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Leyria J. Endocrine factors modulating vitellogenesis and oogenesis in insects: An update. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 587:112211. [PMID: 38494046 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The endocrine system plays a pivotal role in shaping the mechanisms that ensure successful reproduction. With over a million known insect species, understanding the endocrine control of reproduction has become increasingly complex. Some of the key players include the classic insect lipid hormones juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids, and neuropeptides such as insulin-like peptides (ILPs). Individual endocrine factors not only modulate their own target tissue but also play crucial roles in crosstalk among themselves, ensuring successful vitellogenesis and oogenesis. Recent advances in omics, gene silencing, and genome editing approaches have accelerated research, offering both fundamental insights and practical applications for studying in-depth endocrine signaling pathways. This review provides an updated and integrated view of endocrine factors modulating vitellogenesis and oogenesis in insect females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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2
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R S, K N. Teratogenic impacts of Antiepileptic drugs on development, behavior and reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 100:107305. [PMID: 37805079 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Clobazam (CLB) and Vigabatrin (VGB) are the two widely used Antiepileptic drugs, which may have teratogenic potentiality and it has been evaluated in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. These different concentrations of CLB (0.156, 0.25, and 0.312 μg/ml) and VGB (17.6, 22, and 44 μg/ml) were used to evaluate the life-history parameters, developmental, and behavioral abnormalities. The results revealed that life-history parameters (fecundity, fertility, larval and pupal mortality) were significantly affected along with varied developmental duration, and pupal and adult deformities in flies on exposure of CLB and VGB in concentration dependent manner. The present study demonstrated that the prenatal treatment of CLB and VGB has displayed clear teratogenic potentiality with various deformities in the fruit fly. The findings could be correlated with the various abnormalities in human caused by the use of AEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamapari R
- Department of PG Studies and Research in Applied Zoology, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Karnataka 577451, India
| | - Nagaraj K
- Department of PG Studies and Research in Applied Zoology, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Karnataka 577451, India.
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3
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Maritz-Olivier C, Ferreira M, Olivier NA, Crafford J, Stutzer C. Mining gene expression data for rational identification of novel drug targets and vaccine candidates against the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:291-317. [PMID: 37755526 PMCID: PMC10562289 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Control of complex parasites via vaccination remains challenging, with the current combination of vaccines and small drugs remaining the choice for an integrated control strategy. Studies conducted to date, are providing evidence that multicomponent vaccines will be needed for the development of protective vaccines against endo- and ectoparasites, though multicomponent vaccines require an in-depth understanding of parasite biology which remains insufficient for ticks. With the rapid development and spread of acaricide resistance in ticks, new targets for acaricide development also remains to be identified, along with novel targets that can be exploited for the design of lead compounds. In this study, we analysed the differential gene expression of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks that were fed on cattle vaccinated with a multi-component vaccine (Bm86 and 3 putative Bm86-binding proteins). The data was scrutinised for the identification of vaccine targets, small drug targets and novel pathways that can be evaluated in future studies. Limitations associated with targeting novel proteins for vaccine and/or drug design is also discussed and placed into the context of challenges arising when targeting large protein families and intracellular localised proteins. Lastly, this study provide insight into how Bm86-based vaccines may reduce successful uptake and digestion of the bloodmeal and overall tick fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Maritz-Olivier
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Mariëtte Ferreira
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nicholas A Olivier
- DNA Microarray Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jan Crafford
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Christian Stutzer
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
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4
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Malhotra P, Basu S. The Intricate Role of Ecdysis Triggering Hormone Signaling in Insect Development and Reproductive Regulation. INSECTS 2023; 14:711. [PMID: 37623421 PMCID: PMC10455322 DOI: 10.3390/insects14080711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Insect growth is interrupted by molts, during which the insect develops a new exoskeleton. The exoskeleton confers protection and undergoes shedding between each developmental stage through an evolutionarily conserved and ordered sequence of behaviors, collectively referred to as ecdysis. Ecdysis is triggered by Ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH) synthesized and secreted from peripheral Inka cells on the tracheal surface and plays a vital role in the orchestration of ecdysis in insects and possibly in other arthropod species. ETH synthesized by Inka cells then binds to ETH receptor (ETHR) present on the peptidergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) to facilitate synthesis of various other neuropeptides involved in ecdysis. The mechanism of ETH function on ecdysis has been well investigated in holometabolous insects such as moths Manduca sexta and Bombyx mori, fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and beetle Tribolium castaneum etc. In contrast, very little information is available about the role of ETH in sequential and gradual growth and developmental changes associated with ecdysis in hemimetabolous insects. Recent studies have identified ETH precursors and characterized functional and biochemical features of ETH and ETHR in a hemimetabolous insect, desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Recently, the role of ETH in Juvenile hormone (JH) mediated courtship short-term memory (STM) retention and long-term courtship memory regulation and retention have also been investigated in adult male Drosophila. Our review provides a novel synthesis of ETH signaling cascades and responses in various insects triggering diverse functions in adults and juvenile insects including their development and reproductive regulation and might allow researchers to develop sustainable pest management strategies by identifying novel compounds and targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saumik Basu
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
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5
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Zhang C, Wan B, Jin MR, Wang X, Wei YJ, Zhong L, Xia B. Inhibition of ecdysone receptor (DcEcR) and ultraspiracle (DcUSP) expression in Diaphorina citri increased susceptibility to pesticides. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105518. [PMID: 37532332 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is of great concern because of its ability to transmit devastating citrus greening illness (Huanglongbing). One strategy for controlling HLB may involve limiting the spread of D. citri. Insecticides using dsRNA target genes may be a useful option to control D. citri. The ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) are crucial for the growth and reproduction of insects. This study identified the genes for D. citri ecdysone receptor (DcEcR) and ultraspiracle (DcUSP). According to the qPCR data, DcUSP peaked at the 5th-instar nymph stage, while DcEcR peaked at the adult stage. Females expressed DcEcR and DcUSP at much higher levels than males. RNAi was used to examine DcEcR and DcUSP function. The findings demonstrated that inhibition of DcEcR and DcUSP delayed nymph development and decreased survival and eclosion rates. dsEcR caused adults to develop deformed wings, and dsUSP caused nymphs to wither and die. Female adult ovaries developed slowly, and the females laid fewer eggs. Additionally, DcEcR and DcUSP were inhibited, increasing D. citri susceptibility to pesticides. These findings suggest that DcEcR and DcUSP are critical for D. citri development, growth, and reproduction and may serve as potential targets for D. citri management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bin Wan
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meng-Ru Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Development & Service Center for Agriculture and Rural Industry of Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Jing Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Development & Service Center for Agriculture and Rural Industry of Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Bin Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China.
