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Bai Y, Lv YN, Zeng M, Yan ZY, Huang DY, Wen JZ, Lu HN, Zhang PY, Wang YF, Ban N, Yuan DW, Li S, Luan YX. E93 is indispensable for reproduction in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects. Development 2024; 151:dev202518. [PMID: 38646855 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Ecdysone-induced protein 93 (E93), known as the 'adult-specifier' transcription factor in insects, triggers metamorphosis in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects. Although E93 is conserved in ametabolous insects, its spatiotemporal expression and physiological function remain poorly understood. In this study, we first discover that, in the ametabolous firebrat Thermobia domestica, the previtellogenic ovary exhibits cyclically high E93 expression, and E93 mRNA is broadly distributed in previtellogenic ovarioles. E93 homozygous mutant females of T. domestica exhibit severe fecundity deficiency due to impaired previtellogenic development of the ovarian follicles, likely because E93 induces the expression of genes involved in ECM (extracellular matrix)-receptor interactions during previtellogenesis. Moreover, we reveal that in the hemimetabolous cockroach Blattella germanica, E93 similarly promotes previtellogenic ovarian development. In addition, E93 is also essential for vitellogenesis that is necessary to guarantee ovarian maturation and promotes the vitellogenesis-previtellogenesis switch in the fat body of adult female cockroaches. Our findings deepen the understanding of the roles of E93 in controlling reproduction in insects, and of E93 expression and functional evolution, which are proposed to have made crucial contributions to the origin of insect metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Bai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514000, China
| | - Ya-Nan Lv
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Mei Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zi-Yu Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Dan-Yan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jia-Zhen Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Hu-Na Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Pei-Yan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Ning Ban
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Dong-Wei Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514000, China
| | - Yun-Xia Luan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514000, China
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2
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Mikhailova AA, Dohmen E, Harrison MC. Major changes in domain arrangements are associated with the evolution of termites. J Evol Biol 2024; 37:758-769. [PMID: 38630634 DOI: 10.1093/jeb/voae047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Domains as functional protein units and their rearrangements along the phylogeny can shed light on the functional changes of proteomes associated with the evolution of complex traits like eusociality. This complex trait is associated with sterile soldiers and workers, and long-lived, highly fecund reproductives. Unlike in Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps), the evolution of eusociality within Blattodea, where termites evolved from within cockroaches, was accompanied by a reduction in proteome size, raising the question of whether functional novelty was achieved with existing rather than novel proteins. To address this, we investigated the role of domain rearrangements during the evolution of termite eusociality. Analysing domain rearrangements in the proteomes of three solitary cockroaches and five eusocial termites, we inferred more than 5,000 rearrangements over the phylogeny of Blattodea. The 90 novel domain arrangements that emerged at the origin of termites were enriched for several functions related to longevity, such as protein homeostasis, DNA repair, mitochondrial activity, and nutrient sensing. Many domain rearrangements were related to changes in developmental pathways, important for the emergence of novel castes. Along with the elaboration of social complexity, including permanently sterile workers and larger, foraging colonies, we found 110 further domain arrangements with functions related to protein glycosylation and ion transport. We found an enrichment of caste-biased expression and splicing within rearranged genes, highlighting their importance for the evolution of castes. Furthermore, we found increased levels of DNA methylation among rearranged compared to non-rearranged genes suggesting fundamental differences in their regulation. Our findings indicate the importance of domain rearrangements in the generation of functional novelty necessary for termite eusociality to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina A Mikhailova
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Elias Dohmen
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mark C Harrison
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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3
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Brenman-Suttner D, Zayed A. An integrative genomic toolkit for studying the genetic, evolutionary, and molecular underpinnings of eusociality in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 65:101231. [PMID: 38977215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
While genomic resources for social insects have vastly increased over the past two decades, we are still far from understanding the genetic and molecular basis of eusociality. Here, we briefly review three scientific advancements that, when integrated, can be highly synergistic for advancing our knowledge of the genetics and evolution of eusocial traits. Population genomics provides a natural way to quantify the strength of natural selection on coding and regulatory sequences, highlighting genes that have undergone adaptive evolution during the evolution or maintenance of eusociality. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can be used to characterize the complex genetic architecture underlying eusocial traits and identify candidate causal variants. Concurrently, CRISPR/Cas9 enables the precise manipulation of gene function to both validate genotype-phenotype associations and study the molecular biology underlying interesting traits. While each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we discuss herein, we argue that their combination will ultimately help us better understand the genetics and evolution of eusocial behavior. Specifically, by triangulating across these three different approaches, researchers can directly identify and study loci that have a causal association with key phenotypes and have evidence of positive selection over the relevant timescales associated with the evolution and maintenance of eusociality in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amro Zayed
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Mies US, Hervé V, Kropp T, Platt K, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J, Brune A. Genome reduction and horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of Endomicrobia-rise and fall of an intracellular symbiosis with termite gut flagellates. mBio 2024; 15:e0082624. [PMID: 38742878 PMCID: PMC11257099 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00826-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endosymbionts of eukaryotic hosts typically experience massive genome reduction, but the underlying evolutionary processes are often obscured by the lack of free-living relatives. Endomicrobia, a family-level lineage of host-associated bacteria in the phylum Elusimicrobiota that comprises both free-living representatives and endosymbionts of termite gut flagellates, are an excellent model to study evolution of intracellular symbionts. We reconstructed 67 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Endomicrobiaceae among more than 1,700 MAGs from the gut microbiota of a wide range of termites. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed a sister position of representatives from termites and ruminants, and allowed to propose eight new genera in the radiation of Endomicrobiaceae. Comparative genome analysis documented progressive genome erosion in the new genus Endomicrobiellum, which comprises all flagellate endosymbionts characterized to date. Massive gene losses were accompanied by the acquisition of new functions by horizontal gene transfer, which led to a shift from a glucose-based energy metabolism to one based on sugar phosphates. The breakdown of glycolysis and many anabolic pathways for amino acids and cofactors in several subgroups was compensated by the independent acquisition of new uptake systems, including an ATP/ADP antiporter, from other gut microbiota. The putative donors are mostly flagellate endosymbionts from other bacterial phyla, including several, hitherto unknown lineages of uncultured Alphaproteobacteria, documenting the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the convergent evolution of these intracellular symbioses. The loss of almost all biosynthetic capacities in some lineages of Endomicrobiellum suggests that their originally mutualistic relationship with flagellates is on its decline.IMPORTANCEUnicellular eukaryotes are frequently colonized by bacterial and archaeal symbionts. A prominent example are the cellulolytic gut flagellates of termites, which harbor diverse but host-specific bacterial symbionts that occur exclusively in termite guts. One of these lineages, the so-called Endomicrobia, comprises both free-living and endosymbiotic representatives, which offers the unique opportunity to study the evolutionary processes underpinning the transition from a free-living to an intracellular lifestyle. Our results revealed a progressive gene loss in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways, compensated by the acquisition of new functions via horizontal gene transfer from other gut bacteria, and suggest the eventual breakdown of an initially mutualistic symbiosis. Evidence for convergent evolution of unrelated endosymbionts reflects adaptations to the intracellular environment of termite gut flagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undine S. Mies
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Vincent Hervé
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tom Kropp
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katja Platt
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology LEEC, UR 4443, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Andreas Brune
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
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Wada-Katsumata A, Schal C. Glucose aversion: a behavioral resistance mechanism in the German cockroach. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101182. [PMID: 38403065 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The German cockroach is a valuable model for research on indoor pest management strategies and for understanding mechanisms of adaptive evolution under intense anthropogenic selection. Under the selection pressure of toxic baits, populations of the German cockroach have evolved a variety of physiological and behavioral resistance mechanisms. In this review, we focus on glucose aversion, an adaptive trait that underlies a behavioral resistance to baits. Taste polymorphism, a change in taste quality of glucose from sweet to bitter, causes cockroaches to avoid glucose-containing baits. We summarize recent findings, including the contribution of glucose aversion to olfactory learning-based avoidance of baits, aversion to other sugars, and assortative mating under sexual selection, which underscores the behavioral phenotype to all oligosaccharides that contain glucose. It is a remarkable example of how anthropogenic selection drove the evolution of an altered gustatory trait that reshapes the foraging ecology and sexual communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Wada-Katsumata
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Coby Schal
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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6
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Oguchi K, Miura T. Body part-specific development in termite caste differentiation: crosstalk between hormonal actions and developmental toolkit genes. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101183. [PMID: 38428818 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
In social insects, interactions among colony members trigger caste differentiation with morphological modifications. During caste differentiation in termites, body parts and caste-specific morphologies are modified during postembryonic development under endocrine controls such as juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysone. In addition to endocrine factors, developmental toolkit genes such as Hox- and appendage-patterning genes also contribute to the caste-specific body part modifications. These toolkits are thought to provide spatial information for specific morphogenesis. During social evolution, the complex crosstalks between physiological and developmental mechanisms should be established, leading to the sophisticated caste systems. This article reviews recent studies on these mechanisms underlying the termite caste differentiation and addresses implications for the evolution of caste systems in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oguchi
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
| | - Toru Miura
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan.
