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Bilgo E, Mancini MV, Gnambani JE, Dokpomiwa HAT, Murdochy S, Lovett B, St. Leger R, Sinkins SP, Diabate A. Wolbachia confers protection against the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense in African Aedes aegypti. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13316. [PMID: 39097980 PMCID: PMC11298244 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi represent promising alternatives to chemical insecticides to respond to the rapid increase of insecticide resistance and vector-borne disease outbreaks. This study investigated the interaction of two strains of Wolbachia, wAlbB and wAu, with the natural entomopathogenic fungi from Burkina Faso Metarhizium pingshaense, known to be lethal against Anopheles mosquitoes. In addition to showing the potential of Metarhizium against African Aedes aegypti wild-type populations, our study shows that the wAlbB and wAu provide a protective advantage against entomopathogenic fungal infections. Compared to controls, fungal-infected wAu and wAlbB-carrying mosquitoes showed higher longevity, without any significant impact on fecundity and fertility phenotypes. This study provides new insights into the complex multipartite interaction among the mosquito host, the Wolbachia endosymbiont and the entomopathogenic fungus that might be employed to control mosquito populations. Future research should investigate the fitness costs of Wolbachia, as well as its spread and prevalence within mosquito populations. Additionally, evaluating the impact of Wolbachia on interventions involving Metarhizium pingshaense through laboratory and semi-field population studies will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this combined approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Bilgo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Maria Vittoria Mancini
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
- Department of Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Jacques E. Gnambani
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Houeffa Adeline Tatiana Dokpomiwa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Shivan Murdochy
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Brian Lovett
- United States Department of Agriculture Research ServiceIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | | | | | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
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Ong’wen F, Njoroge MM, Fillinger U, Lutermann H, Bukhari T. Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae, Isolate ICIPE 7, against Anopheles arabiensis, Glossina fuscipes, and Rhipicephalus spp. INSECTS 2024; 15:449. [PMID: 38921163 PMCID: PMC11204313 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Arthropod vectors are responsible for a multitude of human and animal diseases affecting poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Their control still relies on chemical agents, despite growing evidence of insecticide resistance and environmental health concerns. Biorational agents, such as the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, might be an alternative for vector control. Recently, the M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 7 has been developed into a commercial product in Kenya for control of ticks on cattle. We were interested in assessing the potential of controlling not only ticks but also disease-transmitting mosquitoes and tsetse flies using cattle as blood hosts, with the aim of developing a product for integrated vector management. Laboratory bioassays were carried out with M. anisopliae, isolate ICIPE 7 and isolate ICIPE 30, to compare efficacy against laboratory-reared Anopheles arabiensis. ICIPE 7 was further tested against wild Glossina fuscipes and Rhipicephalus spp. Dose-response tests were implemented, period of mosquito exposure was evaluated for effects on time to death, and the number of spores attached to exposed vectors was assessed. Exposure to 109 spores/mL of ICIPE 7 for 10 min resulted in a similar mortality of An. arabiensis as exposure to ICIPE 30, albeit at a slower rate (12 vs. 8 days). The same ICIPE 7 concentration also resulted in mortalities of tsetse flies (LT50: 16 days), tick nymphs (LT50: 11 days), and adult ticks (LT50: 20 days). Mosquito mortality was dose-dependent, with decreasing LT50 of 8 days at a concentration of 106 spores/mL to 6 days at 1010 spores/mL. Exposure period did not modulate the outcome, 1 min of exposure still resulted in mortality, and spore attachment to vectors was dose-dependent. The laboratory bioassays confirmed that ICIPE 7 has the potential to infect and cause mortality to the three exposed arthropods, though at slower rate, thus requiring further validation under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedinand Ong’wen
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.M.N.); (U.F.); (T.B.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa;
| | - Margaret Mendi Njoroge
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.M.N.); (U.F.); (T.B.)
| | - Ulrike Fillinger
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.M.N.); (U.F.); (T.B.)
| | - Heike Lutermann
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa;
| | - Tullu Bukhari
- Human Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.M.N.); (U.F.); (T.B.)
