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Sonmez UM, Frey N, LeDuc PR, Minden JS. Fly Me to the Micron: Microtechnologies for Drosophila Research. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:441-473. [PMID: 38959386 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-050423-054647] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Multicellular model organisms, such as Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), are frequently used in a myriad of biological research studies due to their biological significance and global standardization. However, traditional tools used in these studies generally require manual handling, subjective phenotyping, and bulk treatment of the organisms, resulting in laborious experimental protocols with limited accuracy. Advancements in microtechnology over the course of the last two decades have allowed researchers to develop automated, high-throughput, and multifunctional experimental tools that enable novel experimental paradigms that would not be possible otherwise. We discuss recent advances in microtechnological systems developed for small model organisms using D. melanogaster as an example. We critically analyze the state of the field by comparing the systems produced for different applications. Additionally, we suggest design guidelines, operational tips, and new research directions based on the technical and knowledge gaps in the literature. This review aims to foster interdisciplinary work by helping engineers to familiarize themselves with model organisms while presenting the most recent advances in microengineering strategies to biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utku M Sonmez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, San Diego, California, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Nolan Frey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Philip R LeDuc
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan S Minden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Liu J, Rayes D, Akbari OS. A Fluorescent Sex-Sorting Technique for Insects with the Demonstration in Drosophila melanogaster. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 3:35-44. [PMID: 38415050 PMCID: PMC10895710 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in insect genetic engineering offer alternative genetic biocontrol solutions to control populations of pests and disease vectors. While success has been achieved, sex-sorting remains problematic for scaling many genetic biocontrol interventions. Here, we describe the development of a genetically stable sex-sorting technique for female and male selection with a proof of concept in Drosophila melanogaster termed SEPARATOR (Sexing Element Produced by Alternative RNA-splicing of A Transgenic Observable Reporter). This elegant approach utilizes dominantly expressed fluorescent proteins and differentially spliced introns to ensure sex-specific expression. The system has the potential for adaptability to various insect species and application for high-throughput insect sex-sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junru Liu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Danny Rayes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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3
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Bonanno SL, Sanfilippo P, Eamani A, Sampson MM, Binu K, Li K, Burns GD, Makar ME, Zipursky SL, Krantz DE. Constitutive and conditional epitope-tagging of endogenous G protein coupled receptors in Drosophila. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.27.573472. [PMID: 38234787 PMCID: PMC10793450 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.27.573472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
To visualize the cellular and subcellular localization of neuromodulatory G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in Drosophila , we implement a molecular strategy recently used to add epitope tags to ionotropic receptors at their endogenous loci. Leveraging evolutionary conservation to identify sites more likely to permit insertion of a tag, we generated constitutive and conditional tagged alleles for Drosophila 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, Octβ1R, Octβ2R, two isoforms of OAMB, and mGluR. The conditional alleles allow for the restricted expression of tagged receptor in specific cell types, an option not available for any previous reagents to label these proteins. We show that 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B localize to the mushroom bodies and central complex respectively, as predicted by their roles in sleep. By contrast, the unexpected enrichment of Octβ1R in the central complex and of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A to nerve terminals in lobular columnar cells in the visual system suggest new hypotheses about their function at these sites. Using an additional tagged allele of the serotonin transporter, a marker of serotonergic tracts, we demonstrate diverse spatial relationships between postsynaptic 5-HT receptors and presynaptic 5-HT neurons, consistent with the importance of both synaptic and volume transmission. Finally, we use the conditional allele of 5-HT1A to show that it localizes to distinct sites within the mushroom bodies as both a postsynaptic receptor in Kenyon cells and a presynaptic autoreceptor. Significance Statement In Drosophila , despite remarkable advances in both connectomic and genomic studies, antibodies to many aminergic GPCRs are not available. We have overcome this obstacle using evolutionary conservation to identify loci in GPCRs amenable to epitope-tagging, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generated eight novel lines. This method also may be applied to other GPCRs and allows cell-specific expression of the tagged locus. We have used the tagged alleles we generated to address several questions that remain poorly understood. These include the relationship between pre- and post-synaptic sites that express the same receptor, and the use of relatively distant targets by pre-synaptic release sites that may employ volume transmission as well as standard synaptic signaling.
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Karki S, Saadaoui M, Dunsing V, Kerridge S, Da Silva E, Philippe JM, Maurange C, Lecuit T. Serotonin signaling regulates actomyosin contractility during morphogenesis in evolutionarily divergent lineages. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5547. [PMID: 37684231 PMCID: PMC10491668 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41178-w] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that signals through 5-HT receptors to control key functions in the nervous system. Serotonin receptors are also ubiquitously expressed in various organs and have been detected in embryos of different organisms. Potential morphogenetic functions of serotonin signaling have been proposed based on pharmacological studies but a mechanistic understanding is still lacking. Here, we uncover a role of serotonin signaling in axis extension of Drosophila embryos by regulating Myosin II (MyoII) activation, cell contractility and cell intercalation. We find that serotonin and serotonin receptors 5HT2A and 5HT2B form a signaling module that quantitatively regulates the amplitude of planar polarized MyoII contractility specified by Toll receptors and the GPCR Cirl. Remarkably, serotonin signaling also regulates actomyosin contractility at cell junctions, cellular flows and epiblast morphogenesis during chicken gastrulation. This phylogenetically conserved mechanical function of serotonin signaling in regulating actomyosin contractility and tissue flow reveals an ancestral role in morphogenesis of multicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Karki
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Mehdi Saadaoui
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Valentin Dunsing
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Stephen Kerridge
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Elise Da Silva
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Philippe
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Cédric Maurange
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Lecuit
- Aix-Marseille Université & CNRS, IBDM-UMR7288 & Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France.
- Collège de France, Paris, France.
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Homberg U, Kirchner M, Kowalewski K, Pitz V, Kinoshita M, Kern M, Seyfarth J. Comparative morphology of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons innervating the central complex in the brain of dicondylian insects. J Comp Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37478205 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) acts as a widespread neuromodulator in the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates. In insects, it promotes feeding, enhances olfactory sensitivity, modulates aggressive behavior, and, in the central complex of Drosophila, serves a role in sleep homeostasis. In addition to a role in sleep-wake regulation, the central complex has a prominent role in spatial orientation, goal-directed locomotion, and navigation vector memory. To further understand the role of serotonergic signaling in this brain area, we analyzed the distribution and identity of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons across a wide range of insect species. While one bilateral pair of tangential neurons innervating the central body was present in all species studied, a second type was labeled in all neopterans but not in dragonflies and firebrats. Both cell types show conserved major fiber trajectories but taxon-specific differences in dendritic targets outside the central body and axonal terminals in the central body, noduli, and lateral accessory lobes. In addition, numerous tangential neurons of the protocerebral bridge were labeled in all studied polyneopteran species except for Phasmatodea, but not in Holometabola. Lepidoptera and Diptera showed additional labeling of two bilateral pairs of neurons of a third type. The presence of serotonin in systems of columnar neurons apparently evolved independently in dragonflies and desert locusts. The data suggest distinct evolutionary changes in the composition of serotonin-immunolabeled neurons of the central complex and provides a promising basis for a phylogenetic study in a wider range of arthropod species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Homberg
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michelle Kirchner
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Kowalewski
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Pitz
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michiyo Kinoshita
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Japan
| | - Martina Kern
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Seyfarth
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Asuncion JD, Eamani A, Rohrbach EW, Knapp EM, Deshpande SA, Bonanno SL, Murphy JE, Lawal HO, Krantz DE. Precise CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutation of a membrane trafficking domain in the Drosophila vesicular monoamine transporter gene. Curr Res Physiol 2023; 6:100101. [PMID: 37409154 PMCID: PMC10318446 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2023.100101] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoamine neurotransmitters such as noradrenalin are released from both synaptic vesicles (SVs) and large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs), the latter mediating extrasynaptic signaling. The contribution of synaptic versus extrasynaptic signaling to circuit function and behavior remains poorly understood. To address this question, we have previously used transgenes encoding a mutation in the Drosophila Vesicular Monoamine Transporter (dVMAT) that shifts amine release from SVs to LDCVs. To circumvent the use of transgenes with non-endogenous patterns of expression, we have now used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate a trafficking mutant in the endogenous dVMAT gene. To minimize disruption of the dVMAT coding sequence and a nearby RNA splice site, we precisely introduced a point mutation using single-stranded oligonucleotide repair. A predicted decrease in fertility was used as a phenotypic screen to identify founders in lieu of a visible marker. Phenotypic analysis revealed a defect in the ovulation of mature follicles and egg retention in the ovaries. We did not detect defects in the contraction of lateral oviducts following optogenetic stimulation of octopaminergic neurons. Our findings suggest that release of mature eggs from the ovary is disrupted by changing the balance of VMAT trafficking between SVs and LDCVs. Further experiments using this model will help determine the mechanisms that sensitize specific circuits to changes in synaptic versus extrasynaptic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D. Asuncion
- Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- UCLA Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Aditya Eamani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ethan W. Rohrbach
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- UCLA Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Knapp
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sonali A. Deshpande
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Shivan L. Bonanno
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jeremy E. Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA, 19901, USA
| | - Hakeem O. Lawal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA, 19901, USA
| | - David E. Krantz
