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Hauser F, Stebegg M, Al-Ribaty T, Petersen LB, Møller M, Drag MH, Sigurdsson HH, Vilhelm MJ, Thygesen G, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. The tick Ixodes scapularis has five different GPCRs specifically activated by ACP (adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 717:149992. [PMID: 38714013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Insects have about 50 neuropeptide genes and about 70 genes, coding for neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). An important, but small family of evolutionarily related insect neuropeptides consists of adipokinetic hormone (AKH), corazonin, and AKH/corazonin-related peptide (ACP). Normally, insects have one specific GPCR for each of these neuropeptides. The tick Ixodes scapularis is not an insect, but belongs to the subphylum Chelicerata, which comprises ticks, scorpions, mites, spiders, and horseshoe crabs. Many of the neuropeptides and neuropeptide GPCRs occurring in insects, also occur in chelicerates, illustrating that insects and chelicerates are evolutionarily closely related. The tick I. scapularis is an ectoparasite and health risk for humans, because it infects its human host with dangerous pathogens during a blood meal. Understanding the biology of ticks will help researchers to prevent tick-borne diseases. By annotating the I. scapularis genome sequence, we previously found that ticks contain as many as five genes, coding for presumed ACP receptors. In the current paper, we cloned these receptors and expressed each of them in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Each expressed receptor was activated by nanomolar concentrations of ACP, demonstrating that all five receptors were functional ACP receptors. Phylogenetic tree analyses showed that the cloned tick ACP receptors were mostly related to insect ACP receptors and, next, to insect AKH receptors, suggesting that ACP receptor genes and AKH receptor genes originated by gene duplications from a common ancestor. Similar duplications have probably occurred for the ligand genes, during a process of ligand/receptor co-evolution. Interestingly, chelicerates, in contrast to all other arthropods, do not have AKH or AKH receptor genes. Therefore, the ancestor of chelicerates might have lost AKH and AKH receptor genes and functionally replaced them by ACP and ACP receptor genes. For the small family of AKH, ACP, and corazonin receptors and their ligands, gene losses and gene gains occur frequently between the various ecdysozoan clades. Tardigrades, for example, which are well known for their survival in extreme environments, have as many as ten corazonin receptor genes and six corazonin peptide genes, while insects only have one of each, or none.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hauser
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marisa Stebegg
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tara Al-Ribaty
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea B Petersen
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Møller
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Markus H Drag
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Haraldur H Sigurdsson
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin J Vilhelm
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gedske Thygesen
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cornelis J P Grimmelikhuijzen
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Awais MM, Fei S, Xia J, Feng M, Sun J. Insights into midgut cell types and their crucial role in antiviral immunity in the lepidopteran model Bombyx mori. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349428. [PMID: 38420120 PMCID: PMC10899340 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The midgut, a vital component of the digestive system in arthropods, serves as an interface between ingested food and the insect's physiology, playing a pivotal role in nutrient absorption and immune defense mechanisms. Distinct cell types, including columnar, enteroendocrine, goblet and regenerative cells, comprise the midgut in insects and contribute to its robust immune response. Enterocytes/columnar cells, the primary absorptive cells, facilitate the immune response through enzyme secretions, while regenerative cells play a crucial role in maintaining midgut integrity by continuously replenishing damaged cells and maintaining the continuity of the immune defense. The peritrophic membrane is vital to the insect's innate immunity, shielding the midgut from pathogens and abrasive food particles. Midgut juice, a mixture of digestive enzymes and antimicrobial factors, further contributes to the insect's immune defense, helping the insect to combat invading pathogens and regulate the midgut microbial community. The cutting-edge single-cell transcriptomics also unveiled previously unrecognized subpopulations within the insect midgut cells and elucidated the striking similarities between the gastrointestinal tracts of insects and higher mammals. Understanding the intricate interplay between midgut cell types provides valuable insights into insect immunity. This review provides a solid foundation for unraveling the complex roles of the midgut, not only in digestion but also in immunity. Moreover, this review will discuss the novel immune strategies led by the midgut employed by insects to combat invading pathogens, ultimately contributing to the broader understanding of insect physiology and defense mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Hauser F, Al-Ribaty T, Stebegg M, Thygesen G, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. Cloning and deorphanization of three inotocin (insect oxytocin/vasopressin-like) receptors and their ligand from the tick Ixodes scapularis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:34-41. [PMID: 37716155 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Many insects produce the cyclic neuropeptide inotocin (CLITNCPRGamide), which is the insect orthologue of the mammalian neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin. These insects also have one inotocin G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which is the orthologue of the mammalian oxytocin and vasopressin receptors. The tick Ixodes scapularis belongs to the subphylum Chelicerata, an arthropod taxon different from insects, to which also spiders, scorpions, and mites belong. I. scapularis is an ectoparasite and a health risk for humans, because it transfers pathogenic microorganisms to its human host during a blood meal, thereby causing serious neurological diseases, among them Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). By annotating the genomic sequence of I. scapularis, we previously found one presumed tick inotocin preprohormone gene and, in contrast to insects, three genes coding for presumed inotocin GPCRs. We now find that these GPCR genes cluster on one genomic contig, suggesting that they originated by recent gene duplications. Closely located on the same contig are also four adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (ACP) GPCR genes, and one crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) GPCR gene, suggesting evolutionary relationships. These evolutionary relationships are confirmed by phylogenetic tree analyses of their gene products. We also cloned the tick inotocin preprohormone, which has a structural organization closely resembling mammalian oxytocin and vasopressin preprohormones, including the presence of a conserved neurophysin sequence, having seven cystine bridges. This neurophysin sequence has two cystine-knot domains, but in contrast to mammalian neurophysins, the tick neurophysin contains a canonical prohormone convertase cleavage signal and a peptide C-terminal amidation sequence (GKR), suggesting cleavage into two biologically active cystine-knot peptides. This cleavage/amidation sequence occurs in neurophysins from most hard tick species, but not in other chelicerates. Mature tick inotocin is different from insect inotocin and has the sequence CFITNCPPGamide. Finally, we cloned and stably expressed the three tick inotocin receptors in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells and found that each of them was activated by nanomolar concentrations of tick inotocin (EC50 for ITR1 = 1.6 × 10-8 M; EC50 for ITR2 = 5.8 × 10-9 M; EC50 for ITR3 = 9.3 × 10-9 M), thereby establishing that they are genuine tick inotocin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hauser
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tara Al-Ribaty
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marisa Stebegg
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gedske Thygesen
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cornelis J P Grimmelikhuijzen
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Hauser F, Pallesen M, Lehnhoff J, Li S, Lind A, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. A corazonin G protein-coupled receptor gene in the tick Ixodes scapularis yields two splice variants, each coding for a specific corazonin receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 666:162-169. [PMID: 37196606 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We have identified a corazonin G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) gene in the tick Ixodes scapularis, which likely plays a central role in the physiology and behavior of this ectoparasite. This receptor gene is unusually large (1.133 Mb) and yields two corazonin (CRZ) receptor splice variants, where nearly half of the coding regions are exchanged: CRZ-Ra (containing exon 2, exon 3, and exon 4 of the gene) and CRZ-Rb (containing exon 1, exon 3, and exon 4 of the gene). CRZ-Ra codes for a GPCR with a canonical DRF sequence at the border of the third transmembrane helix and the second intracellular loop. The positively-charged R residue from the DRF sequence is important for coupling of G proteins after activation of a GPCR. CRZ-Rb, in contrast, codes for a GPCR with an unusual DQL sequence at this position, still retaining a negatively-charged D residue, but lacking a positively-charged R residue, suggesting different G protein coupling. Another difference between the two splice variants is that exon 2 from CRZ-Ra codes for an N-terminal signal sequence. Normally, GPCRs do not have N-terminal signal sequences, although a few mammalian GPCRs have. In the tick CRZ-Ra, the signal sequence probably assists with inserting the receptor correctly into the RER membrane. We stably transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary cells with each of the two splice variants and carried out bioluminescence bioassays that also included the use of the human promiscuous G protein G16. CRZ-Ra turned out to be selective for I. scapularis corazonin (EC50 = 10-8 M) and could not be activated by related neuropeptides like adipokinetic hormone (AKH) and AKH/corazonin-related peptide (ACP). Similarly, also CRZ-Rb could only be activated by corazonin, although about 4-fold higher concentrations were needed to activate it (EC50 = 4 x 10-8 M). The genomic organization of the tick corazonin GPCR gene is similar to that of the insect AKH and ACP receptor genes. This similar genomic organization can also be found in the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor gene, confirming previous conclusions that the corazonin, AKH, and ACP receptor genes are the true arthropod orthologues of the human GnRH receptor gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hauser
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Malte Pallesen
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Janna Lehnhoff
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Shizhong Li
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anna Lind
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Cornelis J P Grimmelikhuijzen
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Cheng J, Yang X, Tian Z, Shen Z, Wang X, Zhu L, Liu X, Li Z, Liu X. Coordinated transcriptomics and peptidomics of central nervous system identify neuropeptides and their G protein-coupled receptors in the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100882. [PMID: 34273641 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta is a cosmopolitan pest of orchard, which causes serious economic losses to the fruit production. Neuropeptides and their specific receptors (primarily G protein-coupled receptors, GPCRs) regulate multiple biological functions in insects and represent promising next-generation pest management strategy. Here, we generated a transcriptome of the central nervous system (CNS) of G. molesta. Overall, 57 neuropeptide precursor genes were identified and 128 various mature peptides were predicted from these precursors. Using peptidomic analysis of CNS of G. molesta, we identified total of 28 mature peptides and precursor-related peptides from 16 precursors. A total of 41 neuropeptide GPCR genes belonging to three classes were also identified. These GPCRs and their probable ligands were predicted. Additionally, expression patterns of these 98 genes in various larval tissues were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Taken together, these results will benefit further investigations to determine physiological functions and pharmacological characterization of neuropeptides and their GPCRs in G. molesta; and to develop specific neuropeptide-based agents for this tortricid fruit pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cheng