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Qin Y, Liu X, Peng G, Xia Y, Cao Y. Recent Advancements in Pathogenic Mechanisms, Applications and Strategies for Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mosquito Biocontrol. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:746. [PMID: 37504734 PMCID: PMC10381795 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases are widespread among insects and play a crucial role in naturally regulating insect populations. Mosquitoes, known as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, pose a significant threat to human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as highly promising alternative agents to chemical mosquitocides for controlling mosquitoes at all stages of their life cycle due to their unique infection pathway through direct contact with the insect's cuticle. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the infection pathways and pathogenic mechanisms of EPF against mosquitoes. Various strategies involving the use of EPF alone or combinations with other approaches have been employed to target mosquitoes at various developmental stages. Moreover, the application of genetic technologies in fungi has opened up new avenues for enhancing the mosquitocidal efficacy of EPF. This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in our understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of EPF, their applications in mosquito management, and the combination of EPF with other approaches and employment of transgenic technologies. The biosafety concerns associated with their use and the corresponding approaches are also discussed. The recent progress suggests that EPF have the potential to serve as a future biorational tool for controlling mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Guoxiong Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yueqing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
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Ahmed J, Walker AA, Perdomo HD, Guo S, Nixon SA, Vetter I, Okoh HI, Shehu DM, Shuaibu MN, Ndams IS, King GF, Herzig V. Two Novel Mosquitocidal Peptides Isolated from the Venom of the Bahia Scarlet Tarantula ( Lasiodora klugi). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:418. [PMID: 37505687 PMCID: PMC10467143 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective control of diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti is primarily achieved through vector control by chemical insecticides. However, the emergence of insecticide resistance in A. aegypti undermines current control efforts. Arachnid venoms are rich in toxins with activity against dipteran insects and we therefore employed a panel of 41 spider and 9 scorpion venoms to screen for mosquitocidal toxins. Using an assay-guided fractionation approach, we isolated two peptides from the venom of the tarantula Lasiodora klugi with activity against adult A. aegypti. The isolated peptides were named U-TRTX-Lk1a and U-TRTX-Lk2a and comprised 41 and 49 residues with monoisotopic masses of 4687.02 Da and 5718.88 Da, respectively. U-TRTX-Lk1a exhibited an LD50 of 38.3 pmol/g when injected into A. aegypti and its modeled structure conformed to the inhibitor cystine knot motif. U-TRTX-Lk2a has an LD50 of 45.4 pmol/g against adult A. aegypti and its predicted structure conforms to the disulfide-directed β-hairpin motif. These spider-venom peptides represent potential leads for the development of novel control agents for A. aegypti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna 810107, Nigeria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A. Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hugo D. Perdomo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Samantha A. Nixon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Hilary I. Okoh
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye 371104, Nigeria
| | - Dalhatu M. Shehu
- Department of Zoology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna 810107, Nigeria
| | - Mohammed N. Shuaibu
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna 810107, Nigeria
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna 810107, Nigeria
| | - Iliya S. Ndams
- Department of Zoology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna 810107, Nigeria
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
- School of Science, Technology, and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
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Vidhate RP, Dawkar VV, Punekar SA, Giri AP. Genomic Determinants of Entomopathogenic Fungi and Their Involvement in Pathogenesis. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:49-60. [PMID: 34977966 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01936-z] [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] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi offer an effective and eco-friendly alternative to curb insect populations in biocontrol strategy. The evolutionary history of selected entomopathogenic fungi indicates their ancestral relationship with plant endophytes. During this host shifting, entomopathogenic fungi must have acquired multiple mechanisms, including a combination of various biomolecules that make them distinguishable from other fungi. In this review, we focus on understanding various biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in entomopathogenesis. In particular, we attempt to explain the indispensable role of enlarged gene families of various virulent factors, viz. chitinases, proteases, lipases, specialized metabolites, and cytochrome P450, in entomopathogenesis. Our analysis suggests that entomopathogenic fungi recruit a different set of gene products during the progression of pathogenesis. Knowledge of these bio-molecular interactions between fungi and insect hosts will allow researchers to execute pointed efforts towards the development of improved entomopathogenic fungal strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra P Vidhate
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vishal V Dawkar
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sachin A Punekar
- Biospheres, Eshwari, 52/403, Lakshminagar, Parvati, Pune, 411009, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashok P Giri