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Lv M, Xu X, Zhang X, Yuwen B, Zhang L. Serotonin/GABA receptors modulate odor input to olfactory receptor neuron in locusts. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1156144. [PMID: 37187607 PMCID: PMC10175586 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1156144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) are involved in the regulation of behaviors in the central nervous system. However, it remains unclear whether they modulate olfaction in the peripheral nervous system, and how they modulate olfaction. Methods and results One 5-HT receptor sequence (Lmig5-HT2) and one GABA receptor sequence (LmigGABAb) were identified in locust antennae by transcriptome analysis and polymerase chain reaction experiments. In situ hybridization localized Lmig5-HT2 to accessory cells, while LmigGABAb was localized to olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in locust chemosensilla. Single-unit electrophysiological recordings combined with RNA interference (RNAi) experiments indicated ORNs of locusts with knockdown of Lmig5-HT2 (ds-Lmig5-HT2) and LmigGABAb (ds-LmigGABAb) to some odors had significantly higher responses than wild-type and control locusts in the dose-dependent responses. Moreover, the gaps between the responses of ORNs of RNAi ones and those of wild-type and ds-GFP enlarged with an increase in concentrations of odors. Discussion Taken together, our findings suggest that 5-HT, GABA, and their receptors exist in the insect peripheral nervous system and that they may function as negative feedback to ORNs and contribute to a fine-tuning mechanism for olfaction in the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Lv
- Department of Agricultural Insects and Pest Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Agricultural Insects and Pest Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyang Zhang
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Yuwen
- Department of Agricultural Insects and Pest Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Agricultural Insects and Pest Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Plant Protection Institute, Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center on Biocontrol for Pests, Jinan, China
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Gajardo I, Guerra S, Campusano JM. Navigating Like a Fly: Drosophila melanogaster as a Model to Explore the Contribution of Serotonergic Neurotransmission to Spatial Navigation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054407. [PMID: 36901836 PMCID: PMC10002024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054407] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a monoamine that acts in vertebrates and invertebrates as a modulator promoting changes in the structure and activity of brain areas relevant to animal behavior, ranging from sensory perception to learning and memory. Whether serotonin contributes in Drosophila to human-like cognitive abilities, including spatial navigation, is an issue little studied. Like in vertebrates, the serotonergic system in Drosophila is heterogeneous, meaning that distinct serotonergic neurons/circuits innervate specific fly brain regions to modulate precise behaviors. Here we review the literature that supports that serotonergic pathways modify different aspects underlying the formation of navigational memories in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Gajardo
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Instituto Milenio de Neurociencia Biomédica (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Simón Guerra
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge M. Campusano
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-2354-2133
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Banu A, Gowda SBM, Salim S, Mohammad F. Serotonergic control of feeding microstructure in Drosophila. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1105579. [PMID: 36733453 PMCID: PMC9887136 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1105579] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To survive, animals maintain energy homeostasis by seeking out food. Compared to freely feeding animals, food-deprived animals may choose different strategies to balance both energy and nutrition demands, per the metabolic state of the animal. Serotonin mediates internal states, modifies existing neural circuits, and regulates animal feeding behavior, including in humans and fruit flies. However, an in-depth study on the neuromodulatory effects of serotonin on feeding microstructure has been held back for several technical reasons. Firstly, most feeding assays lack the precision of manipulating neuronal activity only when animals start feeding, which does not separate neuronal effects on feeding from foraging and locomotion. Secondly, despite the availability of optogenetic tools, feeding in adult fruit flies has primarily been studied using thermogenetic systems, which are confounded with heat. Thirdly, most feeding assays have used food intake as a measurement, which has a low temporal resolution to dissect feeding at the microstructure level. To circumvent these problems, we utilized OptoPAD assay, which provides the precision of optogenetics to control neural activity contingent on the ongoing feeding behavior. We show that manipulating the serotonin circuit optogenetically affects multiple feeding parameters state-dependently. Food-deprived flies with optogenetically activated and suppressed serotonin systems feed with shorter and longer sip durations and longer and shorter inter-sip intervals, respectively. We further show that serotonin suppresses and enhances feeding via 5-HT1B and 5-HT7 receptors, respectively.
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Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of Two Serotonin Type 7 Receptor Isoforms from Mythimna separata. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010655. [PMID: 36614100 PMCID: PMC9820646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010655] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important neuroactive molecule, as neurotransmitters regulate various biological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates by binding and activating specific 5-HT receptors. The pharmacology and tissue distribution of 5-HT receptors have been investigated in several model insects, and these receptors are recognized as potential insecticide targets. However, little is known about the pharmacological characterization of the 5-HT receptors in important agricultural pests. In this study, we investigated the sequence, pharmacology, and tissue distribution of 5-HT7 receptors from oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important migratory and polyphagous pest species. We found that the 5-HT7 receptor gene encodes two molecularly distinct transcripts, Msep5-HT7L and Msep5-HT7S, by the mechanism of alternative splicing in M. separata. Msep5-HT7S differs from Msep5-HT7L based on the deletion of 95 amino acids within the third intracellular loop. Two Msep5-HT7 receptor isoforms were activated by 5-HT and synthetic agonists α-methylserotonin, 8-hydroxy-DPAT, and 5-methoxytryptamine, resulting in increased intracellular cAMP levels in a dose-dependent manner, although these agonists showed much poorer potency and efficacy than 5-HT. The maximum efficacy of 5-HT compared to the two 5-HT isoforms was equivalent, but 5-HT exhibited 2.63-fold higher potency against the Msep5-HT7S than the Msep5-HT7L receptor. These two isoforms were also blocked by the non-selective antagonist methiothepin and the selective antagonists WAY-100635, ketanserin, SB-258719, and SB-269970. Moreover, two distinct mRNA transcripts were expressed preferentially in the brain and chemosensory organs of M. separata adults, as determined by qPCR assay. This study is the first comprehensive characterization of two splicing isoforms of 5-HT7 receptors in M. separata, and the first to demonstrate that alternative splicing is also the mechanism for producing multiple 5-HT7 isoforms in insects. Pharmacological and gene expression profiles offer important information that could facilitate further exploration of their function in the central nervous system and peripheral chemosensory organs, and may even contribute to the development of new selective pesticides.
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Gowda SB, Banu A, Salim S, Peker KA, Mohammad F. Serotonin distinctly controls behavioral states in restrained and freely moving Drosophila. iScience 2022; 26:105886. [PMID: 36654863 PMCID: PMC9840979 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
When trapped in a physical restraint, animals must select an escape strategy to increase their chances of survival. After falling into an inescapable trap, they react with stereotypical behaviors that differ from those displayed in escapable situations. Such behaviors involve either a wriggling response to unlock the trap or feigning death to fend off a predator attack. The neural mechanisms that regulate animal behaviors have been well characterized for escapable situations but not for inescapable traps. We report that restrained vinegar flies exhibit alternating flailing and immobility to free themselves from the trap. We used optogenetics and intersectional genetic approaches to show that, while broader serotonin activation promotes immobility, serotonergic cells in the ventral nerve cord (VNC) regulate immobility states majorly via 5-HT7 receptors. Restrained and freely moving locomotor states are controlled by distinct mechanisms. Taken together, our study has identified serotonergic switches of the VNC that promote environment-specific adaptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha B.M. Gowda
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Ayesha Banu
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Safa Salim
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar
| | | | - Farhan Mohammad
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar,Corresponding author
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Munneke AS, Chakraborty TS, Porter SS, Gendron CM, Pletcher SD. The serotonin receptor 5-HT2A modulates lifespan and protein feeding in Drosophila melanogaster. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:1068455. [PMID: 36531741 PMCID: PMC9751412 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.1068455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The conserved neurotransmitter serotonin has been shown to be an important modulator of lifespan in specific nutritional contexts; however, it remained unclear how serotonin signaling influences lifespan under normal conditions. Here, we show that serotonin signaling through the 5-HT2A receptor influences lifespan, behavior, and physiology in Drosophila. Loss of the 5-HT2A receptor extends lifespan and induces a resistance to changes in dietary protein that are normally detrimental to lifespan. 5-HT2A -/- null mutant flies also display decreased protein feeding and protein content in the body. Therefore, serotonin signaling through receptor 5-HT2A is likely recruited to promote motivation for protein intake, and chronic reduction of protein-drive through loss of 5-HT2A signaling leads to a lower protein set-point adaptation, which influences physiology, decreases feeding, and increases lifespan. Our findings reveal insights into the mechanisms by which organisms physiologically adapt in response to perceived inability to satisfy demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson S. Munneke
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tuhin S. Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Saige S. Porter
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Christi M. Gendron
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Scott D. Pletcher
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Gertiatrics Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,*Correspondence: Scott D. Pletcher,
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13
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Ma B, Wang R, Liu Y, Deng B, Wang T, Wu F, Zhou C. Serotonin Signaling Modulates Sexual Receptivity of Virgin Female Drosophila. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1277-1291. [PMID: 35788510 PMCID: PMC9672162 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00908-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The choice of females to accept or reject male courtship is a critical decision for animal reproduction. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) has been found to regulate sexual behavior in many species, but it is unclear how 5-HT and its receptors function to regulate different aspects of sexual behavior. Here we used Drosophila melanogaster as the model animal to investigate how 5-HT and its receptors modulate female sexual receptivity. We found that knockout of tryptophan hydroxylase (Trh), which is involved in the biosynthesis of 5-HT, severely reduced virgin female receptivity without affecting post-mating behaviors. We identified a subset of sexually dimorphic Trh neurons that co-expressed fruitless (fru), in which the activity was correlated with sexual receptivity in females. We also found that 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors regulate virgin female receptivity. Our findings demonstrate how 5-HT functions in sexually dimorphic neurons to promote virgin female receptivity through two of its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Rencong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yaohua Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 30801, China
| | - Bowen Deng
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Zhongguancun Life Sciences Park, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fengming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Chuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China.
