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Walt HK, Bronzato-Badial A, Maedo SE, Hinton JA, King JG, Pietri JE, Hoffmann FG. Under the radar: Transcriptomic responses of bed bugs to an entomopathogen, environmental bacteria, and a human pathogen. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 206:108182. [PMID: 39178984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are widely distributed, obligately blood-feeding insects, but they have never been linked to pathogen transmission in humans. Most other hematophagous insects that frequently bite humans transmit pathogens, and it is unclear why bed bugs do not. One hypothesis is that bed bugs have evolved a highly robust immune system because their mating system, traumatic insemination, exposes females to consistent wounding and bacterial infections. Although this has been proposed, very little is known about the bed bug immune system and how bed bugs respond to microbial challenges introduced by wounding. Similarly, there is little known about how the bed bug immune system responds to human pathogens. Understanding the bed bug immune system could give insight to why bed bugs appear not to transmit disease and under what circumstances they could, while also facilitating biological control efforts involving microbes. To investigate the transcriptomic response of bed bugs to immune challenges, we exposed female bed bugs to three bacterial challenges. 1.) Pseudomonas fluorescens, an entomopathogen known to have harmful effects to bed bugs, 2.) bacteria cultured from a bed bug enclosure (99.9 % Bacillus spp.), likely encountered during traumatic insemination, and 3.) Borrelia duttoni, a human vector-borne pathogen that causes relapsing fever. We compared the transcriptomes of infected bed bugs with uninfected matched controls in a pairwise fashion, focusing on immune-related genes. We found many known antimicrobial effector genes upregulated in response to P. fluorescens and traumatic insemination-associated bacteria, but interestingly, not in response to B. duttoni. In the differentially expressed genes that were shared between experiments, we found significant overlap in the P. fluorescens treatment and the traumatic insemination bacteria treatment, and between the P. fluorescens and B. duttoni treatments, but not between the traumatic insemination bacteria treatment and the B. duttoni treatment. Finally, we identify previously overlooked candidates for future studies of immune function in bed bugs, including a peroxidase-like gene, many putative cuticle-associated genes, a laccase-like gene, and a mucin-like gene. By taking a comprehensive transcriptomic approach, our study is an important step in understanding how bed bugs respond to diverse immune challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter K Walt
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Aline Bronzato-Badial
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Sophie E Maedo
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Joseph A Hinton
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Jonas G King
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Jose E Pietri
- Sanford School of Medicine, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA.
| | - Federico G Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA; Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
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2
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Knudsen JT, Ignell R. Semiochemicals modulating bed bug behaviour. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 64:101207. [PMID: 38821142 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Cimicidae, Hemiptera), is obligate haematophagous and can carry pathogens but is not known to transmit diseases to humans in natural settings. Bed bugs are activated and guided by semiochemicals and heat by potential hosts, as well as by an aggregation pheromone when searching for food and home. No sexual pheromone has been detected in bed bugs, which mate through traumatic insemination. First, after mounting, males are able to distinguish between large nymphs, other males, and females. To avoid unwanted traumatic inseminations, nymphs and adults emit an alarm pheromone. The olfactory system of bed bugs has relatively few odorant and ionotropic receptors, which likely reflects the simple environment that bed bugs live in, and use to search for hosts and conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rickard Ignell
- Disease Vector Group, Department of Plant protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
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3
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Gao H, Tian Y, Zhang H, Li Y, Li C, Li B. Species-specific duplicated FMRFaR-like gene A62 regulates spontaneous locomotion in Apolygus lucorum. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3358-3368. [PMID: 38385791 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apolygus lucorum, a major cotton pest, has undergone a significant expansion of the FMRFaR gene within the GPCR superfamily, resulting in two classes of GPCR, namely FMRFaR (A54-55) and newly duplicated FMRFaR-like (A56-62). Notably, FMRFaR-like genes, particularly A62, show enhanced expression in the legs and wings of adults, indicating their potential role in locomotion. Employing A62 as a representative of FMRFaR-like, our study investigates the influence of FMRFa, FMRFaR, and FMRFaR-like on locomotion and development of A. lucorum. RESULTS FMRFaR and FMRFa exhibit comparable temporal and tissue expression patterns, whereas the FMRFaR-like genes within A. lucorum exhibit completely distinct evolutionary and expression patterns compared to classical FMRFaR. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments revealed that suppressing FMRFa expression results in complete lethality in A. lucorum, but neither FMRFaR nor A62 exhibit the same effect after RNAi. Suppressing the expression of FMRFa only decreases the expression of the A54 gene simultaneously, suggesting that A54 may function as a classical FMRFaR activated by FMRFa. RNAi of A62 leads to wing malformation and a significant reduction in spontaneous movement behavior in A. lucorum. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that A62 affects the A. lucorum's movement behavior through energy metabolism pathways and motor protein pathways. CONCLUSION Our study unveils the unique and complex roles of FMRFa and its receptor in A. lucorum. These findings provide valuable insights into potential targets for pest control strategies aimed at managing A. lucorum populations in cotton fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanxiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenjun Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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4
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Sterkel M, Tompkin J, Schal C, Guerra LM, Pessoa GCD, Oliveira PL, Benoit JB. Deployment and transcriptional evaluation of nitisinone, an FDA-approved drug, to control bed bugs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599347. [PMID: 38948842 PMCID: PMC11212946 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Bed bugs are blood-feeders that rapidly proliferate into large indoor infestations. Their bites can cause allergies, secondary infections and psychological stress, among other problems. Although several tactics for their management have been used, bed bugs continue to spread worldwide wherever humans reside. This is mainly due to human-mediated transport and their high resistance to several classes of insecticides. New treatment options with novel modes of action are required for their control. In this study, we evaluated the use of nitisinone (NTBC), an FDA-approved drug, for bed bug control in an insecticide-susceptible (HH) and an insecticide-resistant (CIN) population. Although NTBC was lethal to both populations when administered orally or applied topically in very low doses, we observed a slight but significant resistance in the CIN population. Transcriptomic analysis in both populations indicated that NTBC treatment elicited a broad suppression of genes associated with RNA post-transcriptional modifications, translation, endomembrane system, protein post-translational modifications and protein folding. The CIN population exhibited higher ATP production and xenobiotic detoxification. Feeding studies on a mouse model highlight that NTBC could be used as a control method of bed bugs by host treatment. The results demonstrate that NTBC can be used as a new active ingredient for bed bug control by topical or oral treatment and shed light on the molecular mechanisms of suppressed tyrosine metabolism following NTBC treatment.
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Meraj S, Dhari AS, Mohr E, Lowenberger C, Gries G. A novel prolixicin identified in common bed bugs with activity against both bacteria and parasites. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13818. [PMID: 38879638 PMCID: PMC11180110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64691-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The hematophagous common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is not known to transmit human pathogens outside laboratory settings, having evolved various immune defense mechanisms including the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). We unveil three novel prolixicin AMPs in bed bugs, exhibiting strong homology to the prolixicin of kissing bugs, Rhodnius prolixus, and to diptericin/attacin AMPs. We demonstrate for the first time sex-specific and immune mode-specific upregulation of these prolixicins in immune organs, the midgut and rest of body, following injection and ingestion of Gr+ (Bacillus subtilis) and Gr- (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Synthetic CL-prolixicin2 significantly inhibited growth of E. coli strains and killed or impeded Trypanosoma cruzi, the Chagas disease agent. Our findings suggest that prolixicins are regulated by both IMD and Toll immune pathways, supporting cross-talk and blurred functional differentiation between major immune pathways. The efficacy of CL-prolixicin2 against T. cruzi underscores the potential of AMPs in Chagas disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Meraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada.
