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Zhao WJ, Li Y, Jiao ZL, Su PP, Yang LB, Sun CQ, Xiu JF, Shang XL, Guo G. Function analysis and characterisation of a novel chitinase, MdCht9, in Musca domestica. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:157-172. [PMID: 38160324 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12887] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Insect chitinases have been proposed as potential targets for pest control. In this work, a novel group IV chitinase gene, MdCht9, from Musca domestica was found to have multiple functions in the physiological activity, including chitin regulation, development and antifungal immunity. The MdCht9 gene was cloned and sequenced, its phylogeny was analysed and its expression was determined in normal and 20E treated larvae. Subsequently, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated MdCht9 knockdown was performed, followed by biochemical assays, morphological observations and transcriptome analysis. Finally, the recombinant protein MdCht9 (rMdCht9) was purified and tested for anti-microbial activity and enzyme characteristics. The results showed that MdCht9 consists of three domains, highly expressed in a larval salivary gland. RNAi silencing of MdCht9 resulted in significant down-regulation of chitin content and expression of 15 chitin-binding protein (CBP) genes, implying a new insight that MdCht9 might regulate chitin content by influencing the expression of CBPs. In addition, more than half of the lethality and partial wing deformity appeared due to the dsMdCht9 treatment. In addition, the rMdCht9 exhibited anti-microbial activity towards Candida albicans (fungus) but not towards Escherichia coli (G-) or Staphylococcus aureus (G+). Our work expands on previous studies of chitinase while providing a potential target for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhen-Long Jiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Pei-Pei Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Long-Bing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chao-Qin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiang-Fan Xiu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiao-Li Shang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control (Guizhou Medical University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control (Guizhou Medical University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Qu MB, Sun SP, Liu YS, Deng XR, Yang J, Yang Q. Insect group II chitinase OfChtII promotes chitin degradation during larva-pupa molting. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:692-704. [PMID: 32306549 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The insect group II chitinase (ChtII, also known as Cht10) is a unique chitinase with multiple catalytic and chitin-binding domains. It has been proven genetically to be an essential chitinase for molting. However, ChtII's role in chitin degradation during insect development remains poorly understood. Obtaining this knowledge is the key to fully understanding the chitin degradation system in insects. Here, we investigated the role of OfChtII during the molting of Ostrinia furnacalis, a model lepidopteran pest insect. OfChtII was expressed earlier than OfChtI (OfCht5) and OfChi-h, at both the gene and protein levels during larva-pupa molting as evidenced by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. A truncated OfChtII, OfChtII-B4C1, was recombinantly expressed in Pichia pastoris cells and purified to homogeneity. The recombinant OfChtII-B4C1 loosened compacted chitin particles and produced holes in the cuticle surface as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. It synergized with OfChtI and OfChi-h when hydrolyzing insoluble α-chitin. These findings suggested an important role for ChtII during insect molting and also provided a strategy for the coordinated degradation of cuticular chitin during insect molting by ChtII, ChtI and Chi-h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Bo Qu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shao-Peng Sun
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuan-Sheng Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Deng
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Chen P, De Schutter K, Van Damme EJM, Smagghe G. Can Plant Lectins Help to Elucidate Insect Lectin-Mediated Immune Response? INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12060497. [PMID: 34071763 PMCID: PMC8226959 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Lectins are proteins that can recognize and selectively bind specific sugar structures. These proteins are present in all kingdoms of life, including plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms and play a role in a broad range of processes. The interactions between lectins and their target carbohydrates play a primordial role in plant and animal immune systems. Despite being the largest and most diverse taxa on earth, the study of lectins and their functions in insects is lagging behind. To study the role of insect lectins in the immune response, plant lectins could provide an interesting tool. Plant lectins have been well characterized and many of them possess immunomodulatory properties in vertebrate cells. The increasing knowledge on the immunomodulatory effects of plant lectins could complement the missing knowledge on the endogenous insect lectins and contribute to understanding the processes and mechanisms by which lectins participate in insect immunity. This review summarizes existing studies of immune responses stimulated by endogenous or exogenous lectins. Abstract Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that recognize and selectively bind to specific sugar structures. This group of proteins is widespread in plants, animals, and microorganisms, and exerts a broad range of functions. Many plant lectins were identified as exogenous stimuli of vertebrate immunity. Despite being the largest and most diverse taxon on earth, the study of lectins and their functions in insects is lagging behind. In insects, research on lectins and their biological importance has mainly focused on the C-type lectin (CTL) family, limiting our global understanding of the function of insect lectins and their role in insect immunity. In contrast, plant lectins have been well characterized and the immunomodulatory effects of several plant lectins have been documented extensively in vertebrates. This information could complement the missing knowledge on endogenous insect lectins and contribute to understanding of the processes and mechanisms by which lectins participate in insect immunity. This review summarizes existing studies of immune responses stimulated by endogenous or exogenous lectins. Understanding how lectins modulate insect immune responses can provide insight which, in turn, can help to elaborate novel ideas applicable for the protection of beneficial insects and the development of novel pest control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Chen
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (K.D.S.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Kristof De Schutter
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (K.D.S.)
