1
|
Huang Y, Shen L, Du F, Wang Z, Yin Y. Functional studies of McSTE24, McCYP305a1, and McJHEH, three essential genes act in cantharidin biosynthesis in the blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2024; 24:4. [PMID: 38989843 PMCID: PMC11237990 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a toxic defensive substance secreted by most blister beetles when attacked. It has been used to treat many complex diseases since ancient times and has recently regained popularity as an anticancer agent. However, the detailed mechanism of the cantharidin biosynthesis has not been completely addressed. In this study, we cloned McSTE24 (encoding STE24 endopeptidase) from terpenoid backbone pathway, McCYP305a1 (encoding cytochrome P450, family 305) and McJHEH [encoding subfamily A, polypeptide 1 and juvenile hormone (JH) epoxide hydrolase] associated to JH synthesis/degradation in the blister beetle Mylabris cichorii (Linnaeus, 1758, Coleoptera: Meloidae). Expression pattern analyses across developmental stages in adult males revealed that the expressions of 3 transcripts were closely linked to cantharidin titer exclusively during the peak period of cantharidin synthesis (20-25 days old). In contrast, at other stages, these genes may primarily regulate different biological processes. When RNA interference with double-stranded RNA suppressed the expressions of the 3 genes individually, significant reductions in cantharidin production were observed in males and also in females following McJHEH knockdown, indicating that these 3 genes might primarily contribute to cantharidin biosynthesis in males, but not in females, while females could self-synthesis a small amount of cantharidin. These findings support the previously hypothesized sexual dimorphism in cantharidin biosynthesis during the adult phase. McCYP305a1 collaborates with its upstream gene McSTE24 in cantharidin biosynthesis, while McJHEH independently regulates cantharidin biosynthesis in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Function and Regulation, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ling Shen
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Function and Regulation, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Fang Du
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Function and Regulation, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Zhongkang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Function and Regulation, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Youping Yin
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Function and Regulation, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Eberhard WG. The functional morphology of species-specific male structures and lack of female coevolution in Lytta ( Adicolytta) eucera (Chevrolat 1834) (Coleoptera Meloidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2022.2152106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William G. Eberhard
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Universidad de Costa Rica, and Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA(E-mail: )
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Male Accessory Glands of Blister Beetles and Cantharidin Release: A Comparative Ultrastructural Analysis. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020132. [PMID: 35206706 PMCID: PMC8875262 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Meloidae, also called blister beetles, are known to actively produce cantharidin, a toxic terpene with a defensive function that is released externally by reflex bleeding, and that is also stored in large quantities in the male accessory glands. These glands are involved in the transfer of terpene from males to females, which receive cantharidin via spermatophores as a nuptial gift to be used for their own protection and that of the eggs. However, it is still debated whether the male accessory glands can actively produce the terpene or if they only mediate its transfer, since neither the cantharidin-producing organ nor the metabolic pathway are known to date. The focus of the work is to analyze comparatively the accessory glands of males in representative Meloidae species to provide morphological evidences that can contribute to this debate. The results highlight the complexity of the accessory gland system, consisting of three different types of glands that are highly variable between species with the exception of one, which remains conserved even in independent phyletic lines. This gland is a good candidate for hypothesizing a direct role in cantharidin production and/or concentration. Abstract Members of the family Meloidae are known to produce cantharidin, a highly toxic monoterpene found in their hemolymph and exuded as droplets capable of deterring many predators. As a nuptial gift, males transfer large amounts of cantharidin to females via a spermatophore, which is formed by specific accessory glands containing high concentrations of this terpene. Using light, electron and ion beam microscopy, the ultrastructural features of the three pairs of male accessory glands as well as the glandular part of the vasa deferentia were comparatively investigated in seven species of blister beetles belonging to five different tribes and two subfamilies. All gland pairs examined share common features such as mesodermal derivation, the presence of muscle sheath, a developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, abundant mitochondria, secretory vesicles, and microvillated apical membranes. Within the same species, glands exhibit distinctive features, suggesting that each pair is responsible for the formation of a specific substance. The vasa deferentia, while showing many similarities within the family, often exhibit features unique to each of the individual species investigated, whereas the accessory glands of the first and second pairs display the highest degree of ultrastructural variability. A comparison across the species shows an interesting constancy limited to ultrastructural features in the third pair of accessory glands. The similarities and differences among the species are discussed in the light of the available literature and in relation to the potential role that blister beetles’ male accessory glands could play in the storage and management of cantharidin.