Characterization of a sigma class GST (GSTS6) required for cellular detoxification and embryogenesis in Tribolium castaneum

Novel Inhibitor of Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Catalytic Subunit against Tribolium castaneum: High-Throughout Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation, and Bioassay

The enzyme glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of glutathione that is involved in antioxidant defense, detoxification of xenobiotics, and/or its metabolites and regulates the cell cycle and immune function. Therefore, Gclc presents an appealing target for the development of novel insecticides. In this study, we conducted high-throughput virtual screening from the ZINC20 database and identified three compounds with high binding affinity to the Tribolium castaneum Gclc (TcGclc). Ultimately, we selected ZINC000032992384 due to its superior stability and lowest binding energy, as determined through molecular dynamics simulations. Bioassay results revealed that the IC50 value of ZINC000032992384 was 19.70 μM lower than that of BSO (49.67 μM). Furthermore, the larval mortality in the ZINC000032992384 treated group was 63.8%, significantly higher than that of the controls (29.1% in the dichlorvos group and 6.4% in the acetone group). This study provides novel insights for the development of a Gclc-targeted inhibitor as a potent insecticide based on the interaction between receptors and ligands.

Suppressing the expression of glutathione S-transferase gene GSTd10 increases the sensitivity of Zeugodacus cucurbitae against β-cypermethrin

Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an agriculturally and economically important pest worldwide that has developed resistance to β-cypermethrin. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) have been reported to be involved in the detoxification of insecticides in insects. We have found that both ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 were up-regulated by β-cypermethrin induction in our previous study, so we aimed to explore their potential relationship with β-cypermethrin tolerance in this study. The heterologous expression of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 in Escherichia coli showed significantly high activities against 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The kinetic parameters of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 were determined by Lineweaver-Burk. The Vmax and Km of ZcGSTd6 were 0.50 μmol/min·mg and 0.3 mM, respectively. The Vmax and Km of ZcGSTd10 were 1.82 μmol/min·mg and 0.53 mM. The 3D modelling and molecular docking results revealed that β-cypermethrin exhibited a stronger bounding to the active site SER-9 of ZcGSTd10. The sensitivity to β-cypermethrin was significantly increased by 18.73% and 27.21%, respectively, after the knockdown of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 by using RNA interference. In addition, the inhibition of CDNB at 50% (IC50) and the inhibition constants (Ki) of β-cypermethrin against ZcGSTd10 were determined as 0.41 and 0.33 mM, respectively. The Ki and IC50 of β-cypermethrin against ZcSGTd6 were not analysed. These results suggested that ZcGSTd10 could be an essential regulator involved in the tolerance of Z. cucurbitae to β-cypermethrin.

The glutathione biosynthesis is involved in metamorphosis, antioxidant function, and insecticide resistance in Tribolium castaneum

BACKGROUND

Reduced glutathione (GSH) synthesis is vital for redox homeostasis, cell-cycle regulation and apoptosis, and immune function. The glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis, suggesting the potential use of Gclc as a pesticide target. However, the functional characterization of Gclc, especially its contribution in metamorphosis, antioxidant status and insecticide resistance, is unclear in Tribolium castaneum.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified and cloned Gclc from T. castaneum (TcGclc) and found that its expression began to increase significantly from the late larvae (LL) stage (3.491 ± 0.490-fold). Furthermore, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of TcGclc resulted in three types of aberration (100% total aberration rate) caused by the downregulation of genes related to the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) pathway. This deficiency was partially rescued by exogenous 20E treatment (53.1% ± 3.2%), but not by antioxidant. Moreover, in the TcGclc knockdown group, GSH content was decreased to 62.3%, and total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase activities were reduced by 14.6%, 83.6%, and 82.3%, respectively. In addition, treatment with different insecticides upregulated expression of TcGclc significantly compared with a control group during the late larval stage (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that TcGclc has an extensive role in metamorphosis, antioxidant function and insecticide resistance in T. castaneum, thereby expanding our understanding of GSH functions and providing a scientific basis for pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biochemical characterization and gene structure analysis of the 24-kDa glutathione transferase sigma from Taenia solium