| | - Els J. M. Van Damme
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (K.D.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Yang WQ, Shao XH, Deng F, Hu LJ, Xiong Y, Huang XJ, Fan CL, Jiang RW, Ye WC, Wang Y. Unprecedented Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia: Biogenetic Evidence and Antifeedant Effects. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:1674-1683. [PMID: 32310646 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Six new quassinoids (1-6) were isolated from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia, and their structures with absolute configurations were determined unambiguously by spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic experiments. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first members of a new class of quassinoids with an unusual C26 carbon skeleton. Compound 6 features a C20 cage-like scaffold with an unprecedented densely functionalized 2,5-dioxatricyclo[5.2.2.04,8]undecane core. The discovery of the two C26 quassinoids 1 and 2 has provided firm evidence for the better understanding the biogenetic process from C30 triterpenoid precursors to quassinoids. Compound 5 exhibited significant antifeedant activity on the diamondback moth (DBM) larvae and excellent systemic absorption and accumulated properties in Brassica chinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qun Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Hua Shao
- Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization (MOA), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Deng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Jun Hu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Xiong
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Lin Fan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-Wang Jiang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Cai Ye
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM & New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
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Zhu B, Shan J, Li R, Liang P, Gao X. Identification and RNAi-based function analysis of chitinase family genes in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:1951-1961. [PMID: 30578597 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect chitinases play a vital part in chitin degradation in exoskeletons and gut linings during the molting process, and therefore are considered potential targets for new insecticide designs or RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management. Systematic functional analysis of chitinase genes has already been conducted in several insect pests, but not Plutella xylostella. RESULTS In this study, 13 full-length chitinase transcripts were obtained in P. xylostella. Developmental and tissue-specific expression pattern analysis revealed that seven chitinase transcripts were periodically expressed during molting stage and mainly expressed in the integument or midgut, including PxCht3, PxCht5, PxCht6-2, PxCht7, PxCht8, PxCht10 and PxCht-h. RNAi-mediated knockdown of these specific expressed genes revealed that PxCht5 and PxCht10 were essential in larval molting, pupation and eclosion, and PxCht7 was indispensable only in eclosion. No significant effects were observed on insect survival or normal development when the rest chitinase transcripts were suppressed by RNAi. CONCLUSION Our results indicated the function of P. xylostella chitinase family genes during the molting process, and may provide potential targets for RNAi-based management of P. xylostella. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinqiong Shan
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Liang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Liu SH, Li HF, Yang Y, Yang RL, Yang WJ, Jiang HB, Dou W, Smagghe G, Wang JJ. Genome-wide identification of chitinase and chitin deacetylase gene families in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2018; 27:13-22. [PMID: 29733998 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases (Chts) and chitin deacetylases (CDAs) are important enzymes required for chitin metabolism in insects. In this study, 12 Cht-related genes (including seven Cht genes and five imaginal disc growth factor genes) and 6 CDA genes (encoding seven proteins) were identified in Bactrocera dorsalis using genome-wide searching and transcript profiling. Based on the conserved sequences and phylogenetic relationships, 12 Cht-related proteins were clustered into eight groups (group I-V and VII-IX). Further domain architecture analysis showed that all contained at least one chitinase catalytic domain, however, only four (BdCht5, BdCht7, BdCht8 and BdCht10) possessed chitin-binding domains. The subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven CDAs were clustered into five groups (group I-V), and all had one chitin deacetylase catalytic domain. However, only six exhibited chitin-binding domains. Finally, the development- and tissue-specific expression profiling showed that transcript levels of the 12 Cht-related genes and 6 CDA genes varied considerably among eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, as well as among different tissues of larvae and adults. Our findings illustrate the structural differences and expression patterns of Cht and CDA genes in B. dorsalis, and provide important information for the development of new pest control strategies based on these vital enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Huo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Hong-Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Rui-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Wen-Jia Yang
- Key & Special Laboratory of Guizhou Education Department for Pest Control and Resource Utilization, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550005, PR China
| | - Hong-Bo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China; Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China.
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Chen W, Qu M, Zhou Y, Yang Q. Structural analysis of group II chitinase (ChtII) catalysis completes the puzzle of chitin hydrolysis in insects. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:2652-2660. [PMID: 29317504 PMCID: PMC5827449 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000119] [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: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitin is a linear homopolymer of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosamines and a major structural component of insect cuticles. Chitin hydrolysis involves glycoside hydrolase family 18 (GH18) chitinases. In insects, chitin hydrolysis is essential for periodic shedding of the old cuticle ecdysis and proceeds via a pathway different from that in the well studied bacterial chitinolytic system. Group II chitinase (ChtII) is a widespread chitinolytic enzyme in insects and contains the greatest number of catalytic domains and chitin-binding domains among chitinases. In Lepidopterans, ChtII and two other chitinases, ChtI and Chi-h, are essential for chitin hydrolysis. Although ChtI and Chi-h have been well studied, the role of ChtII remains elusive. Here, we investigated the structure and enzymology of OfChtII, a ChtII derived from the insect pest Ostrinia furnacalis We present the crystal structures of two catalytically active domains of OfChtII, OfChtII-C1 and OfChtII-C2, both in unliganded form and complexed with chitooligosaccharide substrates. We found that OfChtII-C1 and OfChtII-C2 both possess long, deep substrate-binding clefts with endochitinase activities. OfChtII exhibited structural characteristics within the substrate-binding cleft similar to those in OfChi-h and OfChtI. However, OfChtII lacked structural elements favoring substrate binding beyond the active sites, including an extra wall structure present in OfChi-h. Nevertheless, the numerous domains in OfChtII may compensate for this difference; a truncation containing one catalytic domain and three chitin-binding modules (OfChtII-B4C1) displayed activity toward insoluble polymeric substrates that was higher than those of OfChi-h and OfChtI. Our observations provide the last piece of the puzzle of chitin hydrolysis in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Mingbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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