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14
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Tello JA, Williams HE, Eppler RM, Steinhilb ML, Khanna M. Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Disease: Recent Advances in Fly Highlight Innovative Approaches to Drug Discovery. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:883358. [PMID: 35514431 PMCID: PMC9063566 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.883358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent a formidable challenge to global health. As advances in other areas of medicine grant healthy living into later decades of life, aging diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders can diminish the quality of these additional years, owed largely to the lack of efficacious treatments and the absence of durable cures. Alzheimer's disease prevalence is predicted to more than double in the next 30 years, affecting nearly 15 million Americans, with AD-associated costs exceeding $1 billion by 2050. Delaying onset of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases is critical to improving the quality of life for patients and reducing the burden of disease on caregivers and healthcare systems. Significant progress has been made to model disease pathogenesis and identify points of therapeutic intervention. While some researchers have contributed to our understanding of the proteins and pathways that drive biological dysfunction in disease using in vitro and in vivo models, others have provided mathematical, biophysical, and computational technologies to identify potential therapeutic compounds using in silico modeling. The most exciting phase of the drug discovery process is now: by applying a target-directed approach that leverages the strengths of multiple techniques and validates lead hits using Drosophila as an animal model of disease, we are on the fast-track to identifying novel therapeutics to restore health to those impacted by neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A. Tello
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Haley E. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Robert M. Eppler
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Michelle L. Steinhilb
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Fisher JL, Jones EF, Flanary VL, Williams AS, Ramsey EJ, Lasseigne BN. Considerations and challenges for sex-aware drug repurposing. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:13. [PMID: 35337371 PMCID: PMC8949654 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00420-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are essential factors in disease etiology and manifestation in many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration [33]. The biological influence of sex differences (including genomic, epigenetic, hormonal, immunological, and metabolic differences between males and females) and the lack of biomedical studies considering sex differences in their study design has led to several policies. For example, the National Institute of Health's (NIH) sex as a biological variable (SABV) and Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) policies to motivate researchers to consider sex differences [204]. However, drug repurposing, a promising alternative to traditional drug discovery by identifying novel uses for FDA-approved drugs, lacks sex-aware methods that can improve the identification of drugs that have sex-specific responses [7, 11, 14, 33]. Sex-aware drug repurposing methods either select drug candidates that are more efficacious in one sex or deprioritize drug candidates based on if they are predicted to cause a sex-bias adverse event (SBAE), unintended therapeutic effects that are more likely to occur in one sex. Computational drug repurposing methods are encouraging approaches to develop for sex-aware drug repurposing because they can prioritize sex-specific drug candidates or SBAEs at lower cost and time than traditional drug discovery. Sex-aware methods currently exist for clinical, genomic, and transcriptomic information [1, 7, 155]. They have not expanded to other data types, such as DNA variation, which has been beneficial in other drug repurposing methods that do not consider sex [114]. Additionally, some sex-aware methods suffer from poorer performance because a disproportionate number of male and female samples are available to train computational methods [7]. However, there is development potential for several different categories (i.e., data mining, ligand binding predictions, molecular associations, and networks). Low-dimensional representations of molecular association and network approaches are also especially promising candidates for future sex-aware drug repurposing methodologies because they reduce the multiple hypothesis testing burden and capture sex-specific variation better than the other methods [151, 159]. Here we review how sex influences drug response, the current state of drug repurposing including with respect to sex-bias drug response, and how model organism study design choices influence drug repurposing validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Fisher
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Emma F. Jones
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Victoria L. Flanary
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Avery S. Williams
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Ramsey
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Brittany N. Lasseigne
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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16
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Nässel DR, Wu SF. Cholecystokinin/sulfakinin peptide signaling: conserved roles at the intersection between feeding, mating and aggression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:188. [PMID: 35286508 PMCID: PMC8921109 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are the most diverse messenger molecules in metazoans and are involved in regulation of daily physiology and a wide array of behaviors. Some neuropeptides and their cognate receptors are structurally and functionally well conserved over evolution in bilaterian animals. Among these are peptides related to gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK). In mammals, CCK is produced by intestinal endocrine cells and brain neurons, and regulates gall bladder contractions, pancreatic enzyme secretion, gut functions, satiety and food intake. Additionally, CCK plays important roles in neuromodulation in several brain circuits that regulate reward, anxiety, aggression and sexual behavior. In invertebrates, CCK-type peptides (sulfakinins, SKs) are, with a few exceptions, produced by brain neurons only. Common among invertebrates is that SKs mediate satiety and regulate food ingestion by a variety of mechanisms. Also regulation of secretion of digestive enzymes has been reported. Studies of the genetically tractable fly Drosophila have advanced our understanding of SK signaling mechanisms in regulation of satiety and feeding, but also in gustatory sensitivity, locomotor activity, aggression and reproductive behavior. A set of eight SK-expressing brain neurons plays important roles in regulation of these competing behaviors. In males, they integrate internal state and external stimuli to diminish sex drive and increase aggression. The same neurons also diminish sugar gustation, induce satiety and reduce feeding. Although several functional roles of CCK/SK signaling appear conserved between Drosophila and mammals, available data suggest that the underlying mechanisms differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Shun-Fan Wu
- College of Plant Protection/Laboratory of Bio-Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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17
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Murgia MV, Sharan S, Kaur J, Austin W, Hagen L, Wu L, Chen L, Scott JA, Flaherty DP, Scharf ME, Watts VJ, Hill CA. High-content phenotypic screening identifies novel chemistries that disrupt mosquito activity and development. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 182:105037. [PMID: 35249647 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105037] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
New classes of chemistries are needed to control insecticide resistant populations of mosquitoes and prevent transmission of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Organismal screens of chemical collections have played an important role in the search for new vector insecticides and the identification of active ingredients (AIs) that cause rapid mortality of mosquitoes. Advances in image-based screening offer an opportunity to identify chemistries that operate via novel biochemical modes and investigate the range of phenotypes exhibited by mosquitoes following exposure to lethal and sub-lethal chemical dose. An automated, high throughput phenotypic screen (HTS) employing high-content imaging of first instar (L1) Aedes aegypti larvae was developed to identify chemistries associated with mortality and atypical morphological phenotypes. A pilot screen of the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC1280) identified 92 chemistries that disrupted larval activity and development, including conventional insecticides and chemistries known to modulate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other molecular targets in mammalian systems. Secondary assay series were used to evaluate a selection of chemistries for impacts on mosquito activity, survival and development. Ritodrine hydrochloride reduced mobility of larvae but had no observable effect on survival and development of mosquitoes. High doses of metergoline suppressed larval activity and sub-lethal dose resulted in pupal mortality. Assay data support the utility of phenotypic screening and diverse entomological end-points for discovery of novel insecticidal chemical scaffolds. The insecticide discovery process must consider how multi-modal efficacy spectra contribute to vector and VBD control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Murgia
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - S Sharan
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - J Kaur
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - W Austin
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - L Hagen
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - L Wu
- Chemical Genomics Facility at Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - L Chen
- Chemical Genomics Facility at Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - J A Scott
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - D P Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - M E Scharf
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - V J Watts
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - C A Hill
- Department Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA.
