site at the NlACE promoter region in N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxiang Sun
- College of Crop Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qi Shi
- College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Cuicui Xu
- College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Rumeng Wang
- College of Crop Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuanyuan Song
- College of Crop Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Rensen Zeng
- College of Crop Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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39
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Tan YA, Zhao XD, Sun Y, Hao DJ, Zhao J, Jiang YP, Bai LX, Xiao LB. The nuclear hormone receptor E75A regulates vitellogenin gene (Al-Vg) expression in the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:188-197. [PMID: 29193387 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Apolygus lucorum is the predominant pest of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton in China. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a key role in the reproduction of this insect. To better understand the mechanism underlying 20E-regulated reproduction, the nuclear hormone receptor E75 isoform-A of Ap. lucorum (Al-E75A) was cloned and its expression analysed. A 2241-bp sequence of Al-E75A cDNA encoded an open reading frame of a polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 69.04 kDa. Al-E75A mRNA was detected in female adult stages of Ap. lucorum with peak expression in 7-day-old animals. Al-E75A was also expressed in several tissues, particularly in the fat body and ovary. A 3.2 kb Al-E75A mRNA was detected in all tissues by Northern blot. The fecundity and longevity were significantly decreased in female adults treated with Al-E75A small interfering RNA. The rates of egg incubation rates were considerably lower in the RNA interference-treated animals compared to the untreated controls. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the effects described above, vitellogenin (Al-Vg) was selected for further investigation. The expression pattern of Al-Vg was similar to that of Al-E75A and was up-regulated by 20E. After knockdown of Al-E75A, the expression profile of Al-Vg and the protein levels were down-regulated. These findings suggest that Al-E75A plays a crucial role in the regulation of Al-Vg expression in Ap. lucorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-A Tan
- College of Forestry, Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - X-D Zhao
- College of Forestry, Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Y Sun
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - D-J Hao
- College of Forestry, Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - J Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Y-P Jiang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - L-X Bai
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - L-B Xiao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
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40
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Pennington MJ, Rothman JA, Jones MB, McFrederick QS, Gan J, Trumble JT. Effects of contaminants of emerging concern on Myzus persicae (Sulzer, Hemiptera: Aphididae) biology and on their host plant, Capsicum annuum. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:125. [PMID: 29423658 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6503-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Many countries are utilizing reclaimed wastewater for agriculture as water demands due to drought, rising temperatures, and expanding human populations. Unfortunately, wastewater often contains biologically active, pseudopersistant pharmaceuticals, even after treatment. Runoff from agriculture and effluent from wastewater treatment plants also contribute high concentrations of pharmaceuticals to the environment. This study assessed the effects of common pharmaceuticals on an agricultural pest, the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, Hemiptera: Aphididae). Second instar nymphs were transferred to bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) that were grown hydroponically. Treatment plants were spiked with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) at environmentally relevant concentrations found in reclaimed wastewater. M. persicae displayed no differences in population growth or microbial community differences due to chemical treatments. Plants, however, displayed significant growth reduction in antibiotic and mixture treatments, specifically in wet root masses. Antibiotic treatment masses were significantly reduced in the total and root wet masses. Mixture treatments displayed an overall reduction in plant root wet mass. Our results suggest that the use of reclaimed wastewater for crop irrigation would not affect aphid populations, but could hinder or delay crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus John Pennington
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 417 Entomology Building, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| | - Jason A Rothman
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 417 Entomology Building, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Michael Bellinger Jones
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 417 Entomology Building, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Quinn S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 417 Entomology Building, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jay Gan
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - John T Trumble
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 417 Entomology Building, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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41