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Rumbo M, Pagone V, Piulachs MD. Diverse functions of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) in the panoistic ovary of the German cockroach. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 156:103935. [PMID: 36996928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysone regulates essential processes in insect life. Perhaps the most well-known of these are related to metamorphosis. However, ecdysone is also required to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of germ cells in the ovary. The role of ecdysone in insect oogenesis has been studied in depth in holometabolan species with meroistic ovaries, such as Drosophila melanogaster, while in hemimetabolan species with panoistic ovaries their functions are still poorly understood. In the present work, we studied the role of ecdysone in the ovary of the last nymphal instar of the cockroach Blattella germanica by using RNA interference to reduce the levels of the ecdysone receptor (EcR), and thereby deplete the expression of ecdysteroidogenic genes in the prothoracic gland. However, the expression of ecdysteroidogenic genes was upregulated in the ovary, resulting in cell overproliferation in the germarium, which appeared swollen. By analysing the expression of genes that respond to ecdysone, we found that when the source of 20E is the nymphal ovary, EcR appears to repress 20E-associated genes bypassing early genes signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rumbo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC- Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta, 37, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Pagone
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC- Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta, 37, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M D Piulachs
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC- Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta, 37, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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7
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Yang Q, Li MM, Li BL, Wu YT, Li YY, Xu XL, Wu JX. The ecdysis triggering hormone system is essential for reproductive success in Mythimna separata (Walker). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:213-227. [PMID: 36533723 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12825] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH) was originally discovered as a key hormone that regulates insect moulting via binding to its receptor, ETH receptor (ETHR). However, the precise role of ETH in moth reproduction remains to be explored in detail. ETH function was verified in vivo using Mythimna separata (Walker), an important cereal crop pest. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that transcriptional expression profiles of MsepETH showed evident sexual dimorphism in the adult stage. MsepETH expression increased in the females on day 3 and persisted thereafter till day 7, consistent with female ovarian maturation, and was merely detectable in males. Meanwhile, MsepETH expression levels were significantly higher in the trachea than in other tissues. MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B were expressed in both sexes and were significantly higher in the antennae than in other tissues. MsepETH and MsepETHR knockdown in females by RNA interference significantly reduced the expression of MsepETH, MsepETHR-A, MsepETHR-B, MsepJHAMT, and MsepVG, which delayed egg-laying and significantly reduced egg production. RNAi 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) receptor (EcR) decreased MsepETH expression whereas injecting 20E restored egg production that had been disrupted by MsepETH interference. Meanwhile, RNAi juvenile hormone (JH) methoprene tolerant protein (Met) also decreased MsepETH expression and smearing JH analog methoprene (Meth) restored egg production. In conclusion, the reproduction roles of ETH, JH, and 20E were investigated in M. separata. These findings will lay the foundation for future research to develop an antagonist that reduces female reproduction and control strategies for pest insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Liao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Xiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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8
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Crosstalk between Nutrition, Insulin, Juvenile Hormone, and Ecdysteroid Signaling in the Classical Insect Model, Rhodnius prolixus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010007. [PMID: 36613451 PMCID: PMC9819625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The rigorous balance of endocrine signals that control insect reproductive physiology is crucial for the success of egg production. Rhodnius prolixus, a blood-feeding insect and main vector of Chagas disease, has been used over the last century as a model to unravel aspects of insect metabolism and physiology. Our recent work has shown that nutrition, insulin signaling, and two main types of insect lipophilic hormones, juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids, are essential for successful reproduction in R. prolixus; however, the interplay behind these endocrine signals has not been established. We used a combination of hormone treatments, gene expression analyses, hormone measurements, and ex vivo experiments using the corpus allatum or the ovary, to investigate how the interaction of these endocrine signals might define the hormone environment for egg production. The results show that after a blood meal, circulating JH levels increase, a process mainly driven through insulin and allatoregulatory neuropeptides. In turn, JH feeds back to provide some control over its own biosynthesis by regulating the expression of critical biosynthetic enzymes in the corpus allatum. Interestingly, insulin also stimulates the synthesis and release of ecdysteroids from the ovary. This study highlights the complex network of endocrine signals that, together, coordinate a successful reproductive cycle.
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Khalid MZ, Sun Z, Zhang J, Zhang S, Zhong G. Cyromazine affects the ovarian germ cells of Drosophila via the ecdysone signaling pathway. Front Physiol 2022; 13:992306. [PMID: 36246127 PMCID: PMC9557234 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.992306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyromazine, an insect growth regulator, has been extensively used against the insect pests of livestock and households. Previously, it was observed that the continuous selection of cyromazine from the larval to the adult stage decreased the number of germline stem cells (GSCs) and cystoblasts (CBs) in the adult ovary. In addition, in this study, we observed that the number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) was also decreased in the larval ovary after treatment with cyromazine. However, the mechanism by which it affects the germ cells is yet to be explored. Consequently, to deeply investigate the effects of cyromazine on the germ cells, we performed tissue-specific RNA sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the ecdysone signaling pathway was significantly influenced under cyromazine stress. Based on that, we screened and selected 14 ecdysone signaling responsive genes and silenced their expression in the germ cells only. Results of that showed a considerable reduction in the number of germ cells. Furthermore, we mixed exogenous 20E with the cyromazine-containing diet to rescue the ecdysone signaling. Our results supported that the application of exogenous 20E significantly rescued the germ cells in the transgenic lines. Therefore, this implies that the cyromazine decreased the number of germ cells by affecting the ecdysone signaling pathway.
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Knockdown of the Halloween Genes spook, shadow and shade Influences Oocyte Development, Egg Shape, Oviposition and Hatching in the Desert Locust. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169232. [PMID: 36012497 PMCID: PMC9408901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169232] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are widely investigated for their role during the molting cascade in insects; however, they are also involved in the development of the female reproductive system. Ecdysteroids are synthesized from cholesterol, which is further converted via a series of enzymatic steps into the main molting hormone, 20-hydoxyecdysone. Most of these biosynthetic conversion steps involve the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) hydroxylases, which are encoded by the Halloween genes. Three of these genes, spook (spo), phantom (phm) and shade (shd), were previously characterized in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Based on recent sequencing data, we have now identified the sequences of disembodied (dib) and shadow (sad), for which we also analyzed spatiotemporal expression profiles using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we investigated the possible role(s) of five different Halloween genes in the oogenesis process by means of RNA interference mediated knockdown experiments. Our results showed that depleting the expression of SchgrSpo, SchgrSad and SchgrShd had a significant impact on oocyte development, oviposition and hatching of the eggs. Moreover, the shape of the growing oocytes, as well as the deposited eggs, was very drastically altered by the experimental treatments. Consequently, it can be proposed that these three enzymes play an important role in oogenesis.
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11
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Zhang R, Sun S, Zhang F, Chen K, Liu L, Zhu N. Four-mode parallel silicon multimode waveguide crossing scheme based on the asymmetric directional couplers. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:22442-22451. [PMID: 36224942 DOI: 10.1364/oe.459968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel ultra-compact four-mode silicon waveguide crossing device based on the asymmetric directional couplers for densely integrated on-chip mode division multiplexing systems. The crossing is based on the parallel crossing scheme where the two access waveguides are parallel to each other to have minimal area. The device utilizes an idle high order mode inside one bus waveguide to drop subsequently all the guided modes inside another bus waveguide, with the help of the asymmetric directional couplers (ADCs). We also optimize the structural parameters of these ADCs by using the particle swarm optimization method to obtain higher conversion efficiency and smaller coupling length. The simulation results show that the insertion losses of the input 1-8 ports are no more than 0.5 dB at the central wavelength of 1550 nm. And the crosstalks are less than -20 dB in the broadband from 1530 nm to 1580 nm with a footprint of only 25 × 70 µm2. Furthermore, our scheme can be easily extended to accommodate more modes by cascading more ADCs for mode dropping and crossing, without obviously deteriorating the performance and greatly increasing the overall footprint.