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18
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Dina E, Sklirou AD, Chatzigeorgiou S, Manola MS, Cheilari A, Louka XP, Argyropoulou A, Xynos N, Skaltsounis AL, Aligiannis N, Trougakos IP. An enriched polyphenolic extract obtained from the by-product of Rosa damascena hydrodistillation activates antioxidant and proteostatic modules. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 93:153757. [PMID: 34619431 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged maintenance of proteome stability and functionality (proteostasis) is of emerging significance in aging retardation and healthspan. PURPOSE An enriched polyphenolic extract obtained from the hydrodistillation of rose petals was tested for its capacity to activate the proteostasis network modules, and thus modulate health- and/or lifespan at the cellular and whole organism level. METHODS The aqueous extract that remained after the hydrodistillation of Rosa damascena petals, was processed with a polystyrene-FPX66 adsorption resin and sequentially fractionated by FCPC. NMR and UHPLC-HRMS analyses revealed the presence of 28 metabolites, mainly glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin. RESULTS The extract showed high in vitro antioxidant activity and was not toxic in normal human skin fibroblasts, while it promoted the upregulation of NRF2-induced antioxidant genes and main proteostatic modules. Consistently, supplementation of this extract in Drosophila flies' culture medium induced a cncC/NRF2-mediated upregulation of antioxidant and proteostatic modules. Prolonged administration of the extract in flies' culture medium was not toxic and did not affect food intake rate or fecundity; also, it delayed the age-related decline of stress tolerance and locomotion performance (neuromuscular functionality) and dose-dependently extended flies' lifespan. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the enriched polyphenolic extract obtained from the residue of R. damascena hydrodistillation activates cytoprotective cellular modules that, likely, contribute to its potential anti-aging properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Dina
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Aimilia D Sklirou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15784, Greece
| | - Sofia Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15784, Greece
| | - Maria S Manola
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15784, Greece
| | - Antigoni Cheilari
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Xanthippi P Louka
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15784, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Argyropoulou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Nikos Xynos
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Nektarios Aligiannis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece.
| | - Ioannis P Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15784, Greece.
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19
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Nozawa N, Noguchi M, Shinno K, Tajima M, Aizawa S, Saito T, Asada A, Ishii T, Ishizuka M, Iijima KM, Ando K. 5-Aminolevulinic acid and sodium ferrous citrate ameliorate muscle aging and extend healthspan in Drosophila. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 12:295-305. [PMID: 34854258 PMCID: PMC8727951 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Declines in mitochondrial functions are associated with aging. The combination of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) and sodium ferrous citrate (SFC) improves mitochondrial functions in cultured cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with 5‐ALA and SFC (5‐ALA/SFC) on the healthspan and life span of Drosophila
melanogaster. Adult Drosophila fruit flies were fed cornmeal food containing various concentrations of 5‐ALA/SFC. Locomotor functions, life span, muscle architecture, and age‐associated changes in mitochondrial function were analyzed. We found that feeding 5‐ALA/SFC mitigated age‐associated declines in locomotor functions and extended organismal life span. Moreover, 5‐ALA/SFC preserved muscle architecture and maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential in aged animals. Since 5‐ALA phosphate/SFC is used as a human dietary supplement, our results suggest that it could be used to slow the age‐related declines in muscle functions, prevent age‐associated clinical conditions such as frailty, and extend healthspan and life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Nozawa
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.,Division of Pharmaceutical Research, SBI Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marie Noguchi
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Kanako Shinno
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Maki Tajima
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Shingo Aizawa
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Taro Saito
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Akiko Asada
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishii
- Division of Pharmaceutical Research, SBI Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ishizuka
- Division of Pharmaceutical Research, SBI Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi M Iijima
- Department of Neurogenetics, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan.,Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Japan
| | - Kanae Ando
- Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
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20
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Deng XL, Guo L, Ma HH, Hu XP, Zhou XM. Phenyl imidazolidin-2-ones antagonize a β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor in diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3224-3232. [PMID: 33723881 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6363] [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: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is one of the most destructive lepidopteran pests on cruciferous vegetables. However, resistance has emerged to current chemical and biological insecticides used for P. xylostella control, indicating the necessity of screening new targets on P. xylostella, and finding new insecticides against P. xylostella. In particular, octopamine receptors are representative G protein-coupled receptors found only in invertebrates and are potential targets for identifying novel insecticides. RESULTS A β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor gene (PxOA2B1) was cloned, and its pharmacological characteristics in P. xylostella were studied. The results demonstrated that octopamine could activate the PxOA2B1 receptor, with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50 ) of 49.5 nm. Amitraz, an insecticide and acaricide, and its metabolite (N-2,4-dimethylphenyl-N'-methylformamidine; DPMF) were also found to act as PxOAB1R agonists. We synthesized phenyl imidazolidin-2-one derivatives 3a-h using DPMF as the lead compound, and compounds 3a-h showed similar antagonist activities as phentolamine, mianserin and chlorpromazine. In particular, 3d, with an EC50 of 25.2 nm, showed very similar antagonist activity to mianserin. CONCLUSION This research found that PxOAB1R might be a potential target for P. xylostella control. Phenyl imidazolidin-2-ones could be novel potential antagonists targeted at octopamine receptors and would be useful tools for the design and development of novel insecticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-le Deng
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Guo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Hao Ma
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Ping Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Mao Zhou
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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21
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Rigon L, De Filippis C, Napoli B, Tomanin R, Orso G. Exploiting the Potential of Drosophila Models in Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Pathological Mechanisms and Drug Discovery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030268. [PMID: 33800050 PMCID: PMC8000850 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) represent a complex and heterogeneous group of rare genetic diseases due to mutations in genes coding for lysosomal enzymes, membrane proteins or transporters. This leads to the accumulation of undegraded materials within lysosomes and a broad range of severe clinical features, often including the impairment of central nervous system (CNS). When available, enzyme replacement therapy slows the disease progression although it is not curative; also, most recombinant enzymes cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, leaving the CNS untreated. The inefficient degradative capability of the lysosomes has a negative impact on the flux through the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways; therefore, dysregulation of these pathways is increasingly emerging as a relevant disease mechanism in LSDs. In the last twenty years, different LSD Drosophila models have been generated, mainly for diseases presenting with neurological involvement. The fruit fly provides a large selection of tools to investigate lysosomes, autophagy and endocytic pathways in vivo, as well as to analyse neuronal and glial cells. The possibility to use Drosophila in drug repurposing and discovery makes it an attractive model for LSDs lacking effective therapies. Here, ee describe the major cellular pathways implicated in LSDs pathogenesis, the approaches available for their study and the Drosophila models developed for these diseases. Finally, we highlight a possible use of LSDs Drosophila models for drug screening studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rigon
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Concetta De Filippis
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Lysosomal Disorders, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Napoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy;
| | - Rosella Tomanin
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Lysosomal Disorders, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
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22
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Lyu Y, Weaver KJ, Shaukat HA, Plumoff ML, Tjilos M, Promislow DE, Pletcher SD. Drosophila serotonin 2A receptor signaling coordinates central metabolic processes to modulate aging in response to nutrient choice. eLife 2021; 10:59399. [PMID: 33463526 PMCID: PMC7909950 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been recognized for nearly a century that diet modulates aging. Despite early experiments suggesting that reduced caloric intake augmented lifespan, accumulating evidence indicates that other characteristics of the diet may be equally or more influential in modulating aging. We demonstrate that behavior, metabolism, and lifespan in Drosophila are affected by whether flies are provided a choice of different nutrients or a single, complete medium, largely independent of the amount of nutrients that are consumed. Meal choice elicits a rapid metabolic reprogramming that indicates a potentiation of TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism, which requires serotonin 2A receptor. Knockdown of glutamate dehydrogenase, a key TCA pathway component, abrogates the effect of dietary choice on lifespan. Our results reveal a mechanism of aging that applies in natural conditions, including our own, in which organisms continuously perceive and evaluate nutrient availability to promote fitness and well-being. The foods we eat can affect our lifespan, but it is also possible that thinking about food may have effects on our health. Choosing what to eat is one of the main ways we think about food, and most animals, including the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, choose their foods. The effects of these choices can affect health via a chemical in the brain called serotonin. This chemical interacts with proteins called serotonin 2A receptors in the brain, which then likely primes the body to process nutrients. To understand how serotonin affected the lifespan and health of fruit flies, Lyu et al. compared flies that were offered a single food to those that could choose between several foods. The flies that had a choice of foods lived shorter lives and produced more serotonin, but these effects were reversed when Lyu et al. limited the amount of a protein called glutamate dehydrogenase, which helps cells process nutrients. These results suggest that choosing what we eat can impact lifespan, ageing and health. Human and fly brains share many similarities, but human brain chemistry is more complex, as is our experience of food. This work demonstrates that food choices can affect lifespan. More research into this phenomenon may shed further light onto how our thoughts and decision-making impact our health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lyu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Geriatrics Center, Biomedical Sciences and Research Building, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Kristina J Weaver
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Geriatrics Center, Biomedical Sciences and Research Building, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Humza A Shaukat
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Marta L Plumoff
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Maria Tjilos
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Daniel El Promislow
- Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, United States.,Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Scott D Pletcher
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Geriatrics Center, Biomedical Sciences and Research Building, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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23
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The Divider Assay is a high-throughput pipeline for aggression analysis in Drosophila. Commun Biol 2021; 4:85. [PMID: 33469118 PMCID: PMC7815768 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggression is a complex social behavior that remains poorly understood. Drosophila has become a powerful model system to study the underlying biology of aggression but lack of high throughput screening and analysis continues to be a barrier for comprehensive mutant and circuit discovery. Here we developed the Divider Assay, a simplified experimental procedure to make aggression analysis in Drosophila fast and accurate. In contrast to existing methods, we can analyze aggression over long time intervals and in complete darkness. While aggression is reduced in the dark, flies are capable of intense fighting without seeing their opponent. Twenty-four-hour behavioral analysis showed a peak in fighting during the middle of the day, a drastic drop at night, followed by re-engagement with a further increase in aggression in anticipation of the next day. Our pipeline is easy to implement and will facilitate high throughput screening for mechanistic dissection of aggression.
