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Fischer ML, Yepes Vivas SA, Wielsch N, Kirsch R, Vilcinskas A, Vogel H. You are what you eat-ecological niche and microhabitat influence venom activity and composition in aquatic bugs. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222064. [PMID: 36946119 PMCID: PMC10031423 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
True water bugs (Nepomorpha) are mostly predacious insects that live in aquatic habitats. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to inject venomous saliva that facilitates the capture and extra-oral digestion of prey animals, but their venom can also be deployed for defence. In Central Europe, nepomorph species representing different families coexist in the same habitat. However, their feeding ecology, including venom composition and deployment, has not been investigated in detail. We used an integrated proteotranscriptomic and bioactivity-based approach to test whether venom composition and activity differ between four water bug species sharing the same habitat but occupying different ecological niches. We found considerable species-dependent differences in the composition of digestive enzymes and venom components that probably evolved as adaptations to particular food sources, foraging strategies and/or microhabitats. The venom of Corixa punctata differed substantially from that of the three strictly predatory species (Ilyocoris cimicoides, Notonecta glauca and Nepa cinerea), and the abundance of herbivory-associated proteins confirms a mostly plant-based diet. Our findings reveal independent adaptations of the digestive and defensive enzyme repertoires accompanied by the evolution of distinct feeding strategies in aquatic bugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike L. Fischer
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Thüringen, Germany
| | - Sol A. Yepes Vivas
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Thüringen, Germany
| | - Natalie Wielsch
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Thüringen, Germany
| | - Roy Kirsch
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Thüringen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig Universitat Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Thüringen, Germany
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Walker AA, Hernández-Vargas MJ, Corzo G, Fry BG, King GF. Giant fish-killing water bug reveals ancient and dynamic venom evolution in Heteroptera. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3215-3229. [PMID: 29427076 PMCID: PMC11105384 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
True Bugs (Insecta: Heteroptera) produce venom or saliva with diverse bioactivities depending on their feeding strategies. However, little is known about the molecular evolution of the venom toxins underlying these biological activities. We examined venom of the giant fish-killing water bug Lethocerus distinctifemur (Insecta: Belostomatidae) using infrared spectroscopy, transcriptomics, and proteomics. We report 132 venom proteins including putative enzymes, cytolytic toxins, and antimicrobial peptides. Over 73% (96 proteins) showed homology to venom proteins from assassin bugs (Reduviidae), including 21% (28 proteins from seven families) not known from other sources. These data suggest that numerous protein families were recruited into venom and diversified rapidly following the switch from phytophagy to predation by ancestral heteropterans, and then were retained over > 200 my of evolution. In contrast, trophic switches to blood-feeding (e.g. in Triatominae and Cimicidae) or reversions to plant-feeding (e.g., in Pentatomomorpha) were accompanied by rapid changes in the composition of venom/saliva, including the loss of many protein families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | | | - Gerardo Corzo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 61500, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Walker AA, Weirauch C, Fry BG, King GF. Venoms of Heteropteran Insects: A Treasure Trove of Diverse Pharmacological Toolkits. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:43. [PMID: 26907342 PMCID: PMC4773796 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The piercing-sucking mouthparts of the true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) have allowed diversification from a plant-feeding ancestor into a wide range of trophic strategies that include predation and blood-feeding. Crucial to the success of each of these strategies is the injection of venom. Here we review the current state of knowledge with regard to heteropteran venoms. Predaceous species produce venoms that induce rapid paralysis and liquefaction. These venoms are powerfully insecticidal, and may cause paralysis or death when injected into vertebrates. Disulfide-rich peptides, bioactive phospholipids, small molecules such as N,N-dimethylaniline and 1,2,5-trithiepane, and toxic enzymes such as phospholipase A2, have been reported in predatory venoms. However, the detailed composition and molecular targets of predatory venoms are largely unknown. In contrast, recent research into blood-feeding heteropterans has revealed the structure and function of many protein and non-protein components that facilitate acquisition of blood meals. Blood-feeding venoms lack paralytic or liquefying activity but instead are cocktails of pharmacological modulators that disable the host haemostatic systems simultaneously at multiple points. The multiple ways venom is used by heteropterans suggests that further study will reveal heteropteran venom components with a wide range of bioactivities that may be recruited for use as bioinsecticides, human therapeutics, and pharmacological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Christiane Weirauch
