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Chen J, Nouzova M, Noriega FG, Tatar M. Gut-to-brain regulation of Drosophila aging through neuropeptide F, insulin and juvenile hormone. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.26.600832. [PMID: 38979180 PMCID: PMC11230353 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.26.600832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Dietary restriction slows aging in many animals, while in some cases the sensory signals from diet alone are sufficient to retard or accelerate lifespan. The digestive tract is a candidate location to sense nutrients, where neuropeptides secreted by enteroendocrine cells (EEC) produce systemic signals in response to food. Here we measure how Drosophila neuropeptide F (NPF) is secreted into adult circulation by enteroendocrine cells and find that specific enteroendocrine cells differentially respond to dietary sugar and yeast. Lifespan is increased when gut NPF is genetically depleted, and this manipulation is sufficient to blunt the longevity benefit conferred by dietary restriction. Depletion of NPF receptors at insulin producing neurons of the brain also increases lifespan, consistent with observations where loss of gut NPF decreases neuronal insulin secretion. The longevity conferred by repressing gut NPF and brain NPF receptors is reversed by treating adults with a juvenile hormone (JH) analog. JH is produced by the adult corpora allata, and inhibition of the insulin receptor at this tissue decreases JH titer and extends lifespan, while this longevity is restored to wild type by treating adults with a JH analog. Overall, enteroendocrine cells of the gut modulate Drosophila aging through interorgan communication mediated by a gut-brain-corpora allata axis, and insulin produced in the brain impacts lifespan through its control of JH titer. These data suggest that we should consider how human incretins and their analogs, which are used to treat obesity and diabetes, may impact aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtian Chen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Marcela Nouzova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic, 37005
| | - Fernando G. Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199 USA
- Department of Parasitology, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, 37005 Czech Republic
| | - Marc Tatar
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912 USA
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2
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Amaro IA, Wohl MP, Pitcher S, Alfonso-Parra C, Avila FW, Paige AS, Helinski MEH, Duvall LB, Harrington LC, Wolfner MF, McMeniman CJ. Sex peptide receptor is not required for refractoriness to remating or induction of egg laying in Aedes aegypti. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae034. [PMID: 38551457 PMCID: PMC11075561 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae034] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Across diverse insect taxa, the behavior and physiology of females dramatically changes after mating-processes largely triggered by the transfer of seminal proteins from their mates. In the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster, the seminal protein sex peptide (SP) decreases the likelihood of female flies remating and causes additional behavioral and physiological changes that promote fertility including increasing egg production. Although SP is only found in the Drosophila genus, its receptor, sex peptide receptor (SPR), is the widely conserved myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) receptor. To test the functional role of SPR in mediating postmating responses in a non-Drosophila dipteran, we generated 2 independent Spr-knockout alleles in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Although SPR is needed for postmating responses in Drosophila and the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, Spr mutant Ae. aegypti show completely normal postmating decreases in remating propensity and increases in egg laying. In addition, injection of synthetic SP or accessory gland homogenate from D. melanogaster into virgin female mosquitoes did not elicit these postmating responses. Our results demonstrate that Spr is not required for these canonical postmating responses in Ae. aegypti, indicating that other, as yet unknown, signaling pathways are likely responsible for these behavioral switches in this disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margot P Wohl
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sylvie Pitcher
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | - Frank W Avila
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew S Paige
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Laura B Duvall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Conor J McMeniman
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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3