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24
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Lenz C, Sherwood A, Kargbo R, Hoffmeister D. Taking Different Roads: l-Tryptophan as the Origin of Psilocybe Natural Products. Chempluschem 2020; 86:28-35. [PMID: 33237633 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychotropic fungi of the genus Psilocybe, colloquially referred to as "magic mushrooms", are best known for their l-tryptophan-derived major natural product, psilocybin. Yet, recent research has revealed a more diverse secondary metabolism that originates from this amino acid. In this minireview, the focus is laid on l-tryptophan and the various Psilocybe natural products and their metabolic routes are highlighted. Psilocybin and its congeners, the heterogeneous blue-colored psilocyl oligomers, alongside β-carbolines and N,N-dimethyl-l-tryptophan, are presented as well as current knowledge on their biosynthesis is provided. The multidisciplinary character of natural product research is demonstrated, and pharmacological, medicinal, ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary aspects are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Lenz
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Robert Kargbo
- The Usona Institute, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Madison, 53711, WI, USA
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
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25
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Hu SW, Yang YT, Sun Y, Zhan YP, Zhu Y. Serotonin Signals Overcome Loser Mentality in Drosophila. iScience 2020; 23:101651. [PMID: 33117967 PMCID: PMC7581928 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic experiences generate stressful neurological effects in the exposed persons and animals. Previous studies have demonstrated that in many species, including Drosophila, the defeated animal has a higher probability of losing subsequent fights. However, the neural basis of this “loser effect” is largely unknown. We herein report that elevated serotonin (5-HT) signaling helps a loser to overcome suppressive neurological states. Coerced activation of 5-HT neurons increases aggression in males and promotes losers to both vigorously re-engage in fights and even defeat the previous winners and regain mating motivation. P1 neurons act upstream and 5-HT1B neurons in the ellipsoid body act downstream of 5-HT neurons to arouse losers. Our results demonstrate an ancient neural mechanism of regulating depressive behavioral states after distressing events. Activating a small subset of serotonin neurons promotes losers to fight Serotonin is necessary and sufficient for modulating aggression in losers The neural circuit for motivating losers includes P1, 5-HT, and 5-HT1B neurons Elevating 5-HT signaling overcomes the depressive behavioral state in losers
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Tong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.,Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuanjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yin Peng Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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26
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Serotonergic modulation of visual neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009003. [PMID: 32866139 PMCID: PMC7485980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory systems rely on neuromodulators, such as serotonin, to provide flexibility for information processing as stimuli vary, such as light intensity throughout the day. Serotonergic neurons broadly innervate the optic ganglia of Drosophila melanogaster, a widely used model for studying vision. It remains unclear whether serotonin modulates the physiology of interneurons in the optic ganglia. To address this question, we first mapped the expression patterns of serotonin receptors in the visual system, focusing on a subset of cells with processes in the first optic ganglion, the lamina. Serotonin receptor expression was found in several types of columnar cells in the lamina including 5-HT2B in lamina monopolar cell L2, required for spatiotemporal luminance contrast, and both 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B in T1 cells, whose function is unknown. Subcellular mapping with GFP-tagged 5-HT2B and 5-HT1A constructs indicated that these receptors localize to layer M2 of the medulla, proximal to serotonergic boutons, suggesting that the medulla neuropil is the primary site of serotonergic regulation for these neurons. Exogenous serotonin increased basal intracellular calcium in L2 terminals in layer M2 and modestly decreased the duration of visually induced calcium transients in L2 neurons following repeated dark flashes, but otherwise did not alter the calcium transients. Flies without functional 5-HT2B failed to show an increase in basal calcium in response to serotonin. 5-HT2B mutants also failed to show a change in amplitude in their response to repeated light flashes but other calcium transient parameters were relatively unaffected. While we did not detect serotonin receptor expression in L1 neurons, they, like L2, underwent serotonin-induced changes in basal calcium, presumably via interactions with other cells. These data demonstrate that serotonin modulates the physiology of interneurons involved in early visual processing in Drosophila. Serotonergic neurons innervate the Drosophila melanogaster eye, but it was not known whether serotonin signaling could induce acute physiological responses in visual interneurons. We found serotonin receptors expressed in all neuropils of the optic lobe and identified specific neurons involved in visual information processing that express serotonin receptors. Activation of these receptors increased intracellular calcium in first order interneurons L1 and L2 and may enhance visually induced calcium transients in L2 neurons. These data support a role for the serotonergic neuromodulation of interneurons in the Drosophila visual system.
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27
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Abstract
The serotonergic modulation of feeding behaviour has been intensively studied in several invertebrate groups, including Arthropoda, Annelida, Nematoda and Mollusca. These studies offer comparative information on feeding regulation across divergent phyla and also provide general insights into the neural control of feeding. Specifically, model invertebrates are ideal for parsing feeding behaviour into component parts and examining the underlying mechanisms at the levels of biochemical pathways, single cells and identified neural circuitry. Research has found that serotonin is crucial during certain phases of feeding behaviour, especially movements directly underlying food intake, but inessential during other phases. In addition, while the serotonin system can be manipulated systemically in many animals, invertebrate model organisms also allow manipulations at the level of single cells and molecules, revealing limited and precise serotonergic actions. The latter highlight the importance of local versus global modulatory effects of serotonin, a potentially significant consideration for drug and pesticide design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Jane Tierney
- Neuroscience Program, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, USA
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28
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Schmitt RE, Messick MR, Shell BC, Dunbar EK, Fang H, Shelton KL, Venton BJ, Pletcher SD, Grotewiel M. Dietary yeast influences ethanol sedation in Drosophila via serotonergic neuron function. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12779. [PMID: 31169340 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Abuse of alcohol is a major clinical problem with far-reaching health consequences. Understanding the environmental and genetic factors that contribute to alcohol-related behaviors is a potential gateway for developing novel therapeutic approaches for patients that abuse the drug. To this end, we have used Drosophila melanogaster as a model to investigate the effect of diet, an environmental factor, on ethanol sedation. Providing flies with diets high in yeast, a routinely used component of fly media, increased their resistance to ethanol sedation. The yeast-induced resistance to ethanol sedation occurred in several different genetic backgrounds, was observed in males and females, was elicited by yeast from different sources, was readily reversible, and was associated with increased nutrient intake as well as decreased internal ethanol levels. Inhibition of serotonergic neuron function using multiple independent genetic manipulations blocked the effect of yeast supplementation on ethanol sedation, nutrient intake, and internal ethanol levels. Our results demonstrate that yeast is a critical dietary component that influences ethanol sedation in flies and that serotonergic signaling is required for the effect of dietary yeast on nutrient intake, ethanol uptake/elimination, and ethanol sedation. Our studies establish the fly as a model for diet-induced changes in ethanol sedation and raise the possibility that serotonin might mediate the effect of diet on alcohol-related behavior in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Schmitt
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
| | - Monica R. Messick
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
| | - Brandon C. Shell
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
| | - Ellyn K. Dunbar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
| | - Huai‐Fang Fang
- Department of Chemistry and Neuroscience Graduate Program University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Keith L. Shelton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
| | - B. Jill Venton
- Department of Chemistry and Neuroscience Graduate Program University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Scott D. Pletcher
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Geriatrics Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - Mike Grotewiel
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University Alcohol Research Center Richmond VA USA
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29
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Millet-Boureima C, Selber-Hnatiw S, Gamberi C. Drug discovery and chemical probing in Drosophila. Genome 2020; 64:147-159. [PMID: 32551911 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2020-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Flies are increasingly utilized in drug discovery and chemical probing in vivo, which are novel technologies complementary to genetic probing in fundamental biological studies. Excellent genetic conservation, small size, short generation time, and over one hundred years of genetics make Drosophila an attractive model for rapid assay readout and use of analytical amounts of compound, enabling the experimental iterations needed in early drug development at a fraction of time and costs. Here, we describe an effective drug-testing pipeline using adult flies that can be easily implemented to study several disease models and different genotypes to discover novel molecular insight, probes, quality lead compounds, and develop novel prototype drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Millet-Boureima
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada.,Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Susannah Selber-Hnatiw
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada.,Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Chiara Gamberi
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada.,Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
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30
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Liang Q, Ma P, Zhang Q, Yin Y, Wang P, Wang S, Zhang Y, Han R, Deng H. A gum Arabic assisted sustainable drug delivery system for adult Drosophila. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio052241. [PMID: 32487516 PMCID: PMC7328006 DOI: 10.1242/bio.052241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale compound screening in adult flies is hampered by the lack of continuous drug delivery systems and poor solubility of numerous compounds. Here we found that gum Arabic (Acacia/Senegal gum), a widely used stabilizer, can also emulsify lipophilic compounds and profoundly increase their accessibility to target tissues in Drosophila and mice. We further developed a gum Arabic-based drug delivery system, wherein the drug was ground into gum Arabic and emulsified in liquid food fed to flies by siphoning through a U-shape glass capillary. This system did not affect food intake nor cell viability. Since drugs were continuously delivered by siphoning, minimal compound waste and less frequent food changes make this system ideal for large-scale long-term screenings. In our pilot screening for antitumor drugs in the NCI DTP library, we used a Drosophila model of colorectal cancer and identified two drugs that are especially hydrophobic and were not identified in previous screenings. Our data demonstrated that gum Arabic facilitates drug delivery in animal models and the system is suitable for long-term high-throughput drug screening in Drosophila This system would accelerate drug discovery for chronic and cognitive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Liang
