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Iannucci A, Zhu J, Antonielli L, Ayari A, Nasri-Ammar K, Knoll W, Pelosi P, Dani FR. Chemosensory proteins as putative semiochemical carriers in the desert isopod Hemilepistus reaumurii. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 162:104012. [PMID: 37743031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The order Isopoda contains both aquatic and terrestrial species, among which Hemilepistus reaumurii, which lives in arid environments and is the most adapted to terrestrial life. Olfaction has been deeply investigated in insects while it has received very limited attention in other arthropods, particularly in terrestrial crustaceans. In insects, soluble proteins belonging to two main families, Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) and Chemosensory Proteins (CSPs), are contained in the olfactory sensillar lymph and are suggested to act as carriers of hydrophobic semiochemicals to or from membrane-bound olfactory receptors. Other protein families, namely Nieman-Pick type 2 (NPC2) and Lipocalins (LCNs) have been also reported as putative odorant carriers in insects and other arthropod clades. In this study, we have sequenced and analysed the transcriptomes of antennae and of the first pair of legs of H. reaumurii focusing on soluble olfactory proteins. Interestingly, we have found 13 genes encoding CSPs, whose sequences differ from those of the other arthropod clades, including non-isopod crustaceans, for the presence of two additional cysteine residues, besides the four conserved ones. Binding assays on two of these proteins showed strong affinities for fatty acids and long-chain unsaturated esters and aldehydes, putative semiochemicals for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Iannucci
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, 50019, Firenze, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jiao Zhu
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Livio Antonielli
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Anas Ayari
- Université Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Unité de Recherche de Bio-Ecologie et Systématique Evolutive, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karima Nasri-Ammar
- Université Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Unité de Recherche de Bio-Ecologie et Systématique Evolutive, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Francesca Romana Dani
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, 50019, Firenze, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
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Wu Y, Li Y, Chu W, Niu T, Feng X, Ma R, Liu H. Expression and functional characterization of odorant-binding protein 2 in the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1493-1506. [PMID: 36458978 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction plays a crucial role for arthropods in foraging, mating, and oviposition. The odorant-binding protein (OBP) gene is considered one of the most important olfactory genes. However, little is known about its functions in predatory mites. Here, we used Neoseiulus barkeri, an important commercialized natural pest control, to explore the chemosensory characteristics of OBP. In this study, N. barkeri was attracted by methyl salicylate (MeSA) and showed higher crawling speeds under MeSA treatment. Then, we identified and cloned an OBP gene named Nbarobp2 and analyzed its expression profiles in the predatory mite. Nbarobp2 was 663 bp, was highly expressed in larval and nymphal stages, and was significantly upregulated in N. barkeri under MeSA treatment. Nbarobp2 encoded 202 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 23 kDa (after removing the signal peptide). Sequence comparisons revealed that the OBPs in Arachnida shared 6 conserved cysteine sites, but were distinguishable from the OBPs of Insecta on the phylogenetic tree. RNA interference, Western blotting, and binding affinity assays further proved that Nbarobp2 was involved in volatile perception in predatory mites. This study shed light on the functional characteristics of OBPs in predatory mites, providing a new insight for better biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wenqiang Chu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tiandi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaotian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Rongjiang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
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3
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Mani K, Nganso BT, Rodin P, Otmy A, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Effects of Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) gene transcripts silencing on behavior of Varroa destructor and molecular changes in the putative olfactory gene networks. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 148:103817. [PMID: 35926690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To understand the role of two Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) transcripts, Vd40090 (NP1) and Vd74517 (NP5), in the chemosensing pathway of Varroa destructor, we evaluated the impact of NP5 silencing on mites behavior and compared the effect of silencing of either transcripts on the interaction between chemosensory transcripts. In contrast to silencing NP1, which reduced feeding and reproduction by the mite (Nganso et al., 2021), silencing of NP5 reduced significantly the host reaching ability, but it did not affect the feeding on nurse bee. However, silencing of either transcript changed dramatically the co-expression patterns among the putative chemosensory genes, binding proteins and receptors. The results suggest the role of gustatory receptors in the detection of long-range chemical cues in the chemosensory cascade of the Varroa mite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Mani
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Beatrice T Nganso
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Penina Rodin
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Assaf Otmy
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
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4