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuelin Yang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongjian Shen
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xueli Wang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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6
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Kh SD, Keshan B. Larval feeding status regulates the transcript levels of genes encoding PTTH and allatoregulatory peptides in silkworm Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:680-691. [PMID: 32401387 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In Bombyx mori, two dorsolateral neurosecretory cells (NSCs) in each of the two brain lobes have been identified as prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) producing cells. This neuropeptide in insects stimulates the prothoracic gland for the synthesis and release of ecdysone, responsible for the molting events. Allatotropin (AT) and allatostatin (AST) are allatoregulatory neuropeptides that regulate juvenile hormone biosynthesis. Here, by using RT-qPCR, we showed that in B. mori, nutritional stress modulates the mRNA expression of AT and AST-C (allatostain type C) in the central nervous system consisting of the brain lobes and all the associated ganglia. Using whole-mount in situ hybridization, we showed that the feeding status of Bombyx larvae also influences the expression of PTTH in the NSCs of the brain. Food deprivation significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of PTTH in larvae at active or terminal growth period. Further, we showed that insulin modulates the expression level of PTTH. However, its action was dependent on the feeding status of the larvae. At feeding, the insulin decreased the PTTH expression level, while at food deprivation, the insulin increased the PTTH expression level. The data thus indicates that larval feeding status plays an important role in altering the mRNA expression levels of allatoregulatory peptide genes and PTTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanathoibi D Kh
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
| | - Bela Keshan
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
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7
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Tian Y, Jiang C, Pan Y, Guo Z, Wang W, Luo X, Cao Z, Zhang B, Yang J, Shi Y, Zhou N, He X. Bombyx neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptor A14 and A15 are two functional G protein-coupled receptors for CCHamide neuropeptides. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 131:103553. [PMID: 33582278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
CCHamides are newly identified insect neuropeptides, which are widely occurring in most insects. However, our knowledge about their signaling characteristics and physiological roles is still limited. Here, we cloned two full-length cDNAs encoding putative CCHamide receptors, Bombyx neuropeptide GPCR A14 (BNGR-A14) and -A15 (BNGR-A15), from the brain of B. mori larvae. Characterization of signaling indicated that Bombyx CCHamide-1 and CCHamide-2 are specific endogenous ligands for BNGR-A15 and BNGR-A14, respectively. Further functional assays combined with specific inhibitors demonstrated that upon activation by CCHamide-2, BNGR-A14 elicited significant increases in CRE-driven luciferase activity, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a Gq inhibitor-sensitive manner, while BNGR-A15 was activated by CCHamide-1, thus leading to intracellular accumulation of cAMP, Ca2+ mobilization, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a Gs and Gq inhibitor-sensitive manner. Based on these findings, we designated the receptors BNGR-A15 and -A14 as Bommo-CCHaR-1 and -2, respectively. In addition, our results showed that CCHamides are considered to require intrachain disulfide bonds to activate their respective receptor in the physiological concentration range. Moreover, quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that CCHamide-1 is more likely to serve as a brain-gut peptide to regulate feeding behavior and growth through BNGR-A15, whereas the CCHamide-2 signaling system might play an important role in the control of multiple physiological processes. Our findings provide in-depth information on CCHamide-1 and -2-mediated signaling, facilitating further elucidation of their endocrinological roles in the regulation of fundamental physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Tian
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Chaohui Jiang
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zhiqiang Guo
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xumei Luo
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316022, China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, College of Marine Science, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316022, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Naiming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Xiaobai He
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212018, China.
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8
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Shahraki A, Işbilir A, Dogan B, Lohse MJ, Durdagi S, Birgul-Iyison N. Structural and Functional Characterization of Allatostatin Receptor Type-C of Thaumetopoea pityocampa, a Potential Target for Next-Generation Pest Control Agents. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:715-728. [PMID: 33476150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Insect neuropeptide receptors, including allatostatin receptor type C (AstR-C), a G protein-coupled receptor, are among the potential targets for designing next-generation pesticides that despite their importance in offering a new mode-of-action have been overlooked. Focusing on AstR-C of Thaumetopoea pityocampa, a common pest in Mediterranean countries, by employing resonance energy transfer-based methods, we showed Gαi/o coupling and β-arrestin recruitment of the receptor at sub-nanomolar and nanomolar ranges of the endogenous ligand, AST-C, respectively. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed the importance of extracellular loop 2 in AstRC/AST-C interaction, and a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches showed the substantial role of Q2716.55 in G protein-dependent activation of AstR-C possibly via contributing to the flexibility of the receptor's structure. The functional and structural insights obtained on T. pit AstR-C positively assist future efforts in developing environmentally friendly pest control agents that are needed urgently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Shahraki
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.,Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, 34734 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Işbilir
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Helmholz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Berna Dogan
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, 34734 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Martin J Lohse
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Helmholz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany.,ISAR Bioscience Institute, Planegg, 82152 Munich, Germany
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, 34734 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Necla Birgul-Iyison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Bendena WG, Hui JHL, Chin-Sang I, Tobe SS. Neuropeptide and microRNA regulators of juvenile hormone production. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 295:113507. [PMID: 32413346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone(s) (JHs) of insects are the primary regulators of growth, metamorphosis, and reproduction in most insect species. As a consequence, it is essential that JH production be precisely regulated so that it is present only during appropriate periods necessary for the control of these processes. The presence of JH at inappropriate times results in disruption to metamorphosis and development and, in some cases, to disturbances in female reproduction. Neuropeptides regulate the timing and production of JH by the corpora allata. Allatostatin and allatotropin were the names coined for neuropeptides that serve as inhibitors or stimulators of JH biosynthesis, respectively. Three different allatostatin neuropeptide families are capable of inhibiting juvenile hormone but only one family is utilized for that purpose dependent on the insect studied. The function of allatotropin also varies in different insects. These neuropeptides are pleiotropic in function acting on diverse physiological processes in different insects such as muscle contraction, sleep and neuromodulation. Genome projects and expression studies have assigned individual neuropeptide families to their respective receptors. An understanding of the localization of these receptors is providing clues as to how numerous peptide families might be integrated in regulating physiological functions. In recent years microRNAs have been identified that down-regulate enzymes and transcription factors that are involved in the biosynthesis and action of juvenile hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Bendena
- Department of Biology and Centre for Neuroscience, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, Partner State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ian Chin-Sang
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L3N6, Canada
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Ramsey-Wright Bldg., 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada
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10
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Sawadro MK, Bednarek AW, Molenda AE, Babczyńska AI. Expression profile of genes encoding allatoregulatory neuropeptides in females of the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Araneae, Theridiidae). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222274. [PMID: 31504071 PMCID: PMC6736302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Allatoregulatory neuropeptides are multifunctional proteins that take part in the synthesis and secretion of juvenile hormones. In insects, allatostatins are inhibitors of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the corpora allata while allatotropins, act as stimulators. By quantitative real-time PCR, we analyzed the gene expression of allatostatin A (PtASTA), allatostatin B (PtASTB), allatostatin C (PtASTC), allatotropin (PtAT) and their receptors (PtASTA-R, PtASTB-R, PtASTC-R, PtAT-R) in various tissues in different age groups of female spiders. In the presented manuscript, the presence of allatostatin A, allatostatin C, and allatotropin are reported in females of the spider P. tepidariorum. The obtained results indicated substantial differences in gene expression levels for allatoregulatory neuropeptides and their receptors in the different tissues. Additionally, the gene expression levels also varied depending on the female age. Strong expression was observed coinciding with sexual maturation in the neuroendocrine and nervous system, and to a lower extent in the digestive tissues and ovaries. Reverse trends were observed for the expression of genes encoding the receptors of these neuropeptides. In conclusion, our study is the first hint that the site of synthesis and secretion is fulfilled by similar structures as observed in other arthropods. In addition, the results of the analysis of spider physiology give evidence that the general functions like regulation of the juvenile hormone synthesis, regulation of the digestive tract and ovaries action, control of vitellogenesis process by the neuropeptides seem to be conserved among arthropods and are the milestone to future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Katarzyna Sawadro
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata Wanda Bednarek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Ewa Molenda
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa, Katowice, Poland
