1
|
Kancharlapalli SJ, Brelsfoard CL. The impact of non-lethal doses of pyriproxyfen on male and female Aedes albopictus reproductive fitness. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 4:1430422. [PMID: 39015484 PMCID: PMC11250599 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2024.1430422] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Control of the mosquito Aedes albopictus is confounded by its behavior due to females preferring to oviposition in small natural and artificial containers that are often difficult to remove or treat with insecticides. Autodissemination strategies utilizing highly potent insect growth regulators (IGRs) have emerged as promising tools for the control of this container-inhabiting species. The intended goal of autodissemination approaches is to use mosquitoes to self-deliver an IGR to these cryptic oviposition locations. Previous studies have focused on the efficacy of these approaches to impact natural populations, but little focus has been placed on the impacts on mosquitoes when exposed to non-lethal doses of IGRs similar to the levels they would be exposed to with autodissemination approaches. Methods In this study, the impact of non-lethal doses of pyriproxyfen (PPF) on the reproductive fitness of Ae. albopictus was investigated. Female and male Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were exposed to non-lethal doses of PPF and their fecundity and fertility were measured. To examine the impact of non-lethal doses of PPF, the expression of the ecdysone-regulated genes USP, HR3, and Vg, which are involved in vitellogenesis, was determined. Results Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in female fecundity and in the blood feeding and egg hatching rates upon exposure to non-lethal doses of PPF. Oocyte development was also delayed in PPF-treated females. Furthermore, exposure to non-lethal doses of PPF altered the expression of the genes involved in vitellogenesis, indicating disruption of hormonal regulation. Interestingly, PPF exposure also reduced the sperm production in males, suggesting a potential semi-sterilization effect. Discussion These findings suggest that non-lethal doses of PPF could enhance the efficacy of autodissemination approaches by impacting the reproductive fitness of both males and females. However, further research is needed to validate these laboratory findings in field settings and to assess their practical implications for vector control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Corey L. Brelsfoard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Choi DY, Mo HH, Park Y. Different development and fecundity between Spodoptera frugiperda USA and China populations, influenced by ecdysone-related genes. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22074. [PMID: 38288488 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most harmful plant pests in the world and is globally distributed from the American continent to the Asian region. The FAW USA population (Sf-USA) and China population (Sf-CHN), which belong to corn strain, showed different developmental periods and fecundity rates in lab conditions. Sf-USA had faster development and higher fecundity compared with Sf-CHN. To examine these differences, transcriptomic data from two FAW populations were analyzed and compared. Twelve gigabytes of transcripts were read from each sample and 21,258 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. DEGs with log2 fold change ≥ 2 were identified and compared in two populations. In comparison to the Sf-CHN, we discovered that 3471 and 3851 individual DEGs upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Comparing transcriptome profiles for differential gene expression revealed several DEGs, including 39 of ecdysone (E)-, 25 of juvenile hormone-, and 15 of insulin-related genes. We selected six of E-related genes, such as Neverland, Shade, Ecdysone receptor, Ecdysone-inducible protein 74 (E74), E75, and E78 from DEGs. Gene expressions were suppressed by RNA interference to confirm the physiological functions of the selected genes from Sf-USA. The Sf-USA showed developmental retardation and a decrease in fecundity rate by suppression of E-related genes. These findings show that biological characteristics between Sf-USA and Sf-CHN are influenced by E-related genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Du-Yeol Choi
- Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Ho Mo
- Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Korea
| | - Youngjin Park
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kodrík D, Čapková Frydrychová R, Hlávková D, Skoková Habuštová O, Štěrbová H. Unusual functions of insect vitellogenins: minireview. Physiol Res 2023; 72:S475-S487. [PMID: 38165752 PMCID: PMC10861248 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935221] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect vitellogenins are an intriguing class of complex proteins. They primarily serve as a source of energy for the developing embryo in insect eggs. Vitellogenesis is a complex hormonally and neurally controlled process that command synthesis of vitellogenin molecules and ensures their transport from the female fat bodies or ovarial cells into eggs. The representatives of all insect hormones such as juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and neurohormones participate in vitellogenesis, but juvenile hormones (most insect species) and ecdysteroids (mostly Diptera) play the most important roles in the process. Strikingly, not only insect females, but also males have been reported to synthesize vitellogenins indicating their further utility in the insect body. Indeed, it has recently been found that vitellogenins perform a variety of biological functions in the insect body. They participate in defense reactions against entomopathogens such as nematodes, fungi, and bacteria, as well as against venoms such as the honeybee Apis mellifera venom. Interestingly, vitellogenins are also present in the venom of the honeybee itself, albeit their exact role is unknown; they most likely increase the efficacy of the venom in the victim's body. Within the bee's body vitellogenins contribute to the lifespan regulation as anti-aging factor acting under tight social interactions and hormonal control. The current minireview covers all of these functions of vitellogenins and portrays them as biologically active substances that play a variety of significant roles in both insect females and males, and not only acting as passive energy sources for developing embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Isoe J, Simington CJ, Oscherwitz ME, Peterson AJ, Rascón AA, Massani BB, Miesfeld RL, Riehle MA. Characterization of essential eggshell proteins from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. BMC Biol 2023; 21:214. [PMID: 37833714 PMCID: PMC10576393 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01721-z] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 40% of the world population live in areas where mosquitoes capable of transmitting the dengue virus, including Aedes aegypti, coexist with humans. Understanding how mosquito egg development and oviposition are regulated at the molecular level may provide new insights into novel mosquito control strategies. Previously, we identified a protein named eggshell organizing factor 1 (EOF1) that when knocked down with RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in non-melanized and fragile eggs that did not contain viable embryos. RESULTS In this current study, we performed a comprehensive RNAi screen of putative A. aegypti eggshell proteins to identify additional proteins that interact with intracellular EOF1. We identified several proteins essential for eggshell formation in A. aegypti and characterized their phenotypes through a combination of molecular and biochemical approaches. We found that Nasrat, Closca, and Polehole structural proteins, together with the Nudel serine protease, are indispensable for eggshell melanization and egg viability. While all four proteins are predominantly expressed in ovaries of adult females, Nudel messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is highly upregulated in response to blood feeding. Furthermore, we identified four additional secreted eggshell enzymes that regulated mosquito eggshell formation and melanization. These enzymes included three dopachrome-converting enzymes (DCEs) and one cysteine protease. All eight of these eggshell proteins were essential for proper eggshell formation. Interestingly, their eggshell surface topologies in response to RNAi did not phenocopy the effect of RNAi-EOF1, suggesting that additional mechanisms may influence how EOF1 regulates eggshell formation and melanization. CONCLUSIONS While our studies did not identify a definitive regulator of EOF1, we did identify eight additional proteins involved in mosquito eggshell formation that may be leveraged for future control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Isoe
- Department of Entomology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Carter J Simington
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Present address: Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA94720, USA
| | - Max E Oscherwitz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Present address: Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Alyssa J Peterson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Alberto A Rascón
- Department of Chemistry, San José State University, San José, CA, 95192, USA
- Present address: School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Brooke B Massani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Roger L Miesfeld
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Michael A Riehle
- Department of Entomology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kulkarni A, Delgadillo FM, Gayathrinathan S, Grajeda BI, Roy S. Current Status of Omics Studies Elucidating the Features of Reproductive Biology in Blood-Feeding Insects. INSECTS 2023; 14:802. [PMID: 37887814 PMCID: PMC10607566 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Female insects belonging to the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Glossina, and Rhodnius account for the majority of global vector-borne disease mortality. In response to mating, these female insects undergo several molecular, physiological, and behavioral changes. Studying the dynamic post-mating molecular responses in these insects that transmit human diseases can lead to the identification of potential targets for the development of novel vector control methods. With the continued advancements in bioinformatics tools, we now have the capability to delve into various physiological processes in these insects. Here, we discuss the availability of multiple datasets describing the reproductive physiology of the common blood-feeding insects at the molecular level. Additionally, we compare the male-derived triggers transferred during mating to females, examining both shared and species-specific factors. These triggers initiate post-mating genetic responses in female vectors, affecting not only their reproductive success but also disease transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Kulkarni