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Pelosi P, Knoll W. Odorant-binding proteins of mammals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:20-44. [PMID: 34480392 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) of vertebrates belong to the lipocalin superfamily and perform a dual function: solubilizing and ferrying volatile pheromones to the olfactory receptors, and complexing the same molecules in specialized glands and assisting their release into the environment. Within vertebrates, to date they have been reported only in mammals, apart from two studies on amphibians. Based on the small number of OBPs expressed in each species, on their sites of production outside the olfactory area and their presence in biological fluids known to be pheromone carriers, such as urine, saliva and sexual secretions, we conclude that OBPs of mammals are specifically dedicated to pheromonal communication. This assumption is further supported by the observation that some OBPs present in biological secretions are endowed with their own pheromonal activity, adding renewed interest to these proteins. Another novel piece of evidence is the recent discovery that glycosylation and phosphorylation can modulate the binding activity of these proteins, improving their affinity to pheromones and narrowing their specificity. A comparison with insects and other arthropods shows a completely different scenario. While mammalian OBPs are specifically tuned to pheromones, those of insects, which are completely different in sequence and structure, include carriers for general odorants in addition to those dedicated to pheromones. Additionally, whereas mammals adopted a single family of carrier proteins for chemical communication, insects and other arthropods are endowed with several families of semiochemical-binding proteins. Here, we review the literature on the structural and functional properties of vertebrate OBPs, summarize the most interesting new findings and suggest possible exciting future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pelosi
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße 24, Tulln, 3430, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße 24, Tulln, 3430, Austria
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De novo transcriptome sequencing of the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, shed light on parasitiform poultry mites evolution and its chemoreceptor repertoires. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:521-535. [PMID: 35032220 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The northern fowl mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, and the poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, are the most serious pests of poultry, both of which have an expanding global prevalence. Research on NFM has been constrained by a lack of genomic and transcriptomic data. Here, we report and analyze the first global transcriptome data across all mite live stages and sexes. A total of 28,999 unigenes were assembled, of which 19,750 (68.10%) were annotated using seven functional databases. The biological function of these unigenes was classified using the GO, KOG, and KEGG databases. To gain insight into the chemosensory receptor-based system of parasitiform mites, we furthermore assessed the gene repertoire of gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs), both of which encode putative ligand-gated ion channel proteins. While these receptors are well characterized in insect model species, our understanding of chemosensory detection in mites and ticks is in its infancy. To address this paucity of data, we identified 9 IR/iGluRs and 2 GRs genes by analyzing transcriptome data in the NFM, while 9 GRs and 41 IR/iGluRs genes were annotated in the PRM genome. Taken together, the transcriptomic and genomic annotation of these two species provide a valuable reference for studies of parasitiform mites and also help to understand how chemosensory gene family expansion/contraction events may have been reshaped by an obligate parasitic lifestyle compared with their free-living closest relatives. Future studies should include additional species to validate this observation and functional characterization of the identified proteins as a step forward in identifying tools for controlling these poultry pests.
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Nganso BT, Mani K, Eliash N, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Towards disrupting Varroa -honey bee chemosensing: A focus on a Niemann-Pick type C2 transcript. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:519-531. [PMID: 34216416 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We focused our study on the 12 recently identified putative odorant carrier proteins in the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor. Here we show, via an exclusion of the chemosensory appendages (forelegs and gnathosoma) that transcripts of five of the 12 genes were significantly lower, suggesting that they are likely involved in carrying host volatiles. Specifically, three transcripts were found to be foreleg-specific while the other two transcripts were expressed in both the forelegs and gnathosoma. We focused on one of the highly expressed and foreleg-specific transcript Vd40090, which encodes a Niemann-Pick disease protein type C2 (NPC2) protein. Effects of dsRNA-mediated silencing of Vd40090 were first measured by quantifying the transcript levels of genes that encode other putative odorant carrier proteins as well as reproduction related proteins. In addition, the impact of silencing on mites behaviour and survival was tested. Silencing of Vd40090 effectively disrupted Varroa host selection, acceptance and feeding and significantly impaired the expression of genes that regulate its reproduction in brood cells, resulting in reduced reproduction and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Nganso
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - K Mani
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - N Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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7
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Zhu J, Renzone G, Arena S, Dani FR, Paulsen H, Knoll W, Cambillau C, Scaloni A, Pelosi P. The Odorant-Binding Proteins of the Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136828. [PMID: 34202019 PMCID: PMC8269058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider mites are one of the major agricultural pests, feeding on a large variety of plants. As a contribution to understanding chemical communication in these arthropods, we have characterized a recently discovered class of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) in Tetranychus urticae. As in other species of Chelicerata, the four OBPs of T. urticae contain six conserved cysteines paired in a pattern (C1-C6, C2-C3, C4-C5) differing from that of insect counterparts (C1-C3, C2-C5, C4-C6). Proteomic analysis uncovered a second family of OBPs, including twelve members that are likely to be unique to T. urticae. A three-dimensional model of TurtOBP1, built on the recent X-ray structure of Varroa destructor OBP1, shows protein folding different from that of insect OBPs, although with some common features. Ligand-binding experiments indicated some affinity to coniferyl aldehyde, but specific ligands may still need to be found among very large molecules, as suggested by the size of the binding pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhu
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.Z.); (W.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Giovanni Renzone
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Simona Arena
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesca Romana Dani
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Harald Paulsen
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.Z.); (W.K.)
