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Wu Q, Xing L, Du M, Huang C, Liu B, Zhou H, Liu W, Wan F, Qian W. A Genome-Wide Analysis of Serine Protease Inhibitors in Cydia pomonella Provides Insights into Their Evolution and Expression Pattern. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16349. [PMID: 38003538 PMCID: PMC10671500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) appear to be ubiquitous in almost all living organisms, with a conserved structure and varying functions. Serpins can modulate immune responses by negatively regulating serine protease activities strictly and precisely. The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), a major invasive pest in China, can cause serious economic losses. However, knowledge of serpin genes in this insect remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of the serpin genes in C. pomonella, obtaining 26 serpins from the C. pomonella genome. Subsequently, their sequence features, evolutionary relationship, and expression pattern were characterized. Comparative analysis revealed the evolution of a number of serpin genes in Lepidoptera. Importantly, the evolutionary relationship and putative roles of serpin genes in C. pomonella were revealed. Additionally, selective pressure analysis found amino acid sites with strong evidence of positive selection. Interestingly, the serpin1 gene possessed at least six splicing isoforms with distinct reactive-center loops, and these isoforms were experimentally validated. Furthermore, we observed a subclade expansion of serpins, and these genes showed high expression in multiple tissues, suggesting their important roles in C. pomonella. Overall, this study will enrich our knowledge of the immunity of C. pomonella and help to elucidate the role of serpins in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Longsheng Xing
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Basic Science Center for Biotic Interactions, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Min Du
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory for Integrated Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Sino-Australian Joint Research Institute of Agriculture and Environmental Health, College of Plant Health & Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Cong Huang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Hongxu Zhou
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory for Integrated Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Sino-Australian Joint Research Institute of Agriculture and Environmental Health, College of Plant Health & Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wanxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fanghao Wan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Wanqiang Qian
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
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Wu Z, Tang M, Zhao J, Lin Z, Wang S, Bao Y. Genome-wide identification and immune response analysis of serine protease inhibitor genes in the blood clam Tegillarca granosa. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 131:1234-1244. [PMID: 36417957 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) are the main regulators of serine protease activities. In this study, we present a genome-wide identification of SPI genes in T. granosa(TgSPI genes)and their expression characteristics in respond to Vibrio stress. A total of 102 TgSPI genes belonging to eight families, including Serpin, TIL (trypsin inhibitor like cysteine rich domain), Kunitz, Kazal, I84, Pacifastin, WAP (whey acidic protein) and A2M (Alpha-2-macroglobulin) were identified, while no genes belonging to Bowman-Birk, amfpi and Antistasin families were identified. The Kazal family has the most TgSPI genes with 38, and 11 TgSPI genes belong to the mollusc-specific I84 family. The TgSPI genes were found to be randomly distributed on 17 chromosomes with 12 tandem duplicate gene pairs. Expression profiles showed that most TgSPI genes were mainly expressed in immune-related tissues such as hepatopancreas, gill and mantle. In the hepatopancreas, most of TgSPI genes were sensitive to Vibrio stress, 28 and 29 TgSPI genes were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Some up-regulated genes with signal peptides, such as the TgSPIs of I84 family, may act as a mechanism to directly prevent Vibrio from invasion. Six Kazal-type TgSPIs (TgSPI29, 45, 49, 50, 51 and 52) were intracellular proteins and their expression was down-regulated in hemocytes after Vibrio stress. This may have boosted protease activity in hemocytes to the point that more hemoglobin derived peptides were produced and secreted into the hemolymph to exert their anti-Vibrio effects. These findings may provide valuable information for further clarifying the roles of SPIs in the immune defense and will benefit future exploration of the immune function of SPIs in molluscs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongming Wu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315100, China
| | - Mengjie Tang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315100, China
| | - Jiafeng Zhao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315100, China
| | - Zhihua Lin
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315100, China; Ninghai Institute of Mariculture Breeding and Seed Industry, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ninghai, 315604, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315100, China; Ninghai Institute of Mariculture Breeding and Seed Industry, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ninghai, 315604, China.
| | - Yongbo Bao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315100, China; Ninghai Institute of Mariculture Breeding and Seed Industry, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ninghai, 315604, China.
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3
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Gu Q, Wu Z, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Shi M, Huang J, Chen X. A teratocyte-specific serpin from the endoparasitoid wasp Cotesia vestalis inhibits the prophenoloxidase-activating system of its host Plutella xylostella. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:202-215. [PMID: 34897868 PMCID: PMC9303735 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many endoparasitoids adopt several parasitic factors, such as venom, polydnavirus and teratocytes, to suppress the immune response of their associated hosts including melanization for successful parasitism. A teratocyte-specific expressed serpin gene, designated as CvT-serpin6, was identified from the parasitoid Cotesia vestalis. The immunoblot result suggested that CvT-serpin6 was secreted into extracellular space. qPCR results showed that CvT-serpin6 was mainly transcribed at later stages of parasitism, and the transcriptional abundance of CvT-serpin6 in teratocytes was significantly increased in response to the challenge of bacteria. Inhibitory assay indicated that recombinant CvT-serpin6 (rCvT-serpin6) could inhibit the activation of Plutella xylostella prophenoloxidase and ultimately resulted in the inhibition of melanization in P. xylostella haemolymph. Furthermore, we confirmed that rCvT-serpin6 could form SDS-stable complexes with activated PxPAP1 and PxPAP3 in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, our results further shed insight into the molecular mechanisms that teratocytes involved in controlling host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijuan Gu
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- College of Agriculture and Food scienceZhejiang Agriculture and Forestry UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yuenan Zhou
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Min Shi
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect PestsZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang ProvinceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xuexin Chen
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Lab of Rice BiologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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Gu Q, Wu Z, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Huang J, Shi M, Chen X. A serpin (CvT-serpin15) of teratocytes contributes to microbial-resistance in Plutella xylostella during Cotesia vestalis parasitism. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:4730-4740. [PMID: 34155805 PMCID: PMC9292400 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic wasps are an important group of entomophagous insects for pest control. As parasitic wasps often lay eggs on or into their associated hosts, parasitoids evolve to utilize several factors including venom, polydnavirus (PDV) to alter host physiology for successful parasitism. Some taxa of endoparasitoids produce teratocytes, which are a type of cell that is released into host insects when wasp eggs hatch. Teratocytes display multifunction in parasitism such as host nutritional exploration, immune and developmental regulation, by secreting plenty of proteins into host hemocoel. RESULTS A serpin (CvT-serpin15) secreted by teratocytes was characterized. QPCR results showed the expressional level of CvT-serpin15 was upregulated following bacterial challenges. Enzyme activity experiment indicated the recombinant CvT-serpin15 protein could interfere with the growth of Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The survival rate assay demonstrated CvT-serpin15 increased survival rate of Plutella xylostella infected by S. aureus. CONCLUSION CvT-serpin15 secreted by teratocytes would boost the host immune system when pathogens invade host hemocoel during parasitism, and ultimately protect the development of wasp larva from bacterial infection. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijuan Gu
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- College of Agriculture and Food ScienceZhejiang Agriculture & Forestry UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yuenan Zhou
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang ProvinceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Min Shi
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect PestsZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xuexin Chen
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Lab of Rice BiologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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Molecular Identification and Immunity Functional Characterization of Lmserpin1 in Locusta migratoria manilensis. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020178. [PMID: 33670781 PMCID: PMC7922424 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Insect serpins play a vital role in the defense mechanism of insects, especially in the Toll pathway and PPO (prophenoloxidase) cascade. In this study, we provided an answer to the open question of whether serpin1 was involved in the humoral immune responses of Locusta migratoria manilensis. We identified a new Lmserpin1 gene from L. migratoria manilensis and investigated its expression profiles in all examined stages and tissues. Meanwhile, by interfering with Lmserpin1 gene, we examined the mortality of L. migratoria manilensis under Metarhizium anisopliae infection, as well as the activities of protective enzymes and detoxifying enzymes and the expression level of three immune-related genes (PPAE (prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme), PPO, and defensin). The results indicated that Lmserpin1 gene up-regulated the immune responses of L. migratoria manilensis and inhibited the infection of M. anisopliae. Our results are of great importance for better understanding of the mechanism characterization of Lmserpin1 in L. migratoria manilensis. Abstract Serine protease inhibitors (Serpins) are a broadly distributed superfamily of proteins that exist in organisms with the role of immune responses. Lmserpin1 gene was cloned firstly from Locusta migratoria manilensis and then was detected in all tested stages from eggs to adults and six different tissues through qRT-PCR analysis. The expression was significantly higher in the 3rd instars and within integument. After RNAi treatment, the expression of Lmserpin1 was significantly down-regulated at four different time points. Moreover, it dropped significantly in the fat body and hemolymph at 24 h after treatment. The bioassay results indicated that the mortality of L. migratoria manilensis treated with dsSerpin1 + Metarhizium was significantly higher than the other three treatments. Furthermore, the immune-related genes (PPAE, PPO, and defensin) treated by dsSerpin1 + Metarhizium were significantly down-regulated compared with the Metarhizium treatment, but the activities of phenoloxidase (PO), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and multifunctional oxidase (MFO) were fluctuating. Our results suggest that Lmserpin1 plays a crucial role in the innate immunity of L. migratoria manilensis. Lmserpin1 probably took part in regulation of melanization and promoted the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).