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Frida M. Delgadillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sharan Gayathrinathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Brian I. Grajeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Biosciences Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sourav Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moura AS, Costa-da-Silva AL, Peixoto PS, Maciel C, Cardoso AF. Vitellogenin genes are transcribed in Culex quinquefasciatus ovary. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2023; 118:e220143. [PMID: 37466532 PMCID: PMC10368008 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culex quinquefasciatus, a cosmopolitan, domestic, and highly anthropophilic mosquito, is a vector of pathogenic arboviruses such as West Nile virus and Rift Valley virus, as well as lymphatic filariasis. The current knowledge on its reproductive physiology regarding vitellogenin expression in different tissues is still limited. OBJECTIVES In this study, we analysed the transcriptional profiles of vitellogenin genes in the fat body and ovaries of C. quinquefasciatus females during the first gonotrophic cycle. METHODS C. quinquefasciatus ovaries and/or fat bodies were dissected in different times during the first gonotrophic cycle and total RNA was extracted and used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, quantitative real time-PCR, and in situ hybridisation. FINDINGS We confirmed the classical descriptions of the vitellogenic process in mosquitoes by verifying that vitellogenin genes are transcribed in the fat bodies of C. quinquefasciatus females. Using RNA in situ hybridisation approach, we showed that vitellogenin genes are also transcribed in developing ovaries, specifically by the follicle cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This is the first time that vitellogenin transcripts are observed in mosquito ovaries. Studies to determine if Vg transcripts are translated into proteins and their contribution to the reproductive success of the mosquito need to be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre S Moura
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - André Luis Costa-da-Silva
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Florida International University, Sciences Institute, Department of Biological Sciences & Biomolecular, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Pedro S Peixoto
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Departamento de Matemática Aplicada, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ceres Maciel
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Tangará da Serra, MT, Brasil
| | - André F Cardoso
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Tangará da Serra, MT, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Palli SR. Juvenile hormone receptor Methoprene tolerant: Functions and applications. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:619-644. [PMID: 37718000 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.03.002] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
During the past 15years, after confirming Methoprene tolerant (Met) as a juvenile hormone (JH) receptor, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the function of Met in supporting JH signal transduction. Met role in JH regulation of development, including metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause, cast differentiation, behavior, im`munity, sleep and epigenetic modifications, have been elucidated. Met's Heterodimeric partners involved in performing some of these functions were discovered. The availability of JH response elements (JHRE) and JH receptor allowed the development of screening assays in cell lines and yeast. These screening assays facilitated the identification of new chemicals that function as JH agonists and antagonists. These new chemicals and others that will likely be discovered in the near future by using JH receptor and JHRE will lead to highly effective species-specific environmentally friendly insecticides for controlling pests and disease vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ratnayake OC, Chotiwan N, Saavedra-Rodriguez K, Perera R. The buzz in the field: the interaction between viruses, mosquitoes, and metabolism. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1128577. [PMID: 37360524 PMCID: PMC10289420 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1128577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Among many medically important pathogens, arboviruses like dengue, Zika and chikungunya cause severe health and economic burdens especially in developing countries. These viruses are primarily vectored by mosquitoes. Having surmounted geographical barriers and threat of control strategies, these vectors continue to conquer many areas of the globe exposing more than half of the world's population to these viruses. Unfortunately, no medical interventions have been capable so far to produce successful vaccines or antivirals against many of these viruses. Thus, vector control remains the fundamental strategy to prevent disease transmission. The long-established understanding regarding the replication of these viruses is that they reshape both human and mosquito host cellular membranes upon infection for their replicative benefit. This leads to or is a result of significant alterations in lipid metabolism. Metabolism involves complex chemical reactions in the body that are essential for general physiological functions and survival of an organism. Finely tuned metabolic homeostases are maintained in healthy organisms. However, a simple stimulus like a viral infection can alter this homeostatic landscape driving considerable phenotypic change. Better comprehension of these mechanisms can serve as innovative control strategies against these vectors and viruses. Here, we review the metabolic basis of fundamental mosquito biology and virus-vector interactions. The cited work provides compelling evidence that targeting metabolism can be a paradigm shift and provide potent tools for vector control as well as tools to answer many unresolved questions and gaps in the field of arbovirology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oshani C. Ratnayake
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Nunya Chotiwan
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Karla Saavedra-Rodriguez
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Rushika Perera
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yeh CT, Weng SC, Tsao PN, Shiao SH. The chaperone BiP promotes dengue virus replication and mosquito vitellogenesis in Aedes aegypti. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 155:103930. [PMID: 36921733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103930] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP, also known as GRP78), a chaperone and master regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, plays an essential role in several flavivirus infections, but its functional role in regulating dengue virus replication in the mosquito remains largely unknown. We here demonstrated the interaction between a dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2) and BiP in Aedes aegypti and report the discovery of a novel functional role of BiP in mosquito vitellogenesis. Silencing Ae. aegypti BiP (AaBiP) expression resulted in the significant inhibition of DENV2 viral genome replication, viral protein production, and infectious viral particle biogenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that the DENV2 non-structural protein 1 (NS1) interacts with the AaBiP protein, and silencing AaBiP expression led to enhanced DENV2 NS1 aggregation, indicating that AaBiP plays a role in viral protein stability. A kinetic study focusing on pulse treatment of MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, in AaBiP-silenced mosquitoes showed that DENV2 NS1 was drastically elevated, which further suggests that AaBiP-mediated viral protein degradation is mediated by proteasomal machinery. Silencing of AaBiP also resulted in a reduction in mosquito fertility and fecundity. Depletion of AaBiP inhibited mosquito vitellogenesis due to the reduction of vitellogenin mRNA and elevated aggregation of vitellogenin protein post blood meal, further suppressing ovary development and fecundity. Overall, our results suggest that AaBiP is a dual-function protein with roles in both the regulation of dengue virus replication and mosquito reproduction. Our findings will be useful in the establishment of more efficient strategies for vector-borne disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ting Yeh
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Che Weng
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Nien Tsao
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Hong Shiao
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang Z, Tan D, Wang F, Guo S, Liu J, Cuthbertson AGS, Qiu B, Sang W. Insulin peptides and their receptors regulate ovarian development and oviposition behavior in Diaphorina citri. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:95-108. [PMID: 35510515 PMCID: PMC10084437 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diaphorina citri is an important vector of Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. After feeding on young host plant shoots, the population of D. citri can increase significantly. Females also only lay eggs on young shoots. However, there are few studies on the mechanism of this phenomenon. Exogenous nutrient signals can affect the insulin signaling system of D. citri after feeding on young shoots. In this study, the expression of upstream factors DcILP1, DcILP2, and DcIR in the insulin signaling system of D. citri was upregulated after feeding on young shoots. After being silenced by RNA interference technology, the results showed that the number of oviposited eggs of D. citri was significantly decreased and the ovarian development was inhibited with severe vacuolation. In addition, detection using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that the upstream regulatory gene DcRheb of the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway and the downstream reproduction-related DcVg gene were also significantly downregulated. These results suggest that feeding upon young shoots may upregulate the expression levels of upstream factors DcILP1, DcILP2, and DcIR in the insulin signaling system. The signal will be through upregulating the expression of DcRheb, an upstream gene of the TOR signaling pathway. This in turn influences yolk metabolism, which eventually causes the ovaries of female D. citri to mature and therefore initiate oviposition behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
| | - Delong Tan
- Institute of Facility AgricultureGuangdong Academy of Agricultural SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Feifeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
| | - Shuhao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jinhua Liu
- Natural Medicine Institute of Zhejiang YangShengTang Co.LTDHangzhouChina
| | | | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
| | - Wen Sang
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martinez NP, Pinch M, Kandel Y, Hansen IA. Knockdown of the Sodium/Potassium ATPase Subunit Beta 2 Reduces Egg Production in the Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti. INSECTS 2023; 14:50. [PMID: 36661978 PMCID: PMC9862990 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) is present in the cellular membrane of most eukaryotic cells. It utilizes energy released by ATP hydrolysis to pump sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, which establishes and controls ion gradients. Functional NKA pumps consist of three subunits, alpha, beta, and FXYD. The alpha subunit serves as the catalytic subunit while the beta and FXYD subunits regulate the proper folding and localization, and ion affinity of the alpha subunit, respectively. Here we demonstrate that knockdown of NKA beta subunit 2 mRNA (nkaβ2) reduces fecundity in female Ae. aegypti. We determined the expression pattern of nkaβ2 in several adult mosquito organs using qRT-PCR. We performed RNAi-mediated knockdown of nkaβ2 and assayed for lethality, and effects on female fecundity. Tissue expression levels of nkaβ2 mRNA were highest in the ovaries with the fat body, midgut and thorax having similar expression levels, while Malpighian tubules had significantly lower expression. Survival curves recorded post dsRNA injection showed a non-significant decrease in survival of nkaβ2 dsRNA-injected mosquitoes compared to GFP dsRNA-injected mosquitoes. We observed a significant reduction in the number of eggs laid by nkaβ2 dsRNA-injected mosquitoes compared to control mosquitoes. These results, coupled with the tissue expression profile of nkaβ2, indicate that this subunit plays a role in normal female Ae. aegypti fecundity. Additional research needs to be conducted to determine the exact role played by NKAβ2 in mosquito post-blood meal nutrient sensing, transport, yolk precursor protein (YPP) synthesis and yolk deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P. Martinez
