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Liao LL, Li WZ, Jin L, Li GQ. Rnai-based functional analysis of bursicon genes related to cuticle pigmentation in a ladybird beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 158:104696. [PMID: 39173874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104696] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
In arthropods, the binding of a bursicon (encoded by burs and pburs) heterodimer or homodimer to a leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein coupled receptor LGR2 (encoded by rk) can activate many physiological processes, especially cuticle pigmentation during insect ecdysis. In the current paper, we intended to ascertain whether bursicon signaling mediates body coloration in the 28-spotted larger potato ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata, and if so, by which way bursicon signal governs the pigmentation. The high expression of Hvburs, Hvpburs and Hvrk occurred in the young larvae, pupae and adults, especially in the head and ventral nerve cord. RNA interference (RNAi) aided knockdown of Hvburs, Hvpburs or Hvrk in the prepupae caused similar phenotypic defects. The pigmentation of the resultant adults was affected, with significantly reduced dark areas on the sternums. Moreover, the accumulated mRNA levels of two sclerotin biosynthesis genes, aspartate 1-decarboxylase gene Hvadc and N-β-alanyldopamine synthase gene Hvebony, were significantly increased in the Hvburs, Hvpburs or Hvrk RNAi beetles. Furthermore, depletion of either Hvadc or Hvebony could completely rescue the impaired coloration on the sternums of Hvpburs RNAi adult. Our results supported that bursicon heterodimer-mediated signal regulate cuticle pigmentation. The bursicon signaling may tune the ratio of melanins (dark/black, brown) to sclerotins (light yellow, colorless) exerting its regulative role in the pigmentation of H. vigintioctomaculata sternums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Lan Liao
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Wen-Ze Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Tian Y, Gao H, Li H, Li C, Li B. Evolutionary origin and distribution of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors in insects. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101318. [PMID: 39216279 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors (LGRs) are crucial for animal growth and development. They were categorized into four types (A, B, C1, and C2) based on their sequence and domain structures. Despite the widespread distribution of LGRs across bilaterians, a thorough investigation of their distribution and evolutionary history remains elusive. Recent studies insect LGRs, especially the emergence of type C2 LGRs in various hemimetabolous insects, had prompted our study to address these problems. Initially, we traced the origins of LGRs by exploiting data from 99 species spanning 11 metazoan phyla, and discovered that type A and B LGRs originated from sponges, while type C LGRs originated from cnidarians. Subsequently, through comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses across 565 species across 25 orders of insects, we found that both type A and C1 LGRs divided into two gene clusters. These clusters can be traced back to basal Insecta and an early ancestor of the Arthropoda, respectively. Furthermore, the absence of type B LGRs in wingless insects suggests a role in wing development, while the absence of type C2 LGRs in holometabolous insects hints at novel functions unrelated to insect metamorphosis. According to the origin of LGRs and the investigation of LGRs in insects, we speculated that type A and B LGRs appeared first among four types of LGRs, type A evolved into type C LGRs later, and type A and C1 LGRs independently duplicated during the evolutionary process. This study provides a more comprehensive view of the evolution of LGR genes than previously available, and sheds light on the evolutionary history and significance of LGRs in insect biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengjun Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Li WZ, Wu YK, Zhang YX, Jin L, Li GQ. Behavioral events and functional analysis of bursicon signal during adult eclosion in the 28-spotted larger potato ladybird. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 203:106011. [PMID: 39084776 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
To accommodate growth, insects must periodically shed their exoskeletons. In Manduca sexta, Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum, Bursicon (Burs)/ Partner of bursicon (Pburs)-LGR2 signal is an indispensable component for the proper execution of ecdysis behavior during adult eclosion. Nevertheless, the behavioral events and the roles of bursicon signaling in other insects deserve further exploration. In the current paper, we found that the pupal-adult ecdysis in Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata could be divided into three distinct stages, preecdysis, ecdysis and postecdysis. Preecdysis behavioral sequences included abdomen twitches, dorsal-ventral contractions and air filling that function to loosen the old cuticle. Ecdysis events began with anterior-posterior contractions that gradually split the old integument along the dorsal body midline, followed by freeing of legs and mouthparts, and culminated in detachment from pupal cuticle. Postecdysis behavioral processes contained three actions: perch selection and stretching of elytra and hindwings. RNA interference for HvBurs, HvPburs or Hvrk (encoding LGR2) strongly impaired wing expansion actions, and slightly influenced preecdysis and ecdysis behaviors. The RNAi beetles failed to extend their elytra and hindwings. In addition, injected with dsrk also caused kinked femurs and tibia. Our findings establish that bursicon pathway is involved in regulation of adult eclosion behavior, especially wing expansion motor programs. Given that wings facilitate food foraging, courtship, predator avoidance, dispersal and migration, our results provide a potential target for controlling H. vigintioctomaculata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ze Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yi-Kuan Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yu-Xing Zhang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Kubrak O, Jørgensen AF, Koyama T, Lassen M, Nagy S, Hald J, Mazzoni G, Madsen D, Hansen JB, Larsen MR, Texada MJ, Hansen JL, Halberg KV, Rewitz K. LGR signaling mediates muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk and protects against diet-induced insulin resistance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6126. [PMID: 39033139 PMCID: PMC11271308 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50468-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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity impairs tissue insulin sensitivity and signaling, promoting type-2 diabetes. Although improving insulin signaling is key to reversing diabetes, the multi-organ mechanisms regulating this process are poorly defined. Here, we screen the secretome and receptome in Drosophila to identify the hormonal crosstalk affecting diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity. We discover a complex interplay between muscle, neuronal, and adipose tissues, mediated by Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling and the hormone Bursicon, that enhances insulin signaling and sugar tolerance. Muscle-derived BMP signaling, induced by sugar, governs neuronal Bursicon signaling. Bursicon, through its receptor Rickets, a Leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor (LGR), improves insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, mitigating hyperglycemia. In mouse adipocytes, loss of the Rickets ortholog LGR4 blunts insulin responses, showing an essential role of LGR4 in adipocyte insulin sensitivity. Our findings reveal a muscle-neuronal-fat-tissue axis driving metabolic adaptation to high-sugar conditions, identifying LGR4 as a critical mediator in this regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kubrak
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Anne F Jørgensen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760, Maaløv, Denmark
| | - Takashi Koyama
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Mette Lassen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Stanislav Nagy
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Jacob Hald
- Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760, Maaløv, Denmark
| | | | - Dennis Madsen
- Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760, Maaløv, Denmark
| | - Jacob B Hansen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Martin Røssel Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael J Texada
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | | | - Kenneth V Halberg
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Kim Rewitz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark.
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Lu JM, Shang F, Ding BY, Wang L, Li QC, Wang JJ, Dou W. Characterization of two Bursicon genes and their association with wing development in the brown citrus aphid, Aphis citricidus. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38339808 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The tanning hormone, Bursicon, is a neuropeptide secreted by the insect nervous system that functions as a heterodimer composed of Burs-α and Burs-β subunits. It plays a critical role in the processes of cuticle tanning and wing expansion in insects. In this study, we successfully identified the AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β genes in Aphis citricidus. The open reading frames of AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β were 480 and 417 bp in length, respectively. Both AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β exhibited 11 conserved cysteine residues. AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β were expressed during all developmental stages of A. citricidus and showed high expression levels in the winged aphids. To investigate the potential role of AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β in wing development, we employed RNA interference (RNAi) techniques. With the efficient silencing of AcBurs-α (44.90%) and AcBurs-β (52.31%), malformed wings were induced in aphids. The proportions of malformed wings were 22.50%, 25.84%, and 38.34% in dsAcBurs-α-, dsAcBur-β-, and dsAcBurs-α + dsAcBur-β-treated groups, respectively. Moreover, feeding protein kinase A inhibitors (H-89) also increased the proportion of malformed wings to 30.00%. Feeding both double-stranded RNA and inhibitors (H-89) significantly downregulated the wing development-related genes nubbin, vestigial, notch and spalt major. Silence of vestigial through RNAi also led to malformed wings. Meanwhile, the exogenous application of 3 hormones that influence wing development did not affect the expression level of AcBursicon genes. These findings indicate that AcBursicon genes plays a crucial role in wing development in A. citricidus; therefore, it represents a potential molecular target for the control of this pest through RNAi-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ming Lu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Zhou ZX, Dou W, Wang M, Shang F, Wang JJ. Bursicon regulates wing expansion via PKA in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:388-396. [PMID: 37708392 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bursicon is a heterodimeric neuropeptide that is involved in many physiological activities such as cuticle tanning, wing expansion, reproduction and immunity in insects. In this study, the role of bursicon in the wing expansion was investigated in Bactrocera dorsalis, an important invasive insect pest in agriculture. RESULTS The cDNA sequences and deduced amino acids of bursicon genes (named BdBurs-α and BdBurs-β) were determined, and two proteins typically contained 11 cysteine residues in conserved positions that were highly conserved in other insect species. The spatiotemporal expressions of bursicon genes showed that higher expression occurred at the pupal, early adult stage and ovaries, and lower expression at the late larval stage and in wing tissue (8-day-old pupae). Dysfunction of bursicon genes by dsRNA microinjection into 5-day-old pupae reduced PKA (a downstream component of the bursicon pathway) activity and resulted in malformed adult wings. PKA inhibitor injection into 5-day-old pupae also resulted in similar phenotypes. Hematoxylin & eosin staining of the adult wing showed that RNAi and PKA inhibitor treatment reduced the thickness of the wing cuticle, which wing cuticle thickness were ≈50% thinner than in the control. Furthermore, the expression of hedgehog (Bdhh) (one of 10 tested genes related to wing development) was significantly upregulated after RNAi and PKA inhibitor application. CONCLUSION The results indicate that bursicon plays a crucial role in the wing expansion of B. dorsalis, suggesting bursicon genes have potential to be the targets for B. dorsalis control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xiong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Li J, Lyu B, Bi J, Shan R, Stanley D, Feng Q, Song Q. Partner of neuropeptide bursicon homodimer pburs mediates a novel antimicrobial peptide Ten3LP via Dif/Dorsal2 in Tribolium castaneum. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 247:125840. [PMID: 37454995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125840] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Bursicon is a cystine knot family neuropeptide, composed of two subunits, bursicon (burs) and partner of burs (pburs). The subunits can form heterodimers to regulate cuticle tanning and wing maturation and homodimers to signal different biological functions in innate immunity, midgut stem cell proliferation and energy homeostasis, and reproductive physiology in the model insects Drosophila melanogaster or Tribolium castaneum. Here, we report on the role of the pburs homodimer in signaling innate immunity in T. castaneum larvae. Through transcriptome analysis we identified a set of immune-related genes that respond to pburs RNAi. Treating larvae with recombinant-pburs protein led to up-regulation of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes in vivo and in vitro. The upregulation of most AMP genes was dependent on the NF-κB transcription factor Relish. Most importantly, we identified a novel AMP, Tenecin 3-like peptide (Ten3LP), regulated by pburs via NF-κB transcription factor Dorsal-related immunity factor (Dif)/Dorsal2, but not Relish. We conducted Ten3LP RNAi, synthesized recombinant Ten3LP protein for microbial inhibition assays and functionally characterized Ten3LP as an AMP specific for fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. We demonstrate that expression of Ten3LP is activated by pburs via the Toll pathway. These findings identify new molecular targets for development of potential antibiotics for treating microbial infections and perhaps for RNAi based pest management technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Bo Lyu
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Institution of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-product, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Ruiqi Shan
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - David Stanley
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Biological Control of Insect Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station (USDA/ARS), Columbia, MO 65203, USA.