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Duan Şahbaz B, Birgül Iyison N. Prediction and expression analysis of G protein-coupled receptors in the laboratory stick insect, Carausius morosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 43:77-88. [PMID: 30930638 PMCID: PMC6426647 DOI: 10.3906/biy-1809-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are 7-transmembrane proteins that transduce various extracellular signals into intracellular pathways. They are the major target of neuropeptides, which regulate the development, feeding behavior, mating behavior, circadian rhythm, and many other physiological functions of insects. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly to uncover the GPCRs expressed in the stick insect Carausius morosus. The transcript assemblies were predicted for the presence of 7-transmembrane GPCR domains. As a result, 430 putative GPCR transcripts were obtained and 43 of these revealed full-length sequences with highly significant similarity to known GPCR sequences in the databases. Thirteen different GPCRs were chosen for tissue expression analysis. Some of these receptors, such as calcitonin, inotocin, and tyramine receptors, showed specific expression in some of the tissues. Additionally, GPCR prediction yielded a novel uncharacterized GPCR sequence, which was specifically expressed in the central nervous system and ganglia. Previously, the only information about the anatomy of the stick insect was on its gastrointestinal system. This study provides complete anatomical information about the adult insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burçin Duan Şahbaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Boğaziçi University , İstanbul , Turkey
| | - Necla Birgül Iyison
- Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Boğaziçi University , İstanbul , Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Boğaziçi University , İstanbul , Turkey
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Christ P, Hill SR, Schachtner J, Hauser F, Ignell R. Functional characterization of the dual allatostatin-A receptors in mosquitoes. Peptides 2018; 99:44-55. [PMID: 29103918 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide allatostatin-A (AstA) and its cognate receptors (AstARs) are involved in the modulation of feeding behavior, which in hematophagous insects includes the regulation of the disease vector-related behaviors, host seeking and blood feeding. In mosquitoes and other dipterans, there are two copies of AstAR, contrasting with the single copy found in other insects. In this study, we identified and cloned the dual AstAR system of two important disease vectors Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, and compared them with those previously described, including those in Anopheles coluzzii and Drosophila melanogaster. Phylogenetic analysis of the AstARs revealed that the mosquito AstAR1s has retained a similar amino acid sequence as the AstARs from non-dipteran insect species. Intron analysis revealed that the number of introns accumulated in the AstAR2s is similar to that in other insects, and that introns are conserved within the receptor types, but that only the final two introns are conserved across AstAR1s and 2s. We functionally characterized the dual AstARs in An. coluzzii, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus by stably expressing the receptors in a Chinese hamster oocyte cell line (CHO) also stably expressing a promiscuous G-protein (G16), and challenged them with the endogenous isoforms of AstA from the three mosquito species. In the culicine mosquitoes, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus, the AstARs demonstrated differential sensitivity to AstA, with the AstAR2s displaying a higher sensitivity than the AstAR1s, suggesting a divergence of functional roles for these AstARs. In contrast, both An. coluzzii AstARs demonstrated a similar sensitivity to the AstA ligands. We discuss our findings in the light of AstA acting as a regulator of blood feeding in mosquitoes. A better understanding of the regulation of host seeking and blood feeding in vector mosquitoes will lead to the rational development of novel approaches for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Christ
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 102, Sundsvägen 14, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden.
| | - Sharon R Hill
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 102, Sundsvägen 14, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden.
| | - Joachim Schachtner
- Neurobiology/Ethology, Department of Biology, Philipps University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Frank Hauser
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen,Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rickard Ignell
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 102, Sundsvägen 14, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden.
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Yan G, Zhang G, Huang J, Lan Y, Sun J, Zeng C, Wang Y, Qian PY, He L. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes and Pathways Involved in Larval Settlement of the Barnacle Megabalanus volcano. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2253. [PMID: 29077039 PMCID: PMC5713223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Megabalanus barnacle is one of the model organisms for marine biofouling research. However, further elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying larval settlement has been hindered due to the lack of genomic information thus far. In the present study, cDNA libraries were constructed for cyprids, the key stage for larval settlement, and adults of Megabalanus volcano. After high-throughput sequencing and de novo assembly, 42,620 unigenes were obtained with a N50 value of 1532 bp. These unigenes were annotated by blasting against the NCBI non-redundant (nr), Swiss-Prot, Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Finally, 19,522, 15,691, 14,459, and 10,914 unigenes were identified correspondingly. There were 22,158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified between two stages. Compared with the cyprid stage, 8241 unigenes were down-regulated and 13,917 unigenes were up-regulated at the adult stage. The neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway (ko04080) was significantly enriched by KEGG enrichment analysis of the DEGs, suggesting that it possibly involved in larval settlement. Potential functions of three conserved allatostatin neuropeptide-receptor pairs and two light-sensitive opsin proteins were further characterized, indicating that they might regulate attachment and metamorphosis at cyprid stage. These results provided a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying larval settlement of barnacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyong Yan
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.
- College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China.
| | - Gen Zhang
- The Shenzhen Nobel Science and Technology Service Co., Ltd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen 440305, China.
| | - Jiaomei Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.
| | - Yi Lan
- Division of Life Sciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jin Sun
- Division of Life Sciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Cong Zeng
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Division of Life Sciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Lisheng He
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.
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Dynamic transcriptomes identify biogenic amines and insect-like hormonal regulation for mediating reproduction in Schistosoma japonicum. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14693. [PMID: 28287085 PMCID: PMC5355954 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Eggs produced by the mature female parasite are responsible for the pathogenesis and transmission of schistosomiasis. Female schistosomes rely on a unique male-induced strategy to accomplish reproductive development, a process that is incompletely understood. Here we map detailed transcriptomic profiles of male and female Schistosoma japonicum across eight time points throughout the sexual developmental process from pairing to maturation. The dynamic gene expression pattern data reveal clear sex-related characteristics, indicative of an unambiguous functional division between males and females during their interplay. Cluster analysis, in situ hybridization and RNAi assays indicate that males likely use biogenic amine neurotransmitters through the nervous system to control and maintain pairing with females. In addition, the analyses indicate that reproductive development of females involves an insect-like hormonal regulation. These data sets and analyses serve as a foundation for deeper study of sexual development in this pathogen and identification of novel anti-schistosomal interventions.
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Verlinden H, Gijbels M, Lismont E, Lenaerts C, Vanden Broeck J, Marchal E. The pleiotropic allatoregulatory neuropeptides and their receptors: A mini-review. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 80:2-14. [PMID: 25982521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormones (JH) are highly pleiotropic insect hormones essential for post-embryonic development. The circulating JH titer in the hemolymph of insects is influenced by enzymatic degradation, binding to JH carrier proteins, uptake and storage in target organs, but evidently also by rates of production at its site of synthesis, the corpora allata (CA). The multiple processes in which JH is involved alongside the critical significance of JH in insect development emphasize the importance for elucidating the control of JH production. Production of JH in CA cells is regulated by different factors: by neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, but also by allatoregulatory neuropeptides originating from the brain and axonally transported to the CA where they bind to their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Different classes of allatoregulatory peptides exist which have other functions aside from acting as influencers of JH production. These pleiotropic neuropeptides regulate different processes in different insect orders. In this mini-review, we will give an overview of allatotropins and allatostatins, and their recently characterized GPCRs with a view to better understand their modes of action and different action sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Verlinden
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marijke Gijbels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Els Lismont
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Cynthia Lenaerts
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Felix RC, Trindade M, Pires IRP, Fonseca VG, Martins RS, Silveira H, Power DM, Cardoso JCR. Unravelling the Evolution of the Allatostatin-Type A, KISS and Galanin Peptide-Receptor Gene Families in Bilaterians: Insights from Anopheles Mosquitoes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130347. [PMID: 26135459 PMCID: PMC4489612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allatostatin type A receptors (AST-ARs) are a group of G-protein coupled receptors activated by members of the FGL-amide (AST-A) peptide family that inhibit food intake and development in arthropods. Despite their physiological importance the evolution of the AST-A system is poorly described and relatively few receptors have been isolated and functionally characterised in insects. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the origin and comparative evolution of the AST-A system. To determine how evolution and feeding modified the function of AST-AR the duplicate receptors in Anopheles mosquitoes, were characterised. Phylogeny and gene synteny suggested that invertebrate AST-A receptors and peptide genes shared a common evolutionary origin with KISS/GAL receptors and ligands. AST-ARs and KISSR emerged from a common gene ancestor after the divergence of GALRs in the bilaterian genome. In arthropods, the AST-A system evolved through lineage-specific events and the maintenance of two receptors in the flies and mosquitoes (Diptera) was the result of a gene duplication event. Speciation of Anopheles mosquitoes affected receptor gene organisation and characterisation of AST-AR duplicates (GPRALS1 and 2) revealed that in common with other insects, the mosquito receptors were activated by insect AST-A peptides and the iCa2+-signalling pathway was stimulated. GPRALS1 and 2 were expressed mainly in mosquito midgut and ovaries and transcript abundance of both receptors was modified by feeding. A blood meal strongly up-regulated expression of both GPRALS in the midgut (p < 0.05) compared to glucose fed females. Based on the results we hypothesise that the AST-A system in insects shared a common origin with the vertebrate KISS system and may also share a common function as an integrator of metabolism and reproduction. Highlights: AST-A and KISS/GAL receptors and ligands shared common ancestry prior to the protostome-deuterostome divergence. Phylogeny and gene synteny revealed that AST-AR and KISSR emerged after GALR gene divergence. AST-AR genes were present in the hemichordates but were lost from the chordates. In protostomes, AST-ARs persisted and evolved through lineage-specific events and duplicated in the arthropod radiation. Diptera acquired and maintained functionally divergent duplicate AST-AR genes.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Anopheles/classification
- Anopheles/genetics
- Anopheles/metabolism
- Calcium Signaling
- Evolution, Molecular
- Fat Body/chemistry
- Fat Body/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Genome, Insect
