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Shi JF, Cheng MH, Zhou W, Zeng MZ, Chen Y, Yang JX, Wu H, Ye QH, Tang H, Zhang Q, Fu KY, Guo WC. Crucial roles of specialized chitinases in elytral and hindwing cuticles construction in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4437-4449. [PMID: 38656531 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8141] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a major potato (Solanum tuberosum) pest, infesting over 16 million km2 and causing substantial economic losses. The insect cuticle forms an apical extracellular matrix (ECM) envelope covering exposed organs to direct morphogenesis and confer structural protection. While select chitinase (Cht) genes have proven essential for larval development, their potential activities directing ECM remodeling underlying adult wing maturation remain undefined. RESULTS We investigated the expression patterns and performed an oral RNA interference (RNAi) screen targeting 19 LdChts in late-instar L. decemlineata larvae. Subsequently, we assessed their effects on adult eclosion and wing characteristics. Knockdown of LdCht5, LdCht7, LdCht10, LdIDGF2, and LdIDGF4, as well as others from Group IV (LdCht15, LdCht12, LdCht17, and LdCht13) and Groups VII-X (LdCht2, LdCht11, LdCht1, and LdCht3), resulting in shrunken, misshapen elytra with reduced areal density, as well as transverse wrinkling and impaired wing-tip folding in hindwings. Scanning electron micrographs revealed eroded elytral ridges alongside thinned, ruptured hindwing veins, indicative of mechanical fragility post-LdCht suppression. Spectroscopic analysis uncovered biomolecular alterations underlying the elytral anomalies, including decreases in peaks representing chitin, proteins, and lipids. This loss of essential ECM components provides evidence for the fragility, wrinkling, and shrinkage observed in the RNAi groups. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidate the crucial role of chitinases in the turnover of chitinous cuticles on beetle wings, offering insights into RNAi-based control strategies against this invasive pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Feng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Man-Hong Cheng
- Chongqing College of Humanities, Science and Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mu-Zi Zeng
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Xin Yang
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Ye
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Tang
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Yun Fu
- Ministry of Agriculture/Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety, Institute of Plant Protection Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Oasis, Urumqi, China
| | - Wen-Chao Guo
- Ministry of Agriculture/Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety, Institute of Plant Protection Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Oasis, Urumqi, China
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Zhao WJ, Li Y, Jiao ZL, Su PP, Yang LB, Sun CQ, Xiu JF, Shang XL, Guo G. Function analysis and characterisation of a novel chitinase, MdCht9, in Musca domestica. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:157-172. [PMID: 38160324 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12887] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Insect chitinases have been proposed as potential targets for pest control. In this work, a novel group IV chitinase gene, MdCht9, from Musca domestica was found to have multiple functions in the physiological activity, including chitin regulation, development and antifungal immunity. The MdCht9 gene was cloned and sequenced, its phylogeny was analysed and its expression was determined in normal and 20E treated larvae. Subsequently, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated MdCht9 knockdown was performed, followed by biochemical assays, morphological observations and transcriptome analysis. Finally, the recombinant protein MdCht9 (rMdCht9) was purified and tested for anti-microbial activity and enzyme characteristics. The results showed that MdCht9 consists of three domains, highly expressed in a larval salivary gland. RNAi silencing of MdCht9 resulted in significant down-regulation of chitin content and expression of 15 chitin-binding protein (CBP) genes, implying a new insight that MdCht9 might regulate chitin content by influencing the expression of CBPs. In addition, more than half of the lethality and partial wing deformity appeared due to the dsMdCht9 treatment. In addition, the rMdCht9 exhibited anti-microbial activity towards Candida albicans (fungus) but not towards Escherichia coli (G-) or Staphylococcus aureus (G+). Our work expands on previous studies of chitinase while providing a potential target for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhen-Long Jiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Pei-Pei Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Long-Bing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chao-Qin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiang-Fan Xiu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiao-Li Shang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control (Guizhou Medical University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control (Guizhou Medical University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Kim M, Noh MY, Mun S, Muthukrishnan S, Kramer KJ, Arakane Y. Functional importance of groups I and II chitinases, CHT5 and CHT10, in turnover of chitinous cuticle during embryo hatching and post-embryonic molting in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 166:104087. [PMID: 