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Gao Y, Cai T, Yu C, Zeng Q, Wan Y, Song L, He S, Li J, Wan H. A putative endonuclease reduces the efficiency of oral RNA interference in Nilaparvata lugens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:5771-5779. [PMID: 39007259 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery to insects by various methods is different and the reduced efficacy of feeding dsRNA is partly due to the presence of DNA/RNA non-specific endonuclease in the insect gut. However, the mechanism leading to the low RNAi efficiency of Nilaparvata lugens by feeding remains elusive. RESULTS In this study, we identified a putatively DNA/RNA non-specific endonuclease gene in the N. lugens genome database that was highly expressed in the first nymphal instar and the midgut. Different expression levels of NldsRNase after feeding and injection suggested that NldsRNase might interfere with oral RNAi in N. lugens. A co-delivery RNAi strategy further revealed that the presence of NldsRNase reduces RNAi efficiency. In vitro dsRNA degradation experiments also showed that the stability of dsRNA was higher in a gut mixture from nymphs injected with dsNldsRNase. These results support the idea that the low oral RNAi response observed in N. lugens is likely due to the presence of NldsRNase. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insight into the differences in RNAi response between the injection and feeding of dsRNA in N. lugens and sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the reduced efficacy of RNAi via feeding. These findings may help to inform the development of more-effective RNAi-based strategies controlling N. lugens and other insect pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ludan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shun He
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhong Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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2
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Lo JY, Adam KM, Garrison JL. Neuropeptide inactivation regulates egg-laying behavior to influence reproductive health in Caenorhabditis elegans. Curr Biol 2024:S0960-9822(24)01327-7. [PMID: 39395417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
Neural communication requires both fast-acting neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that function on slower timescales to communicate. Endogenous bioactive peptides, often called "neuropeptides," comprise the largest and most diverse class of neuromodulators that mediate crosstalk between the brain and peripheral tissues to regulate physiology and behaviors conserved across the animal kingdom. Neuropeptide signaling can be terminated through receptor binding and internalization or degradation by extracellular enzymes called neuropeptidases. Inactivation by neuropeptidases can shape the dynamics of signaling in vivo by specifying both the duration of signaling and the anatomic path neuropeptides can travel before they are degraded. For most neuropeptides, the identity of the relevant inactivating peptidase(s) is unknown. Here, we established a screening platform in C. elegans utilizing mass spectrometry-based peptidomics to discover neuropeptidases and simultaneously profile the in vivo specificity of these enzymes against each of more than 250 endogenous peptides. We identified NEP-2, a worm ortholog of the mammalian peptidase neprilysin-2, and demonstrated that it regulates specific neuropeptides, including those in the egg-laying circuit. We found that NEP-2 is required in muscle cells to regulate signals from neurons to modulate both behavior and health in the reproductive system. Taken together, our results demonstrate that peptidases, which are an important node of regulation in neuropeptide signaling, affect the dynamics of signaling to impact behavior, physiology, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Y Lo
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Katelyn M Adam
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA; Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jennifer L Garrison
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA; Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Center for Healthy Aging in Women, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA; Productive Health Global Consortium, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA.
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3
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Butt A, Van Damme S, Santiago E, Olson A, Beets I, Koelle MR. Neuropeptide and serotonin co-transmission sets the activity pattern in the C. elegans egg-laying circuit. Curr Biol 2024:S0960-9822(24)01003-0. [PMID: 39395419 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
Neurons typically release both a neurotransmitter and one or more neuropeptides, but how these signals are integrated within neural circuits to generate and tune behaviors remains poorly understood. We studied how the two hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs) activate the egg-laying circuit of Caenorhabditis elegans by releasing both the neurotransmitter serotonin and NLP-3 neuropeptides. Egg laying occurs in a temporal pattern with approximately 2-min active phases, during which eggs are laid, separated by approximately 20-min inactive phases, during which no eggs are laid. To understand how serotonin and NLP-3 neuropeptides together help produce this behavior pattern, we identified the G-protein-coupled receptor neuropeptide receptor 36 (NPR-36) as an NLP-3 neuropeptide receptor using genetic and molecular experiments. We found that NPR-36 is expressed in, and promotes egg laying within, the egg-laying muscle cells, the same cells where two serotonin receptors also promote egg laying. During the active phase, when HSN activity is high, we found that serotonin and NLP-3 neuropeptides each have a different effect on the timing of egg laying. During the inactive phase, HSN activity is low, which may result in release of only serotonin, yet mutants lacking either serotonin or nlp-3 signaling have longer inactive phases. This suggests that NLP-3 peptide signaling may persist through the inactive phase to help serotonin signaling terminate the inactive phase. We propose a model for neural circuit function in which multiple signals with short- and long-lasting effects compete to generate and terminate persistent internal states, thus patterning a behavior over tens of minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Butt
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Emerson Santiago
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Andrew Olson
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Isabel Beets
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael R Koelle
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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Tse-Kang SY, Wani KA, Peterson ND, Page A, Humphries F, Pukkila-Worley R. Intestinal immunity in C. elegans is activated by pathogen effector-triggered aggregation of the guard protein TIR-1 on lysosome-related organelles. Immunity 2024; 57:2280-2295.e6. [PMID: 39299238 PMCID: PMC11464196 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.08.013] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Toll/interleukin-1/resistance (TIR)-domain proteins with enzymatic activity are essential for immunity in plants, animals, and bacteria. However, it is not known how these proteins function in pathogen sensing in animals. We discovered that the lone enzymatic TIR-domain protein in the nematode C. elegans (TIR-1, homolog of mammalian sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 [SARM1]) was strategically expressed on the membranes of a specific intracellular compartment called lysosome-related organelles. The positioning of TIR-1 on lysosome-related organelles enables intestinal epithelial cells in the nematode C. elegans to survey for pathogen effector-triggered host damage. A virulence effector secreted by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkalinized and condensed lysosome-related organelles. This pathogen-induced morphological change in lysosome-related organelles triggered TIR-1 multimerization, which engaged its intrinsic NAD+ hydrolase (NADase) activity to activate the p38 innate immune pathway and protect the host against microbial intoxication. Thus, TIR-1 is a guard protein in an effector-triggered immune response, which enables intestinal epithelial cells to survey for pathogen-induced host damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Y Tse-Kang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Program in Innate Immunity, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Khursheed A Wani
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Program in Innate Immunity, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Nicholas D Peterson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Program in Innate Immunity, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Amanda Page
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Program in Innate Immunity, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Fiachra Humphries
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Program in Innate Immunity, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Program in Innate Immunity, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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5
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Salazar CJ, Diaz-Balzac CA, Wang Y, Rahman M, Grant BD, Bülow HE. RABR-1, an atypical Rab-related GTPase, cell-nonautonomously restricts somatosensory dendrite branching. Genetics 2024; 228:iyae113. [PMID: 39028768 PMCID: PMC11457943 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae113] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons are highly polarized cells with dendrites and axons. Dendrites, which receive sensory information or input from other neurons, often display elaborately branched morphologies. While mechanisms that promote dendrite branching have been widely studied, less is known about the mechanisms that restrict branching. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we identify rabr-1 (for Rab-related gene 1) as a factor that restricts branching of the elaborately branched dendritic trees of PVD and FLP somatosensory neurons. Animals mutant for rabr-1 show excessively branched dendrites throughout development and into adulthood in areas where the dendrites overlay epidermal tissues. Phylogenetic analyses show that RABR-1 displays similarity to small GTPases of the Rab-type, although based on sequence alone, no clear vertebrate ortholog of RABR-1 can be identified. We find that rabr-1 is expressed and can function in epidermal tissues, suggesting that rabr-1 restricts dendritic branching cell-nonautonomously. Genetic experiments further indicate that for the formation of ectopic branches rabr-1 mutants require the genes of the Menorin pathway, which have been previously shown to mediate dendrite morphogenesis of somatosensory neurons. A translational reporter for RABR-1 reveals a subcellular localization to punctate, perinuclear structures, which correlates with endosomal and autophagosomal markers, but anticorrelates with lysosomal markers suggesting an amphisomal character. Point mutations in rabr-1 analogous to key residues of small GTPases suggest that rabr-1 functions in a GTP-bound form independently of GTPase activity. Taken together, rabr-1 encodes for an atypical small GTPase of the Rab-type that cell-nonautonomously restricts dendritic branching of somatosensory neurons, likely independently of GTPase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos A Diaz-Balzac
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Maisha Rahman
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Barth D Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hannes E Bülow
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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6
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Zhang H, Zhu Y, Xue D. Moderate embryonic delay of paternal mitochondrial elimination impairs mating and cognition and alters behaviors of adult animals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp8351. [PMID: 39365857 PMCID: PMC11451536 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Rapid elimination of paternal mitochondria following fertilization is a conserved event in most animals, but its physiological significance remains unclear. We find that modest delay of paternal mitochondrial elimination (PME) in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos unexpectedly impairs mating and cognition of adult animals and alters their locomotion behaviors. Delayed PME causes decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in early embryos, which lead to impaired physiological functions of adult animals through an energy-sensing pathway mediated by an adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase, AAK-2, and a forkhead box class O (FOXO) transcription factor, DAF-16. Treatment of PME-delayed animals with MK-4, a subtype of vitamin K2 that can improve mitochondrial ATP production, restores ATP levels in early embryos, and rescues physiological defects of adult animals. Our results suggest that moderate PME delay during embryo development adversely affects crucial physiological functions in adults, which could be evolutionarily disadvantageous. These observations provide mechanistic explanations for the need to swiftly remove paternal mitochondria early during embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ding Xue
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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7
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Tolkin T, Burnett J, Hubbard EJA. A role for organ level dynamics in morphogenesis of the C. elegans hermaphrodite distal tip cell. Development 2024; 151:dev203019. [PMID: 39382030 DOI: 10.1242/dev.203019] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
The morphology of cells in vivo can arise from a variety of mechanisms. In the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite gonad, the distal tip cell (DTC) elaborates into a complex plexus over a relatively short developmental time period, but the mechanisms underlying this change in cell morphology are not well defined. We correlated the time of DTC elaboration with the L4-to-adult molt, but ruled out a relevant heterochronic pathway as a cue for DTC elaboration. Instead, we found that the timing of gonad elongation and aspects of underlying germline flux influence DTC elaboration. We propose a 'hitch and tow' aspect of organ-level dynamics that contributes to cellular morphogenesis, whereby germline flux drags the flexible DTC cell cortex away from its stationary cell body. More broadly, we speculate that this mechanism may contribute to cell shape changes in other contexts with implications for development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theadora Tolkin
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Julia Burnett
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - E Jane Albert Hubbard
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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8
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Vidya E, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Mayank AK, Rizwan J, Xu JMS, Cheng T, Leventis R, Sonenberg N, Wohlschlegel JA, Vera M, Duchaine TF. EDC-3 and EDC-4 regulate embryonic mRNA clearance and biomolecular condensate specialization. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114781. [PMID: 39331503 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal development is dictated by the selective and timely decay of mRNAs in developmental transitions, but the impact of mRNA decapping scaffold proteins in development is unclear. This study unveils the roles and interactions of the DCAP-2 decapping scaffolds EDC-3 and EDC-4 in the embryonic development of C. elegans. EDC-3 facilitates the timely removal of specific embryonic mRNAs, including cgh-1, car-1, and ifet-1 by reducing their expression and preventing excessive accumulation of DCAP-2 condensates in somatic cells. We further uncover a role for EDC-3 in defining the boundaries between P bodies, germ granules, and stress granules. Finally, we show that EDC-4 counteracts EDC-3 and engenders the assembly of DCAP-2 with the GID (CTLH) complex, a ubiquitin ligase involved in maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). Our findings support a model where multiple RNA decay mechanisms temporally clear maternal and zygotic mRNAs throughout embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elva Vidya
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adarsh K Mayank
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Javeria Rizwan
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jia Ming Stella Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Tianhao Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Rania Leventis
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Maria Vera
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Thomas F Duchaine
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Montréal QC H3G 1Y6, Canada.