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bottino-Rojas V, James AA. Use of Insect Promoters in Genetic Engineering to Control Mosquito-Borne Diseases. Biomolecules 2022; 13:16. [PMID: 36671401 PMCID: PMC9855440 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010016] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transgenesis and gene-drive technologies provide the basis for developing promising new tools for vector-borne disease prevention by either suppressing wild mosquito populations or reducing their capacity from transmitting pathogens. Many studies of the regulatory DNA and promoters of genes with robust sex-, tissue- and stage-specific expression profiles have supported the development of new tools and strategies that could bring mosquito-borne diseases under control. Although the list of regulatory elements available is significant, only a limited set of those can reliably drive spatial-temporal expression. Here, we review the advances in our ability to express beneficial and other genes in mosquitoes, and highlight the information needed for the development of new mosquito-control and anti-disease strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bottino-Rojas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Anthony A. James
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aspirin Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis Impairs Mosquito Egg Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244092. [PMID: 36552860 PMCID: PMC9776805 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several endocrine signals mediate mosquito egg development, including 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). This study reports on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as an additional, but core, mediator of oogenesis in a human disease-vectoring mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Injection of aspirin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX)) after blood-feeding (BF) inhibited oogenesis by preventing nurse cell dumping into a growing oocyte. The inhibitory effect was rescued by PGE2 addition. PGE2 was found to be rich in nurse cells and follicular epithelium after BF. RNA interference (RNAi) treatments of PG biosynthetic genes, including PLA2 and two COX-like peroxidases, prevented egg development. Interestingly, 20E treatment significantly increased the expressions of PG biosynthetic genes, while the RNAi of Shade (which is a 20E biosynthetic gene) expression prevented inducible expressions after BF. Furthermore, RNAi treatments of PGE2 receptor genes suppressed egg production, even under PGE2. These results suggest that a signaling pathway of BF-20E-PGE2 is required for early vitellogenesis in the mosquito.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zheng W, Wu F, Ye Y, Li T, Zhang Z, Zhang H. Small GTPase Rab40C is upregulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone and insulin pathways to regulate ovarian development and fecundity. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1583-1600. [PMID: 35349758 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The insulin and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) pathways coordinately regulate insect vitellogenesis and ovarian development. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms such as the genes mediating the cooperation of the interaction of these 2 pathways in regulating insect reproductive development are not well understood. In the present study, a small GTPase, Rab40C, was identified from the notorious agricultural pest Bactrocera dorsalis. In addition to the well-known RAB domain, it also has a unique SOCS-box domain, which is different from other Rab-GTPases. Moreover, we found that Rab40C was enriched in the ovaries of sexually mature females. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of BdRab40C resulted in a decrease in vitellogenin synthesis, underdeveloped ovaries, and low fertility. Furthermore, depletion of insulin receptor InR or the heterodimer receptor of 20E (EcR or USP) by RNAi significantly decreased the transcription of BdRab40C and resulted in lower fecundity. Further studies revealed that the transcription of BdRab40C could be upregulated by the injection of insulin or 20E. These results indicate that Rab40C participates in the insulin and 20E pathways to coordinately regulate reproduction in B. dorsalis. Our results not only provide new insights into the insulin- and 20E-stimulated regulatory pathways controlling female reproduction in insects but also contribute to the development of potential eco-friendly strategies for pest control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zheng
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangyu Wu
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinhao Ye
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianran Li
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Singh Brar G, Singh S, Nath Shukla J, Kumar V, Emyr Davies TG, Kaur G, Pandher S, Kaur R. doublesex homolog is sex-specifically spliced and governs the sexual differentiation process in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci biotype AsiaII-1. Gene 2022; 850:146929. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
16
|
Xu X, Wang YH, Liu ZL, Wang YQ, He L, Li K, Huang YP. Disruption of egg-specific protein causes female sterility in Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:128-138. [PMID: 33629486 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Yolk proteins are the main source of nutrients during embryonic and early larval development in oviparous animals. Therefore, vitellogenesis is crucial for reproduction. The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a model lepidopteran insect in which there are three yolk proteins: vitellin, 30-kDa protein, and egg-specific protein (Esp). In this study, we explored the gene function of Esp through transgenic clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR-associated protein 9 technology-mediated mutations in the silkworm. We found that Esp mutation resulted in female sterility but had no effect on male fertility. Female mutants could lay eggs after mating, but the eggs were smaller and lighter colored than those laid by wild-type females. The most important finding is that the eggs laid by female mutants did not hatch. Furthermore, we observed stable inheritance of female sterility caused by Esp mutation through successive generations. Thus, Esp encodes a yolk protein that is crucial for female reproductive success and is a potential target for pest control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Yao-Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zu-Lian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Wang
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Lin He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yong-Ping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li J, Zhu Z, Bi J, Feng Q, Beerntsen BT, Song Q. Neuropeptide Bursicon Influences Reproductive Physiology in Tribolium Castaneum. Front Physiol 2021; 12:717437. [PMID: 34744761 PMCID: PMC8567023 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.717437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bursicon is a neuropeptide belonging to the cystine knot family and is composed of burs and partner of burs (pburs) subunits. It can form heterodimers or homodimers to execute different biological functions. Bursicon heterodimers regulate cuticle sclerotization and wing maturation, whereas bursicon homodimers mediate innate immunity and midgut stem cell proliferation. A recent study has shown that bursicon potentially induces the expression of vitellogenin (Vg) in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of bursicon in the reproductive physiology of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. The knockdown of burs, pburs, or its receptor T. castaneum rickets (Tcrk) in 2-day pupae significantly downregulated the expression levels of Vg1, Vg2, and Vg receptor (VgR) genes in females 3- and 5-day post-adult emergence, leading to abnormal oocytes with limited Vg content. The silencing of burs repressed the number of eggs laid and completely inhibited egg hatch, whereas the silencing of pburs dramatically decreased the number of eggs laid, hatch rate, and offspring larval size, and this RNA interference (RNAi) effects persisted to the next generation. Furthermore, the knockdown of burs or pburs downregulated the expression of the insulin/insulin-like signaling/target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling genes encoding insulin receptor (InR), protein kinase B (Akt), TOR, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K). Most importantly, the injection of recombinant pburs (r-pburs) protein was able to upregulate the expression of Vg, VgR, InR, Akt, TOR, S6K, JH synthesis (JHAMT), Methoprene-tolerant (Met), and Taiman (Tai) in normal females and rescue the expression of Vg and VgR in pburs RNAi females but failed to rescue Vg and VgR in Tcrk knockdown females. We infer that bursicon homodimers influence Vg expression via the receptor Tcrk, possibly by mediating the expression of the juvenile hormone (JH) and IIS/TOR pathway genes, thereby regulating reproduction in T. castaneum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Zidan Zhu
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Institution of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Product, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Brenda T Beerntsen
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Insect odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are small soluble proteins that have been assigned roles in olfaction, but their other potential functions have not been extensively explored. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of Aedes aegyptiObp10 and Obp22, we demonstrate the pleiotropic contribution of these proteins to multiple processes that are essential for vectorial capacity. Mutant mosquitoes have impaired host-seeking and oviposition behavior, reproduction, and arbovirus transmission. Here, we show that Obp22 is linked to the male-determining sex locus (M) on chromosome 1 and is involved in male reproduction, likely by mediating the development of spermatozoa. Although OBP10 and OBP22 are not involved in flavivirus replication, abolition of these proteins significantly reduces transmission of dengue and Zika viruses through a mechanism affecting secretion of viral particles into the saliva. These results extend our current understanding of the role of insect OBPs in insect reproduction and transmission of human pathogens, making them essential determinants of vectorial capacity.
Collapse
|
19
|
The vitellogenin receptor functionality of the migratory locust depends on its phosphorylation by juvenile hormone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106908118. [PMID: 34493670 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106908118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenin receptor (VgR) plays a pivotal role in ovarian vitellogenin (Vg) uptake and vertical transmission of pathogenic microbes and Wolbachia symbionts. However, the regulatory mechanisms of VgR action as an endocytic receptor and translocation from oocyte cytoplasm to the membrane remain poorly understood. Here, by using the migratory locust Locusta migratoria as a model system, we report that juvenile hormone (JH) promotes VgR phosphorylation at Ser1361 in the second EGF-precursor homology domain. A signaling cascade including GPCR, PLC, extracellular calcium, and PKC-ι is involved in JH-stimulated VgR phosphorylation. This posttranslational regulation is a prerequisite for VgR binding to Vg on the external surface of the oocyte membrane and subsequent VgR/Vg endocytosis. Acidification, a condition in endosomes, induces VgR dephosphorylation along with the dissociation of Vg from VgR. Phosphorylation modification is also required for VgR recycling from oocyte cytoplasm to the membrane. Additionally, VgR phosphorylation and its requirement for Vg uptake and VgR recycling are evolutionarily conserved in other representative insects including the cockroach Periplaneta americana and the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera This study fills an important knowledge gap of low-density lipoprotein receptors in posttranslational regulation, endocytosis, and intracellular recycling.