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12
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Yang J, Zhang B, Gu G, Yuan J, Shen S, Jin L, Lin Z, Lin J, Xie X. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the R2R3-MYB gene family in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). BMC Genomics 2022; 23:432. [PMID: 35681121 PMCID: PMC9178890 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The R2R3-MYB transcription factor is one of the largest gene families in plants and involved in the regulation of plant development, hormone signal transduction, biotic and abiotic stresses. Tobacco is one of the most important model plants. Therefore, it will be of great significance to investigate the R2R3-MYB gene family and their expression patterns under abiotic stress and senescence in tobacco. RESULTS A total of 174 R2R3-MYB genes were identified from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) genome and were divided into 24 subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure (exon/intron) and protein motifs were especially conserved among the NtR2R3-MYB genes, especially members within the same subgroup. The NtR2R3-MYB genes were distributed on 24 tobacco chromosomes. Analysis of gene duplication events obtained 3 pairs of tandem duplication genes and 62 pairs of segmental duplication genes, suggesting that segmental duplications is the major pattern for R2R3-MYB gene family expansion in tobacco. Cis-regulatory elements of the NtR2R3-MYB promoters were involved in cellular development, phytohormones, environmental stress and photoresponsive. Expression profile analysis showed that NtR2R3-MYB genes were widely expressed in different maturity tobacco leaves, and however, the expression patterns of different members appeared to be diverse. The qRT-PCR analysis of 15 NtR2R3-MYBs confirmed their differential expression under different abiotic stresses (cold, salt and drought), and notably, NtMYB46 was significantly up-regulated under three treatments. CONCLUSIONS In summary, a genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analysis of R2R3-MYB gene family in tobacco were conducted. Our results provided a solid foundation for further biological functional study of NtR2R3-MYB genes in tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Binghui Zhang
- Institute of Tobacco Science, Fujian Provincial Tobacco Company, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Gu
- Institute of Tobacco Science, Fujian Provincial Tobacco Company, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiazheng Yuan
- Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, 28301, USA
| | - Shaojun Shen
- Longyan Company of Fujian Tobacco Corporation, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Liao Jin
- Yanping Branch of Nanping Tobacco Company, Nanping, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Yanping Branch of Nanping Tobacco Company, Nanping, China
| | - Jianfeng Lin
- Yanping Branch of Nanping Tobacco Company, Nanping, China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.
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Ghahremanian S, Rashidi MM, Raeisi K, Toghraie D. Molecular dynamics simulation approach for discovering potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: A structural review. J Mol Liq 2022; 354:118901. [PMID: 35309259 PMCID: PMC8916543 DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.118901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Since the commencement of the novel Coronavirus, the disease has quickly turned into a worldwide crisis so that there has been growing attention in discovering possible hit compounds for tackling this pandemic. Discovering standard treatment strategies is a serious challenge because little information is available about this emerged infectious virus. Regarding the high impact of time, applying computational procedures to choose promising drugs from a catalog of licensed medications provides a precious chance for combat against the life-threatening disorder of COVID-19. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a promising approach for assessing the binding affinity of ligand-receptor as well as observing the conformational trajectory of docked complexes over time. Given that many computational studies are performed using MD along with the molecular docking on various candidates as antiviral inhibitors of COVID-19 protease, there is a demand to conduct a comprehensive review of the most important studies to reveal and compare the potential introduced agents that this study covers this defect. In this context, the present review intends to prepare an overview of these studies by considering RMSD, RMSF, radius of gyration, binding free energy, and Solvent-Accessible Surface Area (SASA) as effective parameters for evaluation. The outcomes will offer a road map for adjusting antiviral inhibitors, which can facilitate the selection and development of drug candidates for use in the medical therapy. Finally, the molecular modeling approaches rendered by this study may be valuable for future computational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Ghahremanian
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Rashidi
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
- Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Quchan University of Technology, Quchan, Iran
| | - Kimai Raeisi
- Department of Basic Science, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Davood Toghraie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khomeinishahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran
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14
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Cyromazine Effects the Reproduction of Drosophila by Decreasing the Number of Germ Cells in the Female Adult Ovary. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13050414. [PMID: 35621750 PMCID: PMC9144682 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Cyromazine, an insect growth regulator, is used to control the Dipteran pest population. Previous findings observed that treatment with cyromazine increased the larval mortality, by interfering with the ecdysone signaling. In addition, the application of exogenous 20E significantly reduced the mortality caused by cyromazine. Many studies have also supported the role of ecdysone signaling in the maintenance of germline stem cells (GSCs), where mutations in ecdysone signaling-related genes significantly decreased the number of GSCs. However, to date, no study has reported the effect of cyromazine on the GSCs of Drosophila melanogaster. In the present study, we observed that cyromazine significantly reduced the number of both GSCs and cystoblasts (CBs) in the ovary of adult female. To further understand the effect of cyromazine on germ cells, we selected some key genes related to the ecdysone signaling pathway and evaluated their expression through RT-qPCR. Additionally, we measured the ecdysone titer from the cyromazine-treated ovaries. Our results indicated a significant decrease in the expression of ecdysone signaling-related genes and also in the ecdysone titer. These results further supported our findings that cyromazine reduced the number of germ cells by interfering with the ecdysone signaling pathway. Abstract In the present study, we observed a 58% decrease in the fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster, after treatment with the cyromazine. To further elucidate the effects of cyromazine on reproduction, we counted the number of both germline stem cells (GSCs) and cystoblasts (CBs) in the ovary of a 3-day-old adult female. The results showed a significant decrease in the number of GSCs and CBs as compared to the control group. The mode of action of cyromazine is believed to be through the ecdysone signaling pathway. To further support this postulate, we observed the expression of key genes involved in the ecdysone signaling pathway and also determined the ecdysone titer from cyromazine-treated ovaries. Results indicated a significant decrease in the expression of ecdysone signaling-related genes as compared to the control group. Furthermore, the titer of the ecdysone hormone was also markedly reduced (90%) in cyromazine-treated adult ovaries, suggesting that ecdysone signaling was directly related to the decrease in the number of GSCs and CBs. However, further studies are required to understand the mechanism by which cyromazine affects the GSCs and CBs in female adult ovaries.