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Wei Z, Xu J, Peng X, Yuan Z, Zhao C, Guo K, Zhang X, He Y, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Shen G, Qian K. Preparation and performance characteristics of spider venom peptide nanocapsules. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:4261-4267. [PMID: 35716064 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b is an insecticidal toxin produced by the Tasmanian funnel-web spider (Hadronyche venenata), that can be exploited for development of novel bioinsecticides. Due to its larger size and low membrane permeability, this toxin usually has a slower mode of action compared to conventional small molecule insecticides. Nanoscale materials have unique optical, electrical, mechanical and biological properties, and show great application prospects for pesticide delivery. RESULTS The physical and chemical properties of nanocapsules were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle testing and with a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the nanocapsules were spherical, with an average particle size of 197.70 nm, the encapsulation efficiency rate was 75.82% and the Zeta potential was -32.90 mV. Penetration experiments showed that the nanocapsules could promote protein passage through the intestinal tract of Spodoptera litura and reach the body fluid. Then we expressed ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b by prokaryotic expression. Bioassay results showed that the oral toxicity of ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b nanocapsules to S. litura was higher than that of the ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b. CONCLUSION In this paper, we reported a construction method of spider venom peptide nanocapsules based on polylactic-co-glycolic acid by multiple emulsion for delivery of protein to improve the insecticidal effect and oral activity of ω-hexatoxin-Hv1a. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wei
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhu Xu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinya Peng
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zitong Yuan
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunyan Guo
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuqian Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying He
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zan Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wu
- The National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangmao Shen
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Qian
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Rivera-de-Torre E, Rimbault C, Jenkins TP, Sørensen CV, Damsbo A, Saez NJ, Duhoo Y, Hackney CM, Ellgaard L, Laustsen AH. Strategies for Heterologous Expression, Synthesis, and Purification of Animal Venom Toxins. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:811905. [PMID: 35127675 PMCID: PMC8811309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.811905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are complex mixtures containing peptides and proteins known as toxins, which are responsible for the deleterious effect of envenomations. Across the animal Kingdom, toxin diversity is enormous, and the ability to understand the biochemical mechanisms governing toxicity is not only relevant for the development of better envenomation therapies, but also for exploiting toxin bioactivities for therapeutic or biotechnological purposes. Most of toxinology research has relied on obtaining the toxins from crude venoms; however, some toxins are difficult to obtain because the venomous animal is endangered, does not thrive in captivity, produces only a small amount of venom, is difficult to milk, or only produces low amounts of the toxin of interest. Heterologous expression of toxins enables the production of sufficient amounts to unlock the biotechnological potential of these bioactive proteins. Moreover, heterologous expression ensures homogeneity, avoids cross-contamination with other venom components, and circumvents the use of crude venom. Heterologous expression is also not only restricted to natural toxins, but allows for the design of toxins with special properties or can take advantage of the increasing amount of transcriptomics and genomics data, enabling the expression of dormant toxin genes. The main challenge when producing toxins is obtaining properly folded proteins with a correct disulfide pattern that ensures the activity of the toxin of interest. This review presents the strategies that can be used to express toxins in bacteria, yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells, as well as synthetic approaches that do not involve cells, such as cell-free biosynthesis and peptide synthesis. This is accompanied by an overview of the main advantages and drawbacks of these different systems for producing toxins, as well as a discussion of the biosafety considerations that need to be made when working with highly bioactive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V. Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Damsbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Natalie J. Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Yoan Duhoo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Celeste Menuet Hackney
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
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St. Leger RJ. From the Lab to the Last Mile: Deploying Transgenic Approaches Against Mosquitoes. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.804066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ingenious exploitation of transgenic approaches to produce malaria resistant or sterile mosquitoes, or hypervirulent mosquito pathogens, has produced many potential solutions to vector borne diseases. However, in spite of technological feasibility, it has not been determined how well these new methods will work, and how they should be tested and regulated. Some self-limiting transgenic fungal pathogens and mosquitoes are almost field ready, and may be easier to regulate than self-sustaining strategies. However, they require repeat sales and so must show business viability; low-cost mass production is just one of a number of technical constraints that are sometimes treated as an afterthought in technology deployment. No transgenic self-sustaining approach to anopheline control has ever been deployed because of unresolved ethical, social and regulatory issues. These overlapping issues include: 1) the transparency challenge, which requires public discourse, particularly in Africa where releases are proposed, to determine what society is willing to risk given the potential benefits; 2) the transboundary challenge, self-sustaining mosquitoes or pathogens are potentially capable of crossing national boundaries and irreversibly altering ecosystems, and 3) the risk assessment challenge. The polarized debate as to whether these technologies will ever be used to save lives is ongoing; they will founder without a political answer as to how do we interpret the precautionary principle, as exemplified in the Cartagena protocol, in the global context of technological changes.