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Lyu B, Li J, Niemeyer B, Stanley D, Song Q. Identification and characterization of ecdysis-related neuropeptides in the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1256618. [PMID: 37693356 PMCID: PMC10490126 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1256618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is an important ectoparasite known for transmitting diseases to humans and animals. Ecdysis-related neuropeptides (ERNs) control behaviors crucial for arthropods to shed exoskeletons. However, ERN identification and characterization in A. americanum remain incomplete. Methods We investigated ERNs in A. americanum, assessing their evolutionary relationships, protein properties, and functions. Phylogeny, sequence alignment, and domain structures of ERNs were analyzed. ERN functionality was explored using enrichment analysis, and developmental and tissue-specific ERN expression profiles were examined using qPCR and RNAi experiments. Results and discussion The study shows that ERN catalogs (i.e., eclosion hormone, corazonin, and bursicon) are found in most arachnids, and these ERNs in A. americanum have high evolutionary relatedness with other tick species. Protein modeling analysis indicates that ERNs primarily consist of secondary structures and protein stabilizing forces (i.e., hydrophobic clusters, hydrogen bond networks, and salt bridges). Gene functional analysis shows that ENRs are involved in many ecdysis-related functions, including ecdysis-triggering hormone activity, neuropeptide signaling pathway, and corazonin receptor binding. Bursicon proteins have functions in chitin binding and G protein-coupled receptor activity and strong interactions with leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5. ERNs were expressed in higher levels in newly molted adults and synganglia. RNAi-mediated knockdown of burs α and burs β expression led to a significant decrease in the expression of an antimicrobial peptide, defensin, suggesting they might act in signaling or regulatory pathways that control the expression of immune-related genes. Arthropods are vulnerable immediately after molting because new cuticles are soft and susceptible to injury and pathogen infections. Bursicon homodimers act in prophylactic immunity during this vulnerable period by increasing the synthesis of transcripts encoding antimicrobial peptides to protect them from microbial invasion. Collectively, the expression pattern and characterization of ERNs in this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the physiological processes in A. americanum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lyu
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Brigid Niemeyer
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - David Stanley
- Biological Control of Insect Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station (USDA/ARS), Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Metaxakis A, Pavlidis M, Tavernarakis N. Neuronal atg1 Coordinates Autophagy Induction and Physiological Adaptations to Balance mTORC1 Signalling. Cells 2023; 12:2024. [PMID: 37626835 PMCID: PMC10453232 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162024] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The mTORC1 nutrient-sensing pathway integrates metabolic and endocrine signals into the brain to evoke physiological responses to food deprivation, such as autophagy. Nevertheless, the impact of neuronal mTORC1 activity on neuronal circuits and organismal metabolism remains obscure. Here, we show that mTORC1 inhibition acutely perturbs serotonergic neurotransmission via proteostatic alterations evoked by the autophagy inducer atg1. Neuronal ATG1 alters the intracellular localization of the serotonin transporter, which increases the extracellular serotonin and stimulates the 5HTR7 postsynaptic receptor. 5HTR7 enhances food-searching behaviour and ecdysone-induced catabolism in Drosophila. Along similar lines, the pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 in zebrafish also stimulates food-searching behaviour via serotonergic activity. These effects occur in parallel with neuronal autophagy induction, irrespective of the autophagic activity and the protein synthesis reduction. In addition, ectopic neuronal atg1 expression enhances catabolism via insulin pathway downregulation, impedes peptidergic secretion, and activates non-cell autonomous cAMP/PKA. The above exert diverse systemic effects on organismal metabolism, development, melanisation, and longevity. We conclude that neuronal atg1 aligns neuronal autophagy induction with distinct physiological modulations, to orchestrate a coordinated physiological response against reduced mTORC1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Metaxakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Nikolaou Plastira 100, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Michail Pavlidis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Nikolaou Plastira 100, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Wang G, Wang J, Nie L. Transcriptome sequencing of the central nervous system to identify the neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors of Antheraea pernyi. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125411. [PMID: 37327925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors are crucial regulators for the behavior, lifecycle, and physiology of insects and are mainly produced and released from the neurosecretory cells of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, RNA-seq was employed to investigate the transcriptome profile of the CNS which is composed of the brain and ventral nerve cord (VNC) of Antheraea pernyi. From the data sets, a total of 18 and 42 genes were identified, which respectively encode the neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors involved in regulating multiple behaviors including feeding, reproductive behavior, circadian locomotor, sleep, and stress response and physiological processes such as nutrient absorption, immunity, ecdysis, diapause, and excretion. Comparison of the patterns of expression of those genes between the brain and VNC showed that most had higher levels of expression in the brain than VNC. Besides, 2760 differently expressed genes (DEGs) (1362 up-regulated and 1398 down-regulated ones between the B and VNC group) were also screened and further analyzed via gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The results of this study could provide comprehensive profiles of the neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors of A. pernyi CNS and lay the foundation for further research into their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Wang
- College of Biology and Oceanography, Weifang University, Weifang 261061, China.
| | - Jiangrun Wang
- College of Biology and Oceanography, Weifang University, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Lei Nie
- Shandong Sericulture Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai 264002, China
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11
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Gong Z, Wang W, El Omari K, Lebedev AA, Clarke OB, Hendrickson WA. Crystal structure of LGR ligand α2/β5 from Caenorhabditis elegans with implications for the evolution of glycoprotein hormones. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218630120. [PMID: 36574673 PMCID: PMC9910494 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218630120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A family of leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors (LGRs) mediate diverse physiological responses when complexed with their cognate ligands. LGRs are present in all metazoan animals. In humans, the LGR ligands include glycoprotein hormones (GPHs) chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (hTSH). These hormones are αβ heterodimers of cystine-knot protein chains. LGRs and their ligand chains have coevolved. Ancestral hormone homologs, present in both bilaterian animals and chordates, are identified as α2β5. We have used single-wavelength anomalous diffraction and molecular replacement to determine structures of the α2β5 hormone from Caenorhabditis elegans (Ceα2β5). Ceα2β5 is unglycosylated, as are many other α2β5 hormones. Both Hsα2β5, the human homolog of Ceα2β5, and hTSH activate the same receptor (hTSHR). Despite having little sequence similarity to vertebrate GPHs, apart from the cysteine patterns from core disulfide bridges, Ceα2β5 is generally similar in structure to these counterparts; however, its α2 and β5 subunits are more symmetric as compared with α and β of hCG and hFSH. This quasisymmetry suggests a hypothetical homodimeric antecedent of the α2β5 and αβ heterodimers. Known structures together with AlphaFold models from the sequences for other LGR ligands provide representatives for the molecular evolution of LGR ligands from early metazoans through the present-day GPHs. The experimental Ceα2β5 structure validates its AlphaFold model, and thus also that for Hsα2β5; and interfacial characteristics in a model for the Hsα2β5:hTSHR complex are similar to those found in an experimental hTSH:hTSHR structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Kamel El Omari
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, DidcotOX11 0DE, UK
| | | | - Oliver B. Clarke
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Wayne A. Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
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12
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Otaki JM, Nakazato Y. Butterfly Wing Color Pattern Modification Inducers May Act on Chitin in the Apical Extracellular Site: Implications in Morphogenic Signals for Color Pattern Determination. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1620. [PMID: 36358322 PMCID: PMC9687432 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Butterfly wing color patterns are modified by various treatments, such as temperature shock, injection of chemical inducers, and covering materials on pupal wing tissue. Their mechanisms of action have been enigmatic. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of color pattern modifications usingthe blue pansy butterfly Junoniaorithya. We hypothesized that these modification-inducing treatments act on the pupal cuticle or extracellular matrix (ECM). Mechanical load tests revealed that pupae treated with cold shock or chemical inducers were significantly less rigid, suggesting that these treatments made cuticle formation less efficient. A known chitin inhibitor, FB28 (fluorescent brightener 28), was discovered to efficiently induce modifications. Taking advantage of its fluorescent character, fluorescent signals from FB28 were observed in live pupae in vivo from the apical extracellular side and were concentrated at the pupal cuticle focal spots immediately above the eyespot organizing centers. It was shown that chemical modification inducers and covering materials worked additively. Taken together, various modification-inducing treatments likely act extracellularly on chitin or other polysaccharides to inhibit pupal cuticle formation or ECM function, which probably causes retardation of morphogenic signals. It is likely that an interactive ECM is required for morphogenic signals for color pattern determination to travel long distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji M. Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
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Tang J, Yu R, Zhang Y, Xie J, Song X, Feng F, Gao H, Li B. Molecular and functional analysis of eclosion hormone-like gene involved in post-eclosion behavior in a beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 142:104429. [PMID: 35964679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104429] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Eclosion hormone (EH) is a neurohormone that plays a key role in the regulation of insect pre-ecdysis behavior at the end of each molt. Previous research has reported more than one EH gene was found in certain insects, with their functions and mechanisms still unclear. Here, aside from the classical EH gene orthologous group, we characterized another novel orthologous cluster of eclosion hormone-like (EHL) genes in Arthropoda and investigated the roles of EHL during development in Tribolium castaneum. T. castaneum EHL (TcEHL) shows high expression levels during pupal - adult development, which also positively responded to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment as well as RNA interference (RNAi) of ECR (20E nuclear receptor). Knockdown of TcEHL prevented the tanning of the adult cuticle and caused lethal phenotypes. Further analysis indicated that knockdown of TcEHL could upregulate expression levels of the classical TcEH, and downregulate the ecdysis behavior cascade genes, as well as tanning pathway enzymes. This suggests a critical role for TcEHL in adult eclosion and cuticle tanning. In addition, our data indicated that TcEHL is responsible for the female reproduction process. Taken together, these results suggest that TcEHL has specific roles in adult cuticle tanning during the post-eclosion process and female reproduction. They also suggest that EHL gene is the ancestral copy for the EH family and it is functionally shuffled by synfunctionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Runnan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Yonglei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Jia Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Xiaowen Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China.