Taenia solium can cause human taeniasis and/or cysticercosis. The latter can in some instances cause human neurocysticercosis which is considered a priority in disease-control strategies and the prevention of mental health problems. Glutathione transferases are crucial for the establishment and long-term survival of T. solium; therefore, we structurally analyzed the 24-kDa glutathione transferase gene (Ts24gst) of T. solium and biochemically characterized its product. The gene promoter showed potential binding sites for transcription factors and xenobiotic regulatory elements. The gene consists of a transcription start site, four exons split by three introns, and a polyadenylation site. The gene architecture is conserved in cestodes. Recombinant Ts24GST (rTs24GST) was active and dimeric. Anti-rTs24GST serum showed slight cross-reactivity with human sigma-class GST. A 3D model of Ts24GST enabled identification of putative residues involved in interactions of the G-site with GSH and of the H-site with CDNB and prostaglandin D2. Furthermore, rTs24GST showed optimal activity at 45 °C and pH 9, as well as high structural stability in a wide range of temperatures and pHs. These results contribute to the better understanding of this parasite and the efforts directed to fight taeniasis/cysticercosis.

Sigma-Class Glutathione Transferases (GSTσ): A New Target with Potential for Helminth Control

Glutathione transferases (GSTs EC 2.5.1.18) are critical components of phase II metabolism, instrumental in xenobiotics' metabolism. Their primary function involves conjugating glutathione to both endogenous and exogenous toxic compounds, which increases their solubility and enables their ejection from cells. They also play a role in the transport of non-substrate compounds and immunomodulation, aiding in parasite establishment within its host. The cytosolic GST subfamily is the most abundant and diverse in helminths, and sigma-class GST (GSTσ) belongs to it. This review focuses on three key functions of GSTσ: serving as a detoxifying agent that provides drug resistance, functioning as an immune system modulator through its involvement in prostaglandins synthesis, and acting as a vaccine antigen.

Two novel glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes in the toxic marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum and their transcriptional responses to environmental contaminants

The present study identified two novel glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes from the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum and examined their molecular characteristics and transcriptional responses to algicides and environmental contaminants. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that both ApGSTs are cytosolic, belonging to the chi-like class (ApGST1) and an undefined class (ApGST2). The overall expression of ApGSTs showed similar patterns depending on the exposed contaminants, while they were differently regulated by polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). Copper treatments (CuCl2 and CuSO4) did not significantly induce the expression of ApGSTs. The highest up-regulations of ApGST1 and ApGST2 were under 6-h treatments of 0.10 and 0.50 mg L-1 NaOCl. Interestingly, only ApGST1 increased significantly after 0.10, 0.50, and 1.00 mg L-1 of PCB exposure (6 h). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased considerably under NaOCl; however, it was not significantly higher in the PCB-treated cells. GST activity was increased by NaOCl and PCB treatments, but only PCB caused apoptosis. These results suggest that GSTs are involved in the first line of phase II detoxification, protecting dinoflagellate cells against oxidative damage.

Unclassified glutathione-S-transferase AiGSTu1 confers chlorantraniliprole tolerance in Agrotis ipsilon

BACKGROUND

Chlorantraniliprole (CAP) is a diamide insecticide with high efficacy against many pest insects, including the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon. Agrotis ipsilon is a serious pest causing significant yield losses in crops. Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) belong to a family of metabolic enzymes that can detoxify a wide range of pesticides. However, little is known about the functions of GSTs in CAP tolerance in A. ipsilon.