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Sbaraini N, Tomazett MV, Penteriche AB, Gonçales RA, Camargo MDS, Bailão AM, Borges CL, Schrank A, Soares CMDA, Staats CC. An efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method for Simplicillium subtropicum (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Genet Mol Biol 2021; 44:e20210073. [PMID: 34606563 PMCID: PMC8489804 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2021-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are the organisms of choice for most industrial biotechnology. Some species can produce a variety of secondary metabolites and enzymes of commercial interest, and the production of valuable molecules has been enhanced through different molecular tools. Methods for genetic manipulation and transformation have been essential for the optimization of these organisms. The genus Simplicillium has attracted increased attention given several potential biotechnological applications. The Simplicillium genus harbors several entomopathogenic species and some isolates have been explored for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminants. Furthermore, the myriad of secondary metabolites isolated from Simplicillium spp. render these organisms as ideal targets for deep exploration and further biotechnological mining possibilities. However, the lack of molecular tools hampered the exploration of this genus. Thus, an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method was established for Simplicillium subtropicum, employing the far-red fluorescent protein TURBOFP635/Katushka, as a visual marker, and the selection marker SUR gene, that confers resistance to chlorimuron ethyl. Notably, one round of transformation using the established method yielded almost 400 chlorimuron resistant isolates. Furthermore, these transformants displayed mitotic stability for, at least, five generations. We anticipate that this method can be useful for deep molecular exploration and improvement of strains in the Simplicillium genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolau Sbaraini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Rede Avançada em Biologia Computacional (RABICÓ), Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana Vieira Tomazett
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Augusto Bartz Penteriche
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- University of Minho, School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Matheus da Silva Camargo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Rede Avançada em Biologia Computacional (RABICÓ), Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Charley Christian Staats
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Rede Avançada em Biologia Computacional (RABICÓ), Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil
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Chung SH, Bigham M, Lappe RR, Chan B, Nagalakshmi U, Whitham SA, Dinesh‐Kumar SP, Jander G. A sugarcane mosaic virus vector for rapid in planta screening of proteins that inhibit the growth of insect herbivores. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1713-1724. [PMID: 33763921 PMCID: PMC8428830 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) is a notorious pest that threatens maize production worldwide. Current control measures involve the use of chemical insecticides and transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Although additional transgenes have confirmed insecticidal activity, limited research has been conducted in maize, at least partially due to the technical difficulty of maize transformation. Here, we describe implementation of a sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) vector for rapidly testing the efficacy of both endogenous maize genes and heterologous genes from other organisms for the control of S. frugiperda in maize. Four categories of proteins were tested using the SCMV vector: (i) maize defence signalling proteins: peptide elicitors (Pep1 and Pep3) and jasmonate acid conjugating enzymes (JAR1a and JAR1b); (ii) maize defensive proteins: the previously identified ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP2) and maize proteinase inhibitor (MPI), and two proteins with predicted but unconfirmed anti-insect activities, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and a lectin (JAC1); (iii) lectins from other plant species: Allium cepa agglutinin (ACA) and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA); and (iv) scorpion and spider toxins: peptides from Urodacus yaschenkoi (UyCT3 and UyCT5) and Hadronyche versuta (Hvt). In most cases, S. frugiperda larval growth was reduced by transient SCMV-mediated overexpression of genes encoding these proteins. Additionally, experiments with a subset of the SCMV-expressed genes showed effectiveness against two aphid species, Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid) and Myzus persicae (green peach aphid). Together, these results demonstrate that SCMV vectors are a rapid screening method for testing the efficacy and insecticidal activity of candidate genes in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan R. Lappe
- Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
| | - Barry Chan
- Department of Plant Biology and The Genome CenterCollege of Biological SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Ugrappa Nagalakshmi
- Department of Plant Biology and The Genome CenterCollege of Biological SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Steven A. Whitham
- Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyIowa State UniversityAmesIAUSA
| | - Savithramma P. Dinesh‐Kumar
- Department of Plant Biology and The Genome CenterCollege of Biological SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Georg Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant ResearchIthacaNYUSA
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11
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González-Hernández GA, Padilla-Guerrero IE, Martínez-Vázquez A, Torres-Guzmán JC. Virulence Factors of the Entomopathogenic Genus Metarhizium. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:324-330. [PMID: 31951168 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666200116092407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The fungal genus Metarhizium has been used as an entomopathogen worldwide for approximately 140 years, and its mechanism of infection and its virulence factors have been studied. The present review is a compilation of virulence factors described in the literature to date and their participation in specific stages of the infection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria A González-Hernández
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Israel E Padilla-Guerrero
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Juan C Torres-Guzmán
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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12