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Whiten SR, Eggleston H, Adelman ZN. Ironing out the Details: Exploring the Role of Iron and Heme in Blood-Sucking Arthropods. Front Physiol 2018; 8:1134. [PMID: 29387018 PMCID: PMC5776124 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme and iron are essential molecules for many physiological processes and yet have the ability to cause oxidative damage such as lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, and ultimately cell death if not controlled. Blood-sucking arthropods have evolved diverse methods to protect themselves against iron/heme-related damage, as the act of bloodfeeding itself is high risk, high reward process. Protective mechanisms in medically important arthropods include the midgut peritrophic matrix in mosquitoes, heme aggregation into the crystalline structure hemozoin in kissing bugs and hemosomes in ticks. Once heme and iron pass these protective mechanisms they are presumed to enter the midgut epithelial cells via membrane-bound transporters, though relatively few iron or heme transporters have been identified in bloodsucking arthropods. Upon iron entry into midgut epithelial cells, ferritin serves as the universal storage protein and transport for dietary iron in many organisms including arthropods. In addition to its role as a nutrient, heme is also an important signaling molecule in the midgut epithelial cells for many physiological processes including vitellogenesis. This review article will summarize recent advancements in heme/iron uptake, detoxification and exportation in bloodfeeding arthropods. While initial strides have been made at ironing out the role of dietary iron and heme in arthropods, much still remains to be discovered as these molecules may serve as novel targets for the control of many arthropod pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shavonn R Whiten
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Heather Eggleston
- Genetics Graduate Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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42
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Pennington MJ, Rothman JA, Dudley SL, Jones MB, McFrederick QS, Gan J, Trumble JT. Contaminants of emerging concern affect Trichoplusia ni growth and development on artificial diets and a key host plant. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E9923-E9931. [PMID: 29087336 PMCID: PMC5699077 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1713385114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Many countries are utilizing reclaimed wastewater for agriculture because drought, rising temperatures, and expanding human populations are increasing water demands. Unfortunately, wastewater often contains biologically active, pseudopersistent pharmaceuticals, even after treatment. Runoff from farms and output from wastewater treatment plants also contribute high concentrations of pharmaceuticals to the environment. This study assessed the effects of common pharmaceuticals on an agricultural pest, Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Larvae were reared on artificial diets spiked with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Trichoplusia ni showed increased developmental time and mortality when reared on artificial diets containing antibiotics, hormones, or a mixture of contaminants. Mortality was also increased when T. ni were reared on tomatoes grown hydroponically with the same concentrations of antibiotics. The antibiotic-treated plants translocated ciprofloxacin through their tissues to roots, shoots, and leaves. Microbial communities of T. ni changed substantially between developmental stages and when exposed to CECs in their diets. Our results suggest that use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation of crops can affect the developmental biology and microbial communities of an insect of agricultural importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J Pennington
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Jason A Rothman
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Stacia L Dudley
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Michael B Jones
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Quinn S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Jay Gan
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - John T Trumble
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521;
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
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43
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Pennington MJ, Rothman JA, Jones MB, McFrederick QS, Gan J, Trumble JT. Effects of contaminants of emerging concern on Megaselia scalaris (Lowe, Diptera: Phoridae) and its microbial community. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8165. [PMID: 28811598 PMCID: PMC5557979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08683-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Drought, rising temperatures, and expanding human populations are increasing water demands. Many countries are extending potable water supplies by irrigating crops with wastewater. Unfortunately, wastewater contains biologically active, long-lived pharmaceuticals, even after treatment. Run-off from farms and wastewater treatment plant overflows contribute high concentrations of pharmaceuticals to the environment. This study assessed the effects of common pharmaceuticals on a cosmopolitan saprophagous insect, Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae). Larvae were reared on artificial diets spiked with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Female flies showed no oviposition preference for treated or untreated diets. Larvae exposed to caffeine in diets showed increased mortality, and larvae fed antibiotics and hormones showed signs of slowed development, especially in females. The normal sex ratio observed in M. scalaris from control diets was affected by exposure to caffeine and pharmaceutical mixture treatments. There was an overall effect of treatment on the flies’ microbial communities; notably, caffeine fed insects displayed higher microbial variability. Eight bacterial families accounted for approximately 95% of the total microbes in diet and insects. Our results suggest that CECs at environmentally relevant concentrations can affect the biology and microbial communities of an insect of ecological and medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J Pennington
