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Apte RA, Smidler AL, Pai JJ, Chow ML, Chen S, Mondal A, Sánchez C. HM, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. Eliminating malaria vectors with precision-guided sterile males. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312456121. [PMID: 38917000 PMCID: PMC11228498 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312456121] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Controlling the principal African malaria vector, the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, is considered essential to curtail malaria transmission. However, existing vector control technologies rely on insecticides, which are becoming increasingly ineffective. Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a powerful suppression approach that has successfully eradicated a number of insect pests, yet the A. gambiae toolkit lacks the requisite technologies for its implementation. SIT relies on iterative mass releases of nonbiting, nondriving, sterile males which seek out and mate with monandrous wild females. Once mated, females are permanently sterilized due to mating-induced refractoriness, which results in population suppression of the subsequent generation. However, sterilization by traditional methods renders males unfit, making the creation of precise genetic sterilization methods imperative. Here, we introduce a vector control technology termed precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT), in A. gambiae for inducible, programmed male sterilization and female elimination for wide-scale use in SIT campaigns. Using a binary CRISPR strategy, we cross separate engineered Cas9 and gRNA strains to disrupt male-fertility and female-essential genes, yielding >99.5% male sterility and >99.9% female lethality in hybrid progeny. We demonstrate that these genetically sterilized males have good longevity, are able to induce sustained population suppression in cage trials, and are predicted to eliminate wild A. gambiae populations using mathematical models, making them ideal candidates for release. This work provides a valuable addition to the malaria genetic biocontrol toolkit, enabling scalable SIT-like confinable, species-specific, and safe suppression in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema A. Apte
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Andrea L. Smidler
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - James J. Pai
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Martha L. Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Sanle Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Agastya Mondal
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - John M. Marshall
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
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2
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Gunther D, Alford R, Johnson J, Neilsen P, Zhang L, Harrell R, Day C. Transgenic black soldier flies for production of carotenoids. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 168:104110. [PMID: 38522557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has gained traction recently as a means to achieve closed-loop production cycles. BSF can subsist off mammalian waste products and their consumption of such waste in turn generates compost that can be used in agricultural operations. Their environmental impact is minimal and BSF larvae are edible, with a nutritional profile high in protein and other essential vitamins. Therefore, it is conceivable to use BSF as a mechanism for both reducing organic waste and maintaining a low-impact food source for animal livestock or humans. The main drawback to BSF as a potential human food source is they are deficient in fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, D, and E. While loading BSF with essential vitamins may be achieved via diet-based interventions, this undercuts the goal of a closed-loop as specialized diets would require additional supply chains. An alternative is to genetically engineer BSF that can synthesize these essential vitamins. Here we describe a BSF line that has been engineered with the two main carotenoid biosynthetic genes, CarRA and CarB for production of provitamin carotenoids within the Vitamin A family. Our data describe the manipulation of the BSF genome to insert transgenes for expression of functional protein products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Gunther
- Echelon Biosciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, United States.
| | - Robert Alford
- University of Maryland, Insect Transformation Facility (ITF), Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States.
| | - Jeff Johnson
- Echelon Biosciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, United States.
| | - Paul Neilsen
- Echelon Biosciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, United States.
| | - Liuyin Zhang
- Echelon Biosciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, United States.
| | - Robert Harrell
- University of Maryland, Insect Transformation Facility (ITF), Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States.
| | - Cameron Day
- Echelon Biosciences, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, United States.
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3
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Kalinna BH, Ross AG, Walduck AK. Schistosome Transgenesis: The Long Road to Success. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:48. [PMID: 38248478 PMCID: PMC10813141 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
As research on parasitic helminths has entered the post-genomic era, research efforts have turned to deciphering the function of genes in the public databases of genome sequences. It is hoped that, by understanding the role of parasite genes in maintaining their parasitic lifestyle, critical insights can be gained to develop new intervention and control strategies. Methods to manipulate and transform parasitic worms are now developed to a point where it has become possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host-parasite interplay, and here, we summarise and discuss the advances that have been made in schistosome transgenesis over the past 25 years. The ability to genetically manipulate schistosomes holds promise in finding new ways to control schistosomiasis, which ultimately may lead to the eradication of this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd H. Kalinna
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia; (A.G.R.); (A.K.W.)
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4
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Biedler JK, Aryan A, Qi Y, Wang A, Martinson EO, Hartman DA, Yang F, Sharma A, Morton KS, Potters M, Chen C, Dobson SL, Ebel GD, Kading RC, Paulson S, Xue RD, Strand MR, Tu Z. On the Origin and Evolution of the Mosquito Male-determining Factor Nix. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msad276. [PMID: 38128148 PMCID: PMC10798136 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito family Culicidae is divided into 2 subfamilies named the Culicinae and Anophelinae. Nix, the dominant male-determining factor, has only been found in the culicines Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, 2 important arboviral vectors that belong to the subgenus Stegomyia. Here we performed sex-specific whole-genome sequencing and RNAseq of divergent mosquito species and explored additional male-inclusive datasets to investigate the distribution of Nix. Except for the Culex genus, Nix homologs were found in all species surveyed from the Culicinae subfamily, including 12 additional species from 3 highly divergent tribes comprising 4 genera, suggesting Nix originated at least 133 to 165 million years ago (MYA). Heterologous expression of 1 of 3 divergent Nix open reading frames (ORFs) in Ae. aegypti resulted in partial masculinization of genetic females as evidenced by morphology and doublesex splicing. Phylogenetic analysis suggests Nix is related to femaleless (fle), a recently described intermediate sex-determining factor found exclusively in anopheline mosquitoes. Nix from all species has a conserved structure, including 3 RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs), as does fle. However, Nix has evolved at a much faster rate than fle. The RRM3 of both Nix and fle are distantly related to the single RRM of a widely distributed and conserved splicing factor transformer-2 (tra2). The RRM3-based phylogenetic analysis suggests this domain in Nix and fle may have evolved from tra2 or a tra2-related gene in a common ancestor of mosquitoes. Our results provide insights into the evolution of sex determination in mosquitoes and will inform broad applications of mosquito-control strategies based on manipulating sex ratios toward nonbiting males.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Biedler
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Azadeh Aryan
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Yumin Qi
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Aihua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ellen O Martinson
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Daniel A Hartman
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Atashi Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Katherine S Morton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mark Potters
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Chujia Chen
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology PhD program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Stephen L Dobson
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503, USA
- MosquitoMate, Inc., Lexington, KY 40502, USA
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Rebekah C Kading
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Sally Paulson
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Rui-De Xue
- Anastasia Mosquito Control District, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA
| | - Michael R Strand
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology PhD program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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5
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Häcker I, Rehling T, Schlosser H, Mayorga-Ch D, Heilig M, Yan Y, Armbruster PA, Schetelig MF. Improved piggyBac Transformation with Capped Transposase mRNA in Pest Insects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15155. [PMID: 37894833 PMCID: PMC10606561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015155] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Creating transgenic insects is a key technology in insect genetics and molecular biology. A widely used instrument in insect transgenesis is the piggyBac transposase, resulting in essentially random genomic integrations. In contrast, site-specific recombinases allow the targeted integration of the transgene construct into a specific genomic target site. Both strategies, however, often face limitations due to low transgenesis efficiencies. We aimed to enhance transgenesis efficiencies by utilizing capped mRNA as a source of transposase or recombinase instead of a helper plasmid. A systematic comparison of transgenesis efficiencies in Aedes mosquitoes, as models for hard-to-transform insects, showed that suppling piggyBac transposase as mRNA increased the average transformation efficiency in Aedes aegypti from less than 5% with the plasmid source to about 50% with mRNA. Similar high activity was observed in Ae. albopictus with pBac mRNA. No efficiency differences between plasmid and mRNA were observed in recombination experiments. Furthermore, a hyperactive version of piggyBac transposase delivered as a plasmid did not improve the transformation efficiency in Ae. aegypti or the agricultural pest Drosophila suzukii. We believe that the use of mRNA has strong potential for enhancing piggyBac transformation efficiencies in other mosquitoes and important agricultural pests, such as tephritids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Häcker
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany (H.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.F.S.)
- Liebig Centre for Agroecology & Climate Impact Research, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Tanja Rehling
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany (H.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.F.S.)
- Liebig Centre for Agroecology & Climate Impact Research, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Henrik Schlosser
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany (H.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.F.S.)
| | - Daniela Mayorga-Ch
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany (H.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.F.S.)
| | - Mara Heilig
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets NW, Washington, DC 20057-1229, USA; (M.H.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Ying Yan
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany (H.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.F.S.)
- Liebig Centre for Agroecology & Climate Impact Research, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter A. Armbruster
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets NW, Washington, DC 20057-1229, USA; (M.H.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Marc F. Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany (H.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.F.S.)
