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Bevivino G, Maurizi L, Ammendolia MG, Longhi C, Arcà B, Lombardo F. Peptides with Antimicrobial Activity in the Saliva of the Malaria Vector Anopheles coluzzii. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5529. [PMID: 38791567 PMCID: PMC11121840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquito saliva plays a crucial physiological role in both sugar and blood feeding by helping sugar digestion and exerting antihemostatic functions. During meal acquisition, mosquitoes are exposed to the internalization of external microbes. Since mosquitoes reingest significant amounts of saliva during feeding, we hypothesized that salivary antimicrobial components may participate in the protection of mouthparts, the crop, and the gut by inhibiting bacterial growth. To identify novel potential antimicrobials from mosquito saliva, we selected 11 candidates from Anopheles coluzzii salivary transcriptomic datasets and obtained them either using a cell-free transcription/translation expression system or, when feasible, via chemical synthesis. Hyp6.2 and hyp13, which were predicted to be produced as propeptides and cleaved in shorter mature forms, showed the most interesting results in bacterial growth inhibition assays. Hyp6.2 (putative mature form, 35 amino acid residues) significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) bacteria. Hyp13 (short form, 19 amino acid residues) dose-dependently inhibited E. coli and S. marcescens growth, inducing membrane disruption in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as indicated with scanning electron microscopy. In conclusion, we identified two A. coluzzii salivary peptides inhibiting Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria growth and possibly contributing to the protection of mosquito mouthparts and digestive tracts from microbial infection during and/or after feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bevivino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Linda Maurizi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Catia Longhi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Bruno Arcà
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
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Cano-Argüelles AL, Pérez-Sánchez R, Oleaga A. A microRNA profile of the saliva in the argasid ticks Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata and prediction of specific target genes. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102249. [PMID: 37689036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102249] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata ticks are the main vectors of the agents of human relapsing fever (TBRF) and African swine fever (ASF) in the Mediterranean Basin and Africa, respectively. Tick saliva is crucial for complete tick feeding and pathogen transmission, as it contains numerous molecules such as proteins, lipids, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) including microRNAs (miRNA). MiRNAs are small ncRNAs capable of regulating the expression of their target messenger RNA (mRNA) leading to degradation or inhibition of its translation into protein. Research on miRNAs from ixodid ticks has revealed that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of different physiological processes of ticks, as well as in the modulation of host gene expression, immune response to tick bite and pathogen transmission. Regarding argasid ticks, there is not information about their miRNAs or their potential involvement in tick physiology and/or in the regulation of the tick-host-pathogen interactions. The aim of this work was to profile the miRNAs expressed in the saliva of O. erraticus and O. moubata, and the in silico prediction and functional analysis of their target genes in the swine host. As a whole, up to 72 conserved miRNAs families were identified in both species: 35 of them were shared and 23 and 14 families were unique to O. erraticus and O. moubata, respectively. The most abundant miRNAs families were mir-1, mir-10 and let-7 in O. erraticus and let-7, mir-252, mir-10 in O. moubata. Four miRNAs sequences of each species were validated by RT-qPCR confirming their presence in the saliva. Target gene prediction in the host (Sus scrofa) and functional analysis showed that the selected miRNAs are mainly involved in processes related to signal transduction, regulation of mRNA transcription and gene expression, synapse regulation, immune response, angiogenesis and vascular development. These results suggest that miRNAs could play an important role at the tick-host interface, providing new insights into this complex relationship that may contribute to a more precise selection of tick molecules for the development of therapeutic and immune strategies to control tick infestations and tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Cano-Argüelles
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