- Department of Physics and Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Medicine/Dental Medicine, Danube Private University, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Christian Cambillau
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (UMR 7257), CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, CDEX 09, 13288 Marseille, France;
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.Z.); (W.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Amigues B, Zhu J, Gaubert A, Arena S, Renzone G, Leone P, Fischer IM, Paulsen H, Knoll W, Scaloni A, Roussel A, Cambillau C, Pelosi P. A new non-classical fold of varroa odorant-binding proteins reveals a wide open internal cavity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13172. [PMID: 34162975 PMCID: PMC8222343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92604-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), as they occur in insects, form a distinct class of proteins that apparently has no closely related representatives in other animals. However, ticks, mites, spiders and millipedes contain genes encoding proteins with sequence similarity to insect OBPs. In this work, we have explored the structure and function of such non-insect OBPs in the mite Varroa destructor, a major pest of honey bee. Varroa OBPs present six cysteines paired into three disulphide bridges, but with positions in the sequence and connections different from those of their insect counterparts. VdesOBP1 structure was determined in two closely related crystal forms and appears to be a monomer. Its structure assembles five α-helices linked by three disulphide bridges, one of them exhibiting a different connection as compared to their insect counterparts. Comparison with classical OBPs reveals that the second of the six α-helices is lacking in VdesOBP1. Ligand-binding experiments revealed molecules able to bind only specific OBPs with a moderate affinity, suggesting that either optimal ligands have still to be identified, or post-translational modifications present in the native proteins may be essential for modulating binding activity, or else these OBPs might represent a failed attempt in evolution and are not used by the mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Amigues
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Jiao Zhu
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anais Gaubert
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Simona Arena
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Renzone
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Philippe Leone
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Isabella Maria Fischer
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Harald Paulsen
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
- Department of Physics and Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Medicine/Dental Medicine, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Alain Roussel
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Christian Cambillau
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France.
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria.
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Zhu J, Iannucci A, Dani FR, Knoll W, Pelosi P. Lipocalins in Arthropod Chemical Communication. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6261314. [PMID: 33930146 PMCID: PMC8214410 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipocalins represent one of the most successful superfamilies of proteins. Most of them are extracellular carriers for hydrophobic ligands across aqueous media, but other functions have been reported. They are present in most living organisms including bacteria. In animals they have been identified in mammals, molluscs, and arthropods; sequences have also been reported for plants. A subgroup of lipocalins, referred to as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), mediate chemical communication in mammals by ferrying specific pheromones to the vomeronasal organ. So far, these proteins have not been reported as carriers of semiochemicals in other living organisms; instead chemical communication in arthropods is mediated by other protein families structurally unrelated to lipocalins. A search in the databases has revealed extensive duplication and differentiation of lipocalin genes in some species of insects, crustaceans, and chelicerates. Their large numbers, ranging from a handful to few dozens in the same species, their wide divergence, both within and between species, and their expression in chemosensory organs suggest that such expansion may have occurred under environmental pressure, thus supporting the hypothesis that lipocalins may be involved in chemical communication in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhu
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Tulln, Austria.,Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alessio Iannucci
- Departement of Biology, University of Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Tulln, Austria
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Tulln, Austria
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10
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Bartley K, Chen W, Lloyd Mills RI, Nunn F, Price DRG, Rombauts S, Van de Peer Y, Roy L, Nisbet AJ, Burgess STG. Transcriptomic analysis of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, across all stages of the lifecycle. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:248. [PMID: 33827430 PMCID: PMC8028124 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood feeding poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, causes substantial economic damage to the egg laying industry worldwide, and is a serious welfare concern for laying hens and poultry house workers. In this study we have investigated the temporal gene expression across the 6 stages/sexes (egg, larvae, protonymph and deutonymph, adult male and adult female) of this neglected parasite in order to understand the temporal expression associated with development, parasitic lifestyle, reproduction and allergen expression. RESULTS RNA-seq transcript data for the 6 stages were mapped to the PRM genome creating a publicly available gene expression atlas (on the OrcAE platform in conjunction with the PRM genome). Network analysis and clustering of stage-enriched gene expression in PRM resulted in 17 superclusters with stage-specific or multi-stage expression profiles. The 6 stage specific superclusters were clearly demarked from each other