- Liebig Centre for Agroecology & Climate Impact Research, 35394 Giessen, Germany
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6
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Smidler AL, Apte RA, Pai JJ, Chow ML, Chen S, Mondal A, Sánchez C. HM, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. Eliminating Malaria Vectors with Precision Guided Sterile Males. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.20.549947. [PMID: 37503146 PMCID: PMC10370176 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.20.549947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the principal African malaria vector, the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, is considered essential to curtail malaria transmission. However existing vector control technologies rely on insecticides, which are becoming increasingly ineffective. Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a powerful suppression approach that has successfully eradicated a number of insect pests, yet the A. gambiae toolkit lacks the requisite technologies for its implementation. SIT relies on iterative mass-releases of non-biting, non-driving, sterile males which seek out and mate with monandrous wild females. Once mated, females are permanently sterilized due to mating-induced refractoriness, which results in population suppression of the subsequent generation. However, sterilization by traditional methods renders males unfit, making the creation of precise genetic sterilization methods imperative. Here we develop precision guided Sterile Insect Technique (pgSIT) in the mosquito A. gambiae for inducible, programmed male-sterilization and female-elimination for wide scale use in SIT campaigns. Using a binary CRISPR strategy, we cross separate engineered Cas9 and gRNA strains to disrupt male-fertility and female-essential genes, yielding >99.5% male-sterility and >99.9% female-lethality in hybrid progeny. We demonstrate that these genetically sterilized males have good longevity, are able to induce population suppression in cage trials, and are predicted to eliminate wild A. gambiae populations using mathematical models, making them ideal candidates for release. This work provides a valuable addition to the malaria genetic biocontrol toolkit, for the first time enabling scalable SIT-like confinable suppression in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Smidler
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Reema A. Apte
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - James J. Pai
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Martha L. Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Sanle Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Agastya Mondal
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125, USA
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
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7
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Webb EM, Compton A, Rai P, Chuong C, Paulson SL, Tu Z, Weger-Lucarelli J. Expression of anti-chikungunya single-domain antibodies in transgenic Aedes aegypti reduces vector competence for chikungunya virus and Mayaro virus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1189176. [PMID: 37378291 PMCID: PMC10291133 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1189176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) are closely related alphaviruses that cause acute febrile illness accompanied by an incapacitating polyarthralgia that can persist for years following initial infection. In conjunction with sporadic outbreaks throughout the sub-tropical regions of the Americas, increased global travel to CHIKV- and MAYV-endemic areas has resulted in imported cases of MAYV, as well as imported cases and autochthonous transmission of CHIKV, within the United States and Europe. With increasing prevalence of CHIKV worldwide and MAYV throughout the Americas within the last decade, a heavy focus has been placed on control and prevention programs. To date, the most effective means of controlling the spread of these viruses is through mosquito control programs. However, current programs have limitations in their effectiveness; therefore, novel approaches are necessary to control the spread of these crippling pathogens and lessen their disease burden. We have previously identified and characterized an anti-CHIKV single-domain antibody (sdAb) that potently neutralizes several alphaviruses including Ross River virus and Mayaro virus. Given the close antigenic relationship between MAYV and CHIKV, we formulated a single defense strategy to combat both emerging arboviruses: we generated transgenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that express two camelid-derived anti-CHIKV sdAbs. Following an infectious bloodmeal, we observed significant reduction in CHIKV and MAYV replication and transmission potential in sdAb-expressing transgenic compared to wild-type mosquitoes; thus, this strategy provides a novel approach to controlling and preventing outbreaks of these pathogens that reduce quality of life throughout the tropical regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Webb
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Austin Compton
- Department of Biochemistry, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Pallavi Rai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Christina Chuong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Sally L. Paulson
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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8
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Chen H, Sun H, Xie J, Yao Z, Zheng W, Li Z, Deng Z, Li X, Zhang H. CRISPR/Cas9-induced Mutation of Sex Peptide Receptor Gene Bdspr Affects Ovary, Egg Laying, and Female Fecundity in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:2. [PMID: 36640045 PMCID: PMC9840094 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an invasive and polyphagous pest of horticultural crops, and it can cause huge economic losses in agricultural production. The rapid development of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology has provided new opportunities for the scientific control of agricultural pests. Here, we explore the applicability of the B. dorsalis sex peptide receptor (Bdspr) as a target gene for the CRISPR/Cas9-based sterile insect technique (SIT) in B. dorsalis. We screened two high-efficient single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for gene editing. The results showed that both mutation efficiency and germline transmission rate were 100% in the surviving G0 females (8/8) from injected embryos, and that 75% of mosaically mutated G0 females (6/8) were sterile. The 50% of heterozygous G1 females (4/8) could not lay eggs; 100% of eggs laid by them could not survive; and 62.5% of individual females (5/8) had abnormal ovaries. These results indicate that Bdspr plays an important role in regulating fertility, egg viability, and ovary development in female B. dorsalis, suggesting that the spr gene can be used for CRISPR/Cas9-based SIT in B. dorsalis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Junfei Xie
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhichao Yao
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenping Zheng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ziniu Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhurong Deng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization for Fruit and Vegetable Horticultural Crops, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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9
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Tschorn N, van Heuvel Y, Stitz J. Transgene Expression and Transposition Efficiency of Two-Component Sleeping Beauty Transposon Vector Systems Utilizing Plasmid or mRNA Encoding the Transposase. Mol Biotechnol 2022:10.1007/s12033-022-00642-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00642-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe use of two-component transposon plasmid vector systems, namely, a transposase construct and a donor vector carrying the gene of interest (GOI) can accelerate the development of recombinant cell lines. However, the undesired stable transfection of the transposase construct and the sustained expression of the enzyme can cause genetic instability due to the re-mobilization of the previously transposed donor vectors. Using a Sleeping Beauty-derived vector system, we established three recombinant cell pools and demonstrate stable integration of the transposase construct and sustained expression of the transposase over a period of 48 days. To provide an alternative approach, transcripts of the transposase gene were generated in vitro and co-transfected with donor vector plasmid at different ratios and mediating high GOI copy number integrations and expression levels. We anticipate that the use of transposase mRNA will foster further improvements in future cell line development processes.
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10
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Chen C, Compton A, Nikolouli K, Wang A, Aryan A, Sharma A, Qi Y, Dellinger C, Hempel M, Potters M, Augustinos A, Severson DW, Bourtzis K, Tu Z. Marker-assisted mapping enables forward genetic analysis in Aedes aegypti, an arboviral vector with vast recombination deserts. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac140. [PMID: 36083009 PMCID: PMC9630976 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a major vector of arboviruses that cause dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Although recent success in reverse genetics has facilitated rapid progress in basic and applied research, integration of forward genetics with modern technologies remains challenging in this important species, as up to 47% of its chromosome is refractory to genetic mapping due to extremely low rate of recombination. Here, we report the development of a marker-assisted mapping strategy to readily screen for and genotype only the rare but informative recombinants, drastically increasing both the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. Using marker-assisted mapping, we mapped a transgene that was inserted in a >100-Mb recombination desert and a sex-linked spontaneous red-eye (re) mutation just outside the region. We subsequently determined, by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout, that cardinal is the causal gene of re, which is the first forward genetic identification of a causal gene in Ae. aegypti. The identification of the causal gene of the sex-linked re mutation provides the molecular foundation for using gene editing to develop versatile and stable genetic sexing methods. To facilitate genome-wide forward genetics in Ae. aegypti, we generated and compiled a number of lines with markers throughout the genome. Thus, by overcoming the challenges presented by the vast recombination deserts and the scarcity of markers, we have shown that effective forward genetic analysis is increasingly feasible in this important arboviral vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujia Chen
- Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Austin Compton
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Katerina Nikolouli
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Aihua Wang
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Azadeh Aryan
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Atashi Sharma
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Yumin Qi
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Camden Dellinger
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Melanie Hempel
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mark Potters
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Antonios Augustinos
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - David W Severson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA Laboratories, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Genetics Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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11
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Spinner SAM, Barnes ZH, Puinean AM, Gray P, Dafa’alla T, Phillips CE, Nascimento de Souza C, Frazon TF, Ercit K, Collado A, Naish N, Sulston E, Ll. Phillips GC, Greene KK, Poletto M, Sperry BD, Warner SA, Rose NR, Frandsen GK, Verza NC, Gorman KJ, Matzen KJ. New self-sexing Aedes aegypti strain eliminates barriers to scalable and sustainable vector control for governments and communities in dengue-prone environments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:975786. [PMID: 36394032 PMCID: PMC9650594 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.975786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
For more than 60 years, efforts to develop mating-based mosquito control technologies have largely failed to produce solutions that are both effective and scalable, keeping them out of reach of most governments and communities in disease-impacted regions globally. High pest suppression levels in trials have yet to fully translate into broad and effective Aedes aegypti control solutions. Two primary challenges to date-the need for complex sex-sorting to prevent female releases, and cumbersome processes for rearing and releasing male adult mosquitoes-present significant barriers for existing methods. As the host range of Aedes aegypti continues to advance into new geographies due to increasing globalisation and climate change, traditional chemical-based approaches are under mounting pressure from both more stringent regulatory processes and the ongoing development of insecticide resistance. It is no exaggeration to state that new tools, which are equal parts effective and scalable, are needed now more than ever. This paper describes the development and field evaluation of a new self-sexing strain of Aedes aegypti that has been designed to combine targeted vector suppression, operational simplicity, and cost-effectiveness for use in disease-prone regions. This conditional, self-limiting trait uses the sex-determination gene doublesex linked to the tetracycline-off genetic switch to cause complete female lethality in early larval development. With no female progeny survival, sex sorting is no longer required, eliminating the need for large-scale mosquito production facilities or physical sex-separation. In deployment operations, this translates to the ability to generate multiple generations of suppression for each mosquito released, while being entirely self-limiting. To evaluate these potential benefits, a field trial was carried out in densely-populated urban, dengue-prone neighbourhoods in Brazil, wherein the strain was able to suppress wild mosquito populations by up to 96%, demonstrating the utility of this self-sexing approach for biological vector control. In doing so, it has shown that such strains offer the critical components necessary to make these tools highly accessible, and thus they harbour the potential to transition mating-based approaches to effective and sustainable vector control tools that are within reach of governments and at-risk communities who may have only limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pam Gray
- Oxitec Ltd., Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Natalia C. Verza
- Oxitec Ltd., Abingdon, United Kingdom
- Oxitec do Brasil, Campinas, Brazil
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12
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Yamamoto Y, Gerbi SA. Development of Transformation for Genome Editing of an Emerging Model Organism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071108. [PMID: 35885891 PMCID: PMC9323590 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advances in genomic sequencing, many organisms with novel biological properties are ripe for use as emerging model organisms. However, to make full use of them, transformation methods need to be developed to permit genome editing. Here, we present the development of transformation for the fungus fly Bradysia (Sciara) coprophila; this may serve as a paradigm for the development of transformation for other emerging systems, especially insects. Bradysia (Sciara) has a variety of unique biological features, including locus-specific developmentally regulated DNA amplification, chromosome imprinting, a monopolar spindle in male meiosis I, non-disjunction of the X chromosome in male meiosis II, X chromosome elimination in early embryogenesis, germ-line-limited (L) chromosomes and high resistance to radiation. Mining the unique biology of Bradysia (Sciara) requires a transformation system to test mutations of DNA sequences that may play roles for these features. We describe a Bradysia (Sciara) transformation system using a modified piggyBac transformation vector and detailed protocols we have developed to accommodate Bradysia (Sciara) specific requirements. This advance will provide a platform for us and others in the growing Bradysia (Sciara) community to take advantage of this unique biological system. In addition, the versatile piggyBac vectors described here and transformation methods will be useful for other emerging model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan A. Gerbi
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-401-863-2359; Fax: +1-401-863-1201
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13
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In toto light sheet fluorescence microscopy live imaging datasets of Ceratitis capitata embryonic development. Sci Data 2022; 9:340. [PMID: 35705572 PMCID: PMC9200851 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is an important model organism in biology and agricultural research with high economic relevance. However, information about its embryonic development is still sparse. We share nine long-term live imaging datasets acquired with light sheet fluorescence microscopy (484.5 h total recording time, 373 995 images, 256 Gb) with the scientific community. Six datasets show the embryonic development in toto for about 60 hours at 30 minutes intervals along four directions in three spatial dimensions, covering approximately 97% of the entire embryonic development period. Three datasets focus on germ cell formation and head involution. All imaged embryos hatched morphologically intact. Based on these data, we suggest a two-level staging system that functions as a morphogenetic framework for upcoming studies on medfly. Our data supports research on wild-type or aberrant morphogenesis, quantitative analyses, comparative approaches to insect development as well as studies related to pest control. Further, they can be used to test advanced image processing approaches or to train machine learning algorithms and/or neuronal networks.