| | - Arshvir Singh Dhari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada
| | - Emerson Mohr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada
| | - Gerhard Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada
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Law STS, Nong W, Li C, Chong TK, Yip HY, Swale T, Chiu SW, Chung RYN, Lam HM, Wong SYS, Wong H, Hui JHL. Genome of tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus (Cimicidae, Hemiptera) reveals tetraspanin expanded in bed bug ancestor. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38830803 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Cimex species are ectoparasites that exclusively feed on warm-blooded animals such as birds and mammals. Three cimicid species are known to be persistent pests for humans, including the tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus, common bed bug Cimex lectularius, and Eastern bat bug Leptocimex boueti. To date, genomic information is restricted to the common bed bug C. lectularius, which limits understanding their biology and to provide controls of bed bug infestations. Here, a chromosomal-level genome assembly of C. hemipterus (495 Mb [megabase pairs]) contained on 16 pseudochromosomes (scaffold N50 = 34 Mb), together with 9 messenger RNA and small RNA transcriptomes were obtained. In comparison between hemipteran genomes, we found that the tetraspanin superfamily was expanded in the Cimex ancestor. This study provides the first genome assembly for the tropical bed bug C. hemipterus, and offers an unprecedented opportunity to address questions relating to bed bug infestations, as well as genomic evolution to hemipterans more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tsz Sum Law
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chade Li
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tze Kiu Chong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Yin Yip
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Siu Wai Chiu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Roger Yat-Nork Chung
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hon-Ming Lam
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Samuel Y S Wong
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hung Wong
- Department of Social Work, CUHK Institute of Health Equity, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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7
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Flaven-Pouchon J, Froschauer C, Moussian B. Dynamics of cuticle-associated transcript profiles during moulting of the bed bug Cimexlectularius. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 168:104112. [PMID: 38513961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The bed bug Cimex lectularius is a worldwide human pest. The sequenced genome allows molecular analyses of all aspects of bed bug biology. The present work was conducted to contribute to bed bug cuticle biology. As in other insect species, the C. lectularius cuticle consists of the three horizontal layers procuticle, epicuticle and envelope. To analyse the genes needed for the establishment of the stratified cuticle, we studied the expression pattern of 42 key cuticle-related genes at the transition of the penultimate nymphal stage to adult animals when a new cuticle is formed. Based on gene expression dynamics, in simplified model, we distinguish two key events during cuticle renewal in C. lectularius. First, upon blood feeding, modulation of ecdysone signalling culminates in the transcriptional activation of the transcription factor Clec-Ftz-F1 that possibly controls the expression of 32 of the 42 genes tested. Second, timed expression of Clec-Ftz-F1 seems to depend also on the insulin signalling pathway as RNA interference against transcripts of the insulin receptor delays Clec-Ftz-F1 expression and stage transition. An important observation of our transcript survey is that genes needed for the construction of the three cuticle layers are largely expressed simultaneously. Based on these data, we hypothesise a considerable synchronous mechanism of layer formation rather than a strictly sequential one. Together, this work provides a basis for functional analyses of cuticle formation in C. lectularius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Flaven-Pouchon
- Universität Tübingen, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Genetik der Tiere, Tübingen, Germany
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8
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Matsumura Y, Krings W, Kovalev A, Gorb SN. The puncture mechanics: an example from the bed bug Cimex lectularius showing traumatic insemination using the paramere. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20240108. [PMID: 38807525 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cimicidae are well-known for traumatic insemination, and males pierce females with their parameres and transfer sperm through them. The shape of parameres is relatively stable in the family, but in some genera, the paramere is elongated, appearing less resistant against lateral deflection. To understand the mechanical limitations of the paramere, we studied its penetration mechanics of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. We examined the post-abdominal morphology, paramere geometry and material properties and conducted breaking stress experiments on the paramere under wet and dry conditions. Mechanical property gradients are present with the paramere tip as the stiffest region and the base as the most flexible one. These mechanical properties relate to the presence of Ca, Zn and Si. The basal wing-shaped structure is flexible, enabling it to interlock with the anal region during mating. The paramere is slightly twisted; the tip region is circular in cross-section, and the geometry of the rest is rather complex. In the mechanical tests, wet parameres mainly buckled, while dried parameres broke off. The level of structural failures depended on directions from which the compression forces were applied. Structural, material and mechanical strengthening mechanisms preventing the paramere from mechanical failure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Matsumura
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University , Kiel, Germany
- Systematic Entomology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University , Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
- General and Systematic Zoology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald , Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wencke Krings
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University , Kiel, Germany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig , Leipzig 04103, Germany
- Department of Mammalogy and Paleoanthropology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change , Hamburg 20146, Germany
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg , Hamburg 20146, Germany
| | - Alexander Kovalev
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University , Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University , Kiel, Germany
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9
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Meraj S, Salcedo-Porras N, Lowenberger C, Gries G. Activation of immune pathways in common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, in response to bacterial immune challenges - a transcriptomics analysis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384193. [PMID: 38694504 PMCID: PMC11061471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is an urban pest of global health significance, severely affecting the physical and mental health of humans. In contrast to most other blood-feeding arthropods, bed bugs are not major vectors of pathogens, but the underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon are largely unexplored. Here, we present the first transcriptomics study of bed bugs in response to immune challenges. To study transcriptional variations in bed bugs following ingestion of bacteria, we extracted and processed mRNA from body tissues of adult male bed bugs after ingestion of sterile blood or blood containing the Gram-positive (Gr+) bacterium Bacillus subtilis or the Gram-negative (Gr-) bacterium Escherichia coli. We analyzed mRNA from the bed bugs' midgut (the primary tissue involved in blood ingestion) and from the rest of their bodies (RoB; body minus head and midgut tissues). We show that the midgut exhibits a stronger immune response to ingestion of bacteria than the RoB, as indicated by the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Both the Toll and Imd signaling pathways, associated with immune responses, were highly activated by the ingestion of bacteria. Bacterial infection in bed bugs further provides evidence for metabolic reconfiguration and resource allocation in the bed bugs' midgut and RoB to promote production of AMPs. Our data suggest that infection with particular pathogens in bed bugs may be associated with altered metabolic pathways within the midgut and RoB that favors immune responses. We further show that multiple established cellular immune responses are preserved and are activated by the presence of specific pathogens. Our study provides a greater understanding of nuances in the immune responses of bed bugs towards pathogens that ultimately might contribute to novel bed bug control tactics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Meraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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10
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Xu Y, Ma L, Liu S, Liang Y, Liu Q, He Z, Tian L, Duan Y, Cai W, Li H, Song F. Chromosome-level genome of the poultry shaft louse Menopon gallinae provides insight into the host-switching and adaptive evolution of parasitic lice. Gigascience 2024; 13:giae004. [PMID: 38372702 PMCID: PMC10904027 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lice (Psocodea: Phthiraptera) are one important group of parasites that infects birds and mammals. It is believed that the ancestor of parasitic lice originated on the ancient avian host, and ancient mammals acquired these parasites via host-switching from birds. Here we present the first chromosome-level genome of Menopon gallinae in Amblycera (earliest diverging lineage of parasitic lice). We explore the transition of louse host-switching from birds to mammals at the genomic level by identifying numerous idiosyncratic genomic variations. RESULTS The assembled genome is 155 Mb in length, with a contig N50 of 27.42 Mb. Hi-C scaffolding assigned 97% of the bases to 5 chromosomes. The genome of M. gallinae retains a basal insect repertoire of 11,950 protein-coding genes. By comparing the genomes of lice to those of multiple representative insects in other orders, we discovered that gene families of digestion, detoxification, and immunity-related are generally conserved between bird lice and mammal lice, while mammal lice have undergone a significant reduction in genes related to chemosensory systems and temperature. This suggests that mammal lice have lost some of these genes through the adaption to environment and temperatures after host-switching. Furthermore, 7 genes related to hematophagy were positively selected in mammal lice, suggesting their involvement in the hematophagous behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our high-quality genome of M. gallinae provides a valuable resource for comparative genomic research in Phthiraptera and facilitates further studies on adaptive evolution of host-switching within parasitic lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shanlin Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanxin Liang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhixin He
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuange Duan
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanzhi Cai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fan Song
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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11
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Cheatle Jarvela AM, Wexler JR. Advances in genome sequencing reveal changes in gene content that contribute to arthropod macroevolution. Dev Genes Evol 2023; 233:59-76. [PMID: 37982820 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-023-00712-y] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Current sequencing technology allows for the relatively affordable generation of highly contiguous genomes. Technological advances have made it possible for researchers to investigate the consequences of diverse sorts of genomic variants, such as gene gain and loss. With the extraordinary number of high-quality genomes now available, we take stock of how these genomic variants impact phenotypic evolution. We take care to point out that the identification of genomic variants of interest is only the first step in understanding their impact. Painstaking lab or fieldwork is still required to establish causal relationships between genomic variants and phenotypic evolution. We focus mostly on arthropod research, as this phylum has an impressive degree of phenotypic diversity and is also the subject of much evolutionary genetics research. This article is intended to both highlight recent advances in the field and also to be a primer for learning about evolutionary genetics and genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys M Cheatle Jarvela
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| | - Judith R Wexler
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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12
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Sim YW, Cho S, Lee SH, Kim JH, Lee J, Park S. Characterization of the common bed bug's eggshell and egg glue proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 249:126004. [PMID: 37517751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126004] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
An insect egg is one of the most vulnerable stages of insect life, and the evolutionary success of a species depends on the eggshell protecting the embryo and the egg glue securing the attachment. The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius), notorious for its painful and itchy bites, infests human dwellings to feed on blood. They are easier to find these days as they adapt to develop resistance against commonly used insecticides. In this study, we identify and characterize the eggshell protein and the probable egg glue protein (i.e. keratin associated protein 5-10 like protein) of the bed bug by using mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, by using transcription profiling and in vivo RNA interference, we show evidences that the keratin associated protein 5-10 like protein functions as the glue protein. Finally, structural characterizations on the two proteins are performed using recombinant proteins. Amino acid sequences of various insect eggshell and egg glue proteins support their independent evolution among different insect groups. Hence, inhibiting the function of these proteins related to the earliest stage of life can achieve species-specific population control. In this respect, our results would be a starting point in developing new ways to control bed bug population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeo Won Sim
- School of Systems Biomedical Science and Integrative Institute of Basic Sciences, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Susie Cho
- Entomology Division, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyeock Lee
- Entomology Division, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyeon Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Julian Lee
- School of Systems Biomedical Science and Integrative Institute of Basic Sciences, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea.