- Glucose/metabolism
- Insect Proteins/chemistry
- Insect Proteins/genetics
- Insect Proteins/metabolism
- Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism
- Intestines/chemistry
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Multigene Family
- Ovary/chemistry
- Ovary/metabolism
- Phylogeny
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/chemistry
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, Galanin/chemistry
- Receptors, Galanin/genetics
- Receptors, Galanin/metabolism
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/chemistry
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/genetics
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/metabolism
- Reproduction/genetics
- Sequence Alignment
- Synteny
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute C. Felix
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Marlene Trindade
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isa R. P. Pires
- Centro de Malária e outras Doenças Tropicais, UEI Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349–008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vera G. Fonseca
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rute S. Martins
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Henrique Silveira
- Centro de Malária e outras Doenças Tropicais, UEI Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349–008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Deborah M. Power
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
| | - João C. R. Cardoso
- Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139, Faro, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Ren GR, Folke J, Hauser F, Li S, Grimmelikhuijzen CJ. The A- and B-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptors from Drosophila melanogaster couple to different second messenger pathways. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 462:358-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.04.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Zandawala M, Orchard I. Identification and functional characterization of FGLamide-related allatostatin receptor in Rhodnius prolixus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 57:1-10. [PMID: 25500190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
FGLamide-related ASTs (FGLa/ASTs) are a family of brain/gut peptides with numerous physiological roles, including inhibition of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis by the corpora allata and inhibition of visceral muscle contraction. FGLa/ASTs mediate their effects by binding to a rhodopsin-like G-protein coupled receptor that is evolutionarily related to the vertebrate galanin receptor. Here we determine the cDNA sequence encoding FGLa/AST receptor (FGLa/AST-R) from the Chagas disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus (Rhopr-FGLa/AST-R), determine its spatial expression pattern using quantitative PCR and functionally characterize the receptor using a heterologous assay. Our expression analysis indicates that Rhopr-FGLa/AST-R is highly expressed in the central nervous system. The receptor is also expressed in various peripheral tissues including the dorsal vessel, midgut, hindgut and reproductive tissues of both males and females, suggesting a role in processes associated with feeding and reproduction. The possible involvement of Rhopr-FGLa/ASTs in the inhibition of JH biosynthesis is also implicated due to presence of the receptor transcript in the R. prolixus corpora cardiaca/corpora allata complex. The functional assay showed that various Rhopr-FGLa/ASTs activate the receptor, with EC50 values for the response in the nanomolar range. Moreover, Rhopr-FGLa/AST-R can couple with Gq alpha subunits and cause an increase in intracellular calcium concentration. Lastly, we tested various FGLa/AST analogs in our heterologous assay. These compounds also activated the receptor and thus have the potential to serve as insect growth regulators and aid in pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meet Zandawala
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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Huang J, Marchal E, Hult EF, Zels S, Vanden Broeck J, Tobe SS. Mode of action of allatostatins in the regulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the cockroach, Diploptera punctata. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 54:61-68. [PMID: 25218044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The FGLamide allatostatins (FGL/ASTs) are a family of neuropeptides with pleiotropic functions, including the inhibition of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis, vitellogenesis and muscle contraction. In the cockroach, Diploptera punctata, thirteen FGLa/ASTs and one allatostatin receptor (AstR) have been identified. However, the mode of action of ASTs in regulation of JH biosynthesis remains unclear. Here, we determined the tissue distribution of Dippu-AstR. And we expressed Dippu-AstR in vertebrate cell lines, and activated the receptor with the Dippu-ASTs. Our results show that all thirteen ASTs activated Dippu-AstR in a dose dependent manner, albeit with different potencies. Functional analysis of AstR in multiple cell lines demonstrated that activation of the AstR receptor resulted in elevated levels of Ca(2+) and cAMP, which suggests that Dippu-AstR can act through the Gαq and Gαs protein pathways. The study on the target of AST action reveals that FGL/AST affects JH biosynthesis prior to the entry of acetyl-CoA into the JH biosynthetic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Huang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ekaterina F Hult
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sven Zels
- Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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20
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Cheng D, Meng M, Peng J, Qian W, Kang L, Xia Q. Genome-wide comparison of genes involved in the biosynthesis, metabolism, and signaling of juvenile hormone between silkworm and other insects. Genet Mol Biol 2014; 37:444-59. [PMID: 25071411 PMCID: PMC4094618 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572014005000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) contributes to the regulation of larval molting and metamorphosis in insects. Herein, we comprehensively identified 55 genes involved in JH biosynthesis, metabolism and signaling in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) as well as 35 in Drosophila melanogaster, 35 in Anopheles gambiae, 36 in Apis mellifera, 47 in Tribolium castaneum, and 44 in Danaus plexippus. Comparative analysis showed that each gene involved in the early steps of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, in the neuropeptide regulation of JH biosynthesis, or in JH signaling is a single copy in B. mori and other surveyed insects, indicating that these JH-related pathways or steps are likely conserved in all surveyed insects. However, each gene participating in the isoprenoid branch of JH biosynthesis and JH metabolism, together with the FPPS genes for catalyzing the final step of the MVA pathway of JH biosynthesis, exhibited an obvious duplication in Lepidoptera, including B. mori and D. plexippus. Microarray and real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that different copies of several JH-related genes presented expression changes that correlated with the dynamics of JH titer during larval growth and metamorphosis. Taken together, the findings suggest that duplication-derived copy variation of JH-related genes might be evolutionarily associated with the variation of JH types between Lepidoptera and other insect orders. In conclusion, our results provide useful clues for further functional analysis of JH-related genes in B. mori and other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daojun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Meng Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Jian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Wenliang Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Lixia Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
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Collin C, Hauser F, de Valdivia EG, Li S, Reisenberger J, Carlsen EMM, Khan Z, Hansen NØ, Puhm F, Søndergaard L, Niemiec J, Heninger M, Ren GR, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. Two types of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in Drosophila and other arthropods. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:3231-42. [PMID: 23604020 PMCID: PMC11113683 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) play a central role in the mammalian nervous system. These receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are activated by the agonists acetylcholine and muscarine, and blocked by a variety of antagonists. Mammals have five mAChRs (m1-m5). In this study, we cloned two structurally related GPCRs from the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, which, after expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells, proved to be muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. One mAChR (the A-type; encoded by gene CG4356) is activated by acetylcholine (EC50, 5 × 10(-8) M) and muscarine (EC50, 6 × 10(-8) M) and blocked by the classical mAChR antagonists atropine, scopolamine, and 3-quinuclidinyl-benzilate (QNB), while the other (the B-type; encoded by gene CG7918) is also activated by acetylcholine, but has a 1,000-fold lower sensitivity to muscarine, and is not blocked by the antagonists. A- and B-type mAChRs were also cloned and functionally characterized from the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Recently, Haga et al. (Nature 2012, 482: 547-551) published the crystal structure of the human m2 mAChR, revealing 14 amino acid residues forming the binding pocket for QNB. These residues are identical between the human m2 and the D. melanogaster and T. castaneum A-type mAChRs, while many of them are different between the human m2 and the B-type receptors. Using bioinformatics, one orthologue of the A-type and one of the B-type mAChRs could also be found in all other arthropods with a sequenced genome. Protostomes, such as arthropods, and deuterostomes, such as mammals and other vertebrates, belong to two evolutionarily distinct lineages of animal evolution that split about 700 million years ago. We found that animals that originated before this split, such as cnidarians (Hydra), had two A-type mAChRs. From these data we propose a model for the evolution of mAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Collin
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank Hauser
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ernesto Gonzalez de Valdivia
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shizhong Li
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julia Reisenberger
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva M. M. Carlsen
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zaid Khan
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Ø. Hansen
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Florian Puhm
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leif Søndergaard
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Justyna Niemiec
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Magdalena Heninger
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Guilin R. Ren
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cornelis J. P. Grimmelikhuijzen
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Peptidomic Analysis of the Brain and Corpora Cardiaca-Corpora Allata Complex in the Bombyx mori. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDES 2012; 2012:640359. [PMID: 23316247 PMCID: PMC3534322 DOI: 10.1155/2012/640359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is an important economic insect for silk production. However, many of the mature peptides relevant to its various life stages remain unknown. Using RP-HPLC, MALDI-TOF MS, and previously identified peptides from B. mori and other insects in the transcriptome database, we created peptide profiles showing a total of 6 ion masses that could be assigned to peptides in eggs, including one previously unidentified peptide. A further 49 peptides were assigned to larval brains. 17 new mature peptides were identified in isolated masses. 39 peptides were found in pupal brains with 8 unidentified peptides. 48 were found in adult brains with 12 unidentified peptides. These new unidentified peptides showed highly significant matches in all MS analysis. These matches were then searched against the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database to provide new annotations for these mature peptides. In total, 59 mature peptides in 19 categories were found in the brains of silkworms at the larval, pupal, and adult stages. These results demonstrate that peptidomic variation across different developmental stages can be dramatic. Moreover, the corpora cardiaca-corpora allata (CC-CA) complex was examined during the fifth larval instar. A total of 41 ion masses were assigned to peptides.