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Herzig V, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Israel MR, Nixon SA, Vetter I, King GF. Animal toxins - Nature's evolutionary-refined toolkit for basic research and drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114096. [PMID: 32535105 PMCID: PMC7290223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Venomous animals have evolved toxins that interfere with specific components of their victim's core physiological systems, thereby causing biological dysfunction that aids in prey capture, defense against predators, or other roles such as intraspecific competition. Many animal lineages evolved venom systems independently, highlighting the success of this strategy. Over the course of evolution, toxins with exceptional specificity and high potency for their intended molecular targets have prevailed, making venoms an invaluable and almost inexhaustible source of bioactive molecules, some of which have found use as pharmacological tools, human therapeutics, and bioinsecticides. Current biomedically-focused research on venoms is directed towards their use in delineating the physiological role of toxin molecular targets such as ion channels and receptors, studying or treating human diseases, targeting vectors of human diseases, and treating microbial and parasitic infections. We provide examples of each of these areas of venom research, highlighting the potential that venom molecules hold for basic research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Herzig
- School of Science & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Mathilde R Israel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha A Nixon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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13
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Gnambani EJ, Bilgo E, Sanou A, Dabiré RK, Diabaté A. Infection of highly insecticide-resistant malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii with entomopathogenic bacteria Chromobacterium violaceum reduces its survival, blood feeding propensity and fecundity. Malar J 2020; 19:352. [PMID: 33008454 PMCID: PMC7530970 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03420-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is now a concern that malaria eradication will not be achieved without the introduction of novel control tools. Microbiological control might be able to make a greater contribution to vector control in the future. The interactions between bacteria and mosquito make mosquito microbiota really promising from a disease control perspective. Here, the impact of Chromobacterium violaceum infections, isolated from both larvae and adult of wild-caught Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes in Burkina Faso, was evaluated on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity. METHODS To assess entomopathogenic effects of C. violaceum infection on mosquitoes, three different types of bioassays were performed in laboratory. These bioassays aimed to evaluate the impact of C. violaceum infection on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity, respectively. During bioassays mosquitoes were infected through the well-established system of cotton ball soaked with 6% glucose containing C. violaceum. RESULTS Chromobacterium violaceum kills pyrethroid resistant Anopheles coluzzii (LT80 of 8.78 days ± 0.18 at 108 bacteria cell/ml of sugar meal). Interestingly, this bacterium had other negative effects on mosquito lifespan by significantly reducing (~ 59%, P < 0.001) the mosquito feeding willingness from day 4-post infection (~ 81% would seek a host to blood feed) to 9- day post infection (22 ± 4.62% would seek a host to blood feed). Moreover, C. violaceum considerably jeopardized the egg laying (~ 16 eggs laid/mosquito with C. violaceum infected mosquitoes vs ~ 129 eggs laid/mosquito with control mosquitoes) and hatching of mosquitoes (a reduction of ~ 22% of hatching rate with C. violaceum infected mosquitoes). Compared to the bacterial uninfected mosquitoes, mosquitoes infected with C. violaceum showed significantly higher retention rates of immature eggs and follicles. CONCLUSION These data showed important properties of Burkina Faso C. violaceum strains, which are highly virulent against insecticide-resistant An. coluzzii, and reduce both mosquito blood feeding and fecundity propensities. However, additional studies as the sequencing of C. violaceum genome and the potential toxins secreted will provide useful information render it a potential candidate for the biological control strategies of malaria and other disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edounou Jacques Gnambani
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS) / Centre Muraz, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Université Nazi Boni / Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Etienne Bilgo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS) / Centre Muraz, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
| | - Adama Sanou
- Université Nazi Boni / Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Roch K Dabiré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS) / Centre Muraz, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoulaye Diabaté
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS) / Centre Muraz, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
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14
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Shen D, Nyawira KT, Xia A. New discoveries and applications of mosquito fungal pathogens. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 40:111-116. [PMID: 32781416 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are a major threat to human health globally because they transmit infectious diseases, such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviruses. The conventional mosquito control efforts, based on synthetic insecticides, have been compromised owing to the eventual development of insecticide resistance and the adverse environmental impacts of insecticides. Alternative eco-friendly approaches using entomopathogenic fungi to alleviate vector-borne disease burden have gained an increasing interest because of their selective specificity and environmental safety. Existing literature revealed an enormous potential of microbial agents for the biocontrol of mosquitoes. With the advances in genetic recombination and transformation techniques, genetically engineered fungal biopesticides showed promising efficacy against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. In this article, we elaborate on the important mosquito fungal and oomycota pathogens as potential biocontrol agents and infection mechanism through oral ingestion. Recent advances on the secreted effectors for suppression of host immunity and progress on the development of transgenic mosquito-killing fungi were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyu Shen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Karani T Nyawira
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ai Xia
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
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15