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Van Lommel J, Lenaerts C, Delgouffe C, Vanden Broeck J. Knockdown of ecdysone receptor in male desert locusts affects relative weight of accessory glands and mating behavior. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 138:104368. [PMID: 35134451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104368] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Locusts have been known as pests of agricultural crops for thousands of years. Recently (2018-2021) the world has faced the largest swarms of desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, in decades and food security in large parts of Africa and Asia was under extreme pressure. There is an urgent need for the development of highly specific bio-rational pesticides to combat these pests. However, to do so, fundamental research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind key physiological processes underpinning swarm formation, such as development and reproduction. The scope of this study is to investigate the possible role(s) of the ecdysteroid receptor in the reproductive physiology of male S. gregaria. Ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones are two important classes of insect hormones and are key regulators of post-embryonic development. Ecdysteroids are best known for their role in moulting and exert their function via a heterodimer consisting of the nuclear receptors ecdysone receptor (EcR) and retinoid-X receptor (RXR). To gain insight into the role of SgEcR and/or SgRXR in the male reproductive physiology of S. gregaria we performed RNAi-induced knockdown experiments. A knockdown of SgEcR, but not SgRXR, resulted in an increased relative weight of the male accessory glands (MAG). Furthermore, the knockdown of these genes, either in combination or separately, caused a significant delay in the onset of mating behavior. Nevertheless, the MAG appeared to mature normally and the fertility of mated males was not affected. The high transcript levels of SgEcR in the fat body, especially towards the end of sexual maturation in both males and females, represent a remarkable finding since as of yet the exact role of SgEcR in this tissue in S. gregaria is unknown. Finally, our data suggest that in some cases SgEcR and SgRXR might act independently of each other. This is supported by the fact that the spatiotemporal expression profiles of SgEcR and SgRXR do not always coincide and that knockdown of SgEcR, but not SgRXR, significantly affected the relative weight of the MAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Van Lommel
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cynthia Lenaerts
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Delgouffe
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Dong J, Huang Y, Zhou Z, Sun M. Breaking Immunosuppressive Barriers by Engineered Nanoplatforms for Turning Cold Tumor to Hot. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Zhanwei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Minjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
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Ganguly RK, Al-Helal MA, Chakraborty SK. Role of bioactive xenobiotics towards reproductive potential of Odontotermes longignathus through in silico study: An amalgamation of ecoinformatics and ecotechnological insights of termite mounds from a tropical forest, India. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 232:113275. [PMID: 35131584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The present research study has evaluated the roles of different naturally occurring compounds in termite mounds of Odontotermes longignathus (GenBank Id: MZ542727.1) which facilitate to promote higher population growth of termites and subsequent biodegradation. The study has also monitored the change in physicochemical parameters along with the trend of biodegradation of complex organic carbon-based compounds like lignin, polysaccharides etc. and nitrogenous compounds from two different types of termite mounds such as developing (T1) and developed (T2) mounds. The GC MS profiling of mound samples have revealed the occurrence of different humic acids like organic materials in both T1 and T2 mound samples. Both the termite mounds have demonstrated a high population density as T1 (23.67 ± 1.56) individuals and T2 (43.51 ± 2.36) individuals per 0.1 kg of mound materials. Such observations have prompted to undertake molecular docking experiments which revealed that different molecules interact at low binding affinity with hormone receptors involved in moulting, spermatogenesis and oogenesis of termite like Adamantane carboxylate (EcR: -7.6 Kcal/mol; BTB-KLHL10: -6.2 Kcal/mol; USP-LBD: -7.3 Kcal/mol; VgR: -6.8 Kcal/mol), Benzene dicarboxylic acid (EcR: -5.5 Kcal/mol; BTB-KLHL10: -5.1 Kcal/mol; USP-LBD: -5.4 Kcal/mol; VgR: -5.6 Kcal/mol), Hexadecanol (EcR: -6.0 Kcal/mol; BTB-KLHL10: -4.4 Kcal/mol; USP-LBD: -6.9 Kcal/mol; VgR: -6.0 Kcal/mol), oxirane (EcR: -5.3 Kcal/mol; BTB-KLHL10: -4.9 Kcal/mol; USP-LBD: -5.2 Kcal/mol; VgR: -5.3 Kcal/mol) and tocopherol (EcR: -8.0 Kcal/mol; BTB-KLHL10: -5.4 Kcal/mol; USP-LBD: -7.6 Kcal/mol; VgR: -7.0 Kcal/mol). Such spontaneous ligand binding phenomenon coupled with high population density of termites have established the significance of different bioactive xenobiotics in achieving high reproductive potential of termites which in turn facilitate the process of biodegradation and enhance the nutrient enrichment in the soils of tropical deciduous forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Kumar Ganguly
- Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar university, Midnapore 721102, West Bengal, India.
| | - Md Abdullah Al-Helal
- Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar university, Midnapore 721102, West Bengal, India
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Hu K, Fu B, Wang C, Liu J, Tang Y, Zhang W, Zhu J, Li Y, Pan Q, Liu F. The role of 20E biosynthesis relative gene Shadow in the reproduction of the predatory mirid bug, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis (Hemiptera: Miridae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 109:e21854. [PMID: 34783381 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21854] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cytorhinus lividipennis is a natural enemy of rice planthoppers and leafhoppers. Improving the fecundity of C. lividipennis will be helpful to improve its control effect on pests. However, little is known about the hormonal regulatory mechanism of reproduction in C. lividipennis. In the current study, we examined the role of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) biosynthesis relative gene Shadow in the reproduction of C. lividipennis. The complementary DNA sequence of ClSad is 2018 -bp in length with an open reading frame of 1398-bp encoding 465 amino acid residues. ClSad was readily detected in nymphal and adult stages, and highly expressed in the adult stage. ClSad was highly expressed in the midgut and ovaries of adult females. Moreover, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of ClSad reduced the 20E titers and ClVg transcript level, resulting in fewer fully developed eggs and a decrease in the number of eggs laid by dsSad-injected adult females within 15 days. These results suggest that ClSad plays a critical role in the reproduction of C. lividipennis. The present study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of the ClSad gene for the reproduction of C. lividipennis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Hu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baobao Fu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuchu Wang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianqi Liu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingying Tang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wendan Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao Li
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinjian Pan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Liu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Research on time series characteristics of the gas drainage evaluation index based on lasso regression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20593. [PMID: 34663859 PMCID: PMC8523703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of the coal mine gas drainage effect is affected by many factors, such as flow rate, wind speed, drainage negative pressure, concentration, and temperature. This paper starts from actual coal mine production monitoring data and based on the lasso regression algorithm, features selection of multiple parameters of the preprocessed gas concentration time series to construct gas concentration feature selection based on the algorithm. The three-time smoothing index method is used to fill in the missing values. Aiming at the problem of different dimensions in the gas concentration time series, the MinMaxScaler method is used to normalize the data. The lasso regression algorithm is used to perform feature selection on the multivariable gas concentration time series, and the gas concentration time series selected by the lasso feature and the gas concentration time series without feature selection are input. The performance of the ANN algorithm for gas concentration prediction is compared and analyzed. The optimal α value and L1 norm are selected based on the grid search method to determine the strong explanatory gas concentration time series feature set of the working face, and an experimental comparison of the gas concentration prediction results before and after the lasso feature selection is performed. We verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