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Hauser F, Koch TL, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. Review: The evolution of peptidergic signaling in Cnidaria and Placozoa, including a comparison with Bilateria. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:973862. [PMID: 36213267 PMCID: PMC9545775 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.973862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bilateria have bilateral symmetry and are subdivided into Deuterostomia (animals like vertebrates) and Protostomia (animals like insects and mollusks). Neuropeptides occur in both Proto- and Deuterostomia and they are frequently structurally related across these two lineages. For example, peptides belonging to the oxytocin/vasopressin family exist in both clades. The same is true for the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) of these peptides. These observations suggest that these neuropeptides and their GPCRs were already present in the common ancestor of Proto- and Deuterostomia, which lived about 700 million years ago (MYA). Furthermore, neuropeptides and their GPCRs occur in two early-branching phyla that diverged before the emergence of Bilateria: Cnidaria (animals like corals and sea anemones), and Placozoa (small disk-like animals, feeding on algae). The sequences of these neuropeptides and their GPCRs, however, are not closely related to those from Bilateria. In addition, cnidarian neuropeptides and their receptors are not closely related to those from Placozoa. We propose that the divergence times between Cnidaria, Placozoa, and Bilateria might be too long for recognizing sequence identities. Leucine-rich repeats-containing GPCRs (LGRs) are a special class of GPCRs that are characterized by a long N-terminus containing 10-20 leucine-rich domains, which are used for ligand binding. Among the ligands for LGRs are dimeric glycoprotein hormones, and insulin-like peptides, such as relaxin. LGRs have been found not only in Proto- and Deuterostomia, but also in early emerging phyla, such as Cnidaria and Placozoa. Humans have eight LGRs. In our current review, we have revisited the annotations of LGRs from the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis and the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens. We identified 13 sea anemone LGRs and no less than 46 LGRs from T. adhaerens. All eight human LGRs appear to have orthologues in sea anemones and placozoans. LGRs and their ligands, therefore, have a long evolutionary history, going back to the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Placozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hauser
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas L. Koch
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Ze LJ, Wang P, Peng YC, Jin L, Li GQ. Silencing tyrosine hydroxylase or dopa decarboxylase gene disrupts cuticle tanning during larva-pupa-adult transformation in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3880-3893. [PMID: 35470957 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 28-spotted potato ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, is a notorious defoliator of many solanaceous and cucurbitaceous plants. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC) are responsible for cuticle tanning pathway in insects. RESULTS We identified HvTH and HvDDC in H. vigintioctopunctata, and found that high levels of them were accumulated just before or right after molting. Injection of dsHvTH or feeding 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT) at the third instar larval stage repressed tanning of the larval cuticle, reduced larval feeding, inhibited larval growth, and consequently caused 100% of larval mortality. Knockdown of HvDDC at the third instar larval stage hardly affected the coloration of larval head, and partially inhibited pigmentation of larval bodies and around 80% of the HvDDC RNAi larvae developed into albino pupae and adults. Moreover, depletion of HvTH or HvDDC at the fourth instar larval stage resulted in albino pupae and adults. The HvTH or HvDDC hypomorph adults fully or partially failed to remove the larval/pupal exuviae, possessed pale and abnormal wings, and poorly tanned heads and bodies, and eventually, struggled for several days without feeding on leaves before death. CONCLUSION These results show that TH and DDC play key roles in larval and adult cuticle tanning and development in H. vigintioctopunctata. Also, these findings suggest that dopa- and dopamine-originated pigments are essential for larval and adult feeding behavior and the molting process during emergence. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Ji Ze
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Chuan Peng
- Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education / State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Ghosh AC, Hu Y, Tattikota SG, Liu Y, Comjean A, Perrimon N. Modeling exercise using optogenetically contractible Drosophila larvae. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:623. [PMID: 36042416 PMCID: PMC9425970 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08845-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological effects of a number of metabolic and age-related disorders can be prevented to some extent by exercise and increased physical activity. However, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of muscle activity remain poorly explored. Availability of a fast, inexpensive, and genetically tractable model system for muscle activity and exercise will allow the rapid identification and characterization of molecular mechanisms that mediate the beneficial effects of exercise. Here, we report the development and characterization of an optogenetically-inducible muscle contraction (OMC) model in Drosophila larvae that we used to study acute exercise-like physiological responses. To characterize muscle-specific transcriptional responses to acute exercise, we performed bulk mRNA-sequencing, revealing striking similarities between acute exercise-induced genes in flies and those previously identified in humans. Our larval muscle contraction model opens a path for rapid identification and characterization of exercise-induced factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan C Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Yifang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Palu RAS, Owings KG, Garces JG, Nicol A. A natural genetic variation screen identifies insulin signaling, neuronal communication, and innate immunity as modifiers of hyperglycemia in the absence of Sirt1. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac090. [PMID: 35435227 PMCID: PMC9157059 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Variation in the onset, progression, and severity of symptoms associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes impairs the diagnosis and treatment of at-risk patients. Diabetes symptoms, and patient variation in these symptoms, are attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but identifying the genes and pathways that modify diabetes in humans has proven difficult. A greater understanding of genetic modifiers and the ways in which they interact with metabolic pathways could improve the ability to predict a patient's risk for severe symptoms, as well as enhance the development of individualized therapeutic approaches. In this study, we use the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel to identify genetic variation influencing hyperglycemia associated with loss of Sirt1 function. Through analysis of individual candidate functions, physical interaction networks, and gene set enrichment analysis, we identify not only modifiers involved in canonical glucose metabolism and insulin signaling, but also genes important for neuronal signaling and the innate immune response. Furthermore, reducing the expression of several of these candidates suppressed hyperglycemia, making them potential candidate therapeutic targets. These analyses showcase the diverse processes contributing to glucose homeostasis and open up several avenues of future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A S Palu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University-Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, USA
| | - Katie G Owings
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - John G Garces
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University-Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, USA
| | - Audrey Nicol
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University-Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, USA
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18
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Flaven-Pouchon J, Moussian B. Fluorescent Microscopy-Based Detection of Chitin in Intact Drosophila melanogaster. Front Physiol 2022; 13:856369. [PMID: 35557963 PMCID: PMC9086190 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.856369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitin is the major scaffolding component of the insect cuticle. Ultrastructural analyses revealed that chitin adopts a quasi-crystalline structure building sheets of parallel running microfibrils. These sheets called laminae are stacked either helicoidally or with a preferred orientation of the microfibrils. Precise control of chitin synthesis is mandatory to ensure the correct chitin assembly and in turn proper function of cuticular structures. Thus, evaluation of chitin-metabolism deficient phenotypes is a key to our understanding of the function of the proteins and enzymes involved in cuticle architecture and more generally in cuticle biology in insects. Usually, these phenotypes have been assessed using electron microscopy, which is time-consuming and labor intensive. This stresses the need for rapid and straightforward histological methods to visualize chitin at the whole tissue level. Here, we propose a simple method of chitin staining using the common polysaccharide marker Fluorescent brightener 28 (FB28) in whole-mount Drosophila melanogaster. To overcome the physical barrier of FB28 penetration into the cuticle, staining is performed at 65°C without affecting intactness. We quantify FB28 fluorescence in three functionally different cuticular structures namely wings, dorsal abdomens and forelegs by fluorescence microscopy. We find that, as expected, cuticle pigmentation may interfere with FB28 staining. Down-regulation of critical genes involved in chitin metabolism, including those coding for chitin synthase or chitinases, show that FB28 fluorescence reflects chitin content in these organs. We think that this simple method could be easily applied to a large variety of intact insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Flaven-Pouchon
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - B Moussian
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,INRAE, CNRS, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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Zhang CS, Sun LL, Xie JM, Cao CW. RNAi-based functional analysis of bursicon genes related to wing expansion in gypsy moths. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 139:104398. [PMID: 35537524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bursicon is a heterodimeric neuropeptide composed of Burs-α and Burs-β subunits that plays an important role in cuticle tanning and wing expansion in insects. In this study, full-length cDNAs of Burs-α (LdBurs-α) and Burs-β (LdBurs-β) genes were identified in gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and cloned. The 480 bp and 420 bp open reading frames (ORFs) encode 159 and 129 amino acid polypeptides, respectively. LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β have 11 conserved cysteine residues, and LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β genes were expressed during all developmental stages according to quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), with highest expression in the egg stage. High expression levels were also detected in the haemolymph, cuticle and head. To explore the physiological functions of LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β, the genes were knocked down in larvae and pupae using RNA interference (RNAi), and expression levels of LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β were decreased by 42.26-80.09%. Wing defects were observed in L. dispar pupae following Ldbursion silencing, with a phenotypic percentage ranging from 10.17% to 15.00%. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Ldbursicon prevented the expansion of male and female L. dispar adult wings, with malformation rates ranging from 6.38% and 30.00% to 57.69% and 69.23%, but no cuticle tanning defects were observed in pupae or adults. The results indicate that bursicon plays a key role in wing expansion in L. dispar adults, making it a potentially novel molecular target for insecticide-based control of this pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Shu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Li-Li Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Jia-Ming Xie
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Chuan-Wang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China.