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Qureshi A, Connolly JB. Bioinformatic and literature assessment of toxicity and allergenicity of a CRISPR-Cas9 engineered gene drive to control Anopheles gambiae the mosquito vector of human malaria. Malar J 2023; 22:234. [PMID: 37580703 PMCID: PMC10426224 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population suppression gene drive is currently being evaluated, including via environmental risk assessment (ERA), for malaria vector control. One such gene drive involves the dsxFCRISPRh transgene encoding (i) hCas9 endonuclease, (ii) T1 guide RNA (gRNA) targeting the doublesex locus, and (iii) DsRed fluorescent marker protein, in genetically-modified mosquitoes (GMMs). Problem formulation, the first stage of ERA, for environmental releases of dsxFCRISPRh previously identified nine potential harms to the environment or health that could occur, should expressed products of the transgene cause allergenicity or toxicity. METHODS Amino acid sequences of hCas9 and DsRed were interrogated against those of toxins or allergens from NCBI, UniProt, COMPARE and AllergenOnline bioinformatic databases and the gRNA was compared with microRNAs from the miRBase database for potential impacts on gene expression associated with toxicity or allergenicity. PubMed was also searched for any evidence of toxicity or allergenicity of Cas9 or DsRed, or of the donor organisms from which these products were originally derived. RESULTS While Cas9 nuclease activity can be toxic to some cell types in vitro and hCas9 was found to share homology with the prokaryotic toxin VapC, there was no evidence from previous studies of a risk of toxicity to humans and other animals from hCas9. Although hCas9 did contain an 8-mer epitope found in the latex allergen Hev b 9, the full amino acid sequence of hCas9 was not homologous to any known allergens. Combined with a lack of evidence in the literature of Cas9 allergenicity, this indicated negligible risk to humans of allergenicity from hCas9. No matches were found between the gRNA and microRNAs from either Anopheles or humans. Moreover, potential exposure to dsxFCRISPRh transgenic proteins from environmental releases was assessed as negligible. CONCLUSIONS Bioinformatic and literature assessments found no convincing evidence to suggest that transgenic products expressed from dsxFCRISPRh were allergens or toxins, indicating that environmental releases of this population suppression gene drive for malaria vector control should not result in any increased allergenicity or toxicity in humans or animals. These results should also inform evaluations of other GMMs being developed for vector control and in vivo clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alima Qureshi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK
| | - John B Connolly
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK.
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Santiago PB, da Silva Bentes KL, da Silva WMC, Praça YR, Charneau S, Chaouch S, Grellier P, Dos Santos Silva Ferraz MA, Bastos IMD, de Santana JM, de Araújo CN. Insights into the microRNA landscape of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13120. [PMID: 37573416 PMCID: PMC10423254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing interest in microRNAs (miRNAs) over recent years has led to their characterization in numerous organisms. However, there is currently a lack of data available on miRNAs from triatomine bugs (Reduviidae: Triatominae), which are the vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular biology of vectors provides new insights into insect-host interactions and insect control approaches, which are key methods to prevent disease incidence in endemic areas. In this work, we describe the miRNome profiles from gut, hemolymph, and salivary gland tissues of the Rhodnius prolixus triatomine. Small RNA sequencing data revealed abundant expression of miRNAs, along with tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments. Fifty-two mature miRNAs, previously reported in Ecdysozoa, were identified, including 39 ubiquitously expressed in the three tissues. Additionally, 112, 73, and 78 novel miRNAs were predicted in the gut, hemolymph, and salivary glands, respectively. In silico prediction showed that the top eight most highly expressed miRNAs from salivary glands potentially target human blood-expressed genes, suggesting that R. prolixus may modulate the host's gene expression at the bite site. This study provides the first characterization of miRNAs in a Triatominae species, shedding light on the role of these crucial regulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Beatriz Santiago
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Kaio Luís da Silva Bentes
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Yanna Reis Praça
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Soraya Chaouch
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP52, 61 rue Buffon, 0575231, Paris Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Grellier
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP52, 61 rue Buffon, 0575231, Paris Cedex, France
| | | | - Izabela Marques Dourado Bastos
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jaime Martins de Santana
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carla Nunes de Araújo
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Accoti A, Damiani C, Nunzi E, Cappelli A, Iacomelli G, Monacchia G, Turco A, D’Alò F, Peirce MJ, Favia G, Spaccapelo R. Anopheline mosquito saliva contains bacteria that are transferred to a mammalian host through blood feeding. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1157613. [PMID: 37533823 PMCID: PMC10392944 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1157613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malaria transmission occurs when Plasmodium sporozoites are transferred from the salivary glands of anopheline mosquitoes to a human host through the injection of saliva. The need for better understanding, as well as novel modes of inhibiting, this key event in transmission has driven intense study of the protein and miRNA content of saliva. Until now the possibility that mosquito saliva may also contain bacteria has remained an open question despite the well documented presence of a rich microbiome in salivary glands. Methods Using both 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF approaches, we characterized the composition of the saliva microbiome of An. gambiae and An. stephensi mosquitoes which respectively represent two of the most important vectors for the major malaria-causing parasites P. falciparum and P. vivax. Results To eliminate