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Alves CL, Araujo RN, Gontijo NF, Pereira MH. Importance and physiological effects of hemolymphagy in triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 48:372-81. [PMID: 21485376 DOI: 10.1603/me10151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Triatomines are hematophagous insects and the vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi in the Americas. Although their preferred meal is blood from vertebrate hosts, unfed triatomine nymphs are often seen feeding on different arthropod species. Triatomine saliva has a wide range of activities that aid the hematophagic process. However, nothing is known about its role during hemolymphagy. In the current study, we reproduced hemolymphagy under laboratory conditions and evaluated the influence of hemolymphagy on the survival of Triatoma infestans nymphs. The effects of saliva on the activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade in the invertebrate host and the influence of the saliva on the motility of the bugs and contractions of the dorsal vessels were assessed. Hemolymphagy prolonged the survival rate of T. infestans first instars from 60 to >120 d compared with unfed nymphs. The saliva from T. infestans caused a 50% reduction in the amplitude and frequency of the dorsal vessel contractions of adult Rhodnius prolixus and induced paralysis for >10 min when the saliva was injected into second instars. T. infestans saliva was able to inhibit the activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade from a R. prolixus hemolymph, but had no effect on the phenoloxidase activity after the cascade was activated. The paralyzing molecule in the saliva was <5 kDa and probably had no proteic or lipidic characteristics. These results suggest that triatomine saliva may play an important role during hemolymphagy by inducing paralysis and suppressing immune responses in the invertebrate host. The importance of hemolymphagy for the survival of nymphs in periods when vertebrate blood is scarce is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceres L Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Bloco I4, Sala 177, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Swart CC, Deaton LE, Felgenhauer BE. The salivary gland and salivary enzymes of the giant waterbugs (Heteroptera; Belostomatidae). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2006; 145:114-22. [PMID: 16844394 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Revised: 05/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The giant waterbugs are predators that utilize extra-oral digestion and are known to capture a wide variety of prey. Herein we describe the differences in salivary enzyme composition between large and small species of giant waterbug (Lethocerus uhleri, Lethocerinae and Belostoma lutarium, Belostomatinae, respectively). The saliva of L. uhleri contains 3 proteolytic enzymes and no amylase, while the salivary gland of B. lutarium produces 2 proteolytic enzymes and amylase. This fundamental difference in salivary enzyme composition correlates with the difference in diet preference between the Lethocerinae and Belostomatinae. Furthermore, we describe the ultrastructure of the salivary gland complex of B. lutarium and present data on the division of labor with respect to compartmentalization of enzyme production. Proteolytic enzymes are produced in the accessory salivary gland and amylase is produced in the main salivary gland lobe. This is the first reported evidence of protease production in the accessory salivary gland in the Heteroptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Swart
- Biology/Neuroscience, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 06106, USA.
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Marsollier L, Aubry J, Saint-André JP, Robert R, Legras P, Manceau AL, Bourdon S, Audrain C, Carbonnelle B. [Ecology and transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 51:490-5. [PMID: 14568596 DOI: 10.1016/s0369-8114(03)00151-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium ulcerans is an environmental pathogen concerning mainly the tropical countries; it is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, which has become the third most important mycobacterial disease. In spite of water-linked epidemiological studies to identify the sources of M. ulcerans, the reservoir and the mode of transmission of this organism remain elusive. To determine the ecology and the mode of transmission of M. ulcerans we have set up an experimental model. This experimental model demonstrated that water bugs were able to transmit M. ulcerans by bites. In insects, the bacilli were localized exclusively within salivary glands, where it could both multiply contrary to other mycobacteria species. In another experimental study, we report that the crude extracts from aquatic plants stimulate in vitro the growth of M. ulcerans as much as the biofilm formation by M. ulcerans has been observed on aquatic plants. Given that the water bugs are essentially carnivorous, it is difficult to imagine a direct contact in the contamination of aquatic bugs and plants. It seems very likely that an intermediate host exists. In an endemic area of Daloa in Côte d'Ivoire, our observations were confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Marsollier
- Laboratoire de bactériologie-virologie-hygiène, CHU, 49033 Angers cedex 01, France
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Thie NM, Houseman JG. Identification of cathepsin B, D and H in the larval midgut of colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1016/0020-1790(90)90049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Origin, distribution, properties and functions of the major Rhodnius prolixus midgut hydrolases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1988. [DOI: 10.1016/0020-1790(88)90058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Houseman JG, Downe A. Cathepsin D-like activity in the posterior midgut of hemipteran insects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1983. [DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(83)90367-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Certain parts of the amino acid sequence of hen's-egg lysozyme were reinvestigated. The parts in question are those in which X-ray-crystallographic data were used to decide between the two reported versions of the sequence that were based on chemical data. We conclude that the X-ray evidence, in the main, led to the correct choice between the sequences.
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