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14
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Transgenic Silkworms Overexpressing Relish and Expressing Drosomycin Confer Enhanced Immunity to Multiple Pathogens. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 64:711-724. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00438-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Reavey CE, Walker AS, Joyce SP, Broom L, Willse A, Ercit K, Poletto M, Barnes ZH, Marubbi T, Troczka BJ, Treanor D, Beadle K, Granville B, de Mello V, Teal J, Sulston E, Ashton A, Akilan L, Naish N, Stevens O, Humphreys-Jones N, Warner SAJ, Spinner SAM, Rose NR, Head G, Morrison NI, Matzen KJ. Self-limiting fall armyworm: a new approach in development for sustainable crop protection and resistance management. BMC Biotechnol 2022; 22:5. [PMID: 35086540 PMCID: PMC8793274 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-022-00735-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a significant and widespread pest of maize, sorghum, rice, and other economically important crops. Successful management of this caterpillar pest has historically relied upon application of synthetic insecticides and through cultivation of genetically engineered crops expressing insecticidal proteins (Bt crops). Fall armyworm has, however, developed resistance to both synthetic insecticides and Bt crops, which risks undermining the benefits delivered by these important crop protection tools. Previous modelling and empirical studies have demonstrated that releases of insecticide- or Bt-susceptible insects genetically modified to express conditional female mortality can both dilute insecticide resistance and suppress pest populations. RESULTS Here, we describe the first germline transformation of the fall armyworm and the development of a genetically engineered male-selecting self-limiting strain, OX5382G, which exhibits complete female mortality in the absence of an additive in the larval diet. Laboratory experiments showed that males of this strain are competitive against wild-type males for copulations with wild-type females, and that the OX5382G self-limiting transgene declines rapidly to extinction in closed populations following the cessation of OX5382G male releases. Population models simulating the release of OX5382G males in tandem with Bt crops and non-Bt 'refuge' crops show that OX5382G releases can suppress fall armyworm populations and delay the spread of resistance to insecticidal proteins. CONCLUSIONS This article describes the development of self-limiting fall armyworm designed to control this pest by suppressing pest populations, and population models that demonstrate its potential as a highly effective method of managing resistance to Bt crops in pest fall armyworm populations. Our results provide early promise for a potentially valuable future addition to integrated pest management strategies for fall armyworm and other pests for which resistance to existing crop protection measures results in damage to crops and impedes sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam S Walker
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Stephen P Joyce
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Lucy Broom
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Build, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Alan Willse
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Kyla Ercit
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Mattia Poletto
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Zoe H Barnes
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Thea Marubbi
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | | | - David Treanor
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Katherine Beadle
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Ben Granville
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Vanessa de Mello
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Joss Teal
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Edward Sulston
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Anna Ashton
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Luxziyah Akilan
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Neil Naish
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Oliver Stevens
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | | | - Simon A J Warner
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
- Oxford University Innovation, Buxton Court, 3 West Way, Oxford, OX2 0JB, UK
| | - Sian A M Spinner
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Nathan R Rose
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK.
| | - Graham Head
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Neil I Morrison
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Kelly J Matzen
- Oxitec Ltd, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK.
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16
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Dierick HA, Ben-Shahar Y, Raman B, Gabbiani F. Genetic and viral approaches to record or manipulate neurons in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 48:79-88. [PMID: 34710643 PMCID: PMC8648980 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The development of genetically encoded tools to record and manipulate neurons in vivo has greatly increased our understanding of how neuronal activity affects behavior. Recent advances enable the use of these tools in species not typically considered genetically tractable. This progress is revolutionizing neuroscience in general, and insect neuroethology in particular. Here we cover the latest innovations and some of their applications in phylogenetically diverse insect species. We discuss the importance and implications of these approaches for both basic and translational research. We focus on genetically encoded and virally encoded tools used for calcium imaging, optogenetics, and synaptic silencing. Finally, we discuss potential future developments of universally applicable, modular, and user-friendly genetic toolkits for neuroethological studies of insect behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman A Dierick
- Dep. of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
| | | | - Baranidharan Raman
- Dep. of Bioengineering, Washington University in St. Louis, United States
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17
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Fine gene expression regulation by minor sequence variations downstream of the polyadenylation signal. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1539-1547. [PMID: 33517473 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06160-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The termination of transcription is a complex process that substantially contributes to gene regulation in eukaryotes. Previously, it was noted that a single cytosine deletion at the position + 32 bp relative to the single polyadenylation signal AAUAAA (hereafter the dC mutation) causes a 2-fold increase in the transcription level of the upstream eGFP reporter in mouse embryonic stem cells. Here, we analyzed the conservation of this phenomenon in immortalized mouse, human and drosophila cell lines and the influence of the dC mutation on the choice of the pre-mRNA cleavage sites. We have constructed dual-reporter plasmids to accurately measure the effect of the dC and other nearby located mutations on eGFP mRNA level by RT-qPCR. In this way, we found that the dC mutation leads to a 2-fold increase in the expression level of the upstream eGFP reporter gene in cultured mouse and human, but not in drosophila cells. In addition, 3' RACE analysis demonstrated that eGFP pre-mRNAs are cut at multiple positions between + 14 to + 31, and that the most proximal cleavage site becomes almost exclusively utilized in the presence of the dC mutation. We also identified new short sequence variations located within positions + 25.. + 40 and + 33.. + 48 that increase eGFP expression up to ~2-4-fold. Altogether, the positive effect of the dC mutation seems to be conserved in mouse embryonic stem cells, mouse embryonic 3T3 fibroblasts and human HEK293T cells. In the latter cells, the dC mutation appears to be involved in regulating pre-mRNA cleavage site selection. Finally, a multiplexed approach is proposed to identify motifs located downstream of cleavage site(s) that are essential for transcription termination.