the possible detection of non-mosquito-derived bacteria, we used a transgenic, fluorescent strain of one of the identified bacteria, Serratiamarcescens, to infect mosquitoes and detect its presence in mosquito salivary glands as well as its transfer to, and colonization of, mammalian host tissues following a mosquito bite. We also showed that Plasmodium infection modified the mosquito microbiota, increasing the presence of Serratia while diminishing the presence of Elizabethkingia and that both P. berghei and Serratia were transferred to, and colonized mammalian tissues. Discussion These data thus document the presence of bacteria in mosquito saliva, their transfer to, and growth in a mammalian host as well as possible interactions with Plasmodium transmission. Together they raise the possible role of mosquitoes as vectors of bacterial infection and the utility of commensal mosquito bacteria for the development of transmission-blocking strategies within a mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Accoti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Damiani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, Camerino, Italy
| | - Emilia Nunzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Cappelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gloria Iacomelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Monacchia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella Turco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco D’Alò
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matthew J. Peirce
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, Camerino, Italy
| | - Roberta Spaccapelo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, CIRM Italian Malaria Network Perugia, Functional Genomic Center (C.U.R.Ge.F), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), Trieste, Italy
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Lu S, Martin-Martin I, Ribeiro JM, Calvo E. A deeper insight into the sialome of male and female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:135. [PMID: 36941562 PMCID: PMC10027276 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During evolution, blood-feeding arthropods developed a complex salivary mixture that can interfere with host haemostatic and immune response, favoring blood acquisition and pathogen transmission. Therefore, a survey of the salivary gland contents can lead to the identification of molecules with potent pharmacological activity in addition to increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the hematophagic behaviour of arthropods. The southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, is a vector of several pathogenic agents, including viruses and filarial parasites that can affect humans and wild animals. RESULTS Previously, a Sanger-based transcriptome of the salivary glands (sialome) of adult C. quinquefasciatus females was published based on the sequencing of 503 clones organized into 281 clusters. Here, we revisited the southern mosquito sialome using an Illumina-based RNA-sequencing approach of both male and female salivary glands. Our analysis resulted in the identification of 7,539 coding DNA sequences (CDS) that were functionally annotated into 25 classes, in addition to 159 long non-coding RNA (LncRNA). Additionally, comparison of male and female libraries allowed the identification of female-enriched transcripts that are potentially related to blood acquisition and/or pathogen transmission. CONCLUSION Together, these findings represent an extended reference for the identification and characterization of the proteins containing relevant pharmacological activity in the salivary glands of C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lu
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ines Martin-Martin
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Cheung KCP, Jiao M, Xingxuan C, Wei J. Extracellular vesicles derived from host and gut microbiota as promising nanocarriers for targeted therapy in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1051134. [PMID: 36686680 PMCID: PMC9859449 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1051134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis (OP), a systemic bone disease that causes structural bone loss and bone mass loss, is often associated with fragility fractures. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) generated by mammalian and gut bacteria have recently been identified as important mediators in the intercellular signaling pathway that may play a crucial role in microbiota-host communication. EVs are tiny membrane-bound vesicles, which range in size from 20 to 400 nm. They carry a variety of biologically active substances across intra- and intercellular space. These EVs have developed as a promising research area for the treatment of OP because of their nanosized architecture, enhanced biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, drug loading capacity, ease of customization, and industrialization. This review describes the latest development of EVs derived from mammals and bacteria, including their internalization, isolation, biogenesis, classifications, topologies, and compositions. Additionally, breakthroughs in chemical sciences and the distinctive biological features of bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) allow for the customization of modified BEVs for the therapy of OP. In conclusion, we give a thorough and in-depth summary of the main difficulties and potential future of EVs in the treatment of OP, as well as highlight innovative uses and choices for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Chat Pan Cheung
- Hong Kong Traditional Chinese Medicine Phenome Research Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China,*Correspondence: Kenneth Chat Pan Cheung, ; Jia Wei,