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Zhang J, Wen D, Li EY, Palli SR, Li S, Wang J, Liu S. MicroRNA miR-8 promotes cell growth of corpus allatum and juvenile hormone biosynthesis independent of insulin/IGF signaling in Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 136:103611. [PMID: 34182107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster corpus allatum (CA) produces and releases three types of sesquiterpenoid hormones, including juvenile hormone III bisepoxide (JHB3), juvenile hormone III (JH III), and methyl farnesoate (MF). JH biosynthesis involves multiple discrete enzymatic reactions and is subjected to a comprehensive regulatory network including microRNAs (miRNAs). Using a high throughput sequencing approach, we have identified abundant miRNAs in the D. melanogaster ring gland, which consists of the CA, prothoracic gland, and corpus cardiaca. Genetic and qPCR screens were then performed in an attempt to uncover the full repertoire of CA miRNAs that are involved in regulating metamorphosis. miR-8 was identified as a potential candidate and further studied for its role in the CA. Overexpression of miR-8 in the CA increased cell size of the gland and expression of Jhamt (a gene coding for a key regulatory enzyme in JH biosynthesis), resulting in pupal lethality. By contrast, sponge-mediated reduction of miR-8 in the CA decreased cell size and Jhamt expression, but did not cause lethality. Further investigation revealed that miR-8 promotes cell growth independent of insulin/IGF signaling. Taken together, these experiments show that miR-8 is highly expressed in the CA and exerts its positive effects on cell growth and JH biosynthesis. The miRNAs data in the ring gland also provide a useful resource to study how miRNAs collaboratively regulate hormone synthesis in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Di Wen
- College of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun, 558000, China
| | - Emma Yiyang Li
- International Department, The Affiliated High School of South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, 514779, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Suning Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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Gui SH, Taning CNT, Smagghe G. Myosuppressin influences fecundity in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1191-1201. [PMID: 32705747 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insect neuropeptides regulate various physiological processes, such as reproduction, feeding, growth and development, and have been considered as viable targets in the development of alternative strategies for pest control. Amongst these neuropeptides is myosuppressin (MS), a very conserved neuropeptide that has been reported to regulate cardiac and skeletal muscle contractility, feeding and pupal diapause in insects. In this study, we investigated the involvement of MS in fecundity in a notorious defoliator of potato and other solanaceous plants, the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata. We identified an MS-precursor-encoding transcript in the L. decemlineata transcriptomic database and then evaluated its transcript levels in various CPB tissues. MS transcript levels were found to be highest in the central nervous system, gut and muscle of CPB males and females. To investigate the role of MS in fecundity, MS was silenced in adult CPBs through RNA interference (RNAi). This resulted in a significant reduction in oviposition (over 80%) and oocyte size (69%) in the treated beetles compared to the controls. Also, the reduction in oviposition in treated females was confirmed to be dependent on MS knockdown and independent of male fertilization. Furthermore, MS-knockdown in females resulted in decreased levels of ecdysteroid hormone titers and the transcript levels of its receptor. Interestingly, the injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone into females following MS knockdown could rescue ovary development. Altogether, this study highlights the important role played by MS in regulating fecundity in CPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Hua Gui
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Corps, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Corps, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Role of Endocrine System in the Regulation of Female Insect Reproduction. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070614. [PMID: 34356469 PMCID: PMC8301000 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The proper synthesis and functioning of ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones (JHs) are very important for the regulation of vitellogenesis and oogenesis. However, their role and function contrast among different orders, and even in the same insect order. For example, the JH is the main hormone that regulates vitellogenesis in hemimetabolous insect orders, which include Orthoptera, Blattodea, and Hemiptera, while ecdysteroids regulate the vitellogenesis among the insect orders of Diptera, some Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. These endocrine hormones also regulate each other. Even at some specific stage of insect life, they positively regulate each other, while at other stages of insect life, they negatively control each other. Such positive and negative interaction of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and JH is also discussed in this review article to better understand the role of these hormones in regulating the reproduction. Therefore, the purpose of the present review is to deeply understand the complex interaction of endocrine hormones with each other and with the insulin signaling pathway. The role of microbiomes in the regulation of the insect endocrine system is also reviewed, as the endocrine hormones are significantly affected by the compounds produced by the microbiota.
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Hamaidia K, Soltani N. Methoxyfenozide, a Molting Hormone Agonist, Affects Autogeny Capacity, Oviposition, Fecundity, and Fertility in Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1004-1011. [PMID: 33247298 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa260] [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: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of methoxyfenozide (RH-2485), an insect growth disrupter (IGD) belonging to molting hormone agonist class, against female adults of Culex pipiens L. under laboratory conditions. Lethal concentrations (LC50 = 24.54 µg/liter and LC90 = 70.79 µg/liter), previously determined against fourth instar larvae, were tested for adult female fertility, fecundity and oviposition after tarsal contact before mating and any bloodmeal. Methoxyfenozide was found to alter negatively their autogeny capacity and oviposition. A strong reduction of 56% and 72% (P < 0.001) in females' autogeny capacity was observed in both treated series, respectively. Alteration in oviposition were found to be higher with LC90 (OAI-LC90 = -0.62) than with the LC50 (OAI-LC50 = -0.42). Also fecundity and hatching rate (fertility) were significantly reduced in treated series as compared to controls. A significant reduction of 37.65 and 28.23% in fecundity and decrease of 56.85 and 71.87% in fertility were found, respectively in LC50 and LC90 treated series. Obtained data clearly demonstrated that methoxyfenozide have significant depressive effect on reproductive potential against medically important vector with minimizing ecotoxicological risks in mosquitoes management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaouther Hamaidia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Mohamed Cherif Messaadia University, Souk-Ahras, Algeria
- Laboratory of Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, University Badji Mokhtar of Annaba, Annaba, Algeria
| | - Noureddine Soltani
- Laboratory of Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, University Badji Mokhtar of Annaba, Annaba, Algeria
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Genome-wide simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers discovered from whole-genome sequence comparisons of multiple spinach accessions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9999. [PMID: 33976335 PMCID: PMC8113571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89473-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of well-assembled genome sequences and reduced sequencing costs have enabled the resequencing of many additional accessions in several crops, thus facilitating the rapid discovery and development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Although the genome sequence of inbred spinach line Sp75 is available, previous efforts have resulted in a limited number of useful SSR markers. Identification of additional polymorphic SSR markers will support genetics and breeding research in spinach. This study aimed to use the available genomic resources to mine and catalog a large number of polymorphic SSR markers. A search for SSR loci on six chromosome sequences of spinach line Sp75 using GMATA identified a total of 42,155 loci with repeat motifs of two to six nucleotides in the Sp75 reference genome. Whole-genome sequences (30x) of additional 21 accessions were aligned against the chromosome sequences of the reference genome and in silico genotyped using the HipSTR program by comparing and counting repeat numbers variation across the SSR loci among the accessions. The HipSTR program generated SSR genotype data were filtered for monomorphic and high missing loci, and a final set of the 5986 polymorphic SSR loci were identified. The polymorphic SSR loci were present at a density of 12.9 SSRs/Mb and were physically mapped. Out of 36 randomly selected SSR loci for validation, two failed to amplify, while the remaining were all polymorphic in a set of 48 spinach accessions from 34 countries. Genetic diversity analysis performed using the SSRs allele score data on the 48 spinach accessions showed three main population groups. This strategy to mine and develop polymorphic SSR markers by a comparative analysis of the genome sequences of multiple accessions and computational genotyping of the candidate SSR loci eliminates the need for laborious experimental screening. Our approach increased the efficiency of discovering a large set of novel polymorphic SSR markers, as demonstrated in this report.