| | - SangYoun Park
- School of Systems Biomedical Science and Integrative Institute of Basic Sciences, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Li W, Li Z, Yang X, Wang X, Yang M, Huang C, He Y. Transcriptome analysis reveals salivary gland-specific neuropeptide signaling genes in the predatory stink bug, Picromerus lewisi. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1270751. [PMID: 37841314 PMCID: PMC10570428 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1270751] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Predatory stink bugs derive from phytophagous stink bugs and evolved enhanced predation skills. Neuropeptides are a diverse class of ancient signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes and behavior in animals, including stink bugs. Neuropeptide evolution might be important for the development of predation because neuropeptides can be converted to venoms that impact prey. However, information on neuropeptide signaling genes in predatory stink bugs is lacking. In the present study, neuropeptide signaling genes of Picromerus lewisi, an important predatory stink bug and an effective biological agent, were comprehensively identified by transcriptome analysis, with a total of 59 neuropeptide precursor genes and 58 potential neuropeptide receptor genes found. In addition, several neuropeptides and their receptors enriched in salivary glands of P. lewisi were identified. The present study and subsequent functional research contribute to an in-depth understanding of the biology and behavior of the predatory bugs and can provide basic information for the development of better pest management strategies, possibly including neuropeptide receptors as insecticide targets and salivary gland derived venom toxins as novel killing moleculars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhong Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhimo Li
- Guizhou Provincial Tobacco Company Zunyi Branch, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiang Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Tobacco Company Zunyi Branch, Zunyi, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingwei Yang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyang Huang
- Guizhou Provincial Tobacco Company Zunyi Branch, Zunyi, China
| | - Yueping He
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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14
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Friedrich M. Parallel Losses of Blue Opsin Correlate with Compensatory Neofunctionalization of UV-Opsin Gene Duplicates in Aphids and Planthoppers. INSECTS 2023; 14:774. [PMID: 37754742 PMCID: PMC10531960 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Expanding on previous efforts to survey the visual opsin repertoires of the Hemiptera, this study confirms that homologs of the UV- and LW-opsin subfamilies are conserved in all Hemiptera, while the B-opsin subfamily is missing from the Heteroptera and subgroups of the Sternorrhyncha and Auchenorrhyncha, i.e., aphids (Aphidoidea) and planthoppers (Fulgoroidea), respectively. Unlike in the Heteroptera, which are characterized by multiple independent expansions of the LW-opsin subfamily, the lack of B-opsin correlates with the presence of tandem-duplicated UV-opsins in aphids and planthoppers. Available data on organismal wavelength sensitivities and retinal gene expression patterns lead to the conclusion that, in both groups, one UV-opsin paralog shifted from ancestral UV peak sensitivity to derived blue sensitivity, likely compensating for the lost B-opsin. Two parallel bona fide tuning site substitutions compare to 18 non-corresponding amino acid replacements in the blue-shifted UV-opsin paralogs of aphids and planthoppers. Most notably, while the aphid blue-shifted UV-opsin clade is characterized by a replacement substitution at one of the best-documented UV/blue tuning sites (Rhodopsin site 90), the planthopper blue-shifted UV-opsin paralogs retained the ancestral lysine at this position. Combined, the new findings identify aphid and planthopper UV-opsins as a new valuable data sample for studying adaptive opsin evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmological, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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15
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Ajayi OM, Wynne NE, Chen SC, Vinauger C, Benoit JB. Sleep: An Essential and Understudied Process in the Biology of Blood-Feeding Arthropods. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:530-547. [PMID: 37429615 PMCID: PMC10503478 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the biology of blood-feeding arthropods is critical to managing them as vectors of etiological agents. Circadian rhythms act in the regulation of behavioral and physiological aspects such as blood feeding, immunity, and reproduction. However, the impact of sleep on these processes has been largely ignored in blood-feeding arthropods, but recent studies in mosquitoes show that sleep-like states directly impact host landing and blood feeding. Our focus in this review is on discussing the relationship between sleep and circadian rhythms in blood-feeding arthropods along with how unique aspects such as blood gluttony and dormancy can impact sleep-like states. We highlight that sleep-like states are likely to have profound impacts on vector-host interactions but will vary between lineages even though few direct studies have been conducted. A myriad of factors, such as artificial light, could directly impact the time and levels of sleep in blood-feeding arthropods and their roles as vectors. Lastly, we discuss underlying factors that make sleep studies in blood-feeding arthropods difficult and how these can be bypassed. As sleep is a critical factor in the fitness of animal systems, a lack of focus on sleep in blood-feeding arthropods represents a significant oversight in understanding their behavior and its role in pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun M Ajayi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Nicole E Wynne
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Shyh-Chi Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Clément Vinauger
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
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16
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Attardo GM, Benoit JB, Michalkova V, Kondragunta A, Baumann AA, Weiss BL, Malacrida A, Scolari F, Aksoy S. Lipid metabolism dysfunction following symbiont elimination is linked to altered Kennedy pathway homeostasis. iScience 2023; 26:107108. [PMID: 37534171 PMCID: PMC10391724 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid metabolism is critical for insect reproduction, especially for species that invest heavily in the early developmental stages of their offspring. The role of symbiotic bacteria during this process is understudied but likely essential. We examined the role of lipid metabolism during the interaction between the viviparous tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans morsitans) and its obligate endosymbiotic bacteria (Wigglesworthia glossinidia) during tsetse pregnancy. We observed increased CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (cct1) expression during pregnancy, which is critical for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in the Kennedy pathway. Experimental removal of Wigglesworthia impaired lipid metabolism via disruption of the Kennedy pathway, yielding obese mothers whose developing progeny starve. Functional validation via experimental cct1 suppression revealed a phenotype similar to females lacking obligate Wigglesworthia symbionts. These results indicate that, in Glossina, symbiont-derived factors, likely B vitamins, are critical for the proper function of both lipid biosynthesis and lipolysis to maintain tsetse fly fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey M. Attardo
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Joshua B. Benoit
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Veronika Michalkova
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of Molecular and Applied Zoology, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alekhya Kondragunta
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Aaron A. Baumann
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Brian L. Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anna Malacrida
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Scolari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGM), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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17
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Cáceres M, Drago A, Orihuela PS, Vassena C. Metabolic resistance to deltamethrin is mediated by P450 and esterases in common bed bugs Cimex lectularius L. (Heteroptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2023. [DOI: 10.52004/jemca2022.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The infestations of Cimex lectularius L. (Heteroptera: Cimicidae) registered in the last decades have been influenced by several human activities, including international tourism and commerce. Moreover, the development of insecticide resistance and careless pest control strategies contributed to the dispersal of bed bugs. Given the complexity of the topic, distinguishing physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in resistance can help design proper control tools and limit the resistance spread. Here we determined the susceptibility to deltamethrin and imidacloprid in bed bugs collected in Italy. Also, we assessed the role of esterases and P450 monooxygenases by direct enzymatic activity measurement and inhibition by synergism bioassays. Our results showed that the field-collected colony exhibited high resistance ratios to imidacloprid and deltamethrin (757 and >60,000 times, respectively) compared to the susceptible colony. Moreover, resistant bed bugs showed increased activity of esterases and P450 monooxygenases. The synergistic effect of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) suggests the significant contribution of both enzymatic groups as detoxification pathways implicated in pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs. Further investigations are needed to unravel the biochemical and molecular basis involved in the resistant phenotype for developing novel strategies for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Cáceres
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas – UNIDEF – CONICET, San Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, 1603 Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A. Drago
- Entostudio S.R.L. Viale del Lavoro 66, 35020 Ponte San Nicolò, Italy
| | - P.L. Santo Orihuela
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas – UNIDEF – CONICET, San Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, 1603 Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Química Analítica Instrumental-Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 954, 1113 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C.V. Vassena
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas – UNIDEF – CONICET, San Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, 1603 Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ingeniería e Investigaciones Ambientales, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Campus Miguelete, 25 de Mayo y Francia, 1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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18
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Latorre Estivalis JM, Traverso L, Pontes G, Lorenzo MG. The antennal transcriptome of Triatoma infestans reveals substantial expression changes triggered by a blood meal. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:861. [PMID: 36585617 PMCID: PMC9801554 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09059-6] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatoma infestans is the main vector of Chagas disease in the Americas, currently transmitting it in Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Many T. infestans populations present insecticide resistance, reducing the efficiency of control campaigns. Alternative vector control methods are needed, and molecular targets mediating fundamental physiological processes can be a promising option to manipulate kissing bug behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize the main sensory targets, as well as to determine whether they are modulated by physiological factors. In order to identify gene candidates potentially mediating host cue detection, the antennal transcripts of T. infestans fifth instar larvae were sequenced and assembled. Besides, we evaluated whether a blood meal had an effect on transcriptional profiles, as responsiveness to host-emitted sensory cues depends on bug starvation. RESULTS The sensory-related gene families of T. infestans were annotated (127 odorant receptors, 38 ionotropic receptors, 11 gustatory receptors, 41 odorant binding proteins, and 25 chemosensory proteins, among others) and compared to those of several other hemipterans, including four triatomine species. Several triatomine-specific lineages representing sensory adaptations developed through the evolution of these blood-feeding heteropterans were identified. As well, we report here various conserved sensory gene orthogroups shared by heteropterans. The absence of the thermosensor pyrexia, of pickpocket receptor subfamilies IV and VII, together with clearly expanded takeout repertoires, are revealed features of the molecular bases of heteropteran antennal physiology. Finally, out of 2,122 genes whose antennal expression was significantly altered by the ingestion of a blood meal, a set of 41 T. infestans sensory-related genes (9 up-regulated; 32 down-regulated) was detected. CONCLUSIONS We propose that the set of genes presenting nutritionally-triggered modulation on their expression represent candidates to mediate triatomine host-seeking behavior. Besides, the triatomine-specific gene lineages found represent molecular adaptations to their risky natural history that involves stealing blood from an enormously diverse set of vertebrates. Heteropteran gene orthogroups identified may represent unknown features of the sensory specificities of this largest group of hemipteroids. Our work is the first molecular characterization of the peripheral modulation of sensory processes in a non-dipteran vector of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Manuel Latorre Estivalis
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucila Traverso
- grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gina Pontes
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Laboratorio de Eco-Fisiología de Insectos del Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA-UBA-CONICET), DBBE - Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Gustavo Lorenzo
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Vector Behaviour and Pathogen Interaction Group, Instituto René Rachou - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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19
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Volonté M, Traverso L, Estivalis JML, Almeida FC, Ons S. Comparative analysis of detoxification-related gene superfamilies across five hemipteran species. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:757. [PMCID: PMC9670383 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemiptera is one of the most speciose orders of insects, and the most speciose considering Hemimetabola. Through their evolutive history, hemipterans with different feeding habits have adapted to deal with different chemical challenges. Three major gene families are involved in xenobiotic detoxification in insects: the cytochromes P450 (CYPs), carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs), and glutathione transferases (GSTs). Here we perform a comparative analysis on the complement of these gene superfamilies across five hemipteran species; four heteropterans (the pentatomid plant feeders Nezara viridula and Halyomorpha halys; the hematophagous Cimex lectularius, Cimicidae, and Rhodnius prolixus, Reduviidae), and one Auchenorrhyncha plant feeder (Nilaparvata lugens). Results Our results point to an expansion of several enzyme families associated with xenobiotic detoxification in heteropterans with respect to other species and the existence of a dynamic evolution pattern including CYP3 clan, hormone and pheromone processing class in the CCE superfamily, and sigma class in GST superfamily. Other detoxification-related families are reduced in the hemipteran species analyzed here: reduction or even absence of epsilon class and reduced delta class in GST superfamily; absence of mitochondrial CYP12 family; absence of CYP9 family in CYP3 clan; and reduction or even absence of some dietary/detoxification groups of CCEs. Interestingly, the most polyphagous species analyzed here (H. halys) is also the one that presents the largest repertoire of detoxification enzymes. Gene cluster analysis suggests that this could be due to gene duplication events. Conclusions The evolutionary analysis performed here reveals characteristics that are both common and particular for heteropterans. The composition and organization of detoxification-related gene families could shed light on evolutionary forces that shaped their divergence. These families are important for both the detoxification of diet products and for conferring tolerance or resistance to synthetic insecticides. Furthermore, we present the first comprehensive analysis of detoxification gene superfamilies in N. viridula, an understudied species in spite of its economic relevance as a crop pest. The information obtained is of interest for basic insect science as well as for the control of harmful species and the management of insecticide resistance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08974-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Volonté
- grid.9499.d0000 0001 2097 3940Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Lucila Traverso
- grid.9499.d0000 0001 2097 3940Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Jose Manuel Latorre Estivalis
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires – CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francisca Cunha Almeida
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Grupo de Investigación en Filogeografía y Filogenias Moleculares, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sheila Ons
- grid.9499.d0000 0001 2097 3940Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires Argentina
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20
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Xiao KR, Wu CY, Yang L, Wang J, Song QS, Stanley D, Wei SJ, Zhu JY. Comparative genomic analysis of ABC transporter genes in Tenebrio molitor and four other tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidea). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 111:e21916. [PMID: 35584005 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21916] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, one of the largest transmembrane protein families, transport a diverse number of substate across membranes. Details of their diverse physiological functions have not been established. Here, we identified 87 ABC transporter genes in the genomes of Tenebrio molitor along with those from Asbolus verrucosus (104), Hycleus cichorii (65), and Hycleus phaleratus (80). Combining these genes (336 in total) with genes reported in Tribolium castaneum (73), we analyzed the phylogeny of ABC transporter genes in all five Tenebrionids. They are assigned into eight subfamilies (ABCA-H). In comparison to other species, the ABCC subfamily in this group of beetles appears expanded. The expression profiles of the T. molitor genes at different life stages and in various tissues were also investigated using transcriptomic analysis. Most of them display developmental specific expression patterns, suggesting to us their possible roles in development. Most of them are highly expressed in detoxification-related tissues including gut and Malpighian tubule, from which we infer their roles in insecticide resistance. We detected specific or abundant expressions of many ABC transporter genes in various tissues such as salivary gland, ovary, testis, and antenna. This new information helps generate new hypotheses on their biological significance within tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ran Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Chao-Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - David Stanley
- USDA/ARS Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Shu-Jun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Ying Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
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Characterization of New Defensin Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Expression in Bed Bugs in Response to Bacterial Ingestion and Injection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911505. [PMID: 36232802 PMCID: PMC9570333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, can carry, but do not transmit, pathogens to the vertebrate hosts on which they feed. Some components of the innate immune system of bed bugs, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), eliminate the pathogens. Here, we determined the molecular characteristics, structural properties, and phylogenetic relatedness of two new defensins (CL-defensin1 (XP_024085718.1), CL-defensin2 (XP_014240919.1)), and two new defensin isoforms (CL-defensin3a (XP_014240918.1), CL-defensin3b (XP_024083729.1)). The complete amino acid sequences of CL-defensin1, CL-defensin2, CL-defensin3a, and CL-defensin3b are strongly conserved, with only minor differences in their signal and pro-peptide regions. We used a combination of comparative transcriptomics and real-time quantitative PCR to evaluate the expression of these defensins in the midguts and the rest of the body of insects that had been injected with bacteria or had ingested blood containing the Gram-positive (Gr+) bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the Gram-negative (Gr–) bacterium Escherichia coli. We demonstrate, for the first time, sex-specific and immunization mode-specific upregulation of bed bug defensins in response to injection or ingestion of Gr+ or Gr– bacteria. Understanding the components, such as these defensins, of the bed bugs’ innate immune systems in response to pathogens may help unravel why bed bugs do not transmit pathogens to vertebrates.