| | - Ma Jiao
- Hong Kong Traditional Chinese Medicine Phenome Research Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chen Xingxuan
- Hong Kong Traditional Chinese Medicine Phenome Research Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Hong Kong Traditional Chinese Medicine Phenome Research Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China,Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Kenneth Chat Pan Cheung, ; Jia Wei,
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Van den Brande S, Gijbels M, Wynant N, Peeters P, Gansemans Y, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Santos D, Vanden Broeck J. Identification and profiling of stable microRNAs in hemolymph of young and old Locusta migratoria fifth instars. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:100041. [PMID: 36003267 PMCID: PMC9387440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2022.100041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, numerous novel miRNAs have been identified which can regulate presumably every biological process in a wide range of metazoan species. In accordance, several insect miRNAs have been identified and functionally characterized. While regulatory RNA pathways are traditionally described at an intracellular level, studies reporting on the presence and potential role of extracellular (small) sRNAs have been emerging in the last decade, mainly in mammalian systems. Interestingly, evidence in several species indicates the functional transfer of extracellular RNAs between donor and recipient cells, illustrating RNA-based intercellular communication. In insects, however, reports on extracellular small RNAs are emerging but the number of detailed studies is still very limited. Here, we demonstrate the presence of stable sRNAs in the hemolymph of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. Moreover, the levels of several extracellular miRNAs (ex-miRNAs) present in locust hemolymph differed significantly between young and old fifth nymphal instars. In addition, we performed a 'proof of principle' experiment which suggested that extracellularly delivered miRNA molecules are capable of affecting the locusts' development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Van den Brande
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marijke Gijbels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- 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
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Antiviral RNAi Mechanisms to Arboviruses in Mosquitoes: microRNA Profile of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus from Grenada, West Indies. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne arboviruses, such as dengue virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus and yellow fever virus, impose a tremendous cost on the health of populations around the world. As a result, much effort has gone into the study of the impact of these viruses on human infections. Comparatively less effort, however, has been made to study the way these viruses interact with mosquitoes themselves. As ingested arboviruses infect their midgut and subsequently other tissue, the mosquito mounts a multifaceted innate immune response. RNA interference, the central intracellular antiviral defense mechanism in mosquitoes and other invertebrates can be induced and modulated through outside triggers (small RNAs) and treatments (transgenesis or viral-vector delivery). Accordingly, modulation of this facet of the mosquito’s immune system would thereby suggest a practical strategy for vector control. However, this requires a detailed understanding of mosquitoes’ endogenous small RNAs and their effects on the mosquito and viral proliferation. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of the mosquito’s immune system along with novel data describing miRNA profiles for Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasiatus in Grenada, West Indies.
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A miRNAs catalogue from third-stage larvae and extracellular vesicles of Anisakis pegreffii provides new clues for host-parasite interplay. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9667. [PMID: 35690629 PMCID: PMC9188560 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Anisakids are widespread marine parasites of medical, veterinary and economic relevance. They infect marine natural hosts but humans can accidentally acquire the fish-borne zoonosis anisakiasis by ingesting infected raw fishes or mollusks. Among the several species described, Anisakis pegreffii is one of the main etiological agent of the disease, in particular in the Mediterranean area. Despite the growing evidence of miRNAs involvement in host-parasite interplay, and the emerging role of exosomal microvesicles in shuttling them between different cell types (and sometime across species), no information on miRNAs from any Anisakis species is presently available. In this study we isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by Anisakis pegreffii infective third-stage larvae (L3) and analyzed by RNA-seq small RNAs from both L3 and EVs. We showed by nanoparticle tracking analysis that L3 release in culture medium particles of size compatible with the one of extracellular vesicles. A catalogue of 156 miRNAs from A. pegreffii was compiled by sequence comparison to evolutionary close species and miRNA prediction software. Using differential expression analysis, we identified a small number of highly abundant miRNAs in larvae and extracellular vesicles fractions whose potential biological relevance may deserve future investigation. Finally, A. pegreffii miRNAs were compared to those described in other parasitic helminths and predicted targets among human genes were searched, suggesting their potential involvement during infection.