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Finda MF, Christofides N, Lezaun J, Tarimo B, Chaki P, Kelly AH, Kapologwe N, Kazyoba P, Emidi B, Okumu FO. Opinions of key stakeholders on alternative interventions for malaria control and elimination in Tanzania. Malar J 2020; 19:164. [PMID: 32321534 PMCID: PMC7178586 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria control in Tanzania currently relies primarily on long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying, alongside effective case management and behaviour change communication. This study explored opinions of key stakeholders on the national progress towards malaria elimination, the potential of currently available vector control interventions in helping achieve elimination by 2030, and the need for alternative interventions that could be used to supplement malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania. Methods In this exploratory qualitative study, Focus group discussions were held with policy-makers, regulators, research scientists and community members. Malaria control interventions discussed were: (a) improved housing, (b) larval source management, (c) mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin to reduce vector densities, (d) release of modified mosquitoes, including genetically modified or irradiated mosquitoes, (e) targeted spraying of mosquito swarms, and (f) spatial repellents. Results Larval source management and spatial repellents were widely supported across all stakeholder groups, while insecticide-spraying of mosquito swarms was the least preferred. Support for MDA with ivermectin was high among policy makers, regulators and research scientists, but encountered opposition among community members, who instead expressed strong support for programmes to improve housing for poor people in high transmission areas. Policy makers, however, challenged the idea of government-supported housing improvement due to its perceived high costs. Techniques of mosquito modification, specifically those involving gene drives, were viewed positively by community members, policy makers and regulators, but encountered a high degree of scepticism among scientists. Overall, policy-makers, regulators and community members trusted scientists to provide appropriate advice for decision-making. Conclusion Stakeholder opinions regarding alternative malaria interventions were divergent except for larval source management and spatial repellents, for which there was universal support. MDA with ivermectin, housing improvement and modified mosquitoes were also widely supported, though each faced concerns from at least one stakeholder group. While policy-makers, regulators and community members all noted their reliance on scientists to make informed decisions, their reasoning on the benefits and disadvantages of specific interventions included factors beyond technical efficiency. This study suggests the need to encourage and strengthen dialogue between research scientists, policy makers, regulators and communities regarding new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marceline F Finda
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania. .,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa.
| | - Nicola Christofides
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa
| | - Javier Lezaun
- Institute for Science, Innovation and Society, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brian Tarimo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Prosper Chaki
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Ann H Kelly
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College, London, UK
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, P. O Box 1923, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Paul Kazyoba
- National Institute for Medical Research, 3 Barack Obama Drive, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Basiliana Emidi
- National Institute for Medical Research, 3 Barack Obama Drive, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,National Malaria Control Programme, P. O. Box 743, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Fredros O Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.,School of Life Science and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
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16
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Lovett B, Bilgo E, Diabate A, St Leger R. A review of progress toward field application of transgenic mosquitocidal entomopathogenic fungi. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2316-2324. [PMID: 30801913 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In Africa, adult mosquito populations are primarily controlled with insecticide-impregnated bed nets and residual insecticide sprays. This coupled with widespread applications of pesticides in agriculture has led to increasing insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. We have developed multiple alternative strategies for exploiting transgenic Metarhizium spp. directed at: (i) shortening the lifespan of adult mosquitoes; (ii) reducing transmission potential of Plasmodium spp.; (iii) reducing vector competence via pre-lethal effects. The present challenge is to convert this promising strategy into a validated public health intervention by resolving outstanding issues related to the release of genetically modified organisms. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovett
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Etienne Bilgo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Raymond St Leger
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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17
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King GF. Tying pest insects in knots: the deployment of spider-venom-derived knottins as bioinsecticides. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2437-2445. [PMID: 31025461 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spider venoms are complex chemical arsenals that contain a rich variety of insecticidal toxins. However, the major toxin class in many spider venoms is disulfide-rich peptides known as knottins. The knotted three-dimensional fold of these mini-proteins provides them with exceptional chemical and thermal stability as well as resistance to proteases. In contrast with other bioinsecticides, which are often slow-acting, spider knottins are fast-acting neurotoxins. In addition to being potently insecticidal, some knottins have exceptional taxonomic selectivity, being lethal to key agricultural pests but innocuous to vertebrates and beneficial insects such as bees. The intrinsic oral activity of these peptides, combined with the ability of aerosolized knottins to penetrate insect spiracles, has enabled them to be developed commercially as eco-friendly bioinsecticides. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that spider-knottin transgenes can be used to engineer faster-acting entomopathogens and insect-resistant crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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18
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Application of the Scorpion Neurotoxin AaIT against Insect Pests. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143467. [PMID: 31311095 PMCID: PMC6678123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Androctonus australis Hector insect toxin (AaIT), an insect-selective toxin, was identified in the venom of the scorpion Androctonus australis. The exclusive and specific target of the toxin is the voltage-gated sodium channels of the insect, resulting in fast excitatory paralysis and even death. Because of its strict toxic selectivity and high bioactivity, AaIT has been widely used in experiments exploring pest bio-control. Recombinant expression of AaIT in a baculovirus or a fungus can increase their virulence to insect pests and diseases vectors. Likewise, transgenic plants expressing AaIT have notable anti-insect activity. AaIT is an efficient toxin and has great potential to be used in the development of commercial insecticides.