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Zhang X, Li M, El Moussawi L, Saab S, Zhang S, Osta MA, Michel K. CLIPB10 is a Terminal Protease in the Regulatory Network That Controls Melanization in the African Malaria Mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:585986. [PMID: 33520733 PMCID: PMC7843523 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.585986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Humoral immune responses in animals are often tightly controlled by regulated proteolysis. This proteolysis is exerted by extracellular protease cascades, whose activation culminates in the proteolytic cleavage of key immune proteins and enzymes. A model for such immune system regulation is the melanization reaction in insects, where the activation of prophenoxidase (proPO) leads to the rapid formation of eumelanin on the surface of foreign entities such as parasites, bacteria and fungi. ProPO activation is tightly regulated by a network of so-called clip domain serine proteases, their proteolytically inactive homologs, and their serpin inhibitors. In Anopheles gambiae, the major malaria vector in sub-Saharan Africa, manipulation of this protease network affects resistance to a wide range of microorganisms, as well as host survival. However, thus far, our understanding of the molecular make-up and regulation of the protease network in mosquitoes is limited. Here, we report the function of the clip domain serine protease CLIPB10 in this network, using a combination of genetic and biochemical assays. CLIPB10 knockdown partially reversed melanotic tumor formation induced by Serpin 2 silencing in the absence of infection. CLIPB10 was also partially required for the melanization of ookinete stages of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei in a refractory mosquito genetic background. Recombinant serpin 2 protein, a key inhibitor of the proPO activation cascade in An. gambiae, formed a SDS-stable protein complex with activated recombinant CLIPB10, and efficiently inhibited CLIPB10 activity in vitro at a stoichiometry of 1.89:1. Recombinant activated CLIPB10 increased PO activity in Manduca sexta hemolymph ex vivo, and directly activated purified M. sexta proPO in vitro. Taken together, these data identify CLIPB10 as the second protease with prophenoloxidase-activating function in An. gambiae, in addition to the previously described CLIPB9, suggesting functional redundancy in the protease network that controls melanization. In addition, our data suggest that tissue melanization and humoral melanization of parasites are at least partially mediated by the same proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Miao Li
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Layla El Moussawi
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sally Saab
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States.,Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mike A Osta
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
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Lü D, Xu P, Hou C, Gao K, Guo X. Label-free LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis of the hemolymph of silkworm larvae infected with Beauveria bassiana. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 166:107227. [PMID: 31386830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana, a pathogen of the economically important silkworm (Bombyx mori), causes serious losses in the sericulture industry; however, the mechanisms underlying B. bassiana infection and the silkworm response are not fully understood. To obtain new insights into the interaction between B. bassiana and its host, hemolymph samples from fifth instar silkworm larvae infected with B. bassiana were analyzed at 36-h post-inoculation using a label-free LC-MS/MS proteomic technique. In total, 671 proteins were identified in the hemolymph, including 87 differentially expressed proteins, 42 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated in infected larvae. Six were detected only in infected larvae, and five were detected only in uninfected larvae. Based on GO annotations, 48 of the differentially expressed proteins were involved in molecular functions, 42 were involved in biological processes, and 39 were involved in cell components. A KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins participate in 85 signal transduction pathways, including the amoebiasis, MAPK signaling, Hippo signaling, Toll and Imd signaling, and lysosome pathways. The silkworm hemolymph is the main site for B. bassiana replication. We identified differentially expressed proteins involved in the regulation of the host response to B. bassiana infection, providing important experimental data for the identification of key factors contributing to the interaction between the pathogenic fungus and its host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ping Xu
- Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Chengxiang Hou
- Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Kun Gao
- Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Xijie Guo
- Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China.
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Xue Q. Pathogen proteases and host protease inhibitors in molluscan infectious diseases. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 166:107214. [PMID: 31348922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of infectious diseases represents an outcome of dynamic interactions between the disease-producing agent's pathogenicity and the host's self-defense mechanism. Proteases secreted by pathogenic microorganisms and protease inhibitors produced by host species play an important role in the process. This review aimed at summarizing major findings in research on pathogen proteases and host protease inhibitors that had been proposed to be related to the development of mollusk diseases. Metalloproteases and serine proteases respectively belonging to Family M4 and Family S8 of the MEROPS system are among the most studied proteases that may function as virulence factors in mollusk pathogens. On the other hand, a mollusk-specific family (Family I84) of novel serine protease inhibitors and homologues of the tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease have been studied for their potential in the molluscan host defense. In addition, research at the genomic and transcriptomic levels showed that more proteases of pathogens and protease inhibitor of hosts are likely involved in mollusk disease processes. Therefore, the pathological significance of interactions between pathogen proteases and host protease inhibitors in the development of molluscan infectious diseases deserves more research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinggang Xue
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
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9
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Gu QJ, Zhou SM, Zhou YN, Huang JH, Shi M, Chen XX. A trypsin inhibitor-like protein secreted by Cotesia vestalis teratocytes inhibits hemolymph prophenoloxidase activation of Plutella xylostella. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 116:41-48. [PMID: 31026441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To establish successful infections, endoparasitoid wasps must develop strategies to evade immune responses of the host. Here, we identified and characterized a teratocytes-expressed gene encoding a trypsin inhibitor-like protein containing a cysteine-rich domain from Cotesia vestalis, CvT-TIL. CvT-TIL had a high expression level during the later developmental stage of teratocytes and was secreted into host hemolymph. Further experiments showed CvT-TIL strongly suppressed the prophenoloxidase activation of host hemolymph in a dose-dependent manner by interacting with PxPAP3 of PO cascade. Our results not only provide evidence for an inhibition between CvT-TIL gene and the host's melanization activity, but also expand our knowledge about the mechanisms by which parasitoids regulate humoral immunity of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Juan Gu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Min Zhou
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Nan Zhou
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Shi
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xue-Xin Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China; State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
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Wang L, Liu H, Fu H, Zhang L, Guo P, Xia Q, Zhao P. Silkworm serpin32 functions as a negative-regulator in prophenoloxidase activation. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 91:123-131. [PMID: 30339875 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular serine protease cascade is an essential component of insect humoral immunity. Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) play an important regulatory role in the process of insect immunity by regulating the serine protease cascade pathway. We aimed to clarify the function of Bmserpin32 in this study. First, we performed homologous sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of Bmserpin32. Bmserpin32 was found to share 64% amino acid sequence identity with Manduca sexta serpin7, an immunomodulatory protein. Bmserpin32 cDNA was cloned, and the recombinant Bmserpin32 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity and gel filtration chromatography. The activity assay showed that Bmserpin32 had significant inhibitory activity against trypsin. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis combined with activity assays indicated that the cleavage site of Bmserpin32 is between Arg359 and Ile360. After infection with E. coli or Micrococcus luteus, the expression level of Bmserpin32 in immune-related tissues was significantly upregulated. In addition, Bmserpin32 could delay or inhibit the melanization of hemolymph by inhibiting the activation of prophenoloxidase in larval hemolymph. Furthermore, a physiological target of Bmserpin32 was identified as the clip protease, BmPAP3, an apparent ortholog of M. sexta propenoloxidase-activating protease-3. Our observations enable a better understanding of the physiological role of Bmserpin32 in regulating melanization in silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huanyi Fu
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengchao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Li M, Christen JM, Dittmer NT, Cao X, Zhang X, Jiang H, Kanost MR. The Manduca sexta serpinome: Analysis of serpin genes and proteins in the tobacco hornworm. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 102:21-30. [PMID: 30237077 PMCID: PMC6249112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Members of the serpin superfamily of proteins occur in animals, plants, bacteria, archaea and some viruses. They adopt a variety of physiological functions, including regulation of immune system, modulation of apoptosis, hormone transport and acting as storage proteins. Most members of the serpin family are inhibitors of serine proteinases. In this study, we searched the genome of Manduca sexta and identified 32 serpin genes. We analyzed the structure of these genes and the sequences of their encoded proteins. Three M. sexta genes (serpin-1, serpin-15, and serpin-28) have mutually exclusive alternatively spliced exons encoding the carboxyl-terminal reactive center loop of the protein, which is the site of interaction with target proteases. We discovered that MsSerpin-1 has 14 splicing isoforms, including two undiscovered in previous studies. Twenty-eight of the 32 M. sexta serpins include a putative secretion signal peptide and are predicted to be extracellular proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of serpins in M. sexta and Bombyx mori indicates that 17 are orthologous pairs, perhaps carrying out essential physiological functions. Analysis of the reactive center loop and hinge regions of the protein sequences indicates that 16 of the serpin genes encode proteins that may lack proteinase inhibitor activity. Our annotation and analysis of these serpin genes and their transcript profiles should lead to future advances in experimental study of their functions in insect biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jayne M Christen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Neal T Dittmer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Xiaolong Cao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Xiufeng Zhang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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12
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Gao Q, Yang L, Dai J, Yuan G, Wang L, Qian C, Zhu B, Liu C, Wei G. Characterization and functional analysis of serpin-28 gene from silkworm, Bombyx mori. J Invertebr Pathol 2018; 159:18-27. [PMID: 30473012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (Serpins) are a broadly distributed superfamily of proteins with a SERPIN domain and participate in several immune responses. In this study, a serpin-28 gene was identified in B. mori and its role in immune regulation was investigated. This gene has an open reading frame of 1065 bp that encodes a 354-amino acid residue polypeptide containing one SERPIN domain with a predicted molecular weight of 40.3 kDa. Recombinant Bmserpin-28 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and used to raise rabbit anti-Bmserpin-28 polyclonal antibodies. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that Bmserpin-28 was expressed in all examined tissues, with maximum expression in the fat body and silk gland. Expression pattern of different developmental stages showed that the highest expression level was in the pupae, while the lowest expression level was recorded at the egg stage. After challenge with four different microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and B. mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expression pattern of Bmserpin-28 was investigated in fat body and haemocyte samples. A substantial upregulation of Bmserpin-28 expression level was recorded following pathogen challenge in both the tested tissues. Furthermore, RNA interference of Bmserpin-28 resulted in significant upregulation of antimicrobial peptide genes. In summary, our results indicated that Bmserpin-28 may be involved in the innate immunity of B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Liangli Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Junjun Dai
- Sericultural Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, PR China
| | - Guozhen Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Cen Qian
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Baojian Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Chaoliang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Guoqing Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China.
