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Hassan MM, Tenazas F, Williams A, Chiu JW, Robin C, Russell DA, Golz JF. Minimizing IP issues associated with gene constructs encoding the Bt toxin - a case study. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:37. [PMID: 38825715 PMCID: PMC11145813 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00864-3] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of a publicly funded initiative to develop genetically engineered Brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, and canola) expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Crystal (Cry)-encoded insecticidal (Bt) toxin for Indian and Australian farmers, we designed several constructs that drive high-level expression of modified Cry1B and Cry1C genes (referred to as Cry1BM and Cry1CM; with M indicating modified). The two main motivations for modifying the DNA sequences of these genes were to minimise any licensing cost associated with the commercial cultivation of transgenic crop plants expressing CryM genes, and to remove or alter sequences that might adversely affect their activity in plants. RESULTS To assess the insecticidal efficacy of the Cry1BM/Cry1CM genes, constructs were introduced into the model Brassica Arabidopsis thaliana in which Cry1BM/Cry1CM expression was directed from either single (S4/S7) or double (S4S4/S7S7) subterranean clover stunt virus (SCSV) promoters. The resulting transgenic plants displayed a high-level of Cry1BM/Cry1CM expression. Protein accumulation for Cry1CM ranged from 5.18 to 176.88 µg Cry1CM/g dry weight of leaves. Contrary to previous work on stunt promoters, we found no correlation between the use of either single or double stunt promoters and the expression levels of Cry1BM/Cry1CM genes, with a similar range of Cry1CM transcript abundance and protein content observed from both constructs. First instar Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae fed on transgenic Arabidopsis leaves expressing the Cry1BM/Cry1CM genes showed 100% mortality, with a mean leaf damage score on a scale of zero to five of 0.125 for transgenic leaves and 4.2 for wild-type leaves. CONCLUSIONS Our work indicates that the modified Cry1 genes are suitable for the development of insect resistant GM crops. Except for the PAT gene in the USA, our assessment of the intellectual property landscape of components presents within the constructs described here suggest that they can be used without the need for further licensing. This has the capacity to significantly reduce the cost of developing and using these Cry1M genes in GM crop plants in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahmudul Hassan
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Francis Tenazas
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Adam Williams
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jing-Wen Chiu
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Charles Robin
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Derek A Russell
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - John F Golz
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Li Q, Li M, Zhu M, Zhong J, Wen L, Zhang J, Zhang R, Gao Q, Yu XQ, Lu Y. Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of Cry toxin receptor families in 7 insect species with a focus on Spodoptera litura. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:783-800. [PMID: 34405540 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cadherin, aminopeptidase N (APN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) have been characterized as Cry receptors. In this study, comparative genomic analysis of the 3 receptor families was performed in 7 insects. ALPs and APNs are divided into three and eight clades in phylogenetic trees, respectively. ALPs in clade 3 and APNs in clade 1 contain multiple paralogs within each species and most paralogs are located closely in chromosomes. Drosophila melanogaster has expanded APNs in clade 5 and were lowly expressed in midgut. Cadherins are divided into 16 clades; they may diverge before holometabolous insect speciation except for BtR and Cad89D-like clades. Eight insects from different orders containing BtR orthologs are sensitive to Cry1A or Cry3A, while five species without BtR are insensitive to both toxins. Most APNs in clade 1, several ALPs in clade 3, BtR and Cad89D-like genes were highly or moderately expressed in larval midgut of Spodoptera litura and the other six species, and several members in these clades have been identified as Cry receptors. Expressions of putative S. litura Cry receptors in the midgut after exposing to Bt toxins were also analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin 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
| | - Mengge 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
| | - Mengyao Zhu
- 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
| | - Jielai Zhong
- 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
| | - Liang Wen
- 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
| | - Jie Zhang
- 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
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- 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
| | - Qiang Gao
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang 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
| | - Yuzhen Lu
- 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
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Zhang M, Ma Y, Luo J, Ji J, Gao X, Wu C, Zhu X, Wang L, Zhang K, Li D, Wang L, Niu L, Cui J. Transgenic insect-resistant Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac/1Ab does not harm the insect predator Geocoris pallidipennis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 230:113129. [PMID: 34979310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton has brought significant economic and environmental benefits. However, GM crops must undergo strict environmental monitoring and long-term observation. An important natural enemy insect in cotton fields, Geocoris pallidipennis, can ingest the Bt protein expressed in GM cotton by feeding on herbivorous insects that feed on the cotton. However, the potential risk of GM cotton to G. pallidipennis is still unclear. We here evaluated the effects of Bt cotton expressing the Cry1Ac/1Ab protein on nymphs and adults G. pallidipennis. Cry1Ac protein was detected in the midgut of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, after it ingested Bt cotton, and in the midgut of G. pallidipennis nymphs and adults preying on Bt-fed H. armigera. However, the survival rate, growth, development, and fecundity of G. pallidipennis were not adversely affected. Furthermore, G. pallidipennis cadherins, and those genes related to detoxification, antioxidant activity, nutrient utilization, and immune function were not differentially expressed in response to Cry1Ac exposure. Finally, we showed that Cry1Ac could not bind to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) proteins in G. pallidipennis nymphs or adults. In summary, these results indicate that the potential negative effect of transgenic Cry1Ac/1Ab cotton on the insect redator G. pallidipennis is negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Yamin Ma
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Changcai Wu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lisha Wang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lin Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China.