and the adult female supercluster contained the most stage specific transcripts (2725), whilst the protonymph supercluster the fewest (165). Fifteen pairwise comparisons performed between the different stages resulted in a total of 6025 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) (P > 0.99). These data were evaluated alongside a Venn/Euler analysis of the top 100 most abundant genes in each stage. An expanded set of cuticle proteins and enzymes (chitinase and metallocarboxypeptidases) were identified in larvae and underpin cuticle formation and ecdysis to the protonymph stage. Two mucin/peritrophic-A salivary proteins (DEGAL6771g00070, DEGAL6824g00220) were highly expressed in the blood-feeding stages, indicating peritrophic membrane formation during feeding. Reproduction-associated vitellogenins were the most abundant transcripts in adult females whilst, in adult males, an expanded set of serine and cysteine proteinases and an epididymal protein (DEGAL6668g00010) were highly abundant. Assessment of the expression patterns of putative homologues of 32 allergen groups from house dust mites indicated a bias in their expression towards the non-feeding larval stage of PRM. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first evaluation of temporal gene expression across all stages of PRM and has provided insight into developmental, feeding, reproduction and survival strategies employed by this mite. The publicly available PRM resource on OrcAE offers a valuable tool for researchers investigating the biology and novel interventions of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
| | - Wan Chen
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK
| | | | - Francesca Nunn
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Daniel R G Price
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Stephane Rombauts
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Bioinformatics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Bioinformatics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Lise Roy
- CEFE, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Alasdair J Nisbet
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Stewart T G Burgess
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
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11
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Shen C, Tang D, Zhang Y, Wu L, Luo Y, Tang B, Wang Z. Identification of putative ingestion-related olfactory receptor genes in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir japonica sinensis). Genes Genomics 2021; 43:479-490. [PMID: 33689153 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfaction plays a central role in mating, spawning, obtaining food and escaping predators, which is essential for survival and reproduction of animals. The nature of the olfactory perception in crabs, which is a major group of crustaceans, has remained elusive. OBJECTIVE This project aims to explore the molecular mechanism of olfaction in crabs and further improve our understanding of olfactory perception in crustaceans. METHODS The olfactory receptors and ingestion-related gene expression in Eriocheir japonica sinensis were studied by transcriptomic techniques. The de novo assembly, annotation and functional evaluation were performed with bioinformatics tools. RESULTS A series of chemosensory receptors associated with olfaction were identified including 33 EsIRs, 24 EsIGluRs, 58 EsVIGluRs, 1 EsOR and 1 EsGC-D. We found IRs were key odorant receptors demonstrating a specific species evolutionary trend in crustaceans. Furthermore, we identified ORs in E. j. sinensis and Litopenaeus vannamei. The incomplete EsOR and LvOR1 structures implied that ORs exist in crustaceans, and may have been degenerated or even lost in the olfactory evolutionary process. In addition, comparative transcriptome analysises demonstrated two possible olfactory transduction pathways of E. j. sinensis: the cGMP-mediated olfactory pathway related to vegetable odor molecules and the cAMP-mediated olfactory pathway related to meat odor molecules. The above results were consistent with its omnivorous ingestion of E. j. sinensis. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the unique olfactory molecular mechanism of omnivorous crabs and provided valuable information for further functional research on the chemoreception mechanisms in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-Agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-Agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiping Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-Agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lv Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-Agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaqi Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-Agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Boping Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-Agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengfei Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-Agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China.
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12
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Varroa destructor: how does it harm Apis mellifera honey bees and what can be done about it? Emerg Top Life Sci 2020; 4:45-57. [PMID: 32537655 PMCID: PMC7326341 DOI: 10.1042/etls20190125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since its migration from the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) to the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor has emerged as a major issue for beekeeping worldwide. Due to a short history of coevolution, the host–parasite relationship between A. mellifera and V. destructor is unbalanced, with honey bees suffering infestation effects at the individual, colony and population levels. Several control solutions have been developed to tackle the colony and production losses due to Varroa, but the burden caused by the mite in combination with other biotic and abiotic factors continues to increase, weakening the beekeeping industry. In this synthetic review, we highlight the main advances made between 2015 and 2020 on V. destructor biology and its impact on the health of the honey bee, A. mellifera. We also describe the main control solutions that are currently available to fight the mite and place a special focus on new methodological developments, which point to integrated pest management strategies for the control of Varroa in honey bee colonies.