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18
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Gilbert C, Peccoud J, Cordaux R. Transposable Elements and the Evolution of Insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 66:355-372. [PMID: 32931312 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-070720-074650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insects are major contributors to our understanding of the interaction between transposable elements (TEs) and their hosts, owing to seminal discoveries, as well as to the growing number of sequenced insect genomes and population genomics and functional studies. Insect TE landscapes are highly variable both within and across insect orders, although phylogenetic relatedness appears to correlate with similarity in insect TE content. This correlation is unlikely to be solely due to inheritance of TEs from shared ancestors and may partly reflect preferential horizontal transfer of TEs between closely related species. The influence of insect traits on TE landscapes, however, remains unclear. Recent findings indicate that, in addition to being involved in insect adaptations and aging, TEs are seemingly at the cornerstone of insect antiviral immunity. Thus, TEs are emerging as essential insect symbionts that may have deleterious or beneficial consequences on their hosts, depending on context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Gilbert
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, IRD, UMR Évolution, Génomes, Comportement et Écologie, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France;
| | - Jean Peccoud
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Equipe Ecologie Evolution Symbiose, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7267 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers CEDEX 9, France
| | - Richard Cordaux
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Equipe Ecologie Evolution Symbiose, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7267 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers CEDEX 9, France
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Ahmed HMM, Heese F, Wimmer EA. Improvement on the genetic engineering of an invasive agricultural pest insect, the cherry vinegar fly, Drosophila suzukii. BMC Genet 2020; 21:139. [PMID: 33339511 PMCID: PMC7747376 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00940-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The invasive fly Drosophila suzukii has become an established fruit pest in Europe, the USA, and South America with no effective and safe pest management. Genetic engineering enables the development of transgene-based novel genetic control strategies against insect pests and disease vectors. This, however, requires the establishment of reliable germline transformation techniques. Previous studies have shown that D. suzukii is amenable to transgenesis using the transposon-based vectors piggyBac and Minos, site-specific recombination (lox/Cre), and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Results We experienced differences in the usability of piggyBac-based germline transformation in different strains of D. suzukii: we obtained no transgenic lines in a US strain, a single rare transgenic line in an Italian strain, but observed a reliable transformation rate of 2.5 to 11% in a strain from the French Alps. This difference in efficiency was confirmed by comparative examination of these three strains. In addition, we used an attP landing site line to successfully established φC31-integrase-mediated plasmid integration at a rate of 10% and generated landing site lines with two attP sequences to effectively perform φC31-Recombinase Mediated Cassette Exchange (φC31-RMCE) with 11% efficiency. Moreover, we isolated and used the endogenous regulatory regions of Ds nanos to express φC31 integrase maternally to generate self-docking lines for φC31-RMCE. Besides, we isolated the promoter/enhancer of Ds serendipity α to drive the heterologous tetracycline-controlled transactivator (tTA) during early embryonic development and generated a testes-specific tTA driver line using the endogenous beta-2-tubulin (β2t) promoter/enhancer. Conclusion Our results provide evidence that the D. suzukii strain AM derived from the French Alps is more suitable for piggyBac germline transformation than other strains. We demonstrated the feasibility of using φC31-RMCE in the cherry vinegar fly and generated a set of lines that can be used for highly efficient integration of larger constructs. The φC31-based integration will facilitate modification and stabilization of previously generated transgenic lines that carry at least one attP site in the transgene construction. An early embryo-specific and a spermatogenesis-specific driver line were generated for future use of the binary expression system tet-off to engineer tissue- and stage-specific effector gene expression for genetic pest control strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-020-00940-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M M Ahmed
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture-University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 32, 13314, Khartoum North, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Fabienne Heese
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ernst A Wimmer
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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20
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Handler AM, Schetelig MF. The hAT-family transposable element, hopper, from Bactrocera dorsalis is a functional vector for insect germline transformation. BMC Genet 2020; 21:137. [PMID: 33339497 PMCID: PMC7747358 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hopper hAT-family transposable element isolated from the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is distantly related to both the Drosophila hobo element and the Activator element from maize. The original 3120 bp hopperBd-Kah element isolated from the Kahuku wild-type strain was highly degenerate and appeared to have a mutated transposase and terminal sequences, while a second 3131 bp element, hopperBd-we, isolated from a white eye mutant strain had an intact transposase reading frame and terminal sequences consistent with function. Results The hopperBd-we element was tested for function by its ability to mediate germline transformation in two dipteran species other than B. dorsalis. This was achieved by creating a binary vector/helper transformation system by linking the hopperBd-we transposase reading frame to a D. melanogaster hsp70 promoter for a heat-inducible transposase helper plasmid, and creating vectors marked with the D. melanogaster mini-white+ or polyubiquitin-regulated DsRed fluorescent protein markers. Conclusions Both vectors were successfully used to transform D. melanogaster, and the DsRed vector was also used to transform the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa, indicating a wide range of hopper function in dipteran species and, potentially, non-dipteran species. This vector provides a new tool for insect genetic modification for both functional genomic analysis and the control of insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred M Handler
- USDA/ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1700 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394, Gießen, Germany
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21
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Jia X, Pang X, Yuan Y, Gao Q, Lu M, Zhang G, Dai F, Zhao T. Unpredictable recombination of PB transposon in Silkworm: a potential risk. Mol Genet Genomics 2020; 296:271-277. [PMID: 33201294 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-020-01743-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The piggyBac (PB) transposon is the most widely used vector for generating transgenic silkworms. The stability of the PB transposon in the receptor is a serious concern that requires attention because of biosafety concerns. In this study, we found that the transgene silkworm developed loss of reporter gene traits. To further investigate the regularity, we traced the genes and traits of this silkworm. After successful alteration of the silkworm genome with the MASP1 gene (named red-eyed silkworm; RES), silkworm individuals with lost reporter genes were found after long-term transgenerational breeding and were designated as the white-eyed silkworm (WES). PCR amplification indicated that exogenous genes had been lost in the WES. Testing was conducted on the PB transposons, and the left arm (L arm) did not exist; however, the right arm (R arm) was preserved. Amino acid analysis showed that the amino acid content of the WES changed versus the common silkworm and RES. These results indicate that the migration of PB transposons in Bombyx mori does occur and is unpredictable. This is because the silkworm genome contains multiple PB-like sequences that might influence the genetic stability of transgenic lines. When using PB transposons as a transgene vector, it is necessary to fully evaluate and take necessary measures to prevent its re-migration in the recipient organism. Further experiments are needed if we want to clarify the regularity of the retransposition phenomenon and the direct and clear association with similar sequences of transposons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehua Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Textile and Garment, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Street, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaoyu Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Textile and Garment, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Street, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yajie Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Textile and Garment, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Street, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Textile and Garment, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Street, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Guangxian Zhang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - FangYing Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Textile and Garment, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Street, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tianfu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Textile and Garment, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Street, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China. .,Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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22
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Bayega A, Djambazian H, Tsoumani KT, Gregoriou ME, Sagri E, Drosopoulou E, Mavragani-Tsipidou P, Giorda K, Tsiamis G, Bourtzis K, Oikonomopoulos S, Dewar K, Church DM, Papanicolaou A, Mathiopoulos KD, Ragoussis J. De novo assembly of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) genome with linked-reads and long-read technologies minimizes gaps and provides exceptional Y chromosome assembly. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:259. [PMID: 32228451 PMCID: PMC7106766 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6672-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is the most important pest in the olive fruit agribusiness industry. This is because female flies lay their eggs in the unripe fruits and upon hatching the larvae feed on the fruits thus destroying them. The lack of a high-quality genome and other genomic and transcriptomic data has hindered progress in understanding the fly's biology and proposing alternative control methods to pesticide use. RESULTS Genomic DNA was sequenced from male and female Demokritos strain flies, maintained in the laboratory for over 45 years. We used short-, mate-pair-, and long-read sequencing technologies to generate a combined male-female genome assembly (GenBank accession GCA_001188975.2). Genomic DNA sequencing from male insects using 10x Genomics linked-reads technology followed by mate-pair and long-read scaffolding and gap-closing generated a highly contiguous 489 Mb genome with a scaffold N50 of 4.69 Mb and L50 of 30 scaffolds (GenBank accession GCA_001188975.4). RNA-seq data generated from 12 tissues and/or developmental stages allowed for genome annotation. Short reads from both males and females and the chromosome quotient method enabled identification of Y-chromosome scaffolds which were extensively validated by PCR. CONCLUSIONS The high-quality genome generated represents a critical tool in olive fruit fly research. We provide an extensive RNA-seq data set, and genome annotation, critical towards gaining an insight into the biology of the olive fruit fly. In addition, elucidation of Y-chromosome sequences will advance our understanding of the Y-chromosome's organization, function and evolution and is poised to provide avenues for sterile insect technique approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Bayega
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Haig Djambazian
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Konstantina T. Tsoumani
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Efthimia Sagri
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Drosopoulou
- Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Kristina Giorda
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., 1710 Commercial Park, Coralville, Iowa, 52241 USA
| | - George Tsiamis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Spyridon Oikonomopoulos
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ken Dewar
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Deanna M. Church
- Inscripta, Inc., 5500 Central Avenue #220, Boulder, CO 80301 USA
| | - Alexie Papanicolaou
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753 Australia
| | - Kostas D. Mathiopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Jiannis Ragoussis
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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23
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Li L, Liang J, Luo H, Tam KM, Tse ECM, Li Y. A new chemical approach for proximity labelling of chromatin-associated RNAs and proteins with visible light irradiation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:12340-12343. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc06251c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A new nucleus-localized singlet oxygen generator was designed and synthesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Li
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong, SAR
- Hong Kong
| | - Jiying Liang
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong, SAR
- Hong Kong
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong, SAR
- Hong Kong
| | - K. Ming Tam
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong, SAR
- Hong Kong
| | - Edmund C. M. Tse
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong, SAR
- Hong Kong
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong, SAR
- Hong Kong
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24
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Kulkarni A, Extavour CG. The Cricket Gryllus bimaculatus: Techniques for Quantitative and Functional Genetic Analyses of Cricket Biology. Results Probl Cell Differ 2019; 68:183-216. [PMID: 31598857 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23459-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
All extant species are an outcome of nature's "experiments" during evolution, and hence multiple species need to be studied and compared to gain a thorough understanding of evolutionary processes. The field of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) aspires to expand the number of species studied, because most functional genetic studies in animals have been limited to a small number of "traditional" model organisms, many of which belong to the same phylum (Chordata). The phylum Arthropoda, and particularly its component class Insecta, possesses many important characteristics that are considered favorable and attractive for evo-devo research, including an astonishing diversity of extant species and a wide disparity in body plans. The development of the most thoroughly investigated insect genetic model system to date, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (a holometabolous insect), appears highly derived with respect to other insects and indeed with respect to most arthropods. In comparison, crickets (a basally branching hemimetabolous insect lineage compared to the Holometabola) are thought to embody many developmental features that make them more representative of insects. Here we focus on crickets as emerging models to study problems in a wide range of biological areas and summarize the currently available molecular, genomic, forward and reverse genetic, imaging and computational tool kit that has been established or adapted for cricket research. With an emphasis on the cricket species Gryllus bimaculatus, we highlight recent efforts made by the scientific community in establishing this species as a laboratory model for cellular biology and developmental genetics. This broad toolkit has the potential to accelerate many traditional areas of cricket research, including studies of adaptation, evolution, neuroethology, physiology, endocrinology, regeneration, and reproductive behavior. It may also help to establish newer areas, for example, the use of crickets as animal infection model systems and human food sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Kulkarni
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cassandra G Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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25
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Eckermann KN, Ahmed HMM, KaramiNejadRanjbar M, Dippel S, Ogaugwu CE, Kitzmann P, Isah MD, Wimmer EA. Hyperactive piggyBac transposase improves transformation efficiency in diverse insect species. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 98:16-24. [PMID: 29653176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Even in times of advanced site-specific genome editing tools, the improvement of DNA transposases is still on high demand in the field of transgenesis: especially in emerging model systems where evaluated integrase landing sites have not yet been created and more importantly in non-model organisms such as agricultural pests and disease vectors, in which reliable sequence information and genome annotations are still pending. In fact, random insertional mutagenesis is essential to identify new genomic locations that are not influenced by position effects and thus can serve as future stable transgene integration sites. In this respect, a hyperactive version of the most widely used piggyBac transposase (PBase) has been engineered. The hyperactive version (hyPBase) is currently available with the original insect codon-based coding sequence (ihyPBase) as well as in a mammalian codon-optimized (mhyPBase) version. Both facilitate significantly higher rates of transposition when expressed in mammalian in vitro and in vivo systems compared to the classical PBase at similar protein levels. Here we demonstrate that the usage of helper plasmids encoding the hyPBase - irrespective of the codon-usage - also strikingly increases the rate of successful germline transformation in the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) Ceratitis capitata, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster. hyPBase-encoding helpers are therefore highly suitable for the generation of transgenic strains of diverse insect orders. Depending on the species, we achieved up to 15-fold higher germline transformation rates compared to PBase and generated hard to obtain transgenic T. castaneum strains that express constructs affecting fitness and viability. Moreover, previously reported high sterility rates supposedly caused by hyPBase (iPB7), encoded by ihyPBase, could not be confirmed by our study. Therefore, we value hyPBase as an effective genetic engineering tool that we highly recommend for insect transgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolja N Eckermann
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany; Molecular Cell Dynamics, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hassan M M Ahmed
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mohammad KaramiNejadRanjbar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Dippel
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian E Ogaugwu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Kitzmann
- Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Musa D Isah
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ernst A Wimmer
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany.