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Bhattarai G, Shi A, Kandel DR, Solís-Gracia N, da Silva JA, Avila CA. Genome-wide simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers discovered from whole-genome sequence comparisons of multiple spinach accessions. Sci Rep 2021. [PMID: 33976335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of well-assembled genome sequences and reduced sequencing costs have enabled the resequencing of many additional accessions in several crops, thus facilitating the rapid discovery and development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Although the genome sequence of inbred spinach line Sp75 is available, previous efforts have resulted in a limited number of useful SSR markers. Identification of additional polymorphic SSR markers will support genetics and breeding research in spinach. This study aimed to use the available genomic resources to mine and catalog a large number of polymorphic SSR markers. A search for SSR loci on six chromosome sequences of spinach line Sp75 using GMATA identified a total of 42,155 loci with repeat motifs of two to six nucleotides in the Sp75 reference genome. Whole-genome sequences (30x) of additional 21 accessions were aligned against the chromosome sequences of the reference genome and in silico genotyped using the HipSTR program by comparing and counting repeat numbers variation across the SSR loci among the accessions. The HipSTR program generated SSR genotype data were filtered for monomorphic and high missing loci, and a final set of the 5986 polymorphic SSR loci were identified. The polymorphic SSR loci were present at a density of 12.9 SSRs/Mb and were physically mapped. Out of 36 randomly selected SSR loci for validation, two failed to amplify, while the remaining were all polymorphic in a set of 48 spinach accessions from 34 countries. Genetic diversity analysis performed using the SSRs allele score data on the 48 spinach accessions showed three main population groups. This strategy to mine and develop polymorphic SSR markers by a comparative analysis of the genome sequences of multiple accessions and computational genotyping of the candidate SSR loci eliminates the need for laborious experimental screening. Our approach increased the efficiency of discovering a large set of novel polymorphic SSR markers, as demonstrated in this report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehendra Bhattarai
- Department of Horticulture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Ainong Shi
- Department of Horticulture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - Devi R Kandel
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, 78596, USA
| | - Nora Solís-Gracia
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, 78596, USA
| | - Jorge Alberto da Silva
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, 78596, USA
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Carlos A Avila
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, 78596, USA.
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Cheng Z, Zhang X, Yao W, Zhao K, Liu L, Fan G, Zhou B, Jiang T. Genome-wide search and structural and functional analyses for late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) gene family in poplar. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:110. [PMID: 33627082 PMCID: PMC7903804 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-02872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Late Embryogenesis-Abundant (LEA) gene families, which play significant roles in regulation of tolerance to abiotic stresses, widely exist in higher plants. Poplar is a tree species that has important ecological and economic values. But systematic studies on the gene family have not been reported yet in poplar. RESULTS On the basis of genome-wide search, we identified 88 LEA genes from Populus trichocarpa and renamed them as PtrLEA. The PtrLEA genes have fewer introns, and their promoters contain more cis-regulatory elements related to abiotic stress tolerance. Our results from comparative genomics indicated that the PtrLEA genes are conserved and homologous to related genes in other species, such as Eucalyptus robusta, Solanum lycopersicum and Arabidopsis. Using RNA-Seq data collected from poplar under two conditions (with and without salt treatment), we detected 24, 22 and 19 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in roots, stems and leaves, respectively. Then we performed spatiotemporal expression analysis of the four up-regulated DEGs shared by the tissues, constructed gene co-expression-based networks, and investigated gene function annotations. CONCLUSION Lines of evidence indicated that the PtrLEA genes play significant roles in poplar growth and development, as well as in responses to salt stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjing Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
- Bamboo Research Institute, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Gaofeng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Boru Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
| | - Tingbo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
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Vieira CS, Figueiredo MB, Moraes CDS, Pereira SB, Dyson P, Mello CB, Castro DP, Azambuja P. Azadirachtin interferes with basal immunity and microbial homeostasis in the Rhodnius prolixus midgut. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 114:103864. [PMID: 32918931 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus is an insect vector of two flagellate parasites, Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi, the latter being the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. The R. prolixus neuroendocrine system regulates the synthesis of the steroid hormone ecdysone, which is essential for not only development and molting but also insect immunity. Knowledge for how this modulates R. prolixus midgut immune responses is essential for understanding interactions between the vector, its parasites and symbiotic microbes. In the present work, we evaluated the effects of ecdysone inhibition on R. prolixus humoral immunity and homeostasis with its microbiota, using the triterpenoid natural product, azadirachtin. Our results demonstrated that azadirachtin promoted a fast and lasting inhibitory effect on expression of both RpRelish, a nuclear factor kappa B transcription factor (NF-kB) component of the IMD pathway, and several antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes. On the other hand, RpDorsal, encoding the equivalent NF-kB transcription factor in the Toll pathway, and the defC AMP gene were upregulated later in azadirachtin treated insects. The treatment also impacted on proliferation of Serratia marcescens, an abundant commensal bacterium. The simultaneous administration of ecdysone and azadirachtin in R. prolixus blood meals counteracted the azadirachtin effects on insect molting and also on expression of RpRelish and AMPs genes. These results support the direct involvement of ecdysone in regulation of the IMD pathway in the Rhodnius prolixus gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Stahl Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcela Barbosa Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Caroline da Silva Moraes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suelen Bastos Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paul Dyson
- School of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Cícero Brasileiro Mello
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniele Pereira Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil.
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Osborne P, Hall LJ, Kronfeld-Schor N, Thybert D, Haerty W. A rather dry subject; investigating the study of arid-associated microbial communities. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2020; 15:20. [PMID: 33902728 PMCID: PMC8067391 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-020-00367-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Almost one third of Earth's land surface is arid, with deserts alone covering more than 46 million square kilometres. Nearly 2.1 billion people inhabit deserts or drylands and these regions are also home to a great diversity of plant and animal species including many that are unique to them. Aridity is a multifaceted environmental stress combining a lack of water with limited food availability and typically extremes of temperature, impacting animal species across the planet from polar cold valleys, to Andean deserts and the Sahara. These harsh environments are also home to diverse microbial communities, demonstrating the ability of bacteria, fungi and archaea to settle and live in some of the toughest locations known. We now understand that these microbial ecosystems i.e. microbiotas, the sum total of microbial life across and within an environment, interact across both the environment, and the macroscopic organisms residing in these arid environments. Although multiple studies have explored these microbial communities in different arid environments, few studies have examined the microbiota of animals which are themselves arid-adapted. Here we aim to review the interactions between arid environments and the microbial communities which inhabit them, covering hot and cold deserts, the challenges these environments pose and some issues arising from limitations in the field. We also consider the work carried out on arid-adapted animal microbiotas, to investigate if any shared patterns or trends exist, whether between organisms or between the animals and the wider arid environment microbial communities. We determine if there are any patterns across studies potentially demonstrating a general impact of aridity on animal-associated microbiomes or benefits from aridity-adapted microbiomes for animals. In the context of increasing desertification and climate change it is important to understand the connections between the three pillars of microbiome, host genome and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Osborne
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park Innovation Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK.