RESULTS

A cDNA sequence (designated AiGSTu1) encoding an unclassified GST was identified from A. ipsilon. AiGSTu1 is highly expressed during the 3rd -instar larval and the pupal stages. Most of the mRNA transcripts were found in larval Malpighian tubules. Exposure to CAP strongly enhanced AiGSTu1 expression, GST activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and malondialdehyde levels in larvae. H2 O2 treatment upregulated the transcription level of AiGSTu1, suggesting that CAP-induced oxidative stress may activate AiGSTu1 expression. The activity of recombinant AiGSTu1 was inhibited by CAP in a dose-dependent manner. Metabolism assay results demonstrated that AiGSTu1 is capable of depleting CAP. Overexpression of AiGSTu1 enhanced the tolerance of Escherichia coli cells to H2 O2 and the oxidative stress inducer, cumene hydroperoxide. Silencing of AiGSTu1 by RNA interference increased the susceptibility of A. ipsilon larvae to CAP.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential role of AiGSTu1 in CAP detoxification and will improve our understanding of CAP tolerance in A. ipsilon. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of potent inhibitors targeting Tribolium castaneum GSTe2 via structure-based screening and molecular dynamics simulation

Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, has a major negative impact during storage of agricultural products and reveals the negative impacts on human health. Insect-specific epsilon glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) which requires reduced glutathione (GSH) as an essential substrate not only develop insecticide resistance but also play important role in insect metamorphosis. Inhibition of the insect metamorphosis and the development of insecticide resistance could play an important role in pest control, so T. castaneum GSTe2 (TcGSTe2) in our previous study could be an important target protein for this purpose. This study aimed to find a potential TcGSTe2 inhibitors through in silico mothods, including molecular modeling, molecular docking, ADMET assay, followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, principal component analysis and MM/PBSA analysis. The results showed that ZINC000169293362 and ZINC000095566957 were selected as potential TcGSTe2 inhibitors with high-binding affinity and without any toxicity from 3618 of GSH-like compounds obtained from ZINC database. MD simulation results revealed that TcGSTe2-ZINC000169293362 had more stability than that of reference GSH. Moreover, TcGSTe2-ZINC000169293362 and TcGSTe2-ZINC000095566957 showed lower binding free energy (-27.53 ± 0.16 kcal/mol and -18.83 ± 0.15 kcal/mol, respectively) compared with TcGSTe2-GSH (-8.90 ± 0.30 kcal/mol). This study could provide new insight into reduction of insecticide resistance and be used to design new inhibitors of insect GSTs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Bmo-miR-3351 modulates glutathione content and inhibits BmNPV proliferation by targeting BmGSTe6 in Bombyx mori

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play pivotal roles in the host response to invading pathogens. Among these pathogens, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is one of the main causes of substantial economic losses in sericulture, and there are relatively few studies on the specific functions of miRNAs in the B. mori-BmNPV interaction. Therefore, we conducted transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed (DE) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and miRNAs in the midgut of 2 B. mori strains (BmNPV-susceptible strain P50 and BmNPV-resistant strain A35) after BmNPV infection. Through correlation analysis of the miRNA and mRNA data, we identified a comprehensive set of 21 miRNAs and 37 predicted target mRNAs. Notably, miR-3351, which has high expression in A35, exhibited remarkable efficacy in suppressing BmNPV proliferation. Additionally, we confirmed that miR-3351 binds to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of B. mori glutathione S-transferase epsilon 6 (BmGSTe6), resulting in its downregulation. Conversely, BmGSTe6 displayed an opposite expression pattern to miR-3351, effectively promoting BmNPV proliferation. Notably, BmGSTe6 levels were positively correlated with glutathione S-transferase activity, consequently influencing intracellular glutathione content in the infected samples. Furthermore, our investigation revealed the protective role of glutathione against BmNPV infection in BmN cells. In summary, miR-3351 modulates glutathione content by downregulating BmGSTe6 to inhibit BmNPV proliferation in B. mori. Our findings enriched the research on the role of B. mori miRNAs in the defense against BmNPV infection, and suggests that the antiviral molecule, glutathione, offers a novel perspective on preventing viral infection in sericulture.

