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Jia H, Wan H, Zhang C, Guo S, Zhang W, Mu S, Kang X. Genome-wide identification and expressional profile of the Dmrt gene family in the swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). Gene 2024:148682. [PMID: 38876404 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148682] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus is one of crucial aquaculture crabs with significant differences in growth and economic performance between male and female swimming crabs. Consequently, the culture of female populations presents higher economic value. The doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family are known to play crucial role in gonad differentiation and development. However, there is limited information about this gene family in Portunus trituberculatus. In this study, we identified seven members of the Dmrt gene family in P. trituberculatus based on the published transcriptome and genome data and designated as Ptdmrt-1, Ptdoublesex (Ptdsx), Ptidmrt-1, Ptdmrt-11E, Ptidmrt-2, Ptdmrt-99B, and Ptdmrt-3 based on the homology analysis results, respectively. These Ptdmrt genes distributed across 6 chromosomes and were predicted to encode 283 aa, 288 aa, 529 aa, 436 aa, 523 aa, 224 aa, and 435 aa protein precursors, respectively. The expression patterns of these dmrt genes were characterized by qRT-PCR and gonad transcriptome data. The results showed that five members (Ptdmrt-99B, Ptdsx, Ptdmrt-1, Ptdmrt-3, and Ptdmrt-11E) were differentially expressed between the testis and ovary. In addition, their expression patterns from zoea 2 to juvenile 1 were characterized by published transcriptome data and the results showed that they were lowly expressed and did not exhibit notable difference except for Ptdsx during early development. Overall, majority of Ptdmrt genes were involved in gonad differentiation in the swimming crab. Current findings provide a solid foundation for further exploration of the roles of these genes in gonad development and differentiation in P. trituberculatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhuo Jia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Haifu Wan
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Hebei Innovation Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Postdoctoral Research Station of Biology, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Hebei Innovation Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Hebei Innovation Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Shumei Mu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Hebei Innovation Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Hebei University, Baoding, China.
| | - Xianjiang Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China; Hebei Innovation Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Hebei University, Baoding, China.
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Dong Y, Huang L, Liu L. Comparative analysis of testicular fusion in Spodoptera litura (cutworm) and Bombyx mori (silkworm): Histological and transcriptomic insights. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 356:114562. [PMID: 38848820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Spodoptera litura commonly known as the cutworm, is among the most destructive lepidopteran pests affecting over 120 plants species. The powerful destructive nature of this lepidopteran is attributable to its high reproductive capacity. The testicular fusion that occurs during metamorphosis from larvae to pupa in S.litura positively influences the reproductive success of the offspring. In contrast, Bombyx mori, the silkworm, retains separate testes throughout its life and does not undergo this fusion process. Microscopic examination reveals that during testicular fusion in S.litura, the peritoneal sheath becomes thinner and more translucent, whereas in B.mori, the analogous region thickens. The outer basement membrane in S.litura exhibits fractures, discontinuity, and uneven thickness accompanied by a significant presence of cellular secretions, large cell size, increased vesicles, liquid droplets, and a proliferation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. In contrast, the testicular peritoneal sheath of B.mori at comparable developmental stage exhibits minimal change. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the testicular peritoneal sheath reveals a substantial difference in gene expression between the two species. The disparity in differential expressed genes (DEGs) is linked to an enrichment of numerous transcription factors, intracellular signaling pathways involving Ca2+ and GTPase, as well as intracellular protein transport and signaling pathways. Meanwhile, structural proteins including actin, chitin-binding proteins, membrane protein fractions, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix proteins are predominantly identified. Moreover, the study highlights the enrichment of endopeptidases, serine proteases, proteolytic enzymes and matrix metalloproteins, which may play a role in the degradation of the outer membrane. Five transcription factors-Slforkhead, Slproline, Slcyclic, Slsilk, and SlD-ETS were identified, and their expression pattern were confirmed by qRT-PCR. they are candidates for participating in the regulation of testicular fusion. Our findings underscore significant morphological and trancriptomic variation in the testicular peritoneal sheath of S.litura compared to the silkworm, with substantial changes at the transcriptomic level coinciding with testicular fusion. The research provides valuable clues for understanding the complex mechanisms underlying this unique phenomenon in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqun Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