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA. .,Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| | - Jason A Rothman
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.,Graduate Program in Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Michael B Jones
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Quinn S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.,Graduate Program in Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jay Gan
- Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.,Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - John T Trumble
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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44
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Ito-Harashima S, Matsuura M, Kawanishi M, Nakagawa Y, Yagi T. New reporter gene assays for detecting natural and synthetic molting hormone agonists using yeasts expressing ecdysone receptors of various insects. FEBS Open Bio 2017; 7:995-1008. [PMID: 28680812 PMCID: PMC5494300 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic nonsteroidal ecdysone agonists, a class of insect growth regulators (IGRs), target the ecdysone receptor (EcR), which forms a heterodimer with ultraspiracle (USP) to transactivate ecdysone response genes. These compounds have high binding affinities to the EcR–USP complexes of certain insects and their toxicity is selective for certain taxonomic orders. In the present study, we developed reporter gene assay (RGA) systems to detect molting hormone (ecdysone) activity by introducing EcR–USP cDNA and a bacterial lacZ reporter gene into yeast. EcR and USP were derived from the insect species of three different taxonomic orders: Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera), Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera), and Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera). Transcriptional coactivator taiman (Tai) cDNA cloned from D. melanogaster was also used in this RGA system. This yeast RGA system responded to various EcR ligands in a dose‐dependent and ecdysteroid‐specific manner. Furthermore, the insect order‐selective ligand activities of synthetic nonsteroidal ecdysone agonists were linearly related to their binding activities, which were measured against in vitro translated EcR–USP complexes. Our newly established yeast RGA is useful for screening new molting hormone agonists that work selectively on target insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayoko Ito-Harashima
- Department of Biology Graduate School of Science Osaka Prefecture University Sakai Osaka Japan
| | - Mai Matsuura
- Department of Biology Graduate School of Science Osaka Prefecture University Sakai Osaka Japan
| | - Masanobu Kawanishi
- Department of Biology Graduate School of Science Osaka Prefecture University Sakai Osaka Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences Graduate School of Agriculture Kyoto University Sakyo-ku Kyoto Japan
| | - Takashi Yagi
- Department of Biology Graduate School of Science Osaka Prefecture University Sakai Osaka Japan.,Department of Life Science Dongguk University Biomedical Campus Goyang Gyeonggi-do South Korea
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45
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Spanier KI, Jansen M, Decaestecker E, Hulselmans G, Becker D, Colbourne JK, Orsini L, De Meester L, Aerts S. Conserved Transcription Factors Steer Growth-Related Genomic Programs in Daphnia. Genome Biol Evol 2017; 9:1821-1842. [PMID: 28854641 PMCID: PMC5569996 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecological genomics aims to understand the functional association between environmental gradients and the genes underlying adaptive traits. Many genes that are identified by genome-wide screening in ecologically relevant species lack functional annotations. Although gene functions can be inferred from sequence homology, such approaches have limited power. Here, we introduce ecological regulatory genomics by presenting an ontology-free gene prioritization method. Specifically, our method combines transcriptome profiling with high-throughput cis-regulatory sequence analysis in the water fleas Daphnia pulex and Daphnia magna. It screens coexpressed genes for overrepresented DNA motifs that serve as transcription factor binding sites, thereby providing insight into conserved transcription factors and gene regulatory networks shaping the expression profile. We first validated our method, called Daphnia-cisTarget, on a D. pulex heat shock data set, which revealed a network driven by the heat shock factor. Next, we performed RNA-Seq in D. magna exposed to the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. Daphnia-cisTarget identified coregulated gene networks that associate with the moulting cycle and potentially regulate life history changes in growth rate and age at maturity. These networks are predicted to be regulated by evolutionary conserved transcription factors such as the homologues of Drosophila Shavenbaby and Grainyhead, nuclear receptors, and a GATA family member. In conclusion, our approach allows prioritising candidate genes in Daphnia without bias towards prior knowledge about functional gene annotation and represents an important step towards exploring the molecular mechanisms of ecological responses in organisms with poorly annotated genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katina I. Spanier
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, Laboratory of Computational Biology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Jansen
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Decaestecker
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, Science and Technology, KU Leuven Campus Kulak, Kortrjik, Belgium
| | - Gert Hulselmans
- Department of Human Genetics, Laboratory of Computational Biology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dörthe Becker
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, United Kingdom
| | - John K. Colbourne