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Molecular cloning and characterization of three cDNAs encoding allatostatin-like neurosecretory peptides from Pandalopsis japonica. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 163:334-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Heuer CM, Kollmann M, Binzer M, Schachtner J. Neuropeptides in insect mushroom bodies. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2012; 41:199-226. [PMID: 22401884 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their experimental amenability, insect nervous systems continue to be in the foreground of investigations into information processing in - ostensibly - simple neuronal networks. Among the cerebral neuropil regions that hold a particular fascination for neurobiologists are the paired mushroom bodies, which, despite their function in other behavioral contexts, are most renowned for their role in learning and memory. The quest to understand the processes that underlie these capacities has been furthered by research focusing on unraveling neuroanatomical connections of the mushroom bodies and identifying key players that characterize the molecular machinery of mushroom body neurons. However, on a cellular level, communication between intrinsic and extrinsic mushroom body neurons still remains elusive. The present account aims to provide an overview on the repertoire of neuropeptides expressed in and utilized by mushroom body neurons. Existing data for a number of insect representatives is compiled and some open gaps in the record are filled by presenting additional original data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten M Heuer
- Philipps-University Marburg, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Marburg, Germany.
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25
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Bendena WG, Tobe SS. Families of allatoregulator sequences: a 2011 perspective1This review is part of a virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era. CAN J ZOOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1139/z2012-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Three different peptide families have been named “allatostatins” (ASTs), based on their initial purifications which were based on their ability to inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis. These include (i) a family of peptides that have a consensus C-terminal sequence Y/FXFGL-NH2; (ii) a family of peptides with a conserved C-terminal sequence W(X)6W-NH2; and(iii) a family of peptides with C-terminal sequence PISCF, some of which are C-terminally-amidated. Each allatostatin family has functions distinct and apart from the inhibition of JH biosynthesis. A peptide family known as the “allatotropins” serve to stimulate JH biosynthesis. This family of peptides also has been proven to exert multiple effects dependent on the species in question. Genome and peptidome projects are uncovering new members of these families and it is clear that these structures are not just confined to Insecta but are found in a range of invertebrates. The receptors for these neuropeptides have been identified and tested experimentally for specific ligand binding. The Y/FXFGLa-ASTs exert their action through galanin-like receptors, W(X)6Wa-ASTs through a sex peptide-binding receptor, and PISCF-ASTs through somatostatin-like receptors. These receptors are conserved through evolutionary time and are being identified in numerous invertebrates by way of genome projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G. Bendena
- Department of Biology and Centre for Neurosciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Stephen S. Tobe
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
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26
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Spit J, Badisco L, Verlinden H, Van Wielendaele P, Zels S, Dillen S, Vanden Broeck J. Peptidergic control of food intake and digestion in insects 1This review is part of a virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era. CAN J ZOOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1139/z2012-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Like all heterotrophic organisms, insects require a strict control of food intake and efficient digestion of food into nutrients to maintain homeostasis and to fulfill physiological tasks. Feeding and digestion are steered by both external and internal signals that are transduced by a multitude of regulatory factors, delivered either by neurons innervating the gut or mouthparts, or by midgut endocrine cells. The present review gives an overview of peptide regulators known to control feeding and digestion in insects. We describe the discovery and functional role in these processes for insect allatoregulatory peptides, diuretic hormones, FMRFamide-related peptides, (short) neuropeptide F, proctolin, saliva production stimulating peptides, kinins, and tachykinins. These peptides control either gut myoactivity, food intake, and (or) release of digestive enzymes. Some peptides exert their action at multiple levels, possibly having a biological function that depends on their site of delivery. Many regulatory peptides have been physically extracted from different insect species. However, multiple peptidomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and genome sequencing projects have led to increased discovery and prediction of peptide (precursor) and receptor sequences. In combination with physiological experiments, these large-scale projects have already led to important steps forward in unraveling the physiology of feeding and digestion in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Spit
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - L. Badisco
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - H. Verlinden
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - P. Van Wielendaele
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - S. Zels
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - S. Dillen
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - J. Vanden Broeck
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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27
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Veenstra JA, Rombauts S, Grbić M. In silico cloning of genes encoding neuropeptides, neurohormones and their putative G-protein coupled receptors in a spider mite. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 42:277-95. [PMID: 22214827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Revised: 12/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The genome of the spider mite was prospected for the presence of genes coding neuropeptides, neurohormones and their putative G-protein coupled receptors. Fifty one candidate genes were found to encode neuropeptides or neurohormones. These include all known insect neuropeptides and neurohormones, with the exception of sulfakinin, corazonin, neuroparsin and PTTH. True orthologs of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) were neither found, but there are three genes encoding peptides similar in structure to both AKH and the AKH-corazonin-related peptide. We were also unable to identify the precursors for pigment dispersing factor (PDF) or the recently discovered trissin. However, the spider mite probably does have such genes, as we found their putative receptors. A novel arthropod neuropeptide gene was identified that shows similarity to previously described molluscan neuropeptide genes and was called EFLamide. A total of 65 putative neuropeptide GPCR genes were also identified, of these 58 belong to the A-family and 7 to the B-family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 50 of them are closely related to insect GPCRs, which allowed the identification of their putative ligand in 39 cases with varying degrees of certainty. Other spider mite GPCRs however have no identifiable orthologs in the genomes of the four holometabolous insect species best analyzed. Whereas some of the latter have orthologs in hemimetabolous insect species, crustaceans or ticks, for others such arthropod homologs are currently unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Veenstra
- Université Bordeaux, Avenue des Facultés, INCIA UMR 5287 CNRS, 33405 Talence Cedex, France.
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28
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Zandawala M, Lytvyn Y, Taiakina D, Orchard I. Cloning of the cDNA, localization, and physiological effects of FGLamide-related allatostatins in the blood-gorging bug, Rhodnius prolixus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 42:10-21. [PMID: 22061445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Allatostatins (ASTs) are insect neuropeptides that were first identified as inhibitors of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. There are three families of ASTs in insects, defined by their C-terminus conserved regions, one of which is FGLamide. Here we determine, for the first time in a hemipteran, the complete 1013 bp cDNA sequence encoding the Rhodnius prolixus FGLa/ASTs (Rhopr-FGLa/ASTs), and confirm the transcript size using northern blot. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Rhopr-FGLa/AST prepropeptide is most similar to the FGLa/AST precursors identified in Hymenoptera. Reverse-transcriptase PCR demonstrates that the Rhopr-FGLa/AST transcript is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) in unfed fifth-instar R. prolixus, and is reduced in expression in CNS dissected from one day old blood-fed insects. Fluorescent in situ hybridization shows transcript expression in neurons in each ganglion of the CNS, but also in cells located on peripheral nerves. Rhopr-FGLa/ASTs dose-dependently inhibit contractions of the anterior midgut and hindgut, suggesting a role in feeding-related physiological events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meet Zandawala
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 1C6.