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fratini E, Salvemini M, Lombardo F, Muzzi M, Molfini M, Gisondi S, Roma E, D'Ezio V, Persichini T, Gasperi T, Mariottini P, Di Giulio A, Bologna MA, Cervelli M, Mancini E. Unraveling the role of male reproductive tract and haemolymph in cantharidin-exuding Lydus trimaculatus and Mylabris variabilis (Coleoptera: Meloidae): a comparative transcriptomics approach. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:808. [PMID: 34749651 PMCID: PMC8576976 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meloidae (blister beetles) are known to synthetize cantharidin (CA), a toxic and defensive terpene mainly stored in male accessory glands (MAG) and emitted outward through reflex-bleeding. Recent progresses in understanding CA biosynthesis and production organ(s) in Meloidae have been made, but the way in which self-protection is achieved from the hazardous accumulation and release of CA in blister beetles has been experimentally neglected. To provide hints on this pending question, a comparative de novo assembly transcriptomic approach was performed by targeting two tissues where CA is largely accumulated and regularly circulates in Meloidae: the male reproductive tract (MRT) and the haemolymph. Differential gene expression profiles in these tissues were examined in two blister beetle species, Lydus trimaculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (tribe Lyttini) and Mylabris variabilis (Pallas, 1781) (tribe Mylabrini). Upregulated transcripts were compared between the two species to identify conserved genes possibly involved in CA detoxification and transport. Results Based on our results, we hypothesize that, to avoid auto-intoxication, ABC, MFS or other solute transporters might sequester purported glycosylated CA precursors into MAG, and lipocalins could bind CA and mitigate its reactivity when released into the haemolymph during the autohaemorrhaging response. We also found an over-representation in haemolymph of protein-domains related to coagulation and integument repairing mechanisms that likely reflects the need to limit fluid loss during reflex-bleeding. Conclusions The de novo assembled transcriptomes of L. trimaculatus and M. variabilis here provided represent valuable genetic resources to further explore the mechanisms employed to cope with toxicity of CA in blister beetle tissues. These, if revealed, might help conceiving safe and effective drug-delivery approaches to enhance the use of CA in medicine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Molfini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Gisondi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elia Roma
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Díaz-Navarro M, Bolívar P, Andrés MF, Gómez-Muñoz MT, Martínez-Díaz RA, Valcárcel F, García-París M, Bautista LM, González-Coloma A. Antiparasitic Effects of Potentially Toxic Beetles (Tenebrionidae and Meloidae) from Steppe Zones. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070489. [PMID: 34357960 PMCID: PMC8310226 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropods and specifically beetles can synthesize and/or sequester metabolites from dietary sources. In beetle families such as Tenebrionidae and Meloidae, a few studies have reported species with toxic defensive substances and antiparasitic properties that are consumed by birds. Here we have studied the antiparasitic activity of extracts from beetle species present in the habitat of the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) against four pathogen models (Aspergillus niger, Meloidogyne javanica, Hyalomma lusitanicum, and Trichomonas gallinae). The insect species extracted were Tentyria peiroleri, Scaurus uncinus, Blaps lethifera (Tenebrionidae), and Mylabris quadripunctata (Meloidae). M. quadripunctata exhibited potent activity against M. javanica and T. gallinae, while T. peiroleri exhibited moderate antiprotozoal activity. The chemical composition of the insect extracts was studied by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The most abundant compounds in the four beetle extracts were hydrocarbons and fatty acids such as palmitic acid, myristic acid and methyl linoleate, which are characteristic of insect cuticles. The presence of cantharidin (CTD) in the M. quadripunctata meloid and ethyl oleate (EO) in T. peiroleri accounted for the bioactivity of their extracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Díaz-Navarro
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, CSIC, Serrano 115-dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Paula Bolívar
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María Fe Andrés
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, CSIC, Serrano 115-dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Rafael A. Martínez-Díaz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Arzobispo Morcillo S/N, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Félix Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, CSIC-INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mario García-París
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Luis M. Bautista
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Azucena González-Coloma