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Fiorillo C, Yen PS, Colantoni A, Mariconti M, Azevedo N, Lombardo F, Failloux AB, Arcà B. MicroRNAs and other small RNAs in Aedes aegypti saliva and salivary glands following chikungunya virus infection. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9536. [PMID: 35681077 PMCID: PMC9184468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13780-3] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito saliva facilitates blood feeding through the anti-haemostatic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of its proteins. However, the potential contribution of non-coding RNAs to host manipulation is still poorly understood. We analysed small RNAs from Aedes aegypti saliva and salivary glands and show here that chikungunya virus-infection triggers both the siRNA and piRNA antiviral pathways with limited effects on miRNA expression profiles. Saliva appears enriched in specific miRNA subsets and its miRNA content is well conserved among mosquitoes and ticks, clearly pointing to a non-random sorting and occurrence. Finally, we provide evidence that miRNAs from Ae. aegypti saliva may target human immune and inflammatory pathways, as indicated by prediction analysis and searching for experimentally validated targets of identical human miRNAs. Overall, we believe these observations convincingly support a scenario where both proteins and miRNAs from mosquito saliva are injected into vertebrates during blood feeding and contribute to the complex vector-host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Fiorillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases - Division of Parasitology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Pei-Shi Yen
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Institute Pasteur, 25 rue Dr. Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Alessio Colantoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Mariconti
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Institute Pasteur, 25 rue Dr. Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Nayara Azevedo
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases - Division of Parasitology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Institute Pasteur, 25 rue Dr. Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Bruno Arcà
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases - Division of Parasitology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Gut Microbiota Extracellular Vesicles as Signaling Molecules Mediating Host-Microbiota Communications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313166. [PMID: 34884969 PMCID: PMC8658398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, gut microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to many health disorders; however, the detailed mechanism of this correlation remains unclear. Gut microbiota can communicate with the host through immunological or metabolic signalling. Recently, microbiota-released extracellular vesicles (MEVs) have emerged as significant mediators in the intercellular signalling mechanism that could be an integral part of microbiota-host communications. MEVs are small membrane-bound vesicles that encase a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds (i.e., proteins, mRNA, miRNA, DNA, carbohydrates, and lipids), thus mediating the horizontal transfer of their cargo across intra- and intercellular space. In this study, we provide a comprehensive and in-depth discussion of the biogenesis of microbial-derived EVs, their classification and routes of production, as well as their role in inter-bacterial and inter-kingdom signaling.
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13
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Perdomo HD, Hussain M, Parry R, Etebari K, Hedges LM, Zhang G, Schulz BL, Asgari S. Human blood microRNA hsa-miR-21-5p induces vitellogenin in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Commun Biol 2021; 4:856. [PMID: 34244602 PMCID: PMC8270986 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito vectors transmit various diseases through blood feeding, required for their egg development. Hence, blood feeding is a major physiological event in their life cycle, during which hundreds of genes are tightly regulated. Blood is a rich source of proteins for mosquitoes, but also contains many other molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we found that human blood miRNAs are transported abundantly into the fat body tissue of Aedes aegypti, a key metabolic center in post-blood feeding reproductive events, where they target and regulate mosquito genes. Using an artificial diet spiked with the mimic of an abundant and stable human blood miRNA, hsa-miR-21-5p, and proteomics analysis, we found over 40 proteins showing differential expression in female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes after feeding. Of interest, we found that the miRNA positively regulates the vitellogenin gene, coding for a yolk protein produced in the mosquito fat body and then transported to the ovaries as a protein source for egg production. Inhibition of hsa-miR-21-5p followed by human blood feeding led to a statistically insignificant reduction in progeny production. The results provide another example of the involvement of small regulatory molecules in the interaction of taxonomically vastly different taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo D. Perdomo
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Mazhar Hussain
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Rhys Parry
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Kayvan Etebari
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Lauren M. Hedges
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Guangmei Zhang
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Benjamin L. Schulz