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Sun L, Zhang C, Yan L, Wang X, Wang Z, Cao C. Bursicon receptor gene HLGR2 as a potential RNA interference target for control of the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1492-1499. [PMID: 34962063 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified as a new generation of attractive targets for RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest control. A functional study of the leucine-rich repeat-containing (LGR2) gene in Hyphantria cunea (HLGR2) was performed to examine whether it can be used in the molecular control of this notorious pest. RESULTS The complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence and deduced amino acids of HLGR2 were obtained and analyzed in the present study. HLGR2 is a typical GPCR and shows high structural and sequence similarity with other insect LGR2 proteins. The spatiotemporal expression profiles of HLGR2 showed that HLGR2 was highly expressed at the egg stage and tissues of head and silk gland. After RNAi of HLGR2, distinct phenotypes were observed when HLGR2 expression was suppressed, indicating that HLGR2 is essential in pupation and eclosion. HLGR2 RNAi led to a low pupation rate (45.00%), body malformation, abnormal wing expansion, failed cuticle melanization (63.33%), and high mortality rate (48.33%). Furthermore, we identified eight genes that are regulated by HLGR2. The expression of these eight genes was induced by the HLGR2 signaling pathway and correlated well with cuticle sclerotization. Unlike LGR2 in other insect species, HLGR2 was found to play a crucial role in the control of H. cunea during ecdysis and postecdysial stages. CONCLUSION HLGR2 is essential for the growth and development and wing expansion and maturation in H. cunea, suggesting HLGR2 is a promising candidate for application in RNAi-based control of this notorious agriculture-forest pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Liqiong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Zhiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
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Al-Dailami AN, Leyria J, Orchard I, Lange AB. Exploring the role of glycoprotein hormone GPA2/GPB5 in the medically important insect, Rhodnius prolixus. Peptides 2022; 149:170710. [PMID: 34915093 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Glycoprotein hormones are formed by the heterodimerization of alpha and beta subunits. In vertebrates, there are five glycoprotein hormones, four of which have a common alpha subunit (GPA1) bound to a specific beta subunit (GPB1, GPB2, GPB3, or GPB4), and the fifth, thyrostimulin, is formed by the dimerization of GPA2 and GPB5 subunits. These hormones mediate physiological events such as development, metabolism, and reproduction, although the functional role of thyrostimulin in vertebrates has not been fully elucidated. Recent reports in invertebrates, specifically in holometabolous insects, suggest that GPA2/GPB5 plays a critical role in development, diuresis, and reproduction. In this study, we clone and characterize the transcripts for the glycoprotein hormone GPA2/GPB5 and its receptor (LGR1) in fifth instar Rhodnius prolixus, a hemimetabolous insect vector of Chagas disease. Sequence analyses reveals considerable identity and similarity between GPA2/GPB5 and LGR1 and those reported in other arthropod species. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) shows that both subunit transcripts, GPA2 and GPB5, and LGR1 transcripts are present in a variety of tissues, with greatest expression of the subunits in the central nervous system (CNS) and highest LGR1 expression in the Malpighian tubules (MT). Results from temporal qPCR analyses reveal a decrease in transcript expression 24 h after feeding, followed by an increase as the days post-feeding advance. Using immunohistochemistry, we show that GPB5 is expressed throughout the CNS, and importantly is present in neurosecretory cells in the brain and abdominal neuromeres and their neurohemal organs, indicating a neurohormonal role for this signaling pathway. A reduction in LGR1 transcript expression (via RNA interference) led to a greater weight loss and mortality rate in unfed insects. In addition, when a blood meal is offered, the insects with reduced LGR1 consume a significantly smaller blood meal and have higher mortality rates as the days post-feeding advance. Overall, the results suggest that the GPA2/GPB5 signaling pathway may play roles during a prolonged unfed state and in feeding-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej N Al-Dailami
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
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22
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Filipowska J, Kondegowda NG, Leon-Rivera N, Dhawan S, Vasavada RC. LGR4, a G Protein-Coupled Receptor With a Systemic Role: From Development to Metabolic Regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:867001. [PMID: 35707461 PMCID: PMC9190282 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.867001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4/GPR48), a member of the GPCR (G protein-coupled receptors) superfamily, subfamily B, is a common intestinal crypt stem cell marker. It binds R-spondins/Norrin as classical ligands and plays a crucial role in Wnt signaling potentiation. Interaction between LGR4 and R-spondins initiates many Wnt-driven developmental processes, e.g., kidney, eye, or reproductive tract formation, as well as intestinal crypt (Paneth) stem cell pool maintenance. Besides the well-described role of LGR4 in development, several novel functions of this receptor have recently been discovered. In this context, LGR4 was indicated to participate in TGFβ and NFκB signaling regulation in hematopoietic precursors and intestinal cells, respectively, and found to be a new, alternative receptor for RANKL (Receptor Activator of NF kappa B Ligand) in bone cells. LGR4 inhibits the process of osteoclast differentiation, by antagonizing the interaction between RANK (Receptor Activator of NF kappa B) and its ligand-RANKL. It is also known to trigger anti-inflammatory responses in different tissues (liver, intestine, cardiac cells, and skin), serve as a sensor of the circadian clock in the liver, regulate adipogenesis and energy expenditure in adipose tissue and skeletal muscles, respectively. The extracellular domain of LGR4 (LGR4-ECD) has emerged as a potential new therapeutic for osteoporosis and cancer. LGR4 integrates different signaling pathways and regulates various cellular processes vital for maintaining whole-body homeostasis. Yet, the role of LGR4 in many cell types (e.g. pancreatic beta cells) and diseases (e.g., diabetes) remains to be elucidated. Considering the broad spectrum of LGR4 actions, this review aims to discuss both canonical and novel roles of LGR4, with emphasis on emerging research directions focused on this receptor.
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23
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Li J, Zhu Z, Bi J, Feng Q, Beerntsen BT, Song Q. Neuropeptide Bursicon Influences Reproductive Physiology in Tribolium Castaneum. Front Physiol 2021; 12:717437. [PMID: 34744761 PMCID: PMC8567023 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.717437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bursicon is a neuropeptide belonging to the cystine knot family and is composed of burs and partner of burs (pburs) subunits. It can form heterodimers or homodimers to execute different biological functions. Bursicon heterodimers regulate cuticle sclerotization and wing maturation, whereas bursicon homodimers mediate innate immunity and midgut stem cell proliferation. A recent study has shown that bursicon potentially induces the expression of vitellogenin (Vg) in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of bursicon in the reproductive physiology of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. The knockdown of burs, pburs, or its receptor T. castaneum rickets (Tcrk) in 2-day pupae significantly downregulated the expression levels of Vg1, Vg2, and Vg receptor (VgR) genes in females 3- and 5-day post-adult emergence, leading to abnormal oocytes with limited Vg content. The silencing of burs repressed the number of eggs laid and completely inhibited egg hatch, whereas the silencing of pburs dramatically decreased the number of eggs laid, hatch rate, and offspring larval size, and this RNA interference (RNAi) effects persisted to the next generation. Furthermore, the knockdown of burs or pburs downregulated the expression of the insulin/insulin-like signaling/target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling genes encoding insulin receptor (InR), protein kinase B (Akt), TOR, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K). Most importantly, the injection of recombinant pburs (r-pburs) protein was able to upregulate the expression of Vg, VgR, InR, Akt, TOR, S6K, JH synthesis (JHAMT), Methoprene-tolerant (Met), and Taiman (Tai) in normal females and rescue the expression of Vg and VgR in pburs RNAi females but failed to rescue Vg and VgR in Tcrk knockdown females. We infer that bursicon homodimers influence Vg expression via the receptor Tcrk, possibly by mediating the expression of the juvenile hormone (JH) and IIS/TOR pathway genes, thereby regulating reproduction in T. castaneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Zidan Zhu
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Institution of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Product, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Brenda T Beerntsen
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Cheng J, Yang X, Tian Z, Shen Z, Wang X, Zhu L, Liu X, Li Z, Liu X. Coordinated transcriptomics and peptidomics of central nervous system identify neuropeptides and their G protein-coupled receptors in the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100882. [PMID: 34273641 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta is a cosmopolitan pest of orchard, which causes serious economic losses to the fruit production. Neuropeptides and their specific receptors (primarily G protein-coupled receptors, GPCRs) regulate multiple biological functions in insects and represent promising next-generation pest management strategy. Here, we generated a transcriptome of the central nervous system (CNS) of G. molesta. Overall, 57 neuropeptide precursor genes were identified and 128 various mature peptides were predicted from these precursors. Using peptidomic analysis of CNS of G. molesta, we identified total of 28 mature peptides and precursor-related peptides from 16 precursors. A total of 41 neuropeptide GPCR genes belonging to three classes were also identified. These GPCRs and their probable ligands were predicted. Additionally, expression patterns of these 98 genes in various larval tissues were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Taken together, these results will benefit further investigations to determine physiological functions and pharmacological characterization of neuropeptides and their GPCRs in G. molesta; and to develop specific neuropeptide-based agents for this tortricid fruit pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cheng
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuelin Yang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongjian Shen
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xueli Wang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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25
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Rump MT, Kozma MT, Pawar SD, Derby CD. G protein-coupled receptors as candidates for modulation and activation of the chemical senses in decapod crustaceans. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252066. [PMID: 34086685 PMCID: PMC8177520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have characterized class A GPCRs in crustaceans; however, their expression in crustacean chemosensory organs has yet to be detailed. Class A GPCRs comprise several subclasses mediating diverse functions. In this study, using sequence homology, we classified all putative class A GPCRs in two chemosensory organs (antennular lateral flagellum [LF] and walking leg dactyls) and brain of four species of decapod crustaceans (Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus, American lobster Homarus americanus, red-swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, and blue crab Callinectes sapidus). We identified 333 putative class A GPCRs– 83 from P. argus, 81 from H. americanus, 102 from P. clarkii, and 67 from C. sapidus–which belong to five distinct subclasses. The numbers of sequences for each subclass in the four decapod species are (in parentheses): opsins (19), small-molecule receptors including biogenic amine receptors (83), neuropeptide receptors (90), leucine-rich repeat-containing GPCRs (LGRs) (24), orphan receptors (117). Most class A GPCRs are predominately expressed in the brain; however, we identified multiple transcripts enriched in the LF and several in the dactyl. In total, we found 55 sequences with higher expression in the chemosensory organs relative to the brain across three decapod species. We also identified novel transcripts enriched in the LF including a metabotropic histamine receptor and numerous orphan receptors. Our work establishes expression patterns for class A GPCRs in the chemosensory organs of crustaceans, providing insight into molecular mechanisms mediating neurotransmission, neuromodulation, and possibly chemoreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. Rump
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mihika T. Kozma
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shrikant D. Pawar