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Tse-Kang SY, Pukkila-Worley R. Lysosome-related organelle integrity suppresses TIR-1 aggregation to restrain toxic propagation of p38 innate immunity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114674. [PMID: 39299237 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114674] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity in bacteria, plants, and animals requires the specialized subset of Toll/interleukin-1/resistance gene (TIR) domain proteins that are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) hydrolases. Aggregation of these TIR proteins engages their enzymatic activity, but it is unknown how this protein multimerization is regulated. Here, we discover that TIR oligomerization is controlled to prevent immune toxicity. We find that p38 propagates its own activation in a positive feedback loop, which promotes the aggregation of the lone enzymatic TIR protein in the nematode C. elegans (TIR-1, homologous to human sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 [SARM1]). We perform a forward genetic screen to determine how the p38 positive feedback loop is regulated. We discover that the integrity of the specific lysosomal subcompartment that expresses TIR-1 is actively maintained to limit inappropriate TIR-1 aggregation on the membranes of these organelles, which restrains toxic propagation of p38 innate immunity. Thus, innate immunity in C. elegans intestinal epithelial cells is regulated by specific control of TIR-1 multimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Y Tse-Kang
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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10
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Champagne R, Abril J, Gaillard A. Knockdown of the jph-1 gene produces altered nervous system structure and impaired muscle endurance phenotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001323. [PMID: 39381635 PMCID: PMC11459261 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Calcium signaling plays an integral role in neuronal communication and muscle movement. The junctophilin family of proteins are structural components of calcium channels of the endoplasmic reticulum and are implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders. This study examined the function of jph-1 , a gene coding for a junctophilin protein in Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ), by downregulating jph-1 gene expression using RNAi through bacterial feeding. Downregulation of jph-1 altered the physical morphology and impaired thrashing locomotion in wild-type C. elegans . These results are consistent with those of others in demonstrating a role for jph-1 in muscle physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon Champagne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, United States
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas, United States
| | - Jose Abril
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, United States
- John Sealy School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Anne Gaillard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, United States
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11
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Necira K, Contreras L, Kamargiakis E, Kamoun MS, Canto T, Tenllado F. Comparative analysis of RNA interference and pattern-triggered immunity induced by dsRNA reveals different efficiencies in the antiviral response to potato virus X. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e70008. [PMID: 39290152 PMCID: PMC11408873 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.70008] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Antiviral responses induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) include RNA interference (RNAi) and pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), but their relative contributions to antiviral defence are not well understood. We aimed at testing the impact of exogenous applied dsRNA on both layers of defence against potato virus X expressing GFP (PVX-GFP) in Nicotiana benthamiana. Co-inoculation of PVX-GFP with either sequence-specific (RNAi) or nonspecific dsRNA (PTI) showed that nonspecific dsRNA reduced virus accumulation in both inoculated and systemic leaves. However, nonspecific dsRNA was a poor inducer of antiviral immunity compared to a sequence-specific dsRNA capable of triggering the RNAi response, and plants became susceptible to systemic infection. Studies with a PVX mutant unable to move from cell to cell indicated that the interference with PVX-GFP triggered by nonspecific dsRNA operated at the single-cell level. Next, we performed RNA-seq analysis to examine similarities and differences in the transcriptome triggered by dsRNA alone or in combination with viruses harbouring sequences targeted or not by dsRNA. Enrichment analysis showed an over-representation of plant-pathogen signalling pathways, such as calcium, ethylene and MAPK signalling, which are typical of antimicrobial PTI. Moreover, the transcriptomic response to the virus targeted by dsRNA had a greater impact on defence than the non-targeted virus, highlighting qualitative differences between sequence-specific RNAi and nonspecific PTI responses. Together, these results further our understanding of plant antiviral defence, particularly the contribution of nonspecific dsRNA-mediated PTI. We envisage that both sequence-specific RNAi and nonspecific PTI pathways may be triggered via topical application of dsRNA, contributing cumulatively to plant protection against viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khouloud Necira
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of SciencesUniversity of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
| | - Lorenzo Contreras
- Department of Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - Efstratios Kamargiakis
- Department of Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - Mohamed Selim Kamoun
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and BiostatisticsInstitut Pasteur de TunisTunisTunisia
| | - Tomás Canto
- Department of Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - Francisco Tenllado
- Department of Biotechnology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
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12
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Lang C, Maxian O, Anneken A, Munro E. Oligomerization and positive feedback on membrane recruitment encode dynamically stable PAR-3 asymmetries in the C. elegans zygote. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.04.552031. [PMID: 39253498 PMCID: PMC11383301 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.552031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Studies of PAR polarity have emphasized a paradigm in which mutually antagonistic PAR proteins form complementary polar domains in response to transient cues. A growing body of work suggests that the oligomeric scaffold PAR-3 can form unipolar asymmetries without mutual antagonism, but how it does so is largely unknown. Here we combine single molecule analysis and modeling to show how the interplay of two positive feedback loops promote dynamically stable unipolar PAR-3 asymmetries in early C. elegans embryos. First, the intrinsic dynamics of PAR-3 membrane binding and oligomerization encode negative feedback on PAR-3 dissociation. Second, membrane-bound PAR-3 promotes its own recruitment through a mechanism that requires the anterior polarity proteins CDC-42, PAR-6 and PKC-3. Using a kinetic model tightly constrained by our experimental measurements, we show that these two feedback loops are individually required and jointly sufficient to encode dynamically stable and locally inducible unipolar PAR-3 asymmetries in the absence of posterior inhibition. Given the central role of PAR-3, and the conservation of PAR-3 membrane-binding, oligomerization, and core interactions with PAR-6/aPKC, these results have widespread implications for PAR-mediated polarity in metazoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Lang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Current address: Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Ondrej Maxian
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Alexander Anneken
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Edwin Munro
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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13
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Hong M, Zhou X, Zeng C, Xu D, Xu T, Liao S, Wang K, Zhu C, Shan G, Huang X, Chen X, Feng X, Guang S. Nucleolar stress induces nucleolar stress body formation via the NOSR-1/NUMR-1 axis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7256. [PMID: 39179648 PMCID: PMC11343841 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51693-z] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental stimuli not only alter gene expression profiles but also induce structural changes in cells. How distinct nuclear bodies respond to cellular stress is poorly understood. Here, we identify a subnuclear organelle named the nucleolar stress body (NoSB), the formation of which is induced by the inhibition of rRNA transcription or inactivation of rRNA processing and maturation in C. elegans. NoSB does not colocalize with other previously described subnuclear organelles. We conduct forward genetic screening and identify a bZIP transcription factor, named nucleolar stress response-1 (NOSR-1), that is required for NoSB formation. The inhibition of rRNA transcription or inactivation of rRNA processing and maturation increases nosr-1 expression. By using transcriptome analysis of wild-type animals subjected to different nucleolar stress conditions and nosr-1 mutants, we identify that the SR-like protein NUMR-1 (nuclear localized metal responsive) is the target of NOSR-1. Interestingly, NUMR-1 is a component of NoSB and itself per se is required for the formation of NoSB. We conclude that the NOSR-1/NUMR-1 axis likely responds to nucleolar stress and mediates downstream stress-responsive transcription programs and subnuclear morphology alterations in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Chenming Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Demin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Shimiao Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Ge Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Xinya Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
| | - Xiangyang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
| | - Xuezhu Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Shouhong Guang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
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14
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Ohta A, Sato Y, Isono K, Kajino T, Tanaka K, Taji T, Kuhara A. The intron binding protein EMB-4 is an opposite regulator of cold and high temperature tolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae293. [PMID: 39118835 PMCID: PMC11309393 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Adaptation and tolerance to changes in heat and cold temperature are essential for survival and proliferation in plants and animals. However, there is no clear information regarding the common molecules between animals and plants. In this study, we found that heat, and cold tolerance of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is oppositely regulated by the RNA-binding protein EMB-4, whose plant homolog contains polymorphism causing heat tolerance diversity. Caenorhabditis elegans alters its cold and heat tolerance depending on the previous cultivation temperature, wherein EMB-4 respectively acts as a positive and negative controller of heat and cold tolerance by altering gene expression. Among the genes whose expression is regulated by EMB-4, a phospholipid scramblase, and an acid sphingomyelinase, which are involved in membrane lipid metabolism, were found to play essential roles in the negative regulation of heat tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akane Ohta
- Graduate School of Natural Science, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
- Institute for Integrative Neurobiology, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Sato
- Graduate School of Natural Science, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
- Institute for Integrative Neurobiology, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuho Isono
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Takuma Kajino