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Horn T, Narov KD, Panfilio KA. Persistent Parental RNAi in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum Involves Maternal Transmission of Long Double-Stranded RNA. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2022; 3:2100064. [PMID: 36620196 PMCID: PMC9744488 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Parental RNA interference (pRNAi) is a powerful and widely used method for gene-specific knockdown. Yet in insects its efficacy varies between species, and how the systemic response is transmitted from mother to offspring remains elusive. Using the beetle Tribolium castaneum, an RT-qPCR strategy to distinguish the presence of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from endogenous mRNA is reported. It is found that injected dsRNA is directly transmitted into the egg and persists throughout embryogenesis. Despite this depletion of dsRNA from the mother, it is shown that strong pRNAi can persist for months before waning at strain-specific rates. In seeking the receptor proteins for cellular uptake of long dsRNA into the egg, a phylogenomics profiling approach of candidate proteins is also presented. A visualization strategy based on taxonomically hierarchical assessment of orthology clustering data to rapidly assess gene age and copy number changes, refined by sequence-based evidence, is demonstrated. Repeated losses of SID-1-like channel proteins in the arthropods, including wholesale loss in the Heteroptera (true bugs), which are nonetheless highly sensitive to pRNAi, are thereby documented. Overall, practical considerations for insect pRNAi against a backdrop of outstanding questions on the molecular mechanism of dsRNA transmission for long-term, systemic knockdown are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Horn
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental BiologyUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47b50674CologneGermany
| | - Kalin D. Narov
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickGibbet Hill CampusCoventryCV4 7ALUK
| | - Kristen A. Panfilio
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental BiologyUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47b50674CologneGermany
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickGibbet Hill CampusCoventryCV4 7ALUK
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Ashbrook AR, Mikaelyan A, Schal C. Comparative Efficacy of a Fungal Entomopathogen with a Broad Host Range against Two Human-Associated Pests. INSECTS 2022; 13:774. [PMID: 36135475 PMCID: PMC9505452 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The ability of a fungal entomopathogen to infect an insect depends on a variety of factors, including strain, host, and environmental conditions. Similarly, an insect’s ability to prevent fungal infection is dependent on its biology, environment, and evolutionary history. Synanthropic pests have adapted to thrive in the indoor environment, yet they arose from divergent evolutionary lineages and occupy different feeding guilds. The hematophagous bed bug (Cimex lectularius) and omnivorous German cockroach (Blattella germanica) are highly successful indoors, but have evolved different physiological and behavioral adaptations to cope with the human-built environment, some of which also reduce the efficacy of fungal biopesticides. In order to gain greater insight into the host barriers that prevent or constrain fungal infection in bed bugs and German cockroaches, we tested different doses of Beauveria bassiana GHA through surface contact, topical application, feeding, and injection. Bed bugs were generally more susceptible to infection by B. bassiana with the mode of delivery having a significant impact on infectivity. The German cockroach was highly resilient to infection, requiring high doses of fungal conidia (>8.8 × 104) delivered by injection into the hemocoel to cause mortality. Mortality occurred much faster in both insect species after exposure to surfaces dusted with dry conidia than surfaces treated with conidia suspended in water or oil. These findings highlight the importance of developing innovative delivery techniques to enhance fungal entomopathogens against bed bugs and cockroaches.
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The Unfolded-Protein Response Triggers the Arthropod Immune Deficiency Pathway. mBio 2022; 13:e0070322. [PMID: 35862781 PMCID: PMC9426425 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00703-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect immune deficiency (IMD) pathway is a defense mechanism that senses and responds to Gram-negative bacteria. Ticks lack genes encoding upstream components that initiate the IMD pathway. Despite this deficiency, core signaling molecules are present and functionally restrict tick-borne pathogens. The molecular events preceding activation remain undefined. Here, we show that the unfolded-protein response (UPR) initiates the IMD network. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress receptor IRE1α is phosphorylated in response to tick-borne bacteria but does not splice the mRNA encoding XBP1. Instead, through protein modeling and reciprocal pulldowns, we show that Ixodes IRE1α complexes with TRAF2. Disrupting IRE1α-TRAF2 signaling blocks IMD pathway activation and diminishes the production of reactive oxygen species. Through in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo techniques, we demonstrate that the UPR-IMD pathway circuitry limits the Lyme disease-causing spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and the rickettsial agents Anaplasma phagocytophilum and A. marginale (anaplasmosis). Altogether, our study uncovers a novel linkage between the UPR and the IMD pathway in arthropods. IMPORTANCE The ability of an arthropod to harbor and transmit pathogens is termed "vector competency." Many factors influence vector competency, including how arthropod immune processes respond to the microbe. Divergences in innate immunity between arthropods are increasingly being reported. For instance, although ticks lack genes encoding key upstream molecules of the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway, it is still functional and restricts causative agents of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) and anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum). How the IMD pathway is activated in ticks without classically defined pathway initiators is not known. Here, we found that a cellular stress response network, the unfolded-protein response (UPR), functions upstream to induce the IMD pathway and restrict transmissible pathogens. Collectively, this explains how the IMD pathway can be activated in the absence of canonical pathway initiators. Given that the UPR is highly conserved, UPR-initiated immunity may be a fundamental principle impacting vector competency across arthropods.