- Yale Center for Genomic Analysis, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Charles D. Derby
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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Kong H, Jing W, Yuan L, Dong C, Zheng M, Tian Z, Hou Q, Cheng Y, Zhang L, Jiang X, Luo L. Bursicon mediates antimicrobial peptide gene expression to enhance crowded larval prophylactic immunity in the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 115:103896. [PMID: 33075371 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that a high population density alters insect prophylactic immunity. Bursicon plays a key role in the prophylactic immunity of newly emerged adults. In this paper, full-length cDNAs encoding the alpha and beta subunits of bursicon in Mythimna separata larvae (Msburs α and Msburs β) were identified. The cDNAs of Msburs α and Msburs β contain open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 145- and 139-amino acid residue proteins, respectively. Multiple alignment sequences and phylogenetic analysis indicated that Msbursicons (Msburs α and Msburs β) are orthologous to bursicons in other lepidopterans. The Msbursicons were expressed throughout all developmental states with higher relative expression during the egg, pupae, and adult stages. Msbursicons (Msburs α and Msburs β) were highly expressed in the ventral nerve cord and brain relative to other tested tissues. Msbursicon expression of larvae subject to high-density treatment (10 larvae per jar) was significantly increased compared with that of the larvae subject to low-density treatment (1 larva per jar) in the whole fourth and fifth instar stages. The trend in the expression of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes cecropin C and defensin in the test stage was accorded and delayed with increased expression of bursicons. Silencing Msburs α (or Msburs β) expression by dsRNA injection in larvae subject to high-density treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of the cecropin C and defensin genes. Recombinant Msbursicon homodimers significantly induced the expression of the cecropin C and defensin genes. There was a notable decrease in the survival rate of the Msburs α (or Msburs β or Mscecropin C or Msdefensin) knockdown larvae infected by Beauveria thuringiensis. Our findings provide the first insights into how larval density mediates AMP gene expression, which subsequently affects the prophylactic immunity of insects under high-density conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Kong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China.
| | - Wanghui Jing
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Lin Yuan
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Chuanlei Dong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Minyuan Zheng
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Zhen Tian
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Qiuli Hou
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Wenhui East Road, NO. 48, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Yunxia Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Xingfu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| | - Lizhi Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuanmingyuan West Road, No. 2, Beijing, 100193, PR China
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27
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Querat B. Unconventional Actions of Glycoprotein Hormone Subunits: A Comprehensive Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:731966. [PMID: 34671318 PMCID: PMC8522476 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.731966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The glycoprotein hormones (GPH) are heterodimers composed of a common α subunit and a specific β subunit. They act by activating specific leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptors. However, individual subunits have been shown to elicit responses in cells devoid of the receptor for the dimeric hormones. The α subunit is involved in prolactin production from different tissues. The human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit (βhCG) plays determinant roles in placentation and in cancer development and metastasis. A truncated form of the thyrotropin (TSH) β subunit is also reported to have biological effects. The GPH α- and β subunits are derived from precursor genes (gpa and gpb, respectively), which are expressed in most invertebrate species and are still represented in vertebrates as GPH subunit paralogs (gpa2 and gpb5, respectively). No specific receptor has been found for the vertebrate GPA2 and GPB5 even if their heterodimeric form is able to activate the TSH receptor in mammals. Interestingly, GPA and GPB are phylogenetically and structurally related to cysteine-knot growth factors (CKGF) and particularly to a group of antagonists that act independently on any receptor. This review article summarizes the observed actions of individual GPH subunits and presents the current hypotheses of how these actions might be induced. New approaches are also proposed in light of the evolutionary relatedness with antagonists of the CKGF family of proteins.
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28
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Rajpurohit S, Vrkoslav V, Hanus R, Gibbs AG, Cvačka J, Schmidt PS. Post-eclosion temperature effects on insect cuticular hydrocarbon profiles. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:352-364. [PMID: 33437434 PMCID: PMC7790616 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect cuticle is the interface between internal homeostasis and the often harsh external environment. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are key constituents of this hard cuticle and are associated with a variety of functions including stress response and communication. CHC production and deposition on the insect cuticle vary among natural populations and are affected by developmental temperature; however, little is known about CHC plasticity in response to the environment experienced following eclosion, during which time the insect cuticle undergoes several crucial changes. We targeted this crucial to important phase and studied post-eclosion temperature effects on CHC profiles in two natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. A forty-eight hour post-eclosion exposure to three different temperatures (18, 25, and 30°C) significantly affected CHCs in both ancestral African and more recently derived North American populations of D. melanogaster. A clear shift from shorter to longer CHCs chain length was observed with increasing temperature, and the effects of post-eclosion temperature varied across populations and between sexes. The quantitative differences in CHCs were associated with variation in desiccation tolerance among populations. Surprisingly, we did not detect any significant differences in water loss rate between African and North American populations. Overall, our results demonstrate strong genetic and plasticity effects in CHC profiles in response to environmental temperatures experienced at the adult stage as well as associations with desiccation tolerance, which is crucial in understanding holometabolan responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Rajpurohit
- Division of Biological and Life SciencesSchool of Arts and SciencesAhmedabad UniversityAhmedabadIndia
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Vladimír Vrkoslav
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CRPragueCzech Republic
| | - Robert Hanus
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CRPragueCzech Republic
| | - Allen G. Gibbs
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NevadaLas VegasNVUSA
| | - Josef Cvačka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CRPragueCzech Republic
| | - Paul S Schmidt
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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29
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Cao X, Zhang C, Zhang R, Wang K, Dai X, Huang X, Ren Q. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 2 (LGR2) can regulate PO activity and AMP genes expression in Macrobrachium nipponense. Mol Immunol 2020; 126:14-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Leyria J, Orchard I, Lange AB. What happens after a blood meal? A transcriptome analysis of the main tissues involved in egg production in Rhodnius prolixus, an insect vector of Chagas disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008516. [PMID: 33057354 PMCID: PMC7591069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-sucking hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus is a vector of Chagas disease, one of the most neglected tropical diseases affecting several million people, mostly in Latin America. The blood meal is an event with a high epidemiological impact since adult mated females feed several times, with each meal resulting in a bout of egg laying, and thereby the production of hundreds of offspring. By means of RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) we have examined how a blood meal influences mRNA expression in the central nervous system (CNS), fat body and ovaries in order to promote egg production, focusing on tissue-specific responses under controlled nutritional conditions. We illustrate the cross talk between reproduction and a) lipids, proteins and trehalose metabolism, b) neuropeptide and neurohormonal signaling, and c) the immune system. Overall, our molecular evaluation confirms and supports previous studies and provides an invaluable molecular resource for future investigations on different tissues involved in successful reproductive events. These analyses serve as a starting point for new investigations, increasing the chances of developing novel strategies for vector population control by translational research, with less impact on the environment and more specificity for a particular organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Angela B. Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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31
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Hsueh AJW, Feng Y. Discovery of polypeptide ligand-receptor pairs based on their co-evolution. FASEB J 2020; 34:8824-8832. [PMID: 32501617 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000779r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sequencing diverse genomes allowed the tracing of orthologous and paralogous genes to understand the co-evolution of polypeptide ligands and receptors. This review documents the discovery of several polypeptide ligands and their cognate receptors mainly expressed in the reproductive tissue using evolutionary genomics. We discussed the sub-functionization of paralogs and co-evolution of ligand-receptor families. Based on the conserved signaling among paralogous receptors and common knock-out phenotypes of ligand-receptor pairs, relationships between relaxin family peptides and leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors (LGR) were revealed. We also described the identification of a novel paralogous glycoprotein hormone thyrostimulin and design of a long-acting FSH. Human stresscopin and stresscopin-related peptide, paralogous to CRH, were also identified based on the conserved signaling pathways. Recently, a novel ligand placensin expressed in human placenta was found based on the paralogous relationship with a metabolic hormone asprosin. Placensin likely contributes to stage-dependent increases in insulin resistance during human pregnancy and its elevated secretion was associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Although many ligands were predicted based on sequence signatures, ligands of shorter sequences have not been identified, together with many "orphan" receptors without known ligands. Future development of tools for predicting ligands and high throughput assays to identify ligand-receptor pairs based on ligand binding and/or signal transduction could advance hormone-based physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yi Feng
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Lab of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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32