Epsilon Class Glutathione S-Transferase Confers Phoxim Tolerance in the Black Cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon is a serious crop pest. Phoxim, an organophosphorus insecticide, has been widely used to control A. ipsilon. When phoxim is extensively applied, the susceptibility of A. ipsilon to insecticide is reduced. However, the mechanisms of tolerance of A. ipsilon to phoxim remain unclear. Herein, we report that an epsilon class glutathione S-transferase, AiGSTE1, confers phoxim tolerance in A. ipsilon. Exposure to a sublethal concentration (LC50) of phoxim caused oxidative stress and activated the transcription of AiGSTe1 genes in A. ipsilon larvae. Recombinant AiGSTE1 expressed in Escherichia coli could metabolize phoxim. Furthermore, E. coli cells overexpressing AiGSTE1 displayed significant tolerance to oxidative stress. Knockdown of AiGSTe1 by RNA interference significantly increased the mortality of A. ipsilon larvae to phoxim. These results demonstrate that AiGSTE1 confers phoxim tolerance in A. ipsilon by metabolizing the insecticide and preventing phoxim-induced oxidative stress.

Identification of 14 glutathione S-transferase genes from Lasioderma serricorne and characterization of LsGSTe1 involved in lambda-cyhalothrin detoxification

In insects, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a pivotal role in the detoxification of a wide range of pesticides. The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is an economically important pest insect of stored products. Recently, pyrethroid insecticides have been used to control this pest. However, little is known concerning the responses and functions of GSTs in L. serricorne under pyrethroid exposure. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed on L. serricorne, and a total of 14 GSTs were identified by retrieving the unigene dataset. Of these, 13 predicted GSTs fell into six cytosolic classes, namely, delta, epsilon, omega, sigma, theta, and zeta, and one was assigned to an "unclassified" group. The GST genes were differentially expressed in various larval tissues and at different developmental stages. Exposure to the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) caused oxidative stress in L. serricorne larvae and led to significantly elevated expression levels of six genes, among which LsGSTe1 was the most upregulated. Recombinant LsGSTE1 protein displayed LCT-metabolizing activity. Furthermore, LsGSTE1 protects cells against oxidative stress. Moreover, knockdown of LsGSTe1 by RNA interference dramatically increased the susceptibility of L. serricorne larvae to LCT treatment. The results from this study provide sequence resources and expression data for GST genes in L. serricorne. Our findings indicate that LsGSTE1 plays a dual role in LCT detoxification by metabolizing the pesticide and by preventing LCT-induced oxidative stress. Thus, the LsGSTe1 gene could be used as a potential target for sustainable management of the cigarette beetle.

A novel GSTe2 involved in metamorphosis by regulating 20E signal pathway in Tribolium castaneum

Insect-specific epsilon glutathion S-transferases (GSTs) are a class of multifunctional GST superfamily, which play important roles in detoxification of xenobiotic substances. Most research on GSTs has focused on insecticide detoxification and resistance, with little research on other physiological functions. Here, we identified and cloned the novel GSTe2 from Tribolium castaneum (TcGSTe2). Recombinant TcGSTe2 protein was successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified with affinity purification, which had high ability to catalyze the conjugation of reduced glutathione with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The expression level of TcGSTe2 was significantly decreased after exposure with four insecticides, phoxim, λ-cyhalothrin, dichlorvos, and carbofuran, in larval stage. Interestingly, RNA interference knockdown of TcGSTe2 caused metamorphosis deficiency in larval and pupal stages by inhibiting the 20E signal pathway. Furthermore, exogenous 20E injection partially rescued this metamorphosis deficiency and also increased the expression levels of 20E downstream response genes. This study illustrated TcGSTe2 plays an important role at metamorphosis beside the insecticide detoxification and resistance in T. castaneum.