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13
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Xu X, Liu J, Wang Y, Si Y, Wang X, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Yu H, Wang X. Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor is a novel participator in anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory responses in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 80:22-30. [PMID: 29859305 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KSPI) interacts with serine protease (SP) to regulate cascade reactions in vivo and plays essential roles in innate immunity. Theoretical considerations support various functions of kspi, but further studies are required for full characterization of these functions. In this study, a KSPI molecule was identified from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), and was named Pokspi. The full-length cDNA sequence of Pokspi was 2810 nt, containing an open reading frame of 1527 nt, which encoded a polypeptide of 509 amino acid residues. PoKspi protein contained five conversed domains, namely, MANEC, PKD, LDLa and two Kunitz domains. Homology analysis revealed that Pokspi shared the highest similarity (83%) with its homolog in Cynoglossus semilaevis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Pokspi clustered with the homologs in other fishes. The mRNA transcripts of Pokspi were detected in all tested tissues, with the highest expression level in gill, followed by kidney and intestine. Its elevated expression in response to the application of Edwardsiella tarda (in vivo) and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (in vitro) suggested the involvement of Pokspi in the essential immune defense against various pathogens. Recombinant PoKspi (rPoKspi) purified from Escherichia coli exhibited not only serine protease inhibitor activities but also a broad spectrum of anti-microbial effect in a manner that was independent of any host factors. In addition, the recombinant PoKspi protein could cause the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β. In conclusion, Pokspi is a biologically active serine protease inhibitor endowed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory property. This study provides strong evidences for understanding the innate immune defense in Japanese flounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jinxiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Si
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xuangang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xubo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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Yang F, Wang Y, Sumathipala N, Cao X, Kanost MR, Jiang H. Manduca sexta serpin-12 controls the prophenoloxidase activation system in larval hemolymph. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 99:27-36. [PMID: 29800677 PMCID: PMC5997545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Insect prophenoloxidase activation is coordinated by a serine protease network, which is regulated by serine protease inhibitors of the serpin superfamily. The enzyme system also leads to proteolytic processing of a Spätzle precursor. Binding of Spätzle to a Toll receptor turns on a signaling pathway to induce the synthesis of defense proteins. Previous studies of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta have revealed key members of the protease cascade, which generates phenoloxidase for melanogenesis and Spätzle to induce immunity-related genes. Here we provide evidence that M. sexta serpin-12 regulates hemolymph protease-14 (HP14), an initiating protease of the cascade. This inhibitor, unlike the other serpins characterized in M. sexta, has an amino-terminal extension rich in hydrophilic residues and an unusual P1 residue (Leu429) right before the scissile bond cleaved by a target protease. Serpins with similarities to serpin-12, including Drosophila Necrotic, were identified in a wide range of insects including flies, moths, wasps, beetles, and two hemimetabolous species. The serpin-12 mRNA is present at low, constitutive levels in larval fat body and hemocytes and becomes more abundant after an immune challenge. We produced the serpin-12 core domain (serpin-12ΔN) in insect cells and in Escherichia coli and demonstrated its inhibition of human cathepsin G, bovine α-chymotrypsin, and porcine pancreatic elastase. MALDI-TOF analysis of the reaction mixtures confirmed the predicted P1 residue of Leu429. Supplementation of larval plasma samples with the serpin-12ΔN decreased prophenoloxidase activation elicited by microbial cells and reduced the proteolytic activation of the protease precursors of HP6, HP8, PAPs, and other serine protease-related proteins. After incubation of plasma stimulated with peptidoglycan, a 72 kDa protein appeared, which was recognized by polyclonal antibodies against both serpin-12 and HP14, suggesting that a covalent serpin-protease complex formed when serpin-12 inhibited HP14. Together, these data suggest that M. sexta serpin-12 inhibits HP14 to regulate melanization and antimicrobial peptide induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Niranji Sumathipala
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Xiaolong Cao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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Wang X, Luo H, Zhang R. Innate immune responses in the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:22-33. [PMID: 29241953 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Innate immunity, the evolutionarily conserved defense system, has been extensively analyzed in insect models over recent decades. The significant progress in this area has formed our dominant conceptual framework of the innate immune system, but critical advances in other insects have had a profound impact on our insights into the mystery of innate immunity. In recent years, we focused on the immune responses in Antheraea pernyi, an important commercial silkworm species reared in China. Here, we review the immune responses of A. pernyi based on immune-related gene-encoded proteins that are divided into five categories, namely pattern recognition receptors, hemolymph proteinases and their inhibitors, prophenoloxidase, Toll pathway factors and antimicrobial peptides, and others. Although the summarized information is limited since the research on A. pernyi immunity is in its infancy, we hope to provide evidence for further exploration of innate immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xialu Wang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Hao Luo
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
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16
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Gene expression profiling provides insights into the immune mechanism of Plutella xylostella midgut to microbial infection. Gene 2018; 647:21-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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17
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Discovery of anti-viral molecules and their vital functions in Bombyx mori. J Invertebr Pathol 2018; 154:12-18. [PMID: 29453967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The silkworm Bombyx mori (B. mori), a lepidopteran model organism, has become an important model for molecular biology researches with its genome completely sequenced. Silkworms confront different types of virus diseases, mainly including those caused by Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), Bombyx mori densovirus type 1 (BmDNV-1), Bombyx mori bidesovirus (BmBDV) which was termed as Bombyx mori densovirus type 2 (BmDNV-2) or Bombyx mori parvo-like virus (BmPLV) before in sericulture. B. mori offers excellent models to study the molecular mechanisms of insect innate immune responses to viruses. A variety of molecules and pathways have been identified to be involved in the immune responses in the silkworm to viruses, such as the antimicrobial peptides, prophenoloxidase-activating system, apoptosis, ROS, small RNA and related molecules. Here in this review, we summarize the current research advances in molecules involved in silkworm anti-virus pathways. Moreover, taking BmNPV as an example, we proposed a schematic model of molecules and pathways involved in silkworm immune responses against virus infection. We hope this review can facilitate further study of antiviral mechanisms in silkworm, and provide a reference for virus diseases in other organisms.
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18
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Yang L, Mei Y, Fang Q, Wang J, Yan Z, Song Q, Lin Z, Ye G. Identification and characterization of serine protease inhibitors in a parasitic wasp, Pteromalus puparum. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15755. [PMID: 29147019 PMCID: PMC5691223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16000-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) regulate protease-mediated activities by inactivating their cognate proteinases, and are involved in multiple physiological processes. SPIs have been extensively studied in vertebrates and invertebrates; however, little SPI information is available in parasitoids. Herein, we identified 57 SPI genes in total through the genome of a parasitoid wasp, Pteromalus puparum. Gene structure analyses revealed that these SPIs contain 7 SPI domains. Depending on their mode of action, these SPIs can be categorized into serpins, canonical inhibitors and alpha-2-macroglobulins (A2Ms). For serpins and canonical inhibitors, we predicted their putative inhibitory activities to trypsin/chymotrypsin/elastase-like enzymes based on the amino acids in cleaved reactive sites. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree indicated that some serpins similar to known functional inhibitory serpins may participate in immune responses. Transcriptome analysis also showed some canonical SPI genes displayed distinct expression patterns in the venom gland and this was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis, suggesting their specific physiological functions as venom proteins in suppressing host immune responses. The study provides valuable information to clarify the functions of SPIs in digestion, development, reproduction and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yaotian Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiale Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhichao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Zhe Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Gongyin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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He Y, Wang Y, Zhao P, Rayaprolu S, Wang X, Cao X, Jiang H. Serpin-9 and -13 regulate hemolymph proteases during immune responses of Manduca sexta. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 90:71-81. [PMID: 28987647 PMCID: PMC5673523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Serpins are a superfamily of proteins, most of which inhibit cognate serine proteases by forming inactive acyl-enzyme complexes. In the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, serpin-1, -3 through -7 negatively regulate a hemolymph serine protease system that activates precursors of the serine protease homologs (SPHs), phenoloxidases (POs), Spätzles, and other cytokines. Here we report the cloning and characterization of M. sexta serpin-9 and -13. Serpin-9, a 402-residue protein most similar to Drosophila Spn77Ba, has R366 at the P1 position right before the cleavage site; Serpin-13, a 444-residue ortholog of Drosophila Spn28Dc, is longer than the other seven serpins and has R410 as the P1 residue. Both serpins are mainly produced in fat body and secreted into plasma to function. While their mRNA and protein levels were not up-regulated upon immune challenge, they blocked protease activities and affected proPO activation in hemolymph. Serpin-9 inhibited human neutrophil elastase, cathepsin G, trypsin, and chymotrypsin to different extents; serpin-13 reduced trypsin activity to approximately 10% at a molar ratio of 4:1 (serpin: enzyme). Serpin-9 was cleaved at Arg366 by the enzymes with different specificity, but serpin-13 had four P1 sites (Arg410 for trypsin-like proteases, Gly406 and Ala409 for the elastase and Thr404 for cathepsin G). Supplementation of induced cell-free hemolymph (IP, P for plasma) with recombinant serpin-9 did not noticeably affect proPO activation, but slightly reduced the PO activity increase after 0-50% ammonium sulfate fraction of the IP had been elicited by bacteria. In comparison, addition of recombinant serpin-13 significantly inhibited proPO activation in IP and the suppression was stronger in the fraction of IP. Serpin-9- and -13-containing protein complexes were isolated from IP using their antibodies. Hemolymph protease-1 precursor (proHP1), HP6 and HP8 were found to be associated with serpin-9, whereas proHP1, HP2 and HP6 were pulled downed with serpin-13. These results indicate that both serpins regulate immune proteases in hemolymph of M. sexta larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Picheng Zhao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Subrahmanyam Rayaprolu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Xiuhong Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Xiaolong Cao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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20
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Inhibition of melanization by serpin-5 and serpin-9 promotes baculovirus infection in cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006645. [PMID: 28953952 PMCID: PMC5633200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization, an important insect defense mechanism, is mediated by clip-domain serine protease (cSP) cascades and is regulated by serpins. Here we show that proteolytic activation of prophenoloxidase (PPO) and PO-catalyzed melanization kill the baculovirus in vitro. Our quantitative proteomics and biochemical experiments revealed that baculovirus infection of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, reduced levels of most cascade members in the host hemolymph and PO activity. By contrast, serpin-9 and serpin-5 were sequentially upregulated after the viral infection. The H. armigera serpin-5 and serpin-9 regulate melanization by directly inhibiting their target proteases cSP4 and cSP6, respectively and cSP6 activates PPO purified from hemolymph. Furthermore, serpin-5/9-depleted insects exhibited high PO activities and showed resistance to baculovirus infection. Together, our results characterize a part of the melanization cascade in H. armigera, and suggest that natural insect virus baculovirus has evolved a distinct strategy to suppress the host immune system. Melanization is one of important modules in insect defense system. It consists of a cascade of clip-domain serine proteases (cSPs) that converts the zymogen prophenoloxidase (PPO) to active phenoloxidase (PO), which is negatively regulated by serpins. PO then catalyses the formation of melanin that physically encapsulates certain pathogens. Parasites and bacteria have evolved to produce specific proteins or antibiotic to suppress the melanization response of host insects for survival. However, the mechanisms by which virus persists in the face of the insect melanization are poorly understood. In this study, we show that a DNA virus baculovirus infection of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, reduced the levels of most cascade members in the host hemolymph and PO activity. By contrast, serpin-9 and serpin-5 were sequentially upregulated after the viral infection. Our results also reveal that melanization kills baculovirus in vitro. Serpin-5 and serpin-9 regulate melanization by directly inhibiting their target proteases cSP4 and cSP6, respectively and cSP6 activates PPO purified from hemolymph. Moreover, serpin-5/9-depleted insects show resistance to baculovirus infection. Our findings have enriched the understanding of molecular mechanisms by which pathogens suppress the melanization response of host insect for survival.