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19
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Lovett B, Bilgo E, Millogo SA, Ouattarra AK, Sare I, Gnambani EJ, Dabire RK, Diabate A, St. Leger RJ. Transgenic Metarhizium rapidly kills mosquitoes in a malaria-endemic region of Burkina Faso. Science 2019; 364:894-897. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw8737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Malaria control efforts require implementation of new technologies that manage insecticide resistance. Metarhizium pingshaense provides an effective, mosquito-specific delivery system for potent insect-selective toxins. A semifield trial in a MosquitoSphere (a contained, near-natural environment) in Soumousso, a region of Burkina Faso where malaria is endemic, confirmed that the expression of an insect-specific toxin (Hybrid) increased fungal lethality and the likelihood that insecticide-resistant mosquitoes would be eliminated from a site. Also, as Hybrid-expressing M. pingshaense is effective at very low spore doses, its efficacy lasted longer than that of the unmodified Metarhizium. Deployment of transgenic Metarhizium against mosquitoes could (subject to appropriate registration) be rapid, with products that could synergistically integrate with existing chemical control strategies to avert insecticide resistance.
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20
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Saez NJ, Herzig V. Versatile spider venom peptides and their medical and agricultural applications. Toxicon 2018; 158:109-126. [PMID: 30543821 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spiders have been evolving complex and diverse repertoires of peptides in their venoms with vast pharmacological activities for more than 300 million years. Spiders use their venoms for prey capture and defense, hence they contain peptides that target both prey (mainly arthropods) and predators (other arthropods or vertebrates). This includes peptides that potently and selectively modulate a range of targets such as ion channels, receptors and signaling pathways involved in physiological processes. The contribution of these targets in particular disease pathophysiologies makes spider venoms a valuable source of peptides with potential therapeutic use. In addition, peptides with insecticidal activities, used for prey capture, can be exploited for the development of novel bioinsecticides for agricultural use. Although we have already reviewed potential applications of spider venom peptides as therapeutics (in 2010) and as bioinsecticides (in 2012), a considerable number of research articles on both topics have been published since, warranting an updated review. Here we explore the most recent research on the use of spider venom peptides for both medical and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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21
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Li H, Xia Y. High cell density fed-batch production of insecticidal recombinant ribotoxin hirsutellin A from Pichia pastoris. Microb Cell Fact 2018; 17:145. [PMID: 30342541 PMCID: PMC6195745 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-018-0992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fungal ribotoxin hirsutellin A (HtA) exhibits strong insecticidal activity; however, efficient systems for expressing recombinant HtA (rHtA) are lacking. Here, we established an efficient heterologous expression system to produce large amounts of rHtA. RESULTS Recombinant Pichia pastoris transformants with high levels of secretory rHtA were screened, and in a fed-batch reactor, rHtA was secreted at levels up to 80 mg/l following methanol induction, which was more than sixfold higher than that in shake flasks. Approximately 7 mg of highly pure rHtA was obtained from 300 ml of fed-batch culture supernatant by Ni+-nitriloacetic acid affinity chromatography and CM Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography. Mass spectrometry results revealed rHtA as a native N-terminal non-glycosylated monomeric protein with a molecular weight of 15.3 kDa. Purified rHtA exhibited excellent thermal and protease stability and dose-dependent cytotoxicity to Sf9 insect cells and insecticidal activity against Galleria mellonella larvae. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of rHtA expression in P. pastoris. The rHtA was expressed at a high level under high-cell-density fed-batch fermentation and was efficiently purified using a two-step purification method. Purified rHtA exhibited thermal and protease stability, as well as appropriate bioactivities. Our results indicate that fed-batch production by P. pastoris is an efficient method to produce functional rHtA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Li