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tanaka
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Teruaki Taji
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuhara
- Graduate School of Natural Science, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
- Institute for Integrative Neurobiology, Konan University, 8-9-1 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-8501, Japan
- AMED-PRIME, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
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15
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Traa A, Tamez González AA, Van Raamsdonk JM. Developmental disruption of the mitochondrial fission gene drp-1 extends the longevity of daf-2 insulin/IGF-1 receptor mutant. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01276-z. [PMID: 39028454 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The dynamic nature of the mitochondrial network is regulated by mitochondrial fission and fusion, allowing for re-organization of mitochondria to adapt to the cell's ever-changing needs. As organisms age, mitochondrial fission and fusion become dysregulated and mitochondrial networks become increasingly fragmented. Modulation of mitochondrial dynamics has been shown to affect longevity in fungi, yeast, Drosophila and C. elegans. Disruption of the mitochondrial fission gene drp-1 drastically increases the already long lifespan of daf-2 insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) mutants. In this work, we determined the conditions required for drp-1 disruption to extend daf-2 longevity and explored the molecular mechanisms involved. We found that knockdown of drp-1 during development is sufficient to extend daf-2 lifespan, while tissue-specific knockdown of drp-1 in neurons, intestine or muscle failed to increase daf-2 longevity. Disruption of other genes involved in mitochondrial fission also increased daf-2 lifespan as did treatment with RNA interference clones that decrease mitochondrial fragmentation. In exploring potential mechanisms involved, we found that deletion of drp-1 increases resistance to chronic stresses. In addition, we found that disruption of drp-1 increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal connectedness in daf-2 worms, increased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP levels, and increased mitophagy in daf-2 worms, but did not affect their ROS levels, food consumption or mitochondrial membrane potential. Disruption of mitophagy through RNA interference targeting pink-1 decreased the lifespan of daf-2;drp-1 worms suggesting that increased mitophagy contributes to their extended lifespan. Overall, this work defined the conditions under which drp-1 disruption increases daf-2 lifespan and has identified multiple changes in daf-2;drp-1 mutants that may contribute to their lifespan extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Traa
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aura A Tamez González
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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16
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Ross SJ, Owen GR, Hough J, Philips A, Maddelein W, Ray J, Kilby PM, Dickman MJ. Optimizing the production of dsRNA biocontrols in microbial systems using multiple transcriptional terminators. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 39030834 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Crop pests and pathogens annually cause over $220 billion in global crop damage, with insects consuming 5%-20% of major grain crops. Current crop pest and disease control strategies rely on insecticidal and fungicidal sprays, plant genetic resistance, transgenes, and agricultural practices. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is emerging as a novel sustainable method of plant protection as an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Successful commercialization of dsRNA-based biocontrols requires the economical production of large quantities of dsRNA combined with suitable delivery methods to ensure RNAi efficacy against the target pest. In this study, we have optimized the design of plasmid DNA constructs to produce dsRNA biocontrols in Escherichia coli, by employing a wide range of alternative synthetic transcriptional terminators before measurement of dsRNA yield. We demonstrate that a 7.8-fold increase of dsRNA was achieved using triple synthetic transcriptional terminators within a dual T7 dsRNA production system compared to the absence of transcriptional terminators. Moreover, our data demonstrate that batch fermentation production dsRNA using multiple transcriptional terminators is scalable and generates significantly higher yields of dsRNA generated in the absence of transcriptional terminators at both small-scale batch culture and large-scale fermentation. In addition, we show that application of these dsRNA biocontrols expressed in E. coli cells results in increased insect mortality. Finally, novel mass spectrometry analysis was performed to determine the precise sites of transcriptional termination at the different transcriptional terminators providing important further mechanistic insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian J Ross
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gareth R Owen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - James Hough
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - John Ray
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre , Bracknell, Berkshire, UK
| | - Peter M Kilby
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre , Bracknell, Berkshire, UK
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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17
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Pitkänen M, Matilainen O. Milk Fat Globule Membrane-Containing Protein Powder Promotes Fitness in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nutrients 2024; 16:2290. [PMID: 39064733 PMCID: PMC11280102 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142290] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Milk-derived peptides and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) have gained interest as health-promoting food ingredients. However, the mechanisms by which these nutraceuticals modulate the function of biological systems often remain unclear. We utilized Caenorhabditis elegans to elucidate how MFGM-containing protein powder (MProPow), previously used in a clinical trial, affect the physiology of this model organism. Our results demonstrate that MProPow does not affect lifespan but promotes the fitness of the animals. Surprisingly, gene expression analysis revealed that MProPow decreases the expression of genes functioning on innate immunity, which also translates into reduced survival on pathogenic bacteria. One of the innate immunity-associated genes showing reduced expression upon MProPow supplementation is cpr-3, the homolog of human cathepsin B. Interestingly, knockdown of cpr-3 enhances fitness, but not in MProPow-treated animals, suggesting that MProPow contributes to fitness by downregulating the expression of this gene. In summary, this research highlights the value of C. elegans in testing the biological activity of food supplements and nutraceuticals. Furthermore, this study should encourage investigations into whether milk-derived peptides and MFGM mediate their beneficial effects through the modulation of cathepsin B expression in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olli Matilainen
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland;
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18
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Chen X, Wang K, Mufti FUD, Xu D, Zhu C, Huang X, Zeng C, Jin Q, Huang X, Yan YH, Dong MQ, Feng X, Shi Y, Kennedy S, Guang S. Germ granule compartments coordinate specialized small RNA production. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5799. [PMID: 38987544 PMCID: PMC11236994 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50027-3] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Germ granules are biomolecular condensates present in most animal germ cells. One function of germ granules is to help maintain germ cell totipotency by organizing mRNA regulatory machinery, including small RNA-based gene regulatory pathways. The C. elegans germ granule is compartmentalized into multiple subcompartments whose biological functions are largely unknown. Here, we identify an uncharted subcompartment of the C. elegans germ granule, which we term the E granule. The E granule is nonrandomly positioned within the germ granule. We identify five proteins that localize to the E granule, including the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) EGO-1, the Dicer-related helicase DRH-3, the Tudor domain-containing protein EKL-1, and two intrinsically disordered proteins, EGC-1 and ELLI-1. Localization of EGO-1 to the E granule enables synthesis of a specialized class of 22G RNAs, which derive exclusively from 5' regions of a subset of germline-expressed mRNAs. Defects in E granule assembly elicit disordered production of endogenous siRNAs, which disturbs fertility and the RNAi response. Our results define a distinct subcompartment of the C. elegans germ granule and suggest that one function of germ granule compartmentalization is to facilitate the localized production of specialized classes of small regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Farees Ud Din Mufti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Demin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Xinya Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Chenming Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Qile Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Yong-Hong Yan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Meng-Qiu Dong
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xuezhu Feng
- School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Yunyu Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
| | - Scott Kennedy
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Shouhong Guang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
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19
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Hall AE, Klompstra D, Nance J. C. elegans Afadin is required for epidermal morphogenesis and functionally interfaces with the cadherin-catenin complex and RhoGAP PAC-1/ARHGAP21. Dev Biol 2024; 511:12-25. [PMID: 38556137 PMCID: PMC11088504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
During epithelial morphogenesis, the apical junctions connecting cells must remodel as cells change shape and make new connections with their neighbors. In the C. elegans embryo, new apical junctions form when epidermal cells migrate and seal with one another to encase the embryo in skin ('ventral enclosure'), and junctions remodel when epidermal cells change shape to squeeze the embryo into a worm shape ('elongation'). The junctional cadherin-catenin complex (CCC), which links epithelial cells to each other and to cortical actomyosin, is essential for C. elegans epidermal morphogenesis. RNAi genetic enhancement screens have identified several genes encoding proteins that interact with the CCC to promote epidermal morphogenesis, including the scaffolding protein Afadin (AFD-1), whose depletion alone results in only minor morphogenesis defects. Here, by creating a null mutation in afd-1, we show that afd-1 provides a significant contribution to ventral enclosure and elongation on its own. Unexpectedly, we find that afd-1 mutant phenotypes are strongly modified by diet, revealing a previously unappreciated parental nutritional input to morphogenesis. We identify functional interactions between AFD-1 and the CCC by demonstrating that E-cadherin is required for the polarized distribution of AFD-1 to cell contact sites in early embryos. Finally, we show that afd-1 promotes the enrichment of polarity regulator, and CCC-interacting protein, PAC-1/ARHGAP21 to cell contact sites, and we identify genetic interactions suggesting that afd-1 and pac-1 regulate epidermal morphogenesis at least in part through parallel mechanisms. Our findings reveal that C. elegans AFD-1 makes a significant contribution to epidermal morphogenesis and functionally interfaces with core and associated CCC proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Hall
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Regis University, Biology Department, Denver, CO, 80221, USA.