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13
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Comparative morphological and transcriptomic analyses reveal chemosensory genes in the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17923. [PMID: 33087814 PMCID: PMC7578799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74998-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of chemical cues via chemosensory receptor proteins are essential for most animals, and underlies critical behaviors, including location and discrimination of food resources, identification of sexual partners and avoidance of predators. The current knowledge of how chemical cues are detected is based primarily on data acquired from studies on insects, while our understanding of the molecular basis for chemoreception in acari, mites in particular, remains limited. The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is one of the most important blood-feeding ectoparasites of poultry. PRM are active at night which suck the birds' blood during periods of darkness and hide themselves in all kinds of gaps and cracks during the daytime. The diversity in habitat usage, as well as the demonstrated host finding and avoidance behaviors suggest that PRM relies on their sense of smell to orchestrate complex behavioral decisions. Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed the presence of candidate variant ionotropic receptors, odorant binding proteins, niemann-pick proteins type C2 and sensory neuron membrane proteins. Some of these proteins were highly and differentially expressed in the forelegs of PRM. Rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors were also identified, while insect-specific odorant receptors and odorant co-receptors were not detected. Furthermore, using scanning electron microscopy, the tarsomeres of all leg pairs were shown to be equipped with sensilla chaetica with or without tip pores, while wall-pored olfactory sensilla chaetica were restricted to the distal-most tarsomeres of the forelegs. This study is the first to describe the presence of chemosensory genes in any Dermanyssidae family. Our findings make a significant step forward in understanding the chemosensory abilities of D. gallinae.
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14
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Techer MA, Rane RV, Grau ML, Roberts JMK, Sullivan ST, Liachko I, Childers AK, Evans JD, Mikheyev AS. Divergent evolutionary trajectories following speciation in two ectoparasitic honey bee mites. Commun Biol 2019; 2:357. [PMID: 31583288 PMCID: PMC6773775 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0606-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multispecies host-parasite evolution is common, but how parasites evolve after speciating remains poorly understood. Shared evolutionary history and physiology may propel species along similar evolutionary trajectories whereas pursuing different strategies can reduce competition. We test these scenarios in the economically important association between honey bees and ectoparasitic mites by sequencing the genomes of the sister mite species Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni. These genomes were closely related, with 99.7% sequence identity. Among the 9,628 orthologous genes, 4.8% showed signs of positive selection in at least one species. Divergent selective trajectories were discovered in conserved chemosensory gene families (IGR, SNMP), and Halloween genes (CYP) involved in moulting and reproduction. However, there was little overlap in these gene sets and associated GO terms, indicating different selective regimes operating on each of the parasites. Based on our findings, we suggest that species-specific strategies may be needed to combat evolving parasite communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeva A. Techer
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan
| | - Rahul V. Rane
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clunies Ross St, (GPO Box 1700), Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
- Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Miguel L. Grau
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan
| | - John M. K. Roberts
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clunies Ross St, (GPO Box 1700), Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexander S. Mikheyev
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan
- Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600 Australia
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15
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Santos da Silva E, Marques Ponte JC, Barbosa da Silva M, Silva Pinheiro C, Carvalho Pacheco LG, Ferreira F, Briza P, Alcantara-Neves NM. Proteomic Analysis Reveals Allergen Variability among Breeds of the Dust Mite Blomia tropicalis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2019; 180:159-172. [PMID: 31563904 DOI: 10.1159/000501964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dawn of the "omics" technologies has changed allergy research, increasing the knowledge and identification of new allergens. However, these studies have been almost restricted to Dermatophagoides spp. Although Blomia tropicalis has long been established as a clinically important source of allergens, a thorough proteomic characterization is still lacking for this dust mite. OBJECTIVE To increase knowledge of B. tropicalis allergens through proteomic analysis. METHODS Eleven in-bred lineages of B. tropicalis were obtained from 11 unique different pregnant females. Their somatic extracts were analyzed and compared with a commercially available extract by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS Considerable differences in the protein expression profiles were found among the breeds, and most of them displayed higher expression levels of major allergens than the commercially available extract. Blo t 2 was the most prominent allergenic protein in the analyzed extracts. Six identified allergens and 14 isoforms have not yet been recognized by IUIS. Conversely, 3 previously recognized B. tropicalis allergens were not found. CONCLUSIONS The clear impact of inbreeding on allergen content shown by our study leads us to conclude that the quantification and/or identification of allergens from in-bred lines should be routinely considered for mite cultivation in order to select breeds with higher amounts of major allergens. In this sense, LC-MS/MS may be a useful method to achieve this quality control for research and commercial purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Santos da Silva