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29
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Caers J, Verlinden H, Zels S, Vandersmissen HP, Vuerinckx K, Schoofs L. More than two decades of research on insect neuropeptide GPCRs: an overview. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:151. [PMID: 23226142 PMCID: PMC3510462 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the state of the art on neuropeptide receptors in insects. Most of these receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and are involved in the regulation of virtually all physiological processes during an insect's life. More than 20 years ago a milestone in invertebrate endocrinology was achieved with the characterization of the first insect neuropeptide receptor, i.e., the Drosophila tachykinin-like receptor. However, it took until the release of the Drosophila genome in 2000 that research on neuropeptide receptors boosted. In the last decade a plethora of genomic information of other insect species also became available, leading to a better insight in the functions and evolution of the neuropeptide signaling systems and their intracellular pathways. It became clear that some of these systems are conserved among all insect species, indicating that they fulfill crucial roles in their physiological processes. Meanwhile, other signaling systems seem to be lost in several insect orders or species, suggesting that their actions were superfluous in those insects, or that other neuropeptides have taken over their functions. It is striking that the deorphanization of neuropeptide GPCRs gets much attention, but the subsequent unraveling of the intracellular pathways they elicit, or their physiological functions are often hardly examined. Especially in insects besides Drosophila this information is scarce if not absent. And although great progress made in characterizing neuropeptide signaling systems, even in Drosophila several predicted neuropeptide receptors remain orphan, awaiting for their endogenous ligand to be determined. The present review gives a précis of the insect neuropeptide receptor research of the last two decades. But it has to be emphasized that the work done so far is only the tip of the iceberg and our comprehensive understanding of these important signaling systems will still increase substantially in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Liliane Schoofs
- *Correspondence: Liliane Schoofs, Department of Biology, Research Group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Naamsestraat 59, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. e-mail:
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Nagata S, Matsumoto S, Nakane T, Ohara A, Morooka N, Konuma T, Nagai C, Nagasawa H. Effects of starvation on brain short neuropeptide F-1, -2, and -3 levels and short neuropeptide F receptor expression levels of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:3. [PMID: 22649403 PMCID: PMC3355918 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous report, we demonstrated the possibility that various regulatory neuropeptides influence feeding behavior in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Among these feeding-related neuropeptides, short neuropeptide F (sNPF) exhibited feeding-accelerating activity when injected into B. mori larvae. Like other insect sNPFs, the deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA encoding the sNPF precursor appears to produce multiple sNPF and sNPF-related peptides in B. mori. The presence of three sNPFs, sNPF-1, sNPF-2, and sNPF-3, in the brain of B. mori larvae was confirmed by direct MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric profiling. In addition, all three sNPFs are present in other larval ganglia. The presence of sNPF mRNA in the central nervous system (CNS) was also confirmed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Semi-quantitative analyses of sNPFs in the larval brain using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry further revealed that brain sNPF levels decrease in response to starvation, and that they recover with the resumption of feeding. These data suggest that sNPFs were depleted by the starvation process. Furthermore, food deprivation decreased the transcriptional levels of the sNPF receptor (BNGR-A10) in the brain and CNS, suggesting that the sNPF system is dependent on the feeding state of the insect and that the sNPF system may be linked to locomotor activity associated with foraging behavior. Since the injection of sNPFs accelerated the onset of feeding in B. mori larvae, we concluded that sNPFs are strongly related to feeding behavior. In addition, semi-quantitative MS analyses revealed that allatostatin, which is present in the larval brain, is also reduced in response to starvation, whereas the peptide level of Bommyosuppressin was not affected by different feeding states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Nagata
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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31
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Collin C, Hauser F, Krogh-Meyer P, Hansen KK, Gonzalez de Valdivia E, Williamson M, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. Identification of the Drosophila and Tribolium receptors for the recently discovered insect RYamide neuropeptides. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 412:578-83. [PMID: 21843505 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.07.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
One year ago, we discovered a new family of insect RYamide neuropeptides, which has the C-terminal consensus sequence FFXXXRYamide, and which is widely occurring in most insects, including the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster and the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (F. Hauser et al., J. Proteome Res. 9 (2010) 5296-5310). Here, we identify a Drosophila G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) coded for by gene CG5811 and its Tribolium GPCR ortholog as insect RYamide receptors. The Drosophila RYamide receptor is equally well activated (EC(50), 1×10(-9)M) by the two Drosophila RYamide neuropeptides: RYamide-1 (PVFFVASRYamide) and RYamide-2 (NEHFFLGSRYamide), both contained in a preprohormone coded for by gene CG40733. The Tribolium receptor shows a somewhat higher affinity to Tribolium RYamide-2 (ADAFFLGPRYamide; EC(50), 5×10(-9)M) than to Tribolium RYamide-1 (VQNLATFKTMMRYamide; EC(50), 7×10(-8)M), which might be due to the fact that the last peptide does not completely follow the RYamide consensus sequence rule. There are other neuropeptides in insects that have similar C-terminal sequences (RWamide or RFamide), such as the FMRFamides, sulfakinins, myosuppressins, neuropeptides F, and the various short neuropeptides F. Amazingly, these neuropeptides show no cross-reactivity to the Tribolium RYamide receptor, while the Drosophila RYamide receptor is only very slightly activated by high concentrations (>10(-6)M) of neuropeptide F and short neuropeptide F-1, showing that the two RYamide receptors are quite specific for activation by insect RYamides, and that the sequence FFXXXRYamide is needed for effective insect RYamide receptor activation. Phylogenetic tree analyses and other amino acid sequence comparisons show that the insect RYamide receptors are not closely related to any other known insect or invertebrate/vertebrate receptors, including mammalian neuropeptide Y and insect neuropeptide F and short neuropeptide F receptors. Gene expression data published in Flybase (www.flybase.org) show that the Drosophila CG5811 gene is significantly expressed in the hindgut of adult flies, suggesting a role of insect RYamides in digestion or water reabsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Collin
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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32
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Martínez-Pérez F, Bendena WG, Chang BSW, Tobe SS. Influence of codon usage bias on FGLamide-allatostatin mRNA secondary structure. Peptides 2011; 32:509-17. [PMID: 20950662 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The FGLamide allatostatins (ASTs) are invertebrate neuropeptides which inhibit juvenile hormone biosynthesis in Dictyoptera and related orders. They also show myomodulatory activity. FGLamide AST nucleotide frequencies and codon bias were investigated with respect to possible effects on mRNA secondary structure. 367 putative FGLamide ASTs and their potential endoproteolytic cleavage sites were identified from 40 species of crustaceans, chelicerates and insects. Among these, 55% comprised only 11 amino acids. An FGLamide AST consensus was identified to be (X)(1→16)Y(S/A/N/G)FGLGKR, with a strong bias for the codons UUU encoding for Phe and AAA for Lys, which can form strong Watson-Crick pairing in all peptides analyzed. The physical distance between these codons favor a loop structure from Ser/Ala-Phe to Lys-Arg. Other loop and hairpin loops were also inferred from the codon frequencies in the N-terminal motif, and the first amino acids from the C-terminal motif, or the dibasic potential endoproteolytic cleavage site. Our results indicate that nucleotide frequencies and codon usage bias in FGLamide ASTs tend to favor mRNA folds in the codon sequence in the C-terminal active peptide core and at the dibasic potential endoproteolytic cleavage site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 110 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
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33
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Hansen KK, Hauser F, Williamson M, Weber SB, Grimmelikhuijzen CJ. The Drosophila genes CG14593 and CG30106 code for G-protein-coupled receptors specifically activated by the neuropeptides CCHamide-1 and CCHamide-2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 404:184-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.11.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fan Y, Sun P, Wang Y, He X, Deng X, Chen X, Zhang G, Chen X, Zhou N. The G protein-coupled receptors in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 40:581-591. [PMID: 20685615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2010.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Revised: 05/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most versatile family of transmembrane receptors in the cell, occupying the highest hierarchical positions in the regulation of many physiological processes. Although they have been extensively studied in a number of model insects, there have been few investigations of GPCRs in large Lepidopterans, such as Bombyx mori, an organism that provides a means to perform detailed tissue expression analyses, which may help to characterize GPCRs and their ligands. In addition, B. mori, also known as the silkworm, is an insect of substantial economic importance, due to its use in silk production and traditional medicines. In this work, we computationally identified 90 putative GPCRs in B. mori, 33 of which represent novel proteins. These GPCRs were annotated and compared with their homologs in Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae. Phylogenetics analyses of the GPCRs from these three insects showed that GPCRs may easily duplicate or disappear during insect evolution, especially in the neuropeptide and protein hormone receptor subfamily. Interestingly, we observed a decrease in the quantity and diversity of the stress-tolerance gene, Methuselah, in B. mori, which may be related to its long history of domestication. Moreover, the presence of many Bombyx-specific GPCRs suggests that neither Drosophila nor Anopheles is good representatives for the GPCRs in the Class Insecta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Fan
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
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Loeb MJ. Factors affecting proliferation and differentiation of Lepidopteran midgut stem cells. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 74:1-16. [PMID: 20422716 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Midgut stem cells of last instar larvae and pupae of Heliothis virescens, Lymantria dispar and several other Lepidopteran species have been cultured in vitro and have been induced to proliferate using low titers of ecdysteroids and the 77-Kda peptide fragment, alpha-arylphorin, isolated and identified from pupal fat body tissue. The insulin-related hormone, Bombyxin, also induced mitosis in cultured midgut stem cells; it appeared to be fast-acting and quickly inactivated, while alpha-arylphorin was slower to act and had a longer lasting effect in vitro, indicating different functions for these proliferation agents. Changes in Calcium ion concentration within or outside the cells discretely affected stem cell differentiation, indicating a role for second messenger participation in peptide regulation of this process. Four different peptides (MDFs 1-4) that induced midgut stem cells to differentiate to mature midgut cell types in vitro were isolated and characterized from conditioned media and hemolymph of H. virescens and L. dispar. However, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and all-trans retinoic acid (RA) from vertebrate sources induced differentiation to non-midgut cell types as well. MDF1 was located in basal areas of columnar cells of midgut epithelium, although MDF2 was observed in all of the cytoplasm of columnar cells and in droplets of antibody positive material in the midgut lumen, suggesting a digestive function as well for this peptide. Anti-MDF-3 stained the central areas of cultured midgut columnar cells and the bases of columnar cells of midgut epithelium in vivo. Midgut secretory cells stained with anti-MDF-4; streams of MFD-4-positive material were observed extending from secretory cells facing the epithelial lumen, and as a layer on the hemolymph-facing side, suggesting an endocrine or paracrine function for this or an immunologically similar peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia J Loeb
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Insect Biocontrol Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA.