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Noothuan N, Amparyup P, Tassanakajon A. Melanization inhibition protein of Penaeus monodon acts as a negative regulator of the prophenoloxidase-activating system. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 72:97-102. [PMID: 28232130 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Melanization mediated by the prophenoloxidase-activating system (proPO) is an important immune response in invertebrates. However, in addition to melanin, the proPO system produces reactive intermediates that are not only harmful to the invading microbes but also to the host cells. Thus, the proPO system must be tightly regulated by several inhibitors. Previously, a melanization inhibition protein from the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, PmMIP, has been identified and preliminarily characterized. In this study, we investigate the function of PmMIP in the regulation of the proPO system in shrimp. When challenged with the bacterium Vibrio harveyi, the expression of PmMIP transcripts in gills was down-regulated dramatically at 24 h but recovered after 48 h post infection (hpi), while the PmMIP protein level in shrimp plasma was decreased at 6 hpi but recovered at 24 hpi. Double-stranded RNA-mediated gene silencing of PmMIP suppressed both PmMIP transcriptional and translational levels and resulted in increased hemolymph phenoloxidase and proteinase activities compared to controls injected with GFP dsRNA or NaCl. Furthermore, the recombinant PmMIP protein successfully expressed in Escherichia coli was able to inhibit hemolymph PO activity by 50%. These results suggested that PmMIP was involved in the proPO system by acting as a negative regulator and interfering with hemolymph proteinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattaphop Noothuan
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Piti Amparyup
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Paholyothin Road, Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Tassanakajon
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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He Y, Wang Y, Yang F, Jiang H. Manduca sexta hemolymph protease-1, activated by an unconventional non-proteolytic mechanism, mediates immune responses. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 84:23-31. [PMID: 28366787 PMCID: PMC5461656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Tissue damage or pathogen invasion triggers the auto-proteolysis of an initiating serine protease (SP), rapidly leading to sequential cleavage activation of other cascade members to set off innate immune responses in insects. Recently, we presented evidence that Manduca sexta hemolymph protease-1 zymogen (proHP1) is a member of the SP system in this species, and may activate proHP6. HP6 stimulates melanization and induces antimicrobial peptide synthesis. Here we report that proHP1 adopts an active conformation (*) to carry out its function, without a requirement for proteolytic activation. Affinity chromatography using HP1 antibodies isolated from induced hemolymph the 48 kDa proHP1 and also a 90 kDa band (detected by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions) containing proHP1 and several serpins, as revealed by mass spectrometric analysis. Identification of tryptic peptides from these 90 kDa complexes included peptides from the amino-terminal regulatory part of proHP1, indicating that proHP1* was not cleaved, and that it had formed a complex with the serpins. As suicide inhibitors, serpins form SDS-stable, acyl-complexes when they are attacked by active proteases, indicating that proHP1* was catalytically active. Detection of M. sexta serpin-1, 4, 9, 13 and smaller amounts of serpin-3, 5, 6 in the complexes suggests that it is regulated by multiple serpins in hemolymph. We produced site-directed mutants of proHP1b for cleavage by bovine blood coagulation factor Xa at the designed proteolytic activation site, to generate a form of proHP1b that could be activated by Factor Xa. However, proHP1b cut by Factor Xa failed to activate proHP6 and, via HP6, proHP8 or proPAP1. This negative result is consistent with the suggestion that proHP1* is a physiological mediator of immune responses. Further research is needed to investigate the conformational change that results in conversion of proHP1 to active proHP1*.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Wang X, Wang K, He Y, Lu X, Wen D, Wu C, Zhang J, Zhang R. The functions of serpin-3, a negative-regulator involved in prophenoloxidase activation and antimicrobial peptides expression of Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 69:1-11. [PMID: 27919647 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Serpins are a superfamily of proteins engaged in various physiological processes in all kingdoms of life. To date, many striking results have demonstrated serpins are involved in the invertebrate immune system by regulating the proteolytic cascades. However, in most insect species, the immune functions of serpins in response against pathogen invasion remain obscure. In this study, we identified a full-length cDNA sequence of serpin, named serpin-3, from the Chinese oak silkworm Antheraea pernyi. Sequence alignments have indicated that Apserpin-3 might regulate the melanization reaction via inhibiting prophenoloxidases-activating protease(s) in plasma. Furthermore, it was detected to be primarily transcribed within the fat body, epidermis and hemocytes with significant induction following immune-challenge. Further studies have shown that the knockdown of serpin-3 up-regulated the prophenoloxidases cascade stimulated by pathogen in hemolymph, while the addition of recombinant serpin-3 along with the same elicitor led to the suppressed activation of prophenoloxidase. Besides, the injection of dsRNA of serpin-3 caused the elevated expression of antimicrobial peptides. Altogether, we arrived at a conclusion that serpin-3 might act as a negative-regulator in prophenoloxidases activation and inhibit the production of antimicrobial peptides in Antheraea pernyi larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xialu Wang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Yuanyuan He
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Xinrui Lu
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Daihua Wen
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Chunfu Wu
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China.
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Serine protease SP105 activates prophenoloxidase in Asian corn borer melanization, and is regulated by serpin-3. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45256. [PMID: 28358031 PMCID: PMC5372168 DOI: 10.1038/srep45256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization reaction, resulting from the activation of prophenoloxidase, is a vital immune response in insects for encapsulating and killing the invasive organisms. Prophenoloxidase needs to be proteolytically activated by its upstream prophenoloxidase-activating protease (PAP) in melanization. Identification and characterization of PAPs facilitates the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in insect immunity. We here cloned a full-length cDNA for a serine protease, named as SP105, from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). The open reading frame of SP105 encodes 424-amino acid residue protein with a 19-residue signal peptide. Sequence comparison indicates that SP105 is most similar to Manduca sexta PAP3, a defined prophenoloxidase-activating protease. qRT-PCR analysis showed that SP105 mRNA levels increased significantly after a bacterial injection. Recombinant SP105 directly cleaved and activated Asian corn borer prophenoloxidase and therefore acted as the prophenoloxidase-activating protease. Additionally, SP105 formed SDS-stable complexes with a serine protease inhibitor, serpin-3, and its activity in activating prophenoloxidase was efficiently inhibited by serpin-3. Our work thus illustrated a prophenoloxidase-activating protease and revealed its regulation by serpin-3. The results would allow further advances in the understanding of the melanization in Asian corn borer and other insects.
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A transcriptomic survey of Migdolus fryanus (sugarcane rhizome borer) larvae. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173059. [PMID: 28248990 PMCID: PMC5332103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sugarcane, a major crop grown in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, is produced mainly for sucrose, which is used as a sweetener or for the production of bioethanol. Among the numerous pests that significantly affect the yield of sugarcane, the sugarcane rhizome borer (Migdolus fryanus, a cerambycidae beetle) is known to cause severe damage to the crops in Brazil. The absence of molecular information about this insect reinforces the need for studies and an effective method to control this pest. In this study, RNA-Seq technology was employed to study different parts of M. fryanus larvae. The generated data will help in further investigations about the taxonomy, development, and adaptation of this insect. RNA was extracted from six different parts (head, fat body, integument, hindgut, midgut, and foregut) using Trizol methodology. Using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology and the Trinity platform, trimming and de novo assembly was performed, resulting in 44,567 contigs longer than 200 nt for a reunion of data from all transcriptomes, with a mean length of 1,095.27 nt. Transcripts were annotated using BLAST against different protein databanks (Uniprot/Swissprot, PFAM, KEEG, SignalP 4.1, Gene Ontology, and CAZY) and were compared for similarity using a Venn diagram. Differential expression patterns were studied for select genes through qPCR and FPKM comprising important protein families (digestive peptidases, glucosyl hydrolases, serine protease inhibitors and otopetrin), which allowed a better understanding of the insect’s digestion, immunity and gravity sensorial mechanisms.