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Zhu H, Ludington WB, Spradling AC. Cellular and molecular organization of the Drosophila foregut. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318760121. [PMID: 38442150 PMCID: PMC10945768 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318760121] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The animal foregut is the first tissue to encounter ingested food, bacteria, and viruses. We characterized the adult Drosophila foregut using transcriptomics to better understand how it triages consumed items for digestion or immune response and manages resources. Cell types were assigned and validated using GFP-tagged and Gal4 reporter lines. Foregut-associated neuroendocrine cells play a major integrative role by coordinating gut activity with nutrition, the microbiome, and circadian cycles; some express clock genes. Multiple epithelial cell types comprise the proventriculus, the central foregut organ that secretes the peritrophic matrix (PM) lining the gut. Analyzing cell types synthesizing individual PM layers revealed abundant mucin production close to enterocytes, similar to the mammalian intestinal mucosa. The esophagus and salivary gland express secreted proteins likely to line the esophageal surface, some of which may generate a foregut commensal niche housing specific gut microbiome species. Overall, our results imply that the foregut coordinates dietary sensing, hormonal regulation, and immunity in a manner that has been conserved during animal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolong Zhu
- Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD21218
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
| | - William B. Ludington
- Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD21218
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
| | - Allan C. Spradling
- Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD21218
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
- HHMI, Baltimore, MD21218
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4
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Qian Q, Niwa R. Endocrine Regulation of Aging in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:4-13. [PMID: 38587512 DOI: 10.2108/zs230056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed increasing research clarifying the role of endocrine signaling in the regulation of aging in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Studies using the model organism fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have largely advanced our understanding of evolutionarily conserved mechanisms in the endocrinology of aging and anti-aging. Mutations in single genes involved in endocrine signaling modify lifespan, as do alterations of endocrine signaling in a tissue- or cell-specific manner, highlighting a central role of endocrine signaling in coordinating the crosstalk between tissues and cells to determine the pace of aging. Here, we review the current landscape of research in D. melanogaster that offers valuable insights into the endocrine-governed mechanisms which influence lifespan and age-related physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyin Qian
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan,
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5
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Orchard I, Lange AB. The neuroendocrine and endocrine systems in insect - Historical perspective and overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 580:112108. [PMID: 37956790 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
A complex cascade of events leads to the initiation and maintenance of a behavioral act in response to both internally and externally derived stimuli. These events are part of a transition of the animal into a new behavioral state, coordinated by chemicals that bias tissues and organs towards a new functional state of the animal. This form of integration is defined by the neuroendocrine (or neurosecretory) system and the endocrine system that release neurohormones or hormones, respectively. Here we describe the classical neuroendocrine and endocrine systems in insects to provide an historic perspective and overview of how neurohormones and hormones support plasticity in behavioral expression. Additionally, we describe peripheral tissues such as the midgut, epitracheal glands, and ovaries, which, whilst not necessarily being endocrine glands in the pure sense of the term, do produce and release hormones, thereby providing even more flexibility for inter-organ communication and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
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6
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Niwa R, Sato M, Igaki T. Editorial note: flying high in Japan. Fly (Austin) 2023; 17:2173997. [PMID: 36876479 PMCID: PMC10012939 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2023.2173997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Makoto Sato
- Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Igaki
- Laboratory of Genetics, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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7
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Kashio S, Masuda S, Miura M. Involvement of neuronal tachykinin-like receptor at 86C in Drosophila disc repair via regulation of kynurenine metabolism. iScience 2023; 26:107553. [PMID: 37636053 PMCID: PMC10457576 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons contribute to the regeneration of projected tissues; however, it remains unclear whether they are involved in the non-innervated tissue regeneration. Herein, we showed that a neuronal tachykinin-like receptor at 86C (TkR86C) is required for the repair of non-innervated wing discs in Drosophila. Using a genetic tissue repair system in Drosophila larvae, we performed genetic screening for G protein-coupled receptors to search for signal mediatory systems for remote tissue repair. An evolutionarily conserved neuroinflammatory receptor, TkR86C, was identified as the candidate receptor. Neuron-specific knockdown of TkR86C impaired disc repair without affecting normal development. We investigated the humoral metabolites of the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway regulated in the fat body because of their role as tissue repair-mediating factors. Neuronal knockdown of TkR86C hampered injury-dependent changes in the expression of vermillion in the fat body and humoral Kyn metabolites. Our data indicate the involvement of TkR86C neurons upstream of Kyn metabolism in non-autonomous tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soshiro Kashio