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7
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Ewart KM, Ho SYW, Chowdhury AA, Jaya FR, Kinjo Y, Bennett J, Bourguignon T, Rose HA, Lo N. Pervasive relaxed selection in termite genomes. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232439. [PMID: 38772424 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2439] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic changes that enabled the evolution of eusociality have long captivated biologists. More recently, attention has focussed on the consequences of eusociality on genome evolution. Studies have reported higher molecular evolutionary rates in eusocial hymenopteran insects compared with their solitary relatives. To investigate the genomic consequences of eusociality in termites, we analysed nine genomes, including newly sequenced genomes from three non-eusocial cockroaches. Using a phylogenomic approach, we found that termite genomes have experienced lower rates of synonymous substitutions than those of cockroaches, possibly as a result of longer generation times. We identified higher rates of non-synonymous substitutions in termite genomes than in cockroach genomes, and identified pervasive relaxed selection in the former (24-31% of the genes analysed) compared with the latter (2-4%). We infer that this is due to reductions in effective population size, rather than gene-specific effects (e.g. indirect selection of caste-biased genes). We found no obvious signature of increased genetic load in termites, and postulate efficient purging of deleterious alleles at the colony level. Additionally, we identified genomic adaptations that may underpin caste differentiation, such as genes involved in post-translational modifications. Our results provide insights into the evolution of termites and the genomic consequences of eusociality more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Ewart
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Y W Ho
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Al-Aabid Chowdhury
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frederick R Jaya
- Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Yukihiro Kinjo
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawa International University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Juno Bennett
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Harley A Rose
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Silva FJ, Domínguez-Santos R, Latorre A, García-Ferris C. Comparative Transcriptomics of Fat Bodies between Symbiotic and Quasi-Aposymbiotic Adult Females of Blattella germanica with Emphasis on the Metabolic Integration with Its Endosymbiont Blattabacterium and Its Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4228. [PMID: 38673813 PMCID: PMC11050582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084228] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We explored the metabolic integration of Blattella germanica and its obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti by the transcriptomic analysis of the fat body of quasi-aposymbiotic cockroaches, where the endosymbionts were almost entirely removed with rifampicin. Fat bodies from quasi-aposymbiotic insects displayed large differences in gene expression compared to controls. In quasi-aposymbionts, the metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine involved in cuticle sclerotization and pigmentation increased drastically to compensate for the deficiency in the biosynthesis of these amino acids by the endosymbionts. On the other hand, the uricolytic pathway and the biosynthesis of uric acid were severely decreased, probably because the reduced population of endosymbionts was unable to metabolize urea to ammonia. Metabolite transporters that could be involved in the endosymbiosis process were identified. Immune system and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression was also reduced in quasi-aposymbionts, genes encoding peptidoglycan-recognition proteins, which may provide clues for the maintenance of the symbiotic relationship, as well as three AMP genes whose involvement in the symbiotic relationship will require additional analysis. Finally, a search for AMP-like factors that could be involved in controlling the endosymbiont identified two orphan genes encoding proteins smaller than 200 amino acids underexpressed in quasi-aposymbionts, suggesting a role in the host-endosymbiont relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Silva
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Domínguez-Santos
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Latorre
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Ferris
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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Gong LL, Zhang MQ, Ma YF, Feng HY, Zhao YQ, Zhou YY, He M, Smagghe G, He P. RNAi of yellow-y, required for normal cuticle pigmentation, impairs courtship behavior and oviposition in the German cockroach (Blattella germanica). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22114. [PMID: 38659314 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The insect cuticle plays a key role in maintaining the insect's physiological function and behavior. Herein, the yellow-y protein is required to produce black melanin, and is expressed in a pattern that correlates with the distribution of this pigment. However, yellow-y can also have other functions, for instance, in insect behavior, but not much is known. In this study, we have studied the yellow-y gene in one important model and pest species, namely the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), which is to our knowledge the first time reported. In essence, we identified the yellow-y gene (BgY-y) and characterized its function by using RNA interference (RNAi). Silencing of BgY-y gene led to different developmental abnormalities (body weight and wings) in both genders. Specifically, there was an abundant decrease in melanin, turning the body color in pale yellow and the cuticle softer and more transparent. Interestingly, we also observed that the knockdown of BgY-y impaired the male cockroaches to display a weaker response to female-emitted contact sex pheromones, and also that the oviposition ability was weakened in the RNAi females. This study comprehensively analyzed the biological functions of the yellow-y gene in German cockroaches from the perspectives of development, body color, courtship behavior and oviposition, and as a consequence, this may opens new avenues to explore it as a novel pest control gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang-Lang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yun-Feng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong-Yan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yang-Yuntao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ming He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peng He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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10
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Gong LL, Ma YF, Zhang MQ, Feng HY, Zhou YY, Zhao YQ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, He M, He P. The melanin pigment gene black mediates body pigmentation and courtship behaviour in the German cockroach Blattella germanica. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 114:271-280. [PMID: 38623047 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485324000166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Genes involved in melanin production directly impact insect pigmentation and can affect diverse physiology and behaviours. The role these genes have on sex behaviour, however, is unclear. In the present study, the crucial melanin pigment gene black was functionally characterised in an urban pest, the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. RNAi knockdown of B. germanica black (Bgblack) had no effect on survival, but did result in black pigmentation of the thoraxes, abdomens, heads, wings, legs, antennae, and cerci due to cuticular accumulation of melanin. Sex-specific variation in the pigmentation pattern was apparent, with females exhibiting darker coloration on the abdomen and thorax than males. Bgblack knockdown also resulted in wing deformation and negatively impacted the contact sex pheromone-based courtship behaviour of males. This study provides evidence for black function in multiple aspects of B. germanica biology and opens new avenues of exploration for novel pest control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang-Lang Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yun-Feng Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Hong-Yan Feng
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yang-Yuntao Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - J Joe Hull
- USDA-ARS Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa AZ, 85138, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, 7 Nadi El-Seid Street, Dokki 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ming He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
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11
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Li H, Liu J, Wang Q, Ma Y, Zhao W, Chen B, Price JH, Zhang D. Oleic acid triggers burial behavior in a termite population through an odorant binding protein. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 167:104090. [PMID: 38369269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Social insects maintain hygienic conditions through their social immunity behaviors. Among these behaviors, burial behavior of termites is central for protecting healthy individuals from corpses. Many factors trigger burial behavior, and it is generally believed that chemicals released by corpses, such as oleic acid, are the most important cues for triggering burial behavior in termites. However, the contribution of the olfactory system to this behavior remains unclear. Here we report an odorant binding protein (OBP) that transports oleic acid and triggers burial behavior in Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. We demonstrated that CforOBP7 is highly expressed in the antennae of workers. Fluorescent competition binding experiments exhibited that CforOBP7 has a strong affinity for oleic acid. Furthermore, the antennal response to oleic acid was significantly reduced, and oleic acid-triggered burial behavior was also inhibited in CforOBP7-silenced termites. We conclude that CforOBP7 governs the burial behavior of C. formosanus triggered by oleic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyue Li
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahan Liu
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China; College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanfei Ma
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weisong Zhao
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bosheng Chen
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jennifer Hackney Price
- School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Dayu Zhang
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China.
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12
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Pyenson BC, Rehan SM. Gene regulation supporting sociality shared across lineages and variation in complexity. Genome 2024; 67:99-108. [PMID: 38096504 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2023-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Across evolutionary lineages, insects vary in social complexity, from those that exhibit extended parental care to those with elaborate divisions of labor. Here, we synthesize the sociogenomic resources from hundreds of species to describe common gene regulatory mechanisms in insects that regulate social organization across phylogeny and levels of social complexity. Different social phenotypes expressed by insects can be linked to the organization of co-expressing gene networks and features of the epigenetic landscape. Insect sociality also stems from processes like the emergence of parental care and the decoupling of ancestral genetic programs. One underexplored avenue is how variation in a group's social environment affects the gene expression of individuals. Additionally, an experimental reduction of gene expression would demonstrate how the activity of specific genes contributes to insect social phenotypes. While tissue specificity provides greater localization of the gene expression underlying social complexity, emerging transcriptomic analysis of insect brains at the cellular level provides even greater resolution to understand the molecular basis of social insect evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra M Rehan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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13
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Xu H, Gao Y, Hassan A, Liu Y, Zhao X, Huang Q. Neuroregulation of foraging behavior mediated by the olfactory co-receptor Orco in termites. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:129639. [PMID: 38331075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129639] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Olfaction is critical for survival because it allows animals to look for food and detect pheromonal cues. Neuropeptides modulate olfaction and behaviors in insects. While how the neuroregulation of olfactory recognition affects foraging behavior in termites is still unclear. Here, we analyzed the change after silencing the olfactory co-receptor gene (Orco) and the neuropeptide Y gene (NPY), and then investigated the impact of olfactory recognition on foraging behavior in Odontotermes formosanus under different predation pressures. The knockdown of Orco resulted in the reduced Orco protein expression in antennae and the decreased EAG response to trail pheromones. In addition, NPY silencing led to the damaged ability of olfactory response through downregulating Orco expression. Both dsOrco- and dsNPY-injected worker termites showed significantly reduced walking activity and foraging success. Additionally, we found that 0.1 pg/cm trail pheromone and nestmate soldiers could provide social buffering to relieve the adverse effect of predator ants on foraging behavior in worker termites with the normal ability of olfactory recognition. Our orthogonal experiments further verified that Orco/NPY genes are essential in manipulating termite olfactory recognition during foraging under different predation pressures, suggesting that the neuroregulation of olfactory recognition plays a crucial role in regulating termite foraging behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Research and Development Centre of Ecological and Sustainable Application of Microbial Industry of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Termite Control of Ministry of Water Resources, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yongyong Gao