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Peng Ma
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
| | - Youjie Yin
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
| | - Saifei Wang
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
| | - Ruolei Han
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
| | - Hansong Deng
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 6B, Shixun Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, 20092 China
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31
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Sizemore TR, Hurley LM, Dacks AM. Serotonergic modulation across sensory modalities. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:2406-2425. [PMID: 32401124 PMCID: PMC7311732 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00034.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonergic system has been widely studied across animal taxa and different functional networks. This modulatory system is therefore well positioned to compare the consequences of neuromodulation for sensory processing across species and modalities at multiple levels of sensory organization. Serotonergic neurons that innervate sensory networks often bidirectionally exchange information with these networks but also receive input representative of motor events or motivational state. This convergence of information supports serotonin's capacity for contextualizing sensory information according to the animal's physiological state and external events. At the level of sensory circuitry, serotonin can have variable effects due to differential projections across specific sensory subregions, as well as differential serotonin receptor type expression within those subregions. Functionally, this infrastructure may gate or filter sensory inputs to emphasize specific stimulus features or select among different streams of information. The near-ubiquitous presence of serotonin and other neuromodulators within sensory regions, coupled with their strong effects on stimulus representation, suggests that these signaling pathways should be considered integral components of sensory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R Sizemore
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Laura M Hurley
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Andrew M Dacks
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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32
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A standardized method for incorporation of drugs into food for use with Drosophila melanogaster. Anal Biochem 2020; 599:113740. [PMID: 32320689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
With any in vivo model, diet plays an important role, even in an organism as simple as the fruit fly - Drosophila melanogaster. Flies serve as good surrogates to study human diseases as approximately 77% of human disease genes are orthologous in the fly. Though breeding and caring for fruit flies is simple, the use of this organism in drug discovery is wide-ranging, especially in the administration of drugs to flies, via their food. We present a standard method for preparing fly food containing drugs for administration to Drosophila melanogaster, from a chemist's perspective.
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33
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Suzuki Y, Schenk JE, Tan H, Gaudry Q. A Population of Interneurons Signals Changes in the Basal Concentration of Serotonin and Mediates Gain Control in the Drosophila Antennal Lobe. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1110-1118.e4. [PMID: 32142699 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) represents a quintessential neuromodulator, having been identified in nearly all animal species [1] where it functions in cognition [2], motor control [3], and sensory processing [4]. In the olfactory circuits of flies and mice, serotonin indirectly inhibits odor responses in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) via GABAergic local interneurons (LNs) [5, 6]. However, the effects of 5-HT in olfaction are likely complicated, because multiple receptor subtypes are distributed throughout the olfactory bulb (OB) and antennal lobe (AL), the first layers of olfactory neuropil in mammals and insects, respectively [7]. For example, serotonin has a non-monotonic effect on odor responses in Drosophila projection neurons (PNs), where low concentrations suppress odor-evoked activity and higher concentrations boost PN responses [8]. Serotonin reaches the AL via the diffusion of paracrine 5-HT through the fly hemolymph [8] and by activation of the contralaterally projecting serotonin-immunoreactive deuterocerebral interneurons (CSDns): the only serotonergic cells that innervate the AL [9, 10]. Concentration-dependent effects could arise by either the expression of multiple 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) on the same cells or by populations of neurons dedicated to detecting serotonin at different concentrations. Here, we identify a population of LNs that express 5-HT7Rs exclusively to detect basal concentrations of 5-HT. These LNs inhibit PNs via GABAB receptors and mediate subtractive gain control. LNs expressing 5-HT7Rs are broadly tuned to odors and target every glomerulus in the antennal lobe. Our results demonstrate that serotonergic modulation at low concentrations targets a specific population of LNs to globally downregulate PN odor responses in the AL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jonathan E Schenk
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Hua Tan
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Quentin Gaudry
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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34
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Kakanj P, Eming SA, Partridge L, Leptin M. Long-term in vivo imaging of Drosophila larvae. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:1158-1187. [DOI: 10.1038/s41596-019-0282-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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35
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Drosophila as a model to understand autophagy deregulation in human disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020. [PMID: 32620249 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy has important functions in normal physiology to maintain homeostasis and protect against cellular stresses by the removal of harmful cargos such as dysfunctional organelles, protein aggregates and invading pathogens. The deregulation of autophagy is a hallmark of many diseases and therapeutic targeting of autophagy is highly topical. With the complex role of autophagy in disease it is essential to understand the genetic and molecular basis of the contribution of autophagy to pathogenesis. The model organism, Drosophila, provides a genetically amenable system to dissect out the contribution of autophagy to human disease models. Here we review the roles of autophagy in human disease and how autophagy studies in Drosophila have contributed to the understanding of pathophysiology.
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36
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Abstract
Drosophila is an excellent system to investigate how the presence and composition of the gut microbiome influences the efficacy of therapeutic drugs and downstream consequences for host health. These opportunities derive from two key attributes of Drosophila. First, Drosophila is amenable for microbiome research, with simple, standardized methods to produce large numbers of microbiologically-sterile flies and flies with a standardized gut microbiome, thereby facilitating experimental reproducibility. Second, Drosophila is a well-established genetic model that is increasingly used to elucidate the molecular and physiological basis of lesions associated with human disease alleles; this provides the opportunity to link microbiome/drug interactions to previously-described processes shaping health and disease. In this way, Drosophila can fast-track understanding of fundamental biology to generate precise hypotheses for testing in mammalian systems. Drosophila is particularly well-suited to investigate the incidence of microbiome/drug interactions mediated by different mechanisms, including microbial drug metabolism (to active, inactive or toxic derivatives), microbial production of compounds that inhibit drug efficacy, and off-target effects of the drug on the microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis and host ill-health. Drosophila can also be used to investigate how interactions between the microbiome and host genotype may shape responses to therapeutic drugs, informing the reliability of precision medicine based exclusively on human genomic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Douglas
- Department of Entomology and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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37
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Fuertes I, Jordão R, Piña B, Barata C. Time-dependent transcriptomic responses of Daphnia magna exposed to metabolic disruptors that enhanced storage lipid accumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 249:99-108. [PMID: 30884398 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of lipid disruption in invertebrates is limited by our poor knowledge of their lipidomes and of the associated metabolic pathways. For example, the mechanism by which exposure of the crustacean Daphnia magna to tributyltin, juvenoids, or bisphenol A increase the accumulation of storage lipids into lipid droplets is largely unknown/presently unclear. Here we analyze transcriptome changes subsequent to this lipid accumulation effect induced by either the pesticide pyriproxyfen (a juvenoid agonist), the plasticizer bisphenol A, or the antifouling agent tributyltin. Changes in the whole transcriptome were assessed after 8 and 24 h of exposure, the period showing the greatest variation in storage lipid accumulation. The three compounds affected similarly to a total of 1388 genes (965 overexpressed and 423 underexpressed transcripts), but only after 24 h of exposure. In addition, 225 transcripts became up-regulated in samples exposed to tributyltin for both 8 h and 24 h. Using D. melanogaster functional annotation, we determined that upregulated genes were enriched in members of KEGG modules implicated in fatty acid, glycerophospholipid, and glycerolipid metabolic pathways, as well as in genes related to membrane constituents and to chitin and cuticle metabolic pathways. Conversely, down-regulated genes appeared mainly related to visual perception and to oocyte development signaling pathways. Many tributyltin specifically upregulated genes were related to neuro-active ligand receptor interaction signaling pathways. These changes were consistent with the phetotypic effects reported in this and in previous studies that exposure of D. magna to the tested compounds increased lipid accumulation and reduced egg quantity and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Fuertes
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Jordão
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamín Piña
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Barata
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (IDAEA, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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38
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Su TT. Drug screening in Drosophila; why, when, and when not? WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 8:e346. [PMID: 31056843 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The best global seller among oncology drugs in 2018 is lenalidomide, an analog of thalidomide. It took 53 years and a circuitous route from the discovery of thalidomide to approval of an analog for use in treatment of cancer. We understand now a lot more about the genetic and molecular basis of diseases than we did in 1953 when thalidomide was discovered. We have also no shortage of chemical libraries with hundreds of thousands of compounds, both synthetic and natural. What we need are better ways to search among these rich resources for compounds with the potential to do what we want them to do. This review summarizes examples from the literature that make Drosophila melanogaster a good model to screen for drugs, and discusses knowledge gaps and technical challenges that make Drosophila models not as widely used as they could or should be. This article is categorized under: Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin Tin Su