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Fujiwara K, Miyazaki S, Maekawa K. Candidate target genes of the male-specific expressed Doublesex in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299900. [PMID: 38427681 PMCID: PMC10906832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299900] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Eusocial insects such as termites, ants, bees, and wasps exhibit a reproductive division of labor. The developmental regulation of reproductive organ (ovaries and testes) is crucial for distinguishing between reproductive and sterile castes. The development of reproductive organ in insects is regulated by sex-determination pathways. The sex determination gene Doublesex (Dsx), encoding transcription factors, plays an important role in this pathway. Therefore, clarifying the function of Dsx in the developmental regulation of sexual traits is important to understand the social evolution of eusocial insects. However, no studies have reported the function of Dsx in hemimetabolous eusocial group termites. In this study, we searched for binding sites and candidate target genes of Dsx in species with available genome information as the first step in clarifying the function of Dsx in termites. First, we focused on the Reticulitermes speratus genome and identified 101 candidate target genes of Dsx. Using a similar method, we obtained 112, 39, and 76 candidate Dsx target genes in Reticulitermes lucifugus, Coptotermes formosanus, and Macrotermes natalensis, respectively. Second, we compared the candidate Dsx target genes between species and identified 37 common genes between R. speratus and R. lucifugus. These included several genes probably involved in spermatogenesis and longevity. However, only a few common target genes were identified between R. speratus and the other two species. Finally, Dsx dsRNA injection resulted in the differential expression of several target genes, including piwi-like protein and B-box type zinc finger protein ncl-1 in R. speratus. These results provide valuable resource data for future functional analyses of Dsx in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokuto Fujiwara
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miyazaki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tamagawa University, Machida, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
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Li Y, Gao H, Zhang H, Yu R, Feng F, Tang J, Li B. Characterization and expression profiling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 44:101018. [PMID: 35994891 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Spodoptera litura is a highly destructive omnivorous pest, and they caused serious damage to various crops. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate dozens of physiological processes including reproduction, development, life span and behaviors, but the information of these receptors has been lacking in S. litura. Here, we methodically identified 122 GPCRs in S. litura and made an assay of their expression patterns in different tissues. Comparing the identified GPCRs with homologous genes of other insects, it is obvious that the subfamily A2 (biogenic amine receptors) and the subfamily A3 (neuropeptide and protein hormone receptors) of S. litura have expanded to a certain extent, which may be related to the omnivorous nature and drought environment resistance of S. litura. Besides, the large Methuselah (Mth)/Methuselah-like (Mthl) subfamily of S. litura may be involved in many physiological functions such as longevity and stress response. Apart from duplicate receptors, the loss of parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) and the bride of sevenless (Boss) receptor in the lepidopteran insects may imply a new pattern of wing formation and energy metabolism in lepidopteran insects. In addition, the high expression level of GPCRs in different tissues reflects the functional diversity of GPCRs regulating. Systemic identification and initial characterization of GPCRs in S. litura provide a basis for further studies to reveal the functions of these receptors in regulating physiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Runnan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Mutagenesis of Sex-Specific Doublesex Splicing Variants Leads to Sterility in Spodoptera frugiperda, a Global Invasive Pest. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223557. [PMID: 36428986 PMCID: PMC9688123 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), an emerging invasive pest worldwide, has posed a serious agricultural threat to the newly invaded areas. Although somatic sex differentiation is fundamentally conserved among insects, the sex determination cascade in S. frugiperda is largely unknown. In this study, we cloned and functionally characterized Doublesex (dsx), a "molecular switch" modulating sexual dimorphism in S. frugiperda using male- and female-specific isoforms. Given that Lepidoptera is recalcitrant to RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis was employed to construct S. frugiperda mutants. Specifically, we designed target sites on exons 2, 4, and 5 to eliminate the common, female-specific, and male-specific regions of S. frugiperda dsx (Sfdsx), respectively. As expected, abnormal development of both the external and internal genitalia was observed during the pupal and adult stages. Interestingly, knocking out sex-specific dsx variants in S. frugiperda led to significantly reduced fecundity and fertility in adults of corresponding sex. Our combined results not only confirm the conserved function of dsx in S. frugiperda sex differentiation but also provide empirical evidence for dsx as a potential target for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to combat this globally invasive pest in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
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Bi H, Xu X, Li X, Wang Y, Zhou S, Huang Y. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Serine protease 2 disruption induces male sterility in Spodoptera litura. Front Physiol 2022; 13:931824. [PMID: 35991171 PMCID: PMC9382020 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.931824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility is essential for reproduction and population growth in animals. Many factors affect male fertility, such as courtship behavior, sperm quantity, and sperm motility, among others. Seminal Fluid Proteins (SFPs) are vital components of seminal fluid in the male ejaculate, which affect male fertility, sperm activation, and female ovulation. However, the knowledge of SFPs is insufficient; the function of many SFPs remains unknown, and most described functions were mainly characterized in Drosophila or other laboratory models. Here, we focus on the Serine protease 2 (Ser2) gene in the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura. The Ser2 gene was specifically expressed in male adults. Disruption of the Ser2 gene mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 induced male sterility but females remained fertile. PCR-based detection of the next-generation mutants showed that male sterility was stably inherited. The qRT-PCR analysis of SlSer2 mutants showed that motor protein family genes and structural protein family genes were down-regulated, while protein modification family genes were up-regulated, suggesting that SlSer2 may be involved in sperm movement and activity. These results demonstrate that Ser2 is an important component of SFPs in seminal fluid and was identified for a useful sterile gene for pest control that may lead to new control strategies for lepidopteran insect pests such as S. litura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglun Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences/Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences/Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shutang Zhou, ; Yongping Huang,