- Postdoctoral Mobile Station of Biology, Genetic Engineering Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- Postdoctoral Mobile Station of Biology, Genetic Engineering Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 55 South Road of University Town, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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Transgenic Metarhizium pingshaense synergistically ameliorates pyrethroid-resistance in wild-caught, malaria-vector mosquitoes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203529. [PMID: 30192847 PMCID: PMC6128571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic Metarhizium pingshaense expressing the spider neurotoxin Hybrid (Met-Hybrid) kill mosquitoes faster and at lower spore doses than wild-type strains. In this study, we demonstrate that this approach dovetails with the cornerstone of current malaria control: pyrethroid-insecticides, which are the cornerstone of current malaria control. We used World Health Organization (WHO) tubes, to compare the impact on insecticide resistance of Met-Hybrid with red fluorescent M. pingshaense (Met-RFP), used as a proxy for the wild-type fungus. Insecticides killed less than 20% of Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae s.s. mosquitoes collected in a malaria endemic region of Burkina Faso where pyrethroid use is common. Seven days post-infection, mortality for insecticide-sensitive and resistant mosquitoes averaged 94% with Met-Hybrid and 64% with Met-RFP, with LT80 values of 5.32±0.199 days and 7.76±0.183 days, respectively. Eighty nine percent of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes exposed to permethrin five days post-infection with Met-Hybrid died within 24 hours: only 22% died from Met-Hybrid alone over this 24-hour period. Compared to Met-RFP, Met-Hybrid also significantly reduced flight capacity of mosquitoes 3 to 5 days post-infection. Based on WHOPES phase I laboratory susceptibility bioassays, transgenic Met-Hybrid provides effective biological control for adult African malaria vectors that may be used to synergistically manage insecticide resistance with current methods.
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23
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Lovett B, St Leger RJ. Genetically engineering better fungal biopesticides. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2018; 74:781-789. [PMID: 28905488 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbial insect pathogens offer an alternative means of pest control with the potential to wean us off our heavy reliance on chemical pesticides. Insect pathogenic fungi play an important natural role in controlling disease vectors and agricultural pests. Most commercial products employ Ascomycetes in the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria. However, their utilization has been limited by inconsistent field results as a consequence of sensitivity to abiotic stresses and naturally low virulence. Other naturally occurring biocontrol agents also face these hurdles to successful application, but the availability of complete genomes and recombinant DNA technologies have facilitated design of multiple fungal pathogens with enhanced virulence and stress resistance. Many natural and synthetic genes have been inserted into entomopathogen genomes. Some of the biggest gains in virulence have been obtained using genes encoding neurotoxic peptides, peptides that manipulate host physiology and proteases and chitinases that degrade the insect cuticle. Prokaryotes, particularly extremophiles, are useful sources of genes for improving entomopathogen resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These biological insecticides are environmentally friendly and cost-effective insect pest control options. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovett
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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24
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Native entomopathogenic Metarhizium spp. from Burkina Faso and their virulence against the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii and non-target insects. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:209. [PMID: 29587876 PMCID: PMC5870526 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2796-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genetically enhanced Metarhizium pingshaense are being developed for malaria vector control in Burkina Faso. However, not much is known about the local prevalence and pathogenicity of this fungus, so we prospected mosquitoes and plant roots (a common habitat for Metarhizium spp.) for entomopathogenic fungi. Results Our investigations showed that Metarhizium spp. represented between 29–74% of fungi isolated from plant root rhizospheres in diverse collection sites. At low spore dosages (1 × 106 conidia/ml), two mosquito-derived M. pingshaense isolates (Met_S26 and Met_S10) showed greater virulence against Anopheles coluzzii (LT80 of ~7 days) than isolates tested in previous studies (LT80 of ~10 days). In addition, the local isolates did not cause disease in non-target insects (honeybees and cockroaches). Conclusions Our work provides promising findings for isolating local Metarhizium strains for application in mosquito biological control and for future transgenic biocontrol strategies in Burkina Faso. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2796-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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