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Sassan Asgari
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
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14
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Xu TL, Sun YW, Feng XY, Zhou XN, Zheng B. Development of miRNA-Based Approaches to Explore the Interruption of Mosquito-Borne Disease Transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:665444. [PMID: 34235091 PMCID: PMC8256169 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.665444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA or miR)-based approaches to interrupt the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases have been explored since 2005. A review of these studies and areas in which to proceed is needed. In this review, significant progress is reviewed at the level of individual miRNAs, and miRNA diversification and relevant confounders are described in detail. Current miRNA studies in mosquitoes include four steps, namely, identifying miRNAs, validating miRNA-pathogen interactions, exploring action mechanisms, and performing preapplication investigations. Notably, regarding the Plasmodium parasite, mosquito miRNAs generally bind to mosquito immunity- or development-related mRNAs, indirectly regulating Plasmodium infection; However, regarding arboviruses, mosquito miRNAs can bind to the viral genome, directly modifying viral replication. Thus, during explorations of miRNA-based approaches, researchers need select an ideal miRNA for investigation based on the mosquito species, tissue, and mosquito-borne pathogen of interest. Additionally, strategies for miRNA-based approaches differ for arboviruses and protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Long Xu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.,National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Wen Sun
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Yu Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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Chiu M, Trigg B, Taracena M, Wells M. Diverse cellular morphologies during lumen maturation in Anopheles gambiae larval salivary glands. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:210-230. [PMID: 33305876 PMCID: PMC8142555 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the greatest animal threat to human health, causing hundreds of millions of infections and around 1 million deaths each year. All mosquito-borne pathogens must traverse the salivary glands (SGs) to be transmitted to the next host, making this organ an ideal target for interventions. The adult SG develops from precursor cells located in the larval SG duct bud. Characterization of the larval SG has been limited. We sought to better understand larval SG architecture, secretion and gene expression. We developed an optimized method for larval SG staining and surveyed hundreds of larval stage 4 (L4) SGs using fluorescence confocal microscopy. Remarkable variation in SG cell and chromatin organization differed among individuals and across the L4 stage. Lumen formation occurred during L4 stage through secretion likely involving a coincident cellular apical lipid enrichment and extracellular vesicle-like structures. Meta-analysis of microarray data showed that larval SG gene expression is divergent from adult SGs, more similar to larval gastric cecae, but different from other larval gut compartments. This work highlights the variable cell architecture of larval Anopheles gambiae SGs and provides candidate targets for genetic strategies aiming to disrupt SGs and transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chiu
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - B Trigg
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - M Taracena
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - M Wells
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), Meridian, Idaho, USA
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16
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Connolly JB, Mumford JD, Fuchs S, Turner G, Beech C, North AR, Burt A. Systematic identification of plausible pathways to potential harm via problem formulation for investigational releases of a population suppression gene drive to control the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae in West Africa. Malar J 2021; 20:170. [PMID: 33781254 PMCID: PMC8006393 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03674-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population suppression gene drive has been proposed as a strategy for malaria vector control. A CRISPR-Cas9-based transgene homing at the doublesex locus (dsxFCRISPRh) has recently been shown to increase rapidly in frequency in, and suppress, caged laboratory populations of the malaria mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae. Here, problem formulation, an initial step in environmental risk assessment (ERA), was performed for simulated field releases of the dsxFCRISPRh transgene in West Africa. METHODS Building on consultative workshops in Africa that previously identified relevant environmental and health protection goals for ERA of gene drive in malaria vector control, 8 potentially harmful effects from these simulated releases were identified. These were stratified into 46 plausible pathways describing the causal chain of events that would be required for potential harms to occur. Risk hypotheses to interrogate critical steps in each pathway, and an analysis plan involving experiments, modelling and literature review to test each of those risk hypotheses, were developed. RESULTS Most potential harms involved increased human (n = 13) or animal (n = 13) disease transmission, emphasizing the importance to subsequent stages of ERA of data on vectorial capacity comparing