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences/Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shutang Zhou, ; Yongping Huang,
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Mei X, Gao M, Huang T, Shen D, Xia D, Qiu Z, Zhao Q. Comparative analysis of testis transcriptome between a genetic male sterile line (GMS) and its wild-type 898WB in silkworm, Bombyx mori. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 42:100961. [PMID: 35074722 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.100961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is an important model organism of lepidopteran insects, and its testis is a main male reproductive organ and spermatogenesis place. Studying the testis helps to understand the mechanisms of genetic sterility of lepidopteran insects and to achieve sterile insect technique (SIT) for pest control. Herein, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of testes between three biological replicates of the GMS mutant and wild strain 898WB, respectively. In total, 1872 up-regulated genes and 1823 down-regulated genes were identified in the testis of the GMS mutant. Several genes contribute significantly to spermatogenesis and testis development, such as "serine/threonine protein kinase", "organic cation transporter protein", "tyrosine protein kinase", "lncRNAs" and "immune-associated genes". The KEGG pathway analysis shows that the DEGs were annotated to 123 pathways, and 10 pathways were significantly enriched, such as "metabolic pathway", "biosynthesis of amino acids", and "phagosome-lysosome pathway", which are associated with testis development and spermatogenesis. The results of the qPCR expression were consistent with the RNA-seq data, which shows that the RNA-seq results were accurate. The DEGs of the testes between GMS mutant and 898WB were screened by RNA-Seq technology, which provides a reliable reference to understand the molecule mechanism of male sterility of the GMS mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglin Mei
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Mengjie Gao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Tianchen Huang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Dongxu Shen
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Dingguo Xia
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Zhiyong Qiu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China.
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Jin B, Zhao Y, Dong Y, Liu P, Sun Y, Li X, Zhang X, Chen XG, Gu J. Alternative splicing patterns of doublesex reveal a missing link between Nix and doublesex in the sex determination cascade of Aedes albopictus. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1601-1620. [PMID: 33179439 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual development in insects is regulated by a complicated hierarchical cascade of sex determination. The primary signals are diverse, whereas the central nexus doublesex (dsx) gene is relatively conserved within the pathway. Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus is an important vector with an extensive worldwide distribution. We previously reported that Ae. albopictus dsx (Aalbdsx) yields one male- (AalbdsxM ) and three female-specific isoforms (AalbdsxF1-3 ); however, the spatiotemporal expression profiles and mechanisms regulating sex-specific alternative splicing require further investigation. In this study, we demonstrated that the AalbdsxM messenger RNA (mRNA) represents the default pattern when analyzed in human foreskin fibroblasts and HeLa cells. We combined reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with RNA immunoprecipitation using specific antibodies against tagged Ae. albopictus male-determining factor AalNix and confirmed that AalNix indirectly regulates dsx pre-mRNA and regulates its alternative splicing. During the early embryo stage (0-2 and 4-8 h), maternal dsxF and default splicing dsxM were detected in both sexes; the expression of dsxM then decreased until sufficient AalNix transcripts accumulated in male embryos at 20-24 h. These findings suggest that one or more potential dsx splicing enhancers can shift dsxM to dsxF in both sexes; however, the presence of Nix influences the function of this unknown splicing enhancer and ultimately leads to the formation of dsxM in males. Finally, our results provide important insight into the regulatory mechanism of dsx alternative splicing in the mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Jin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yunqiao Dong
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Peiwen Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaocong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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9
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Li JJ, Shi Y, Wu JN, Li H, Smagghe G, Liu TX. CRISPR/Cas9 in lepidopteran insects: Progress, application and prospects. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 135:104325. [PMID: 34743972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly spaced short palindrome repeats (CRISPR) structure family forms the acquired immune system in bacteria and archaea. Recent advances in CRISPR/Cas genome editing as derived from prokaryotes, confirmed the characteristics of robustness, high target specificity and programmability, and also revolutionized the insect sciences field. The successful application of CRISPR in a wide variety of lepidopteran insects, with a high genetic diversity, provided opportunities to explore gene functions, insect modification and pest control. In this review, we present a detailed overview on the recent progress of CRISPR in lepidopteran insects, and described the basic principles of the system and its application. Major interest is on wing development, pigmentation, mating, reproduction, sex determination, metamorphosis, resistance and silkworm breeding innovation. Finally, we outlined the limitations of CRISPR/Cas system and discussed its application prospects in lepidopteran insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Jie Li
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, PR China; Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yan Shi
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, PR China; Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ji-Nan Wu
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, PR China
| | - Hao Li
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, PR China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, PR China.