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen Y, Yang B, Li Z, Yue Y, Tian Q, Chen W, Ali S, Wu J. Immune-Related Genes of Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagrall) Against Beauveria brongniartii and Akanthomyces attenuatus Identified Using RNA Sequencing. Front Physiol 2021; 12:671599. [PMID: 34456741 PMCID: PMC8385781 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.671599] [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: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagrall) is an important pest of legumes worldwide, causing great economic loss every year. Beauveria brongniartii and Akanthomyces attenuatus have shown considerable pathogenicity against M. usitatus in our previous studies. The medial lethal concentration (LC50) and the sublethal lethal concentration (LC25) of B. brongniartii isolate SB010 against M. usitatus were 8.38 × 105 and 1.73 × 105 conidia mL−1, respectively, whereas those of A. attenuatus isolate SCAUDCL-53 against M. usitatus were 4.37 × 105 and 2.97 × 104 conidia mL−1, respectively. This study reports the transcriptome-based explanation of the stress responses of M. usitatus following the application of B. brongniartii and A. attenuatus. The analysis of the transcriptomic data revealed the expression of 254, 207, 195, and 234 immunity-related unigenes by M. usitatus in response to B. brongniartii LC50 (SB1), B. brongniartii LC25 (SB2), A. attenuatus LC50 (V1), and A. attenuatus LC25 (V2), respectively. The biological function and metabolic pathway analyses showed that these unigenes were mainly related to pattern recognition receptors, information transduction factors, and reaction factors, such as scavenger receptor, cytochrome b5, cuticle protein, lysozyme, and serine protease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueyin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingheng Tian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaukat Ali
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Perdomo HD, Hussain M, Parry R, Etebari K, Hedges LM, Zhang G, Schulz BL, Asgari S. Human blood microRNA hsa-miR-21-5p induces vitellogenin in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Commun Biol 2021; 4:856. [PMID: 34244602 PMCID: PMC8270986 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito vectors transmit various diseases through blood feeding, required for their egg development. Hence, blood feeding is a major physiological event in their life cycle, during which hundreds of genes are tightly regulated. Blood is a rich source of proteins for mosquitoes, but also contains many other molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we found that human blood miRNAs are transported abundantly into the fat body tissue of Aedes aegypti, a key metabolic center in post-blood feeding reproductive events, where they target and regulate mosquito genes. Using an artificial diet spiked with the mimic of an abundant and stable human blood miRNA, hsa-miR-21-5p, and proteomics analysis, we found over 40 proteins showing differential expression in female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes after feeding. Of interest, we found that the miRNA positively regulates the vitellogenin gene, coding for a yolk protein produced in the mosquito fat body and then transported to the ovaries as a protein source for egg production. Inhibition of hsa-miR-21-5p followed by human blood feeding led to a statistically insignificant reduction in progeny production. The results provide another example of the involvement of small regulatory molecules in the interaction of taxonomically vastly different taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo D. Perdomo
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Mazhar Hussain
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Rhys Parry
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Kayvan Etebari
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Lauren M. Hedges
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Guangmei Zhang
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Benjamin L. Schulz
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Sassan Asgari
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nag DK, Dieme C, Lapierre P, Lasek-Nesselquist E, Kramer LD. RNA-Seq analysis of blood meal induced gene-expression changes in Aedes aegypti ovaries. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:396. [PMID: 34044772 PMCID: PMC8161926 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transmission of pathogens by vector mosquitoes is intrinsically linked with mosquito’s reproductive strategy because anautogenous mosquitoes require vertebrate blood to develop a batch of eggs. Each cycle of egg maturation is tightly linked with the intake of a fresh blood meal for most species. Mosquitoes that acquire pathogens during the first blood feeding can transmit the pathogens to susceptible hosts during subsequent blood feeding and also vertically to the next generation via infected eggs. Large-scale gene-expression changes occur following each blood meal in various tissues, including ovaries. Here we analyzed mosquito ovary transcriptome following a blood meal at three different time points to investigate blood-meal induced changes in gene expression in mosquito ovaries. Results We collected ovaries from Aedes aegypti that received a sugar meal or a blood meal on days 3, 10 and 20 post blood meal for transcriptome analysis. Over 4000 genes responded differentially following ingestion of a blood meal on day 3, and 660 and 780 genes on days 10 and 20, respectively. Proteins encoded by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on day 3 include odorant binding proteins (OBPs), defense-specific proteins, and cytochrome P450 detoxification enzymes. In addition, we identified 580 long non-coding RNAs that are differentially expressed at three time points. Gene ontology analysis indicated that genes involved in peptidase activity, oxidoreductase activity, extracellular space, and hydrolase activity, among others were enriched on day 3. Although most of the DEGs returned to the nonsignificant level compared to the sugar-fed mosquito ovaries following oviposition on days 10 and 20, there remained differences in the gene expression pattern in sugar-fed and blood-fed mosquitoes. Conclusions Enrichment of OBPs following blood meal ingestion suggests that these genes may have other functions besides being part of the olfactory system. The enrichment of immune-specific genes and cytochrome P450 genes indicates that ovaries become well prepared to protect their germ line from any pathogens that may accompany the blood meal or from environmental contamination during oviposition, and to deal with the detrimental effects of toxic metabolites. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07551-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilip K Nag
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, 12159, USA.
| | - Constentin Dieme
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, 12159, USA
| | - Pascal Lapierre
- Bioinformatics Core, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Science, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Erica Lasek-Nesselquist
- Bioinformatics Core, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Science, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, School of Public Health, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Laura D Kramer
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, 12159, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, School of Public Health, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fall FK, Laroche M, Bossin H, Musso D, Parola P. Performance of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry to Determine the Sex of Mosquitoes and Identify Specific Colonies from French Polynesia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1907-1916. [PMID: 33755583 PMCID: PMC8103438 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the main arthropod vectors of human pathogens. The current methods for mosquito identification include morphological and molecular methods. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), now routinely used for bacterial identification, has recently emerged in the field of entomology. The aim of this study was to use MALDI-TOF MS to identify mosquito colonies from French Polynesia. Five hundred specimens from French Polynesia belonging to three species, Aedes aegypti, Aedes polynesiensis, and Culex quinquefasciatus, were included in the study. Testing the legs of these mosquitoes by MALDI-TOF MS revealed a 100% correct identification of all specimens at the species level. The MALDI-TOF MS profiles obtained allowed differentiation of male from female mosquitoes and the specific identification of female mosquito colonies of the same species but different geographic origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatou Kiné Fall
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France;,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France;,Campus International IRD-UCAD de l’IRD, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Maureen Laroche
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France;,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Bossin
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institut Louis Malardé, Tahiti, French Polynesia
| | - Didier Musso
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France;,SELAS Eurofins Labazur Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France;,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France;,Address correspondence to Philippe Parola, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Blvd., Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Więch A, Tarczewska A, Ożyhar A, Orłowski M. Metal Ions Induce Liquid Condensate Formation by the F Domain of Aedes aegypti Ecdysteroid Receptor. New Perspectives of Nuclear Receptor Studies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030571. [PMID: 33807814 PMCID: PMC7999165 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The superfamily of nuclear receptors (NRs), composed of ligand-activated transcription factors, is responsible for gene expression as a reaction to physiological and environmental changes. Transcriptional machinery may require phase separation to fulfil its role. Although NRs have a similar canonical structure, their C-terminal domains (F domains) are considered the least conserved and known regions. This article focuses on the peculiar molecular properties of the intrinsically disordered F domain of the ecdysteroid receptor from the Aedes aegypti mosquito (AaFEcR), the vector of the world's most devastating human diseases such as dengue and Zika. The His-Pro-rich segment of AaFEcR was recently shown to form the unique poly-proline helix II (PPII) in the presence of Cu2+. Here, using widefield microscopy of fluorescently labeled AaFEcR, Zn2+- and Cu2+-induced liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) was observed for the first time for the members of NRs. The perspectives of this finding on future research on the F domain are discussed, especially in relation to other NR members.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ekoka E, Maharaj S, Nardini L, Dahan-Moss Y, Koekemoer LL. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling as a promising target for the chemical control of malaria vectors. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:86. [PMID: 33514413 PMCID: PMC7844807 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development and spread of resistance to insecticides among anopheline malaria vectors, the efficacy of current World Health Organization (WHO)-approved insecticides targeting these vectors is under threat. This has led to the development of novel interventions, including improved and enhanced insecticide formulations with new targets or synergists or with added sterilants and/or antimalarials, among others. To date, several studies in mosquitoes have revealed that the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway regulates both vector abundance and competence, two parameters that influence malaria transmission. Therefore, insecticides which target 20E signaling (e.g. methoxyfenozide and halofenozide) may be an asset for malaria vector control. While such insecticides are already commercially available for lepidopteran and coleopteran pests, they still need to be approved by the WHO for malaria vector control programs. Until recently, chemicals targeting 20E signaling were considered to be insect growth regulators, and their effect was mostly studied against immature mosquito stages. However, in the last few years, promising results have been obtained by applying methoxyfenozide or halofenozide (two compounds that boost 20E signaling) to Anopheles populations at different phases of their life-cycle. In addition, preliminary studies suggest that methoxyfenozide resistance is unstable, causing the insects substantial fitness costs, thereby potentially circumventing one of the biggest challenges faced by current vector control efforts. In this review, we first describe the 20E signaling pathway in mosquitoes and then summarize the mechanisms whereby 20E signaling regulates the physiological processes associated with vector competence and vector abundance. Finally, we discuss the potential of using chemicals targeting 20E signaling to control malaria vectors.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Ekoka