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado.,Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
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39
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Forgiarini A, Wang Z, D’Amore C, Jay-Smith M, Li FF, Hopkins B, Brimble MA, Pagetta A, Bersani S, De Martin S, Napoli B, Bova S, Rennison D, Orso G. Live applications of norbormide-based fluorescent probes in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211169. [PMID: 30958824 PMCID: PMC6453474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we investigated the performance of two norbormide (NRB)-derived fluorescent probes, NRBMC009 (green) and NRBZLW0047 (red), on dissected, living larvae of Drosophila, to verify their potential application in live cell imaging confocal microscopy. To this end, larval tissues were exposed to NRB probes alone or in combination with other commercial dyes or GFP-tagged protein markers. Both probes were rapidly internalized by most tissues (except the central nervous system) allowing each organ in the microscope field to be readily distinguished at low magnification. At the cellular level, the probes showed a very similar distribution (except for fat bodies), defined by loss of signal in the nucleus and plasma membrane, and a preferential localization to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. They also recognized ER and mitochondrial phenotypes in the skeletal muscles of fruit fly models that had loss of function mutations in the atlastin and mitofusin genes, suggesting NRBMC009 and NRBZLW0047 as potentially useful screening tools for characterizing ER and mitochondria morphological alterations. Feeding of larvae and adult Drosophilae with the NRB-derived dyes led to staining of the gut and its epithelial cells, revealing a potential role in food intake assays. In addition, when flies were exposed to either dye over their entire life cycle no apparent functional or morphological abnormalities were detected. Rapid internalization, a bright signal, a compatibility with other available fluorescent probes and GFP-tagged protein markers, and a lack of toxicity make NRBZLW0047 and, particularly, NRBMC009 highly performing fluorescent probes for live cell microscopy studies and food intake assays in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Forgiarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Zifei Wang
- University of Auckland, School of Chemical Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Claudio D’Amore
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Morgan Jay-Smith
- University of Auckland, School of Chemical Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Freda Fan Li
- University of Auckland, School of Chemical Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Andrea Pagetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Bersani
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Napoli
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Sergio Bova
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - David Rennison
- University of Auckland, School of Chemical Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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40
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The pharmacological and functional characterization of the serotonergic system in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti: influences on flight and blood-feeding behavior. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4421. [PMID: 30872615 PMCID: PMC6418270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae harbor the causative agents of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, afflicting human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Given the worldwide emergence of resistance to insecticides, the current mainstay for vector control, identification of alternative modes of action for future insecticides is paramount. The serotonergic (5-HT) system has been documented to impact physiological mechanisms involved in disease transmission, suggesting its potential as a new mode of action target for future insecticide development. Target 5-HT receptors were cloned and expressed in the HEK293 cell line for functional and pharmacological characterization. Manipulation of the 5-HT system through microinjection of compounds suggests its involvement in the modulation of flight performance and blood-feeding behavior. By attenuating these two determinants of vectorial capacity, transmission and burden of disease could effectively be reduced. Considering these positive global health implications, the 5-HT system is a compelling target for the novel insecticide pipeline.
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41
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Mirzoyan Z, Sollazzo M, Allocca M, Valenza AM, Grifoni D, Bellosta P. Drosophila melanogaster: A Model Organism to Study Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:51. [PMID: 30881374 PMCID: PMC6405444 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multistep disease driven by the activation of specific oncogenic pathways concomitantly with the loss of function of tumor suppressor genes that act as sentinels to control physiological growth. The conservation of most of these signaling pathways in Drosophila, and the ability to easily manipulate them genetically, has made the fruit fly a useful model organism to study cancer biology. In this review we outline the basic mechanisms and signaling pathways conserved between humans and flies responsible of inducing uncontrolled growth and cancer development. Second, we describe classic and novel Drosophila models used to study different cancers, with the objective to discuss their strengths and limitations on their use to identify signals driving growth cell autonomously and within organs, drug discovery and for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhasmine Mirzoyan
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Manuela Sollazzo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Allocca
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Grifoni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Bellosta
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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42
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Kacsoh BZ, Barton S, Jiang Y, Zhou N, Mooney SD, Friedberg I, Radivojac P, Greene CS, Bosco G. New Drosophila Long-Term Memory Genes Revealed by Assessing Computational Function Prediction Methods. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:251-267. [PMID: 30463884 PMCID: PMC6325913 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A major bottleneck to our understanding of the genetic and molecular foundation of life lies in the ability to assign function to a gene and, subsequently, a protein. Traditional molecular and genetic experiments can provide the most reliable forms of identification, but are generally low-throughput, making such discovery and assignment a daunting task. The bottleneck has led to an increasing role for computational approaches. The Critical Assessment of Functional Annotation (CAFA) effort seeks to measure the performance of computational methods. In CAFA3, we performed selected screens, including an effort focused on long-term memory. We used homology and previous CAFA predictions to identify 29 key Drosophila genes, which we tested via a long-term memory screen. We identify 11 novel genes that are involved in long-term memory formation and show a high level of connectivity with previously identified learning and memory genes. Our study provides first higher-order behavioral assay and organism screen used for CAFA assessments and revealed previously uncharacterized roles of multiple genes as possible regulators of neuronal plasticity at the boundary of information acquisition and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balint Z Kacsoh
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Stephen Barton
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Yuxiang Jiang
- Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Naihui Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
| | - Sean D Mooney
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Iddo Friedberg
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
| | - Predrag Radivojac
- College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Casey S Greene
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, 19104
| | - Giovanni Bosco
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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43
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Price AE, Brehm VD, Hommel JD, Anastasio NC, Cunningham KA. Pimavanserin and Lorcaserin Attenuate Measures of Binge Eating in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1424. [PMID: 30581386 PMCID: PMC6293203 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by dysregulated feeding and reward-related processes, and treatment is often challenged by limited therapeutic options. The serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and 5-HT2CR are implicated in both feeding-related and reward-related behaviors and are thus poised to regulate BED-related behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the FDA-approved medications pimavanserin, a 5-HT2AR antagonist/inverse agonist, and lorcaserin, a 5-HT2CR agonist, in a rodent model of binge eating. The effects of pimavanserin (0.3–3.0 mg/kg), lorcaserin (0.25–1.0 mg/kg), and the lowest effective dose of pimavanserin (0.3 mg/kg) plus lorcaserin (1.0 mg/kg) were tested in a high-fat food (HFF) intermittent access binge eating model in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 64). We assessed three measures related to binge eating – binge episode occurrence, binge intake, and weight gain associated with HFF access. Pimavanserin decreased binge intake and weight gain associated with HFF access, but did not prevent binge episode occurrence. Lorcaserin decreased binge intake, but did not prevent binge episode occurrence or weight gain associated with HFF access. Combined pimavanserin plus lorcaserin prevented binge episode occurrence in addition to decreasing binge intake and weight gain associated with HFF access. These preclinical findings in male rats suggest that pimavanserin and lorcaserin may be effective in treating patients with BED. Our studies further indicate that administration of one or both drugs may be more effective in certain sub-populations of patients with BED because of the unique profile each treatment elicits. These data support future assessment in clinical populations with BED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Price
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Victoria D Brehm
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan D Hommel
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Noelle C Anastasio
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Kathryn A Cunningham
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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44
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Hill CA, Sharan S, Watts VJ. Genomics, GPCRs and new targets for the control of insect pests and vectors. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 30:99-106. [PMID: 30553493 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The pressing need for new pest control products with novel modes of action has spawned interest in small molecules and peptides targeting arthropod GPCRs. Genome sequence data and tools for reverse genetics have enabled the prediction and characterization of GPCRs from many invertebrates. We review recent work to identify, characterize and de-orphanize arthropod GPCRs, with a focus on studies that reveal exciting new functional roles for these receptors, including the regulation of metabolic resistance. We explore the potential for insecticides targeting Class A biogenic amine-binding and peptide-binding receptors, and consider the innovation required to generate pest-selective leads for development, within the context of new PCR-targeting products to control arthropod vectors of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Hill
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA.