| | - Diana Klompstra
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jeremy Nance
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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20
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Connors CQ, Mauro MS, Wiles JT, Countryman AD, Martin SL, Lacroix B, Shirasu-Hiza M, Dumont J, Kasza KE, Davies TR, Canman JC. Germ fate determinants protect germ precursor cell division by reducing septin and anillin levels at the cell division plane. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar94. [PMID: 38696255 PMCID: PMC11244169 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-02-0096-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal cell cytokinesis, or the physical division of one cell into two, is thought to be driven by constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring at the division plane. The mechanisms underlying cell type-specific differences in cytokinesis remain unknown. Germ cells are totipotent cells that pass genetic information to the next generation. Previously, using formincyk-1(ts) mutant Caenorhabditis elegans 4-cell embryos, we found that the P2 germ precursor cell is protected from cytokinesis failure and can divide with greatly reduced F-actin levels at the cell division plane. Here, we identified two canonical germ fate determinants required for P2-specific cytokinetic protection: PIE-1 and POS-1. Neither has been implicated previously in cytokinesis. These germ fate determinants protect P2 cytokinesis by reducing the accumulation of septinUNC-59 and anillinANI-1 at the division plane, which here act as negative regulators of cytokinesis. These findings may provide insight into the regulation of cytokinesis in other cell types, especially in stem cells with high potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Q. Connors
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Michael S. Mauro
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - J. Tristian Wiles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | | | - Sophia L. Martin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Benjamin Lacroix
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
- Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, UMR 5237 Montpellier, France
| | - Mimi Shirasu-Hiza
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Julien Dumont
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Karen E. Kasza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Timothy R. Davies
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Julie C. Canman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
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21
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Spada M, Pugliesi C, Fambrini M, Pecchia S. Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host- Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control Strategies: The Key Role of RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6798. [PMID: 38928507 PMCID: PMC11203536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Pers., 1794), the causative agent of gray mold disease, causes significant losses in agricultural production. Control of this fungal pathogen is quite difficult due to its wide host range and environmental persistence. Currently, the management of the disease is still mainly based on chemicals, which can have harmful effects not only on the environment and on human health but also because they favor the development of strains resistant to fungicides. The flexibility and plasticity of B. cinerea in challenging plant defense mechanisms and its ability to evolve strategies to escape chemicals require the development of new control strategies for successful disease management. In this review, some aspects of the host-pathogen interactions from which novel and sustainable control strategies could be developed (e.g., signaling pathways, molecules involved in plant immune mechanisms, hormones, post-transcriptional gene silencing) were analyzed. New biotechnological tools based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) are emerging in the crop protection scenario as versatile, sustainable, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of chemicals. RNAi-based fungicides are expected to be approved soon, although they will face several challenges before reaching the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Spada
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Pugliesi
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Fambrini
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Pecchia
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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22
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Middelkoop TC, Neipel J, Cornell CE, Naumann R, Pimpale LG, Jülicher F, Grill SW. A cytokinetic ring-driven cell rotation achieves Hertwig's rule in early development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318838121. [PMID: 38870057 PMCID: PMC11194556 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318838121] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hertwig's rule states that cells divide along their longest axis, usually driven by forces acting on the mitotic spindle. Here, we show that in contrast to this rule, microtubule-based pulling forces in early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos align the spindle with the short axis of the cell. We combine theory with experiments to reveal that in order to correct this misalignment, inward forces generated by the constricting cytokinetic ring rotate the entire cell until the spindle is aligned with the cell's long axis. Experiments with slightly compressed mouse zygotes indicate that this cytokinetic ring-driven mechanism of ensuring Hertwig's rule is general for cells capable of rotating inside a confining shell, a scenario that applies to early cell divisions of many systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teije C. Middelkoop
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307Dresden, Germany
- Laboratory of Developmental Mechanobiology, Division Biocev, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jonas Neipel
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187Dresden, Germany
| | - Caitlin E. Cornell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Ronald Naumann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307Dresden, Germany
| | - Lokesh G. Pimpale
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Jülicher
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technical University Dresden, 01062Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan W. Grill
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technical University Dresden, 01062Dresden, Germany
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23
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Zhang Z, Yang H, Fang L, Zhao G, Xiang J, Zheng JC, Qin Z. DOS-3 mediates cell-non-autonomous DAF-16/FOXO activity in antagonizing age-related loss of C. elegans germline stem/progenitor cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4904. [PMID: 38851828 PMCID: PMC11162419 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49318-6] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related depletion of stem cells causes tissue degeneration and failure to tissue regeneration, driving aging at the organismal level. Previously we reported a cell-non-autonomous DAF-16/FOXO activity in antagonizing the age-related loss of germline stem/progenitor cells (GSPCs) in C. elegans, indicating that regulation of stem cell aging occurs at the organ system level. Here we discover the molecular effector that links the cell-non-autonomous DAF-16/FOXO activity to GSPC maintenance over time by performing a tissue-specific DAF-16/FOXO transcriptome analysis. Our data show that dos-3, which encodes a non-canonical Notch ligand, is a direct transcriptional target of DAF-16/FOXO and mediates the effect of the cell-non-autonomous DAF-16/FOXO activity on GSPC maintenance through activating Notch signaling in the germ line. Importantly, expression of a human homologous protein can functionally substitute for DOS-3 in this scenario. As Notch signaling controls the specification of many tissue stem cells, similar mechanisms may exist in other aging stem cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Guangrong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jun Xiang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- Innovation Center of Medical Basic Research for Brain Aging and Associated Diseases, Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200331, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200331, China.
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200331, China.
| | - Zhao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
- Innovation Center of Medical Basic Research for Brain Aging and Associated Diseases, Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200331, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200331, China.
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24
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Gao B, Ruiz D, Case H, Jinkerson RE, Sun Q. Engineering bacterial warriors: harnessing microbes to modulate animal physiology. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103113. [PMID: 38564969 PMCID: PMC11444245 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A central goal of synthetic biology is the reprogramming of living systems for predetermined biological functions. While many engineering efforts have been made in living systems, these innovations have been mainly employed with microorganisms or cell lines. The engineering of multicellular organisms including animals remains challenging owing to the complexity of these systems. In this context, microbes, with their intricate impact on animals, have opened new opportunities. Through the utilization of the symbiotic relationships between microbes and animals, researchers have effectively manipulated animals in various ways using engineered microbes. This focused approach has demonstrated its significance in scientific exploration and engineering with model animals, coral preservation and restoration, and advancements in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baizhen Gao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, United States
| | - Daniela Ruiz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, United States; Program of Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, United States
| | - Hayden Case
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, United States
| | - Robert E Jinkerson
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, United States; Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Qing Sun
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, United States; Program of Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, United States.
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25
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Shrestha B, Nieminen AI, Matilainen O. Loss of the histone chaperone UNC-85/ASF1 inhibits the epigenome-mediated longevity and modulates the activity of one-carbon metabolism. Cell Stress Chaperones 2024; 29:392-403. [PMID: 38608859 PMCID: PMC11039323 DOI: 10.1016/j.cstres.2024.04.003] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone H3/H4 chaperone anti-silencing function 1 (ASF1) is a conserved factor mediating nucleosomal assembly and disassembly, playing crucial roles in processes such as replication, transcription, and DNA repair. Nevertheless, its involvement in aging has remained unclear. Here, we utilized the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to demonstrate that the loss of UNC-85, the homolog of ASF1, leads to a shortened lifespan in a multicellular organism. Furthermore, we show that UNC-85 is required for epigenome-mediated longevity, as knockdown of the histone H3 lysine K4 methyltransferase ash-2 does not extend the lifespan of unc-85 mutants. In this context, we found that the longevity-promoting ash-2 RNA interference enhances UNC-85 activity by increasing its nuclear localization. Finally, our data indicate that the loss of UNC-85 increases the activity of one-carbon metabolism, and that downregulation of the one-carbon metabolism component dao-3/MTHFD2 partially rescues the short lifespan of unc-85 mutants. Together, these findings reveal UNC-85/ASF1 as a modulator of the central metabolic pathway and a factor regulating a pro-longevity response, thus shedding light on a mechanism of how nucleosomal maintenance associates with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bideep Shrestha
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni I Nieminen
- FIMM Metabolomics Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Matilainen
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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26
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Kaplanoglu E, Scott IM, Vickruck J, Donly C. Role of CYP9E2 and a long non-coding RNA gene in resistance to a spinosad insecticide in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304037. [PMID: 38787856 PMCID: PMC11125468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinosads are insecticides used to control insect pests, especially in organic farming where limited tools for pest management exist. However, resistance has developed to spinosads in economically important pests, including Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata. In this study, we used bioassays to determine spinosad sensitivity of two field populations of CPB, one from an organic farm exposed exclusively to spinosad and one from a conventional farm exposed to a variety of insecticides, and a reference insecticide naïve population. We found the field populations exhibited significant levels of resistance compared with the sensitive population. Then, we compared transcriptome profiles between the two field populations to identify genes associated primarily with spinosad resistance and found a cytochrome P450, CYP9E2, and a long non-coding RNA gene, lncRNA-2, were upregulated in the exclusively spinosad-exposed population. Knock-down of these two genes simultaneously in beetles of the spinosad-exposed population using RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in a significant increase in mortality when gene knock-down was followed by spinosad exposure, whereas single knock-downs of each gene produced smaller effects. In addition, knock-down of the lncRNA-2 gene individually resulted in significant reduction in CYP9E2 transcripts. Finally, in silico analysis using an RNA-RNA interaction tool revealed that CYP9E2 mRNA contains multiple binding sites for the lncRNA-2 transcript. Our results imply that CYP9E2 and lncRNA-2 jointly contribute to spinosad resistance in CPB, and lncRNA-2 is involved in regulation of CYP9E2 expression. These results provide evidence that metabolic resistance, driven by overexpression of CYP and lncRNA genes, contributes to spinosad resistance in CPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Kaplanoglu