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Surina Maharaj
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Luisa Nardini
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yael Dahan-Moss
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wu Z, Yang L, He Q, Zhou S. Regulatory Mechanisms of Vitellogenesis in Insects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:593613. [PMID: 33634094 PMCID: PMC7901893 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.593613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenesis is pre-requisite to insect egg production and embryonic development after oviposition. During insect vitellogenesis, the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (Vg) is mainly synthesized in the fat body, transported by the hemolymph through the intercellular spaces (known as patency) in the follicular epithelium to reach the membrane of maturing oocytes, and sequestered into the maturing oocytes via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Insect vitellogenesis is governed by two critical hormones, the sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH) and the ecdysteriod 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). JH acts as the principal gonadotropic hormone to stimulate vitellogenesis in basal hemimetabolous and most holometabolous insects. 20E is critical for vitellogenesis in some hymenopterans, lepidopterans and dipterans. Furthermore, microRNA (miRNA) and nutritional (amino acid/Target of Rapamycin and insulin) pathways interplay with JH and 20E signaling cascades to control insect vitellogenesis. Revealing the regulatory mechanisms underlying insect vitellogenesis is critical for understanding insect reproduction and helpful for developing new strategies of insect pest control. Here, we outline the recent research progress in the molecular action of gonadotropic JH and 20E along with the role of miRNA and nutritional sensor in regulating insect vitellogenesis. We highlight the advancements in the regulatory mechanisms of insect vitellogenesis by the coordination of hormone, miRNA and nutritional signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Libin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qiongjie He
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ahmed S, Seo K, Kim Y. An ovary-specific mucin is associated with choriogenesis mediated by prostaglandin signaling in Spodoptera exigua. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 106:e21748. [PMID: 33038048 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Polytrophic ovarioles of Spodoptera exigua, a lepidopteran insect, begins with the development of oocytes and differentiation of nurse cells followed by vitellogenesis and choriogenesis. Compared with previtellogenic and vitellogenic developments, choriogenesis has not been clearly understood yet in endocrine control. This study investigated the expression and function of a mucin-like structural protein of S. exigua called Se-Mucin1 in choriogenesis. It was highly expressed in ovarioles containing chorionated oocytes. The expression level of Se-Mucin1 was increased during adult stage as early as 18 h after adult emergence, reaching the maximal level at 24 h and later. Interestingly, DNA amount of Se-Mucin1 was increased by almost four folds during early adult stage while other genes (hexokinase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) not directly associated with chorion formation did not show genomic DNA increase, suggesting specific gene amplification of Se-Mucin1. RNA interference (RNAi) suppressed Se-Mucin1 expression by injecting 1 μg of double-strand RNA to teneral females (<5 h after emergence), which exhibited significantly impaired fecundity and egg hatching rate. Eggs laid by RNAi-treated females were malformed in eggshell structures with loss of mesh-like fibers. Treatment with aspirin, a prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis inhibitor, suppressed the induction of Se-Mucin1 expression during early adult stage and impaired egg development. An addition of PGE2 significantly rescued such impairment in Se-Mucin1 expression and subsequent egg development. These results suggest that PGs mediate choriogenesis of S. exigua by activating the expression of chorion-associated genes including Se-Mucin1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shabbir Ahmed
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| | - Kiwon Seo
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Luo W, Veeran S, Wang J, Li S, Li K, Liu SN. Dual roles of juvenile hormone signaling during early oogenesis in Drosophila. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:665-674. [PMID: 31207060 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) signaling plays crucial roles in insect metamorphosis and reproduction. Function of JH signaling in germline stem cells (GSCs) remains largely unknown. Here, we found that the number of GSCs significantly declined in the ovaries of Met, Gce and JHAMT mutants. Then we inhibited JH signaling in selected cell types of ovaries by expressing Met and Gce or Kr-h1 double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) using different Gal4 drivers. Blocking of JH signaling in muscle cells has no effect on GSC numbers. Blocking of JH signaling in cap cells reduced GSCs cells. Inductive expression of Met and Gce dsRNA but not Kr-h1 by Nos-Gal4 increased GSC cells. These results indicate that JH signaling plays an important role in GSC maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luo
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sethuraman Veeran
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kang Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Su-Ning Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chauhan C, Das De T, Kumari S, Rani J, Sharma P, Tevatiya S, Pandey KC, Pande V, Dixit R. Hemocyte-specific FREP13 abrogates the exogenous bacterial population in the hemolymph and promotes midgut endosymbionts in Anopheles stephensi. Immunol Cell Biol 2020; 98:757-769. [PMID: 32623757 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The immune blood cells "hemocytes" of mosquitoes impart a highly selective immune response against various microorganisms/pathogens. Among several immune effectors, fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs) have been recognized as key modulators of cellular immune responses; however, their physiological relevance has not been investigated in detail. Our ongoing comparative RNA-sequencing analysis identified a total of 13 FREPs originating from naïve sugar-fed, blood-fed, bacterial challenged and Plasmodium vivax-infected hemocytes in Anopheles stephensi. Transcriptional profiling of the selected seven FREP transcripts showed distinct responses against different pathophysiological conditions, where an exclusive induction of FREP12 after 10 days of P. vivax infection was observed. This represents a possible role of FREP12 in immunity against free circulating sporozoites and needs to be explored in the future. When challenged with live bacterial injection in the thorax, we observed a higher affinity of FREP13 and FREP65 toward Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in the mosquito hemocytes, respectively. Furthermore, we observed increased bacterial survival and proliferation, which is likely compromised by the downregulation of TEP1, in FREP13 messenger RNA-depleted mosquito hemolymph. In contrast, after blood-feeding, we also noticed a significant delay of 24 h in the enrichment of gut endosymbionts in the FREP13-silenced mosquitoes. Taken together, we conclude that hemocyte-specific FREP13 carries the unique ability of tissue-specific regulation, having an antagonistic antibacterial role in the hemolymph, and an agonistic role against gut endosymbionts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charu Chauhan
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Tanwee Das De
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Seena Kumari
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jyoti Rani
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Punita Sharma
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Sanjay Tevatiya
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kailash C Pandey
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rajnikant Dixit
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hyde J, Correa MA, Hughes GL, Steven B, Brackney DE. Limited influence of the microbiome on the transcriptional profile of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10880. [PMID: 32616765 PMCID: PMC7331810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67811-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is an assemblage of microorganisms living in association with a multicellular host. Numerous studies have identified a role for the microbiome in host physiology, development, immunity, and behaviour. The generation of axenic (germ-free) and gnotobiotic model systems has been vital to dissecting the role of the microbiome in host biology. We have previously reported the generation of axenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector of several human pathogenic viruses, including dengue virus and Zika virus. In order to better understand the influence of the microbiome on mosquitoes, we examined the transcriptomes of axenic and conventionally reared Ae. aegypti before and after a blood meal. Our results suggest that the microbiome has a much lower effect on the mosquito's gene expression than previously thought with only 170 genes influenced by the axenic state, while in contrast, blood meal status influenced 809 genes. The pattern of expression influenced by the microbiome is consistent with transient changes similar to infection rather than sweeping physiological changes. While the microbiome does seem to affect some pathways such as immune function and metabolism, our data suggest the microbiome is primarily serving a nutritional role in development with only minor effects in the adult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Hyde
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maria A Correa
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
- Departments of Vector Biology and Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
| | - Blaire Steven
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Doug E Brackney
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shen G, Liu H, Lin Y, Xing D, Zhang Y, Xia Q. Effects of Certain cis-Regulatory Elements on Stage-Specific vitellogenin Expression in the Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5859241. [PMID: 32556319 PMCID: PMC7300837 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori vitellogenin (BmVg) is highly upregulated during pupation, and the 20-hydroxyecdysone and amino acids may regulate stage-specific BmVg expression. However, previous studies showed that other factors may also affect stage-specific BmVg expression. Here, we characterized effective BmVg transcription factors by identifying the corresponding cis-regulatory elements (CREs). We prepared transgenic B. mori, in which DsRed was driven by various lengths of BmVg promoter. qRT-PCR analysis showed that DsRed expression driven by a 1.0-kb BmVg promoter (VgP1.0K) was consistent with endogenous BmVg. VgP1.0K specificity was closer to the endogenous BmVg promoter than that of VgP0.8K. These results suggest that CREs affecting stage-specific BmVg expression were localized to the 1.0-kb BmVg promoter. We investigated the effects of certain CREs that could influence the stage specificity of BmVg promoter on BmVg expression in transgenic B. mori. The relative DsRed expression was significantly reduced in transgenic female B. mori and the peak in DsRed expression was delayed after E-box CRE mutation. These results demonstrate that the E-box element enhanced BmVg expression and also affected stage-specific BmVg expression. Moreover, the relative DsRed expression was significantly increased in transgenic female of B. mori after 3×BD CRE mutation in BmVg promoter. However, the stage specificity of the mutated promoter was consistent with that of the endogenous BmVg promoter. The 3×BD element downregulated BmVg but had no effect on stage-specific BmVg expression. The present study promoted the process of elucidating the regulatory network for stage-specific BmVg expression and furnished a theoretical basis for the application of BmVg promoter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanwang Shen
- Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongling Liu
- Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongxu Xing
- Sericulture and Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Konig IFM, Oliveira MVS, Gonçalves RRP, Peconick AP, Thomasi SS, Anholeto LA, Lima-de-Souza JR, Camargo-Mathias MI, Remedio RN. Low concentrations of acetylcarvacrol induce drastic morphological damages in ovaries of surviving Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Micron 2020; 129:102780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2019.102780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
33
|
Liu H, Lin Y, Gu J, Ruan Y, Shen G, Zhang Y, Wang H, Meng Z, Li K, Xia Q. The increase of amino acids induces the expression of vitellogenin after spinning in the silkworm Bombyx mori. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 118:103913. [PMID: 31302015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103913] [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: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Silkworms are economically important insects because of the value of their silk. After finishing silk spinning, silkworms begin another important physiological process, vitellogenesis. In this study, we explored the relationship between silk spinning and vitellogenin (BmVg) expression in silkworms. In silkworms with the silk fibroin heavy chain gene knocked-out, the concentration of amino acids in the hemolymph was found to be significantly higher than that in the wild type, and the expression of BmVg was advanced at day 7 of the fifth instar stage and 0 h after spinning. Furthermore, through culturing fat body in vitro with different substances treatment including glucose, trehalose, amino acids, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and insulin, we found that only amino acids could induce BmVg expression. RNA interference of BmTOR1 in female silkworms could down-regulate BmVg transcription, resulting in shortened egg ducts and smaller eggs relative to the control. Therefore, these results showed that amino acids could induce BmVg expression through the TOR signaling pathway. Fat body cultured with amino acids in vitro and experiments involving amino acids injected into the silkworm showed that the majority of main amino acids of silk protein could induce BmVg expression. These results suggested that BmVg expression is related to silk spinning and this study would lay a foundation for elucidating the stage specificity expression of BmVg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jianjian Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yang Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ziwang Meng
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Kairong Li
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tetreau G, Dhinaut J, Gourbal B, Moret Y. Trans-generational Immune Priming in Invertebrates: Current Knowledge and Future Prospects. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1938. [PMID: 31475001 PMCID: PMC6703094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Trans-generational immune priming (TGIP) refers to the transfer of the parental immunological experience to its progeny. This may result in offspring protection from repeated encounters with pathogens that persist across generations. Although extensively studied in vertebrates for over a century, this phenomenon has only been identified 20 years ago in invertebrates. Since then, invertebrate TGIP has been the focus of an increasing interest, with half of studies published during the last few years. TGIP has now been tested in several invertebrate systems using various experimental approaches and measures to study it at both functional and evolutionary levels. However, drawing an overall picture of TGIP from available studies still appears to be a difficult task. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of TGIP in invertebrates with the objective of confronting all the data generated to date to highlight the main features and mechanisms identified in the context of its ecology and evolution. To this purpose, we describe all the articles reporting experimental investigation of TGIP in invertebrates and propose a critical analysis of the experimental procedures performed to study this phenomenon. We then investigate the outcome of TGIP in the offspring and its ecological and evolutionary relevance before reviewing the potential molecular mechanisms identified to date. In the light of this review, we build hypothetical scenarios of the mechanisms through which TGIP might be achieved and propose guidelines for future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Tetreau
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, Grenoble, France
| | - Julien Dhinaut
- UMR CNRS 6282 BioGéoSciences, Équipe Écologie Évolutive, Université Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Yannick Moret
- UMR CNRS 6282 BioGéoSciences, Équipe Écologie Évolutive, Université Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ibanez F, Racine K, Hoyte A, Stelinski LL. Reproductive performance among color morphs of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, vector of citrus greening pathogens. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 117:103904. [PMID: 31238055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, commonly known as Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), transmits the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), one of the causative agents of Huanglongbing (HLB) to citrus trees. Within ACP populations, three adult abdominal color polymorphisms: gray/brown, blue/green, and orange/yellow have been described. Despite the economic importance of this insect, the molecular mechanisms governing reproduction and vitellogenesis are not well understood. The current results describe the expression patterns of VgA1-like and Kr-h1, ovary morphology, and oviposition behavior in two different ACP morphotypes. Our results showed that VgA1-like exhibited female sex-specific expression, was upregulated more in blue/green than gray/brown females, and increased in expression with age only in blue/green morphs. The transcription factor Kr-h1, associated with reproduction in some insect species, was expressed in both sexes, was upregulated in 1 and 7 days old blue/green compared to gray/brown females, and exhibited reduced expression by 14 days of age in both morphotypes. Our results demonstrated an association between VgA1-like expression, oocyte development, and the blue green abdominal color of D. citri, which were linked to higher reproductive output than observed in gray/brown females. Overall, this study described the importance of the genes VgA1-like and Kr-h1 in D. citri vitellogenesis, and explained the mechanisms underlying differential reproductive performance among D. citri abdominal color morphs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freddy Ibanez
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850, United States.
| | - Kristin Racine
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850, United States
| | - Angelique Hoyte
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850, United States
| | - Lukasz L Stelinski
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Qian Z, Liu X. Elucidation of the role of farnesoic acid O-methyltransferase (FAMeT) in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii: Possible functional correlation with ecdysteroid signaling. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 232:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
37
|
Liu H, Lin Y, Shen G, Gu J, Ruan Y, Wu J, Zhang Y, Li K, Long W, Jia L, Xia Q. A novel GATA transcription factor GATAβ4 promotes vitellogenin transcription and egg formation in the silkworm Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 107:10-18. [PMID: 30639701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors (GATAs) are widely expressed among various organisms and belong to the zinc finger protein family. GATA transcription factors play important roles in the proliferation, differentiation, and development of eukaryotes. Previous studies have shown that GATA participates in oogenesis by selective splicing in silkworms. In this study, we investigated the function of GATAs during vitellogenesis using female silkworms (Bombyx mori). Six types of GATA transcription factors were successfully cloned in the fat body of silkworms during the wandering stage and only BmGATAβ4 induced the activity of the Bombyx mori vitellogenin (BmVg) promoter. Furthermore, BmVg and BmGATAβ4 exhibited similar expression patterns in the fat body of female silkworms during the wandering stage. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, cell transfection assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that BmGATAβ4 was involved in regulating the transcription of BmVg by directly binding to the GATA cis-response element 1 (CRE1) and GATA cis-response element 2 (CRE2) in the promoter of the BmVg gene. RNA interference of BmGATAβ4 in female silkworms downregulated BmVg transcription, resulting in a decrease in egg size and shortening of the length of egg tubes relative to the control. In summary, our results indicated that BmGATAβ4 bound to the GATA CRE1 and CRE2 motifs in the BmVg promoter to upregulate BmVg expression in the fat body of female silkworms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jianjian Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yang Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jinxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Kairong Li
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Wei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Linbang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Więch A, Rowińska-Żyrek M, Wątły J, Czarnota A, Hołubowicz R, Szewczuk Z, Ożyhar A, Orłowski M. The intrinsically disordered C-terminal F domain of the ecdysteroid receptor from Aedes aegypti exhibits metal ion-binding ability. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 186:42-55. [PMID: 30243841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The dominant vector of dengue and Zika diseases is a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its reproduction is controlled by the formation of an active heterodimer complex of the 20-hydroxyecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle protein (Usp). Although EcR exhibits a structural and functional organization typical of nuclear receptors (NRs), the EcR C-terminus has an additional F domain (AaFEcR) that is rarely present in the NRs superfamily. The presence of F domains is evolutionarily not well conserved in the NRs. The structure-function relationship of EcR F domains in arthropods is unclear and enigmatic. To date, there have been no data concerning the structure and function of AaFEcR. Our results showed that AaFEcR belongs to a family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and possesses putative pre-molten globule (PMG) characteristics. Unexpectedly, additional amino acid composition in silico analyses revealed the presence of short unique repeated Pro-His clusters forming an HGPHPHPHG motif, which is similar to those responsible for Zn2+ and Cu2+ binding in histidine-proline-rich glycoproteins (HPRGs). Using SEC, SV-AUC and ESI-TOF MS, we showed that the intrinsically disordered AaFEcR is able to bind metal ions and form complexes with these ions. Our studies provide new insight into the structural organization and activities of the F domains of NRs. This unique for the F domains of NRs ion-binding propensity demonstrated by the AaFEcR domain may be a part of the ecdysteroid receptor's mechanism for regulating the expression of genes encoding oxidative stress-protecting proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Więch
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Wątły
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czarnota