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Research and Development Centre of Ecological and Sustainable Application of Microbial Industry of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Termite Control of Ministry of Water Resources, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Ali Hassan
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Termite Control of Ministry of Water Resources, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yutong Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xincheng Zhao
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan, China
| | - Qiuying Huang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Termite Control of Ministry of Water Resources, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
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14
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Xu D, Tong Y, Chen B, Li B, Wang S, Zhang D. The influence of first desaturase subfamily genes on fatty acid synthesis, desiccation tolerance and inter-caste nutrient transfer in the termite Coptotermes formosanus. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:55-68. [PMID: 37750189 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12877] [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: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Desaturase enzymes play an essential role in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). In this study, we identified seven "first desaturase" subfamily genes (Cfor-desatA1, Cfor-desatA2-a, Cfor-desatA2-b, Cfor-desatB-a, Cfor-desatB-b, Cfor-desatD and Cfor-desatE) from the Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus. These desaturases were highly expressed in the cuticle and fat body of C. formosanus. Inhibition of either the Cfor-desatA2-a or Cfor-desatA2-b gene resulted in a significant decrease in the contents of fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:2) in worker castes. Moreover, we observed that inhibition of most of desaturase genes identified in this study had a negative impact on the survival rate and desiccation tolerance of workers. Interestingly, when normal soldiers were reared together with dsCfor-desatA2-b-treated workers, they exhibited higher mortality, suggesting that desaturase had an impact on trophallaxis among C. formosanus castes. Our findings shed light on the novel roles of desaturase family genes in the eusocial termite C. formosanus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Xu
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Tong
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bosheng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baoling Li
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengyin Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dayu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Mikhailova AA, Rinke S, Harrison MC. Genomic signatures of eusocial evolution in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 61:101136. [PMID: 37922983 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The genomes of eusocial insects allow the production and regulation of highly distinct phenotypes, largely independent of genotype. Although rare, eusociality has evolved convergently in at least three insect orders (Hymenoptera, Blattodea and Coleoptera). Despite such disparate origins, eusocial phenotypes show remarkable similarity, exhibiting long-lived reproductives and short-lived sterile workers and soldiers. In this article, we review current knowledge on genomic signatures of eusocial evolution. We confirm that especially an increased regulatory complexity and the adaptive evolution of chemical communication are common to several origins of eusociality. Furthermore, colony life itself can shape genomes of divergent taxa in a similar manner. Future research should be geared towards generating more high-quality genomic resources, especially in hitherto understudied clades, such as ambrosia beetles and termites. The application of more sophisticated tools such as machine learning techniques may allow the detection of more subtle convergent genomic footprints of eusociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina A Mikhailova
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstrasße 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sarah Rinke
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstrasße 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mark C Harrison
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstrasße 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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16
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Lin S, Elsner D, Ams L, Korb J, Rosengaus R. A genetic toolkit underlying the queen phenotype in termites with totipotent workers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2214. [PMID: 38278833 PMCID: PMC10817970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51772-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Social insect castes (e.g., queens, workers) are prime examples of phenotypic plasticity (i.e., different phenotypes arising from the same genotype). Yet, the mechanisms that give rise to highly fertile, long-lived queens versus non-reproducing, short-lived workers are not well understood. Recently, a module of co-expressed genes has been identified that characterizes queens compared to workers of the termite Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae): the Queen Central Module (QCM). We tested whether the QCM is shared in termite species, in which queens gradually develop via early larval and late larval instars, the latter functioning as totipotent workers (linear development). Similar as in C. secundus, gene expression profiles revealed an enrichment of QCM genes in Zootermopsis angusticollis queens, a species from another termite family (Archotermopsidae). The expression of these QCM genes became gradually enriched during development from early larval instars via workers to queens. Thus, our results support the hypothesis of a conserved genetic toolkit that characterizes termite queens with gradual linear development. Our data also imply a strong caste-specific tissue specificity with the QCM signal being restricted to head-prothorax tissues in termite queens. This tissue-specific expression of key aging-related genes might have facilitated the evolution of a long lifespan in termite queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silu Lin
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Elsner
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leon Ams
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Judith Korb
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia.
| | - Rebeca Rosengaus
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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17
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Panyushev N, Selitskiy M, Melnichenko V, Lebedev E, Okorokova L, Adonin L. Dynamic Evolution of Repetitive Elements and Chromatin States in Apis mellifera Subspecies. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:89. [PMID: 38254978 PMCID: PMC10815273 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we elucidate the contribution of repetitive DNA sequences to the establishment of social structures in honeybees (Apis mellifera). Despite recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of honeybee castes, primarily associated with Notch signaling, the comprehensive identification of specific genomic cis-regulatory sequences remains elusive. Our objective is to characterize the repetitive landscape within the genomes of two honeybee subspecies, namely A. m. mellifera and A. m. ligustica. An observed recent burst of repeats in A. m. mellifera highlights a notable distinction between the two subspecies. After that, we transitioned to identifying differentially expressed DNA elements that may function as cis-regulatory elements. Nevertheless, the expression of these sequences showed minimal disparity in the transcriptome during caste differentiation, a pivotal process in honeybee eusocial organization. Despite this, chromatin segmentation, facilitated by ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq data, revealed a distinct chromatin state associated with repeats. Lastly, an analysis of sequence divergence among elements indicates successive changes in repeat states, correlating with their respective time of origin. Collectively, these findings propose a potential role of repeats in acquiring novel regulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Panyushev
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia; (N.P.); (M.S.)
- Bioinformatics Institute, 197342 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Max Selitskiy
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia; (N.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Vasilina Melnichenko
- International Scientific and Research Institute of Bioengineering, ITMO University, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Egor Lebedev
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia; (N.P.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Leonid Adonin
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia; (N.P.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Group of Mechanisms for Nanosystems Targeted Delivery, 119121 Moscow, Russia
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18
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Feldmeyer B, Bornberg-Bauer E, Dohmen E, Fouks B, Heckenhauer J, Huylmans AK, Jones ARC, Stolle E, Harrison MC. Comparative Evolutionary Genomics in Insects. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2802:473-514. [PMID: 38819569 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3838-5_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Genome sequencing quality, in terms of both read length and accuracy, is constantly improving. By combining long-read sequencing technologies with various scaffolding techniques, chromosome-level genome assemblies are now achievable at an affordable price for non-model organisms. Insects represent an exciting taxon for studying the genomic underpinnings of evolutionary innovations, due to ancient origins, immense species-richness, and broad phenotypic diversity. Here we summarize some of the most important methods for carrying out a comparative genomics study on insects. We describe available tools and offer concrete tips on all stages of such an endeavor from DNA extraction through genome sequencing, annotation, and several evolutionary analyses. Along the way we describe important insect-specific aspects, such as DNA extraction difficulties or gene families that are particularly difficult to annotate, and offer solutions. We describe results from several examples of comparative genomics analyses on insects to illustrate the fascinating questions that can now be addressed in this new age of genomics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Feldmeyer
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Molecular Ecology, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Erich Bornberg-Bauer
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elias Dohmen
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bertrand Fouks
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Heckenhauer
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ann Kathrin Huylmans
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alun R C Jones
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eckart Stolle
- Museum Koenig, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Mark C Harrison
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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19
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Alborzi Z, Piulachs MD. Dual function of the transcription factor Ftz-f1 on oviposition in the cockroach Blattella germanica. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:689-702. [PMID: 37498010 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Ftz-f1 has multiple functions in insect development in a spatial-temporal line. One of these roles is in the insect ovaries, specifically in the regulation of steroidogenic enzymes production. We studied the function of F in Blattella germanica oogenesis, as it shows two moments of high expression in ovaries: before the imaginal moult, and just before ovulation in the adult. Injecting dsftz-f1 into adult females, either just after the imaginal moult or just prior to choriogenesis, prevented oviposition, with differences between the two approaches. In 3-day-old adult females treated with dsftz-f1 just after the emergence, the expression of ftz-f1 was not modified, but the steroidogenic genes increased their expression. ftz-f1 transcript levels in the ovaries of 5-day-old dsftz-f1-treated females were significantly depleted, and the expression levels of the same steroidogenic genes began to decrease. These results suggest that Ftz-f1 regulates the expression of steroidogenic genes in B. germanica, with phm possibly being a key target. Ftz-f1 has a different temporal function in the cytoskeleton of follicular cells of the basal ovarian follicles. Early in the gonadotrophic cycle, Ftz-f1 promotes the expression of genes related to the cytoskeleton and muscle proteins, while at the end of the cycle it maintains the expression levels of these genes, thus ensuring correct ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Alborzi
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- Agricultural Entomology, Insect Physiology, Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
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20
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Liu F, Yu S, Chen N, Ren C, Li S. Nutrition- and hormone-controlled developmental plasticity in Blattodea. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 60:101128. [PMID: 37806339 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Blattodea, which includes cockroaches and termites, possesses high developmental plasticity that is mainly controlled by nutritional conditions and insect hormones. Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS), target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1), and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein complex are the three primary nutrition-responsive signals. Juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) constitute the two most vital insect hormones that might interact with each other through the Met, Kr-h1, E93 (MEKRE93) pathway. Nutritional and hormonal signals interconnect to create a complex regulatory network. Here we summarize recent progress in our understanding of how nutritional and hormonal signals coordinately control the developmental plasticity of metamorphosis, reproduction, and appendage regeneration in cockroaches as well as caste differentiation in termites. We also highlight several perspectives that should be further emphasized in the studies of developmental plasticity in Blattodea. This review provides a general landscape in the field of nutrition- and hormone-controlled developmental plasticity in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Shuxin Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Chonghua Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China.