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shu Masuda
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masayuki Miura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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8
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Abstract
Endocrine signaling networks control diverse biological processes and life history traits across metazoans. In both invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, steroid hormones regulate immune system function in response to intrinsic and environmental stimuli, such as microbial infection. The mechanisms of this endocrine-immune regulation are complex and constitute an ongoing research endeavor facilitated by genetically tractable animal models. The 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is the major steroid hormone in arthropods, primarily studied for its essential role in mediating developmental transitions and metamorphosis; 20E also modulates innate immunity in a variety of insect taxa. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of 20E-mediated innate immune responses. The prevalence of correlations between 20E-driven developmental transitions and innate immune activation are summarized across a range of holometabolous insects. Subsequent discussion focuses on studies conducted using the extensive genetic resources available in Drosophila that have begun to reveal the mechanisms underlying 20E regulation of immunity in the contexts of both development and bacterial infection. Lastly, I propose directions for future research into 20E regulation of immunity that will advance our knowledge of how interactive endocrine networks coordinate animals' physiological responses to environmental microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Keith
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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9
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Vershinina YS, Krasnov GS, Garbuz DG, Shaposhnikov MV, Fedorova MS, Pudova EA, Katunina IV, Kornev AB, Zemskaya NV, Kudryavtsev AA, Bulavkina EV, Matveeva AA, Ulyasheva NS, Guvatova ZG, Anurov AA, Moskalev AA, Kudryavtseva AV. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Effect of Torin-2 on the Central Nervous System of Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109095. [PMID: 37240439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Torin-2, a synthetic compound, is a highly selective inhibitor of both TORC1 and TORC2 (target of rapamycin) complexes as an alternative to the well-known immunosuppressor, geroprotector, and potential anti-cancer natural compound rapamycin. Torin-2 is effective at hundreds of times lower concentrations and prevents some negative side effects of rapamycin. Moreover, it inhibits the rapamycin-resistant TORC2 complex. In this work, we evaluated transcriptomic changes in D. melanogaster heads induced with lifetime diets containing Torin-2 and suggested possible neuroprotective mechanisms of Torin-2. The analysis included D. melanogaster of three ages (2, 4, and 6 weeks old), separately for males and females. Torin-2, taken at the lowest concentration being tested (0.5 μM per 1 L of nutrient paste), had a slight positive effect on the lifespan of D. melanogaster males (+4% on the average) and no positive effect on females. At the same time, RNA-Seq analysis revealed interesting and previously undiscussed effects of Torin-2, which differed between sexes as well as in flies of different ages. Among the cellular pathways mostly altered by Torin-2 at the gene expression level, we identified immune response, protein folding (heat shock proteins), histone modification, actin cytoskeleton organization, phototransduction and sexual behavior. Additionally, we revealed that Torin-2 predominantly reduced the expression of Srr gene responsible for the conversion of L-serine to D-serine and thus regulating activity of NMDA receptor. Via western blot analysis, we showed than in old males Torin-2 tends to increase the ratio of the active phosphorylated form of ERK, the lowest node of the MAPK cascade, which may play a significant role in neuroprotection. Thus, the complex effect of Torin-2 may be due to the interplay of the immune system, hormonal background, and metabolism. Our work is of interest for further research in the field of NMDA-mediated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia S Vershinina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - George S Krasnov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - David G Garbuz
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Maria S Fedorova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena A Pudova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V Katunina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey B Kornev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda V Zemskaya
- Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch of RAS, 167000 Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Alexander A Kudryavtsev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta V Bulavkina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Matveeva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia S Ulyasheva
- Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch of RAS, 167000 Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Zulfiya G Guvatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artemiy A Anurov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A Moskalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Kudryavtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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10