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26
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Shimizu K. Genetic engineered color silk: fabrication of a photonics material through a bioassisted technology. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2018; 13:041003. [PMID: 29620530 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aabbe9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Silk produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori is an attractive material because of its luster, smooth and soft texture, conspicuous mechanical strength, good biocompatibility, slow biodegradation, and carbon neutral synthesis. Silkworms have been domesticated and bred for production of better quality and quantity of silk, resulting in the development of sericulture and the textile industry. Silk is generally white, so dyeing is required to obtain colored fiber. However, the dyeing process involves harsh conditions and generates a large volume of waste water, which have environmentally and economically negative impacts. Although some strains produce cocoons that contain pigments derived from the mulberry leaves that they eat, the pigments are distributed in the sericin layer and are lost during gumming. In trials for production of colored silk by feeding silkworms on diets containing dyes, only limited species of dye molecules were incorporated into the silk threads. A method for the generation of transgenic silkworm was established in conjunction with the discovery of green fluorescent protein (GFP), and silkworms carrying the GFP gene spun silk threads that formed cocoons that glowed bright green and still retained the original properties of silk. A wide range of color variation of silk threads has been obtained by replacing the GFP gene with the genes of other fluorescent proteins chosen from the fluorescent protein palette. The genetically modified silk with photonic properties can be processed to form various products including linear threads, 2D fabrics, and 3D materials. The transgenic colored silk could be economically advantageous due to addition of a new value to silk and reduction of cost for water waste, and environmentally preferable for saving water. Here, I review the literature regarding the production methods of fluorescent silk from transgenic silkworms and present examples of genetically modified color silk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Shimizu
- International Platform for Dryland Research and Education, Platform for Community-based Research and Education, Tottori University, Koyama-cho Minami, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
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27
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Laptev IA, Raevskaya NM, Filimonova NA, Sineoky SP. The piggyBac Transposon as a Tool in Genetic Engineering. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s000368381709006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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28
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Chen J, Aimanova K, Gill SS. Functional characterization of Aedes aegypti alkaline phosphatase ALP1 involved in the toxicity of Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and jegathesan. Peptides 2017; 98:78-85. [PMID: 28587836 PMCID: PMC5705450 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Presently three major groups of proteins from Aedes aegypti, cadherin, alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and aminopeptidases N (APN), have been identified as Cry11Aa toxin receptors. To further characterize their role on toxicity, transgenic mosquitoes with silenced Aedes cadherin expression were previously generated and the role of cadherin in mediating the toxicity of four different mosquitocidal toxins (Cry11Aa, Cry11Ba, Cry4Aa and Cry4Ba) was demonstrated. Here, we investigated the role of another reported Cry11Aa receptor, ALP1. As with Aedes cadherin, this protein is localized in the apical cell membrane of distal and proximal gastric caecae and the posterior midgut. We also successfully generated transgenic mosquitoes that knockdowned ALP1 transcript levels using an inducible Aedes heat shock promoter, Hsp70A driving dsALP1RNA. Four different mosquitocidal toxins were used for larval bioassays against this transgenic mosquito. Bioassay results show thatCry11Aa toxicity to these transgenic larvae following a heat shock decreased (4.4 fold) and Cry11Ba toxicity is slightly attenuated. But Cry4Aa and Cry4Ba toxicity to ALP1 silenced larvae is unchanged. Without heat shock, toxicity of all four toxins does not change, suggesting this heat shock promoter is heat-inducible. Notably, transgenic mosquitoes with ALP1 knockdown are about 3.7 times less resistant to Cry11Aa toxin than those with Aedes cadherin knockdown. These results demonstrate that the ALP1 is an important secondary receptor for Cry11Aa and Cry11Ba, but it might not be involved in Cry4Aa and Cry4Ba toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwu Chen
- Departmentof Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States.
| | - Karly Aimanova
- Departmentof Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Sarjeet S Gill
- Departmentof Cell Biology and Neurosciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
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29
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Macias VM, Jimenez AJ, Burini-Kojin B, Pledger D, Jasinskiene N, Phong CH, Chu K, Fazekas A, Martin K, Marinotti O, James AA. nanos-Driven expression of piggyBac transposase induces mobilization of a synthetic autonomous transposon in the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 87:81-89. [PMID: 28676355 PMCID: PMC5580807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Transposons are a class of selfish DNA elements that can mobilize within a genome. If mobilization is accompanied by an increase in copy number (replicative transposition), the transposon may sweep through a population until it is fixed in all of its interbreeding members. This introgression has been proposed as the basis for drive systems to move genes with desirable phenotypes into target species. One such application would be to use them to move a gene conferring resistance to malaria parasites throughout a population of vector mosquitos. We assessed the feasibility of using the piggyBac transposon as a gene-drive mechanism to distribute anti-malarial transgenes in populations of the malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi. We designed synthetic gene constructs that express the piggyBac transposase in the female germline using the control DNA of the An. stephensi nanos orthologous gene linked to marker genes to monitor inheritance. Two remobilization events were observed with a frequency of one every 23 generations, a rate far below what would be useful to drive anti-pathogen transgenes into wild mosquito populations. We discuss the possibility of optimizing this system and the impetus to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Macias
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Alyssa J Jimenez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Bianca Burini-Kojin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - David Pledger
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Nijole Jasinskiene
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Celine Hien Phong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Karen Chu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Aniko Fazekas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Kelcie Martin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Osvaldo Marinotti
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States.
| | - Anthony A James
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, United States; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, B240 Med Sci Bldg., School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4025, United States.