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, School of Life Sciences, ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | | | - David Thybert
- EMBL-EBI, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Wilfried Haerty
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park Innovation Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
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Li HL, Wang XY, Zheng XL, Lu W. Research Progress on Oviposition-Related Genes in Insects. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:6047614. [PMID: 33367730 PMCID: PMC7759734 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Oviposition-related genes have remained a consistent focus of insect molecular biology. Previous research has gradually clarified our mechanistic understanding of oviposition-related genes, including those related to oviposition-gland-related genes, oogenesis-related genes, oviposition-site-selection-related genes, and genes related to ovulation and hatching. Moreover, some of this research has revealed how the expression of single oviposition-related genes affects the expression of related genes, and more importantly, how individual node genes function to link the expression of upstream and downstream genes. However, the research to date is not sufficient to completely explain the overall interactions among the genes of the insect oviposition system. Through a literature review of a large number of studies, this review provides references for future research on oviposition-related genes in insects and the use of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 technology to verify the functions of oviposition-related genes and to prevent and control harmful insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Lin Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xia-Lin Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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Gijbels M, Marchal E, Verdonckt TW, Bruyninckx E, Vanden Broeck J. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Transcription Factor E93 in Nymphs of the Desert Locust ( Schistocerca gregaria) Inhibits Adult Morphogenesis and Results in Supernumerary Juvenile Stages. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7518. [PMID: 33053862 PMCID: PMC7590052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Postembryonic development of insects is coordinated by juvenile hormone (JH) together with ecdysteroids. Whereas the JH early response gene krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of juvenile characteristics during consecutive larval stages, the ecdysteroid-inducible early gene E93 appears to be a key factor promoting metamorphosis and adult morphogenesis. Here, we report on the developmental and molecular consequences of an RNAi-mediated knockdown of SgE93 in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, a hemimetabolan species. Our experimental data show that injection of gregarious locust nymphs with a double-stranded RNA construct targeting the SgE93 transcript inhibited the process of metamorphosis and instead led to supernumerary nymphal stages. These supernumerary nymphal instars still displayed juvenile morphological features, such as a nymphal color scheme and body shape, while they reached the physical body size of the adult locusts, or even surpassed it after the next supernumerary molt. Interestingly, when compared to control locusts, the total duration of the fifth and normally final nymphal (N5) stage was shorter than normal. This appeared to correspond with temporal and quantitative changes in hemolymph ecdysteroid levels, as well as with altered expression of the rate-limiting Halloween gene, Spook (SgSpo). In addition, the levels of the ecdysone receptor (SgEcR) and retinoïd X receptor (SgRXR) transcripts were altered, indicating that silencing SgE93 affects both ecdysteroid synthesis and signaling. Upon knockdown of SgE93, a very potent upregulation of the SgKr-h1 transcript levels was observed in both head and fat body, while no significant changes were detected in the transcript levels of SgJHAMT and SgCYP15A1, the enzymes that catalyze the two final steps in JH biosynthesis. Moreover, the process of molting was disturbed in these supernumerary nymphs. While attempting ecdysis to the next stage, 50% of the N6 and all N7 nymphal instars eventually died. S. gregaria is a very harmful, swarm-forming pest species that destroys crops and threatens food security in many of the world's poorest countries. We believe that a better knowledge of the mechanisms of postembryonic development may contribute to the discovery of novel, more selective and sustainable strategies for controlling gregarious locust populations. In this context, identification of molecular target candidates that are capable of significantly reducing the fitness of this devastating swarming pest will be of crucial importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Gijbels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
- Life Science Technologies, Imec, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Wolf Verdonckt
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
| | - Evert Bruyninckx
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
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31
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Gijbels M, Schellens S, Schellekens T, Bruyninckx E, Marchal E, Vanden Broeck J. Precocious Downregulation of Krüppel-Homolog 1 in the Migratory Locust, Locusta migratoria, Gives Rise to An Adultoid Phenotype with Accelerated Ovarian Development but Disturbed Mating and Oviposition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176058. [PMID: 32842716 PMCID: PMC7503607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) is a zinc finger transcription factor maintaining the status quo in immature insect stages and promoting reproduction in adult insects through the transduction of the Juvenile Hormone (JH) signal. Knockdown studies have shown that precocious silencing of Kr-h1 in the immature stages results in the premature development of adult features. However, the molecular characteristics and reproductive potential of these premature adult insect stages are still poorly understood. Here we report on an adult-like or ‘adultoid’ phenotype of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, obtained after a premature metamorphosis induced by the silencing of LmKr-h1 in the penultimate instar. The freshly molted adultoid shows precocious development of adult features, corresponding with increased transcript levels of the adult specifier gene LmE93. Furthermore, accelerated ovarian maturation and vitellogenesis were observed in female adultoids, coinciding with elevated expression of LmCYP15A1 in corpora allata (CA) and LmKr-h1 and vitellogenin genes (LmVg) in fat body, whereas LmE93 and Methoprene-tolerant (LmMet) transcript levels decreased in fat body. In adultoid ovaries, expression of the Halloween genes, Spook (LmSpo) and Phantom (LmPhm), was elevated as well. In addition, the processes of mating and oviposition were severely disturbed in these females. L. migratoria is a well-known, swarm-forming pest insect that can destroy crops and harvests in some of the world’s poorest countries. As such, a better understanding of factors that are capable of significantly reducing the reproductive potential of this pest may be of crucial importance for the development of novel locust control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Gijbels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Sam Schellens
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Tine Schellekens
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Evert Bruyninckx
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
- Life Science Technologies, Imec, Kapeldreef 75, B- 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (J.V.B.)
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (J.V.B.)
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Su Y, Guo Q, Gong J, Cheng Y, Wu X. Functional expression patterns of four ecdysteroid receptor isoforms indicate their different functions during vitellogenesis of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 248:110754. [PMID: 32649982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In arthropods, alternative splicing of ecdysteroid receptor gene (EcR) leads to multiple functions of different EcR isoforms during metamorphosis, growth and ovarian development via ecdysteroid signaling pathway. This study was conducted to investigate the expression patterns of four EcRs of Eriocheir sinensis (EsEcRs) and the changes of haemolymph ecdysteroid titer during the ovarian development. The results showed that four EsEcR isoforms had the tissue-specific expression among 12 examined tissues, and the highest transcript levels of the four EsEcR isoforms were detected in Y-organ or sinus gland. During the ovarian development, EsEcR1 showed the highest transcript abundance of the four EsEcR isoforms. The expression profiles of all the EsEcR isoforms were similar in the hepatopancreas during the ovarian maturation cycle of E. sinensis with a trend of "high-low-high-low". In ovary, the highest expression levels of EsEcR1 and EsEcR4 were both found at stage V ovary, while the peaks of EsEcR2 and EsEcR3 were found on stage III ovary and stage IV ovary, respectively. Meanwhile, the ecdysteroid titer in haemolymph decreased gradually during ovarian maturation cycle. Further regression analysis revealed significant negative correlations were found between the ovarian EsEcR3/ EsEcR4 expression levels and haemolymph ecdysteroid titer during part or whole ovarian development cycle. These results together indicated that four EsEcR isoforms may have different functions during ovary maturation of E. sinensis. All EcR isoforms and ecdysteroid seemed to have important roles in the hepatopancreas during early ovarian development stages, while EsEcR3 and EsEcR4 were closely related to the mid-late vitellogenesis stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Su
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Gong
- School of Life Sciences (School of Ocean Science), Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China.