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21
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Kaleem Ullah RM, Jia B, Liang S, Sikandar A, Gao F, Wu H. Uncovering the Chemosensory System of a Subterranean Termite, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) (Isoptera: Termitidae): Revealing the Chemosensory Genes and Gene Expression Patterns. INSECTS 2023; 14:883. [PMID: 37999082 PMCID: PMC10672159 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Termites are eusocial insects. Chemical signals between colony members are crucial to the smooth running of colony operations, but little is known about their olfactory system and the roles played by various chemosensory genes in this process. Chemosensory genes are involved in basic olfactory perception in insects. Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is one of the most damaging pests to agricultural crops, forests, and human-made structures. To better understand the olfactory system and the genes involved in olfactory processing in O. formosanus, we produced a transcriptome of worker termites. In this study, we identified 13 OforOBPs, 1 OforCSP, 15 OforORs, 9 OforGRs, and 4 OforSNMPs. Multiple sequence alignments were used in the phylogenetic study, which included data from other termite species and a wide variety of insect species. Moreover, we also investigated the mRNA expression levels using qRT-PCR. The significantly high expression levels of OforCSP1, OforOBP2, OforOR1, and OforSNMP1 suggest that these genes may play important roles in olfactory processing in termite social behavior, including caste differentiation, nestmate and non-nestmate discrimination, and the performance of colony operations among members. Our research establishes a foundation for future molecular-level functional studies of chemosensory genes in O. formosanus, which might lead to the identification of novel targets for termite integrated pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Muhammad Kaleem Ullah
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (R.M.K.U.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
| | - Bao Jia
- Nanning Institute of Termite Control, Nanning 530023, China; (B.J.); (S.L.)
| | - Sheng Liang
- Nanning Institute of Termite Control, Nanning 530023, China; (B.J.); (S.L.)
| | - Aatika Sikandar
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (R.M.K.U.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
| | - Fukun Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (R.M.K.U.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
| | - Haiyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (R.M.K.U.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
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22
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Ren C, Chen N, Li S. Harnessing "little mighty" cockroaches: Pest management and beneficial utilization. Innovation (N Y) 2023; 4:100531. [PMID: 38028134 PMCID: PMC10661541 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chonghua Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
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23
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Fouks B, Harrison MC, Mikhailova AA, Marchal E, English S, Carruthers M, Jennings EC, Chiamaka EL, Frigard RA, Pippel M, Attardo GM, Benoit JB, Bornberg-Bauer E, Tobe SS. Live-bearing cockroach genome reveals convergent evolutionary mechanisms linked to viviparity in insects and beyond. iScience 2023; 26:107832. [PMID: 37829199 PMCID: PMC10565785 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Live birth (viviparity) has arisen repeatedly and independently among animals. We sequenced the genome and transcriptome of the viviparous Pacific beetle-mimic cockroach and performed comparative analyses with two other viviparous insect lineages, tsetse flies and aphids, to unravel the basis underlying the transition to viviparity in insects. We identified pathways undergoing adaptive evolution for insects, involved in urogenital remodeling, tracheal system, heart development, and nutrient metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis of cockroach and tsetse flies revealed that uterine remodeling and nutrient production are increased and the immune response is altered during pregnancy, facilitating structural and physiological changes to accommodate and nourish the progeny. These patterns of convergent evolution of viviparity among insects, together with similar adaptive mechanisms identified among vertebrates, highlight that the transition to viviparity requires changes in urogenital remodeling, enhanced tracheal and heart development (corresponding to angiogenesis in vertebrates), altered nutrient metabolism, and shifted immunity in animal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Fouks
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mark C. Harrison
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alina A. Mikhailova
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59-Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sinead English
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | | | - Emily C. Jennings
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Ezemuoka L. Chiamaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Ronja A. Frigard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Martin Pippel
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Geoffrey M. Attardo
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Joshua B. Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Erich Bornberg-Bauer
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephen S. Tobe
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59-Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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24
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Wang Z, Liu Y, Wang H, Roy A, Liu H, Han F, Zhang X, Lu Q. Genome and transcriptome of Ips nitidus provide insights into high-altitude hypoxia adaptation and symbiosis. iScience 2023; 26:107793. [PMID: 37731610 PMCID: PMC10507238 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ips nitidus is a well-known conifer pest that has contributed significantly to spruce forest disturbance in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and seriously threatens the ecological balance of these areas. We report a chromosome-level genome of I. nitidus determined by PacBio and Hi-C technology. Phylogenetic inference showed that it diverged from the common ancestor of I. typographus ∼2.27 mya. Gene family expansion in I. nitidus was characterized by DNA damage repair and energy metabolism, which may facilitate adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia. Interestingly, differential gene expression analysis revealed upregulated genes associated with high-altitude hypoxia adaptation and downregulated genes associated with detoxification after feeding and tunneling in fungal symbiont Ophiostoma bicolor-colonized substrates. Our findings provide evidence of the potential adaptability of I. nitidus to conifer host, high-altitude hypoxia and insight into how fungal symbiont assist in this process. This study enhances our understanding of insect adaptation, symbiosis, and pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
- Shandong Research Center for Forestry Harmful Biological Control Engineering and Technology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, EXTEMIT-K and EVA.4.0 Unit, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 1176, Prague 6, 165 00 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Huixiang Liu
- Shandong Research Center for Forestry Harmful Biological Control Engineering and Technology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | | | - Xingyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Quan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
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25
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Li Q, Zhang YF, Zhang TM, Wan JH, Zhang YD, Yang H, Huang Y, Xu C, Li G, Lu HM. iORbase: A database for the prediction of the structures and functions of insect olfactory receptors. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1245-1254. [PMID: 36519267 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Insect olfactory receptors (iORs) with atypical 7-transmembrane domains, unlike Chordata olfactory receptors, are not in the GPCR protein family. iORs selectively bind to volatile ligands in the environment and affect essential insect behaviors. In this study, we constructed a new platform (iORbase, https://www.iorbase.com) for the structural and functional analysis of iORs based on a combined algorithm for gene annotation and protein structure prediction. Moreover, it provides the option to calculate the binding affinities and binding residues between iORs and pheromone molecules by virtual screening of docking. Furthermore, iORbase supports the automatic structural and functional prediction of user-submitted iORs or pheromones. iORbase contains the well-analyzed results of approximately 6 000 iORs and their 3D protein structures identified from 59 insect species and 2 077 insect pheromones from the literature, as well as approximately 12 million pairs of simulated interactions between functional iORs and pheromones. We also built 4 online modules, iORPDB, iInteraction, iModelTM, and iOdorTool to easily retrieve and visualize the 3D structures and interactions. iORbase can help greatly improve the experimental efficiency and success rate, identify new insecticide targets, or develop electronic nose technology. This study will shed light on the olfactory recognition mechanism and evolutionary characteristics from the perspectives of omics and macroevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi-Feng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian-Min Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia-Hui Wan
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Dan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui-Meng Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
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26
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Okwaro LA, Korb J. Epigenetic regulation and division of labor in social insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 58:101051. [PMID: 37164259 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Analogous to multicellular organisms, social insect colonies are characterized by division of labor with queens and workers reflecting germline and soma, respectively. In multicellular organisms, such division is achieved through epigenetic factors regulating cell differentiation during development. Analogously, epigenetic regulation is postulated to regulate caste differences in social insects. We summarize recent findings about the role of epigenetics in social insects, focusing on DNA methylation and histone modifications. We specifically address (i) queen versus worker caste differentiation, (ii) queen versus worker caste differences, and (iii) division of labor among workers. Our review provides an overview of an exciting and controversially discussed field in developmental and molecular biology. It shows that our current understanding about the role of epigenetics in regulating division of labor in social insects is still fragmentary but that refined methods with well-replicated samples and targeted questions offer promising insights into this emerging field of socio-epigenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis A Okwaro
- University of Freiburg, Evolutionary Biology and Ecology D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Judith Korb
- University of Freiburg, Evolutionary Biology and Ecology D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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27
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Liu P, Guo J, Wei H, Feng L, Gao Z, Zhang T. Genome-wide identification of candidate chemosensory receptors in the bean bug Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) and the functional verification of its odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) in recognizing aggregation pheromone. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1224009. [PMID: 37520822 PMCID: PMC10375722 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1224009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A sophisticated and sensitive olfactory system plays a vital role in the survival and reproduction of insects. Chemosensory receptors are indispensable for the molecular recognition and discrimination of semiochemicals. Riptortus pedestris is a notorious pest of legume plants, resulting in yield losses and quality decreases in soybeans. It is well accepted that R. pedestris highly relies on its olfactory system in detecting aggregation pheromones, host volatiles, and pesticides; however, little research focused on its chemosensory receptors. In the present study, we identified 237 odorant receptors (ORs), 42 gustatory receptors (GRs), and 31 ionotropic receptors (IRs) from the reported genome of R. pedestris, and analyzed their phylogenetic relationship with other hemipteran species. Through the results of RNA-seq and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), we found that RpedORs displayed different expression levels in the antennae of R. pedestris at different development stages. To further verify the function of odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco), an obligate and unique insect OR, we silenced RpedOrco by RNA interference (RNAi) method. The results showed that silencing RpedOrco could significantly impair the response to aggregation pheromone in R. pedestris, indicating that RpedOrco plays an essential role in odorant detection. Our results can provide the theoretical foundations for revealing the olfactory recognition mechanism of R. pedestris and help explore and develop novel olfactory-based agents against this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panjing Liu
- Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
| | - Jianglong Guo
- Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
| | - Hongyi Wei
- Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Likai Feng
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhanlin Gao
- Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
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28
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Catto MA, Labadie PE, Jacobson AL, Kennedy GG, Srinivasan R, Hunt BG. Pest status, molecular evolution, and epigenetic factors derived from the genome assembly of Frankliniella fusca, a thysanopteran phytovirus vector. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:343. [PMID: 37344773 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09375-5] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds; family Thripidae; order Thysanoptera) is an important pest that can transmit viruses such as the tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus to numerous economically important agricultural row crops and vegetables. The structural and functional genomics within the order Thysanoptera has only begun to be explored. Within the > 7000 known thysanopteran species, the melon thrips (Thrips palmi Karny) and the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergrande) are the only two thysanopteran species with assembled genomes. RESULTS A genome of F. fusca was assembled by long-read sequencing of DNA from an inbred line. The final assembly size was 370 Mb with a single copy ortholog completeness of ~ 99% with respect to Insecta. The annotated genome of F. fusca was compared with the genome of its congener, F. occidentalis. Results revealed many instances of lineage-specific differences in gene content. Analyses of sequence divergence between the two Frankliniella species' genomes revealed substitution patterns consistent with positive selection in ~ 5% of the protein-coding genes with 1:1 orthologs. Further, gene content related to its pest status, such as xenobiotic detoxification and response to an ambisense-tripartite RNA virus (orthotospovirus) infection was compared with F. occidentalis. Several F. fusca genes related to virus infection possessed signatures of positive selection. Estimation of CpG depletion, a mutational consequence of DNA methylation, revealed that F. fusca genes that were downregulated and alternatively spliced in response to virus infection were preferentially targeted by DNA methylation. As in many other insects, DNA methylation was enriched in exons in Frankliniella, but gene copies with homology to DNA methyltransferase 3 were numerous and fragmented. This phenomenon seems to be relatively unique to thrips among other insect groups. CONCLUSIONS The F. fusca genome assembly provides an important resource for comparative genomic analyses of thysanopterans. This genomic foundation allows for insights into molecular evolution, gene regulation, and loci important to agricultural pest status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Catto
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Paul E Labadie
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Alana L Jacobson
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University College of Agriculture, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - George G Kennedy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | | | - Brendan G Hunt
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, USA.
