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Fischer ML, Schmidtberg H, Tidswell O, Weiss B, Dersch L, Lüddecke T, Wielsch N, Kaltenpoth M, Vilcinskas A, Vogel H. Divergent venom effectors correlate with ecological niche in neuropteran predators. Commun Biol 2024; 7:981. [PMID: 39134630 PMCID: PMC11319779 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropteran larvae are fierce predators that use venom to attack and feed on arthropod prey. Neuropterans have adapted to diverse and sometimes extreme habitats, suggesting their venom may have evolved accordingly, but the ecology and evolution of venom deployment in different families is poorly understood. We applied spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, morphological analysis, and bioassays to investigate the venom systems in the antlion Euroleon nostras and the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea, which occupy distinct niches. Although the venom system morphology was similar in both species, we observed remarkable differences at the molecular level. E. nostras produces particularly complex venom secreted from three different glands, indicating functional compartmentalization. Furthermore, E. nostras venom and digestive tissues were devoid of bacteria, strongly suggesting that all venom proteins are of insect origin rather than the products of bacterial symbionts. We identified several toxins exclusive to E. nostras venom, including phospholipase A2 and several undescribed proteins with no homologs in the C. carnea genome. The compositional differences have significant ecological implications because only antlion venom conferred insecticidal activity, indicating its use for the immobilization of large prey. Our results indicate that molecular venom evolution plays a role in the adaptation of antlions to their unique ecological niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Laura Fischer
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Henrike Schmidtberg
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Olivia Tidswell
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weiss
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Ludwig Dersch
- Branch Bioresources of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- Branch Bioresources of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Natalie Wielsch
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Branch Bioresources of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany.
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Gao F, Tian L, Li X, Zhang Y, Wang T, Ma L, Song F, Cai W, Li H. Proteotranscriptomic Analysis and Toxicity Assay Suggest the Functional Distinction between Venom Gland Chambers in Twin-Spotted Assassin Bug, Platymeris biguttatus. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030464. [PMID: 35336837 PMCID: PMC8945326 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Assassin bugs use their salivary venoms for various purposes, including defense, prey paralyzation, and extra-oral digestion, but the mechanisms underlying the functional complexity of the venom remain largely unclear. Since venom glands are composed of several chambers, it is suggested that individual chambers may be specialized to produce chemically distinct venoms to exert different functions. The current study assesses this hypothesis by performing toxicity assays and transcriptomic and proteomic analysis on components from three major venom gland chambers including the anterior main gland (AMG), the posterior main gland (PMG), and the accessory gland (AG) of the assassin bug Platymeris biguttatus. Proteotranscriptomic analysis reveals that AMG and PMG extracts are rich in hemolytic proteins and serine proteases, respectively, whereas transferrin and apolipophorin are dominant in the AG. Toxicity assays reveal that secretions from different gland chambers have distinct effects on the prey, with that from AG compromising prey mobility, that from PMG causing prey death and liquifying the corpse, and that from AMG showing no significant physiological effects. Our study reveals a functional cooperation among venom gland chambers of assassin bugs and provides new insights into physiological adaptations to venom-based predation and defense in venomous predatory bugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanding Gao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Yinqiao Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia;
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Fan Song
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Wanzhi Cai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (F.G.); (L.T.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.M.); (F.S.); (W.C.)
- Correspondence:
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The assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis produces two distinct venoms in separate gland lumens. Nat Commun 2018; 9:755. [PMID: 29472578 PMCID: PMC5823883 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The assassin bug venom system plays diverse roles in prey capture, defence and extra-oral digestion, but it is poorly characterised, partly due to its anatomical complexity. Here we demonstrate that this complexity results from numerous adaptations that enable assassin bugs to modulate the composition of their venom in a context-dependent manner. Gland reconstructions from multimodal imaging reveal three distinct venom gland lumens: the anterior main gland (AMG); posterior main gland (PMG); and accessory gland (AG). Transcriptomic and proteomic experiments demonstrate that the AMG and PMG produce and accumulate distinct sets of venom proteins and peptides. PMG venom, which can be elicited by electrostimulation, potently paralyses and kills prey insects. In contrast, AMG venom elicited by harassment does not paralyse prey insects, suggesting a defensive role. Our data suggest that assassin bugs produce offensive and defensive venoms in anatomically distinct glands, an evolutionary adaptation that, to our knowledge, has not been described for any other venomous animal. Venom can be used both offensively for prey capture and defensively to deter predators. Here, Walker and colleagues demonstrate that the assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis has two distinct venom glands that produce venoms with distinct compositions that can be elicited by different stimuli.