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Asad M, Munir F, Xu X, Li M, Jiang Y, Chu L, Yang G. Functional characterization of the cis-regulatory region for the vitellogenin gene in Plutella xylostella. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 29:137-147. [PMID: 31850544 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The vitellogenin gene promoter (VgP) is an essential cis-regulatory element that plays a significant role in transcription of the vitellogenin (Vg) gene, leading to the production of yolk protein in insects, including lepidopterans. However, the function of VgP is still not clear in Plutella xylostella. Here, we cloned a 5.1 kb DNA fragment of the cis-regulatory region adjacent to the 5' end of the Vg gene of P. xylostella (PxVg). We identified two promoter sites in that 5' upstream sequence of PxVg and performed in vitro analysis of two promoter sequences (PxVgP1, 4.9 kb, and PxVgP2, 2.9 kb) in the embryonic cell line of P. xylostella. PxVgP2 exhibited higher enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression, so PxVgP2 was used for in vivo analysis. Strong EGFP fluorescence was observed in adult females and the fat body of females, with low expression in embryos. Our results suggest that PxVgP is an important stage-, tissue- and sex-specific endogenous cis-regulatory element in P. xylostella.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Asad
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - F Munir
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - X Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - M Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Y Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - L Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - G Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
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11
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McKelvey EG, Fabre CC. Recent neurogenetic findings in insect courtship behaviour. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 36:103-110. [PMID: 31546094 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insect courtship parades consist of series of innate and stereotyped behaviours that become hardwired-in during the development of the nervous system. As such, insect courtship behaviour provides an excellent model for probing the principles of neuronal assembly, which underlie patterns of behaviour. Here, we present the main advances of recent studies - in species all the way from flies to planthoppers - and we envisage how these could lead to further propitious findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Gz McKelvey
- University of Cambridge, Department of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Cg Fabre
- University of Cambridge, Department of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom.
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12
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Wang Y, Chen X, Liu Z, Xu J, Li X, Bi H, Andongma AA, Niu C, Huang Y. Mutation of doublesex induces sex-specific sterility of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 112:103180. [PMID: 31278987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
DOUBLESEX (DSX): the downstream gene in the insect sex determination pathway, plays a critical role in sexual differentiation and development. The functions of dsx have been characterized in several model insect species. However, the molecular mechanism and functions of sex determination of dsx in Plutella xylostella, an agricultural pest, are still unknown. In present study, we identified a male-specific and three female-specific Pxdsx transcripts in P. xylostella. Phylogenetic analyses and multiple sequence alignment revealed that Pxdsx is highly conserved in lepidopterans. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to induce mutations in the male-specific isoform, the female-specific isoform, and common regions of Pxdsx. Disruptions of Pxdsx sex-specific isoforms caused sex-specific defects in external genitals and partial sexual reversal. In addition, we found that female specific transcripts were detected in PxdsxM male mutants and male-specific transcripts were detected in PxdsxF female mutants. Mutations also caused changes in expression of several sex-biased genes and induced sex-specific sterility. This study demonstrates that Pxdsx plays a key role in sex determination of P. xylostella and suggests novel genetic control approaches for the management of P. xylostella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, 200032, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xi'en Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zulian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Honglun Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Awawing A Andongma
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Changying Niu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Yongping Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Wang Y, Zhao Q, Wan QX, Wang KX, Zha XF. P-element Somatic Inhibitor Protein Binding a Target Sequence in dsx Pre-mRNA Conserved in Bombyx mori and Spodoptera litura. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092361. [PMID: 31086020 PMCID: PMC6539025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bombyx mori doublesex (Bmdsx) functions as a double-switch gene in the final step of the sex-determination cascade in the silkworm Bombyx mori. The P-element somatic inhibitor (PSI) protein in B. mori interacts with Bmdsx pre-mRNA in CE1 as an exonic splicing silencer to promote male-specific splicing of Bmdsx. However, the character of the interaction between BmPSI and Bmdsx pre-mRNA remains unclear. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) results showed that the four KH_1 motifs in BmPSI are all essential for the binding, especially the former two KH_1 motifs. Three active sites (I116, L127, and IGGI) in the KH_1 motif were found to be necessary for the binding through EMSA, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The PSI homologous protein in S. litura (SlPSI) was purified and the binding of SlPSI and CE1 was verified. Compared with BmPSI, the mutant SlPSI proteins of I116 and IGGI lost their ability to bind to CE1. In conclusion, the binding of PSI and dsx pre-mRNA are generally conserved in both B. mori and S. litura. These findings provide clues for sex determination in Lepidoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Qiu-Xing Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Kai-Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Xing-Fu Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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