| | - Yongxu Cheng
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Centre for Research on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xugan Wu
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Centre for Research on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Ehrensberger MT, Clark CM, Canty MK, McDermott EP. Electrochemical methods to enhance osseointegrated prostheses. Biomed Eng Lett 2020; 10:17-41. [PMID: 32175128 PMCID: PMC7046908 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-019-00134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Osseointegrated (OI) prosthetic limbs have been shown to provide an advantageous treatment option for amputees. In order for the OI prosthesis to be successful, the titanium implant must rapidly achieve and maintain proper integration with the bone tissue and remain free of infection. Electrochemical methods can be utilized to control and/or monitor the interfacial microenvironment where the titanium implant interacts with the biological system (host bone tissue or bacteria). This review will summarize the current understanding of how electrochemical modalities can influence bone tissue and bacteria with specific emphasis on applications where the metallic prosthesis itself can be utilized directly as a stimulating electrode for enhanced osseointegration and infection control. In addition, a summary of electrochemical impedance sensing techniques that could be used to potentially assess osseointegration and infection status of the metallic prosthesis is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T. Ehrensberger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, 445 Biomedical Research Building, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Caelen M. Clark
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, 445 Biomedical Research Building, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 USA
| | - Mary K. Canty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, 445 Biomedical Research Building, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Eric P. McDermott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, 445 Biomedical Research Building, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 USA
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Husain M, Tufail M, Mehmood K, Rasool KG, Aldawood AS. Transcriptome analysis of the almond moth, Cadra cautella, female abdominal tissues and identification of reproduction control genes. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:883. [PMID: 31752675 PMCID: PMC6869320 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The almond moth, Cadra cautella is a destructive pest of stored food commodities including dates that causes severe economic losses for the farming community worldwide. To date, no genetic information related to the molecular mechanism/strategies of its reproduction is available. Thus, transcriptome analysis of C. cautella female abdominal tissues was performed via next-generation sequencing (NGS) to recognize the genes responsible for reproduction. Results The NGS was performed with an Illumina Hiseq 2000 sequencer (Beijing Genomics Institute: BGI). From the transcriptome data, 9,804,804,120 nucleotides were generated and their assemblage resulted in 62,687 unigenes. The functional annotation analyses done by different databases, annotated, 27,836 unigenes in total. The transcriptome data of C. cautella female abdominal tissue was submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (accession no: PRJNA484692). The transcriptome analysis yielded several genes responsible for C. cautella reproduction including six Vg gene transcripts. Among the six Vg gene transcripts, only one was highly expressed with 3234.95 FPKM value (fragments per kilobase per million mapped reads) that was much higher than that of the other five transcripts. Higher differences in the expression level of the six Vg transcripts were confirmed by running the RT-PCR using gene specific primers, where the expression was observed only in one transcript it was named as the CcVg. Conclusions This is the first study to explore C. cautella reproduction control genes and it might be supportive to explore the reproduction mechanism in this pest at the molecular level. The NGS based transcriptome pool is valuable to study the functional genomics and will support to design biotech-based management strategies for C. cautella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mureed Husain
- Economic Entomology Research Unit, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Khalid Mehmood
- Economic Entomology Research Unit, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawaja Ghulam Rasool
- Economic Entomology Research Unit, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Saad Aldawood
- Economic Entomology Research Unit, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Gijbels M, Lenaerts C, Vanden Broeck J, Marchal E. Juvenile Hormone receptor Met is essential for ovarian maturation in the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10797. [PMID: 31346226 PMCID: PMC6658565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Juvenile hormones (JH) are key endocrine regulators produced by the corpora allata (CA) of insects. Together with ecdysteroids, as well as nutritional cues, JH coordinates different aspects of insect postembryonic development and reproduction. The function of the recently characterized JH receptor, Methoprene-tolerant (Met), appears to be conserved in different processes regulated by JH. However, its functional interactions with other hormonal signalling pathways seem highly dependent on the feeding habits and on the developmental and reproductive strategies employed by the insect species investigated. Here we report on the effects of RNA interference (RNAi) mediated SgMet knockdown during the first gonadotrophic cycle in female desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria). This voracious, phytophagous pest species can form migrating swarms that devastate field crops and harvests in several of the world’s poorest countries. A better knowledge of the JH signalling pathway may contribute to the development of novel, more target-specific insecticides to combat this very harmful swarming pest. Using RNAi, we show that the JH receptor Met is essential for ovarian maturation, vitellogenesis and associated ecdysteroid biosynthesis in adult female S. gregaria. Interestingly, knockdown of SgMet also resulted in a significant decrease of insulin-related peptide (SgIRP) and increase of neuroparsin (SgNP) 3 and 4 transcript levels in the fat body, illustrating the existence of an intricate regulatory interplay between different hormonal factors. In addition, SgMet knockdown in females resulted in delayed display of copulation behaviour with virgin males, when compared with dsGFP injected control animals. Moreover, we observed an incapacity of adult dsSgMet injected female locusts to oviposit during the time of the experimental setup. As such, SgMet is an essential gene playing crucial roles in the endocrine communication necessary for successful reproduction of the desert locust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Gijbels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cynthia Lenaerts
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Imec, Kapeldreef 75, B- 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
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de Oliveira DAB, da Silva AV, dos Santos Niculau E. Molecular Docking of Azadirachtin in Nuclear Ecdysone Receptor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1877946809666190320141833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background:
The azadirachtin is a triterpenoid associated with growth inhibition
in several kinds of insects which cause epidemic diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya
and Malaria. Azadirachtin acts by inhibiting the Ecdysone Receptor (EcR), which is responsible
from larvae phase in insects. However, the interaction between the azadirachtin
molecule and the Ecdysone Receptor is unknown. In this work, we used the program Dock
Thor to generate several azadirachtin conformations inside the EcR binding site. The ten
most stable conformations were optimized with the ONIOM approach present in the
Gaussian 09 program. The interaction energy was calculated between the azadirachtin
molecule and EcR receptor. Theoretical calculation shows that the azadirachtin molecule
interacts with the same amino acids present in the ecdysone EcR interaction. These results
will be useful to design new EcR inhibitors, which can be used in the control of some diseases
based on insect proliferations.
Objective:
To understand the interaction between the natural insecticide azadirachtin and
the Ecdysone Receptor.
Methods:
A combination of Dock Thor program with QM-MM calculation was used in order
to obtain the most favorable molecular structures.
Results:
The hydrogens bond obtained by Dock Thor Program combined with QM-MM
calculation suggest the azadirachtin interact with EcR in the same way that ecdysone molecule.
Conclusion:
The interaction mode that the molecule azadirachtin inhibits EcR in order to
avoid insect proliferation was described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Augusto Barra de Oliveira
- Curso de Quimica, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Campus Universitario de Araguaina, Av. Paraguai, s/n - esquina com Rua Uxiramas, Araguaina, Brazil
| | - Alcedino Venancio da Silva
- Curso de Quimica, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Campus Universitario de Araguaina, Av. Paraguai, s/n - esquina com Rua Uxiramas, Araguaina, Brazil
| | - Edenilson dos Santos Niculau
- Curso de Quimica, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Campus Universitario de Araguaina, Av. Paraguai, s/n - esquina com Rua Uxiramas, Araguaina, Brazil
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