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Lin H, Lin X, Zhu J, Yu XQ, Xia X, Yao F, Yang G, You M. Characterization and expression profiling of serine protease inhibitors in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). BMC Genomics 2017; 18:162. [PMID: 28196471 PMCID: PMC5309989 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) have been found in all living organisms and play significant roles in digestion, development and innate immunity. In this study, we present a genome-wide identification and expression profiling of SPI genes in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a major pest of cruciferous crops with global distribution and broad resistance to different types of insecticides. RESULTS A total of 61 potential SPI genes were identified in the P. xylostella genome, and these SPIs were classified into serpins, canonical inhibitors, and alpha-2-macroglobulins based on their modes of action. Sequence alignments showed that amino acid residues in the hinge region of known inhibitory serpins from other insect species were conserved in most P. xylostella serpins, suggesting that these P. xylostella serpins may be functionally active. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that P. xylostella inhibitory serpins were clustered with known inhibitory serpins from six other insect species. More interestingly, nine serpins were highly similar to the orthologues in Manduca sexta which have been demonstrated to participate in regulating the prophenoloxidase activation cascade, an important innate immune response in insects. Of the 61 P.xylostella SPI genes, 33 were canonical SPIs containing seven types of inhibitor domains, including Kunitz, Kazal, TIL, amfpi, Antistasin, WAP and Pacifastin. Moreover, some SPIs contained additional non-inhibitor domains, including spondin_N, reeler, and other modules, which may be involved in protein-protein interactions. Gene expression profiling showed gene-differential, stage- and sex-specific expression patterns of SPIs, suggesting that SPIs may be involved in multiple physiological processes in P. xylostella. CONCLUSIONS This is the most comprehensive investigation so far on SPI genes in P. xylostella. The characterized features and expression patterns of P. xylostella SPIs indicate that the SPI family genes may be involved in innate immunity of this species. Our findings provide valuable information for uncovering further biological roles of SPI genes in P. xylostella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xijian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jiwei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, 64110-2499, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Fengluan Yao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350013, China
| | - Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China. .,Institute of Applied Ecology and Research Centre for Biodiversity and Eco-Safety, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China. .,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China. .,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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Azambuja P, Garcia ES, Waniek PJ, Vieira CS, Figueiredo MB, Gonzalez MS, Mello CB, Castro DP, Ratcliffe NA. Rhodnius prolixus: from physiology by Wigglesworth to recent studies of immune system modulation by Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 97:45-65. [PMID: 27866813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This review is dedicated to the memory of Professor Sir Vincent B. Wigglesworth (VW) in recognition of his many pioneering contributions to insect physiology which, even today, form the basis of modern-day research in this field. Insects not only make vital contributions to our everyday lives by their roles in pollination, balancing eco-systems and provision of honey and silk products, but they are also outstanding models for studying the pathogenicity of microorganisms and the functioning of innate immunity in humans. In this overview, the immune system of the triatomine bug, Rhodnius prolixus, is considered which is most appropriate to this dedication as this insect species was the favourite subject of VW's research. Herein are described recent developments in knowledge of the functioning of the R. prolixus immune system. Thus, the roles of the cellular defences, such as phagocytosis and nodule formation, as well as the role of eicosanoids, ecdysone, antimicrobial peptides, reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals, and the gut microbiota in the immune response of R. prolixus are described. The details of many of these were unknown to VW although his work gives indications of his awareness of the importance to R. prolixus of cellular immunity, antibacterial activity, prophenoloxidase and the gut microbiota. This description of R. prolixus immunity forms a backdrop to studies on the interaction of the parasitic flagellates, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli, with the host defences of this important insect vector. These parasites remarkably utilize different strategies to avoid/modulate the triatomine immune response in order to survive in the extremely hostile host environments present in the vector gut and haemocoel. Much recent information has also been gleaned on the remarkable diversity of the immune system in the R. prolixus gut and its interaction with trypanosome parasites. This new data is reviewed and gaps in our knowledge of R. prolixus immunity are identified as subjects for future endeavours. Finally, the publication of the T. cruzi, T. rangeli and R. prolixus genomes, together with the use of modern molecular techniques, should lead to the enhanced identification of the determinants of infection derived from both the vector and the parasites which, in turn, could form targets for new molecular-based control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - E S Garcia
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P J Waniek
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - C S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - M B Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - M S Gonzalez
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - C B Mello
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - N A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.
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Serpins in arthropod biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 62:105-119. [PMID: 27603121 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Serpins are the largest known family of serine proteinase inhibitors and perform a variety of physiological functions in arthropods. Herein, we review the field of serpins in arthropod biology, providing an overview of current knowledge and topics of interest. Serpins regulate insect innate immunity via inhibition of serine proteinase cascades that initiate immune responses such as melanization and antimicrobial peptide production. In addition, several serpins with anti-pathogen activity are expressed as acute-phase serpins in insects upon infection. Parasitoid wasps can downregulate host serpin expression to modulate the host immune system. In addition, examples of serpin activity in development and reproduction in Drosophila have also been discovered. Serpins also function in host-pathogen interactions beyond immunity as constituents of venom in parasitoid wasps and saliva of blood-feeding ticks and mosquitoes. These serpins have distinct effects on immunosuppression and anticoagulation and are of interest for vaccine development. Lastly, the known structures of arthropod serpins are discussed, which represent the serpin inhibitory mechanism and provide a detailed overview of the process.
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Li J, Ma L, Lin Z, Zou Z, Lu Z. Serpin-5 regulates prophenoloxidase activation and antimicrobial peptide pathways in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 73:27-37. [PMID: 27084699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The prophenoloxidase (PPO) activation pathway and Toll pathway are two critical insect immune responses against microbial infection. Activation of these pathways is mediated by an extracellular serine protease cascade, which is negatively regulated by serpins. In this study, we found that the mRNA abundance of silkworm serpin-5 (BmSpn-5) increased dramatically in the fat body after bacterial infection. The expression level of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), gloverin-3, cecropin-D and -E decreased in the silkworm larvae injected with recombinant BmSpn-5 protein. Meanwhile, the inhibition of beads melanization, systemic melanization and PPO activation by BmSpn-5 was also observed. By means of immunoaffinity purification and analysis by mass spectrometry, we identified that the silkworm clip domain serine proteases BmHP6 and BmSP21 form a complex with BmSpn-5, which suggests that BmHP6 and SP21 are the cognate proteases of BmSpn-5 and are essential in the serine protease cascade that activates the Toll and PPO pathways. Our study provides a comprehensive characterization of BmSpn-5 and sheds light on the multiple pathways leading to PPO activation and their regulation by serpins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlan Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhe Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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30
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Cloning, expression and characterization of Ostrinia furnacalis serpin1, a regulator of the prophenoloxidase activation system. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 192:9-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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31
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Xu J, Zhang P, Kusakabe T, Mon H, Li Z, Zhu L, Iiyama K, Banno Y, Morokuma D, Lee JM. Comparative proteomic analysis of hemolymph proteins from Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV)-sensitive or -resistant silkworm strains during infections. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2015; 16:36-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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32
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Bathige SDNK, Umasuthan N, Godahewa GI, Jayasinghe JDHE, Whang I, Noh JK, Lee J. A homolog of Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor from rock bream, Oplegnathus fasciatus: Molecular insights and transcriptional modulation in response to microbial and PAMP stimulation, and tissue injury. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 46:285-291. [PMID: 26162478 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteases and their inhibitors play vital roles in diverse biological processes. In this study, we identified and characterized cDNA coding for a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (SPI), which we designated as RbKSPI, in a commercially important species, rock bream. The full-length cDNA sequence of RbKSPI consisted of 2452 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1521 bp encoding a polypeptide of 507 amino acid (aa) residues. In the RbKSPI protein, MANEC, PKD, LDLa, and two Kunitz domains responsible for various functions were identified as characteristic features. Homology analysis revealed that RbKSPI shared the highest identity with the Kunitz homolog in Takifugu rubripes (77.6%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that RbKSPI clusters with other teleostean KSPIs. In tissue-specific expression analysis, RbKSPI transcripts were detected in all the tested tissues, with the highest expression in gill tissue, followed by kidney and intestine. The mRNA expression of RbKSPI significantly increased in blood cells upon stimulation with two strains of bacteria (Edwardsiella tarda and Streptococcus iniae) and two pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs; LPS and poly I:C). Meanwhile, down-regulated expression of RbKSPI was observed in response to tissue injury. Collectively, these results suggest that the RbKSPI may be involved in essential immune defense against microbial pathogens and in the wound-healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D N K Bathige
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - G I Godahewa
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - J D H E Jayasinghe
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilson Whang
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Koo Noh
- Genetics & Breeding Research Center, National Fisheries Research & Development Institute, Geoje 656-842, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea.