- Laboratório de Alergia e Acarologia, Departamento de Ciências da Biointeração, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia da Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (RENORBIO), Natal, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Marques Ponte
- Laboratório de Alergia e Acarologia, Departamento de Ciências da Biointeração, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Márcia Barbosa da Silva
- Laboratório de Alergia e Acarologia, Departamento de Ciências da Biointeração, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Carina Silva Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Alergia e Acarologia, Departamento de Ciências da Biointeração, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luis Gustavo Carvalho Pacheco
- Laboratório de Alergia e Acarologia, Departamento de Ciências da Biointeração, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Fatima Ferreira
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Briza
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Neuza Maria Alcantara-Neves
- Laboratório de Alergia e Acarologia, Departamento de Ciências da Biointeração, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil, .,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia da Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (RENORBIO), Natal, Brazil,
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16
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Eliash N, Thangarajan S, Goldenberg I, Sela N, Kupervaser M, Barlev J, Altman Y, Knyazer A, Kamer Y, Zaidman I, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Varroa chemosensory proteins: some are conserved across Arthropoda but others are arachnid specific. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:321-341. [PMID: 30444567 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The tight synchronization between the life cycle of the obligatory parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Varroa) and its host, the honeybee, is mediated by honeybee chemical stimuli. These stimuli are mainly perceived by a pit organ located on the distal part of the mite's foreleg. In the present study, we searched for Varroa chemosensory molecular components by comparing transcriptomic and proteomic profiles between forelegs from different physiological stages, and rear legs. In general, a comparative transcriptomic analysis showed a clear separation of the expression profiles between the rear legs and the three groups of forelegs (phoretic, reproductive and tray-collected mites). Most of the differentially expressed transcripts and proteins in the mite's foreleg were previously uncharacterized. Using a conserved domain approach, we identified 45 transcripts with known chemosensory domains belonging to seven chemosensory protein families, of which 14 were significantly upregulated in the mite's forelegs when compared to rear legs. These are soluble and membrane bound proteins, including the somewhat ignored receptors of degenerin/epithelial Na+ channels and transient receptor potentials. Phylogenetic clustering and expression profiles of the putative chemosensory proteins suggest their role in chemosensation and shed light on the evolution of these proteins in Chelicerata.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
- Institute of Agroecology and Plant Health, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - S Thangarajan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - I Goldenberg
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - N Sela
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - M Kupervaser
- The De Botton Protein Profiling institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - J Barlev
- The De Botton Protein Profiling institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Y Altman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - A Knyazer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Y Kamer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - I Zaidman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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17
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Lei J, Liu Q, Kadowaki T. Honey Bee Parasitic Mite Contains the Sensilla-Rich Sensory Organ on the Foreleg Tarsus Expressing Ionotropic Receptors With Conserved Functions. Front Physiol 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31143129 PMCID: PMC6520597 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bee parasitic mites (Tropilaelaps mercedesae and Varroa destructor) detect temperature, humidity, and odor but the underlying sensory mechanisms are poorly understood. To uncover how T. mercedesae responds to environmental stimuli inside a hive, we first identified the sensilla-rich sensory organ on the foreleg tarsus. The organ appeared to correspond to Haller’s organ in ticks and contained four types of sensilla, which may respond to different stimuli based on their morphology. We searched for differentially expressed genes between the forelegs and hindlegs to identify mRNAs potentially associated with the sensory organ. The forelegs were enriched with mRNAs encoding sensory proteins such as ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors, as well as proteins involved in ciliary transport. We also found that T. mercedesae IR25a and IR93a were capable of rescuing temperature and humidity preference defects in Drosophila melanogaster IR25a and IR93a mutants. These results demonstrate that the structures and physiological functions of ancient IRs have been conserved during arthropod evolution. Our study provides insight into the sensory mechanisms of honey bee parasitic mites, as well as potential targets for methods to control the most serious honey bee pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lei
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiushi Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tatsuhiko Kadowaki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
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18