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Luisa Orsini
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Luc De Meester
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stein Aerts
- Department of Human Genetics, Laboratory of Computational Biology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Belgium
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46
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Puthumana J, Lee MC, Han J, Kim HS, Hwang DS, Lee JS. Ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) genes from the cyclopoid copepod Paracyclopina nana: Identification and expression in response to water accommodated fractions (WAFs). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 192:7-15. [PMID: 27890717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroid hormones are pivotal in the development, growth, and molting of arthropods, and the hormone pathway is triggered by binding ecdysteroid to a heterodimer of the two nuclear receptors; ecdysone receptors (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP). We have characterized EcR and USP genes, and their 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) from the copepod Paracyclopina nana, and studied mRNA transcription levels in post-embryonic stages and in response to water accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil. The open reading frames (ORF) of EcR and USP were 1470 and 1287bp that encoded 490 and 429 amino acids with molecular weight of 121.18 and 105.03kDa, respectively. Also, a well conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD) were identified which confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. Messenger RNA transcriptional levels of EcR and USP were developmental stage-specific in early post-embryonic stages (N3-4). However, an evoked expression of USP was observed throughout copepodid stage and in adult females. WAFs (40 and 80%) were acted as an ecdysone agonist in P. nana, and elicited the mRNA transcription levels in adults. Developmental stage-specific transcriptional activation of EcR and USP in response to WAFs was observed. USP gene was down-regulated in the nauplius in response to WAF, whereas up-regulation of USP was observed in the adults. This study represents the first data of molecular elucidation of EcR and USP genes and their regulatory elements from P. nana and the developmental stage specific expression in response to WAFs, which can be used as potential biomarkers for environmental stressors with ecotoxicological evaluations in copepods.
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MESH Headings
- 5' Untranslated Regions
- Animals
- Arthropod Proteins/genetics
- Arthropod Proteins/metabolism
- Copepoda/drug effects
- Copepoda/genetics
- Copepoda/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Environmental Monitoring/methods
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Genetic Markers
- Metamorphosis, Biological
- Phylogeny
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/genetics
- Receptors, Steroid/metabolism
- Regulatory Elements, Transcriptional
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh Puthumana
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Min-Chul Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Han
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Hui-Su Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Dae-Sik Hwang
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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47
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Laws KM, Drummond-Barbosa D. Control of Germline Stem Cell Lineages by Diet and Physiology. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 59:67-99. [PMID: 28247046 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-44820-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tight coupling of reproduction to environmental factors and physiological status is key to long-term species survival. In particular, highly conserved pathways modulate germline stem cell lineages according to nutrient availability. This chapter focuses on recent in vivo studies in genetic model organisms that shed light on how diet-dependent signals control the proliferation, maintenance, and survival of adult germline stem cells and their progeny. These signaling pathways can operate intrinsically in the germ line, modulate the niche, or act through intermediate organs to influence stem cells and their differentiating progeny. In addition to illustrating the extent of dietary regulation of reproduction, findings from these studies have implications for fertility during aging or disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M Laws
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Daniela Drummond-Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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48
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Prakash A, Monteiro A. Molecular mechanisms of secondary sexual trait development in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 17:40-48. [PMID: 27720072 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Secondary sexual traits are those traits other than the primary gametes that distinguish the sexes of a species. The development of secondary sexual traits occurs when sexually dimorphic factors, that is, molecules differentially produced by primary sex determination systems in males and females, are integrated into the gene regulatory networks responsible for sexual trait development. In insects, these molecular asymmetric factors were always considered to originate inside the trait-building cells, but recent work points to external factors, such as hormones, as potential candidates mediating secondary sexual trait development. Here, we review examples of the different molecular mechanisms producing sexually dimorphic traits in insects, and suggest a need to revise our understanding of secondary sexual trait development within the insect lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Prakash
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Yale-NUS College, Singapore.