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25
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Wegener C, Chen J. Allatostatin A Signalling: Progress and New Challenges From a Paradigmatic Pleiotropic Invertebrate Neuropeptide Family. Front Physiol 2022; 13:920529. [PMID: 35812311 PMCID: PMC9263205 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.920529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides have gained broad attraction in insect neuroscience and physiology, as new genetic tools are increasingly uncovering their wide-ranging pleiotropic functions with high cellular resolution. Allatostatin A (AstA) peptides constitute one of the best studied insect neuropeptide families. In insects and other panarthropods, AstA peptides qualify as brain-gut peptides and have regained attention with the discovery of their role in regulating feeding, growth, activity/sleep and learning. AstA receptor homologs are found throughout the protostomia and group with vertebrate somatostatin/galanin/kisspeptin receptors. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the evolution and the pleiotropic and cell-specific non-allatostatic functions of AstA. We speculate about the core functions of AstA signalling, and derive open questions and challengesfor future research on AstA and invertebrate neuropeptides in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wegener
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Würzburg Insect Research, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christian Wegener,
| | - Jiangtian Chen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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26
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Gäde G, Marco HG. The Adipokinetic Peptides of Hemiptera: Structure, Function, and Evolutionary Trends. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:891615. [PMID: 38468778 PMCID: PMC10926376 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2022.891615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The Hemiptera comprise the most species-rich order of the hemimetabolous insects. Members of a number of superfamilies, most notably especially the more basal ones such as white flies, psyllids and aphids, belong to the most destructive agricultural insects known worldwide. At the other end of the phylogenetic tree are hemipterans that are notorious medical pests (e.g. kissing bugs). Most of the hemipteran species are good flyers, and lipid oxidation plays a pivotal role to power the contraction of flight muscles and, in aquatic water bugs, also deliver the ATP for the extensive swimming action of the leg muscles. Mobilization of stored lipids (mostly triacylglycerols in the fat body) to circulating diacylglycerols in the hemolymph is regulated by a set of small neuropeptides, the adipokinetic hormones (AKHs). We searched the literature and publicly available databases of transcriptomes and genomes to present here AKH sequences from 191 hemipteran species. Only few of these peptides were sequenced via Edman degradation or mass spectrometry, and even fewer were characterized with molecular biology methods; thus, the majority of the AKHs we have identified by bioinformatics are merely predicted sequences at this stage. Nonetheless, a total of 42 AKH primary sequences are assigned to Hemiptera. About 50% of these structures occur also in other insect orders, while the remaining 50% are currently unique for Hemiptera. We find 9 novel AKHs not shown to be synthesized before in any insect. Most of the hemipteran AKHs are octapeptides (28) but there is an impressive number of decapeptides (12) compared to other speciose orders such as Diptera and Lepidoptera. We attempt to construct a hypothetical molecular peptide evolution of hemipteran AKHs and find quite a bit of overlapping with current phylogenetic ideas of the Hemiptera. Lastly, we discuss the possibility to use the sequence of the aphid AKH as lead peptide for the research into a peptide mimetic fulfilling criteria of a green insecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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27
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Štefka J, Votýpka J, Lukeš J, Balvín O. Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus (bed bugs). Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:919-920. [PMID: 35597739 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Štefka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Balvín
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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28
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Analysis of Transcriptome Difference between Blood-Fed and Starved Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040387. [PMID: 35447830 PMCID: PMC9029146 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Bed bugs are well known for their extreme resilience to starvation. The molecular mechanisms behind this ability, however, are little known. Thus, the whole transcriptomes of blood-fed and starved bed bugs from the species Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bugs) were sequenced and compared. The transcriptome of tropical bed bugs was initially annotated. Following differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, regulated transcripts were mostly identified in biological processes during blood-feeding and starvation. The results provide an overview of the functional genes proportion of this species and a deeper understanding of the bed bug’s molecular mechanism of resistance to blood feeding and starvation. Abstract The reference transcriptome for Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug) was assembled de novo in this study, and differential expression analysis was conducted between blood-fed and starved tropical bed bug. A total of 24,609 transcripts were assembled, with around 79% of them being annotated against the Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG) database. The transcriptomic comparison revealed several differentially expressed genes between blood-fed and starved bed bugs, with 38 of them being identifiable. There were 20 and 18 genes significantly upregulated in blood-fed and starved bed bugs, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were revealed to be associated with regulation, metabolism, transport, motility, immune, and stress response; endocytosis; and signal transduction. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed an enrichment of genes encoding steroid biosynthesis, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, butanoate metabolism, and autophagy in both blood-fed and starved bed bugs. However, in blood-fed bed bugs, genes involved in histidine metabolism, caffeine metabolism, ubiquinone/terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, and sulfur relay system were enriched. On the other hand, starvation activates genes related to nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, fatty acid elongation, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, riboflavin metabolism, apoptosis, and protein export. The present study is the first to report a de novo transcriptomic analysis in C. hemipterus and demonstrated differential responses of bed bugs in facing blood-feeding and starvation.
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29
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Stoldt M, Macit MN, Collin E, Foitzik S. Molecular (co)evolution of hymenopteran social parasites and their hosts. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100889. [PMID: 35181562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Social parasitism describes a fascinating way of life in which species exploit the altruistic behaviour of closely related, social species. Social parasites have repeatedly evolved in the social Hymenoptera, including ants, bees, and wasps. The common ancestry and shared (social) environment with their hosts facilitates the study of molecular adaptations to the parasitic lifestyle. Moreover, when social parasites are widespread and virulent, they exert strong selection pressure on their hosts, leading to the evolution of defense mechanisms and triggering a coevolutionary arms race. Recent advances in sequencing technology now make it possible to study the molecular basis of this coevolutionary process. In addition to describing the latest developments, we highlight open research questions that could be tackled with genomic, transcriptomic, or epigenetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marah Stoldt
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Maide Nesibe Macit
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erwann Collin
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Foitzik
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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30
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De novo transcriptome sequencing of the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, shed light on parasitiform poultry mites evolution and its chemoreceptor repertoires. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:521-535. [PMID: 35032220 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The northern fowl mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, and the poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, are the most serious pests of poultry, both of which have an expanding global prevalence. Research on NFM has been constrained by a lack of genomic and transcriptomic data. Here, we report and analyze the first global transcriptome data across all mite live stages and sexes. A total of 28,999 unigenes were assembled, of which 19,750 (68.10%) were annotated using seven functional databases. The biological function of these unigenes was classified using the GO, KOG, and KEGG databases. To gain insight into the chemosensory receptor-based system of parasitiform mites, we furthermore assessed the gene repertoire of gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs), both of which encode putative ligand-gated ion channel proteins. While these receptors are well characterized in insect model species, our understanding of chemosensory detection in mites and ticks is in its infancy. To address this paucity of data, we identified 9 IR/iGluRs and 2 GRs genes by analyzing transcriptome data in the NFM, while 9 GRs and 41 IR/iGluRs genes were annotated in the PRM genome. Taken together, the transcriptomic and genomic annotation of these two species provide a valuable reference for studies of parasitiform mites and also help to understand how chemosensory gene family expansion/contraction events may have been reshaped by an obligate parasitic lifestyle compared with their free-living closest relatives. Future studies should include additional species to validate this observation and functional characterization of the identified proteins as a step forward in identifying tools for controlling these poultry pests.
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31
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Ortega-Insaurralde I, Barrozo RB. The closer the better: Sensory tools and host-association in blood-sucking insects. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 136:104346. [PMID: 34896372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104346] [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: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many hematophagous insects acquire medical and veterinary relevance because they transmit disease causing pathogens to humans. Hematophagy is only fulfilled once a blood feeder successfully locates a vertebrate host by means of fine sensory systems. In nature, blood-sucking insects can exploit environments with differential association with their hosts. Given the relevance of the sensory systems during host searching, we review the current state of knowledge of the sensory machinery of four blood-sucking insects: human lice, bed bugs, kissing bugs and mosquitoes. Each one is representative of highly anthropophilic behaviours and a different degree of association with human hosts. We compare the number, arrangement and functional type of cuticular sensory structures dispersed on the main sensory organs. We also compare the genetic machinery potentially involved in the detection of host stimuli. Finally, we discuss the sensory diversity of the insects studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortega-Insaurralde
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Romina B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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32
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Ashbrook AR, Feder JL, Scharf ME, Bennett GW, Gondhalekar AD. Characterization of heat exposure-associated escape behaviors and HSP gene expression in bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:205-216. [PMID: 34468070 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6620] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat can be effective for bed bug elimination. However, in some cases bed bugs survive heat treatments. The objectives of this study were to determine the behavioral responses of bed bugs to rising harborage temperatures (23.0-49.0 °C) and identify which heat shock protein (HSP) genes are expressed after heat exposure. First, a custom-made copper arena and harborage were used to determine the escape behaviors of six bed bug populations. Next, HSP gene expression responses of select populations were determined after heat exposure using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS Analysis of the 25 min behavioral experiment data found that harborage top temperatures associated with 25%, 50% and 75% probabilities of bed bugs to flee the harborage did not differ significantly between populations. Also, the percentage of insects that escaped from heated areas and survived (4.0-12.0%) was not different between populations. However, when specific temperatures at which successful escapes occurred were statistically compared, the Poultry House population was found to flee the harborage at statistically higher temperatures (43.6 ± 0.5 °C) than others (40.5 ± 0.6-42.0 ± 0.7 °C). The RT-qPCR experiments revealed that the HSP70.1, HSP70.3, and Putative Small HSP genes were significantly up-regulated 15 min, 2, and 4 h post-heat exposure and decreased back to baseline levels by 24 h. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that when harborage top temperatures approach 40.0-43.0 °C, bed bugs will disperse in search for cooler areas. This work implicates the HSP70.1, HSP70.3, and Putative Small HSP genes in heat induced stress recovery of bed bugs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R Ashbrook
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Feder
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Michael E Scharf
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Gary W Bennett
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Parisot N, Vargas-Chávez C, Goubert C, Baa-Puyoulet P, Balmand S, Beranger L, Blanc C, Bonnamour A, Boulesteix M, Burlet N, Calevro F, Callaerts P, Chancy T, Charles H, Colella S, Da Silva Barbosa A, Dell'Aglio E, Di Genova A, Febvay G, Gabaldón T, Galvão Ferrarini M, Gerber A, Gillet B, Hubley R, Hughes S, Jacquin-Joly E, Maire J, Marcet-Houben M, Masson F, Meslin C, Montagné N, Moya A, Ribeiro de Vasconcelos AT, Richard G, Rosen J, Sagot MF, Smit AFA, Storer JM, Vincent-Monegat C, Vallier A, Vigneron A, Zaidman-Rémy A, Zamoum W, Vieira C, Rebollo R, Latorre A, Heddi A. The transposable element-rich genome of the cereal pest Sitophilus oryzae. BMC Biol 2021; 19:241. [PMID: 34749730 PMCID: PMC8576890 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae is one of the most important agricultural pests, causing extensive damage to cereal in fields and to stored grains. S. oryzae has an intracellular symbiotic relationship (endosymbiosis) with the Gram-negative bacterium Sodalis pierantonius and is a valuable model to decipher host-symbiont molecular interactions. RESULTS We sequenced the Sitophilus oryzae genome using a combination of short and long reads to produce the best assembly for a Curculionidae species to date. We show that S. oryzae has undergone successive bursts of transposable element (TE) amplification, representing 72% of the genome. In addition, we show that many TE families are transcriptionally active, and changes in their expression are associated with insect endosymbiotic state. S. oryzae has undergone a high gene expansion rate, when compared to other beetles. Reconstruction of host-symbiont metabolic networks revealed that, despite its recent association with cereal weevils (30 kyear), S. pierantonius relies on the host for several amino acids and nucleotides to survive and to produce vitamins and essential amino acids required for insect development and cuticle biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS Here we present the genome of an agricultural pest beetle, which may act as a foundation for pest control. In addition, S. oryzae may be a useful model for endosymbiosis, and studying TE evolution and regulation, along with the impact of TEs on eukaryotic genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Parisot
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Carlos Vargas-Chávez
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SySBio), Universitat de València and Spanish Research Council (CSIC), València, Spain
- Present Address: Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clément Goubert
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 526 Campus Rd, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
- Present Address: Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Séverine Balmand
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Louis Beranger
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Caroline Blanc
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aymeric Bonnamour
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Matthieu Boulesteix
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nelly Burlet
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Federica Calevro
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Patrick Callaerts
- Department of Human Genetics, Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Théo Chancy
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Hubert Charles
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- ERABLE European Team, INRIA, Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Stefano Colella
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Present Address: LSTM, Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, SupAgro, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - André Da Silva Barbosa
- INRAE, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Université de Paris, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Versailles, France
| | - Elisa Dell'Aglio
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alex Di Genova
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
- ERABLE European Team, INRIA, Rhône-Alpes, France
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
| | - Gérard Febvay
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Catalan de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alexandra Gerber
- Laboratório de Bioinformática, Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Benjamin Gillet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL), Université de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Lyon, France
| | | | - Sandrine Hughes
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL), Université de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly
- INRAE, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Université de Paris, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Versailles, France
| | - Justin Maire
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Present Address: School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Florent Masson
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Present Address: Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camille Meslin
- INRAE, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Université de Paris, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Versailles, France
| | - Nicolas Montagné
- INRAE, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Université de Paris, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Versailles, France
| | - Andrés Moya
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SySBio), Universitat de València and Spanish Research Council (CSIC), València, Spain
- Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of Valencian Community (FISABIO), València, Spain
| | | | - Gautier Richard
- IGEPP, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Rennes, Domaine de la Motte, 35653, Le Rheu, France
| | - Jeb Rosen
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marie-France Sagot
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
- ERABLE European Team, INRIA, Rhône-Alpes, France
| | | | | | | | - Agnès Vallier
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aurélien Vigneron
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Present Address: Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute for Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna Zaidman-Rémy
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Waël Zamoum
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Cristina Vieira
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.