- London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ian M. Scott
- London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Vickruck
- Fredericton Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Cam Donly
- London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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27
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Pal A, Vasudevan V, Houle F, Lantin M, Maniates K, Huberdeau MQ, Abbott A, Simard M. Defining the contribution of microRNA-specific Argonautes with slicer capability in animals. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5002-5015. [PMID: 38477356 PMCID: PMC11109967 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
microRNAs regulate gene expression through interaction with an Argonaute protein. While some members of this protein family retain an enzymatic activity capable of cleaving RNA molecules complementary to Argonaute-bound small RNAs, the role of the slicer residues in the canonical microRNA pathway is still unclear in animals. To address this, we created Caenorhabditis elegans strains with mutated slicer residues in the endogenous ALG-1 and ALG-2, the only two slicing Argonautes essential for the miRNA pathway in this animal model. We observe that the mutation in ALG-1 and ALG-2 catalytic residues affects overall animal fitness and causes phenotypes reminiscent of miRNA defects only when grown and maintained at restrictive temperature. Furthermore, the analysis of global miRNA expression shows that the slicer residues of ALG-1 and ALG-2 contribute differentially to regulate the level of specific subsets of miRNAs in young adults. We also demonstrate that altering the catalytic tetrad of those miRNA-specific Argonautes does not result in any defect in the production of canonical miRNAs. Together, these data support that the slicer residues of miRNA-specific Argonautes contribute to maintaining levels of a set of miRNAs for optimal viability and fitness in animals particularly exposed to specific growing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Pal
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Vaishnav Vasudevan
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - François Houle
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Michael Lantin
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Katherine A Maniates
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, USA
| | - Miguel Quévillon Huberdeau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Allison L Abbott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - Martin J Simard
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3S3, Canada
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28
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Amran A, Pigatto L, Farley J, Godini R, Pocock R, Gopal S. The matrisome landscape controlling in vivo germ cell fates. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4200. [PMID: 38760342 PMCID: PMC11101451 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48283-4] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The developmental fate of cells is regulated by intrinsic factors and the extracellular environment. The extracellular matrix (matrisome) delivers chemical and mechanical cues that can modify cellular development. However, comprehensive understanding of how matrisome factors control cells in vivo is lacking. Here we show that specific matrisome factors act individually and collectively to control germ cell development. Surveying development of undifferentiated germline stem cells through to mature oocytes in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line enabled holistic functional analysis of 443 conserved matrisome-coding genes. Using high-content imaging, 3D reconstruction, and cell behavior analysis, we identify 321 matrisome genes that impact germ cell development, the majority of which (>80%) are undescribed. Our analysis identifies key matrisome networks acting autonomously and non-autonomously to coordinate germ cell behavior. Further, our results demonstrate that germ cell development requires continual remodeling of the matrisome landscape. Together, this study provides a comprehensive platform for deciphering how extracellular signaling controls cellular development and anticipate this will establish new opportunities for manipulating cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqilah Amran
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lara Pigatto
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Johanna Farley
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rasoul Godini
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roger Pocock
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Sandeep Gopal
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Lund Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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29
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Feng D, Qu L, Powell-Coffman JA. Whole genome profiling of short-term hypoxia induced genes and identification of HIF-1 binding sites provide insights into HIF-1 function in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295094. [PMID: 38743782 PMCID: PMC11093353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is essential to all the aerobic organisms. However, during normal development, disease and homeostasis, organisms are often challenged by hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). Hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) are master regulators of hypoxia response and are evolutionarily conserved in metazoans. The homolog of HIF in the genetic model organism C. elegans is HIF-1. In this study, we aimed to understand short-term hypoxia response to identify HIF-1 downstream genes and identify HIF-1 direct targets in C. elegans. The central research questions were: (1) which genes are differentially expressed in response to short-term hypoxia? (2) Which of these changes in gene expression are dependent upon HIF-1 function? (3) Are any of these hif-1-dependent genes essential to survival in hypoxia? (4) Which genes are the direct targets of HIF-1? We combine whole genome gene expression analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments to address these questions. In agreement with other published studies, we report that HIF-1-dependent hypoxia-responsive genes are involved in metabolism and stress response. Some HIF-1-dependent hypoxia-responsive genes like efk-1 and phy-2 dramatically impact survival in hypoxic conditions. Genes regulated by HIF-1 and hypoxia overlap with genes responsive to hydrogen sulfide, also overlap with genes regulated by DAF-16. The genomic regions that co-immunoprecipitate with HIF-1 are strongly enriched for genes involved in stress response. Further, some of these potential HIF-1 direct targets are differentially expressed under short-term hypoxia or are differentially regulated by mutations that enhance HIF-1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingxia Feng
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Long Qu
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jo Anne Powell-Coffman
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Figueiredo Prates LH, Fiebig J, Schlosser H, Liapi E, Rehling T, Lutrat C, Bouyer J, Sun Q, Wen H, Xi Z, Schetelig MF, Häcker I. Challenges of Robust RNAi-Mediated Gene Silencing in Aedes Mosquitoes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5218. [PMID: 38791257 PMCID: PMC11121262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105218] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the complexities and challenges associated with achieving robust RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown in the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, a pivotal approach for genetic analysis and vector control. Despite RNAi's potential for species-specific gene targeting, our independent efforts to establish oral delivery of RNAi for identifying genes critical for mosquito development and fitness encountered significant challenges, failing to reproduce previously reported potent RNAi effects. We independently evaluated a range of RNAi-inducing molecules (siRNAs, shRNAs, and dsRNAs) and administration methods (oral delivery, immersion, and microinjection) in three different laboratories. We also tested various mosquito strains and utilized microorganisms for RNA delivery. Our results reveal a pronounced inconsistency in RNAi efficacy, characterized by minimal effects on larval survival and gene expression levels in most instances despite strong published effects for the tested targets. One or multiple factors, including RNase activity in the gut, the cellular internalization and processing of RNA molecules, and the systemic dissemination of the RNAi signal, could be involved in this variability, all of which are barely understood in mosquitoes. The challenges identified in this study highlight the necessity for additional research into the underlying mechanisms of mosquito RNAi to develop more robust RNAi-based methodologies. Our findings emphasize the intricacies of RNAi application in mosquitoes, which present a substantial barrier to its utilization in genetic control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Figueiredo Prates
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Jakob Fiebig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Henrik Schlosser
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Eleni Liapi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Tanja Rehling
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | | | - Jeremy Bouyer
- ASTRE, CIRAD, 34398 Montpellier, France (J.B.)
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, 97491 Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Han Wen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Marc F. Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Irina Häcker
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
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Almutairi N, Khan N, Harrison-Smith A, Arlt VM, Stürzenbaum SR. Stage-specific exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to cadmium identifies unique transcriptomic response cascades and an uncharacterized cadmium responsive transcript. Metallomics 2024; 16:mfae016. [PMID: 38549424 PMCID: PMC11066929 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfae016] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Age/stage sensitivity is considered a significant factor in toxicity assessments. Previous studies investigated cadmium (Cd) toxicosis in Caenorhabditis elegans, and a plethora of metal-responsive genes/proteins have been identified and characterized in fine detail; however, most of these studies neglected age sensitivity and stage-specific response to toxicants at the molecular level. This present study compared the transcriptome response between C. elegans L3 vs L4 larvae exposed to 20 µM Cd to explore the transcriptional hallmarks of stage sensitivity. The results showed that the transcriptome of the L3 stage, despite being exposed to Cd for a shorter period, was more affected than the L4 stage, as demonstrated by differences in transcriptional changes and magnitude of induction. Additionally, T08G5.1, a hitherto uncharacterized gene located upstream of metallothionein (mtl-2), was transcriptionally hyperresponsive to Cd exposure. Deletion of one or both metallothioneins (mtl-1 and/or mtl-2) increased T08G5.1 expression, suggesting that its expression is linked to the loss of metallothionein. The generation of an extrachromosomal transgene (PT08G5.1:: GFP) revealed that T08G5.1 is constitutively expressed in the head neurons and induced in gut cells upon Cd exposure, not unlike mtl-1 and mtl-2. The low abundance of cysteine residues in T08G5.1 suggests, however, that it may not be involved directly in Cd sequestration to limit its toxicity like metallothionein, but might be associated with a parallel pathway, possibly an oxidative stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah Almutairi
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Naema Khan
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Harrison-Smith
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Volker M Arlt
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen R Stürzenbaum
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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González R, Félix MA. Caenorhabditis elegans immune responses to microsporidia and viruses. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 154:105148. [PMID: 38325500 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is susceptible to infection by obligate intracellular pathogens, specifically microsporidia and viruses. These intracellular pathogens infect intestinal cells, or, for some microsporidia, epidermal cells. Strikingly, intestinal cell infections by viruses or microsporidia trigger a common transcriptional response, activated in part by the ZIP-1 transcription factor. Among the strongest activated genes in this response are ubiquitin-pathway members and members of the pals family, an intriguing gene family with cross-regulations of different members of genomic clusters. Some of the induced genes participate in host defense against the pathogens, for example through ubiquitin-mediated inhibition. Other mechanisms defend the host specifically against viral infections, including antiviral RNA interference and uridylation. These various immune responses are altered by environmental factors and by intraspecific genetic variation of the host. These pathogens were first isolated 15 years ago and much remains to be discovered using C. elegans genetics; also, other intracellular pathogens of C. elegans may yet to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén González
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Marie-Anne Félix
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, 75005, Paris, France