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Makdissi S, Parsons BD, Di Cara F. Towards early detection of neurodegenerative diseases: A gut feeling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1087091. [PMID: 36824371 PMCID: PMC9941184 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1087091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract communicates with the nervous system through a bidirectional network of signaling pathways called the gut-brain axis, which consists of multiple connections, including the enteric nervous system, the vagus nerve, the immune system, endocrine signals, the microbiota, and its metabolites. Alteration of communications in the gut-brain axis is emerging as an overlooked cause of neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is a common feature of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) that are incurable and debilitating conditions resulting in progressive degeneration and death of neurons, such as in Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. NDs are a leading cause of global death and disability, and the incidences are expected to increase in the following decades if prevention strategies and successful treatment remain elusive. To date, the etiology of NDs is unclear due to the complexity of the mechanisms of diseases involving genetic and environmental factors, including diet and microbiota. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in diet, alteration of the microbiota, and deregulation of metabolism in the intestinal epithelium influence the inflammatory status of the neurons linked to disease insurgence and progression. This review will describe the leading players of the so-called diet-microbiota-gut-brain (DMGB) axis in the context of NDs. We will report recent findings from studies in model organisms such as rodents and fruit flies that support the role of diets, commensals, and intestinal epithelial functions as an overlooked primary regulator of brain health. We will finish discussing the pivotal role of metabolisms of cellular organelles such as mitochondria and peroxisomes in maintaining the DMGB axis and how alteration of the latter can be used as early disease makers and novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Makdissi
- Dalhousie University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Halifax, NS, Canada
- IWK Health Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Halifax, Canada
| | - Brendon D. Parsons
- Dalhousie University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Francesca Di Cara
- Dalhousie University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Halifax, NS, Canada
- IWK Health Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Halifax, Canada
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11
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Li H, Luo X, Li N, Liu T, Zhang J. Insulin-like peptide 8 (Ilp8) regulates female fecundity in flies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1103923. [PMID: 36743416 PMCID: PMC9890075 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1103923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Insulin-like peptides (Ilps) play crucial roles in nearly all life stages of insects. Ilp8 is involved in developmental stability, stress resistance and female fecundity in several insect species, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report the functional characterization of Ilp8s in three fly species, including Bactrocera dorsalis, Drosophila mercatorum and Drosophila melanogaster. Methods: Phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify and characterize insect Ilp8s. The amino acid sequences of fly Ilp8s were aligned and the three-dimensional structures of fly Ilp8s were constructed and compared. The tissue specific expression pattern of fly Ilp8s were examined by qRT-PCR. In Bactrocera dorsalis and Drosophila mercatorum, dsRNAs were injected into virgin females to inhibit the expression of Ilp8 and the impacts on female fecundity were examined. In Drosophila melanogaster, the female fecundity of Ilp8 loss-of-function mutant was compared with wild type control flies. The mutant fruit fly strain was also used for sexual behavioral analysis and transcriptomic analysis. Results: Orthologs of Ilp8s are found in major groups of insects except for the lepidopterans and coleopterans, and Ilp8s are found to be well separated from other Ilps in three fly species. The key motif and the predicted three-dimensional structure of fly Ilp8s are well conserved. Ilp8 are specifically expressed in the ovary and are essential for female fecundity in three fly species. Behavior analysis demonstrates that Ilp8 mutation impairs female sexual attractiveness in fruit fly, which results in decreased mating success and is likely the cause of fecundity reduction. Further transcriptomic analysis indicates that Ilp8 might influence metabolism, immune activity, oocyte development as well as hormone homeostasis to collectively regulate female fecundity in the fruit fly. Discussion: Our findings support a universal role of insect Ilp8 in female fecundity, and also provide novel clues for understanding the modes of action of Ilp8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomiao Li
- MARA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Luo
- MARA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Li
- MARA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Junzheng Zhang
- MARA Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Junzheng Zhang,
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12