| | - Shruti Sharan
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
| | - Val J Watts
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA
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45
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Tierney AJ. Invertebrate serotonin receptors: a molecular perspective on classification and pharmacology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/19/jeb184838. [PMID: 30287590 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.184838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrate receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) have been identified in numerous species from diverse phyla, including Arthropoda, Mollusca, Nematoda and Platyhelminthes. For many receptors, cloning and characterization in heterologous systems have contributed data on molecular structure and function across both closely and distantly related species. This article provides an overview of heterologously expressed receptors, and considers evolutionary relationships among them, classification based on these relationships and nomenclature that reflects classification. In addition, transduction pathways and pharmacological profiles are compared across receptor subtypes and species. Previous work has shown that transduction mechanisms are well conserved within receptor subtypes, but responses to drugs are complex. A few ligands display specificity for different receptors within a single species; however, none acts with high specificity in receptors across different species. Two non-selective vertebrate ligands, the agonist 5-methoxytryptamine and antagonist methiothepin, are active in most receptor subtypes in multiple species and hence bind very generally to invertebrate 5-HT receptors. Future challenges for the field include determining how pharmacological profiles are affected by differences in species and receptor subtype, and how function in heterologous receptors can be used to better understand 5-HT activity in intact organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Jane Tierney
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
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46
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Alisch T, Crall JD, Kao AB, Zucker D, de Bivort BL. MAPLE (modular automated platform for large-scale experiments), a robot for integrated organism-handling and phenotyping. eLife 2018; 7:37166. [PMID: 30117804 PMCID: PMC6193762 DOI: 10.7554/elife.37166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Lab organisms are valuable in part because of large-scale experiments like screens, but performing such experiments over long time periods by hand is arduous and error-prone. Organism-handling robots could revolutionize large-scale experiments in the way that liquid-handling robots accelerated molecular biology. We developed a modular automated platform for large-scale experiments (MAPLE), an organism-handling robot capable of conducting lab tasks and experiments, and then deployed it to conduct common experiments in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Physarum polycephalum, Bombus impatiens, and Drosophila melanogaster. Focusing on fruit flies, we developed a suite of experimental modules that permitted the automated collection of virgin females and execution of an intricate and laborious social behavior experiment. We discovered that (1) pairs of flies exhibit persistent idiosyncrasies in social behavior, which (2) require olfaction and vision, and (3) social interaction network structure is stable over days. These diverse examples demonstrate MAPLE’s versatility for automating experimental biology. Biological research can, at times, be mind-numbingly tedious: scientists often have to do the same experiment over and over on many different samples. When working with animals such as fruit flies, this means researchers have to physically handle large numbers of specimens, selecting certain individuals or moving them from one container to another to perform the study. This represents a serious bottleneck that slows down discovery. Automation represents an obvious solution to this issue. In fact, it has already revolutionized fields like molecular biology, where robots can handle the liquids required for the experiments. Yet, it is not so easy to automate tasks that involve animals larger than a millimeter. To fill that gap, Alisch et al. have developed a robotic system called Modular Automated Platform for Large-scale Experiments (MAPLE) that can manipulate fruit flies and other small organisms. Using gentle vacuum, MAPLE can pick up individual flies to move them from one compartment to another. These areas could be places where the insects grow or where experimental measurements are automatically gathered. Putting the robot to work, Alisch et al. used MAPLE to collect virgin female flies for genetic experiments, a common task in fruit flies laboratories. The system was also configured to load flies into arenas where their behavior could be measured. Finally, MAPLE assisted with an experiment that involved tracking the interactions of known individuals to examine if the flies exhibited social networks, and if those networks were stable. This logistically complicated experiment would have been difficult to run without the help of an automated system. Alisch et al. also show that the robot can be adjusted to work with various species often used for research, such as nematode worms, yeast, slime mould and even bumblebees. This allows the system to be useful in a range of research fields. As MAPLE fits on a table top and is fairly affordable, the hope is that it could help many scientists do their experiments faster and with greater consistency, freeing up time for creative thinking and new ideas. Ultimately, this tool could help to speed up scientific progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Alisch
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - James D Crall
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Planetary Health Alliance, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Albert B Kao
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | | | - Benjamin L de Bivort
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,FlySorter LLC, Seattle, United States
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47
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Al-Anzi B, Zinn K. Identification and characterization of mushroom body neurons that regulate fat storage in Drosophila. Neural Dev 2018; 13:18. [PMID: 30103787 PMCID: PMC6090720 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-018-0116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In an earlier study, we identified two neuronal populations, c673a and Fru-GAL4, that regulate fat storage in fruit flies. Both populations partially overlap with a structure in the insect brain known as the mushroom body (MB), which plays a critical role in memory formation. This overlap prompted us to examine whether the MB is also involved in fat storage homeostasis. Methods Using a variety of transgenic agents, we selectively manipulated the neural activity of different portions of the MB and associated neurons to decipher their roles in fat storage regulation. Results Our data show that silencing of MB neurons that project into the α’β’ lobes decreases de novo fatty acid synthesis and causes leanness, while sustained hyperactivation of the same neurons causes overfeeding and produces obesity. The α’β’ neurons oppose and dominate the fat regulating functions of the c673a and Fru-GAL4 neurons. We also show that MB neurons that project into the γ lobe also regulate fat storage, probably because they are a subset of the Fru neurons. We were able to identify input and output neurons whose activity affects fat storage, feeding, and metabolism. The activity of cholinergic output neurons that innervating the β’2 compartment (MBON-β’2mp and MBON-γ5β’2a) regulates food consumption, while glutamatergic output neurons innervating α’ compartments (MBON-γ2α’1 and MBON-α’2) control fat metabolism. Conclusions We identified a new fat storage regulating center, the α’β’ lobes of the MB. We also delineated the neuronal circuits involved in the actions of the α’β’ lobes, and showed that food intake and fat metabolism are controlled by separate sets of postsynaptic neurons that are segregated into different output pathways. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13064-018-0116-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bader Al-Anzi
- Food & Nutrition Program, Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, 13109, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| | - Kai Zinn
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
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48
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Tumkaya T, Ott S, Claridge-Chang A. A systematic review of Drosophila short-term-memory genetics: Meta-analysis reveals robust reproducibility. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:361-382. [PMID: 30077573 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Geneticists use olfactory conditioning in Drosophila to identify learning genes; however, little is known about how these genes are integrated into short-term memory (STM) pathways. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that the STM evidence base is weak. We performed systematic review and meta-analysis of the field. Using metrics to quantify variation between discovery articles and follow-up studies, we found that seven genes were both highly replicated, and highly reproducible. However, ∼80% of STM genes have never been replicated. While only a few studies investigated interactions, the reviewed genes could account for >1000% memory. This large summed effect size could indicate irreproducibility, many shared pathways, or that current assay protocols lack the specificity needed to identify core plasticity genes. Mechanistic theories of memory will require the convergence of evidence from system, circuit, cellular, molecular, and genetic experiments; systematic data synthesis is an essential tool for integrated neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayfun Tumkaya
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, A(⁎)STAR, Singapore; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stanislav Ott
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Adam Claridge-Chang
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, A(⁎)STAR, Singapore; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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49
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Big Lessons from Tiny Flies: Drosophila melanogaster as a Model to Explore Dysfunction of Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Neurotransmitter Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061788. [PMID: 29914172 PMCID: PMC6032372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain of Drosophila melanogaster is comprised of some 100,000 neurons, 127 and 80 of which are dopaminergic and serotonergic, respectively. Their activity regulates behavioral functions equivalent to those in mammals, e.g., motor activity, reward and aversion, memory formation, feeding, sexual appetite, etc. Mammalian dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons are known to be heterogeneous. They differ in their projections and in their gene expression profile. A sophisticated genetic tool box is available, which allows for targeting virtually any gene with amazing precision in Drosophila melanogaster. Similarly, Drosophila genes can be replaced by their human orthologs including disease-associated alleles. Finally, genetic manipulation can be restricted to single fly neurons. This has allowed for addressing the role of individual neurons in circuits, which determine attraction and aversion, sleep and arousal, odor preference, etc. Flies harboring mutated human orthologs provide models which can be interrogated to understand the effect of the mutant protein on cell fate and neuronal connectivity. These models are also useful for proof-of-concept studies to examine the corrective action of therapeutic strategies. Finally, experiments in Drosophila can be readily scaled up to an extent, which allows for drug screening with reasonably high throughput.
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Qi YX, Zeng T, Wang L, Lu YY. Biogenic amine signaling systems in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta - Possible contributors to worker division of labor. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018. [PMID: 29526717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is a dangerous invasive pest in the United States, China and other countries. Efficient division of labor is one of the main reasons for the success of this social insect. Biogenic amines are important regulators of worker division of labor in this eusocial insect, but the related molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we identified 10 candidate biogenic amine synthetic enzyme genes and 17 candidate biogenic amine receptor genes in the genome of S. invicta. Quantitative real-time PCR results indicated that foragers had higher head transcripts levels of all the tested enzyme genes than nurses did. In the abdomen, only the rate-limiting enzyme genes for the biosynthesis of serotonin and dopamine were higher in foragers than in nurses. Among the tested serotonin receptors, only the expression of 5-HT2A gene showed significant difference between foragers and nurses. In the head, more abundant 5-HT2A transcripts were detected in foragers than in nurses. Foragers expressed higher Octβ4R than nurses in the head and abdomen. However, much lower mRNA levels of Dop3 receptor gene were detected in both body regions of foragers than nurses. Several other octopamine and tyramine receptor genes were also differentially expressed between foragers and nurses in the head and/or in the abdomen. Our results will improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying biogenic amine modulation of the worker division of labor in S. invicta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiang Qi
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Tian Zeng
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Yue Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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