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Dong X, Chaisiri K, Xia D, Armstrong SD, Fang Y, Donnelly MJ, Kadowaki T, McGarry JW, Darby AC, Makepeace BL. Genomes of trombidid mites reveal novel predicted allergens and laterally transferred genes associated with secondary metabolism. Gigascience 2018; 7:5160133. [PMID: 30445460 PMCID: PMC6275457 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giy127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trombidid mites have a unique life cycle in which only the larval stage is ectoparasitic. In the superfamily Trombiculoidea ("chiggers"), the larvae feed preferentially on vertebrates, including humans. Species in the genus Leptotrombidium are vectors of a potentially fatal bacterial infection, scrub typhus, that affects 1 million people annually. Moreover, chiggers can cause pruritic dermatitis (trombiculiasis) in humans and domesticated animals. In the Trombidioidea (velvet mites), the larvae feed on other arthropods and are potential biological control agents for agricultural pests. Here, we present the first trombidid mites genomes, obtained both for a chigger, Leptotrombidium deliense, and for a velvet mite, Dinothrombium tinctorium. Results Sequencing was performed using Illumina technology. A 180 Mb draft assembly for D. tinctorium was generated from two paired-end and one mate-pair library using a single adult specimen. For L. deliense, a lower-coverage draft assembly (117 Mb) was obtained using pooled, engorged larvae with a single paired-end library. Remarkably, both genomes exhibited evidence of ancient lateral gene transfer from soil-derived bacteria or fungi. The transferred genes confer functions that are rare in animals, including terpene and carotenoid synthesis. Thirty-seven allergenic protein families were predicted in the L. deliense genome, of which nine were unique. Preliminary proteomic analyses identified several of these putative allergens in larvae. Conclusions Trombidid mite genomes appear to be more dynamic than those of other acariform mites. A priority for future research is to determine the biological function of terpene synthesis in this taxon and its potential for exploitation in disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Dong
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom.,Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China.,Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, United Kingdom
| | - Kittipong Chaisiri
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Dong Xia
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, United Kingdom.,The Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart D Armstrong
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, United Kingdom
| | - Yongxiang Fang
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J Donnelly
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Tatsuhiko Kadowaki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - John W McGarry
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RP, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair C Darby
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, United Kingdom
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19
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Vizueta J, Rozas J, Sánchez-Gracia A. Comparative Genomics Reveals Thousands of Novel Chemosensory Genes and Massive Changes in Chemoreceptor Repertories across Chelicerates. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1221-1236. [PMID: 29788250 PMCID: PMC5952958 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoreception is a widespread biological function that is essential for the survival, reproduction, and social communication of animals. Though the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoreception are relatively well known in insects, they are poorly studied in the other major arthropod lineages. Current availability of a number of chelicerate genomes constitutes a great opportunity to better characterize gene families involved in this important function in a lineage that emerged and colonized land independently of insects. At the same time, that offers new opportunities and challenges for the study of this interesting animal branch in many translational research areas. Here, we have performed a comprehensive comparative genomics study that explicitly considers the high fragmentation of available draft genomes and that for the first time included complete genome data that cover most of the chelicerate diversity. Our exhaustive searches exposed thousands of previously uncharacterized chemosensory sequences, most of them encoding members of the gustatory and ionotropic receptor families. The phylogenetic and gene turnover analyses of these sequences indicated that the whole-genome duplication events proposed for this subphylum would not explain the differences in the number of chemoreceptors observed across species. A constant and prolonged gene birth and death process, altered by episodic bursts of gene duplication yielding lineage-specific expansions, has contributed significantly to the extant chemosensory diversity in this group of animals. This study also provides valuable insights into the origin and functional diversification of other relevant chemosensory gene families different from receptors, such as odorant-binding proteins and other related molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Vizueta
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Rozas
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Gracia
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Pelosi P, Zhu J, Knoll W. Odorant-Binding Proteins as Sensing Elements for Odour Monitoring. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18103248. [PMID: 30262737 PMCID: PMC6210013 DOI: 10.3390/s18103248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Odour perception has been the object of fast growing research interest in the last three decades. Parallel to the study of the corresponding biological systems, attempts are being made to model the olfactory system with electronic devices. Such projects range from the fabrication of individual sensors, tuned to specific chemicals of interest, to the design of multipurpose smell detectors using arrays of sensors assembled in a sort of artificial nose. Recently, proteins have attracted increasing interest as sensing elements. In particular, soluble olfaction proteins, including odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) of vertebrates and insects, chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins possess interesting characteristics for their use in sensing devices for odours. In fact, thanks to their compact structure, their soluble nature and small size, they are extremely stable to high temperature, refractory to proteolysis and resistant to organic solvents. Moreover, thanks to the availability of many structures solved both as apo-proteins and in complexes with some ligands, it is feasible to design mutants by replacing residues in the binding sites with the aim of synthesising proteins with better selectivity and improved physical properties, as demonstrated in a number of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pelosi
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenzstraße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Jiao Zhu