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Malita A, Kubrak O, Koyama T, Ahrentløv N, Texada MJ, Nagy S, Halberg KV, Rewitz K. A gut-derived hormone suppresses sugar appetite and regulates food choice in Drosophila. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1532-1550. [PMID: 36344765 PMCID: PMC9684077 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00672-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Animals must adapt their dietary choices to meet their nutritional needs. How these needs are detected and translated into nutrient-specific appetites that drive food-choice behaviours is poorly understood. Here we show that enteroendocrine cells of the adult female Drosophila midgut sense nutrients and in response release neuropeptide F (NPF), which is an ortholog of mammalian neuropeptide Y-family gut-brain hormones. Gut-derived NPF acts on glucagon-like adipokinetic hormone (AKH) signalling to induce sugar satiety and increase consumption of protein-rich food, and on adipose tissue to promote storage of ingested nutrients. Suppression of NPF-mediated gut signalling leads to overconsumption of dietary sugar while simultaneously decreasing intake of protein-rich yeast. Furthermore, gut-derived NPF has a female-specific function in promoting consumption of protein-containing food in mated females. Together, our findings suggest that gut NPF-to-AKH signalling modulates specific appetites and regulates food choice to ensure homeostatic consumption of nutrients, providing insight into the hormonal mechanisms that underlie nutrient-specific hungers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Malita
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olga Kubrak
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Takashi Koyama
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nadja Ahrentløv
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael J Texada
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stanislav Nagy
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenneth V Halberg
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim Rewitz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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13
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Taghert PH. The incidence of candidate binding sites for β-arrestin in Drosophila neuropeptide GPCRs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275410. [PMID: 36318573 PMCID: PMC9624432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To support studies of neuropeptide neuromodulation, I have studied beta-arrestin binding sites (BBS's) by evaluating the incidence of BBS sequences among the C terminal tails (CTs) of each of the 49 Drosophila melanogaster neuropeptide GPCRs. BBS were identified by matches with a prediction derived from structural analysis of rhodopsin:arrestin and vasopressin receptor: arrestin complexes [1]. To increase the rigor of the identification, I determined the conservation of BBS sequences between two long-diverged species D. melanogaster and D. virilis. There is great diversity in the profile of BBS's in this group of GPCRs. I present evidence for conserved BBS's in a majority of the Drosophila neuropeptide GPCRs; notably some have no conserved BBS sequences. In addition, certain GPCRs display numerous conserved compound BBS's, and many GPCRs display BBS-like sequences in their intracellular loop (ICL) domains as well. Finally, 20 of the neuropeptide GPCRs are expressed as protein isoforms that vary in their CT domains. BBS profiles are typically different across related isoforms suggesting a need to diversify and regulate the extent and nature of GPCR:arrestin interactions. This work provides the initial basis to initiate future in vivo, genetic analyses in Drosophila to evaluate the roles of arrestins in neuropeptide GPCR desensitization, trafficking and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H. Taghert
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Endocrine cybernetics: neuropeptides as molecular switches in behavioural decisions. Open Biol 2022; 12:220174. [PMID: 35892199 PMCID: PMC9326288 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity in animal behaviour relies on the ability to integrate external and internal cues from the changing environment and hence modulate activity in synaptic circuits of the brain. This context-dependent neuromodulation is largely based on non-synaptic signalling with neuropeptides. Here, we describe select peptidergic systems in the Drosophila brain that act at different levels of a hierarchy to modulate behaviour and associated physiology. These systems modulate circuits in brain regions, such as the central complex and the mushroom bodies, which supervise specific behaviours. At the top level of the hierarchy there are small numbers of large peptidergic neurons that arborize widely in multiple areas of the brain to orchestrate or modulate global activity in a state and context-dependent manner. At the bottom level local peptidergic neurons provide executive neuromodulation of sensory gain and intrinsically in restricted parts of specific neuronal circuits. The orchestrating neurons receive interoceptive signals that mediate energy and sleep homeostasis, metabolic state and circadian timing, as well as external cues that affect food search, aggression or mating. Some of these cues can be triggers of conflicting behaviours such as mating versus aggression, or sleep versus feeding, and peptidergic neurons participate in circuits, enabling behaviour choices and switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland Würzburg 97074, Germany
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