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49
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Hwang DS, Han J, Won EJ, Kim DH, Jeong CB, Hwang UK, Zhou B, Choe J, Lee JS. BDE-47 causes developmental retardation with down-regulated expression profiles of ecdysteroid signaling pathway-involved nuclear receptor (NR) genes in the copepod Tigriopus japonicus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 177:285-294. [PMID: 27337698 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) in marine environments. Despite its adverse effects (e.g. developmental retardation) in ecdysozoa, the effects of BDE-47 on transcription of ecdysteroid signaling pathway-involved-nuclear receptor (NR) genes and metamorphosis-related genes have not been examined in copepods. To examine the deleterious effect of BDE-47 on copepod molting and metamorphosis, BDE-47 was exposed to the harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus japonicus, followed by monitoring developmental retardation and transcriptional alteration of NR genes. The developmental rate was significantly inhibited (P<0.05) in response to BDE-47 and the agricultural insecticide gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane. Conversely, the ecdysteroid agonist ponasterone A (PoA) led to decreased molting and metamorphosis time (P<0.05) from the nauplius stage to the adult stage. In particular, expression profiles of all NR genes were the highest at naupliar stages 5-6 except for SVP, FTZ-F1, and HR96 genes. Nuclear receptor USP, HR96, and FTZ-F1 genes also showed significant sex differences (P<0.05) in gene expression levels over different developmental stages, indicating that these genes may be involved in vitellogenesis. NR gene expression patterns showed significant decreases (P<0.05) in response to BDE-47 exposure, implying that molting and metamorphosis retardation is likely associated with NR gene expression. In summary, BDE-47 leads to molting and metamorphosis retardation and suppresses transcription of NR genes. This information will be helpful in understanding the molting and metamorphosis delay mechanism in response to BDE-47 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Sik Hwang
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Han
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Won
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Duck-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Chang-Bum Jeong
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Un-Ki Hwang
- Marine Ecological Risk Assessment Center, West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Fisheries Research & Development Institute, Incheon 46083, South Korea
| | - Bingsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Joonho Choe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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50
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Nässel DR, Vanden Broeck J. Insulin/IGF signaling in Drosophila and other insects: factors that regulate production, release and post-release action of the insulin-like peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:271-90. [PMID: 26472340 PMCID: PMC11108470 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Insulin, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin-like peptides (ILPs) are important regulators of metabolism, growth, reproduction and lifespan, and mechanisms of insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) have been well conserved over evolution. In insects, between one and 38 ILPs have been identified in each species. Relatively few insect species have been investigated in depth with respect to ILP functions, and therefore we focus mainly on the well-studied fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. In Drosophila eight ILPs (DILP1-8), but only two receptors (dInR and Lgr3) are known. DILP2, 3 and 5 are produced by a set of neurosecretory cells (IPCs) in the brain and their biosynthesis and release are controlled by a number of mechanisms differing between larvae and adults. Adult IPCs display cell-autonomous sensing of circulating glucose, coupled to evolutionarily conserved mechanisms for DILP release. The glucose-mediated DILP secretion is modulated by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, as well as by factors released from the intestine and adipocytes. Larval IPCs, however, are indirectly regulated by glucose-sensing endocrine cells producing adipokinetic hormone, or by circulating factors from the intestine and fat body. Furthermore, IIS is situated within a complex physiological regulatory network that also encompasses the lipophilic hormones, 20-hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone. After release from IPCs, the ILP action can be modulated by circulating proteins that act either as protective carriers (binding proteins), or competitive inhibitors. Some of these proteins appear to have additional functions that are independent of ILPs. Taken together, the signaling with multiple ILPs is under complex control, ensuring tightly regulated IIS in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, K.U. Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
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