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenzstraße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenzstraße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
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21
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Mondet F, Rau A, Klopp C, Rohmer M, Severac D, Le Conte Y, Alaux C. Transcriptome profiling of the honeybee parasite Varroa destructor provides new biological insights into the mite adult life cycle. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:328. [PMID: 29728057 PMCID: PMC5936029 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4668-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The parasite Varroa destructor represents a significant threat to honeybee colonies. Indeed, development of Varroa infestation within colonies, if left untreated, often leads to the death of the colony. Although its impact on bees has been extensively studied, less is known about its biology and the functional processes governing its adult life cycle and adaptation to its host. We therefore developed a full life cycle transcriptomic catalogue in adult Varroa females and included pairwise comparisons with males, artificially-reared and non-reproducing females (10 life cycle stages and conditions in total). Results Extensive remodeling of the Varroa transcriptome was observed, with an upregulation of energetic and chitin metabolic processes during the initial and final phases of the life cycle (e.g. phoretic and post-oviposition stages), whereas during reproductive stages in brood cells genes showing functions related to transcriptional regulation were overexpressed. Several neurotransmitter and neuropeptide receptors involved in behavioural regulation, as well as active compounds of salivary glands, were also expressed at a higher level outside the reproductive stages. No difference was detected between artificially-reared phoretic females and their counterparts in colonies, or between females who failed to reproduce and females who successfully reproduced, indicating that phoretic individuals can be reared outside host colonies without impacting their physiology and that mechanisms underlying reproductive failure occur before oogenesis. Conclusions We discuss how these new findings reveal the remarkable adaptation of Varroa to its host biology and notably to the switch from living on adults to reproducing in sealed brood cells. By spanning the entire adult life cycle, our work captures the dynamic changes in the parasite gene expression and serves as a unique resource for deciphering Varroa biology and identifying new targets for mite control. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4668-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Mondet
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84914, Avignon, France.
| | - Andrea Rau
- INRA, UMR 1313 GABI Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christophe Klopp
- INRA, Genotoul Bioinfo, UR 875 MIAT Mathématiques et Informatique Appliquées de Toulouse, 31326, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Marine Rohmer
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, UMR 5203 CNRS, U661 INSERM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, 34094, Montpellier, France
| | - Dany Severac
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, UMR 5203 CNRS, U661 INSERM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, 34094, Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84914, Avignon, France
| | - Cedric Alaux
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84914, Avignon, France.
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22
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Proteomic analysis of chemosensory organs in the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor: A comprehensive examination of the potential carriers for semiochemicals. J Proteomics 2018; 181:131-141. [PMID: 29653265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We have performed a proteomic analysis on chemosensory organs of Varroa destructor, the honey bee mite, in order to identify putative soluble carriers for pheromones and other olfactory cues emitted by the host. In particular, we have analysed forelegs, mouthparts (palps, chelicera and hypostome) and the second pair of legs (as control tissue) in reproductive and phoretic stages of the Varroa life cycle. We identified 958 Varroa proteins, most of them common to the different organs and stages. Sequence analysis shows that four proteins can be assigned to the odorant-binding protein (OBP)-like class, which bear some similarity to insect OBPs, but so far have only been reported in some Chelicerata. In addition, we have detected the presence of two proteins belonging to the Niemann-Pick family, type C2 (NPC2), which have also been suggested as semiochemical carriers. Biological significance: The mite Varroa destructor is the major parasite of the honey bee and is responsible for great economical losses. The biochemical tools used by Varroa to detect semiochemicals produced by the host are still largely unknown. This work contributes to understand the molecular basis of olfaction in Varroa and, more generally, how detection of semiochemicals has evolved in terrestrial non-hexapod Arthropoda. Moreover, the identification of molecular carriers involved in olfaction can contribute to the development of control strategies for this important parasite.
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23
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Evans JD, Cook SC. Genetics and physiology of Varroa mites. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 26:130-135. [PMID: 29764652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is the primary biological threat to domesticated honey bee colonies in much of the world, impacting host fitness both directly and by transmitting RNA viruses. Genomic, proteomic, and functional-genetic resources provide a framework for Varroa biology. When coupled with physiological analyses of development, host finding, and reproduction, these resources reveal general traits of arthropods and offer new strategies for mite control. Efforts to develop novel controls are focused on efficacy, efficient delivery, and the avoidance of both host impacts and the swift evolution of resistance by mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay D Evans
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Lab, BARC-E Bldg. 306 Center Road, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Steven C Cook
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Lab, BARC-E Bldg. 306 Center Road, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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