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Kanost MR, Jiang H. Clip-domain serine proteases as immune factors in insect hemolymph. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 11:47-55. [PMID: 26688791 PMCID: PMC4680995 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
CLIP proteases are non-digestive serine proteases present in hemolymph of insects and other arthropods. They are composed of one or more amino-terminal clip domains followed by a linker sequence and a carboxyl-terminal S1A family serine protease domain. The genes for CLIP proteases have evolved as four clades (CLIPA, CLIPB, CLIPC, CLIPD), each present as multigene families in insect genomes. CLIP proteases in hemolymph function in innate immune responses. These include proteolytic activation of the cytokine Spätzle, to form an active Toll ligand leading to synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, and specific activation of prophenoloxidase, required for the melanization response. CLIP proteases act in cascade pathways. In the immune pathways that have been characterized, microbial surface molecules stimulate activation of an initiating modular serine protease, which then activates a CLIPC, which in turn activates a CLIPB. The active CLIPB then cleaves and activates an effector molecule (proSpätzle or prophenoloxidase). CLIPA proteins are pseudoproteases, lacking proteolytic activity, but some can function as regulators of the activity of other CLIP proteases and form high molecular weight immune complexes. A few three dimensional structures for CLIP proteases are now available for structure-function analysis of these immune factors, revealing structural features that may act in specific activation or in formation of immune complexes. The functions of most CLIP proteases are unknown, even in well studied insect species. It is very likely that additional proteins activated by CLIP proteases and acting in immunity remain to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
- Communicating author: Michael R. Kanost, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA, 785-532-6964,
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078 USA
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Ahola V, Koskinen P, Wong SC, Kvist J, Paulin L, Auvinen P, Saastamoinen M, Frilander MJ, Lehtonen R, Hanski I. Temperature- and sex-related effects of serine protease alleles on larval development in the Glanville fritillary butterfly. J Evol Biol 2015; 28:2224-35. [PMID: 26337146 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The body reserves of adult Lepidoptera are accumulated during larval development. In the Glanville fritillary butterfly, larger body size increases female fecundity, but in males fast larval development and early eclosion, rather than large body size, increase mating success and hence fitness. Larval growth rate is highly heritable, but genetic variation associated with larval development is largely unknown. By comparing the Glanville fritillary population living in the Åland Islands in northern Europe with a population in Nantaizi in China, within the source of the post-glacial range expansion, we identified candidate genes with reduced variation in Åland, potentially affected by selection under cooler climatic conditions than in Nantaizi. We conducted an association study of larval growth traits by genotyping the extremes of phenotypic trait distributions for 23 SNPs in 10 genes. Three genes in clip-domain serine protease family were associated with larval growth rate, development time and pupal weight. Additive effects of two SNPs in the prophenoloxidase-activating proteinase-3 (ProPO3) gene, related to melanization, showed elevated growth rate in high temperature but reduced growth rate in moderate temperature. The allelic effects of the vitellin-degrading protease precursor gene on development time were opposite in the two sexes, one genotype being associated with long development time and heavy larvae in females but short development time in males. Sexually antagonistic selection is here evident in spite of sexual size dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ahola
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Koskinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S C Wong
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Kvist
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Paulin
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Auvinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Saastamoinen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M J Frilander
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Lehtonen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Genome-Scale Biology Research Program & Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - I Hanski
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Qian C, Fang Q, Wang L, Ye GY. Molecular Cloning and Functional Studies of Two Kazal-Type Serine Protease Inhibitors Specifically Expressed by Nasonia vitripennis Venom Apparatus. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2888-905. [PMID: 26248077 PMCID: PMC4549731 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7082888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two cDNA sequences of Kazal-type serine protease inhibitors (KSPIs) in Nasonia vitripennis, NvKSPI-1 and NvKSPI-2, were characterized and their open reading frames (ORFs) were 198 and 264 bp, respectively. Both NvKSPI-1 and NvKSPI-2 contained a typical Kazal-type domain. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results revealed that NvKSPI-1 and NvKSPI-2 mRNAs were mostly detected specifically in the venom apparatus, while they were expressed at lower levels in the ovary and much lower levels in other tissues tested. In the venom apparatus, both NvKSPI-1 and NvKSPI-2 transcripts were highly expressed on the fourth day post eclosion and then declined gradually. The NvKSPI-1 and NvKSPI-2 genes were recombinantly expressed utilizing a pGEX-4T-2 vector, and the recombinant products fused with glutathione S-transferase were purified. Inhibition of recombinant GST-NvKSPI-1 and GST-NvKSPI-2 to three serine protease inhibitors (trypsin, chymotrypsin, and proteinase K) were tested and results showed that only NvKSPI-1 could inhibit the activity of trypsin. Meanwhile, we evaluated the influence of the recombinant GST-NvKSPI-1 and GST-NvKSPI-2 on the phenoloxidase (PO) activity and prophenoloxidase (PPO) activation of hemolymph from a host pupa, Musca domestica. Results showed PPO activation in host hemolymph was inhibited by both recombinant proteins; however, there was no significant inhibition on the PO activity. Our results suggested that NvKSPI-1 and NvKSPI-2 could inhibit PPO activation in host hemolymph and trypsin activity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Qian
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Qi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Gong-Yin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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36
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Liu D, Wang L, Yang L, Qian C, Wei G, Dai L, Li J, Zhu B, Liu C. Serpin-15 from Bombyx mori inhibits prophenoloxidase activation and expression of antimicrobial peptides. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 51:22-28. [PMID: 25720980 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) play a key role in physiological responses by controlling protease activities. In this study, we studied the biochemical functions of serpin-15, an SPI, from Bombyx mori (Bmserpin-15). Recombinant Bmserpin-15 was expressed in Escherichia coli cells and used to raise rabbit anti-Bmserpin-15 polyclonal antibodies. Bmserpin-15 mRNA and protein expression was detected in all tested tissues, particularly in the fat body and silk gland. After challenge with four different microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and B. mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expressions of Bmserpin-15 mRNA and protein were induced significantly, particularly by B. bassiana and M. luteus. Recombinant Bmserpin-15 inhibited prophenoloxidase activation, but did not affect phenoloxidase activity, in B. mori hemolymph. Injection of recombinant Bmserpin-15 into B. mori larvae reduced significantly the transcript levels of antimicrobial peptides in fat body. Our results suggested that Bmserpin-15 plays an important role in the innate immunity of B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongran Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Liu Yang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Cen Qian
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Guoqing Wei
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lishang Dai
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Baojian Zhu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chaoliang Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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37
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Chu Y, Zhou F, Liu Y, Hong F, Wang G, An C. Ostrinia furnacalis serpin-3 regulates melanization cascade by inhibiting a prophenoloxidase-activating protease. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 61:53-61. [PMID: 25818483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease cascade-mediated prophenolxidase activation is a prominent innate immune response in insect defense against the invading pathogens. Serpins regulate this reaction to avoid excessive activation. However, the function of serpins in most insect species, especially in some non-model agriculture insect pests, is largely unknown. We here cloned a full-length cDNA for a serpin, named as serpin-3, from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). The open reading frame of serpin-3 encodes 462-amino acid residue protein with a 19-residue signal peptide. It contains a reactive center loop strikingly similar to the proteolytic activation site in prophenoloxidase. Sequence comparison indicates that O. furnacalis serpin-3 is an apparent ortholog of Manduca sexta serpin-3, a defined negative regulator of melanization reaction. Serpin-3 mRNA and protein levels significantly increase after a bacterial or fungal injection. Recombinant serpin-3 efficiently blocks prophenoloxidase activation in larval plasma in a concentration-dependent manner. It forms SDS-stable complexes with serine protease 13 (SP13), and prevents SP13 from cleaving prophenoloxidase. Injection of recombinant serpin-3 into larvae results in decreased fungi-induced melanin synthesis and reduced the expression of attacin, cecropin, gloverin, and peptidoglycan recognition protein-1 genes in the fat body. Altogether, serpin-3 plays important roles in the regulation of prophenoloxidase activation and antimicrobial peptide production in O. furnacalis larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fang Hong
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Legentil L, Paris F, Ballet C, Trouvelot S, Daire X, Vetvicka V, Ferrières V. Molecular Interactions of β-(1→3)-Glucans with Their Receptors. Molecules 2015; 20:9745-66. [PMID: 26023937 PMCID: PMC6272582 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20069745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
β-(1→3)-Glucans can be found as structural polysaccharides in cereals, in algae or as exo-polysaccharides secreted on the surfaces of mushrooms or fungi. Research has now established that β-(1→3)-glucans can trigger different immune responses and act as efficient immunostimulating agents. They constitute prevalent sources of carbons for microorganisms after subsequent recognition by digesting enzymes. Nevertheless, mechanisms associated with both roles are not yet clearly understood. This review focuses on the variety of elucidated molecular interactions that involve these natural or synthetic polysaccharides and their receptors, i.e., Dectin-1, CR3, glycolipids, langerin and carbohydrate-binding modules.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/genetics
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/metabolism
- Agaricales/genetics
- Agaricales/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Edible Grain/genetics
- Edible Grain/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase/genetics
- Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase/immunology
- Glycolipids/immunology
- Glycolipids/metabolism
- Humans
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/immunology
- Macrophage-1 Antigen/genetics
- Macrophage-1 Antigen/immunology
- Mannose-Binding Lectins/genetics
- Mannose-Binding Lectins/immunology
- Receptors, Scavenger/genetics
- Receptors, Scavenger/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- Stramenopiles/genetics
- Stramenopiles/metabolism
- beta-Glucans/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Legentil
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6226, 11 Allée de Beaulieu, CS 50837, 35708 Rennes Cedex 7, France.
- Université européenne de Bretagne, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Franck Paris
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6226, 11 Allée de Beaulieu, CS 50837, 35708 Rennes Cedex 7, France.