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China.
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4
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Niu L, Liu F, Zhang S, Luo J, Zhang L, Ji J, Gao X, Ma W, Cui J. Transgenic insect-resistant Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac/CpTI does not affect the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114762. [PMID: 32408077 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Common varieties of genetically modified (GM) cotton increasingly display insect-resistant properties via expression of bacterial-derived toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This necessitates a deeper understanding of the possible effects of these crops on non-target insects. The mirid bug Apolygus lucorum is a major pest in cotton production in China, however, the effect of GM cotton on this non-target species is currently virtually unknown. This insect is exposed to these transgenic plants by consuming genetically modified (GM) leaves. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the toxicity of CCRI41 and CCRI45, (genetically modified cotton varieties which express the toxins Cry1Ac and CpTI (Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor)) on nymphs and adults of A. lucorum. There was no detectable increase in mortality after A. lucorum fed on GM cotton leaves for 20 days. While we detected trace amounts of Cry1Ac proteins in both A. lucorum nymphs and adults (<10 ng/g fresh weight), the expression of genes related to detoxification did not detectably differ from those feeding on non-GM cotton. Our binding assays did not show Cry1Ac binding to receptors on the midgut brush border membrane from either A. lucorum nymphs or adults. Our findings collectively indicate that feeding on leaves of the GM cotton varieties CCRI41 and CCRI45 have few toxic effects on A. lucorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China.
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Resistance to Chilo infuscatellus (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea) in transgenic lines of sugarcane expressing Bacillus thuringiensis derived Vip3A protein. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2649-2658. [PMID: 32128710 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture requires management of insect pests through resistance development. The biological potential of Cry toxins and Vip protein, derived from Bacillus species, is widely recognized in this context. The identification, evaluation of new insecticidal protein genes with different mode of action and entomotoxicity against sugarcane stem borer (Chilo infuscatellus) is important to overcome evolved insect resistance. In this study, we reported the generation of transgenic sugarcane lines expressing Vip3A toxin driven by polyubiquitin promoter for resistance against sugarcane stem borer. The V0 transgenic sugarcane plants were initially characterized by GUS histochemical staining, PCR and Southern blot assays that confirmed genetic transformation of twelve independent sugarcane lines. Variable transgene expression was found among transgenic sugarcane lines when revealed through Realtime quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) with highest in S10 line while minimum was observed in V5 line. A similar expression pattern was observed in transgenic sugarcane lines for Vip3A protein concentration which ranged from 5.35 to 8.89 µg/mL. A direct correlation was observed between the Vip3A protein and Vip3A transgene expression in the transgenic sugarcane lines. In in-vitro insect bioassay on V1, Vip3A transgenic sugarcane lines exhibited high resistance to C. infuscatellus with upto 100% mortality compared to the control sugarcane line. Our findings suggest that a single copy insertion of Vip3A gene in transgenic sugarcane lines render them resistant to borer and these lines can be potentially used for generation of insect resistant transgenic sugarcane and could also be employed in gene pyramiding with Bt toxin to prolong resistance.
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6
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Jin Y, Drabik D, Heerink N, Wesseler J. The Cost of Postponement of Bt Rice Commercialization in China. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1226. [PMID: 31649697 PMCID: PMC6792301 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To maintain self-sufficiency in rice production and national food security, the Chinese government strongly supports research that aims at increasing the productivity of rice cultivation. Rice with genetic material from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt rice) is transgenic rice that can reduce lepidopteran pest damage and the use of insecticides. It was developed in the 1990s and earned biosafety certificates in 2009. However, because of political reasons, its commercialization in China has been postponed, and, to date, Bt rice is not grown in China. We assess the opportunity cost of postponement of Bt rice commercialization in China between the years 2009 and 2019 and consider the external costs of pesticide use and potential technology spill-overs of Bt rice. We estimate the cost of postponement of Bt rice over the analyzed period to be 12 billion United States (US) dollars per year.