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Elliott KL, Chan KK, Stay B. Evidence for a Phe-Gly-Leu-amide-like allatostatin in the beetle Tenebrio molitor. Peptides 2010; 31:402-7. [PMID: 19793542 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2009] [Revised: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The allatostatins (ASTs) with Phe-Gly-Leu-amide C-terminal sequence are multifunctional neuropeptides discovered as inhibitors of juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by corpora allata (CA) of cockroaches. Although these ASTs inhibit JH synthesis only in cockroaches, crickets, termites and locusts, isolation of peptides or of cDNA/genomic DNA or analysis of genomes indicates their occurrence in many orders of insects with the exception of coleopterans. The gene for these ASTs has not been found in the genome of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Family Tenebrionidae). Yet, in view of widespread occurrence of these peptides in insects, crustaceans and nematodes, they would be expected to occur in beetles. This study provides evidence for the presence of FGLa-like ASTs in the tenebrionid beetle, Tenebrio molitor, and scarabid beetle, Popillia japonica. Extract of brain from both beetles inhibited JH synthesis by cockroach CA dose dependently and reversibly. 20 brain equivalents of T. molitor and P. japonica extracts inhibited JH synthesis 64+/-5 and 65+/-0.6% respectively. Antibody against cockroach allatostatin (Diploptera punctata AST-7) used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reacted with brain extract of these beetles. Antibody against D. punctata AST-5 localized FGLa-like ASTs in the brain and subesophageal ganglion of T. molitor and P. japonica. In addition, pretreatment of T. molitor brain extract with anti-D. punctata AST-5 reduced the inhibition of JH synthesis and pretreatment of anti-D. punctata AST-5 with D. punctata AST-5 diminished the immunoreactivity of the antibody. Thus we predict that FGLa-like allatostatins will be found in beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, 163 Jefferson Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Neuropeptide Receptors as Possible Targets for Development of Insect Pest Control Agents. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 692:211-26. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6902-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Elliott KL, Hehman GL, Stay B. Isolation of the gene for the precursor of Phe-Gly-Leu-amide allatostatins in the termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Peptides 2009; 30:855-60. [PMID: 19428761 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2008] [Revised: 01/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Allatostatins (ASTs), with a C-terminal sequence Tyr/Phe-Xaa-Phe-Gly-Leu/Ile-amide, are multifunctional neuropeptides that were first discovered by their ability to inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by the corpora allata (CA) in cockroaches. These A-type ASTs have since been demonstrated to inhibit JH synthesis in crickets, termites and more recently locusts. The gene for the precursor of A-type ASTs has been identified in several species of cockroaches, in crickets and in locusts, but not yet in termites, although 5 AST peptides were isolated from the lower termite Reticulitermes flavipes that are identical to known cockroach ASTs. In this study, primers designed from AST amino acid sequences of cockroaches are used to identify the gene for the preproAST peptides in R. flavipes. In addition, the expression of the gene in brain tissues is demonstrated for egg-laying and non-egg-laying neotenic reproductives. The gene codes for 14 individual peptides and its sequence is closer to that of cockroaches and the cricket than to that of other insect orders in which these peptides do not act as allatostatins. Among the known cockroach AST genes, the termite AST gene is most similar to that of Periplaneta americana, a species belonging to the primitive family Blattidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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40
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Neuropeptide receptor transcriptome reveals unidentified neuroendocrine pathways. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3048. [PMID: 18725956 PMCID: PMC2516173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are an important class of molecules involved in diverse aspects of metazoan development and homeostasis. Insects are ideal model systems to investigate neuropeptide functions, and the major focus of insect neuropeptide research in the last decade has been on the identification of their receptors. Despite these vigorous efforts, receptors for some key neuropeptides in insect development such as prothoracicotropic hormone, eclosion hormone and allatotropin (AT), remain undefined. In this paper, we report the comprehensive cloning of neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptors from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, and systematic analyses of their expression. Based on the expression patterns of orphan receptors, we identified the long-sought receptor for AT, which is thought to stimulate juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the corpora allata (CA). Surprisingly, however, the AT receptor was not highly expressed in the CA, but instead was predominantly transcribed in the corpora cardiaca (CC), an organ adjacent to the CA. Indeed, by using a reverse-physiological approach, we purified and characterized novel allatoregulatory peptides produced in AT receptor-expressing CC cells, which may indirectly mediate AT activity on the CA. All of the above findings confirm the effectiveness of a systematic analysis of the receptor transcriptome, not only in characterizing orphan receptors, but also in identifying novel players and hidden mechanisms in important biological processes. This work illustrates how using a combinatorial approach employing bioinformatic, molecular, biochemical and physiological methods can help solve recalcitrant problems in neuropeptide research.
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Yagi KJ, Elliott KL, Teesch L, Tobe SS, Stay B. Isolation of cockroach Phe-Gly-Leu-amide allatostatins from the termite Reticulitermes flavipes and their effect on juvenile hormone synthesis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:939-948. [PMID: 18387628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Revised: 12/13/2007] [Accepted: 01/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Immunoreactivity to cockroach Diploptera punctata allatostatin-7 (Dippu AST-7) has been demonstrated previously in axons innervating the corpora allata of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes. This peptide and Dippu AST-11 inhibited juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by corpora allata (CA) of brachypterous neotenic reproductives (secondary reproductives) of termites. The present study shows that R. flavipes CA are also inhibited by Dippu AST-2, AST-5, AST-8, and AST-9 at approximately the same rank order of potency as demonstrated in D. punctata. Another allatostatin from Periplaneta americana (Peram AST-12) also inhibits JH synthesis by R. flavipes CA. Sensitivity to the allatostatins is higher in glands with low rates of JH synthesis than in those with relatively high JH synthetic rates as has been demonstrated in CA from male and female secondary reproductives as well as in those from non-egg-laying and egg-laying females. The identical inhibitory effects of R. flavipes brain extract on CA from both D. punctata and R. flavipes and the isolation and identification of five cockroach allatostatins (Dippu AST-1, AST-2, AST-5, AST-8, and Peram AST-12) from termite brain extract reflect the close relationship between cockroaches and termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Yagi
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada M5S 3G5
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Gäde G, Marco HG, Richter D, Weaver RJ. Structure-activity studies with endogenous allatostatins from Periplaneta americana: expressed receptor compared with functional bioassay. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:988-996. [PMID: 18423658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2007] [Revised: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The A-allatostatins (F/YXFGLamides) are insect neuropeptides with inhibitory actions on juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis, muscular contraction and vitellogenesis. They exist in multiple forms within each species. In the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, only one receptor for A-allatostatin has been identified thus far. Here, we have characterised the receptor response to all 15 of the endogenous A-allatostatins encoded by the P. americana allatostatin prohormone gene, together with some analogues, using an indirect heterologous system involving co-expression of the receptor and a potassium channel subunit in Xenopus laevis oocytes and electrophysiological measurements. We have also determined the relative potency of the same peptides to inhibit JH synthesis in corpora allata. Our data reveal that the heterologously expressed receptor responds to all of the endogenous allatostatins and, although differences in potency are recorded, this cannot readily be related to particular differences in the primary structure of the peptides. Similarly, all allatostatins act on the corpora allata to inhibit the synthesis of JH, again with varying potency not readily related to peptide structure. Interestingly, some of the peptides did not perform consistently across the two assays. We show that the receptor is widely expressed in adult P. americana tissues (head, retrocerebral glands, fat body, ovary, male accessory gland, gut, leg muscle, Malpighian tubule and nerve cord) as well as in early larval instars. The spatial expression supports the known pleiotropic activity of allatostatins and role as a paracrine effector. This is the first report of such a detailed characterisation of an invertebrate receptor for allatostatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Gäde
- Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, University Avenue, J Day Building, Rondebosch ZA-7701, South Africa.
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Lungchukiet P, Zhang J, Tobe SS, Bendena WG. Quantification of allatostatin receptor mRNA levels in the cockroach, Diploptera punctata, using real-time PCR. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:981-987. [PMID: 18541258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Revised: 04/13/2008] [Accepted: 04/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The cockroach allatostatin receptor (Dippu-AstR) is a 425 amino acid G-protein coupled receptor that is related to the mammalian galanin receptor. Using relative standard curve real-time PCR analysis, changes in Dippu-AstR mRNA expression levels were examined in tissues of adult mated and virgin female Diploptera punctata. Tissues were chosen that were either known targets of allatostatin (Dippu-AST) action or sites of Dippu-AST localization. Tissues examined included brain, corpora allata (CA), gut, ovaries, testes and abdominal ganglia. Dippu-AstR was expressed in all tissues examined for 7 days after adult emergence. Juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis is known to peak on day 5 post-emergence in mated females. In mated females, Dippu-AstR mRNA was at the highest levels on day 6 post-emergence in brain and CA and day 2 post-emergence in midgut. Dippu-AstR expression was found to correlate with the decline in JH biosynthesis noted on day 5 post-emergence and early inhibition of feeding. Dippu-AstR mRNA expression in virgin female midgut and CA was dramatically elevated on days 6 and 7, respectively. Expression of Dippu-AstR mRNA was found to be similar in the abdominal ganglia of mated or virgin females. Ovarian Dippu-AstR expression declined to low levels by day 4. Testes exhibited maximal Dippu-AstR mRNA expression on days 4 and 7 of adult life. A role for Dippu-AST in testes of Diploptera is unknown.