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29
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Veenstra JA. Evolution of a Cockroach Allergen into the Major Protein of Termite Royal Jelly. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10311. [PMID: 37373456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Termites live in colonies, and their members belong to different castes that each have their specific role within the termite society. In well-established colonies of higher termites, the only food the founding female, the queen, receives is saliva from workers; such queens can live for many years and produce up to 10,000 eggs per day. In higher termites, worker saliva must thus constitute a complete diet and therein resembles royal jelly produced by the hypopharyngeal glands of honeybee workers that serves as food for their queens; indeed, it might as well be called termite royal jelly. However, whereas the composition of honeybee royal jelly is well established, that of worker termite saliva in higher termites remains largely unknown. In lower termites, cellulose-digesting enzymes constitute the major proteins in worker saliva, but these enzymes are absent in higher termites. Others identified a partial protein sequence of the major saliva protein of a higher termite and identified it as a homolog of a cockroach allergen. Publicly available genome and transcriptome sequences from termites make it possible to study this protein in more detail. The gene coding the termite ortholog was duplicated, and the new paralog was preferentially expressed in the salivary gland. The amino acid sequence of the original allergen lacks the essential amino acids methionine, cysteine and tryptophan, but the salivary paralog incorporated these amino acids, thus allowing it to become more nutritionally balanced. The gene is found in both lower and higher termites, but it is in the latter that the salivary paralog gene got reamplified, facilitating an even higher expression of the allergen. This protein is not expressed in soldiers, and, like the major royal jelly proteins in honeybees, it is expressed in young but not old workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Veenstra
- INCIA UMR 5287 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
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30
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Fujiwara K, Karasawa A, Hanada T, Tobo M, Kaneko T, Usui M, Maekawa K. Caste-specific expressions and diverse roles of takeout genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8422. [PMID: 37225771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of novel functions caused by gene duplication may be important for termite social evolution. To clarify this possibility, additional evidence is needed. An important example is takeout, encoding juvenile hormone binding protein. We identified 25 takeouts in the termite Reticulitermes speratus genome. RNA-seq revealed that many genes were highly expressed in specific castes. Two novel paralogs (RsTO1, RsTO2) were tandemly aligned in the same scaffold. Real-time qPCR indicated that RsTO1 and RsTO2 were highly expressed in queens and soldiers, respectively. Moreover, the highest RsTO1 expression was observed in alates during queen formation. These patterns were different from vitellogenins, encoding egg-yolk precursors, which were highly expressed in queens than alates. In situ hybridization showed that RsTO1 mRNA was localized in the alate-frontal gland, indicating that RsTO1 binds with secretions probably used for the defence during swarming flight. In contrast, increased RsTO2 expression was observed approximately 1 week after soldier differentiation. Expression patterns of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, whose product functions in the terpenoid synthesis, were similar to RsTO2 expression. In situ hybridization indicated RsTO2-specific mRNA signals in the soldier-frontal gland. RsTO2 may interact with terpenoids, with a soldier-specific defensive function. It may provide additional evidence for functionalization after gene duplication in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokuto Fujiwara
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Akimi Karasawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Takumi Hanada
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Mutsuaki Tobo
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Tousuke Kaneko
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Mizuna Usui
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan.
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31
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Suzuki R, Masuoka Y, Suzuki RH, Maekawa K. Efficient RNA interference method during caste differentiation with hormone treatment in the termite Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1188343. [PMID: 38469474 PMCID: PMC10926471 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1188343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Unveiling the proximate mechanism of caste differentiation is crucial for understanding insect social evolution, and gene function analysis is an important tool in this endeavor. The RNA interference (RNAi) technique is useful in termites, but its knockdown effects may differ among species. One of the most important model species in the field of termite sociogenomics is Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Presoldier and worker differentiation of this species can be artificially induced by juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone application, respectively. However, appropriate RNAi technique of genes expressed during caste differentiation has never been considered. To clarify this issue, first, we injected nine different volumes of nuclease-free water (NFW, 0-404.8 nL) into workers and found that survival and caste differentiation rates were strongly reduced by the application of the top three largest volumes. Second, we injected double-stranded (ds) RNA of ecdysone receptor homolog (RsEcR) (2.0 µg/151.8 nL NFW) into workers with hormone treatments. The expression levels of RsEcR were significantly reduced at 9 days after dsRNA injection. RsEcR RNAi strongly affected both molting events during presoldier and worker differentiation induced by hormone treatments. The present results highlight the need for caution regarding injection volumes for RNAi experiments using hormone treatments. We suggest that the injection of dsRNA solution (2 µg; approximately 100-200 nL) is suitable for RNAi experiments during caste differentiation induced by hormone application in R. speratus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryutaro Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Ishikawa Insect Museum, Hakusan, Japan
| | - Yudai Masuoka
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryohei H. Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research and Development Headquarters, Earth Corporation, Ltd. Ako, Japan
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32
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Toga K, Bono H. Meta-Analysis of Public RNA Sequencing Data Revealed Potential Key Genes Associated with Reproductive Division of Labor in Social Hymenoptera and Termites. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098353. [PMID: 37176060 PMCID: PMC10179490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eusociality in insects has evolved independently many times. One of the most notable characteristics of eusociality is the reproductive division of labor. In social insects, the reproductive division of labor is accomplished by queens and workers. Transcriptome analyses of queens and workers have been conducted for various eusocial species. However, the genes that regulate the reproductive division of labor across all or multiple eusocial species have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis using publicly available RNA-sequencing data from four major groups of social insects. In this meta-analysis, we collected 258 pairs (queen vs. worker) of RNA-sequencing data from 34 eusocial species. The meta-analysis identified a total of 20 genes that were differentially expressed in queens or workers. Out of these, 12 genes have not previously been reported to be involved in the reproductive division of labor. Functional annotation of these 20 genes in other organisms revealed that they could be regulators of behaviors and physiological states related to the reproductive division of labor. These 20 genes, revealed using massive datasets of numerous eusocial insects, may be key regulators of the reproductive division of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Toga
- Laboratory of BioDX, PtBio Co-Creation Research Center, Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Bono
- Laboratory of BioDX, PtBio Co-Creation Research Center, Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
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33
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Rau V, Flatt T, Korb J. The remoulding of dietary effects on the fecundity / longevity trade-off in a social insect. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:244. [PMID: 37147612 PMCID: PMC10163710 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many organisms increased reproductive effort is associated with a shortened life span. This trade-off is reflected in conserved molecular pathways that link nutrient-sensing with fecundity and longevity. Social insect queens apparently defy the fecundity / longevity trade-off as they are both, extremely long-lived and highly fecund. Here, we have examined the effects of a protein-enriched diet on these life-history traits and on tissue-specific gene expression in a termite species of low social complexity. RESULTS On a colony level, we did not observe reduced lifespan and increased fecundity, effects typically seen in solitary model organisms, after protein enrichment. Instead, on the individual level mortality was reduced in queens that consumed more of the protein-enriched diet - and partially also in workers - while fecundity seemed unaffected. Our transcriptome analyses supported our life-history results. Consistent with life span extension, the expression of IIS (insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signalling) components was reduced in fat bodies after protein enrichment. Interestingly, however, genes involved in reproductive physiology (e.g., vitellogenin) were largely unaffected in fat body and head transcriptomes. CONCLUSION These results suggest that IIS is decoupled from downstream fecundity-associated pathways, which can contribute to the remoulding of the fecundity/longevity trade-off in termites as compared to solitary insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Rau
- Evolutionary Biology & Ecology, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg (Brsg.), Germany.
| | - Thomas Flatt
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Judith Korb
- Evolutionary Biology & Ecology, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg (Brsg.), Germany.
- RIEL, Charles Darwin University Casuarina Campus, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin, NT0811, Australia.