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30
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Chu F, Klobasa W, Wu P, Pinzi S, Grubbs N, Gorski S, Cardoza Y, Lorenzen MD. Germline transformation of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:440-452. [PMID: 28397990 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The western corn rootworm (WCR), a major pest of maize, is notorious for rapidly adapting biochemically, behaviourally and developmentally to a variety of control methods. Despite much effort, the genetic basis of WCR adaptation remains a mystery. Since transformation-based applications such as transposon tagging and enhancer trapping have facilitated genetic dissection of model species such as Drosophila melanogaster, we developed a germline-transformation system for WCR in an effort to gain a greater understanding of the basic biology of this economically important insect. Here we report the use of a fluorescent-marked Minos element to create transgenic WCR. We demonstrate that the transgenic strains express both an eye-specific fluorescent marker and piggyBac transposase. We identified insertion-site junction sequences via inverse PCR and assessed insertion copy number using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Interestingly, most WCR identified as transgenic via visual screening for DsRed fluorescence proved to carry multiple Minos insertions when tested via ddPCR. A total of eight unique insertion strains were created by outcrossing the initial transgenic strains to nontransgenic WCR mates. Establishing transgenic technologies for this beetle is the first step towards bringing a wide range of transformation-based tools to bear on understanding WCR biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Chu
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - W Klobasa
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - P Wu
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - S Pinzi
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - N Grubbs
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - S Gorski
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Y Cardoza
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M D Lorenzen
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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31
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Liu Q, Liu W, Zeng B, Wang G, Hao D, Huang Y. Deletion of the Bombyx mori odorant receptor co-receptor (BmOrco) impairs olfactory sensitivity in silkworms. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 86:58-67. [PMID: 28577927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction plays an essential role in many important insect behaviors such as feeding and reproduction. To detect olfactory stimuli, an odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) is required. In this study, we deleted the Orco gene in the Lepidopteran model insect, Bombyx mori, using a binary transgene-based clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system. We initially generated somatic mutations in two targeted sites, from which we obtained homozygous mutants with deletion of a 866 base pair sequence. Because of the flight inability of B. mori, we developed a novel method to examine the adult mating behavior. Considering the specialization in larval feeding, we examined food selection behavior in Orco somatic mutants by the walking trail analysis of silkworm position over time. Single sensillum recordings indicated that the antenna of the homozygous mutant was unable to respond to either of the two sex pheromones, bombykol or bombykal. An adult mating behavior assay revealed that the Orco mutant displayed a significantly impaired mating selection behavior in response to natural pheromone released by a wild-type female moth as well as an 11:1 mixture of bombykol/bombykal. The mutants also exhibited a decreased response to bombykol and, similar to wild-type moths, they displayed no response to bombykal. A larval feeding behavior assay revealed that the Orco mutant displayed defective selection for mulberry leaves and different concentrations of the volatile compound cis-jasmone found in mulberry leaves. Deletion of BmOrco severely disrupts the olfactory system, suggesting that BmOrco is indispensable in the olfactory pathway. The approach used for generating somatic and homozygous mutations also highlights a novel method for mutagenesis. This study on BmOrco function provides insights into the insect olfactory system and also provides a paradigm for agroforestry pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Liu
- Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Baosheng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dejun Hao
- Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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A Chromosome-Scale Assembly of the Bactrocera cucurbitae Genome Provides Insight to the Genetic Basis of white pupae. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:1927-1940. [PMID: 28450369 PMCID: PMC5473769 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.040170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Genetic sexing strains (GSS) used in sterile insect technique (SIT) programs are textbook examples of how classical Mendelian genetics can be directly implemented in the management of agricultural insect pests. Although the foundation of traditionally developed GSS are single locus, autosomal recessive traits, their genetic basis are largely unknown. With the advent of modern genomic techniques, the genetic basis of sexing traits in GSS can now be further investigated. This study is the first of its kind to integrate traditional genetic techniques with emerging genomics to characterize a GSS using the tephritid fruit fly pest Bactrocera cucurbitae as a model. These techniques include whole-genome sequencing, the development of a mapping population and linkage map, and quantitative trait analysis. The experiment designed to map the genetic sexing trait in B. cucurbitae, white pupae (wp), also enabled the generation of a chromosome-scale genome assembly by integrating the linkage map with the assembly. Quantitative trait loci analysis revealed SNP loci near position 42 MB on chromosome 3 to be tightly linked to wp Gene annotation and synteny analysis show a near perfect relationship between chromosomes in B. cucurbitae and Muller elements A-E in Drosophila melanogaster This chromosome-scale genome assembly is complete, has high contiguity, was generated using a minimal input DNA, and will be used to further characterize the genetic mechanisms underlying wp Knowledge of the genetic basis of genetic sexing traits can be used to improve SIT in this species and expand it to other economically important Diptera.
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The Functionality of Minimal PiggyBac Transposons in Mammalian Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e369. [PMID: 27701401 PMCID: PMC5095681 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Minimal piggyBac vectors are a modified single-plasmid version of the classical piggyBac delivery system that can be used for stable transgene integration. These vectors have a truncated terminal domain in the delivery cassette and thus, integrate significantly less flanking transposon DNA into host cell chromatin than classical piggyBac vectors. Herein, we test various characteristics of this modified transposon. The integration efficiency of minimal piggyBac vectors was inversely related to the size of both the transposon and the entire plasmid, but inserts as large as 15 kb were efficiently integrated. Open and super-coiled vectors demonstrated the same integration efficiency while DNA methylation decreased the integration efficiency and silenced the expression of previously integrated sequences in some cell types. Importantly, the incidence of plasmid backbone integration was not increased above that seen in nontransposon control vectors. In BALB/c mice, we demonstrated prolonged expression of two transgenes (intracellular mCherry and secretable Gaussia luciferase) when delivered by the minimal piggyBac that resulted in a more sustained antibody production against the immunogenic luciferase than when delivered by a transient (nontransposon) vector plasmid. We conclude that minimal piggyBac vectors are an effective alternative to other integrative systems for stable DNA delivery in vitro and in vivo.
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Wang BB, Xie Y, Li FC, Ni M, Xu KZ, Tian JH, Hu JS, Xue B, Shen WD, Li B. EXPRESSION AND EFFECTS OF MUTANT Bombyx mori ACETYLCHOLINESTRASE1 IN BmN CELLS. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 93:110-118. [PMID: 27402326 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The main mechanism of toxicity of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) insecticides is their irreversible binding and inhibition of acetylcholinestrase (AChE), encoded by ace1 (acetylcholinestrase gene 1), leading to eventual death of insects. Mutations in AChE may significantly reduce insects susceptibility to these pesticides. Bombyx mori is an important beneficial insect, and no OP- or CB-resistant strains have been generated. In this study, wild-type ace1 (wace1) and mutant ace1 (mace1) were introduced into BmN cells, confirmed by screening and identification. The expression of wace1 and mace1 in the cells was confirmed by Western blot and their expression levels were about 21-fold higher than the endogenous ace1 level. The activities of AChE in wace1 and mace1 transgenic cells were 10.6 and 20.2% higher compared to control cells, respectively. mace1 transgenic cells had higher remaining activity than wace1 transgenic cells under the treatment of physostigmine (a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor) and phoxim (an OP acaricide). The results showed that ace1 transgene can significantly improve ace1 expression, and ace1 mutation at a specific site can reduce the sensitivity to AChE inhibitors. Our study provides a new direction for the exploration of the relationship between AChE mutations and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bin Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yi Xie
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Fan-Chi Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Min Ni
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Zun Xu
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jiang-Hai Tian
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Sheng Hu
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xue
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Wei-De Shen
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Bing Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
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Gabrieli P, Scolari F. Delivery of Nucleic Acids through Embryo Microinjection in the Worldwide Agricultural Pest Insect, Ceratitis capitata. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27768087 DOI: 10.3791/54528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a pest species with extremely high agricultural relevance. This is due to its reproductive behavior: females damage the external surface of fruits and vegetables when they lay eggs and the hatched larvae feed on their pulp. Wild C. capitata populations are traditionally controlled through insecticide spraying and/or eco-friendly approaches, the most successful being the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). The SIT relies on mass-rearing, radiation-based sterilization and field release of males that retain their capacity to mate but are not able to generate fertile progeny. The advent and the subsequent rapid development of biotechnological tools, together with the availability of the medfly genome sequence, has greatly boosted our understanding of the biology of this species. This favored the proliferation of new strategies for genome manipulation, which can be applied to population control. In this context, embryo microinjection plays a dual role in expanding the toolbox for medfly control. The ability to interfere with the function of genes that regulate key biological processes, indeed, expands our understanding of the molecular machinery underlying medfly invasiveness. Furthermore, the ability to achieve germ-line transformation facilitates the production of multiple transgenic strains that can be tested for future field applications in novel SIT settings. Indeed, genetic manipulation can be used to confer desirable traits that can, for example, be used to monitor sterile male performance in the field, or that can result in early life-stage lethality. Here we describe a method to microinject nucleic acids into medfly embryos to achieve these two main goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Gabrieli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia