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Azizi A, Del Río Mendoza LE. Effective Control of Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Canola Plants Through Application of Exogenous Hairpin RNA of Multiple Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Genes. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024; 114:1000-1010. [PMID: 38506733 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-10-23-0395-kc] [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: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Sclerotinia stem rot is a globally destructive plant disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Current management of Sclerotinia stem rot primarily relies on chemical fungicides and crop rotation, raising environmental concerns. In this study, we developed an eco-friendly RNA bio-fungicide targeting S. sclerotiorum. Six S. sclerotiorum genes were selected for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) synthesis. Four genes, a chitin-binding domain, mitogen-activated protein kinase, oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase, and abhydrolase-3, were combined to express hairpin RNA in Escherichia coli HT115. The effect of application of total RNA extracted from E. coli HT115 expressing hairpin RNA on disease progressive and necrosis lesions was evaluated. Gene expression analysis using real-time PCR showed silencing of the target genes using 5 ng/µl of dsRNA in a fungal liquid culture. A detached leaf assay and greenhouse application of dsRNA on canola stem and leaves showed variation in the reduction of necrosis symptoms by dsRNA of different genes, with abhydrolase-3 being the most effective. The dsRNA from a combination of four genes reduced disease severity significantly (P = 0.01). Plants sprayed with hairpin RNA from four genes had lesions that were almost 30% smaller than those of plants treated with abhydrolase-3 alone, in lab and greenhouse assays. The results of this study highlight the potential of RNA interference to manage diseases caused by S. sclerotiorum; however, additional research is necessary to optimize its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolbaset Azizi
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, ND, U.S.A
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
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Zhang X, Niu Y, Gao C, Kong L, Yang Z, Chang L, Kong X, Bao Z, Hu X. Somatostatin Receptor Gene Functions in Growth Regulation in Bivalve Scallop and Clam. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4813. [PMID: 38732036 PMCID: PMC11083992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bivalves hold an important role in marine aquaculture and the identification of growth-related genes in bivalves could contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism governing their growth, which may benefit high-yielding bivalve breeding. Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) is a conserved negative regulator of growth in vertebrates. Although SSTR genes have been identified in invertebrates, their involvement in growth regulation remains unclear. Here, we identified seven SSTRs (PySSTRs) in the Yesso scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis, which is an economically important bivalve cultured in East Asia. Among the three PySSTRs (PySSTR-1, -2, and -3) expressed in adult tissues, PySSTR-1 showed significantly lower expression in fast-growing scallops than in slow-growing scallops. Then, the function of this gene in growth regulation was evaluated in dwarf surf clams (Mulinia lateralis), a potential model bivalve cultured in the lab, via RNA interference (RNAi) through feeding the clams Escherichia coli containing plasmids expressing double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting MlSSTR-1. Suppressing the expression of MlSSTR-1, the homolog of PySSTR-1 in M. lateralis, resulted in a significant increase in shell length, shell width, shell height, soft tissue weight, and muscle weight by 20%, 22%, 20%, 79%, and 92%, respectively. A transcriptome analysis indicated that the up-regulated genes after MlSSTR-1 expression inhibition were significantly enriched in the fat digestion and absorption pathway and the insulin pathway. In summary, we systemically identified the SSTR genes in P. yessoensis and revealed the growth-inhibitory role of SSTR-1 in bivalves. This study indicates the conserved function of somatostatin signaling in growth regulation, and ingesting dsRNA-expressing bacteria is a useful way to verify gene function in bivalves. SSTR-1 is a candidate target for gene editing in bivalves to promote growth and could be used in the breeding of fast-growing bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangchao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Yuli Niu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Can Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Lingling Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Zujing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Lirong Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Xiangfu Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Xiaoli Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Z.); (Y.N.); (C.G.); (L.K.); (Z.Y.); (L.C.); (X.K.); (Z.B.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
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Meng JH, Huang YB, Long J, Cai QC, Qiao X, Zhang QL, Zhang LD, Yan X, Jing R, Liu XS, Zhou SJ, Yuan YS, Yin-Chen Ma, Zhou LX, Peng NN, Li XC, Cai CH, Tang HM, Martins AF, Jiang JX, Kai-Jun Luo. Innexin hemichannel activation by Microplitis bicoloratus ecSOD monopolymer reduces ROS. iScience 2024; 27:109469. [PMID: 38577101 PMCID: PMC10993139 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular superoxide dismutases (ecSODs) secreted by Microplitis bicoloratus reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulated by the Microplitis bicoloratus bracovirus. Here, we demonstrate that the bacterial transferase hexapeptide (hexapep) motif and bacterial-immunoglobulin-like (BIg-like) domain of ecSODs bind to the cell membrane and transiently open hemichannels, facilitating ROS reductions. RNAi-mediated ecSOD silencing in vivo elevated ROS in host hemocytes, impairing parasitoid larva development. In vitro, the ecSOD-monopolymer needed to be membrane bound to open hemichannels. Furthermore, the hexapep motif in the beta-sandwich of ecSOD49 and ecSOD58, and BIg-like domain in the signal peptides of ecSOD67 were required for cell membrane binding. Hexapep motif and BIg-like domain deletions induced ecSODs loss of adhesion and ROS reduction failure. The hexapep motif and BIg-like domain mediated ecSOD binding via upregulating innexins and stabilizing the opened hemichannels. Our findings reveal a mechanism through which ecSOD reduces ROS, which may aid in developing anti-redox therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Biao Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Jin Long
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Chen Cai
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xin Qiao
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Qiong-Li Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Li-Dan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiang Yan
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Rui Jing
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Shan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Sai-Jun Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Sheng Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Yin-Chen Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Li-Xiang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Nan-Nan Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Cheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Hui Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Mei Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - André F. Martins
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean X. Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Kai-Jun Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
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Vergani-Junior CA, Moro RDP, Pinto S, De-Souza EA, Camara H, Braga DL, Tonon-da-Silva G, Knittel TL, Ruiz GP, Ludwig RG, Massirer KB, Mair WB, Mori MA. An Intricate Network Involving the Argonaute ALG-1 Modulates Organismal Resistance to Oxidative Stress. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3070. [PMID: 38594249 PMCID: PMC11003958 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47306-4] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular response to redox imbalance is crucial for organismal health. microRNAs are implicated in stress responses. ALG-1, the C. elegans ortholog of human AGO2, plays an essential role in microRNA processing and function. Here we investigated the mechanisms governing ALG-1 expression in C. elegans and the players controlling lifespan and stress resistance downstream of ALG-1. We show that upregulation of ALG-1 is a shared feature in conditions linked to increased longevity (e.g., germline-deficient glp-1 mutants). ALG-1 knockdown reduces lifespan and oxidative stress resistance, while overexpression enhances survival against pro-oxidant agents but not heat or reductive stress. R02D3.7 represses alg-1 expression, impacting oxidative stress resistance at least in part via ALG-1. microRNAs upregulated in glp-1 mutants (miR-87-3p, miR-230-3p, and miR-235-3p) can target genes in the protein disulfide isomerase pathway and protect against oxidative stress. This study unveils a tightly regulated network involving transcription factors and microRNAs which controls organisms' ability to withstand oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Vergani-Junior
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raíssa De P Moro
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silas Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Evandro A De-Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henrique Camara
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Section on Integrative Physiology & Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deisi L Braga
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Tonon-da-Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago L Knittel
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel P Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raissa G Ludwig
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katlin B Massirer
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry (CQMED), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William B Mair
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcelo A Mori
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Duxbury EML, Carlsson H, Kimberley A, Ridge Y, Johnson K, Maklakov AA. Reduced insulin/IGF-1 signalling upregulates two anti-viral immune pathways, decreases viral load and increases survival under viral infection in C. elegans. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01147-7. [PMID: 38589671 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Reduced insulin/IGF-1 signalling (rIIS) improves survival across diverse taxa and there is a growing interest in its role in regulating immune function. Whilst rIIS can improve anti-bacterial resistance, the consequences for anti-viral immunity are yet to be systematically examined. Here, we show that rIIS in adult Caenorhabditis elegans increases the expression of key genes in two different anti-viral immunity pathways, whilst reducing viral load in old age, increasing survival and reducing rate-of-senescence under infection by naturally occurring positive-sense single-stranded RNA Orsay virus. We found that both drh-1 in the anti-viral RNA interference (RNAi) pathway and cde-1 in the terminal uridylation-based degradation of viral RNA pathway were upregulated in early adulthood under rIIS and increased anti-viral resistance was not associated with reproductive costs. Remarkably, rIIS increased anti-viral gene expression only in infected worms, potentially to curb the costs of constitutively upregulated immunity. RNA viruses are found across taxa from plants to mammals and we demonstrate a novel role for rIIS in regulating resistance to viral infection. We therefore highlight this evolutionarily conserved signalling pathway as a promising therapeutic target to improve anti-viral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanne Carlsson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Annabel Kimberley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Yvonne Ridge
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Katie Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Alexei A Maklakov
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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38
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Moody JC, Qadota H, Benian GM. The RhoGAP RRC-1 is required for the assembly or stability of integrin adhesion complexes and is a member of the PIX pathway in muscle. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar58. [PMID: 38446619 PMCID: PMC11064667 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-03-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
GTPases cycle between active GTP bound and inactive GDP bound forms. Exchange of GDP for GTP is catalyzed by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) accelerate GTP hydrolysis, to promote the GDP bound form. We reported that the RacGEF, PIX-1, is required for assembly of integrin adhesion complexes (IAC) in striated muscle of Caenorhabditis elegans. In C. elegans, IACs are found at the muscle cell boundaries (MCBs), and bases of sarcomeric M-lines and dense bodies (Z-disks). Screening C. elegans mutants in proteins containing RhoGAP domains revealed that loss of function of rrc-1 results in loss of IAC components at MCBs, disorganization of M-lines and dense bodies, and reduced whole animal locomotion. RRC-1 localizes to MCBs, like PIX-1. The localization of RRC-1 at MCBs requires PIX-1, and the localization of PIX-1 requires RRC-1. Loss of function of CED-10 (Rac) shows lack of PIX-1 and RRC-1 at MCBs. RRC-1 exists in a complex with PIX-1. Transgenic rescue of rrc-1 was achieved with wild type RRC-1 but not RRC-1 with a missense mutation in a highly conserved residue of the RhoGAP domain. Our results are consistent with RRC-1 being a RhoGAP for the PIX pathway in muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroshi Qadota
- Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Guy M. Benian
- Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Gyawali B, Rahimi R, Alizadeh H, Mohammadi M. Graphene Quantum Dots (GQD)-Mediated dsRNA Delivery for the Control of Fusarium Head Blight Disease in Wheat. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:1526-1535. [PMID: 38422985 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a class of fluorescent carbon materials, have displayed significant potential in various fields such as energy devices, catalysis, sensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery. Because of their extremely small size, generally less than 100 nm, they also have tremendous potential in plant science research, especially for the delivery of nucleic acids, breaking the barrier of cell walls. In this study, we synthesized GQDs with a size range of 2-5 nm, characterized them, and surface-functionalized them with branched polyethylenimine (bPEI). We then used the surface-functionalized GQDs as carriers to deliver double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that target two growth-and-development-related genes in Fusarium graminearum─the causative organism of the Fusarium head blight disease of wheat. The successful binding of dsRNA to GQDs-bPEIs was demonstrated through gel-shifting assays, showcasing the potential for efficient dsRNA delivery. We designed dsRNAs targeting the MGV1 and RAS1 genes of F. graminearum by using the pssRNAit pipeline, ensuring high specificity and no off-target effects. The coding sequences of the designed dsRAS1 and dsMGV1 were cloned into the L4440 vector and transformed into the Escherichia coli HT115 strain for dsRNA production. Fungal culture analysis revealed that the inclusion of dsRNAs in potato dextrose agar (PDA) media effectively slowed down the growth. Exogenous spraying experiments both in plate cultures and in intact wheat spikes demonstrated that the dsRNA:GQDs-bPEIs treatment was more effective in restricting fungal mycelium growth or the number of infected spikelets compared to naked dsRNA treatment. Our study demonstrates the promising potential of graphene quantum dots as carriers for dsRNA-based fungal disease management in wheat and other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Gyawali