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Sun Z, Chen Y, Chen Y, Lu Z, Gui F. Tracking Adaptive Pathways of Invasive Insects: Novel Insight from Genomics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098004. [PMID: 37175710 PMCID: PMC10179030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the huge human and economic costs of invasive insects, which are the main group of invasive species, their environmental impacts through various mechanisms remain inadequately explained in databases and much of the invasion biology literature. High-throughput sequencing technology, especially whole-genome sequencing, has been used as a powerful method to study the mechanisms through which insects achieve invasion. In this study, we reviewed whole-genome sequencing-based advances in revealing several important invasion mechanisms of invasive insects, including (1) the rapid genetic variation and evolution of invasive populations, (2) invasion history and dispersal paths, (3) rapid adaptation to different host plant ranges, (4) strong environmental adaptation, (5) the development of insecticide resistance, and (6) the synergistic damage caused by invasive insects and endosymbiotic bacteria. We also discussed prevention and control technologies based on whole-genome sequencing and their prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yaping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zhihui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Furong Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
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Suzuki RH, Hanada T, Hayashi Y, Shigenobu S, Maekawa K, Hojo MK. Gene expression profiles of chemosensory genes of termite soldier and worker antennae. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37017304 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Termites have an elaborate social system that involves cooperation and division of labour among colony members. Although this social system is regulated by chemical signals produced in the colony, it remains unclear how these signals are perceived by other members. Signal transduction is well known to be triggered by the reception of odorant molecules by some binding proteins in the antennae, after which, a signal is transmitted to chemosensory receptors. However, there is insufficient information on the role of chemosensory genes involved in signal transduction in termites. Here, we identified the genes involved in chemosensory reception in the termite Reticulitermes speratus and performed a genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis of worker and soldier antennae. First, we identified 31 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), and three chemosensory protein A (CheA) from the genome data. Thereafter, we performed RNA sequencing to compare the expression levels of OBPs, CheAs, and previously identified chemosensory receptor genes between worker and soldier antennae. There were no receptor genes with significant differences in expression between castes. However, the expression levels of three non-receptor odorant-detection/binding proteins (OBP, CheA, and Sensory neuron membrane protein) were significantly different between castes. Real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) analysis using antennae and other head parts confirmed that these genes were highly expressed in soldier antennae. Finally, independent RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression patterns of these genes were altered in soldiers from different social contexts. Present results suggest that gene expression levels of some non-receptors are affected by both castes and behavioural interactions among colony members in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei H Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takumi Hanada
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | | - Shuji Shigenobu
- Trans-Scale Biology Center, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | | | - Masaru K Hojo
- School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Japan
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Martelossi J, Forni G, Iannello M, Savojardo C, Martelli PL, Casadio R, Mantovani B, Luchetti A, Rota-Stabelli O. Wood feeding and social living: Draft genome of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus (Blattodea; Termitoidae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:118-131. [PMID: 36366787 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Termites (Insecta, Blattodea, Termitoidae) are a widespread and diverse group of eusocial insects known for their ability to digest wood matter. Herein, we report the draft genome of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus, an economically important species and among the most studied taxa with respect to eusocial organization and mating system. The final assembly (~813 Mb) covered up to 88% of the estimated genome size and, in agreement with the Asexual Queen Succession Mating System, it was found completely homozygous. We predicted 16,349 highly supported gene models and 42% of repetitive DNA content. Transposable elements of R. lucifugus show similar evolutionary dynamics compared to that of other termites, with two main peaks of activity localized at 25% and 8% of Kimura divergence driven by DNA, LINE and SINE elements. Gene family turnover analyses identified multiple instances of gene duplication associated with R. lucifugus diversification, with significant lineage-specific gene family expansions related to development, perception and nutrient metabolism pathways. Finally, we analysed P450 and odourant receptor gene repertoires in detail, highlighting the large diversity and dynamical evolutionary history of these proteins in the R. lucifugus genome. This newly assembled genome will provide a valuable resource for further understanding the molecular basis of termites biology as well as for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Martelossi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giobbe Forni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Iannello
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Castrense Savojardo
- Biocomputing Group, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Martelli
- Biocomputing Group, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Casadio
- Biocomputing Group, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Mantovani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Luchetti
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Omar Rota-Stabelli
- Center Agriculture Food Environment C3A, University of Trento/Fondazione Edmund Mach, Trento, Italy
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Ma YF, Gong LL, Zhang MQ, Liu XZ, Guo H, Hull JJ, Long GJ, Wang H, Dewer Y, Zhang F, He M, He P. Two Antenna-Enriched Carboxylesterases Mediate Olfactory Responses and Degradation of Ester Volatiles in the German Cockroach Blattella germanica. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:4789-4801. [PMID: 36920281 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Insects have evolved an extremely sensitive olfactory system that is essential for a series of physiological and behavioral activities. Some carboxylesterases (CCEs) comprise a major subfamily of odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) playing a crucial role in odorant signal inactivation to maintain the odorant receptor sensitivity. In this study, 93 CCEs were annotated in the genome of the German cockroach Blattella germanica, a serious urban pest. Phylogenetic and digital tissue expression pattern analyses identified two antenna-enriched CCEs, BgerCCE021e3 and BgerCCE021d1, as candidate ODEs. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of BgerCCE021e3 and BgerCCE021d1 resulted in partial anosmia with experimental insects exhibiting reduced attraction to ester volatile resources and slower olfactory responses than controls. Furthermore, enzymatic conversion of geranyl acetate by crude male antennal extracts from BgerCCE021e3 and BgerCCE021d1 RNAi insects was also significantly reduced. Our results provide evidence for CCE function in German cockroach olfaction and provide a basis for further exploring behavioral inhibitors that target olfactory-related CCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Feng Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Xuan-Zheng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Huan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, Arizona 85138 United States
| | - Gui-Jun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, 7 Nadi El-Seid Street, Dokki 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Research, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
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Kobayashi S, Maldonado JE, Gaete A, Araya I, Aguado-Norese C, Cumplido N, Díaz S, Espinoza A, Fernández E, Gajardo F, González-Ordenes F, Hauyon K, Maldonado P, Maldonado R, Pochet I, Riveros A, Sandoval P, Sepúlveda-González A, Stuardo C, Tapia-Reyes P, Thornton C, Undurraga S, Varas M, Valdivieso C, Gutiérrez RA, Orellana A, Montecino M, Maass A, González M, Allende ML, Hodar C, Irles P. DNA sequencing in the classroom: complete genome sequence of two earwig (Dermaptera; Insecta) species. Biol Res 2023; 56:6. [PMID: 36797803 PMCID: PMC9935246 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite representing the largest fraction of animal life, the number of insect species whose genome has been sequenced is barely in the hundreds. The order Dermaptera (the earwigs) suffers from a lack of genomic information despite its unique position as one of the basally derived insect groups and its importance in agroecosystems. As part of a national educational and outreach program in genomics, a plan was formulated to engage the participation of high school students in a genome sequencing project. Students from twelve schools across Chile were instructed to capture earwig specimens in their geographical area, to identify them and to provide material for genome sequencing to be carried out by themselves in their schools. RESULTS The school students collected specimens from two cosmopolitan earwig species: Euborellia annulipes (Fam. Anisolabididae) and Forficula auricularia (Fam. Forficulidae). Genomic DNA was extracted and, with the help of scientific teams that traveled to the schools, was sequenced using nanopore sequencers. The sequence data obtained for both species was assembled and annotated. We obtained genome sizes of 1.18 Gb (F. auricularia) and 0.94 Gb (E. annulipes) with the number of predicted protein coding genes being 31,800 and 40,000, respectively. Our analysis showed that we were able to capture a high percentage (≥ 93%) of conserved proteins indicating genomes that are useful for comparative and functional analysis. We were also able to characterize structural elements such as repetitive sequences and non-coding RNA genes. Finally, functional categories of genes that are overrepresented in each species suggest important differences in the process underlying the formation of germ cells, and modes of reproduction between them, features that are one of the distinguishing biological properties that characterize these two distant families of Dermaptera. CONCLUSIONS This work represents an unprecedented instance where the scientific and lay community have come together to collaborate in a genome sequencing project. The versatility and accessibility of nanopore sequencers was key to the success of the initiative. We were able to obtain full genome sequences of two important and widely distributed species of insects which had not been analyzed at this level previously. The data made available by the project should illuminate future studies on the Dermaptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae Kobayashi
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Jonathan E. Maldonado
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.412179.80000 0001 2191 5013Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis Gaete
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466INTA, Universidad de Chile, 7830490 Santiago, Chile
| | - Ingrid Araya
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.512263.1Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Sergio Livingstone 1007, 8380494 Independencia, Santiago Chile
| | - Constanza Aguado-Norese
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466INTA, Universidad de Chile, 7830490 Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Cumplido
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Díaz
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Alonso Espinoza
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.412848.30000 0001 2156 804XFacultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Edelmira Fernández
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Gajardo
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe González-Ordenes
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Khantati Hauyon
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466INTA, Universidad de Chile, 7830490 Santiago, Chile
| | - Piedad Maldonado
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Maldonado
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.412848.30000 0001 2156 804XFacultad de Medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Isabel Pochet
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.7870.80000 0001 2157 0406Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aníbal Riveros
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.424112.00000 0001 0943 9683ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program—Millennium Nucleus for the Development of Super Adaptable Plants (MN-SAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Sandoval
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.7870.80000 0001 2157 0406Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ailynne Sepúlveda-González
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466INTA, Universidad de Chile, 7830490 Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Stuardo
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466INTA, Universidad de Chile, 7830490 Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Tapia-Reyes
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.7870.80000 0001 2157 0406Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Thornton
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.7870.80000 0001 2157 0406Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Soledad Undurraga
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.412199.60000 0004 0487 8785Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Macarena Varas
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Valdivieso
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rodrigo A. Gutiérrez
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.7870.80000 0001 2157 0406Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ariel Orellana
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.412848.30000 0001 2156 804XFacultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martín Montecino
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.412848.30000 0001 2156 804XFacultad de Medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Maass
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Departamento de Ingeniería Matemática, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio González
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466INTA, Universidad de Chile, 7830490 Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel L. Allende
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003 Santiago, Chile ,grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, 7800003 Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Hodar
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, 7800003, Santiago, Chile. .,INTA, Universidad de Chile, 7830490, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Paula Irles
- Institute of Agri-food, Animal and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de O´Higgins, Rancagua, Chile.