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Tang Q, Yang Z, Han R, Zhang Y, Shen C, Wang J. No Effect of Bt-transgenic Rice on the Tritrophic Interaction of the Stored Rice, the Maize Weevil Sitophilus Zeamais and the Parasitoid Wasp Theocolax elegans. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4306. [PMID: 30867515 PMCID: PMC6416355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40836-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During Bt transgenic rice storage, Bt Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac fused protein is exposed to the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais and the parasitoid wasp Theocolax elegans. We have carried out a long-term risk assessment for Bt rice to these non-target organisms in the storehouse. Effects of Bt rice on S. zeamais and T. elegans have been carefully detected in a laboratory experiment of over 5 years. The survival, development, fecundity, and longevity of the maize weevil were compared between Bt rice and non-Bt rice treatments for every 5 generations from generation 1 to 25. Moreover, the development, adult body size and sex ratio of T. elegans were compared between them parasitizing S. zeamais feeding on Bt rice or non-Bt rice. We found that although Bt Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac fused protein exists in the Bt rice grains and S. zeamais digestive tracts, Bt rice is not harmful to the maize weevil S. zeamais and its parasitoid T. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Tang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Zhipeng Yang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Rongrong Han
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Chen Shen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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Bacillus thuringiensis-Based Gene Pyramiding: a Way Forward for a Combined Horizontal and Vertical Resistance in Plant. BACILLI IN CLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE AND BIOPROSPECTING 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-15175-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Zhou D, Liu X, Gao S, Guo J, Su Y, Ling H, Wang C, Li Z, Xu L, Que Y. Foreign cry1Ac gene integration and endogenous borer stress-related genes synergistically improve insect resistance in sugarcane. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 18:342. [PMID: 30526526 PMCID: PMC6288918 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-018-1536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) is considered the most globally important sugar-producing crop and raw material for biofuel. Insect attack is a major issue in sugarcane cultivation, resulting in yield losses and sucrose content reductions. Stem borer (Diatraea saccharalis F.) causes serious yield losses in sugarcane worldwide. However, insect-resistant germplasms for sugarcane are not available in any collections all over the world, and the molecular mechanism of insect resistance has not been elucidated. In this study, cry1Ac transgenic sugarcane lines were obtained and the biological characteristics and transgene dosage effect were investigated and a global exploration of gene expression by transcriptome analysis was performed. RESULTS The transgene copies of foreign cry1Ac were variable and random. The correlation between the cry1Ac protein and cry1Ac gene copies differed between the transgenic lines from FN15 and ROC22. The medium copy lines from FN15 showed a significant linear relationship, while ROC22 showed no definite dosage effect. The transgenic lines with medium copies of cry1Ac showed an elite phenotype. Transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing indicated that up/down regulated differentially expressed genes were abundant among the cry1Ac sugarcane lines and the receptor variety. Foreign cry1Ac gene and endogenous borer stress-related genes may have a synergistic effect. Three lines, namely, A1, A5, and A6, were selected for their excellent stem borer resistance and phenotypic traits and are expected to be used directly as cultivars or crossing parents for sugarcane borer resistance breeding. CONCLUSIONS Cry1Ac gene integration dramatically improved sugarcane insect resistance. The elite transgenic offspring contained medium transgene copies. Foreign cry1Ac gene integration and endogenous borer stress-related genes may have a synergistic effect on sugarcane insect resistance improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinggang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Remediation and Safe Utilization of Heavy Metal-Polluted Soils, Hunan University of Science and Technology, School of Life Science, Xiangtan, 411201 Hunan China
| | - Xiaolan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Remediation and Safe Utilization of Heavy Metal-Polluted Soils, Hunan University of Science and Technology, School of Life Science, Xiangtan, 411201 Hunan China
| | - Shiwu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
| | - Jinlong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
| | - Yachun Su
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
| | - Hui Ling
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
| | - Chunfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
| | - Zhu Li
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
| | - Liping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
| | - Youxiong Que
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002 Fujian China