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Walker AA, Weirauch C, Fry BG, King GF. Venoms of Heteropteran Insects: A Treasure Trove of Diverse Pharmacological Toolkits. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:43. [PMID: 26907342 PMCID: PMC4773796 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The piercing-sucking mouthparts of the true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) have allowed diversification from a plant-feeding ancestor into a wide range of trophic strategies that include predation and blood-feeding. Crucial to the success of each of these strategies is the injection of venom. Here we review the current state of knowledge with regard to heteropteran venoms. Predaceous species produce venoms that induce rapid paralysis and liquefaction. These venoms are powerfully insecticidal, and may cause paralysis or death when injected into vertebrates. Disulfide-rich peptides, bioactive phospholipids, small molecules such as N,N-dimethylaniline and 1,2,5-trithiepane, and toxic enzymes such as phospholipase A2, have been reported in predatory venoms. However, the detailed composition and molecular targets of predatory venoms are largely unknown. In contrast, recent research into blood-feeding heteropterans has revealed the structure and function of many protein and non-protein components that facilitate acquisition of blood meals. Blood-feeding venoms lack paralytic or liquefying activity but instead are cocktails of pharmacological modulators that disable the host haemostatic systems simultaneously at multiple points. The multiple ways venom is used by heteropterans suggests that further study will reveal heteropteran venom components with a wide range of bioactivities that may be recruited for use as bioinsecticides, human therapeutics, and pharmacological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Christiane Weirauch
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Balasubramanian A, Davies RG. The histology of the labial glands of some Delphacidae (Hemiptera: Homoptera). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2311.1968.tb00336.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Swart CC, Deaton LE, Felgenhauer BE. The salivary gland and salivary enzymes of the giant waterbugs (Heteroptera; Belostomatidae). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2006; 145:114-22. [PMID: 16844394 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Revised: 05/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The giant waterbugs are predators that utilize extra-oral digestion and are known to capture a wide variety of prey. Herein we describe the differences in salivary enzyme composition between large and small species of giant waterbug (Lethocerus uhleri, Lethocerinae and Belostoma lutarium, Belostomatinae, respectively). The saliva of L. uhleri contains 3 proteolytic enzymes and no amylase, while the salivary gland of B. lutarium produces 2 proteolytic enzymes and amylase. This fundamental difference in salivary enzyme composition correlates with the difference in diet preference between the Lethocerinae and Belostomatinae. Furthermore, we describe the ultrastructure of the salivary gland complex of B. lutarium and present data on the division of labor with respect to compartmentalization of enzyme production. Proteolytic enzymes are produced in the accessory salivary gland and amylase is produced in the main salivary gland lobe. This is the first reported evidence of protease production in the accessory salivary gland in the Heteroptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Swart
- Biology/Neuroscience, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 06106, USA.
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Colebatch G, Cooper P, East P. cDNA cloning of a salivary chymotrypsin-like protease and the identification of six additional cDNAs encoding putative digestive proteases from the green mirid, Creontiades dilutus (Hemiptera: Miridae). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2002; 32:1065-1075. [PMID: 12213243 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(02)00044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
RT-PCR with degenerate primers was used to amplify partial cDNA fragments for one serine protease gene and three cysteine protease genes from poly(A) RNA isolated from the midgut of the green mirid, Creontiades dilutus. The serine protease amplicon showed homology to insect trypsin-like protease genes, and all three cysteine protease amplicons showed homology to cathepsin L-like protease genes.RT-PCR was also used to amplify fragments of three serine protease genes from salivary gland poly(A) RNA. One of these salivary gland serine protease amplicons was used to screen a whole organism cDNA library to isolate a full length cDNA clone, designated CdSp1 (Accession AY055753), which encodes a putative chymotrypsin-like protease. CdSp1 codes for a 293 amino acid protein that contains a signal peptide and activation peptide, as well as the catalytic triad present in all serine proteases and several of the binding pocket residues characteristic of chymotrypsins. In situ hybridisation showed that the transcript is expressed in the posterior lobe of the principal salivary gland, but not in the anterior lobe of the principal salivary gland, the accessory salivary gland or the midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Colebatch
- Division of Entomology, CSIRO, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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