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Xie J, Sang M, Song X, Zhang S, Kim D, Veenstra JA, Park Y, Li B. A new neuropeptide insect parathyroid hormone iPTH in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008772. [PMID: 32365064 PMCID: PMC7224569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the postgenomics era, comparative genomics have advanced the understanding of evolutionary processes of neuropeptidergic signaling systems. The evolutionary origin of many neuropeptidergic signaling systems can be traced date back to early metazoan evolution based on the conserved sequences. Insect parathyroid hormone receptor (iPTHR) was previously described as an ortholog of vertebrate PTHR that has a well-known function in controlling bone remodeling. However, there was no sequence homologous to PTH sequence in insect genomes, leaving the iPTHR as an orphan receptor. Here, we identified the authentic ligand insect PTH (iPTH) for the iPTHR. The taxonomic distribution of iPTHR, which is lacking in Diptera and Lepidoptera, provided a lead for identifying the authentic ligand. We found that a previously described orphan ligand known as PXXXamide (where X is any amino acid) described in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis has a similar taxonomic distribution pattern as iPTHR. Tests of this peptide, iPTH, in functional reporter assays confirmed the interaction of the ligand-receptor pair. Study of a model beetle, Tribolium castaneum, was used to investigate the function of the iPTH signaling system by RNA interference followed by RNA sequencing and phenotyping. The results suggested that the iPTH system is likely involved in the regulation of cuticle formation that culminates with a phenotype of defects in wing exoskeleton maturation at the time of adult eclosion. Moreover, RNAi of iPTHRs also led to significant reductions in egg numbers and hatching rates after parental RNAi. Vertebrate parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its receptors have been extensively studied with respect to their function in bone remodeling and calcium metabolism. Insect parathyroid hormone receptors (iPTHRs) have been previously described as counterparts of vertebrate PTHRs, however, they are still orphan receptors for which the authentic ligands and biological functions remain unknown. We describe an insect form of parathyroid hormone (iPTH) by analyzing its interactions with iPTHRs. Identification of this new insect peptidergic system proved that the PTH system is an ancestral signaling system dating back to the evolutionary time before the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes. We also investigated the functions of the iPTH system in a model beetle Tribolium castaneum by using RNA interference. RNA interference of iPTHR resulted in defects in wing exoskeleton maturation and fecundity. Based on the differential gene expression patterns and the phenotype induced by RNAi, we propose that the iPTH system is likely involved in the regulation of exoskeletal cuticle formation and fecundity in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
| | - Ming Sang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowen Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sisi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Donghun Kim
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Korea
| | - Jan A. Veenstra
- INCIA UMR 5287 CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- * E-mail: (JAV); (YP); (BL)
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JAV); (YP); (BL)
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (JAV); (YP); (BL)
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Lee G, Sehgal R, Wang Z, Park JH. Ultraspiracle-independent anti-apoptotic function of ecdysone receptors is required for the survival of larval peptidergic neurons via suppression of grim expression in Drosophila melanogaster. Apoptosis 2020; 24:256-268. [PMID: 30637539 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-019-01514-2] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster a significant number of heterogenous larval neurons in the central nervous system undergo metamorphosis-associated programmed cell death, termed metamorphoptosis. Interestingly distinct groups of doomed larval neurons are eliminated at different metamorphic phases. Although ecdysone hormonal signaling via nuclear ecdysone receptors (EcRs) is known to orchestrate the neuronal metamorphoptosis, little is known about how this signaling controls such diverse neuronal responses. Crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP)-producing neurons in the ventral nerve cord are developmentally programmed to die shortly after adult emergence. In this study, we show that disruption of endogenous EcR function by ectopic expression of dominant negative forms of EcRs (EcRDN) causes premature death of larval CCAP neurons in a caspase-dependent manner. This event is rescued by co-expression of individual EcR isoforms. Furthermore, larval CCAP neurons are largely normal in ecr mutants lacking either EcR-A or EcR-B isoforms, suggesting that EcR isoforms redundantly function to protect larval CCAP neurons. Of surprise, a role of Ultraspiracle (Usp), a canonical partner of EcR, is dispensable in the protection of CCAP neurons, whereas both EcR and Usp are required for inducing metamorphoptosis of vCrz neurons shortly after prepupal formation. As a downstream, grim is an essential cell death gene for the EcRDN-mediated CCAP neuronal death, while either hid or rpr function is dispensable. Together, our results suggest that Usp-independent EcR actions protect CCAP neurons from their premature death by repressing grim expression until their normally scheduled apoptosis at post-emergence. Our studies highlight two opposite roles played by EcR function for metamorphoptosis of two different peptidergic neuronal groups, proapoptotic (vCrz) versus antiapoptotic (CCAP), and propose that distinct death timings of doomed larval neurons are determined by differential signaling mechanisms involving EcR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyunghee Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology and NeuroNet Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Ritika Sehgal
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology and NeuroNet Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Zixing Wang
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology Program, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Jae H Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology and NeuroNet Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA. .,UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology Program, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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Kribelbauer JF, Loker RE, Feng S, Rastogi C, Abe N, Rube HT, Bussemaker HJ, Mann RS. Context-Dependent Gene Regulation by Homeodomain Transcription Factor Complexes Revealed by Shape-Readout Deficient Proteins. Mol Cell 2020; 78:152-167.e11. [PMID: 32053778 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic transcription factors (TFs) form complexes with various partner proteins to recognize their genomic target sites. Yet, how the DNA sequence determines which TF complex forms at any given site is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that high-throughput in vitro DNA binding assays coupled with unbiased computational analysis provide unprecedented insight into how different DNA sequences select distinct compositions and configurations of homeodomain TF complexes. Using inferred knowledge about minor groove width readout, we design targeted protein mutations that destabilize homeodomain binding both in vitro and in vivo in a complex-specific manner. By performing parallel systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment sequencing (SELEX-seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and Hi-C assays, we not only classify the majority of in vivo binding events in terms of complex composition but also infer complex-specific functions by perturbing the gene regulatory network controlled by a single complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith F Kribelbauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ryan E Loker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Siqian Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Chaitanya Rastogi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Namiko Abe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - H Tomas Rube
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Harmen J Bussemaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Richard S Mann
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Zhang HW, Xie GH, Ren XH, Yang YZ, Song Q, Yu H. Bursicon homodimers induce the innate immunity via Relish in Procambarus clarkii. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 99:555-561. [PMID: 32109610 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bursicon (burs) is a neuropeptide hormone consisting of two cystine-knot proteins (burs α and burs β), and burs α-β is responsible for cuticle tanning in insects. Further studies show that burs homodimers induce prophylactic immunity. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that burs homodimers act in regulating immunity in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. We found that burs α and burs β are expressed in neural system of crayfish. Treating crayfish with recombinant burs-homodimer proteins led to up-regulation of several anti-microbial peptide (AMP) genes, and RNAi-mediated knockdown of burs led to decreased expression of AMP genes. The burs proteins also facilitated bacterial clearance and decreased crayfish mortality upon bacterial infection. Furthermore, burs proteins activated the transcriptional factor Relish, and knockdown of Relish abolished the influence of recombinant burs homodimers on AMP induction. We infer the burs homodimers induce expression of AMP genes via Relish in crayfish and this study extends this immune signaling pathway from insects to crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wei Zhang
- Division of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Guo-Hong Xie
- Division of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Xiang-Hui Ren
- Division of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Yun-Zhi Yang
- Division of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Hao Yu
- Division of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
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Flaven-Pouchon J, Alvarez JV, Rojas C, Ewer J. The tanning hormone, bursicon, does not act directly on the epidermis to tan the Drosophila exoskeleton. BMC Biol 2020; 18:17. [PMID: 32075655 PMCID: PMC7029472 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-0742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In insects, continuous growth requires the periodic replacement of the exoskeleton. Once the remains of the exoskeleton from the previous stage have been shed during ecdysis, the new one is rapidly sclerotized (hardened) and melanized (pigmented), a process collectively known as tanning. The rapid tanning that occurs after ecdysis is critical for insect survival, as it reduces desiccation, and gives the exoskeleton the rigidity needed to support the internal organs and to provide a solid anchor for the muscles. This rapid postecdysial tanning is triggered by the "tanning hormone", bursicon. Since bursicon is released into the hemolymph, it has naturally been assumed that it would act on the epidermal cells to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton. RESULTS Here we investigated the site of bursicon action in Drosophila by examining the consequences on tanning of disabling the bursicon receptor (encoded by the rickets gene) in different tissues. To our surprise, we found that rapid tanning does not require rickets function in the epidermis but requires it instead in peptidergic neurons of the ventral nervous system (VNS). Although we were unable to identify the signal that is transmitted from the VNS to the epidermis, we show that neurons that express the Drosophila insulin-like peptide ILP7, but not the ILP7 peptide itself, are involved. In addition, we found that some of the bursicon targets involved in melanization are different from those that cause sclerotization. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that bursicon does not act directly on the epidermis to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton but instead requires an intermediary messenger produced by peptidergic neurons within the central nervous system. Thus, this work has uncovered an unexpected layer of control in a process that is critical for insect survival, which will significantly alter the direction of future research aimed at understanding how rapid postecdysial tanning occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier V Alvarez
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Candy Rojas
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - John Ewer
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile.
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Rocco DA, Paluzzi JPV. Expression Profiling, Downstream Signaling, and Inter-subunit Interactions of GPA2/GPB5 in the Adult Mosquito Aedes aegypti. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:158. [PMID: 32296389 PMCID: PMC7137729 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GPA2/GPB5 and its receptor constitute a glycoprotein hormone-signaling system native to the genomes of most vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Unlike the well-studied gonadotropins and thyrotropin, the exact function of GPA2/GPB5 remains elusive, and whether it elicits its functions as heterodimers, homodimers or as independent monomers remains unclear. Here, the glycoprotein hormone signaling system was investigated in adult mosquitoes, where GPA2 and GPB5 subunit expression was mapped and modes of its signaling were characterized. In adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, GPA2 and GPB5 transcripts co-localized to bilateral pairs of neuroendocrine cells, positioned within the first five abdominal ganglia of the central nervous system. Unlike GPA2/GPB5 homologs in human and fly, GPA2/GPB5 subunits in A. aegypti lacked evidence of heterodimerization. Rather, cross-linking analysis to determine subunit interactions revealed A. aegypti GPA2 and GPB5 subunits may form homodimers, although treatments with independent subunits did not demonstrate receptor activity. Since mosquito GPA2/GPB5 heterodimers were not evident by heterologous expression, a tethered fusion construct was generated for expression of the subunits as a single polypeptide chain to mimic heterodimer formation. Our findings revealed A. aegypti LGR1 elicited constitutive activity with elevated levels of cAMP. However, upon treatment with recombinant tethered GPA2/GPB5, an inhibitory G protein (Gi/o) signaling cascade is initiated and forskolin-induced cAMP production is inhibited. These results further support the notion that heterodimerization is a requirement for glycoprotein hormone receptor activation and provide novel insight to how signaling is achieved for GPA2/GPB5, an evolutionary ancient neurohormone.