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Santos D, Feng M, Kolliopoulou A, Taning CNT, Sun J, Swevers L. What Are the Functional Roles of Piwi Proteins and piRNAs in Insects? INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14020187. [PMID: 36835756 PMCID: PMC9962485 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Research on Piwi proteins and piRNAs in insects has focused on three experimental models: oogenesis and spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, the antiviral response in Aedes mosquitoes and the molecular analysis of primary and secondary piRNA biogenesis in Bombyx mori-derived BmN4 cells. Significant unique and complementary information has been acquired and has led to a greater appreciation of the complexity of piRNA biogenesis and Piwi protein function. Studies performed in other insect species are emerging and promise to add to the current state of the art on the roles of piRNAs and Piwi proteins. Although the primary role of the piRNA pathway is genome defense against transposons, particularly in the germline, recent findings also indicate an expansion of its functions. In this review, an extensive overview is presented of the knowledge of the piRNA pathway that so far has accumulated in insects. Following a presentation of the three major models, data from other insects were also discussed. Finally, the mechanisms for the expansion of the function of the piRNA pathway from transposon control to gene regulation were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Clauvis N. T. Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
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Jiang D, Lu X, Zhang L, Tang F. Enhancement of Pathogen Toxicity by Feeding Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder Sonicated Bacteria Expressing Double-Stranded RNA That Interferes with Olfaction. INSECTS 2023; 14:140. [PMID: 36835709 PMCID: PMC9965219 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder is a serious pest in China, and the odorant receptor co-receptor gene RcOrco plays a crucial role in olfaction. However, the function of RcOrco in the resistance of termites to entomopathogens has not been reported. We constructed dsRcOrco-HT115 engineered bacteria based on the RcOrco sequence from the full-length transcriptome data of R. chinensis. The engineered bacteria expressed dsRNA of RcOrco. Sonication was used to inactivate the dsRNA-HT115 strain and obtain a large amount of dsRcOrco. The dsRcOrco produced using this method overcame the problem that genetically engineered bacteria could not be applied directly and improved its effectiveness against termites. Bioassays using the dsRcOrco generated using this method showed that dsRcOrco significantly increased the toxicity of the bacterial and fungal pathogens to R. chinensis. The present study showed, for the first time, the function of Orco in termite resistance to pathogens, and the results provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of termite RNA biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dabao Jiang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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Johny J, Diallo S, Lukšan O, Shewale M, Kalinová B, Hanus R, Große-Wilde E. Conserved orthology in termite chemosensory gene families. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1065947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Termites are eusocial insects known to use a variety of pheromones in tasks necessary for maintenance of their societies. As such, olfaction and pheromone communication in termites has been an object of intense study; trail-following pheromones (TFPs) and sex-pairing pheromones (SPPs), for example, have been identified in many termite species. In contrast, the molecular basis of olfactory detection is understudied in the group. Here, we present chemosensory genes of three species of termites belonging to three distinct lineages, Neotermes cubanus (Kalotermitidae), Prorhinotermes simplex (Rhinotermitidae), and Inquilinitermes inquilinus (Termitidae). Using antennal transcriptome screening of termite workers, we identified the chemosensory genes, which allowed us to perform phylogenetic analysis. We found a comparatively large repertoires of odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), odorant binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). The evolutionary analysis of termite chemosensory genes revealed Isoptera-specific expansions with a 1:1 orthologous pattern, indicating the existence of conserved olfactory functions. Our findings on basal eusocial insects will further enhance our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of eusociality and the evolution of olfactory communication in termites.
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Veenstra JA. Differential expression of some termite neuropeptides and insulin/IGF-related hormones and their plausible functions in growth, reproduction and caste determination. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15259. [PMID: 37128206 PMCID: PMC10148640 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and other insulin-like peptides (ilps) are important hormones regulating growth and development in animals. Whereas most animals have a single female and male adult phenotype, in some insect species the same genome may lead to different final forms. Perhaps the best known example is the honeybee where females can either develop into queens or workers. More extreme forms of such polyphenism occur in termites, where queens, kings, workers and soldiers coexist. Both juvenile hormone and insulin-like peptides are known to regulate growth and reproduction as well as polyphenism. In termites the role of juvenile hormone in reproduction and the induction of the soldier caste is well known, but the role of IGF and other ilps in these processes remains largely unknown. Here the various termite ilps are identified and hypotheses regarding their functions suggested. Methods Genome assemblies and transcriptome short read archives (SRAs) were used to identify insulin-like peptides and neuropeptides in termites and to determine their expression in different species, tissues and castes. Results and Discussion Termites have seven different ilps, i.e. gonadulin, IGF and an ortholog of Drosophila insulin-like peptide 7 (dilp7), which are commonly present in insects, and four smaller peptides, that have collectively been called short IGF-related peptides (sirps) and individually atirpin, birpin, cirpin and brovirpin. Gonadulin is lost from the higher termites which have however amplified the brovirpin gene, of which they often have two or three paralogs. Based on differential expression of these genes it seems likely that IGF is a growth hormone and atirpin an autocrine tissue factor that is released when a tissue faces metabolic stress. Birpin seems to be responsible for growth and in the absence of juvenile hormone this may lead to reproductive adults or, when juvenile hormone is present, to soldiers. Brovirpin is expressed both by the brain and the ovary and likely stimulates vitellogenesis, while the function of cirpin is less clear.
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Yaguchi H, Suzuki S, Kanasaki N, Masuoka Y, Suzuki R, Suzuki RH, Hayashi Y, Shigenobu S, Maekawa K. Evolution and functionalization of vitellogenin genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2023; 340:68-80. [PMID: 35485990 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Eusociality has been commonly observed in distinct animal lineages. The reproductive division of labor is a particular feature, achieved by the coordination between fertile and sterile castes within the same nest. The sociogenomic approach in social hymenopteran insects indicates that vitellogenin (Vg) has undergone neo-functionalization in sterile castes. Here, to know whether Vgs have distinct roles in nonreproductive castes in termites, we investigated the unique characteristics of Vgs in the rhinotermitid termite Reticulitermes speratus. The four Vgs were identified from R. speratus (RsVg1-4), and RsVg3 sequences were newly identified using the RACE method. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the monophyly of the four termite Vgs. Moreover, the termites Vg1-3 and Vg4 were positioned in two different clades. The dN/dS ratios indicated that the branch leading to the common ancestor of termite Vg4 was under weak purifying selection. Expression analyses among castes (reproductives, workers, and soldiers) and females (nymphs, winged alates, and queens) showed that RsVg1-3 was highly expressed in fertile queens. In contrast, RsVg4 was highly expressed in workers and female nonreproductives (nymphs and winged adults). Localization of RsVg4 messenger RNA was confirmed in the fat body of worker heads and abdomens. These results suggest that Vg genes are functionalized after gene duplication during termite eusocial transition and that Vg4 is involved in nonreproductive roles in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Yaguchi
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan.,Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shogo Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Naoto Kanasaki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yudai Masuoka
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan.,Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryouhei H Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | | | - Shuji Shigenobu
- NIBB Research Core Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
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Yuan R, Zheng B, Li Z, Ma X, Shu X, Qu Q, Ye X, Li S, Tang P, Chen X. The chromosome-level genome of Chinese praying mantis Tenodera sinensis (Mantodea: Mantidae) reveals its biology as a predator. Gigascience 2022; 12:giad090. [PMID: 37882605 PMCID: PMC10600911 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Chinese praying mantis, Tenodera sinensis (Saussure), is a carnivorous insect that preys on a variety of arthropods and small vertebrates, including pest species. Several studies have been conducted to understand its behavior and physiology. However, there is limited knowledge about the genetic information underlying its genome evolution, digestive demands, and predatory behaviors. FINDINGS Here we have assembled the chromosome-level genome of T. sinensis, representing the first sequenced genome of the family Mantidae, with a genome size of 2.54 Gb and scaffold N50 of 174.78 Mb. Our analyses revealed that 98.6% of BUSCO genes are present, resulting in a well-annotated assembly compared to other insect genomes, containing 25,022 genes. The reconstructed phylogenetic analysis showed the expected topology placing the praying mantis in an appropriate position. Analysis of transposon elements suggested the Gypsy/Dirs family, which belongs to long terminal repeat (LTR) transposons, may be a key factor resulting in the larger genome size. The genome shows expansions in several digestion and detoxification associated gene families, including trypsin and glycosyl hydrolase (GH) genes, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, and carboxylesterase (CarE), reflecting the possible genomic basis of digestive demands. Furthermore, we have found 1 ultraviolet-sensitive opsin and 2 long-wavelength-sensitive (LWS) opsins, emphasizing the core role of LWS opsins in regulating predatory behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The high-quality genome assembly of the praying mantis provides a valuable repository for studying the evolutionary patterns of the mantis genomes and the gene expression profiles of insect predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhong Yuan
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Boying Zheng
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zekai Li
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xingzhou Ma
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohan Shu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Qiuyu Qu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Xiqian Ye
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Pu Tang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuexin Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
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Li Z, Zhou C, Chen Y, Ma W, Cheng Y, Chen J, Bai Y, Luo W, Li N, Du E, Li S. Egfr signaling promotes juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the German cockroach. BMC Biol 2022; 20:278. [PMID: 36514097 PMCID: PMC9749228 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01484-z] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In insects, an interplay between the activities of distinct hormones, such as juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), regulates the progression through numerous life history hallmarks. As a crucial endocrine factor, JH is mainly synthesized in the corpora allata (CA) to regulate multiple physiological and developmental processes, including molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction. During the last century, significant progress has been achieved in elucidating the JH signal transduction pathway, while less progress has been made in dissecting the regulatory mechanism of JH biosynthesis. Previous work has shown that receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling regulates hormone biosynthesis in both insects and mammals. Here, we performed a systematic RNA interference (RNAi) screening to identify RTKs involved in regulating JH biosynthesis in the CA of adult Blattella germanica females. RESULTS We found that the epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) is required for promoting JH biosynthesis in the CA of adult females. The Egf ligands Vein and Spitz activate Egfr, followed by Ras/Raf/ERK signaling, and finally activation of the downstream transcription factor Pointed (Pnt). Importantly, Pnt induces the transcriptional expression of two key enzyme-encoding genes in the JH biosynthesis pathway: juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) and methyl farnesoate epoxidase (CYP15A1). Dual-luciferase reporter assay shows that Pnt is able to activate a promoter region of Jhamt. In addition, electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirms that Pnt directly binds to the - 941~ - 886 nt region of the Jhamt promoter. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the detailed molecular mechanism of Egfr signaling in promoting JH biosynthesis in the German cockroach, shedding light on the intricate regulation of JH biosynthesis during insect development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxin Li