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, CSIC, Serrano 115-dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rosas-Ramos N, Rodríguez-Flores PC, García-París M. Proctodeal extrusion as a defensive behavioral response in blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Naturwissenschaften 2021; 108:19. [PMID: 33900461 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-021-01728-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Defensive mechanisms in blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) include a wide variety of behavioral responses, chemical defense, and conspicuous external colorations. Although some of these mechanisms have been previously described, proctodeal extrusion, a defensive behavior involving the extrusion of inner abdominal membranes from the proctodeal region which appear intensely red or orange colored when the hemolymph is seen through them, has not been reported to date. Here, we tested the ability to display proctodeal extrusion in response to threat stimuli in wild populations of three blister beetle species inhabiting Central Spain: Berberomeloe majalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Berberomeloe comunero Sánchez-Vialas, García-París, Ruiz & Recuero, 2020, and Physomeloe corallifer (Germar, 1818). In addition, we observed and recorded various other defensive behaviors such as immobility, antennal threat display, autohemorrhage (reflex bleeding), defecation, and thanatosis (death feigning). The frequency at which proctodeal extrusion was observed differed among species, as did the stress intensity needed for extrusion and the probability of proctodeal extrusion in response to a particular threatening stimulus. Our findings indicate that, although proctodeal extrusion might be a widespread potential defensive mechanism in Meloidae, the ability to elicit it is not generalized across lineages. Physomeloe and Berberomeloe are endemic to the semi-arid Mediterranean region, and species adapted to such a climate would have developed strategies that limit hydric stress such as proctodeal extrusion, which mirrors the effect of autohemorrhage but without the fluid loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rosas-Ramos
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain. .,Departamento de Biología Animal (Área de Zoología), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Paula C Rodríguez-Flores
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centre D'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Muzzi M, Di Giulio A, Mancini E, Fratini E, Cervelli M, Gasperi T, Mariottini P, Persichini T, Bologna MA. The male reproductive accessory glands of the blister beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae): Anatomy and ultrastructure of the cantharidin-storing organs. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 59:100980. [PMID: 32829176 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Blister beetles owe their name to their ability to release cantharidin, a blistering terpene, the highest concentration of which is retained in male accessory glands. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the three pairs of male reproductive accessory glands and the glandular region of the two vasa deferentia of Meloe proscarabaeus were investigated using light, electron and ion beam microscopy. All of the mesodermal glands here analysed share a common structural organization with an outer muscular layer and an inner glandular epithelium facing a broad lumen in which the secretory products are released. Developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi systems, abundant mitochondria, numerous secretory vesicles and a microvillated apical membrane are commonly found in the cells of different glandular epithelia, suggesting that all accessory gland pairs as well as the vasa deferentia are involved in an active synthesis. Nevertheless, each pair of glands appears specialized in the production of a specific set of substances, as suggested by the peculiarities in cellular ultrastructure and by the different aspect of the secretions stored in their glandular lumen. The above cited features of male accessory glands of M. proscarabaeus are compared with those of other beetles and some hints on their potential role in producing and/or concentrating cantharidin are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sánchez-Vialas A, García-París M, Ruiz JL, Recuero E. Patterns of morphological diversification in giant Berberomeloe blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) reveal an unexpected taxonomic diversity concordant with mtDNA phylogenetic structure. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AbstractDelimiting species boundaries is a complex challenge usually hindered by overlooked morphological diversification or misinterpretation of geographically structured phenotypic variability. Independent molecular data are extremely useful to characterize and understand such morphological diversity. Morphological and molecular variability of the non-phoretic and apterous, widely distributed, giant blister beetles of the genus Berberomeloe, were investigated within and between lineages across most of the distributional range of the genus. We used two mtDNA gene fragments to characterize genetic variability and to produce a time-calibrated phylogeny of the genus. Our results reveal several mitochondrial lineages, allopatrically, parapatrically and sympatrically distributed. Most clades are not distinguishable between each other based on morphometrics. However, no morphometric overlap is observed between two closely related clades, one of them occurring in sympatry with a distantly congeneric species (B. insignis), suggesting that sympatry could trigger morphological diversification. Although most species share a morphometric space, they can be morphologically identified by a combination of easily observed characteristic qualitative features. Based on the concordance between mtDNA clades and morphological units, we describe six new species of Berberomeloe (B. castuo sp. nov., B. comunero sp. nov., B. indalo sp. nov, B. yebli sp. nov., B. payoyo sp. nov. and B. tenebrosus sp. nov.), revalidate two taxa (B. maculifrons comb. nov. and B. laevigatus comb. nov.) and redefine B. majalis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ernesto Recuero
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
López-Estrada EK, Sanmartín I, García-París M, Zaldívar-Riverón A. High extinction rates and non-adaptive radiation explains patterns of low diversity and extreme morphological disparity in North American blister beetles (Coleoptera, Meloidae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 130:156-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|