- ERABLE European Team, INRIA, Rhône-Alpes, France.
| | - Rita Rebollo
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Amparo Latorre
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SySBio), Universitat de València and Spanish Research Council (CSIC), València, Spain.
- Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of Valencian Community (FISABIO), València, Spain.
| | - Abdelaziz Heddi
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France.
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Paula DP. Next-Generation Sequencing and Its Impacts on Entomological Research in Ecology and Evolution. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 50:679-696. [PMID: 34374956 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-021-00895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The advent of NGS-based methods has been profoundly transforming entomological research. Through continual development and improvement of different methods and sequencing platforms, NGS has promoted mass elucidation of partial or whole genetic materials associated with beneficial insects, pests (of agriculture, forestry and animal, and human health), and species of conservation concern, helping to unravel ecological and evolutionary mechanisms and characterizing survival, trophic interactions, and dispersal. It is shifting the scale of biodiversity and environmental analyses from individuals and biodiversity indicator species to the large-scale study of communities and ecosystems using bulk samples of species or a mixed "soup" of environmental DNA. As the NGS-based methods have become more affordable, complexity demystified, and specificity and sensitivity proven, their use in entomological research has spread widely. This article presents several examples on how NGS-based methods have been used in entomology to provide incentives to apply them when appropriate and to open our minds to the expected advances in entomology that are yet to come.
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Bai Y, Shi Z, Zhou W, Wang G, Shi X, He K, Li F, Zhu ZR. Chromosome-level genome assembly of the mirid predator Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae), an important natural enemy in the rice ecosystem. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:1086-1099. [PMID: 34581510 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Though the genomes of many rice herbivorous pests have recently been well characterized, little is known about the genome of their natural enemies. Here, by using the Illumina and PacBio platforms, we sequenced and assembled the whole genome of the mirid species Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae), which is an economically and ecologically important natural enemy in the rice ecosystem acting as a dominant predator for planthoppers and leafhoppers in the field. Through Hi-C scaffolding, 1615 scaffolds with a total size of 338.08 Mb were successfully anchored onto 13 chromosomes. The assembled genome size was 345.75 Mb with a final scaffold N50 of 27.58 Mb. Approximately 107.51 Mb of sequences accounting for 31.10% of the genome were identified as repeat elements, and 14,644 protein-coding genes were annotated. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. lividipennis clustered with other Hemipteran species and diverged from Apolygus lucorum about 66.7 million years ago. Gene families related to detoxification, environmental adaptation and digestion were analysed comparatively with other Hemipteran species, but no significant expansion or contraction was found in C. lividipennis. We also observed male meiosis in C. lividipennis, which showed a typical post-reduction of sex chromosomes and a karyotype of 2n = 22 + XY. As the first natural-enemy genome in the rice ecosystem, the genomic resource of C. lividipennis not only expands our understanding of the multitrophic interactions (host plant-prey-predator), but also provides a genomic basis for better understanding this dominant predator and therefore promotes sustainable rice pest management and food grain production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueliang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Zhenmin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Guiyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Kang He
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Rong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
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Liu F, Chen Z, Ye Z, Liu N. The Olfactory Chemosensation of Hematophagous Hemipteran Insects. Front Physiol 2021; 12:703768. [PMID: 34434117 PMCID: PMC8382127 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.703768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most abundant insect orders on earth, most Hemipteran insects are phytophagous, with the few hematophagous exceptions falling into two families: Cimicidae, such as bed bugs, and Reduviidae, such as kissing bugs. Many of these blood-feeding hemipteran insects are known to be realistic or potential disease vectors, presenting both physical and psychological risks for public health. Considerable researches into the interactions between hemipteran insects such as kissing bugs and bed bugs and their human hosts have revealed important information that deepens our understanding of their chemical ecology and olfactory physiology. Sensory mechanisms in the peripheral olfactory system of both insects have now been characterized, with a particular emphasis on their olfactory sensory neurons and odorant receptors. This review summarizes the findings of recent studies of both kissing bugs (including Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans) and bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), focusing on their chemical ecology and peripheral olfactory systems. Potential chemosensation-based applications for the management of these Hemipteran insect vectors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zhou Chen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Nannan Liu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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37
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Berry R. The Behavioral Response to Heat in the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1626-1637. [PMID: 33704449 PMCID: PMC8285017 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab020] [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: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., is a common ectoparasite found to live among its vertebrate hosts. Antennal segments in bugs are critical for sensing multiple cues in the environment for survival. To determine whether the thermo receptors of bed bugs are located on their antennae; innovative bioassays were created to observe the choice between heated and unheated stimuli and to characterize the response of bugs to a heat source. Additionally, the effect of complete antenectomized segments on heat detection were evaluated. Heat, carbon dioxide, and moisture are cues that are found to activate bed bug behavior; a temperature at 38°C was used to assess the direction/degree at which the insect reacts to the change in distance from said stimulus. Using a lightweight spherical ball suspended by air through a vacuum tube, bed bugs and other insects are able to move in 360° while on a stationary point. Noldus EthoVision XT was used to capture video images and to track the bed bugs during 5-min bioassays. A bioassay was created using four Petri dish arenas to observe bed bug attraction to heat based on antennae segments at 40°C. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat on complete antenectomized segments of the antennae. The results in this experiment suggest that bed bugs detect and are attracted to heat modulated by nutritional status. Learning the involvement of antennae segments in heat detection will help identify the location and role of thermoreceptors for bed bug host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Berry
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
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Miller S, Shippy TD, Hosmani PS, Flores-Gonzalez M, Mueller LA, Hunter WB, Brown SJ, D’Elia T, Saha S. Annotation of segmentation pathway genes in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. GIGABYTE 2021; 2021:gigabyte26. [PMID: 36824338 PMCID: PMC9632033 DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects have a segmented body plan that is established during embryogenesis when the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis is divided into repeated units by a cascade of gene expression. The cascade is initiated by protein gradients created by translation of maternally provided mRNAs, localized at the anterior and posterior poles of the embryo. Combinations of these proteins activate specific gap genes to divide the embryo into distinct regions along the anterior-posterior axis. Gap genes then activate pair-rule genes, which are usually expressed in parts of every other segment. The pair-rule genes, in turn, activate expression of segment polarity genes in a portion of each segment. The segmentation genes are generally conserved among insects, although there is considerable variation in how they are deployed. We annotated 25 segmentation gene homologs in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Most of the genes expected to be present in D. citri based on their phylogenetic distribution in other insects were identified and annotated. Two exceptions were eagle and invected, which are present in at least some hemipterans, but were not found in D. citri. Many of the segmentation pathway genes are likely to be essential for D. citri development, and thus they may be useful targets for gene-based pest control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Miller
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Allen County Community College, Burlingame, KS 66413, USA
| | - Teresa D. Shippy
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wayne B. Hunter
- USDA-ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
| | - Susan J. Brown
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Tom D’Elia
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
| | - Surya Saha
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Vosburg C, Reynolds M, Noel R, Shippy T, Hosmani PS, Flores-Gonzalez M, Mueller LA, Hunter WB, Brown SJ, D’Elia T, Saha S. Utilizing a chromosomal-length genome assembly to annotate the Wnt signaling pathway in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. GIGABYTE 2021; 2021:gigabyte21. [PMID: 36824346 PMCID: PMC9631999 DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is an insect vector that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of the Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease. This disease has devastated Florida's citrus industry, and threatens California's industry as well as other citrus producing regions around the world. To find novel solutions to the disease, a better understanding of the vector is needed. The D. citri genome has been used to identify and characterize genes involved in Wnt signaling pathways. Wnt signaling is utilized for many important biological processes in metazoans, such as patterning and tissue generation. Curation based on RNA sequencing data and sequence homology confirms 24 Wnt signaling genes within the D. citri genome, including homologs for beta-catenin, Frizzled receptors, and seven Wnt-ligands. Through phylogenetic analysis, we classify D. citri Wnt ligands as Wg/Wnt1, Wnt5, Wnt6, Wnt7, Wnt10, Wnt11, and WntA. The D. citri version 3.0 genome with chromosomal length scaffolds reveals a conserved Wnt1-Wnt6-Wnt10 gene cluster with a gene configuration like that in Drosophila melanogaster. These findings provide greater insight into the evolutionary history of D. citri and Wnt signaling in this important hemipteran vector. Manual annotation was essential for identifying high quality gene models. These gene models can be used to develop molecular systems, such as CRISPR and RNAi, which target and control psyllid populations to manage the spread of HLB. Manual annotation of Wnt signaling pathways was done as part of a collaborative community annotation project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Vosburg
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Max Reynolds
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
| | - Rita Noel
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
| | - Teresa Shippy
- KSU Bioinformatics Center, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wayne B. Hunter
- USDA-ARS, US Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
| | - Susan J. Brown
- KSU Bioinformatics Center, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Tom D’Elia
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
| | - Surya Saha
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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40