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Hołubowicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Ożyhar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Orłowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhou K, Zhou F, Jiang S, Huang J, Yang Q, Yang L, Jiang S. Ecdysone inducible gene E75 from black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon: Characterization and elucidation of its role in molting. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:265-277. [PMID: 30618055 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Molting is controlled by ecdysteroids, which are synthesized and secreted by the Y-organ in crustaceans. Ecdysone inducible gene, E75, is an early-response gene in the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway, with crucial roles in arthropod development. Complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding Penaeus monodon E75 (PmE75) was cloned using RT-PCR and RACE. PmE75 cDNA was 3526 bp long and encoded a 799-amino acid protein. Tissue distribution analysis showed that PmE75 was expressed ubiquitously in selected tissues, and was relatively abundant in the epidermis, muscle, and hepatopancreas. Developmental expression revealed that PmE75 was expressed throughout its life cycle. Silencing PmE75 significantly decreased PmE75 expression. Shrimps injected with PBS and dsGFP started molting on Day 7 and had almost completed molting on Day 9, whereas dsPmE75-injected shrimp presented no signs of molting. These results suggested that PmE75 might be involved in molting. In situ hybridization results support this hypothesis. To explore the role of 20E and eyestalks in the regulation of molting in P. monodon, exogenous 20E injection and eyestalk ablation (ESA) were performed, and showed that 20E can induce the transcription and expression of PmE75 in the hepatopancreas, epidermis, and muscle, which were significantly elevated after ESA. These results provide further insights into our understanding of molting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaimin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Base of South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Falin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Base of South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Song Jiang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Base of South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Base of South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qibin Yang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lishi Yang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shigui Jiang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Identification and characterization of a mosquito-specific eggshell organizing factor in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000068. [PMID: 30620728 PMCID: PMC6324781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for several million human deaths annually around the world. One approach to controlling mosquito populations is to disrupt molecular processes or antagonize novel metabolic targets required for the production of viable eggs. To this end, we focused our efforts on identifying proteins required for completion of embryonic development that are mosquito selective and represent potential targets for vector control. We performed bioinformatic analyses to identify putative protein-coding sequences that are specific to mosquito genomes. Systematic RNA interference (RNAi) screening of 40 mosquito-specific genes was performed by injecting double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This experimental approach led to the identification of eggshell organizing factor 1 (EOF1, AAEL012336), which plays an essential role in the formation and melanization of the eggshell. Eggs deposited by EOF1-deficient mosquitoes have nonmelanized fragile eggshells, and all embryos are nonviable. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis identified that exochorionic eggshell structures are strongly affected in EOF1-deficient mosquitoes. EOF1 is a potential novel target, to our knowledge, for exploring the identification and development of mosquito-selective and biosafe small-molecule inhibitors. An RNAi functional screen of 40 Aedes aegypti genes specific to the mosquito lineage helped to identify EOF1, a protein that plays an essential role in mosquito eggshell formation and melanization. Mosquito-borne pathogens infect millions of people worldwide, and the rise in insecticide resistance is exacerbating this problem. A new generation of environmentally safe insecticides will be essential to control insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. One potential route to such novel insecticide targets is the identification of proteins specifically needed for mosquito reproduction. Female mosquitoes feed on blood to produce eggs, which are covered with an eggshell; using RNA interference screening of mosquito-specific genes in Aedes aegypti (the mosquito that transmits yellow fever), we identified the eggshell organizing factor 1 (EOF1) protein that plays an essential role in eggshell melanization and embryonic development. Nearly 100% of eggs laid by EOF1-deficient females had a defective eggshell and were not viable. Bleach assays on eggs further confirmed that mosquito-specific EOF1 is required for embryonic development in A. aegypti. Additional experiments revealed that EOF1 also plays an essential role in eggshell formation in Aedes albopictus (the tiger mosquito, a carrier of Zika virus and dengue fever). We hypothesize that EOF1 has evolved within the Culicidae family to effect eggshell formation and therefore maximize egg survival. The results provide new insights, to our knowledge, into mosquito egg maturation and eggshell synthesis and could lead to key advances in the field of mosquito vector control.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lin CC, Chen YH, Guan TC, Chang SW, Pai H, Chou SJ, Tsai HP. Expression of foreign proteins by antimicrobial peptide gene promoters in mosquitoes. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/jmedsci.jmedsci_194_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
42
|
Widana Gamage SMK, Rotenberg D, Schneweis DJ, Tsai CW, Dietzgen RG. Transcriptome-wide responses of adult melon thrips (Thrips palmi) associated with capsicum chlorosis virus infection. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208538. [PMID: 30532222 PMCID: PMC6286046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrips palmi is a widely distributed major agricultural pest in the tropics and subtropics, causing significant losses in cucurbit and solanaceous crops through feeding damage and transmission of tospoviruses. Thrips palmi is a vector of capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) in Australia. The present understanding of transmission biology and potential effects of CaCV on T. palmi is limited. To gain insights into molecular responses to CaCV infection, we performed RNA-Seq to identify thrips transcripts that are differentially-abundant during virus infection of adults. De-novo assembly of the transcriptome generated from whole bodies of T. palmi adults generated 166,445 contigs, of which ~24% contained a predicted open reading frame. We identified 1,389 differentially-expressed (DE) transcripts, with comparable numbers up- (708) and down-regulated (681) in virus-exposed thrips compared to non-exposed thrips. Approximately 59% of these DE transcripts had significant matches to NCBI non-redundant proteins (Blastx) and Blast2GO identified provisional functional categories among the up-regulated transcripts in virus-exposed thrips including innate immune response-related genes, salivary gland and/or gut-associated genes and vitellogenin genes. The majority of the immune-related proteins are known to serve functions in lysosome activity and melanisation in insects. Most of the up-regulated oral and extra-oral digestion-associated genes appear to be involved in digestion of proteins, lipids and plant cell wall components which may indirectly enhance the likelihood or frequency of virus transmission or may be involved in the regulation of host defence responses. Most of the down-regulated transcripts fell into the gene ontology functional category of 'structural constituent of cuticle'. Comparison to DE genes responsive to tomato spotted wilt virus in Frankliniella occidentalis indicates conservation of some thrips molecular responses to infection by different tospoviruses. This study assembled the first transcriptome in the genus Thrips and provides important data to broaden our understanding of networks of molecular interactions between thrips and tospoviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirani M. K. Widana Gamage
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dorith Rotenberg
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Derek J. Schneweis
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
| | - Chi-Wei Tsai
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ralf G. Dietzgen
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhen C, Yang H, Luo S, Huang J, Wu J. Broad-complex Z3 contributes to the ecdysone-mediated transcriptional regulation of the vitellogenin gene in Bombus lantschouensis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207275. [PMID: 30440013 PMCID: PMC6237364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During reproduction, vitellogenin (Vg), as an egg yolk precursor, is critical in sexually mature females of oviparous species including some insects. The transcription of Vg is usually mediated by hormones such as juvenile hormone (JH), ecdysteroids and some neuropeptides. In this study, the structure of the Vg gene from the bumblebee Bombus lantschouensis, (BlVg) was determined by sequencing and assembly. BlVg was found to be expressed at higher levels in reproductive queens than in virgins by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that BlVg was expressed at the highest levels in the fat bodies of both virgin and reproductive queens. Prediction of the BlVg promoter revealed the presence of ecdysteroid-responsive cis-regulatory elements (CREs) containing one Broad-Complex zinc-finger isoform 3 (BR-C Z3), and one ecdysone-induced protein 74A (E74A). In addition, luciferase reporter expression, driven by the 5' -regulatory region of the BlVg gene, from -1517 bp to +895 bp downstream of the start codon, was induced by treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E). Moreover, the luciferase activity of the BlVg promoter was elevated by only BlBrC-Z3 when Sf9 cells were cotransfected with four BlBrC isoforms respectively. BlVg promoter-mediated luciferase activation was significantly reduced when the putative BrC-Z3 CRE in the promoter was mutated. In summary, this report describes the first study of vitellogenin gene regulation at the transcriptional level in bumblebees and demonstrates that the ecdysone-induced transcription of the BlVg gene is mediated by the binding of BlBrC-Z3 to the BrC-Z3 CRE in the BlVg promoter in bumblebees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congai Zhen
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Huipeng Yang
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shudong Luo
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- * E-mail: (JW); (JH)
| | - Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- * E-mail: (JW); (JH)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yue Y, Yang RL, Wang WP, Zhou QH, Chen EH, Yuan GR, Wang JJ, Dou W. Involvement of Met and Kr-h1 in JH-Mediated Reproduction of Female Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Front Physiol 2018; 9:482. [PMID: 29780329 PMCID: PMC5945869 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) prevents metamorphosis during insect larval stages and promotes adult reproductive processes. Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1), a zinc finger transcription factor assumed to be induced by JH via the JH receptor methoprene-tolerant (Met), mediates the antimetamorphic effect of JH in insects, but its function in JH-mediated reproductive processes has not been fully explored. In this study, Met and Kr-h1 involved in the JH signaling pathway were first cloned and identified from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, an important pest infesting fruit and vegetables worldwide. Subsequent spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that Met and Kr-h1 were both highly expressed in 7-day-old adults and fat body of female adults, respectively. Treatment with a JH analog (methoprene) significantly induced the expression of JH signaling and vitellogenin (Vg) genes and accelerated ovary development. RNA interference (RNAi) further revealed that either Met or Kr-h1 depletion at the adult stage of B. dorsalis impeded ovary development, with significantly lower egg production noted as well. In addition, rescue through methoprene application after RNAi stimulated the expression of JH signaling and Vg genes. Although there were still differences in ovary phenotype between rescued insects and the pre-RNAi control, ovary redevelopment with a larger surface area was observed, consistent with the spatiotemporal expression and phenotypes recorded in the original methoprene experiment. Our data reveal the involvement of Met and Kr-h1 in insect vitellogenesis and egg production, thus indicating the crucial role of the JH signaling pathway in insect reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi-Hao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Er-Hu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Rui Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Dong D, Zhang Y, Smykal V, Ling L, Raikhel AS. HR38, an ortholog of NR4A family nuclear receptors, mediates 20-hydroxyecdysone regulation of carbohydrate metabolism during mosquito reproduction. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 96. [PMID: 29526770 PMCID: PMC5959765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the principal vector for many dangerous human viral diseases. Carbohydrate metabolism (CM) is essential for supplying the energy necessary for host seeking, blood digestion and rapid egg development of this vector insect. The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the ecdysone receptor (EcR) are important regulators of CM, coordinating it with female reproductive events. We report here that the NR4A nuclear receptor AHR38 plays a critical role in mediating these actions of 20E and EcR. AHR38 RNA interference (RNAi) depletion in female mosquitoes blocked the transcriptional activation of CM genes encoding phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and trehalose-6-phophate synthase (TPS); it caused an increase of glycogen accumulation and a decrease of the circulating sugar trehalose. This treatment also resulted in a dramatic reduction in fecundity. Considering that these phenotypes resulting from AHR38 RNAi depletion are similar to those of EcR RNAi, we investigated a possible connection between these transcription factors in CM regulation. EcR RNAi inhibits the AHR38 gene expression. Moreover, the 20E-induced EcR complex directly activates AHR38 by binding to the ecdysone response element (EcRE) in the upstream regulatory region of this gene. The present work has implicated AHR38 in the 20E-mediated control of CM and provided new insight into mechanisms of 20E regulation of metabolism during female mosquito reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dujuan Dong