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Li X, Du L, Jiang XJ, Ju Q, Qu CJ, Qu MJ, Liu TX. Identification and Characterization of Neuropeptides and Their G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in the Cowpea Aphid Aphis craccivora. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:640. [PMID: 33042012 PMCID: PMC7527416 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are the most abundant and diverse signal molecules in insects. They act as neurohormones and neuromodulators to regulate the physiology and behavior of insects. The majority of neuropeptides initiate downstream signaling pathways through binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on the cell surface. In this study, RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics were used to search for genes encoding neuropeptides and their GPCRs in the cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora. And the expression of these genes at different developmental stages of A. craccivora was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). A total of 40 candidate genes encoding neuropeptide precursors were identified from the transcriptome data, which is roughly equivalent to the number of neuropeptide genes that have been reported in other insects. On this basis, software analysis combined with homologous prediction estimated that there could be more than 60 mature neuropeptides with biological activity. In addition, 46 neuropeptide GPCRs were obtained, of which 40 belong to rhodopsin-like receptors (A-family GPCRs), including 21 families of neuropeptide receptors and 7 orphan receptors, and 6 belong to secretin-like receptors (B-family GPCRs), including receptors for diuretic hormone 31, diuretic hormone 44 and pigment-dispersing factor (PDF). Compared with holometabolous insects such as Drosophila melanogaster, the coding genes for sulfakinin, corazonin, arginine vasopressin-like peptide (AVLP), and trissin and the corresponding receptors were not found in A. craccivora. It is speculated that A. craccivora likely lacks the above neuropeptide signaling pathways, which is consistent with Acyrthosiphon pisum and that the loss of these pathways may be a common feature of aphids. In addition, expression profiling revealed neuropeptide genes and their GPCR genes that are differentially expressed at different developmental stages and in different wing morphs. This study will help to deepen our understanding of the neuropeptide signaling systems in aphids, thus laying the foundation for the development of new methods for aphid control targeting these signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Plant Protection, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Long Du
- Department of Plant Protection, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Jiang
- Department of Plant Protection, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Ju
- Department of Plant Protection, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Chun-Juan Qu
- Department of Plant Protection, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Ming-Jing Qu
- Department of Plant Protection, Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Ming-Jing Qu
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Tong-Xian Liu
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Tsutsui N, Kobayashi Y, Izumikawa K, Sakamoto T. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Kuruma Prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus Reveals Possible Peripheral Regulation of the Ovary. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:541. [PMID: 32973675 PMCID: PMC7466434 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crustacean reproduction has been hypothesized to be under complex endocrinological regulation by peptide hormones. To further improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this complex regulation, knowledge is needed regarding the hormones not only of the central nervous system (CNS) such as the X-organ/sinus gland (XOSG), brain, and thoracic ganglia, but also the peripheral gonadal tissues. For example, in vertebrates, some gonadal peptide hormones including activin, inhibin, follistatin, and relaxin are known to be involved in the reproductive physiology. Therefore, it is highly likely that some peptide factors from the ovary are serving as the signals among peripheral tissues and central nervous tissues in crustaceans. In this work, we sought to find gonadal peptide hormones and peptide hormone receptors by analyzing the transcriptome of the ovary of the kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus. The generated ovarian transcriptome data led to the identification of five possible peptide hormones, including bursicon-α and -β, the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH)-like peptide, insulin-like peptide (ILP), and neuroparsin-like peptide (NPLP). Dominant gene expressions for the bursicons were observed in the thoracic ganglia and the ovary, in the CNS for the CHH-like peptide, in the heart for NPLP, and in the ovary for ILP. Since the gene expressions of CHH-like peptide and NPLP were affected by a CHH (Penaeus japonicus sinus gland peptide-I) from XOSG, we produced recombinant peptides for CHH-like peptide and NPLP using Escherichia coli expression system to examine their possible peripheral regulation. As a result, we found that the recombinant NPLP increased vitellogenin gene expression in incubated ovarian tissue fragments. Moreover, contigs encoding putative receptors for insulin-like androgenic gland factor, insulin, neuroparsin, and neuropeptide Y/F, as well as several contigs encoding orphan G-protein coupled receptors and receptor-type guanylyl cyclases were also identified in the ovarian transcriptome. These results suggest that reproductive physiology in crustaceans is regulated by various gonadal peptide hormones, akin to vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoaki Tsutsui
- Department of Marine Bioresources, Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
- Faculty of Science, Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University, Setouchi, Japan
- *Correspondence: Naoaki Tsutsui
| | - Yasuhisa Kobayashi
- Faculty of Science, Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University, Setouchi, Japan
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
| | - Kouichi Izumikawa
- Research Institute for Fisheries Science, Okayama Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Setouchi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Faculty of Science, Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University, Setouchi, Japan
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Simon E, de la Puebla SF, Guerrero I. Drosophila Zic family member odd-paired is needed for adult post-ecdysis maturation. Open Biol 2019; 9:190245. [PMID: 31847787 PMCID: PMC6936260 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific neuropeptides regulate in arthropods the shedding of the old cuticle (ecdysis) followed by maturation of the new cuticle. In Drosophila melanogaster, the last ecdysis occurs at eclosion from the pupal case, with a post-eclosion behavioural sequence that leads to wing extension, cuticle stretching and tanning. These events are highly stereotyped and are controlled by a subset of crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) neurons through the expression of the neuropeptide Bursicon (Burs). We have studied the role of the transcription factor Odd-paired (Opa) during the post-eclosion period. We report that opa is expressed in the CCAP neurons of the central nervous system during various steps of the ecdysis process and in peripheral CCAP neurons innerving the larval muscles involved in adult ecdysis. We show that its downregulation alters Burs expression in the CCAP neurons. Ectopic expression of Opa, or the vertebrate homologue Zic2, in the CCAP neurons also affects Burs expression, indicating an evolutionary functional conservation. Finally, our results show that, independently of its role in Burs regulation, Opa prevents death of CCAP neurons during larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléanor Simon
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa' (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Fernández de la Puebla
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa' (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Guerrero
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa' (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Pandit AA, Davies SA, Smagghe G, Dow JAT. Evolutionary trends of neuropeptide signaling in beetles - A comparative analysis of Coleopteran transcriptomic and genomic data. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 114:103227. [PMID: 31470084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insects employ neuropeptides to regulate their growth & development, behaviour, metabolism and their internal milieu. At least 50 neuropeptides are known to date, with some ancestral to the insects and others more specific to particular taxa. In order to understand the evolution and essentiality of neuropeptides, we data mined publicly available high quality genomic or transcriptomic data for 31 species of the largest insect Order, the Coleoptera, chosen to represent the superfamilies' of the Adephaga and Polyphaga. The resulting neuropeptide distributions were compared against the habitats, lifestyle and other parameters. Around half of the neuropeptide families were represented across the Coleoptera, suggesting essentiality or at least continuing utility. However, the remaining families showed patterns of loss that did not correlate with any obvious life history parameter, suggesting that these neuropeptides are no longer required for the Coleopteran lifestyle. This may perhaps indicate a decreasing reliance on neuropeptide signaling in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha A Pandit
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Shireen-Anne Davies
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julian A T Dow
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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Calkins TL, Tamborindeguy C, Pietrantonio PV. GPCR annotation, G proteins, and transcriptomics of fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) queen and worker brain: An improved view of signaling in an invasive superorganism. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 278:89-103. [PMID: 30576645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their signaling modalities is crucial to advancing insect endocrinology, specifically in highly successful invasive social insects, such as the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. In the first published draft genome of S. invicta, emphasis was placed on the annotation of olfactory receptors, and only the number of predicted GPCR genes was reported. Without an organized and curated resource for GPCRs, it will be difficult to test hypotheses on the endocrine role of neuropeptide hormones, or the function of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Therefore, we mined the S. invicta genome for GPCRs and found 324 predicted transcripts encoded by 125 predicted loci and improved the annotation of 55 of these loci. Among them are sixteen GPCRs that are currently annotated as "uncharacterized proteins". Further, the phylogenetic analysis of class A neuropeptide receptors presented here and the comparative listing of GPCRs in the hymenopterans S. invicta, Apis mellifera (both eusocial), Nasonia vitripennis (solitary), and the solitary model dipteran Drosophila melanogaster will facilitate comparative endocrinological studies related to social insect evolution and diversity. We compiled the 24 G protein transcripts predicted (15 α, 7 β, and 2 γ) from 12 G protein genes (5 α, 5 β, and 2 γ). Reproductive division of labor is extreme in this ant species, therefore, we compared GPCR and G protein gene expression among worker, mated queen and alate virgin queen ant brain transcriptomes. Transcripts for ten GPCRs and two G proteins were differentially expressed between queen and worker brains. The differentially expressed GPCRs are candidate receptors to explore hypotheses on division of labor in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis L Calkins
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475, USA