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Audsley N, Matthews HJ, Price NR, Weaver RJ. Allatoregulatory peptides in Lepidoptera, structures, distribution and functions. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:969-980. [PMID: 18377924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2007] [Revised: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Allatoregulatory peptides either inhibit (allatostatins) or stimulate (allatotropins) juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by the corpora allata (CA) of insects. However, these peptides are pleitropic, the regulation of JH biosynthesis is not their only function. There are currently three allatostatin families (A-, B-, and C-type allatostatins) that inhibit JH biosynthesis, and two structurally unrelated allatotropins. The C-type allatostatin, characterised by its blocked N-terminus and a disulphide bridge between its two cysteine residues, was originally isolated from Manduca sexta. This peptide exists only in a single from in Lepidoptera and is the only peptide that has been shown to inhibit JH synthesis by the CA in vitro in this group of insects. The C-type allatostatin also inhibits spontaneous contractions of the foregut. The A-type allatostatins, which exist in multiple forms in a single insect, have also been characterised from Lepidoptera. This family of peptides does not appear to have any regulatory effect on JH biosynthesis, but does inhibit foregut muscle contractions. Two structurally unrelated allatotropins stimulate JH biosynthesis in Lepidoptera. The first was identified in M. sexta (Manse-AT) and occurs in other moths. The second (Spofr AT2) has only been identified in Spodoptera frugiperda. Manduca sexta allatotropin also stimulates heart muscle contractions and gut peristalsis, and inhibits ion transport across the midgut of larval M. sexta. The C-terminal (amide) pentapeptide of Manse-AT is important for JH biosynthesis activity. The most active conformation of Manse-AS requires the disulphide bridge, although the aromatic residues also have a significant effect on biological activity. Both A- and C-type allatostatins and Manse-AT are localised in neurosecretory cells of the brain and are present in the corpora cardiaca, CA and ventral nerve cord, although variations in localisation exist in different moths and at different stages of development. The presence of Manse-AS and Manse-AT in the CA correlates with the biological activity of these peptides on JH biosynthesis. There is currently no explanation for the presence of A-type allatostatins in the CA. The three peptide types are also co-localised in neurosecretory cells of the frontal ganglion, and are present in the recurrent nerve that supplies the muscles of the gut, particularly the crop and stomodeal valve, in agreement with their role in the regulation of gut peristalsis. There is also evidence that they are expressed in the midgut and reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Audsley
- Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK.
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Lungchukiet P, Donly BC, Zhang J, Tobe SS, Bendena WG. Molecular cloning and characterization of an allatostatin-like receptor in the cockroach Diploptera punctata. Peptides 2008; 29:276-85. [PMID: 18237821 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Two Drosophila receptors (AlstR/DAR-1 and DAR-2) with sequence similarity to mammalian galanin receptors have been previously identified. These receptors have been shown to form specific interactions with neuropeptides that resemble cockroach allatostatins (ASTs), which have a characteristic Tyr/Phe-Xaa-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2 carboxyl-terminus. We hypothesized that similar allatostatin receptors exist in the cockroach Diploptera punctata that may regulate the numerous effects that this family of peptides exerts on a range of target tissues. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used, with primer design based on the Drosophila allatostatin receptor (AlstR). Using these primers, a putative allatostatin-like receptor cDNA was isolated from a lambda ZAP-cDNA library prepared from the corpora allata of the D. punctata. As an approach to testing the function of this receptor in vivo, the technique of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) gene interference was tested. Initial experiments suggest that the putative inhibition of receptor RNA expression may increase juvenile hormone (JH) production.
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Mousley A, Maule AG, Halton DW, Marks NJ. Inter-phyla studies on neuropeptides: the potential for broad-spectrum anthelmintic and/or endectocide discovery. Parasitology 2007; 131 Suppl:S143-67. [PMID: 16569287 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005008553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Flatworm, nematode and arthropod parasites have proven their ability to develop resistance to currently available chemotherapeutics. The heavy reliance on chemotherapy and the ability of target species to develop resistance has prompted the search for novel drug targets. In view of its importance to parasite/pest survival, the neuromusculature of parasitic helminths and pest arthropod species remains an attractive target for the discovery of novel endectocide targets. Exploitation of the neuropeptidergic system in helminths and arthropods has been hampered by a limited understanding of the functional roles of individual peptides and the structure of endogenous targets, such as receptors. Basic research into these systems has the potential to facilitate target characterization and its offshoots (screen development and drug identification). Of particular interest to parasitologists is the fact that selected neuropeptide families are common to metazoan pest species (nematodes, platyhelminths and arthropods) and fulfil specific roles in the modulation of muscle function in each of the three phyla. This article reviews the inter-phyla activity of two peptide families, the FMRFamide-like peptides and allatostatins, on motor function in helminths and arthropods and discusses the potential of neuropeptide signalling as a target system that could uncover novel endectocidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mousley
- Parasitology Research Group, School of Biology and Biochemistry, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Hauser F, Cazzamali G, Williamson M, Blenau W, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP. A review of neurohormone GPCRs present in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster and the honey bee Apis mellifera. Prog Neurobiol 2007; 80:1-19. [PMID: 17070981 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2006.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes are large gene families in every animal, sometimes making up to 1-2% of the animal's genome. Of all insect GPCRs, the neurohormone (neuropeptide, protein hormone, biogenic amine) GPCRs are especially important, because they, together with their ligands, occupy a high hierarchic position in the physiology of insects and steer crucial processes such as development, reproduction, and behavior. In this paper, we give a review of our current knowledge on Drosophila melanogaster GPCRs and use this information to annotate the neurohormone GPCR genes present in the recently sequenced genome from the honey bee Apis mellifera. We found 35 neuropeptide receptor genes in the honey bee (44 in Drosophila) and two genes, coding for leucine-rich repeats-containing protein hormone GPCRs (4 in Drosophila). In addition, the honey bee has 19 biogenic amine receptor genes (21 in Drosophila). The larger numbers of neurohormone receptors in Drosophila are probably due to gene duplications that occurred during recent evolution of the fly. Our analyses also yielded the likely ligands for 40 of the 56 honey bee neurohormone GPCRs identified in this study. In addition, we made some interesting observations on neurohormone GPCR evolution and the evolution and co-evolution of their ligands. For neuropeptide and protein hormone GPCRs, there appears to be a general co-evolution between receptors and their ligands. This is in contrast to biogenic amine GPCRs, where evolutionarily unrelated GPCRs often bind to the same biogenic amine, suggesting frequent ligand exchanges ("ligand hops") during GPCR evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hauser
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Cell Biology and Comparative Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Stay B, Tobe SS. The role of allatostatins in juvenile hormone synthesis in insects and crustaceans. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2007; 52:277-99. [PMID: 16968202 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.51.110104.151050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Allatostatins are pleiotropic neuropeptides for which one function in insects is the inhibition of juvenile hormone synthesis. Juvenile hormone, an important regulator of development and reproduction in insects, is produced by the corpora allata. Mandibular organs, the crustacean homologs of insect corpora allata, produce precursors of juvenile hormone with putatively similar functions. Three types of allatostatins in insects have been isolated: FGLamides, W(X)(6)Wamides, and PISCFs. All act rapidly and reversibly; however, although these types occur in all groups of insects studied, they act as inhibitors of juvenile hormone production in only some groups. Only the FGLamide-type peptides have been isolated in crustaceans, in which they may function to stimulate production of hormone by the mandibular glands, as occurs in early cockroach embryos. Much remains to be learned in order to understand the role of allatostatins in the modulation of hormone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stay
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1911, USA.
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Meyering-Vos M, Merz S, Sertkol M, Hoffmann KH. Functional analysis of the allatostatin-A type gene in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus and the armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 36:492-504. [PMID: 16731345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2006.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2005] [Revised: 03/22/2006] [Accepted: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) gene interference is an efficient method to silence gene expression in a sequence specific manner. Here we show, that dsRNA targeting the allatostatin (AS)-A type (FGL/I/V-amide) gene of Gryllus bimaculatus (Ensifera, Gryllidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) injected into freshly moulted larvae or adult crickets and moths produced a rapid and long-lasting reduction in the mRNA levels in various tissues. The effect lasted up to 7 days. Following dsRNA injection, the juvenile hormone (JH) titers in the hemolymph were clearly raised in both species. AS-dsRNA injection induced a reduced body weight in larval and adult crickets and the imaginal moult was incomplete. Silencing allatostatin type-A expression also reduced the egg and testes development in crickets, and the oviposition rate was drastically diminished in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Meyering-Vos
- Department of Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
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Yin GL, Yang JS, Cao JX, Yang WJ. Molecular cloning and characterization of FGLamide allatostatin gene from the prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Peptides 2006; 27:1241-50. [PMID: 16376458 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2005] [Revised: 11/15/2005] [Accepted: 11/16/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Allatostatins are important regulatory neuropeptides that inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis by the corpora allata (CA) in insects. However, to date, the structure and expression of the gene encoding allatostatins have not been reported in any species other than insects. In this study, we used a combination of a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and screening of a central nervous system cDNA library of Macrobrachium rosenbergii to isolate and sequence a cDNA clone (2885 bp) encoding a 701 amino acid FGLamide allatostatin precursor polypeptide. This is the first reported allatostatin gene in crustacean. The deduced precursor was conceptually split into at least 35 FGLamide allatostatins at dibasic cleavage sites (Lys and Lys/Arg), far more than reported for any other known FGLamide allatostatin precursors from insects (13-14 allatostatins). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that the gene was expressed in the brain, gut, thoracic and abdominal ganglia, but not in the heart, muscle, ovary, gill, or hepatopancreas. Furthermore, developmentally-dependent expression of the gene was observed in the brain and thoracic ganglia of the prawn by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Li Yin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 232 Wensan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, PR China
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