- Université européenne de Bretagne, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Caroline Ballet
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6226, 11 Allée de Beaulieu, CS 50837, 35708 Rennes Cedex 7, France.
- Université européenne de Bretagne, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Sophie Trouvelot
- INRA, UMR AgroSup/INRA/uB 1347 Agroécologie, Pôle Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes-ERL CNRS 6300, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France.
| | - Xavier Daire
- INRA, UMR AgroSup/INRA/uB 1347 Agroécologie, Pôle Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes-ERL CNRS 6300, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France.
| | - Vaclav Vetvicka
- Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Vincent Ferrières
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6226, 11 Allée de Beaulieu, CS 50837, 35708 Rennes Cedex 7, France.
- Université européenne de Bretagne, F-35000 Rennes, France.
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Ali MR, Lim J, Kim Y. Transcriptome of a specialized extra-embryonic cell, teratocyte, and its host immunosuppressive role revealed by ex vivo RNA interference. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 24:13-28. [PMID: 25255866 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The specialized wasp cells teratocytes (TCs) are derived from the embryonic serosal membrane of some parasitic hymenopteran insects. As a parasitic factor, TCs are multifunctional in host regulation, such as host nutritional deprivation, immunosuppression and developmental arrest; however, little is understood about their genetic constituents. The present study provides a comprehensive view of the genes expressed by TCs through a transcriptome analysis based on RNA sequencing technology. The assembled 34 686 contigs (>200 base pairs) were annotated into different functional categories, indicating a distinct distribution in gene transcripts compared with those of haemocytes and fat body. The TC transcriptome contained components of insulin signalling and biosyntheses of juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone. TCs also expressed various groups of digestive enzymes, indicating that they have nutritional role for the growing parasitoid larvae in parasitism. Furthermore, through this transcriptome analysis two kinds of immunosuppressive serine protease inhibitors (serpins) and Rho GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs) were annotated. To determine the biological functions of these factors, we devised ex vivo RNA interference (RNAi) by conducting knockdown of gene expression in in vitro-cultured TCs followed by injection of the treated TCs to test insects. Ex vivo RNAi revealed that some serpins and RhoGAPs expressed in TCs inhibited host cellular immunity. This study reports a transcriptome of the unique TC animal cell and its immunosuppressive genetic factors using ex vivo RNAi technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Ali
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
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40
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Ardisson-Araujo DMP, Rohrmann GF, Ribeiro BM, Clem RJ. Functional characterization of hesp018, a baculovirus-encoded serpin gene. J Gen Virol 2015; 96:1150-1160. [PMID: 25573886 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The serpin family of serine proteinase inhibitors plays key roles in a variety of biochemical pathways. In insects, one of the important functions carried out by serpins is regulation of the phenoloxidase (PO) cascade - a pathway that produces melanin and other compounds that are important in insect humoral immunity. Recent sequencing of the baculovirus Hemileuca sp. nucleopolyhedrovirus (HespNPV) genome revealed the presence of a gene, hesp018, with homology to insect serpins. To our knowledge, hesp018 is the first viral serpin homologue to be characterized outside of the chordopoxviruses. The Hesp018 protein was found to be a functional serpin with inhibitory activity against a subset of serine proteinases. Hesp018 also inhibited PO activation when mixed with lepidopteran haemolymph. The Hesp018 protein was secreted when expressed in lepidopteran cells and a baculovirus expressing Hesp018 exhibited accelerated production of viral progeny during in vitro infection. Expression of Hesp018 also reduced caspase activity induced by baculovirus infection, but caused increased cathepsin activity. In infected insect larvae, expression of Hesp018 resulted in faster larval melanization, consistent with increased activity of viral cathepsin. Finally, expression of Hesp018 increased the virulence of a prototype baculovirus by fourfold in orally infected neonate Trichoplusia ni larvae. Based on our observations, we hypothesize that hesp018 may have been retained in HespNPV due to its ability to inhibit the activity of select host proteinases, possibly including proteinases involved in the PO response, during infection of host insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M P Ardisson-Araujo
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.,Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - George F Rohrmann
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Bergmann M Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Rollie J Clem
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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Lekha G, Vijayagowri E, Sirigineedi S, Sivaprasad V, Ponnuvel KM. Differential Level of Host Gene Expression Associated with Nucleopolyhedrovirus Infection in Silkworm Races of Bombyx mori. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.7852/ijie.2014.29.2.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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42
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Takahashi D, Dai H, Hiromasa Y, Krishnamoorthi R, Kanost MR. Self-association of an insect β-1,3-glucan recognition protein upon binding laminarin stimulates prophenoloxidase activation as an innate immune response. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:28399-410. [PMID: 25147183 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.583971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect β-glucan recognition protein (βGRP), a pathogen recognition receptor for innate immune responses, detects β-1,3-glucan on fungal surfaces via its N-terminal carbohydrate-binding domain (N-βGRP) and triggers serine protease cascades for the activation of prophenoloxidase (pro-PO) or Toll pathways. Using biophysical and biochemical methods, we characterized the interaction of the N-terminal domain from Manduca sexta βGRP2 (N-βGRP2) with laminarin, a soluble form of β-1,3-glucan. We found that carbohydrate binding by N-βGRP2 induces the formation of two types of protein-carbohydrate complexes, depending on the molar ratio of carbohydrate to protein ([C]/[P]). Precipitation, analytical ultracentrifugation, and chemical cross-linking experiments have shown that an insoluble aggregate forms when the molar ratio of carbohydrate to protein is low ([C]/[P] ∼ 1). In contrast, a soluble complex, containing at least five N-βGRP2 molecules forms at a higher molar ratio of carbohydrate/protein ([C]/[P] >5). A hypothesis that this complex is assembled partly due to protein-protein interactions was supported by chemical cross-linking experiments combined with LC-MS/MS spectrometry analysis, which permitted identification of a specific intermolecular cross-link site between N-βGRP molecules in the soluble complex. The pro-PO activation in naive plasma was strongly stimulated by addition of the insoluble aggregates of N-βGRP2. The soluble complex with laminarin formed in the plasma also stimulated pro-PO activation, but at a lower level. Taken together, these results provide experimental evidence for novel mechanisms in which associations of βGRP with microbial polysaccharide promotes assembly of βGRP oligomers, which may form a platform needed to trigger the pro-PO pathway activation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Takahashi
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Huaien Dai
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Yasuaki Hiromasa
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Ramaswamy Krishnamoorthi
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Michael R Kanost
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
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43
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Liu Y, Shi G, Cui Z, Luo D, Song C, Li X, Hui M, Li Y. PtSerpin from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus, a putative regulator of prophenoloxidase activation with antibacterial activity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 39:365-371. [PMID: 24861890 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Serpin or serine protease inhibitor is the largest family of protease inhibitors involved in many innate immune pathways, particularly the prophenoloxidase (proPO) activating system in arthropod. Here, we report the molecular and functional characterization of PtSerpin identified from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus. The genomic sequence encoding mature peptide of PtSerpin gene contained two exons of 84 and 1098 bp separated by one intron of 111 bp. The recombinant PtSerpin (rPtSerpin) with a predicted size of 44 kDa was expressed in Escherichia coli system, purified and assayed for its activities. The rPtSerpin exhibited inhibitory activity against trypsin in a dose-dependent manner, but did not affect chymotrypsin, which could define a role for PtSerpin as a trypsin inhibitor. The rPtSerpin could inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus, but not the tested Gram-positive bacterium and fungus. Further phenoloxidase (PO) assay showed PO activity was dramatically increased in hemocyte lysate supernatant of P. trituberculatus upon bacterial challenge. The rPtSerpin could depress the crab proPO system activation in vitro, and it could lead to 100% inhibition of PO activity under the concentration of 8.62 μM. Moreover, the rPtSerpin was able to inhibit the PO activity induced by rPtcSP and rPtSPH1. These results together indicate that PtSerpin is a potential trypsin inhibitor and may participate in crab innate immunity by the inhibition of bacterial growth and the regulation of proPO system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxia Cui
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.
| | - Danli Luo
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengwen Song
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xihong Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Hui
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingdong Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
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44
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RNAi-mediated knockdown of serine protease inhibitor genes increases the mortality of Plutella xylostella challenged by destruxin A. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97863. [PMID: 24837592 PMCID: PMC4023956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Destruxin A is a mycotoxin that is secreted by entomopathogenic fungi which has a broad-spectrum insecticidal effect. Previous transcript and protein profiling analysis showed that destruxin A has significant effects on the expression of serine protease inhibitor genes (serpin-2, 4, 5) in the larvae of Plutella xylostella. In the current study, we aimed to understand the role of serpins under application of destruxin A. We obtained two full-length cDNA sequences of P. xylostella serpins, named serpin-4 and serpin-5, and cloned the serpin-2 gene whose full-length has already been published. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these two serpin genes were highly clustered with other serpins associated with the immune response in other insects. The temporal and spatial expression of serpin-2, serpin-4 and serpin-5 were determined to be the highest in the fat body and hemolymph of 4th larval stage using qRT-PCR and western blot detection techniques. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated knockdown of P. xylostella serpin genes was carried out by microinjection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The expression levels of serpins decreased significantly after RNAi. Results showed that the depletion of serpins induced cecropins expression, increased phenoloxidase (PO) activity, body melanization and mortality in the larvae of P. xylostella under the same lethal concentration of destruxin A. The superimposed effects of serpins RNAi were similar with the destruxin A treatment upon mortality of P. xylostella larvae. We discovered for the first time that serpins play indispensable role in P. xylostella when challenged by destruxin A and deduced the possible function mechanism of destruxin A. Our findings are conducive to fully understanding the potential insecticidal mechanism of destruxin A and constitute a well-defined potential molecular target for novel insecticides.