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Rahim Rahimi
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Houshang Alizadeh
- Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran 11366, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mohammadi
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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40
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Romoli O, Henrion-Lacritick A, Blanc H, Frangeul L, Saleh MC. Limitations in harnessing oral RNA interference as an antiviral strategy in Aedes aegypti. iScience 2024; 27:109261. [PMID: 38433898 PMCID: PMC10907830 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, are critical vectors for globally significant pathogenic viruses. This study examines the limitations of oral RNA interference (RNAi) as a strategy to disrupt viral transmission by Ae. aegypti. We hypothesized that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting the Zika virus (ZIKV) or chikungunya virus (CHIKV) genomes produced by engineered bacterial symbionts could trigger an antiviral response. Mosquitoes mono-colonized with Escherichia coli producing dsZIK or dsCHIK did not display reduced viral titers following exposure to virus-contaminated bloodmeals and failed to generate dsZIK- or dsCHIK-derived small interfering RNAs. To address potential limitations of bacterial dsRNA release, we explored dsRNA inoculation via feeding and injection. Although viral replication was impeded in mosquitoes injected with dsZIK or dsCHIK, no antiviral effect was observed in dsRNA-fed mosquitoes. These findings highlight complexities of implementing oral RNAi as an antiviral strategy in Ae. aegypti and warrant further exploration of local and systemic RNAi mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Romoli
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Hervé Blanc
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Lionel Frangeul
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Maria-Carla Saleh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
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41
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Emerson FJ, Chiu C, Lin LY, Riedel CG, Zhu M, Lee SS. The chromatin factors SET-26 and HCF-1 oppose the histone deacetylase HDA-1 in longevity and gene regulation in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2320. [PMID: 38485937 PMCID: PMC10940595 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46510-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
SET-26, HCF-1, and HDA-1 are highly conserved chromatin factors with key roles in development and aging. Here we present mechanistic insights into how these factors regulate gene expression and modulate longevity in C. elegans. We show that SET-26 and HCF-1 cooperate to regulate a common set of genes, and both antagonize the histone deacetylase HDA-1 to limit longevity. HCF-1 localization at chromatin is largely dependent on functional SET-26, whereas SET-26 is only minorly affected by loss of HCF-1, suggesting that SET-26 could recruit HCF-1 to chromatin. HDA-1 opposes SET-26 and HCF-1 on the regulation of a subset of their common target genes and in longevity. Our findings suggest that SET-26, HCF-1, and HDA-1 comprise a mechanism to fine-tune gene expression and longevity and likely have important implications for the mechanistic understanding of how these factors function in diverse organisms, particularly in aging biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity J Emerson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Caitlin Chiu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Laura Y Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Christian G Riedel
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ming Zhu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siu Sylvia Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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42
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Grover M, Gang SS, Troemel ER, Barkoulas M. Proteasome inhibition triggers tissue-specific immune responses against different pathogens in C. elegans. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002543. [PMID: 38466732 PMCID: PMC10957088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein quality control pathways play important roles in resistance against pathogen infection. For example, the conserved transcription factor SKN-1/NRF up-regulates proteostasis capacity after blockade of the proteasome and also promotes resistance against bacterial infection in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. SKN-1/NRF has 3 isoforms, and the SKN-1A/NRF1 isoform, in particular, regulates proteasomal gene expression upon proteasome dysfunction as part of a conserved bounce-back response. We report here that, in contrast to the previously reported role of SKN-1 in promoting resistance against bacterial infection, loss-of-function mutants in skn-1a and its activating enzymes ddi-1 and png-1 show constitutive expression of immune response programs against natural eukaryotic pathogens of C. elegans. These programs are the oomycete recognition response (ORR), which promotes resistance against oomycetes that infect through the epidermis, and the intracellular pathogen response (IPR), which promotes resistance against intestine-infecting microsporidia. Consequently, skn-1a mutants show increased resistance to both oomycete and microsporidia infections. We also report that almost all ORR/IPR genes induced in common between these programs are regulated by the proteasome and interestingly, specific ORR/IPR genes can be induced in distinct tissues depending on the exact trigger. Furthermore, we show that increasing proteasome function significantly reduces oomycete-mediated induction of multiple ORR markers. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that proteasome regulation keeps innate immune responses in check in a tissue-specific manner against natural eukaryotic pathogens of the C. elegans epidermis and intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Grover
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Spencer S. Gang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Emily R. Troemel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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43
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Baumanns S, Schmitt F, Spahn C, Ringelmann AE, Beis DM, Eckert GP, Wenzel U. Caprylic acid attenuates amyloid-β proteotoxicity by supplying energy via β-oxidation in an Alzheimer's disease model of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:252-261. [PMID: 36800228 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2180870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Computer-based analysis of motility was used as a measure of amyloid-β (Aβ) proteotoxicity in the transgenic strain GMC101, expressing human Aβ1-42 in body wall muscle cells. Aβ-aggregation was quantified to relate the effects of caprylic acid (CA) to the amount of the proteotoxic protein. Gene knockdowns were induced through RNA-interference (RNAi). Moreover, the estimation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and oxygen consumption served the evaluation of mitochondrial function. CA improved the motility of GMC101 nematodes and reduced Aβ aggregation. Whereas RNAi for orthologues encoding key enzymes for α-lipoic acid and ketone bodies synthesis did not affect motility stimulation by CA, knockdown of orthologues involved in β-oxidation of fatty acids diminished its effects. The efficient energy gain by application of CA was finally proven by the increase of ATP levels in association with increased oxygen consumption and MMP. In conclusion, CA attenuates Aβ proteotoxicity by supplying energy via FAO. Since especially glucose oxidation is disturbed in Alzheimer´s disease, CA could potentially serve as an alternative energy fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Baumanns
- Molecular Nutrition Research, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Fabian Schmitt
- Nutrition in Prevention and Therapy, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christopher Spahn
- Molecular Nutrition Research, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anne E Ringelmann
- Molecular Nutrition Research, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniel M Beis
- Molecular Nutrition Research, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gunter P Eckert
- Nutrition in Prevention and Therapy, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Wenzel
- Molecular Nutrition Research, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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44
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Dalakouras A, Koidou V, Papadopoulou K. DsRNA-based pesticides: Considerations for efficiency and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141530. [PMID: 38401868 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In view of the ongoing climate change and the ever-growing world population, novel agricultural solutions are required to ensure sustainable food supply. Microbials, natural substances, semiochemicals and double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are all considered potential low risk pesticides. DsRNAs function at the molecular level, targeting specific regions of specific genes of specific organisms, provided that they share a minimal sequence complementarity of approximately 20 nucleotides. Thus, dsRNAs may offer a great alternative to conventional chemicals in environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Any low-risk pesticide needs to be efficient and exhibit low toxicological potential and low environmental persistence. Having said that, in the current review, the mode of dsRNA action is explored and the parameters that need to be taken into consideration for the development of efficient dsRNA-based pesticides are highlighted. Moreover, since dsRNAs mode of action differs from those of synthetic pesticides, custom-made risk assessment schemes may be required and thus, critical issues related to the risk assessment of dsRNA pesticides are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Venetia Koidou
- ELGO-DIMITRA, Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Larissa, Greece; University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliope Papadopoulou
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
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45
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Ortolá B, Daròs JA. RNA Interference in Insects: From a Natural Mechanism of Gene Expression Regulation to a Biotechnological Crop Protection Promise. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:137. [PMID: 38534407 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Insect pests rank among the major limiting factors in agricultural production worldwide. In addition to direct effect on crops, some phytophagous insects are efficient vectors for plant disease transmission. Large amounts of conventional insecticides are required to secure food production worldwide, with a high impact on the economy and environment, particularly when beneficial insects are also affected by chemicals that frequently lack the desired specificity. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism gene expression regulation and protection against exogenous and endogenous genetic elements present in most eukaryotes, including insects. Molecules of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or highly structured RNA are the substrates of cellular enzymes to produce several types of small RNAs (sRNAs), which play a crucial role in targeting sequences for transcriptional or post-transcriptional gene silencing. The relatively simple rules that underlie RNAi regulation, mainly based in Watson-Crick complementarity, have facilitated biotechnological applications based on these cellular mechanisms. This includes the promise of using engineered dsRNA molecules, either endogenously produced in crop plants or exogenously synthesized and applied onto crops, as a new generation of highly specific, sustainable, and environmentally friendly insecticides. Fueled on this expectation, this article reviews current knowledge about the RNAi pathways in insects, and some other applied questions such as production and delivery of recombinant RNA, which are critical to establish RNAi as a reliable technology for insect control in crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beltrán Ortolá
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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46
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Tse-Kang S, Wani KA, Peterson ND, Page A, Pukkila-Worley R. Activation of intestinal immunity by pathogen effector-triggered aggregation of lysosomal TIR-1/SARM1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.04.569946. [PMID: 38106043 PMCID: PMC10723332 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.04.569946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
TIR-domain proteins with enzymatic activity are essential for immunity in plants, animals, and bacteria. However, it is not known how these proteins function in pathogen sensing in animals. We discovered that a TIR-domain protein (TIR-1/SARM1) is strategically expressed on the membranes of a lysosomal sub-compartment, which enables intestinal epithelial cells in the nematode C. elegans to survey for pathogen effector-triggered host damage. We showed that a redox active virulence effector secreted by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkalinized and condensed a specific subset of lysosomes by inducing intracellular oxidative stress. Concentration of TIR-1/SARM1 on the surface of these organelles triggered its multimerization, which engages its intrinsic NADase activity, to activate the p38 innate immune pathway and protect the host against microbial intoxication. Thus, lysosomal TIR-1/SARM1 is a sensor for oxidative stress induced by pathogenic bacteria to activate metazoan intestinal immunity.