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Wang Y, Li D, Zhou H, Liu H, Niu L, Wang L, Ma W. Evaluation of Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa Toxin Binding to Two Important Beneficial Cotton Field Insects, Harmonia axyridis and Orius similis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:8698-8702. [PMID: 30059215 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b02634] [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: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic crops expressing Cry toxins are effective and considered environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, but assessment of environmental risks of their application on nontarget organisms is ongoing. The main risk is the transfer of Cry toxins to natural enemies through the food chain. There is reported evidence supporting that Cry toxins can be detected in the body and gut of some natural enemy insects. Considering that binding of Cry toxins to insect proteins is an essential step in the intoxication process, this work was conducted to evaluate interactions between Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa toxins with proteins from larvae/nymphs and adults of two important predatory natural enemies in cotton fields, Harmonia axyridis and Orius similis. Results support the absence of Cry1Ac or Cry2Aa binding proteins in immature stages of H. axyridis and O. similis, as well as in imaginal stage of H. axyridis. One same binding band about 70 kDa was found in imaginal total protein of O. similis when probed with the two Cry proteins, with the best match to Hsc70 of O. sauteri in the Uniprot database. However, nonspecific binding was verified by following competitive binding assays between the two Cry proteins and imaginal total protein of O. similis. From these results, we may infer that Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa have no likely detrimental effects on H. axyridis and O. similis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables , Hubei Engineering University , Xiaogan 432000 , China
| | - Dabo Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
- Yichang Institute of Termite Control , Yichang 443000 , China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
| | - Hui Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
| | - Lin Niu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables , Hubei Engineering University , Xiaogan 432000 , China
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
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Niu L, Tian Z, Liu H, Zhou H, Ma W, Lei C, Chen L. Transgenic Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab or Cry1Ac/EPSPS does not affect the plant bug Adelphocoris suturalis or the pollinating beetle Haptoncus luteolus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:788-793. [PMID: 29247941 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The widespread cultivation of transgenic Bt cotton makes assessing the potential effects of this recombinant crop on non-target organisms a priority. However, the effect of Bt cotton on many insects is currently virtually unknown. The plant bug Adelphocoris suturalis is now a major pest of cotton in southern China and the beetle Haptoncus luteolus is one of the most ancient cotton pollinators. We conducted laboratory experiments to evaluate the toxicity of the Bt cotton varieties ZMSJ, which expresses the toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, and ZMKCKC, which expresses Cry1Ac and EPSPS, on adult A. suturalis and H. luteolus. No significant increase in the mortality of either species was detected after feeding on Bt cotton leaves or pollen for 7 days. Trace amounts of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins could be detected in both species but in vitro binding experiments found no evidence of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab binding proteins. These results demonstrate that feeding on the leaves or pollen of these two Bt cotton varieties has no toxic effects on adult A. suturalis or H. luteolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Niu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenya Tian
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
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Shao E, Lin L, Liu S, Zhang J, Chen X, Sha L, Huang Z, Huang B, Guan X. Analysis of Homologs of Cry-toxin Receptor-Related Proteins in the Midgut of a Non-Bt Target, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2018; 18:4839024. [PMID: 29415259 PMCID: PMC5804751 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens is one of the most destructive insect pests in the rice fields of Asia. Like other hemipteran insects, BPH is not susceptible to Cry toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or transgenic rice carrying Bt cry genes. Lack of Cry receptors in the midgut is one of the main reasons that BPH is not susceptible to the Cry toxins. The main Cry-binding proteins (CBPs) of the susceptible insects are cadherin, aminopeptidase N (APN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In this study, we analyzed and validated de novo assembled transcripts from transcriptome sequencing data of BPH to identify and characterize homologs of cadherin, APN, and ALP. We then compared the cadherin-, APN-, and ALP-like proteins of BPH to previously reported CBPs to identify their homologs in BPH. The sequence analysis revealed that at least one cadherin, one APN, and two ALPs of BPH contained homologous functional domains identified from the Cry-binding cadherin, APN, and ALP, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction used to verify the expression level of each putative Cry receptor homolog in the BPH midgut indicated that the CBPs homologous APN and ALP were expressed at high or medium-high levels while the cadherin was expressed at a low level. These results suggest that homologs of CBPs exist in the midgut of BPH. However, differences in key motifs of CBPs, which are functional in interacting with Cry toxins, may be responsible for insusceptibility of BPH to Cry toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Li Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Sijun Liu
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011
| | - Jiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Xuelin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Li Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Biwang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Xiong Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, School of Life Science, Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Key Lab of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Center for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
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