transgenics to non-transgenics. Although some of the pathways (n = 14) were based on known anatomical alterations in dsxFCRISPRh homozygotes, many could also be applicable to field releases of a range of other transgenic strains of mosquito (n = 18). In addition to population suppression of target organisms being an accepted outcome for existing vector control programmes, these investigations also revealed that the efficacy of population suppression caused by the dsxFCRISPRh transgene should itself directly affect most pathways (n = 35). CONCLUSIONS Modelling will play an essential role in subsequent stages of ERA by clarifying the dynamics of this relationship between population suppression and reduction in exposure to specific potential harms. This analysis represents a comprehensive identification of plausible pathways to potential harm using problem formulation for a specific gene drive transgene and organism, and a transparent communication tool that could inform future regulatory studies, guide subsequent stages of ERA, and stimulate further, broader engagement on the use of population suppression gene drive to control malaria vectors in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Connolly
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - John D Mumford
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Silke Fuchs
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Geoff Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ace R North
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Austin Burt
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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17
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Santos D, Remans S, Van den Brande S, Vanden Broeck J. RNAs on the Go: Extracellular Transfer in Insects with Promising Prospects for Pest Management. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:484. [PMID: 33806650 PMCID: PMC8001424 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA-mediated pathways form an important regulatory layer of myriad biological processes. In the last decade, the potential of RNA molecules to contribute to the control of agricultural pests has not been disregarded, specifically via the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. In fact, several proofs-of-concept have been made in this scope. Furthermore, a novel research field regarding extracellular RNAs and RNA-based intercellular/interorganismal communication is booming. In this article, we review key discoveries concerning extracellular RNAs in insects, insect RNA-based cell-to-cell communication, and plant-insect transfer of RNA. In addition, we overview the molecular mechanisms implicated in this form of communication and discuss future biotechnological prospects, namely from the insect pest-control perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.R.); (S.V.d.B.); (J.V.B.)
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18
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Tikhe CV, Dimopoulos G. Mosquito antiviral immune pathways. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 116:103964. [PMID: 33301792 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are vectors of a large number of viral pathogens. In recent years, increased urbanization and climate change has expanded the range of many vector mosquitoes. The lack of effective medical interventions has made the control of mosquito-borne viral diseases very difficult. Understanding the interactions between the mosquito immune system and viruses is critical if we are to develop effective control strategies against these diseases. Mosquitoes harbor multiple conserved immune pathways that curb invading viral pathogens. Despite the conservation of these pathways, the activation and intensity of the mosquito immune response varies with the mosquito species, tissue, and the infecting virus. This article reviews major conserved antiviral immune pathways in vector mosquitoes, their interactions with invading viral pathogens, and how these interactions restrict or promote infection of these medically important viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay V Tikhe
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, United States.
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, United States.
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19
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miRNA profile of extracellular vesicles isolated from saliva of Haemaphysalis longicornis tick. Acta Trop 2020; 212:105718. [PMID: 32971070 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in host-parasite interactions. Previous studies have shown that parasites can release microRNA (miRNA) containing EVs, which can transfer their contents to host cells and regulate gene expression in recipient cells. However, a little is known about the secretion of EVs by the ticks. This study was therefore, carried out to examine the saliva of ticks for the presence of miRNA containing EVs. Vesicles were purified from saliva of partially engorged Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out to confirm that vesicles within saliva were EVs based on size and morphology. Total RNA was extracted from EVs and was analyzed by deep sequencing to determine miRNA profile. TEM analysis confirmed the presence of extracellular vesicle-like structures within tick saliva. RNA-seq analysis showed that tick-derived EVs contained small non-coding RNA populations including miRNAs. The analysis of tick-derived EVs identified 36 known miRNAs, 34 novel miRNAs and 842 novel Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNA). The results of this study provide evidence that EVs containing miRNAs can be secreted by the ticks and suggest that vesicles could transfer these miRNAs to modulate host cell functions.