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Recent advances in neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila, from genes to physiology and behavior. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 179:101607. [PMID: 30905728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on neuropeptides and peptide hormones, the largest and most diverse class of neuroactive substances, known in Drosophila and other animals to play roles in almost all aspects of daily life, as w;1;ell as in developmental processes. We provide an update on novel neuropeptides and receptors identified in the last decade, and highlight progress in analysis of neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila. Especially exciting is the huge amount of work published on novel functions of neuropeptides and peptide hormones in Drosophila, largely due to the rapid developments of powerful genetic methods, imaging techniques and innovative assays. We critically discuss the roles of peptides in olfaction, taste, foraging, feeding, clock function/sleep, aggression, mating/reproduction, learning and other behaviors, as well as in regulation of development, growth, metabolic and water homeostasis, stress responses, fecundity, and lifespan. We furthermore provide novel information on neuropeptide distribution and organization of peptidergic systems, as well as the phylogenetic relations between Drosophila neuropeptides and those of other phyla, including mammals. As will be shown, neuropeptide signaling is phylogenetically ancient, and not only are the structures of the peptides, precursors and receptors conserved over evolution, but also many functions of neuropeptide signaling in physiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Scopelliti A, Bauer C, Yu Y, Zhang T, Kruspig B, Murphy DJ, Vidal M, Maddocks ODK, Cordero JB. A Neuronal Relay Mediates a Nutrient Responsive Gut/Fat Body Axis Regulating Energy Homeostasis in Adult Drosophila. Cell Metab 2019; 29:269-284.e10. [PMID: 30344016 PMCID: PMC6370946 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The control of systemic metabolic homeostasis involves complex inter-tissue programs that coordinate energy production, storage, and consumption, to maintain organismal fitness upon environmental challenges. The mechanisms driving such programs are largely unknown. Here, we show that enteroendocrine cells in the adult Drosophila intestine respond to nutrients by secreting the hormone Bursicon α, which signals via its neuronal receptor DLgr2. Bursicon α/DLgr2 regulate energy metabolism through a neuronal relay leading to the restriction of glucagon-like, adipokinetic hormone (AKH) production by the corpora cardiaca and subsequent modulation of AKH receptor signaling within the adipose tissue. Impaired Bursicon α/DLgr2 signaling leads to exacerbated glucose oxidation and depletion of energy stores with consequent reduced organismal resistance to nutrient restrictive conditions. Altogether, our work reveals an intestinal/neuronal/adipose tissue inter-organ communication network that is essential to restrict the use of energy and that may provide insights into the physiopathology of endocrine-regulated metabolic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christin Bauer
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Yachuan Yu
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Tong Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Björn Kruspig
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Daniel J Murphy
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Marcos Vidal
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Oliver D K Maddocks
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Julia B Cordero
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
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Tran NM, Mykles DL, Elizur A, Ventura T. Characterization of G-protein coupled receptors from the blackback land crab Gecarcinus lateralis Y organ transcriptome over the molt cycle. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:74. [PMID: 30669976 PMCID: PMC6341585 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ancient, ubiquitous, constitute the largest family of transducing cell surface proteins, and are integral to cell communication via an array of ligands/neuropeptides. Molt inhibiting hormone (MIH) is a key neuropeptide that controls growth and reproduction in crustaceans by regulating the molt cycle. It inhibits ecdysone biosynthesis by a pair of endocrine glands (Y-organs; YOs) through binding a yet uncharacterized GPCR, which triggers a signalling cascade, leading to inhibition of the ecdysis sequence. When MIH release stops, ecdysone is synthesized and released to the hemolymph. A peak in ecdysone titer is followed by a molting event. A transcriptome of the blackback land crab Gecarcinus lateralis YOs across molt was utilized in this study to curate the list of GPCRs and their expression in order to better assess which GPCRs are involved in the molt process. RESULTS Ninety-nine G. lateralis putative GPCRs were obtained by screening the YO transcriptome against the Pfam database. Phylogenetic analysis classified 49 as class A (Rhodopsin-like receptor), 35 as class B (Secretin receptor), and 9 as class C (metabotropic glutamate). Further phylogenetic analysis of class A GPCRs identified neuropeptide GPCRs, including those for Allatostatin A, Allatostatin B, Bursicon, CCHamide, FMRFamide, Proctolin, Corazonin, Relaxin, and the biogenic amine Serotonin. Three GPCRs clustered with recently identified putative CHH receptors (CHHRs), and differential expression over the molt cycle suggests that they are associated with ecdysteroidogenesis regulation. Two putative Corazonin receptors showed much higher expression in the YOs compared with all other GPCRs, suggesting an important role in molt regulation. CONCLUSIONS Molting requires an orchestrated regulation of YO ecdysteroid synthesis by multiple neuropeptides. In this study, we curated a comprehensive list of GPCRs expressed in the YO and followed their expression across the molt cycle. Three putative CHH receptors were identified and could include an MIH receptor whose activation negatively regulates molting. Orthologs of receptors that were found to be involved in molt regulation in insects were also identified, including LGR3 and Corazonin receptor, the latter of which was expressed at much higher level than all other receptors, suggesting a key role in YO regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhut M Tran
- GeneCology Research Centre, School of Science and Engineering University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Donald L Mykles
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Abigail Elizur
- GeneCology Research Centre, School of Science and Engineering University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Tomer Ventura
- GeneCology Research Centre, School of Science and Engineering University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 4556, Australia.
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Li R, Weng J, Wang X, Meng Q, Wang Y, Sun J. Bursicon homodimers induce innate immune by activating the expression of anti-microbial peptide genes in the shrimp Neocaridina heteropoda. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 84:906-911. [PMID: 30385246 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bursicon is a neurohormone belonging to the cystine knot protein family. It consists of two subunits (burs α and burs β) and plays a pivotal role in cuticle tanning and wing expansion in insects. Recent studies show that homologous crustacean bursicon stimulates cuticle thickening and granulation of hemocytes in the crab Callinectes sapidus. Here we investigate whether bursicon homodimers function in immunoprotective defense systems of shrimp. We found that abdominal ganglion was the main neurohemal release site of bursicon in Neocaridina heteropoda. Bacterial infections induced overexpression of burs α (bursicon α) and burs β (bursicon β). RNAi of burs α, burs β or both inhibited the expression of anti-microbial peptide (AMP) genes. Treating shrimp adults with r-bursicon (recombinant bursicon) homodimers led to up-regulation of three AMP genes. Besides, through the induced AMPs, r-bursicon homodimers enhanced the bacteriostasis of shrimp in vivo and in vitro. These findings demonstrate a novel function of bursicon in crustacean that it induces innate immune via up-regulating the expression of genes encoding AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieyang Weng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghao Meng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyong Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsheng Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China.
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Pandit AA, Ragionieri L, Marley R, Yeoh JGC, Inward DJG, Davies SA, Predel R, Dow JAT. Coordinated RNA-Seq and peptidomics identify neuropeptides and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the large pine weevil Hylobius abietis, a major forestry pest. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 101:94-107. [PMID: 30165105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hylobius abietis (Linnaeus), or large pine weevil (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is a pest of European coniferous forests. In order to gain understanding of the functional physiology of this species, we have assembled a de novo transcriptome of H. abietis, from sequence data obtained by Next Generation Sequencing. In particular, we have identified genes encoding neuropeptides, peptide hormones and their putative G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to gain insights into neuropeptide-modulated processes. The transcriptome was assembled de novo from pooled paired-end, sequence reads obtained from RNA from whole adults, gut and central nervous system tissue samples. Data analysis was performed on the transcripts obtained from the assembly including, annotation, gene ontology and functional assignment as well as transcriptome completeness assessment and KEGG pathway analysis. Pipelines were created using Bioinformatics tools and techniques for prediction and identification of neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors. Peptidomic analysis was also carried out using a combination of MALDI-TOF as well as Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry to confirm the identified neuropeptide. 41 putative neuropeptide families were identified in H. abietis, including Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), CAPA and DH31. Neuropeptide F, which has not been yet identified in the model beetle T. castaneum, was identified. Additionally, 24 putative neuropeptide and 9 leucine-rich repeat containing G protein coupled receptor-encoding transcripts were determined using both alignment as well as non-alignment methods. This information, submitted to the NCBI sequence read archive repository (SRA accession: SRP133355), can now be used to inform understanding of neuropeptide-modulated physiology and behaviour in H. abietis; and to develop specific neuropeptide-based tools for H. abietis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha A Pandit
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Lapo Ragionieri
- Functional Peptidomics Group, Institute for Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Richard Marley
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Joseph G C Yeoh
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | - Shireen-Anne Davies
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Reinhard Predel
- Functional Peptidomics Group, Institute for Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Julian A T Dow
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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Pei J, Kinch LN, Grishin NV. FlyXCDB—A Resource for Drosophila Cell Surface and Secreted Proteins and Their Extracellular Domains. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:3353-3411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hu Y, Schmitt-Engel C, Schwirz J, Stroehlein N, Richter T, Majumdar U, Bucher G. A morphological novelty evolved by co-option of a reduced gene regulatory network and gene recruitment in a beetle. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1373. [PMID: 30135167 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the evolution of morphological novelties have remained enigmatic but co-option of existing gene regulatory networks (GRNs), recruitment of genes and the evolution of orphan genes have all been suggested to contribute. Here, we study a morphological novelty of beetle pupae called gin-trap. By combining the classical candidate gene approach with unbiased screening in the beetle Tribolium castaneum, we find that 70% of the tested components of the wing network were required for gin-trap development. However, many downstream and even upstream components were not included in the co-opted network. Only one gene was recruited from another biological context, but it was essential for the anteroposterior symmetry of the gin-traps, which represents a gin-trap-unique morphological innovation. Our data highlight the importance of co-option and modification of GRNs. The recruitment of single genes may not be frequent in the evolution of morphological novelties, but may be essential for subsequent diversification of the novelties. Finally, after having screened about 28% of annotated genes in the Tribolium genome to identify the genes required for gin-trap development, we found none of them are orphan genes, suggesting that orphan genes may have played only a minor, if any, role in the evolution of gin-traps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Hu
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Justus von Liebig Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schmitt-Engel
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Justus von Liebig Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Schwirz
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Justus von Liebig Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nadi Stroehlein
- Department of Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Richter
- Department of Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Upalparna Majumdar
- Department of Biology, Division of Developmental Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gregor Bucher
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Justus von Liebig Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Christie AE, Pascual MG, Yu A. Peptidergic signaling in the tadpole shrimp Triops newberryi: A potential model for investigating the roles played by peptide paracrines/hormones in adaptation to environmental change. Mar Genomics 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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