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Papanicolaou A, Schetelig MF, Arensburger P, Atkinson PW, Benoit JB, Bourtzis K, Castañera P, Cavanaugh JP, Chao H, Childers C, Curril I, Dinh H, Doddapaneni H, Dolan A, Dugan S, Friedrich M, Gasperi G, Geib S, Georgakilas G, Gibbs RA, Giers SD, Gomulski LM, González-Guzmán M, Guillem-Amat A, Han Y, Hatzigeorgiou AG, Hernández-Crespo P, Hughes DST, Jones JW, Karagkouni D, Koskinioti P, Lee SL, Malacrida AR, Manni M, Mathiopoulos K, Meccariello A, Munoz-Torres M, Murali SC, Murphy TD, Muzny DM, Oberhofer G, Ortego F, Paraskevopoulou MD, Poelchau M, Qu J, Reczko M, Robertson HM, Rosendale AJ, Rosselot AE, Saccone G, Salvemini M, Savini G, Schreiner P, Scolari F, Siciliano P, Sim SB, Tsiamis G, Ureña E, Vlachos IS, Werren JH, Wimmer EA, Worley KC, Zacharopoulou A, Richards S, Handler AM. The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species. Genome Biol 2016; 17:192. [PMID: 27659211 PMCID: PMC5034548 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-1049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a major destructive insect pest due to its broad host range, which includes hundreds of fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a unique ability to invade and adapt to ecological niches throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though medfly infestations have been prevented and controlled by the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of integrated pest management programs (IPMs). The genetic analysis and manipulation of medfly has been subject to intensive study in an effort to improve SIT efficacy and other aspects of IPM control. Results The 479 Mb medfly genome is sequenced from adult flies from lines inbred for 20 generations. A high-quality assembly is achieved having a contig N50 of 45.7 kb and scaffold N50 of 4.06 Mb. In-depth curation of more than 1800 messenger RNAs shows specific gene expansions that can be related to invasiveness and host adaptation, including gene families for chemoreception, toxin and insecticide metabolism, cuticle proteins, opsins, and aquaporins. We identify genes relevant to IPM control, including those required to improve SIT. Conclusions The medfly genome sequence provides critical insights into the biology of one of the most serious and widespread agricultural pests. This knowledge should significantly advance the means of controlling the size and invasive potential of medfly populations. Its close relationship to Drosophila, and other insect species important to agriculture and human health, will further comparative functional and structural studies of insect genomes that should broaden our understanding of gene family evolution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-016-1049-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexie Papanicolaou
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Arensburger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cal Poly Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Peter W Atkinson
- Department of Entomology and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.,Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Pedro Castañera
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - John P Cavanaugh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Hsu Chao
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Ingrid Curril
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Huyen Dinh
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - HarshaVardhan Doddapaneni
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amanda Dolan
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Shannon Dugan
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Giuliano Gasperi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Scott Geib
- USDA-ARS, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - Georgios Georgakilas
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarah D Giers
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ludvik M Gomulski
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Miguel González-Guzmán
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Guillem-Amat
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yi Han
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Artemis G Hatzigeorgiou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Pedro Hernández-Crespo
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel S T Hughes
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jeffery W Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Dimitra Karagkouni
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Koskinioti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sandra L Lee
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anna R Malacrida
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mosè Manni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kostas Mathiopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Angela Meccariello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Shwetha C Murali
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Terence D Murphy
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Donna M Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Georg Oberhofer
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Félix Ortego
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria D Paraskevopoulou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Monica Poelchau
- National Agricultural Library, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Jiaxin Qu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Martin Reczko
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Hugh M Robertson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Andrew J Rosendale
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Andrew E Rosselot
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Giuseppe Saccone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Grazia Savini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrick Schreiner
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Francesca Scolari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Siciliano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sheina B Sim
- USDA-ARS, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - George Tsiamis
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Enric Ureña
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ioannis S Vlachos
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece and Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Ernst A Wimmer
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kim C Worley
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Stephen Richards
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alfred M Handler
- USDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 1700 S.W. 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
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Lin CC, Potter CJ. Editing Transgenic DNA Components by Inducible Gene Replacement in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2016; 203:1613-28. [PMID: 27334272 PMCID: PMC4981265 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.191783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene conversions occur when genomic double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) trigger unidirectional transfer of genetic material from a homologous template sequence. Exogenous or mutated sequence can be introduced through this homology-directed repair (HDR). We leveraged gene conversion to develop a method for genomic editing of existing transgenic insertions in Drosophila melanogaster The clustered regularly-interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system is used in the H: omology A: ssisted C: RISPR K: nock-in (HACK) method to induce DSBs in a GAL4 transgene, which is repaired by a single-genomic transgenic construct containing GAL4 homologous sequences flanking a T2A-QF2 cassette. With two crosses, this technique converts existing GAL4 lines, including enhancer traps, into functional QF2 expressing lines. We used HACK to convert the most commonly-used GAL4 lines (labeling tissues such as neurons, fat, glia, muscle, and hemocytes) to QF2 lines. We also identified regions of the genome that exhibited differential efficiencies of HDR. The HACK technique is robust and readily adaptable for targeting and replacement of other genomic sequences, and could be a useful approach to repurpose existing transgenes as new genetic reagents become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chieh Lin
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Christopher J Potter
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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Mishra P, Furey C, Balaraman V, Fraser MJ. Antiviral Hammerhead Ribozymes Are Effective for Developing Transgenic Suppression of Chikungunya Virus in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes. Viruses 2016; 8:v8060163. [PMID: 27294950 PMCID: PMC4926183 DOI: 10.3390/v8060163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging pathogen with widespread distribution in regions of Africa, India, and Asia that threatens to spread into temperate climates with the introduction of its major vector, Aedes albopictus. CHIKV causes a disease frequently misdiagnosed as dengue fever, with potentially life-threatening symptoms that can result in a longer-term debilitating arthritis. The increasing risk of spread from endemic regions via human travel and commerce and the current absence of a vaccine put a significant proportion of the world population at risk for this disease. In this study we designed and tested hammerhead ribozymes (hRzs) targeting CHIKV structural protein genes of the RNA genome as potential antivirals both at the cellular and in vivo level. We employed the CHIKV strain 181/25, which exhibits similar infectivity rates in both Vero cell cultures and mosquitoes. Virus suppression assay performed on transformed Vero cell clones of all seven hRzs demonstrated that all are effective at inhibiting CHIKV in Vero cells, with hRz #9 and #14 being the most effective. piggyBac transformation vectors were constructed using the Ae. aegypti t-RNAval Pol III promoted hRz #9 and #14 effector genes to establish a total of nine unique transgenic Higgs White Eye (HWE) Ae. aegypti lines. Following confirmation of transgene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), comparative TCID50-IFA analysis, in situ Immuno-fluorescent Assays (IFA) and analysis of salivary CHIKV titers demonstrated effective suppression of virus replication at 7 dpi in heterozygous females of each of these transgenic lines compared with control HWE mosquitoes. This report provides a proof that appropriately engineered hRzs are powerful antiviral effector genes suitable for population replacement strategies
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Mishra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, P.O. Box 369, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Colleen Furey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, P.O. Box 369, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Velmurugan Balaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, P.O. Box 369, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Malcolm J Fraser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, P.O. Box 369, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Gregory M, Alphey L, Morrison NI, Shimeld SM. Insect transformation with piggyBac: getting the number of injections just right. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:259-271. [PMID: 27027400 PMCID: PMC4982070 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The insertion of exogenous genetic cargo into insects using transposable elements is a powerful research tool with potential applications in meeting food security and public health challenges facing humanity. piggyBac is the transposable element most commonly utilized for insect germline transformation. The described efficiency of this process is variable in the published literature, and a comprehensive review of transformation efficiency in insects is lacking. This study compared and contrasted all available published data with a comprehensive data set provided by a biotechnology group specializing in insect transformation. Based on analysis of these data, with particular focus on the more complete observational data from the biotechnology group, we designed a decision tool to aid researchers' decision-making when using piggyBac to transform insects by microinjection. A combination of statistical techniques was used to define appropriate summary statistics of piggyBac transformation efficiency by species and insect order. Publication bias was assessed by comparing the data sets. The bias was assessed using strategies co-opted from the medical literature. The work culminated in building the Goldilocks decision tool, a Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo simulation operated via a graphical interface and providing guidance on best practice for those seeking to transform insects using piggyBac.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gregory
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxitec Ltd, Abingdon, UK
| | - L Alphey
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxitec Ltd, Abingdon, UK
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, UK
| | | | - S M Shimeld
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
The piggyBac transposon was originally isolated from the cabbage looper moth, Trichoplusia ni, in the 1980s. Despite its early discovery and dissimilarity to the other DNA transposon families, the piggyBac transposon was not recognized as a member of a large transposon superfamily for a long time. Initially, the piggyBac transposon was thought to be a rare transposon. This view, however, has now been completely revised as a number of fully sequenced genomes have revealed the presence of piggyBac-like repetitive elements. The isolation of active copies of the piggyBac-like elements from several distinct species further supported this revision. This includes the first isolation of an active mammalian DNA transposon identified in the bat genome. To date, the piggyBac transposon has been deeply characterized and it represents a number of unique characteristics. In general, all members of the piggyBac superfamily use TTAA as their integration target sites. In addition, the piggyBac transposon shows precise excision, i.e., restoring the sequence to its preintegration state, and can transpose in a variety of organisms such as yeasts, malaria parasites, insects, mammals, and even in plants. Biochemical analysis of the chemical steps of transposition revealed that piggyBac does not require DNA synthesis during the actual transposition event. The broad host range has attracted researchers from many different fields, and the piggyBac transposon is currently the most widely used transposon system for genetic manipulations.