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China ,grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, China
| | - Caisheng Zhou
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wentao Ma
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Cheng
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinxin Chen
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Bai
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Luo
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, China
| | - Erxia Du
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China ,grid.263785.d0000 0004 0368 7397Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, China
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Bai TT, Pei XJ, Liu TX, Fan YL, Zhang SZ. Melanin synthesis genes BgTH and BgDdc affect body color and cuticle permeability in Blattella germanica. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1552-1568. [PMID: 35191584 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Melanin is involved in cuticle pigmentation and sclerotization of insects, which is critical for maintaining structural integrity and functional completeness of insect cuticle. The 2 key enzymes of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC) predicted in melanin biosynthesis are usually conserved in insects. However, it is unclear whether their function is related to epidermal permeability. In this study, we identified and cloned the gene sequences of BgTH and BgDdc from Blattella germanica, and revealed that they both showed a high expression at the molting, and BgTH was abundant in the head and integument while BgDdc was expressed highest in the fat body. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we found that knockdown of BgTH caused molting obstacles in some cockroaches, with the survivors showing pale color and softer integuments, while knockdown of BgDdc was viable and generated an abnormal light brown body color. Desiccation assay showed that the dsBgTH-injected adults died earlier than control groups under a dry atmosphere, but dsBgDdc-injected cockroaches did not. In contrast, when dsRNA-treated cockroaches were reared under a high humidity condition, almost no cockroaches died in all treatments. Furthermore, with eosin Y staining assay, we found that BgTH-RNAi resulted in a higher cuticular permeability, and BgDdc-RNAi also caused slight dye penetration. These results demonstrate that BgTH and BgDdc function in body pigmentation and affect the waterproofing ability of the cuticle, and the reduction of cuticular permeability may be achieved through cuticle melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Tian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Present address: Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology and Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shi-Ze Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Rosvall KA. Evolutionary endocrinology and the problem of Darwin's tangled bank. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105246. [PMID: 36029721 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Like Darwin's tangled bank of biodiversity, the endocrine mechanisms that give rise to phenotypic diversity also exhibit nearly endless forms. This tangled bank of mechanistic diversity can prove problematic as we seek general principles on the role of endocrine mechanisms in phenotypic evolution. A key unresolved question is therefore: to what degree are specific endocrine mechanisms re-used to bring about replicated phenotypic evolution? Related areas of inquiry are booming in molecular ecology, but behavioral traits are underrepresented in this literature. Here, I leverage the rich comparative tradition in evolutionary endocrinology to evaluate whether and how certain mechanisms may be repeated hotspots of behavioral evolutionary change. At one extreme, mechanisms may be parallel, such that evolution repeatedly uses the same gene or pathway to arrive at multiple independent (or, convergent) origins of a particular behavioral trait. At the other extreme, the building blocks of behavior may be unique, such that outwardly similar phenotypes are generated via lineage-specific mechanisms. This review synthesizes existing case studies, phylogenetic analyses, and experimental evolutionary research on mechanistic parallelism in animal behavior. These examples show that the endocrine building blocks of behavior have some elements of parallelism across replicated evolutionary events. However, support for parallelism is variable among studies, at least some of which relates to the level of complexity at which we consider sameness (i.e. pathway vs. gene level). Moving forward, we need continued experimentation and better testing of neutral models to understand whether, how - and critically, why - mechanism A is used in one lineage and mechanism B is used in another. We also need continued growth of large-scale comparative analyses, especially those that can evaluate which endocrine parameters are more or less likely to undergo parallel evolution alongside specific behavioral traits. These efforts will ultimately deepen understanding of how and why hormone-mediated behaviors are constructed the way that they are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Rosvall
- Indiana University, Bloomington, USA; Department of Biology, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, USA.
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Berger J, Legendre F, Zelosko KM, Harrison MC, Grandcolas P, Bornberg-Bauer E, Fouks B. Eusocial Transition in Blattodea: Transposable Elements and Shifts of Gene Expression. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1948. [PMID: 36360186 PMCID: PMC9689775 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Unravelling the molecular basis underlying major evolutionary transitions can shed light on how complex phenotypes arise. The evolution of eusociality, a major evolutionary transition, has been demonstrated to be accompanied by enhanced gene regulation. Numerous pieces of evidence suggest the major impact of transposon insertion on gene regulation and its role in adaptive evolution. Transposons have been shown to be play a role in gene duplication involved in the eusocial transition in termites. However, evidence of the molecular basis underlying the eusocial transition in Blattodea remains scarce. Could transposons have facilitated the eusocial transition in termites through shifts of gene expression? (2) Using available cockroach and termite genomes and transcriptomes, we investigated if transposons insert more frequently in genes with differential expression in queens and workers and if those genes could be linked to specific functions essential for eusocial transition. (3) The insertion rate of transposons differs among differentially expressed genes and displays opposite trends between termites and cockroaches. The functions of termite transposon-rich queen- and worker-biased genes are related to reproduction and ageing and behaviour and gene expression, respectively. (4) Our study provides further evidence on the role of transposons in the evolution of eusociality, potentially through shifts in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Berger
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Legendre
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Kevin-Markus Zelosko
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mark C. Harrison
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Philippe Grandcolas
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Erich Bornberg-Bauer
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bertrand Fouks
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Coevolution of Metabolic Pathways in Blattodea and Their Blattabacterium Endosymbionts, and Comparisons with Other Insect-Bacteria Symbioses. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0277922. [PMID: 36094208 PMCID: PMC9603385 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02779-22] [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: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many insects harbor bacterial endosymbionts that supply essential nutrients and enable their hosts to thrive on a nutritionally unbalanced diet. Comparisons of the genomes of endosymbionts and their insect hosts have revealed multiple cases of mutually-dependent metabolic pathways that require enzymes encoded in 2 genomes. Complementation of metabolic reactions at the pathway level has been described for hosts feeding on unbalanced diets, such as plant sap. However, the level of collaboration between symbionts and hosts that feed on more variable diets is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated amino acid and vitamin/cofactor biosynthetic pathways in Blattodea, which comprises cockroaches and termites, and their obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti (hereafter Blattabacterium). In contrast to other obligate symbiotic systems, we found no clear evidence of "collaborative pathways" for amino acid biosynthesis in the genomes of these taxa, with the exception of collaborative arginine biosynthesis in 2 taxa, Cryptocercus punctulatus and Mastotermes darwiniensis. Nevertheless, we found that several gaps specific to Blattabacterium in the folate biosynthetic pathway are likely to be complemented by their host. Comparisons with other insects revealed that, with the exception of the arginine biosynthetic pathway, collaborative pathways for essential amino acids are only observed in phloem-sap feeders. These results suggest that the host diet is an important driving factor of metabolic pathway evolution in obligate symbiotic systems. IMPORTANCE The long-term coevolution between insects and their obligate endosymbionts is accompanied by increasing levels of genome integration, sometimes to the point that metabolic pathways require enzymes encoded in two genomes, which we refer to as "collaborative pathways". To date, collaborative pathways have only been reported from sap-feeding insects. Here, we examined metabolic interactions between cockroaches, a group of detritivorous insects, and their obligate endosymbiont, Blattabacterium, and only found evidence of collaborative pathways for arginine biosynthesis. The rarity of collaborative pathways in cockroaches and Blattabacterium contrasts with their prevalence in insect hosts feeding on phloem-sap. Our results suggest that host diet is a factor affecting metabolic integration in obligate symbiotic systems.
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Eliaš J, Izuhara H, Mimura M, Tang BQ. An aggregation model of cockroaches with fast-or-slow motion dichotomy. J Math Biol 2022; 85:28. [PMID: 36098821 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-022-01797-1] [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: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We propose a mathematical model, namely a reaction-diffusion system, to describe social behaviour of cockroaches. An essential new aspect in our model is that the dispersion behaviour due to overcrowding effect is taken into account as a counterpart to commonly studied aggregation. This consideration leads to an intriguing new phenomenon which has not been observed in the literature. Namely, due to the competition between aggregation towards areas of higher concentration of pheromone and dispersion avoiding overcrowded areas, the cockroaches aggregate more at the transition area of pheromone. Moreover, we also consider the fast reaction limit where the switching rate between active and inactive subpopulations tends to infinity. By utilising improved duality and energy methods, together with the regularisation of heat operator, we prove that the weak solution of the reaction-diffusion system converges to that of a reaction-cross-diffusion system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ján Eliaš
- Institute of Mathematics and Scientific Computing, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 36, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Hirofumi Izuhara
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan.
| | - Masayasu Mimura
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Bao Q Tang
- Institute of Mathematics and Scientific Computing, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 36, 8010, Graz, Austria
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