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Vlastimil Smykal
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Lin Ling
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Alexander S Raikhel
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Institute for Integrative Genomic Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chang CH, Liu YT, Weng SC, Chen IY, Tsao PN, Shiao SH. The non-canonical Notch signaling is essential for the control of fertility in Aedes aegypti. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006307. [PMID: 29505577 PMCID: PMC5854436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is a highly evolutionarily-conserved cell-cell signaling pathway that regulates many events during development. It plays a pivotal role in the regulation of fundamental cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, stem cell maintenance, and differentiation during embryonic and adult development. However, functions of Notch signaling in Aedes aegypti, the major mosquito vector for dengue, are largely unknown. In this study, we identified a unique feature of A. aegypti Notch (AaNotch) in the control of the sterile-like phenotype in female mosquitoes. Silencing AaNotch with a reverse genetic approach significantly reduced the fecundity and fertility of the mosquito. Silencing AaNotch also resulted in the prevention of micropyle formation, which led to impaired fertilization. In addition, JNK phosphorylation (a signaling molecule in the non-canonical Notch signaling pathway) was inhibited in the absence of AaNotch. Furthermore, treatment with a JNK inhibitor in the mosquito resulted in impaired fecundity and fertility. Taken together, our results demonstrate that non-canonical Notch signaling is essential for controlling fertility in the A. aegypti mosquito.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hao Chang
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Che Weng
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Yi Chen
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Nien Tsao
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regeneration Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Hong Shiao
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ling L, Kokoza VA, Zhang C, Aksoy E, Raikhel AS. MicroRNA-277 targets insulin-like peptides 7 and 8 to control lipid metabolism and reproduction in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E8017-E8024. [PMID: 28874536 PMCID: PMC5617303 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710970114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematophagous female mosquitoes transmit numerous devastating human diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and others. Because of their obligatory requirement of a vertebrate blood meal for reproduction, these mosquitoes need a lot of energy; therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms linking metabolism and reproduction is of particular importance. Lipids are the major energy store providing the fuel required for host seeking and reproduction. They are essential components of the fat body, a metabolic tissue that is the insect analog of vertebrate liver and adipose tissue. In this study, we found that microRNA-277 (miR-277) plays an important role in regulating mosquito lipid metabolism. The genetic disruption of miR-277 using the CRISPR-Cas9 system led to failures in both lipid storage and ovary development. miR-277 mimic injection partially rescued these phenotypic manifestations. Examination of subcellular localization of FOXO protein via CRISPR-assisted, single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide-mediated homology-directed repair revealed that insulin signaling is up-regulated in response to miR-277 depletion. In silico target prediction identified that insulin-like peptides 7 and 8 (ilp7 and ilp8) are putative targets of miR-277; RNA immunoprecipitation and a luciferase reporter assay confirmed that ilp7 and ilp8 are direct targets of this miRNA. CRISPR-Cas9 depletion of ilp7 and ilp8 led to metabolic and reproductive defects. These depletions identified differential actions of ILP7 and ILP8 in lipid homeostasis and ovarian development. Thus, miR-277 plays a critical role in mosquito lipid metabolism and reproduction by targeting ilp7 and ilp8, and serves as a monitor to control ILP7 and ILP8 mRNA levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ling
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
- Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Vladimir A Kokoza
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Changyu Zhang
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Emre Aksoy
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Alexander S Raikhel
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521;
- Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Chung HN, Rodriguez SD, Carpenter VK, Vulcan J, Bailey CD, Nageswara-Rao M, Li Y, Attardo GM, Hansen IA. Fat Body Organ Culture System in Aedes Aegypti, a Vector of Zika Virus. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28872112 PMCID: PMC5614350 DOI: 10.3791/55508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect fat body plays a central role in insect metabolism and nutrient storage, mirroring functions of the liver and fat tissue in vertebrates. Insect fat body tissue is usually distributed throughout the insect body. However, it is often concentrated in the abdomen and attached to the abdominal body wall. The mosquito fat body is the sole source of yolk proteins, which are critical for egg production. Therefore, the in vitro culture of mosquito fat body tissues represents an important system for the study of mosquito physiology, metabolism, and, ultimately, egg production. The fat body culture process begins with the preparation of solutions and reagents, including amino acid stock solutions, Aedes physiological saline salt stock solution (APS), calcium stock solution, and fat body culture medium. The process continues with fat body dissection, followed by an experimental treatment. After treatment, a variety of different analyses can be performed, including RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), qPCR, Western blots, proteomics, and metabolomics. In our example experiment, we demonstrate the protocol through the excision and culture of fat bodies from the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, a principal vector of arboviruses including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. RNA from fat bodies cultured under a physiological condition known to upregulate yolk proteins versus the control were subject to RNA-Seq analysis to demonstrate the potential utility of this procedure for investigations of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Na Chung
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University
| | | | | | - Julia Vulcan
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University
| | | | | | - Yiyi Li
- Department of Computer Sciences, New Mexico State University
| | - Geoffrey M Attardo
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
| | - Immo A Hansen
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University; Institute of Applied Biosciences, New Mexico State University;
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pimenta de Oliveira S, Dantas de Oliveira C, Viana Sant'Anna MR, Carneiro Dutra HL, Caragata EP, Moreira LA. Wolbachia infection in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes alters blood meal excretion and delays oviposition without affecting trypsin activity. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 87:65-74. [PMID: 28655666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood feeding in Aedes aegypti is essential for reproduction, but also permits the mosquito to act as a vector for key human pathogens such as the Zika and dengue viruses. Wolbachia pipientis is an endosymbiotic bacterium that can manipulate the biology of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, making them less competent hosts for many pathogens. Yet while Wolbachia affects other aspects of host physiology, it is unclear whether it influences physiological processes associated with blood meal digestion. To that end, we examined the effects of wMel Wolbachia infection in Ae. aegypti, on survival post-blood feeding, blood meal excretion, rate of oviposition, expression levels of key genes involved in oogenesis, and activity levels of trypsin blood digestion enzymes. We observed that wMel infection altered the rate and duration of blood meal excretion, delayed the onset of oviposition and was associated with a greater number of eggs being laid later. wMel-infected Ae. aegypti also had lower levels of key yolk protein precursor genes necessary for oogenesis. However, all of these effects occurred without a change in trypsin activity. These results suggest that Wolbachia infection may disrupt normal metabolic processes associated with blood feeding and reproduction in Ae. aegypti.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pimenta de Oliveira
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Caroline Dantas de Oliveira
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Roberto Viana Sant'Anna
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Heverton Leandro Carneiro Dutra
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eric Pearce Caragata
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Luciano Andrade Moreira
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ibanez F, Levy J, Tamborindeguy C. Identification and expression analyses of vitellogenin in Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 98:205-213. [PMID: 27894936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a phloem-feeding insect with preference for Solanaceae. This insect species is vector of the pathogenic bacteria 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' the causative agent of zebra chip, an important disease of commercial potatoes in several countries worldwide. The recent classification of psyllids among the most dangerous vectors has promoted their study, but still many biological processes such as reproduction and vitellogenesis need to be investigated. As a first step towards the elucidation of vitellogenesis in B. cockerelli, one candidate vitellogenin transcript (6622 bases long) was identified and the expression of the transcript and the protein were analyzed in virgin and mated females between 1 and 7days old. In virgin females, Vg expression increased up to 5days old; while mating significantly up-regulated Vg expression in 5- and 7-day-old females. To determine the role of juvenile hormone in B. cockerelli Vg expression, topical applications of juvenile hormone III were performed on virgin females, resulting in an up-regulation of Vg expression and an increase in the number of mature oocytes present in female reproductive organs. Overall, this study represents the first step to understand vitellogenesis of B. cockerelli and it highlights the role of JH III in the hormonal regulation of Vg expression and oocyte development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freddy Ibanez
- Department of Entomology, 412 Heep Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Julien Levy
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Cecilia Tamborindeguy
- Department of Entomology, 412 Heep Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
| |
Collapse
|