Quantitative Acetylome Analysis of Soft Wheat Seeds during Artificial Ageing

Lysine acetylation (Kac) is a protein post-translational modification (PTM) widely found in plants that plays vital roles in metabolic pathways. Although seed germination and development are regulated by Kac, its potential function in seed ageing remains to be investigated. Our preliminary study demonstrated that Kac levels were altered during wheat seed artificial ageing. However, its specific role in this process still needs to be elucidated. Here, we performed quantitative acetylation proteomics analysis of soft wheat seeds with different germination rates during artificial ageing. A total of 175 acetylation proteins and 255 acetylation modification sites were remarkably changed. The differentially acetylated proteins were enriched in metabolism; response to harsh intracellular environment, such as ROS; protein storage and processing. Notably, expression, point mutation to mimic Kac by K to Q mutation at K80 and K138, protein purification and enzyme activity detection revealed that the Kac of ROS-scavenging glutathione transferase attenuated its activity, indicating that the defense ability of wheat seeds to stress gradually diminished, and the ageing process was inevitable. Collectively, our data provide a basis for further understanding the roles of Kac in seed ageing and might aid in the development of new techniques to prolong seed viability and food quality.

Induced Resistance Combined with RNA Interference Attenuates the Counteradaptation of the Western Flower Thrips

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, is an invasive pest that damages agricultural and horticultural crops. The induction of plant defenses and RNA interference (RNAi) technology are potent pest control strategies. This study investigated whether the anti-adaptive ability of F. occidentalis to jasmonic acid (JA)- and methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced defenses in kidney bean plants was attenuated after glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene knockdown. The expression of four GSTs in thrips fed JA- and MeJA-induced leaves was analyzed, and FoGSTd1 and FoGSTs1 were upregulated. Exogenous JA- and MeJA-induced defenses led to increases in defensive secondary metabolites (tannins, alkaloids, total phenols, flavonoids, and lignin) in leaves. Metabolome analysis indicated that the JA-induced treatment of leaves led to significant upregulation of defensive metabolites. The activity of GSTs increased in second-instar thrips larvae fed JA- and MeJA-induced leaves. Co-silencing with RNAi simultaneously knocked down FoGSTd1 and FoGSTs1 transcripts and GST activity, and the area damaged by second-instar larvae feeding on JA- and MeJA-induced leaves decreased by 62.22% and 55.24%, respectively. The pupation rate of second-instar larvae also decreased by 39.68% and 39.89%, respectively. Thus, RNAi downregulation of FoGSTd1 and FoGSTs1 reduced the anti-adaptive ability of F. occidentalis to JA- or MeJA-induced defenses in kidney bean plants.

The Key Glutathione S-Transferase Family Genes Involved in the Detoxification of Rice Gramine in Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens

Phytochemical toxins are considered a defense measure for herbivore invasion. To adapt this defensive strategy, herbivores use glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) as an important detoxification enzyme to cope with toxic compounds, but the underlying molecular basis for GST genes in this process remains unclear. Here, we investigated the basis of how GST genes in brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) participated in the detoxification of gramine by RNA interference. For BPH, the LC25 and LC50 concentrations of gramine were 7.11 and 14.99 μg/mL at 72 h after feeding, respectively. The transcriptions of seven of eight GST genes in BPH were induced by a low concentration of gramine, and GST activity was activated. Although interferences of seven genes reduced BPH tolerance to gramine, only the expression of NlGST1-1, NlGSTD2, and NlGSTE1 was positively correlated with GST activities, and silencing of these three genes inhibited GST activities in BPH. Our findings reveal that two new key genes, NlGSTD2 and NlGSTE1, play an essential role in the detoxification of gramine such as NlGST1-1 does in BPH, which not only provides the molecular evidence for the coevolution theory, but also provides new insight into the development of an environmentally friendly strategy for herbivore population management.