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Liu Y, Hou F, He S, Qian Z, Wang X, Mao A, Sun C, Liu X. Identification, characterization and functional analysis of a serine protease inhibitor (Lvserpin) from the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 43:35-46. [PMID: 24211341 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2013.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
As important arthropod immune responses, prophenoloxidase (proPO) activation and Toll pathway initiation are mediated by serine proteinase cascades and regulated by serpins. Herein, a serine protease inhibitor (Lvserpin), encoding for 415 amino acids with calculated molecular weight of 46,639 Da and isoelectric point of 7.03 was characterized from the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that Lvserpin shared the highest similarity with Penaeus monodon serpin6 (87%). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the transcripts of Lvserpin were detected in all the examined tissues and most highly expressed in gill. The expression profiles of Lvserpin were greatly fluctuated upon infection of Vibrio anguillarum, Micrococcus lysoleikticus or White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). Double stranded RNA-mediated suppression of Lvserpin resulted in a significant increase in the transcripts of two clip-domain serine proteinases (PPAE and PPAF), prophenoloxidase (proPO), anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF), Crustin and penaeidin3 (Pens3) and also increased the high cumulative mortality post V. anguillarum injection. Besides, the recombinant Lvserpin protein (rLvserpin) was purified and exhibited inhibitory activity against trypsin. Also the rLvserpin showed inhibition on prophenoloxidase activation and bacterial growth. Hence, we proposed that the Lvserpin played important role in the shrimp innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Yangling 712100, China
| | - Fujun Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Yangling 712100, China
| | - Shulin He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhaoying Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xianzong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Yangling 712100, China
| | - Aitao Mao
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Chengbo Sun
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Yangling 712100, China.
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Isolation and molecular characterization of a major hemolymph serpin from the triatomine, Panstrongylus megistus. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:23. [PMID: 24423259 PMCID: PMC3898217 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease kills 2.5 thousand people per year of 15 million persons infected in Latin America. The disease is caused by the protozoan, Trypanosome cruzi, and vectored by triatomine insects, including Panstrongylus megistus, an important vector in Brazil. Medicines treating Chagas disease have unpleasant side effects and may be ineffective, therefore, alternative control techniques are required. Knowledge of the T. cruzi interactions with the triatomine host needs extending and new targets/strategies for control identified. Serine and cysteine peptidases play vital roles in protozoan life cycles including invasion and entry of T. cruzi into host cells. Peptidase inhibitors are, therefore, promising targets for disease control. Methods SDS PAGE and chromatograpy detected and isolated a P. megistus serpin which was peptide sequenced by mass spectrometry. A full amino acid sequence was obtained from the cDNA and compared with other insect serpins. Reverse transcription PCR analysis measured serpin transcripts of P. megistus tissues with and without T. cruzi infection. Serpin homology modeling used the Swiss Model and Swiss-PDB viewer programmes. Results The P. megistus serpin (PMSRP1) has a ca. 40 kDa molecular mass with 404 amino acid residues. A reactive site loop contains a highly conserved hinge region but, based on sequence alignment, the normal cleavage site for serine proteases at P1-P1′ was translocated to the putative position P4′-P5′. A small peptide obtained corresponded to the C-terminal 40 amino acid region. The secondary structure of PMSRP1 indicated nine α-helices and three β-sheets, similar to other serpins. PMSRP1 transcripts occurred in all tested tissues but were highest in the fat body and hemocytes. Levels of mRNA encoding PMSRP1 were significantly modulated in the hemocytes and stomach by T. cruzi infection indicating a role for PMSRP1 in the parasite interactions with P. megistus. Conclusions For the first time, a constitutively expressed serpin has been characterized from the hemolymph of a triatomine. This opens up new research avenues into the roles of serine peptidases in the T. cruzi/P. megistus association. Initial experiments indicate a role for PMSRP1 in T. cruzi interactions with P. megistus and will lead to further functional studies of this molecule.
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Wetsaphan N, Rimphanitchayakit V, Tassanakajon A, Somboonwiwat K. PmSERPIN3 from black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon is capable of controlling the proPO system. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 41:110-119. [PMID: 23660411 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2013.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Serpin or serine proteinase inhibitor is a family of protease inhibitors that are involved in controlling the proteolytic cascade in various biological processes. In shrimp, several serpins have been identified but only a few have been characterized. Herein, the PmSERPIN3 gene identified from Penaeus monodon EST database was studied. By using the 5'- and 3'-Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) techniques, the full-length of PmSERPIN3 cDNA was obtained. The cDNA contained an open reading frame of 1233 bp encoding for 410 amino acid residue protein. Genome sequence analysis revealed that the PmSERPIN3 was an intronless gene. RT-PCR analysis revealed that it was constitutively expressed in all developmental stages, all shrimp tissues tested, and upon pathogen infections. The recombinant mature PmSERPIN3 protein (rPmSERPIN3) produced in Escherichia coli exhibited inhibitory activity against subtilisin. The rPmSERPIN3 also inhibited the shrimp prophenoloxidase system activation in vitro. Injecting the rPmSERPIN3 along with Vibrio harveyi into the shrimp decreased the clearance rate of bacteria in the hemolymph. Potentially, the PmSERPIN3 functions as a regulator of the proPO activating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthiya Wetsaphan
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Identification of immune response-related genes in the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi by suppression subtractive hybridization. J Invertebr Pathol 2013; 114:313-23. [PMID: 24076149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Insects possess an innate immune system that responds to invading microorganisms. In this study, a subtractive cDNA library was constructed to screen for immune response-related genes in the fat bodies of Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) pupa challenged with Escherichia coli. Four hundred putative EST clones were identified by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), including 50 immune response-related genes, three cytoskeleton genes, eight cell cycle and apoptosis genes, five respiration and energy metabolism genes, five transport genes, 40 metabolism genes, ten stress response genes, four transcription and translation regulation genes and 77 unknown genes. To verify the reliability of the SSH data, the transcription of a set of randomly selected immune response-related genes were confirmed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). These identified immune response-related genes provide insight into understanding the innate immunity in A. pernyi.
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Perdomo-Morales R, Montero-Alejo V, Corzo G, Besada V, Vega-Hurtado Y, González-González Y, Perera E, Porto-Verdecia M. The trypsin inhibitor panulirin regulates the prophenoloxidase-activating system in the spiny lobster Panulirus argus. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:31867-79. [PMID: 24047891 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.464297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanization reaction promoted by the prophenoloxidase-activating system is an essential defense response in invertebrates subjected to regulatory mechanisms that are still not fully understood. We report here the finding and characterization of a novel trypsin inhibitor, named panulirin, isolated from the hemocytes of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus with regulatory functions on the melanization cascade. Panulirin is a cationic peptide (pI 9.5) composed of 48 amino acid residues (5.3 kDa), with six cysteine residues forming disulfide bridges. Its primary sequence was determined by combining Edman degradation/N-terminal sequencing and electrospray ionization-MS/MS spectrometry. The low amino acid sequence similarity with known proteins indicates that it represents a new family of peptidase inhibitors. Panulirin is a competitive and reversible tight-binding inhibitor of trypsin (Ki = 8.6 nm) with a notable specificity because it does not inhibit serine peptidases such as subtilisin, elastase, chymotrypsin, thrombin, and plasmin. The removal of panulirin from the lobster hemocyte lysate leads to an increase in phenoloxidase response to LPS. Likewise, the addition of increasing concentrations of panulirin to a lobster hemocyte lysate, previously depleted of trypsin-inhibitory activity, decreased the phenoloxidase response to LPS in a concentration-dependent fashion. These results indicate that panulirin is implicated in the regulation of the melanization cascade in P. argus by inhibiting peptidase(s) in the pathway toward the activation of the prophenoloxidase enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Perdomo-Morales
- From the Biochemistry Department, Center for Pharmaceuticals Research and Development, Ave. 26 No. 1605 e/ Ave. 51 y Boyeros, Plaza, CP 10400, Havana, Cuba
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Suwanchaichinda C, Ochieng R, Zhuang S, Kanost MR. Manduca sexta serpin-7, a putative regulator of hemolymph prophenoloxidase activation. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 43:555-61. [PMID: 23567587 PMCID: PMC3760416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Serpins regulate various physiological reactions in humans and insects, including certain immune responses, primarily through inhibition of serine proteases. Six serpins have previously been identified and characterized in the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta. In this study, we obtained a full-length cDNA sequence of another Manduca serpin, named serpin-7. The open reading frame of serpin-7 encodes a polypeptide of 400 amino acid residues with a predicted signal peptide of the first 15 residues. Multiple protein sequence alignment of the reactive center loop region of the M. sexta serpins indicated that serpin-7 contains Arg-Ile at the position of the predicted scissile bond cleaved by protease in the serpin inhibition mechanism. The same residues occur in the scissile bond of the reactive center loop in M. sexta serpin-4 and serpin-5, which are protease inhibitors that can block prophenoloxidase activation in plasma. Serpin-7 transcript was detected in hemocytes and fat body, and its expression increased in fat body after injection of larvae with Micrococcus luteus. Recombinant serpin-7 added to larval plasma inhibited spontaneous melanization and decreased prophenoloxidase activation stimulated by bacteria. Serpin-7 inhibited prophenoloxidase-activating protease-3 (PAP3), forming a stable serpin-protease complex. Considering that serpin-3 and serpin-6 are also efficient inhibitors of PAP3, it appears that multiple serpins present in plasma may have redundant or overlapping functions. We conclude that serpin-7 has serine protease inhibitory activity and is likely involved in regulation of proPO activation or other protease-mediated aspects of innate immunity in M. sexta.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael R. Kanost
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 785 532 6964; fax: +1 785 532 7278. (M.R. Kanost)
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