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Effect of BBX-B8 overexpression on development, body weight, silk protein synthesis and egg diapause of Bombyx mori. Transgenic Res 2016; 25:507-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-9947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Hoang KP, Teo TM, Ho TX, Le VS. Mechanisms of sex determination and transmission ratio distortion in Aedes aegypti. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:49. [PMID: 26818000 PMCID: PMC4730765 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1331-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background More effective mosquito control strategies are urgently required due to the increasing prevalence of insecticide resistance. The sterile insect technique (SIT) and the release of insects carrying a dominant lethal allele (RIDL) are two proposed methods for environmentally-friendly, species-targeted population control. These methods may be more suitable for developing countries if producers reduce the cost of rearing insects. The cost of control programs could be reduced by producing all-male mosquito populations to circumvent the isolation of females before release without reducing male mating competitiveness caused by transgenes. Results An RNAi construct targeting the RNA recognition motif of the Aedes aegypti transformer-2 (tra-2) gene does not trigger female-to-male sex conversion as commonly observed among dipterous insects. Instead, homozygous insects show greater mortality among m-chromosome-bearing sperm and mm zygotes, yielding up to 100 % males in the subsequent generations. The performance of transgenic males was not significantly different to wild-type males in narrow-cage competitive mating experiments. Conclusion Our data provide preliminary evidence that the knockdown of Ae. aegypti tra-2 gene expression causes segregation distortion acting at the level of gametic function, which is reinforced by sex-specific zygotic lethality. This finding could promote the development of new synthetic sex distorter systems for the production of genetic sexing mosquito strains. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1331-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Phuc Hoang
- University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, 10000, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Tze Min Teo
- Advanced Agriecological Research Sdn. Bhd, No. 11 Jalan Teknologi 3/6, 47810, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Thien Xuan Ho
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, 495 N Campus Drive, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - Vinh Sy Le
- University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, 10000, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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GENÇ H, SCHETELIG MF, NIRMALA X, HANDLER AM. Germline transformation of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae(Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), with a piggyBac transposon vector. Turk J Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.3906/biy-1510-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Henssen AG, Henaff E, Jiang E, Eisenberg AR, Carson JR, Villasante CM, Ray M, Still E, Burns M, Gandara J, Feschotte C, Mason CE, Kentsis A. Genomic DNA transposition induced by human PGBD5. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 26406119 PMCID: PMC4625184 DOI: 10.7554/elife.10565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements that are found in nearly all organisms, including humans. Mobilization of DNA transposons by transposase enzymes can cause genomic rearrangements, but our knowledge of human genes derived from transposases is limited. In this study, we find that the protein encoded by human PGBD5, the most evolutionarily conserved transposable element-derived gene in vertebrates, can induce stereotypical cut-and-paste DNA transposition in human cells. Genomic integration activity of PGBD5 requires distinct aspartic acid residues in its transposase domain, and specific DNA sequences containing inverted terminal repeats with similarity to piggyBac transposons. DNA transposition catalyzed by PGBD5 in human cells occurs genome-wide, with precise transposon excision and preference for insertion at TTAA sites. The apparent conservation of DNA transposition activity by PGBD5 suggests that genomic remodeling contributes to its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton G Henssen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Elizabeth Henaff
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Eileen Jiang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Amy R Eisenberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Julianne R Carson
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Camila M Villasante
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Mondira Ray
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Eric Still
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Melissa Burns
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Jorge Gandara
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Alex Kentsis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kaettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, United States
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Caroti F, Urbansky S, Wosch M, Lemke S. Germ line transformation and in vivo labeling of nuclei in Diptera: report on Megaselia abdita (Phoridae) and Chironomus riparius (Chironomidae). Dev Genes Evol 2015; 225:179-86. [PMID: 26044750 PMCID: PMC4460289 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-015-0504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To understand how and when developmental traits of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster originated during the course of insect evolution, similar traits are functionally studied in variably related satellite species. The experimental toolkit available for relevant fly models typically comprises gene expression and loss as well as gain-of-function analyses. Here, we extend the set of available molecular tools to piggyBac-based germ line transformation in two satellite fly models, Megaselia abdita and Chironomus riparius. As proof-of-concept application, we used a Gateway variant of the piggyBac transposon vector pBac{3xP3-eGFPafm} to generate a transgenic line that expresses His2Av-mCherry as fluorescent nuclear reporter ubiquitously in the gastrulating embryo of M. abdita. Our results open two phylogenetically important nodes of the insect order Diptera for advanced developmental evolutionary genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Caroti
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Urbansky
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maike Wosch
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Lemke
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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46
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An efficient strategy for producing a stable, replaceable, highly efficient transgene expression system in silkworm, Bombyx mori. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8802. [PMID: 25739894 DOI: 10.1038/srep08802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed an efficient strategy that combines a method for the post-integration elimination of all transposon sequences, a site-specific recombination system, and an optimized fibroin H-chain expression system to produce a stable, replaceable, highly efficient transgene expression system in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) that overcomes the disadvantages of random insertion and post-integration instability of transposons. Here, we generated four different transgenic silkworm strains, and of one the transgenic strains, designated TS1-RgG2, with up to 16% (w/w) of the target protein in the cocoons, was selected. The subsequent elimination of all the transposon sequences from TS1-RgG2 was completed by the heat-shock-induced expression of the transposase in vivo. The resulting transgenic silkworm strain was designated TS3-g2 and contained only the attP-flanked optimized fibroin H-chain expression cassette in its genome. A phiC31/att-system-based recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) method could be used to integrate other genes of interest into the same genome locus between the attP sites in TS3-g2. Controlling for position effects with phiC31-mediated RMCE will also allow the optimization of exogenous protein expression and fine gene function analyses in the silkworm. The strategy developed here is also applicable to other lepidopteran insects, to improve the ecological safety of transgenic strains in biocontrol programs.
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How functional genomics will impact fruit fly pest control: the example of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. BMC Genet 2014; 15 Suppl 2:S11. [PMID: 25471105 PMCID: PMC4255779 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-15-s2-s11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The highly invasive agricultural insect pest Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most thoroughly studied tephritid fruit fly at the genetic and molecular levels. It has become a model for the analysis of fruit fly invasions and for the development of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes based on the environmentally-friendly Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Extensive transcriptome resources and the recently released genome sequence are making it possible to unravel several aspects of the medfly reproductive biology and behaviour, opening new opportunities for comparative genomics and barcoding for species identification. New genes, promotors and regulatory sequences are becoming available for the development/improvement of highly competitive sexing strains, for the monitoring of sterile males released in the field and for determining the mating status of wild females. The tools developed in this species have been transferred to other tephritids that are also the subject of SIT programmes.
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Zhao B, Kokoza VA, Saha TT, Wang S, Roy S, Raikhel AS. Regulation of the gut-specific carboxypeptidase: a study using the binary Gal4/UAS system in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 54:1-10. [PMID: 25152428 PMCID: PMC4426967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen transmission by mosquitoes is tightly linked to blood feeding which, in turn, is required for egg development. Studies of these processes would greatly benefit from genetic methods, such as the binary Gal4/UAS system. The latter has been well established for model organisms, but its availability is limited for mosquitoes. The objective of this study was to develop the blood-meal-activated, gut-specific Gal4/UAS system for the yellow-fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and utilize it to investigate the regulation of gut-specific gene expression. A 1.1-kb, 5(') upstream region of the carboxypeptidase A (CP) gene was used to genetically engineer the CP-Gal4 driver mosquito line. The CP-Gal4 specifically activated the Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) reporter only after blood feeding in the gut of the CP-Gal4 > UAS-EGFP female Ae. aegypti. We used this system to study the regulation of CP gene expression. In vitro treatments with either amino acids (AAs) or insulin stimulated expression of the CP-Gal4 > UAS-EGFP transgene; no effect was observed with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatments. The transgene activation by AAs and insulin was blocked by rapamycin, the inhibitor of the Target-of-Rapamycin (TOR) kinase. RNA interference (RNAi) silence of the insulin receptor (IR) reduced the expression of the CP-Gal4 > UAS-EGFP transgene. Thus, in vitro and in vivo experiments have revealed that insulin and TOR pathways control expression of the digestive enzyme CP. In contrast, 20E, the major regulator of post-blood-meal vitellogenic events in female mosquitoes, has no role in regulating the expression of this gene. This novel CP-Gal4/UAS system permits functional testing of midgut-specific genes that are involved in blood digestion and interaction with pathogens in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Vladimir A Kokoza
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; The Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Tusar T Saha
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; The Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Stephanie Wang
- Honors Undergraduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Sourav Roy
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; The Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Alexander S Raikhel
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; The Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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Leftwich PT, Koukidou M, Rempoulakis P, Gong HF, Zacharopoulou A, Fu G, Chapman T, Economopoulos A, Vontas J, Alphey L. Genetic elimination of field-cage populations of Mediterranean fruit flies. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:20141372. [PMID: 25122230 PMCID: PMC4150327 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann) is a pest of over 300 fruits, vegetables and nuts. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a control measure used to reduce the reproductive potential of populations through the mass release of sterilized male insects that mate with wild females. However, SIT flies can display poor field performance, due to the effects of mass-rearing and of the irradiation process used for sterilization. The development of female-lethal RIDL (release of insects carrying a dominant lethal) strains for medfly can overcome many of the problems of SIT associated with irradiation. Here, we present life-history characterizations for two medfly RIDL strains, OX3864A and OX3647Q. Our results show (i) full functionality of RIDL, (ii) equivalency of RIDL and wild-type strains for life-history characteristics, and (iii) a high level of sexual competitiveness against both wild-type and wild-derived males. We also present the first proof-of-principle experiment on the use of RIDL to eliminate medfly populations. Weekly releases of OX3864A males into stable populations of wild-type medfly caused a successive decline in numbers, leading to eradication. The results show that genetic control can provide an effective alternative to SIT for the control of pest insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T Leftwich
- Oxitec Limited, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Oxford OX14 4RQ, UK School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Martha Koukidou
- Oxitec Limited, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Oxford OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Polychronis Rempoulakis
- Oxitec Limited, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Oxford OX14 4RQ, UK Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Biology, Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Hong-Fei Gong
- Oxitec Limited, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Oxford OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Antigoni Zacharopoulou
- Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Guoliang Fu
- Oxitec Limited, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Oxford OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Aris Economopoulos
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Biology, Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - John Vontas
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Biology, Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Luke Alphey
- Oxitec Limited, 71 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Oxford OX14 4RQ, UK Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Woking GU24 0NF, UK
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50
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A PiggyBac-mediated approach for muscle gene transfer or cell therapy. Stem Cell Res 2014; 13:390-403. [PMID: 25310255 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the transplantation of autologous myogenic progenitor cells genetically modified to express dystrophin. The use of this approach is challenged by the difficulty in maintaining these cells ex vivo while keeping their myogenic potential, and ensuring sufficient transgene expression following their transplantation and myogenic differentiation in vivo. We investigated the use of the piggyBac transposon system to achieve stable gene expression when transferred to cultured mesoangioblasts and into murine muscles. Without selection, up to 8% of the mesoangioblasts expressed the transgene from 1 to 2 genomic copies of the piggyBac vector. Integration occurred mostly in intergenic genomic DNA and transgene expression was stable in vitro. Intramuscular transplantation of mouse Tibialis anterior muscles with mesoangioblasts containing the transposon led to sustained myofiber GFP expression in vivo. In contrast, the direct electroporation of the transposon-donor plasmids in the mouse Tibialis muscles in vivo did not lead to sustained transgene expression despite molecular evidence of piggyBac transposition in vivo. Together these findings provide a proof-of-principle that piggyBac transposon may be considered for mesoangioblast cell-based therapies of muscular dystrophies.
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