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Massimino C, Vosburg C, Shippy T, Hosmani PS, Flores-Gonzalez M, Mueller LA, Hunter WB, Benoit JB, Brown SJ, D’Elia T, Saha S. Annotation of yellow genes in Diaphorina citri, the vector for Huanglongbing disease. GIGABYTE 2021; 2021:gigabyte20. [PMID: 36824344 PMCID: PMC9631960 DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). It is a serious threat to global citrus production. This bacterium is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera). There are no effective in planta treatments for CLas. Therefore, one strategy is to manage the psyllid population. Manual annotation of the D. citri genome can identify and characterize gene families that could be novel targets for psyllid control. The yellow gene family is an excellent target because yellow genes, which have roles in melanization, are linked to development and immunity. Combined analysis of the genome with RNA-seq datasets, sequence homology, and phylogenetic trees were used to identify and annotate nine yellow genes in the D. citri genome. Manual curation of genes in D. citri provided in-depth analysis of the yellow family among hemipteran insects and provides new targets for molecular control of this psyllid pest. Manual annotation was done as part of a collaborative Citrus Greening community annotation project.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad Vosburg
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
| | - Teresa Shippy
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wayne B. Hunter
- USDA-ARS, US Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
| | - Joshua B. Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Susan J. Brown
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Tom D’Elia
- Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA
| | - Surya Saha
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Kohli S, Gulati P, Narang A, Maini J, Shamsudheen KV, Pandey R, Scaria V, Sivasubbu S, Brahmachari V. Genome and transcriptome analysis of the mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus: Correlation with its unique phenotypes. Genomics 2021; 113:2483-2494. [PMID: 34022346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mealybugs are aggressive pests with world-wide distribution and are suitable for the study of different phenomena like genomic imprinting and epigenetics. Genomic approaches facilitate these studies in absence of robust genetics in this system. We sequenced, de novo assembled, annotated Maconellicoccus hirsutus genome. We carried out comparative genomics it with four mealybug and eight other insect species, to identify expanded, specific and contracted gene classes that relate to pesticide and desiccation resistance. We identified horizontally transferred genes adding to the mutualism between the mealybug and its endosymbionts. Male and female transcriptome analysis indicates differential expression of metabolic pathway genes correlating with their physiology and the genes for sexual dimorphism. The significantly lower expression of endosymbiont genes in males relates to the depletion of endosymbionts in males during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Kohli
- Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Parul Gulati
- Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Ankita Narang
- Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
| | - Jayant Maini
- Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - K V Shamsudheen
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Pandey
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Scaria
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | | | - Vani Brahmachari
- Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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42
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Schrader L, Pan H, Bollazzi M, Schiøtt M, Larabee FJ, Bi X, Deng Y, Zhang G, Boomsma JJ, Rabeling C. Relaxed selection underlies genome erosion in socially parasitic ant species. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2918. [PMID: 34006882 PMCID: PMC8131649 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23178-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inquiline ants are highly specialized and obligate social parasites that infiltrate and exploit colonies of closely related species. They have evolved many times convergently, are often evolutionarily young lineages, and are almost invariably rare. Focusing on the leaf-cutting ant genus Acromyrmex, we compared genomes of three inquiline social parasites with their free-living, closely-related hosts. The social parasite genomes show distinct signatures of erosion compared to the host lineages, as a consequence of relaxed selective constraints on traits associated with cooperative ant colony life and of inquilines having very small effective population sizes. We find parallel gene losses, particularly in olfactory receptors, consistent with inquiline species having highly reduced social behavioral repertoires. Many of the genomic changes that we uncover resemble those observed in the genomes of obligate non-social parasites and intracellular endosymbionts that branched off into highly specialized, host-dependent niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schrader
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | | | - Martin Bollazzi
- Entomología, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Morten Schiøtt
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fredrick J Larabee
- Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Guojie Zhang
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jacobus J Boomsma
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Christian Rabeling
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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43
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Balart-García P, Cieslak A, Escuer P, Rozas J, Ribera I, Fernández R. Smelling in the dark: Phylogenomic insights into the chemosensory system of a subterranean beetle. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2573-2590. [PMID: 33856058 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The chemosensory system has experienced relevant changes in subterranean animals, facilitating the perception of specific chemical signals critical to survival in their particular environment. However, the genomic basis of chemoreception in cave-dwelling fauna has been largely unexplored. We generated de novo transcriptomes for antennae and body samples of the troglobitic beetle Speonomus longicornis (whose characters suggest an extreme adaptation to a deep subterranean environment) in order to investigate the evolutionary origin and diversification of the chemosensory gene repertoire across coleopterans through a phylogenomic approach. Our results suggested a diminished diversity of odourant and gustatory gene repertoires compared to polyphagous beetles that inhabit surface habitats. Moreover, S. longicornis showed a large diversity of odourant-binding proteins, suggesting an important role of these proteins in capturing airborne chemical cues. We identified a gene duplication of the ionotropic coreceptor IR25a, a highly conserved single-copy gene in protostomes involved in thermal and humidity sensing. In addition, no homologous genes to sugar receptors or the ionotropic receptor IR41a were detected. Our findings suggest that the chemosensory gene repertoire of this cave beetle may result from adaptation to the highly specific ecological niche it occupies, and that gene duplication and loss may have played an important role in the evolution of gene families involved in chemoreception. Altogether, our results shed light on the genomic basis of chemoreception in a cave-dwelling invertebrate and pave the road towards understanding the genomic underpinnings of adaptation to the subterranean lifestyle at a deeper level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Balart-García
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Cieslak
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Escuer
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Rozas
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ribera
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Fernández
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
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Ferguson KB, Visser S, Dalíková M, Provazníková I, Urbaneja A, Pérez‐Hedo M, Marec F, Werren JH, Zwaan BJ, Pannebakker BA, Verhulst EC. Jekyll or Hyde? The genome (and more) of Nesidiocoris tenuis, a zoophytophagous predatory bug that is both a biological control agent and a pest. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:188-209. [PMID: 33305885 PMCID: PMC8048687 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) is an efficient predatory biological control agent used throughout the Mediterranean Basin in tomato crops but regarded as a pest in northern European countries. From the family Miridae, it is an economically important insect yet very little is known in terms of genetic information and no genomic or transcriptomic studies have been published. Here, we use a linked-read sequencing strategy on a single female N. tenuis. From this, we assembled the 355 Mbp genome and delivered an ab initio, homology-based and evidence-based annotation. Along the way, the bacterial "contamination" was removed from the assembly. In addition, bacterial lateral gene transfer (LGT) candidates were detected in the N. tenuis genome. The complete gene set is composed of 24 688 genes; the associated proteins were compared to other hemipterans (Cimex lectularis, Halyomorpha halys and Acyrthosiphon pisum). We visualized the genome using various cytogenetic techniques, such as karyotyping, CGH and GISH, indicating a karyotype of 2n = 32. Additional analyses include the localization of 18S rDNA and unique satellite probes as well as pooled sequencing to assess nucleotide diversity and neutrality of the commercial population. This is one of the first mirid genomes to be released and the first of a mirid biological control agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. B. Ferguson
- Laboratory of GeneticsWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - S. Visser
- Biology Centre CASInstitute of EntomologyČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of South BohemiaČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | - M. Dalíková
- Biology Centre CASInstitute of EntomologyČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of South BohemiaČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | - I. Provazníková
- Biology Centre CASInstitute of EntomologyČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of South BohemiaČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
- European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - A. Urbaneja
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y BiotecnologíaInstituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA)MoncadaSpain
| | - M. Pérez‐Hedo
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y BiotecnologíaInstituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA)MoncadaSpain
| | - F. Marec
- Biology Centre CASInstitute of EntomologyČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | - J. H. Werren
- Department of BiologyUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - B. J. Zwaan
- Laboratory of GeneticsWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - B. A. Pannebakker
- Laboratory of GeneticsWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - E. C. Verhulst
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
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Effects of NF-kB Signaling Inhibitors on Bed Bug Resistance to Orally Provisioned Entomopathogenic Bacteria. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12040303. [PMID: 33808065 PMCID: PMC8067208 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040303] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bed bugs are globally important pests and there is an ongoing need for the development and improvement of bed bug control tools. Though promising against other insect pests, the exploration of biological methods for bed bug control is limited. Previously, we identified several species of bacteria that have entomopathogenic effects against bed bugs when ingested. We also described the conservation of several antibacterial responses in bed bugs, including the expression of immune effector genes regulated by NF-kB transcription factors through the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) signaling pathways. Accordingly, we predicted that chemical inhibition of NF-kB signaling could reduce bed bug resistance to orally provisioned entomopathogenic bacteria, potentially improving their effectiveness as biological control agents. In the present study, we administered four small molecule inhibitors of NF-kB signaling (BMS345541, IKK16, IMD0354, Takinib) to bed bugs by feeding them in a blood meal. We then quantified basal mortality and mortality in response to oral infection with two different entomopathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas entomophila and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). None of the NF-kB signaling inhibitors tested increased mortality above control levels when administered alone, suggesting a lack of direct toxicity. However, one inhibitor (IKK16) significantly enhanced the rate of mortality from oral infection with P. entomophila. Enhanced mortality was independent of direct effects of IKK16 on P. entomophila growth in vitro but was associated with higher bacterial loads in vivo (i.e., reduced resistance). Together, these results provide new insight into the regulation of the bed bug immune system and suggest that administration of entomopathogens in combination with inhibition of immune signaling pathways to reduce infection resistance may be effective for biological control of bed bugs.