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47
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Kyslík J, Born-Torrijos A, Holzer AS, Kosakyan A. RNAi-directed knockdown in the cnidarian fish blood parasite Sphaerospora molnari. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3545. [PMID: 38347054 PMCID: PMC10861503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54171-0] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective approach to suppress gene expression and monitor gene regulation. Despite its wide application, its use is limited in certain taxonomic groups, including cnidarians. Myxozoans are a unique group of cnidarian parasites that diverged from their free-living ancestors about 600 million years ago, with several species causing acute disease in farmed and wild fish populations. In this pioneering study we successfully applied RNAi in blood stages of the myxozoan Sphaerospora molnari, combining a dsRNA soaking approach, real-time PCR, confocal microscopy, and Western blotting. For proof of concept, we knocked down two unusual actins, one of which is known to play a critical role in S. molnari cell motility. We observed intracellular uptake of dsRNA after 30 min and accumulation in all cells of the typical myxozoan cell-in-cell structure. We successfully knocked down actin in S. molnari in vitro, with transient inhibition for 48 h. We observed the disruption of the cytoskeletal network within the primary cell and loss of the characteristic rotational cell motility. This RNAi workflow could significantly advance functional research within the Myxozoa, offering new prospects for investigating therapeutic targets and facilitating drug discovery against economically important fish parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Kyslík
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Ana Born-Torrijos
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Coastal Systems, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, PO Box 59, 1790 AB, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid S Holzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Fish Health Division, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anush Kosakyan
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
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48
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Yang Y, Arnold ML, Lange CM, Sun LH, Broussalian M, Doroodian S, Ebata H, Choy EH, Poon K, Moreno TM, Singh A, Driscoll M, Kumsta C, Hansen M. Autophagy protein ATG-16.2 and its WD40 domain mediate the beneficial effects of inhibiting early-acting autophagy genes in C. elegans neurons. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:198-212. [PMID: 38177330 PMCID: PMC11022750 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
While autophagy genes are required for lifespan of long-lived animals, their tissue-specific roles in aging remain unclear. Here, we inhibited autophagy genes in Caenorhabditis elegans neurons, and found that knockdown of early-acting autophagy genes, except atg-16.2, increased lifespan, and decreased neuronal PolyQ aggregates, independently of autophagosomal degradation. Neurons can secrete protein aggregates via vesicles called exophers. Inhibiting neuronal early-acting autophagy genes, except atg-16.2, increased exopher formation and exopher events extended lifespan, suggesting exophers promote organismal fitness. Lifespan extension, reduction in PolyQ aggregates and increase in exophers were absent in atg-16.2 null mutants, and restored by full-length ATG-16.2 expression in neurons, but not by ATG-16.2 lacking its WD40 domain, which mediates noncanonical functions in mammalian systems. We discovered a neuronal role for C. elegans ATG-16.2 and its WD40 domain in lifespan, proteostasis and exopher biogenesis. Our findings suggest noncanonical functions for select autophagy genes in both exopher formation and in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Yang
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meghan Lee Arnold
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Nelson Biological Labs, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Caitlin M Lange
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ling-Hsuan Sun
- Buck Institute for Aging Research, Novato, CA, USA
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Elizabeth H Choy
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karie Poon
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tatiana M Moreno
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anupama Singh
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Monica Driscoll
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Nelson Biological Labs, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Caroline Kumsta
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Malene Hansen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Buck Institute for Aging Research, Novato, CA, USA.
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49
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Shrestha B, Tallila M, Matilainen O. Folate receptor overexpression induces toxicity in a diet-dependent manner in C. elegans. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1066. [PMID: 38212621 PMCID: PMC10784478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51700-9] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Folate receptor (FR) alpha (FOLR1) and beta (FOLR2) are membrane-anchored folate transporters that are expressed at low levels in normal tissues, while their expression is strongly increased in several cancers. Intriguingly, although the function of these receptors in, for example, development and cancer has been studied intensively, their role in aging is still unknown. To address this, we utilized Caenorhabditis elegans, in which FOLR-1 is the sole ortholog of folate receptors. We found that the loss of FOLR-1 does not affect reproduction, physical condition, proteostasis or lifespan, indicating that it is not required for folate transport to maintain health. Interestingly, we found that FOLR-1 is detectably expressed only in uterine-vulval cells, and that the histone-binding protein LIN-53 inhibits its expression in other tissues. Furthermore, whereas knockdown of lin-53 is known to shorten lifespan, we found that the loss of FOLR-1 partially rescues this phenotype, suggesting that elevated folr-1 expression is detrimental for health. Indeed, our data demonstrate that overexpression of folr-1 is toxic, and that this phenotype is dependent on diet. Altogether, this work could serve as a basis for further studies to elucidate the organismal effects of abnormal FR expression in diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bideep Shrestha
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Milla Tallila
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Matilainen
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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50
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da Rosa J, Viana AJC, Ferreira FRA, Koltun A, Mertz-Henning LM, Marin SRR, Rech EL, Nepomuceno AL. Optimizing dsRNA engineering strategies and production in E. coli HT115 (DE3). J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 51:kuae028. [PMID: 39152090 PMCID: PMC11375590 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuae028] [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: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Producing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) represents a bottleneck for the adoption of RNA interference technology in agriculture, and the main hurdles are related to increases in dsRNA yield, production efficiency, and purity. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize dsRNA production in E. coli HT115 (DE3) using an in vivo system. To this end, we designed a new vector, pCloneVR_2, which resulted in the efficient production of dsRNA in E. coli HT115 (DE3). We performed optimizations in the culture medium and expression inducer in the fermentation of E. coli HT115 (DE3) for the production of dsRNA. Notably, the variable that had the greatest effect on dsRNA yield was cultivation in TB medium, which resulted in a 118% increase in yield. Furthermore, lactose induction (6 g/L) yielded 10 times more than IPTG. Additionally, our optimized up-scaled protocol of the TRIzol™ extraction method was efficient for obtaining high-quality and pure dsRNA. Finally, our optimized protocol achieved an average yield of 53.3 µg/mL after the production and purification of different dsRNAs, reducing production costs by 72%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana da Rosa
- Department of General Biology, Londrina State University, Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR 445, km 380, University Campus, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Embrapa Soja, Carlos João Strass Highway, Acess Orlando Amaral, District of Warta, 86085-981 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Américo José Carvalho Viana
- Embrapa Soja, Carlos João Strass Highway, Acess Orlando Amaral, District of Warta, 86085-981 Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Arthur Bernardes Foundation, Headquarters Building, no number - University Campus, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rafael Alves Ferreira
- Embrapa Soja, Carlos João Strass Highway, Acess Orlando Amaral, District of Warta, 86085-981 Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Arthur Bernardes Foundation, Headquarters Building, no number - University Campus, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Koltun
- Embrapa Soja, Carlos João Strass Highway, Acess Orlando Amaral, District of Warta, 86085-981 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Liliane Marcia Mertz-Henning
- Embrapa Soja, Carlos João Strass Highway, Acess Orlando Amaral, District of Warta, 86085-981 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Elibio Leopoldo Rech
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, National Institute of Science and Technology in Synthetic Biology, 70770-917 Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Lima Nepomuceno
- Embrapa Soja, Carlos João Strass Highway, Acess Orlando Amaral, District of Warta, 86085-981 Londrina, PR, Brazil
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