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20
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Bryant WB, Ray S, Mills MK. Global Analysis of Small Non-Coding RNA Populations across Tissues in the Malaria Vector, Anopheles gambiae. INSECTS 2020; 11:E406. [PMID: 32630036 PMCID: PMC7411766 DOI: 10.3390/insects11070406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a major global health problem, where the anautogenous female mosquito Anopheles gambiae serves as a major vector. In order to combat this devastating disease, understanding mosquito physiology is paramount. Numerous studies in the vector field demonstrate that small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential roles in numerous aspects of mosquito physiology. While our previous miRNA annotation work demonstrated expression dynamics across differing tissues, miRNAs represented less than 20% of all small ncRNAs in our small RNA-Seq libraries. To this end, we systematically classified multiple small ncRNA groups across mosquito tissues. Here we (i) determined a new enriched-midgut miRNA, (ii) updated the piRNA annotation in ovaries with a genomic map of unique-mapping piRNAs, (iii) identified pan-tissue and tissue-enriched mRNA-derived small ncRNAs, and (iv) assessed AGO1- and AGO2- loading of candidate small ncRNAs. Continued research will broaden our view of small ncRNAs and greatly aide in our understanding on how these molecules contribute to mosquito physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary Katherine Mills
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina-Aiken, Aiken, SC 29801, USA;
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21
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Bensaoud C, Hackenberg M, Kotsyfakis M. Noncoding RNAs in Parasite–Vector–Host Interactions. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:715-724. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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22
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Zhou W, Wang X, Yin D, Xue L, Ma Z, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Zhao Z, Wang H, Sun Y, Yang Y. Effect of miR-140-5p on the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis in NSCLC and its underlying mechanism. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:1350-1356. [PMID: 31363375 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer accounting for ~80% of lung cancer cases. According to novel research, numerous microRNAs (miRs) have been suggested to function as important regulators of cancer. In addition, the expression of miR-140-5p is decreased in patients with NSCLC. Therefore, it is important to further elucidate the role of miR-140-5p in NSCLC. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used in order to investigate the expression of miR-140-5p in NSCLC tissues and matched normal tissues and to determine miR-140-5p levels following transfection with mimics into A549 lung cancer cells. Targetscan software was used to predict the oncogene target of miR-140-5p. This analysis revealed that YES proto-oncogene 1 (YES1) includes a target site for miR-140-5p binding. The results revealed that YES1 is a potential target gene of miR-140-5p, and this was further confirmed by the results of luciferase reporter assays, which demonstrated that miR-140-5p directly targeted the predicted binding site in the 3'-untranslated region of YES1. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the levels of cell viability and apoptosis. Western blot assays was performed to investigate the expression levels of YES1 and proteins associated with apoptosis in A549 cells following transfection. The results revealed that miR-140-5p expression was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared with matched normal tissues. The expression of miR-140-5p was significantly increased following transfection with miR-140-5p mimics. The results of CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays indicated that miR-140-5p inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of tumor cells. Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR revealed that YES1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) mRNA and protein expression levels were markedly decreased in A549 cells, while Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) and caspase-3 expression levels increased significantly following transfection with miR-140-5p mimics compared with the negative control group. In conclusion, miR-140-5p may induce apoptosis in A549 cells by targeting YES1 and regulating the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Qinhuangdao First People's Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Foundation and Clinic of Malignant Tumor, Postgraduate College, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei 067000, P.R. China
| | - Duanduan Yin
- Department of Oncology, Qinhuangdao First People's Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Xue
- Department of Oncology, Qinhuangdao First People's Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongfeng Ma
- Department of Oncology, Qinhuangdao First People's Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Department of Oncology, Qinhuangdao First People's Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, P.R. China
| | - Qianyi Zhang
- Division of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Zishu Zhao
- Foundation and Clinic of Malignant Tumor, Postgraduate College, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei 067000, P.R. China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Foundation and Clinic of Malignant Tumor, Postgraduate College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 051117, P.R. China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Oncology, Qinhuangdao First People's Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Yang
- Department of Oncology, Qinhuangdao First People's Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066000, P.R. China
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23
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Microbe-Host Communication by Small RNAs in Extracellular Vesicles: Vehicles for Transkingdom RNA Transportation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061487. [PMID: 30934547 PMCID: PMC6472211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are evolutionary well-conserved nano-sized membranous vesicles that are secreted by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Recently, they have gained great attention for their proposed roles in cell-to-cell communication, and as biomarkers for human disease. In particular, small RNAs (sRNAs) contained within EVs have been considered as candidate interspecies-communication molecules, due to their demonstrated capacity to modulate gene expression in multiple cell types and species. While research into this field is in its infancy, elucidating the mechanisms that underlie host–microbe interactions and communications promises to impact many fields of biological research, including human health and medicine. Thus, this review discussed the results of recent studies that have examined the ways in which EVs and sRNAs mediate ‘microbe–host’ and ‘host–microbe’ interspecies communication.
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