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Olafson PU, Aksoy S, Attardo GM, Buckmeier G, Chen X, Coates CJ, Davis M, Dykema J, Emrich SJ, Friedrich M, Holmes CJ, Ioannidis P, Jansen EN, Jennings EC, Lawson D, Martinson EO, Maslen GL, Meisel RP, Murphy TD, Nayduch D, Nelson DR, Oyen KJ, Raszick TJ, Ribeiro JMC, Robertson HM, Rosendale AJ, Sackton TB, Saelao P, Swiger SL, Sze SH, Tarone AM, Taylor DB, Warren WC, Waterhouse RM, Weirauch MT, Werren JH, Wilson RK, Zdobnov EM, Benoit JB. The genome of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, reveals potential mechanisms underlying reproduction, host interactions, and novel targets for pest control. BMC Biol 2021; 19:41. [PMID: 33750380 PMCID: PMC7944917 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00975-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is a major blood-feeding pest of livestock that has near worldwide distribution, causing an annual cost of over $2 billion for control and product loss in the USA alone. Control of these flies has been limited to increased sanitary management practices and insecticide application for suppressing larval stages. Few genetic and molecular resources are available to help in developing novel methods for controlling stable flies. Results This study examines stable fly biology by utilizing a combination of high-quality genome sequencing and RNA-Seq analyses targeting multiple developmental stages and tissues. In conjunction, 1600 genes were manually curated to characterize genetic features related to stable fly reproduction, vector host interactions, host-microbe dynamics, and putative targets for control. Most notable was characterization of genes associated with reproduction and identification of expanded gene families with functional associations to vision, chemosensation, immunity, and metabolic detoxification pathways. Conclusions The combined sequencing, assembly, and curation of the male stable fly genome followed by RNA-Seq and downstream analyses provide insights necessary to understand the biology of this important pest. These resources and new data will provide the groundwork for expanding the tools available to control stable fly infestations. The close relationship of Stomoxys to other blood-feeding (horn flies and Glossina) and non-blood-feeding flies (house flies, medflies, Drosophila) will facilitate understanding of the evolutionary processes associated with development of blood feeding among the Cyclorrhapha. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-00975-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia U Olafson
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA.
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Attardo
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Greta Buckmeier
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- The Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Craig J Coates
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Megan Davis
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Justin Dykema
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Scott J Emrich
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christopher J Holmes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Evan N Jansen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emily C Jennings
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Lawson
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The European Bioinformatics Institute, The Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK
| | | | - Gareth L Maslen
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The European Bioinformatics Institute, The Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Richard P Meisel
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Terence D Murphy
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dana Nayduch
- Arthropod-borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - David R Nelson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kennan J Oyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tyler J Raszick
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Hugh M Robertson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Timothy B Sackton
- Informatics Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Perot Saelao
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Sonja L Swiger
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Stephenville, TX, USA
| | - Sing-Hoi Sze
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Aaron M Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David B Taylor
- Agroecosystem Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Wesley C Warren
- University of Missouri, Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Robert M Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Wilson
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Evgeny M Zdobnov
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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47
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Hull JJ, Gross RJ, Brent CS, Christie AE. Filling in the gaps: A reevaluation of the Lygus hesperus peptidome using an expanded de novo assembled transcriptome and molecular cloning. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 303:113708. [PMID: 33388363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Peptides are the largest and most diverse class of molecules modulating physiology and behavior. Previously, we predicted a peptidome for the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus, using transcriptomic data produced from whole individuals. A potential limitation of that analysis was the masking of underrepresented genes, in particular tissue-specific transcripts. Here, we reassessed the L. hesperus peptidome using a more comprehensive dataset comprised of the previous transcriptomic data as well as tissue-specific reads produced from heads and accessory glands. This augmented assembly significantly improves coverage depth providing confirmatory transcripts for essentially all of the previously identified families and new transcripts encoding a number of new peptide precursors corresponding to 14 peptide families. Several families not targeted in our initial study were identified in the expanded assembly, including agatoxin-like peptide, CNMamide, neuropeptide-like precursor 1, and periviscerokinin. To increase confidence in the in silico data, open reading frames of a subset of the newly identified transcripts were amplified using RT-PCR and sequence validated. Further PCR-based profiling of the putative L. hesperus agatoxin-like peptide precursor revealed evidence of alternative splicing with near ubiquitous expression across L. hesperus development, suggesting the peptide serves functional roles beyond that of a toxin. The peptides predicted here, in combination with those identified in our earlier study, expand the L. hesperus peptidome to 42 family members and provide an improved platform for initiating molecular and physiological investigations into peptidergic functionality in this non-model agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA.
| | - Roni J Gross
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Colin S Brent
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Andrew E Christie
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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48
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Gao H, Li Y, Wang M, Song X, Tang J, Feng F, Li B. Identification and Expression Analysis of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the Miridae Insect Apolygus lucorum. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:773669. [PMID: 34899608 PMCID: PMC8660763 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.773669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most versatile family of transmembrane receptors in the cell and they play a vital role in the regulation of multiple physiological processes. The family Miridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) is one of the most diverse families of insects. Until now, information on GPCRs has been lacking in Miridae. Apolygus lucorum, a representative species of the Miridae, is an omnivorous pest that occurs worldwide and is notorious for causing serious damage to various crops and substantial economic losses. By searching the genome, 133 GPCRs were identified in A. lucorum. Compared with other model insects, we have observed GPCR genes to be remarkably expanded in A. lucorum, especially focusing on biogenic amine receptors and neuropeptide receptors. Among these, there is a novel large clade duplicated from known FMRFamide receptors (FMRFaRs). Moreover, the temporal and spatial expression profiles of the 133 genes across developmental stages were determined by transcriptome analysis. Most GPCR genes showed a low expression level in the whole organism of A. lucorum. However, there were a few highly expressed GPCR genes. The highly expressed LW opsins in the head probably relate to nocturning of A. lucorum, and the expression of Cirl at different times and in different tissues indicated it may be involved in growth and development of A. lucorum. We also found C2 leucine-rich repeat-containing GPCRs (LGRs) were mainly distributed in Hemiptera and Phthiraptera among insects. Our study was the first investigation on GPCRs in A. lucorum and it provided a molecular target for the regulation and control of Miridae pests.
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Salcedo-Porras N, Noor S, Cai C, Oliveira PL, Lowenberger C. Rhodnius prolixus uses the peptidoglycan recognition receptor rpPGRP-LC/LA to detect Gram-negative bacteria and activate the IMD pathway. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 1:100006. [PMID: 36003603 PMCID: PMC9387487 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2020.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Insects rely on an innate immune system to recognize and eliminate pathogens. Key components of this system are highly conserved across all invertebrates. To detect pathogens, insects use Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that bind to signature motifs on the surface of pathogens called Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs). In general, insects use peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) in the Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathway to detect Gram-negative bacteria, and other PGRPs and Gram-negative binding proteins (GNBPs) in the Toll pathway to detect Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, although there is crosstalk and cooperation between these and other pathways. Once pathogens are recognized, these pathways activate the production of potent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most PRRs in insects have been reported from genome sequencing initiatives but few have been characterized functionally. The initial studies on insect PRRs were done using established dipteran model organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, but there are differences in the numbers and functional role of PRRs in different insects. Here we describe the genomic repertoire of PGRPs in Rhodnius prolixus, a hemimetabolous hemipteran vector of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease in humans. Using a de novo transcriptome from the fat body of immune activated insects, we found 5 genes encoding PGRPs. Phylogenetic analysis groups R. prolixus PGRPs with D. melanogaster PGRP-LA, which is involved in the IMD pathway in the respiratory tract. A single R. prolixus PGRP gene encodes isoforms that contain an intracellular region or motif (cryptic RIP Homotypic Interaction Motif-cRHIM) that is involved in the IMD signaling pathway in D. melanogaster. We characterized and silenced this gene using RNAi and show that the PGRPs that contain cRHIMs are involved in the recognition of Gram-negative bacteria, and activation of the IMD pathway in the fat body of R. prolixus, similar to the PGRP-LC of D. melanogaster. This is the first functional characterization of a PGRP containing a cRHIM motif that serves to activate the IMD pathway in a hemimetabolous insect.
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Key Words
- AMP, Antimicrobial Peptide
- Antimicrobial peptides
- GNBP, Gram-negative Binding Protein
- Gr+, Gram-positive
- Gr-, Gram-negative
- IMD pathway
- IMD, Immune Deficiency
- Innate immunity
- ML, Maximum Likelihood
- PAMP, Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern
- PGN, Peptidoglycan
- PGRP
- PGRP, Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein
- PRR, Pattern Recognition Receptor
- RHIM
- RNAi, RNA interference
- SMOC, Supramolecular Organizing Centres
- TPM, Transcripts Per Million
- Triatomines
- cRHIM, cryptic RIP Homotypic Interaction Motif
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - Shireen Noor
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Charley Cai
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Pedro L. Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
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50
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Kariyanna B, Prabhuraj A, Asokan R, Agrawal A, Gandhi Gracy R, Jyoti P, Venkatesan T, Bheemanna M, Kalmath B, Diwan JR, Pampanna Y, Mohan M. Genome Mining and Expression Analysis of Carboxylesterase and Glutathione S-Transferase Genes Involved in Insecticide Resistance in Eggplant Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Front Physiol 2020; 11:594845. [PMID: 33329043 PMCID: PMC7713791 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.594845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the major cause of low productivity in eggplant and insecticides being the mainstay of management of L. orbonalis. However, field control failures are widespread due to the evolution of insecticide resistance. Taking advantage of the whole genome sequence information, the present study investigated the level of insecticide resistance and the expression pattern of individual carboxylesterase (CE) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) genes in various field collected populations of L. orbonalis. Dose-mortality bioassays revealed a very high level of resistance development against fenvalerate (48.2–160-fold), phosalone (94-534.6-fold), emamectin benzoate (7.2–55-fold), thiodicarb (9.64–22.7-fold), flubendiamide (187.4–303.0-fold), and chlorantraniliprole (1.6–8.6-fold) in field populations as compared to laboratory-reared susceptible iso-female colony (Lo-S). Over-production of detoxification enzymes viz., CE and GST were evident upon enzyme assays. Mining of the draft genome of L. orbonalis yielded large number of genes potentially belonging to the CE and GST gene families with known history of insecticide resistance in other insects. Subsequent RT-qPCR studies on relative contribution of individual genes revealed over-expression of numerous GSTs and few CEs in field populations, indicating their possible involvement of metabolic enzymes in insecticide resistance. The genomic information will facilitate the development of novel resistance management strategies against this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kariyanna
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India.,ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India
| | - A Prabhuraj
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India
| | - R Asokan
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - A Agrawal
- ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India
| | - R Gandhi Gracy
- ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India
| | - P Jyoti
- ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India
| | - T Venkatesan
- ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India
| | - M Bheemanna
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India
| | - B Kalmath
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India
| | - J R Diwan
- Department of Genetics and Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India
| | - Y Pampanna
- Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India
| | - M Mohan
- ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India
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