38295884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Chitinases (CHT) comprise a large gene family in insects and have been classified into at least eleven subgroups. Many studies involving RNA interference (RNAi) have demonstrated that depletion of group I (CHT5s) and group II (CHT10s) CHT transcripts causes lethal molting arrest in several insect species including the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, presumably due to failure of degradation of chitin in their old cuticle. In this study we investigated the functions of CHT5 and CHT10 in turnover of chitinous cuticle in T. castaneum during embryonic and post-embryonic molting stages. RNAi and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses indicate that CHT10 is required for cuticular chitin degradation at each molting period analyzed, while CHT5 is essential for pupal-adult molting only. We further analyzed the functions of these genes during embryogenesis in T. castaneum. Real-time qPCR analysis revealed that peak expression of CHT10 occurred prior to that of CHT5 during embryonic development as has been observed at post-embryonic molting periods in several other insect species. With immunogold-labeling TEM analysis using a fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated chitin-binding domain protein (FITC-CBD) probe, chitin was detected in the serosal cuticle but not in any other regions of the eggshell including the chorion and vitelline membrane layers. Injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for CHT5 (dsCHT5), CHT10 (dsCHT10) or their co-injection (dsCHT5/10) into mature adult females had no effect on their fecundity and the resulting embryos developed normally inside the egg. There were no obvious differences in the morphology of the outer chorion, inner chorion and vitelline membrane among eggs from these dsRNA-treated females. However, unlike dsCHT5 eggs, dsCHT10 and dsCHT5/10 eggs exhibited failure of turnover of the serosal cuticle in which the horizontal chitinous laminae remained intact, resulting in lethal embryo hatching defects. These results indicate that group I CHT5 is essential for pupal-adult molting, whereas group II CHT10 plays an essential role in cuticular chitin degradation in T. castaneum during both embryonic hatching and all of the post-embryonic molts. CHT10 can serve in place of CHT5 in chitin degradation, except during the pupal-adult molt when both enzymes are indispensable to complete eclosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongjin Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
| | - Seulgi Mun
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Karl J Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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Chen Y, Tang H, Zhou W, Li C, Chen YN, Zhang Q, Fu KY, Guo WC, Shi JF. Identification of chitinase genes and roles in the larval-pupal transition of Leptinotarsa decemlineata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:282-295. [PMID: 37671631 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect chitinases play crucial roles in degrading chitin in the extracellular matrix, affecting insect development and molting. However, our understanding of the specific functions of various chitinases in Leptinotarsa decemlineata is limited, hindering the deployment of novel gene-targeting technologies as pest management strategies. RESULTS We identified and characterized 19 full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of chitinase genes (LdChts) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Despite having varying domain architectures, all these chitinases contained at least one chitinase catalytic domain. Phylogenetic analysis classified the chitinase proteins into ten distinct clusters (groups I-X). Expression profiles showed the highest expression in chitin-rich tissues or during specific developmental stages from the larva-to-pupa transition. Gene-specific RNA interference (RNAi) experiments provided valuable insight into chitinase gene function. Silencing of group II LdCht10 prevented larval-larval molting, larval-prepupal, and prepupal-pupal processes. Moreover, our study revealed that LdCht5, LdCht2, LdCht11, LdCht1, and LdCht3 from groups I and VII-X were specifically essential for the transition from prepupal to pupal stage, whereas LdIDGF2 from group V was necessary for the larval-prepupal metamorphic process. The chitinase gene LdCht7 from group III and LdIDGF4 from group V were involved in both the larva-to-prepupa and the prepupa-to-pupa shift. Additionally, our findings also shed light on the exclusive expression of nine chitinase genes within group IV in the digestive system, suggesting their potential role in regulating larval body weight and larva-to-pupa transition. CONCLUSION Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the functional specialization of chitinase genes during the molting process of various stages and identify potential targets for RNAi-based management of Leptinotarsa decemlineata. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Yun Fu
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Wen-Chao Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Ji-Feng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Sericulture, Textile, and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Rabadiya D, Behr M. The biology of insect chitinases and their roles at chitinous cuticles. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 165:104071. [PMID: 38184175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Chitin is one of the most prevalent biomaterials in the natural world. The chitin matrix formation and turnover involve several enzymes for chitin synthesis, maturation, and degradation. Sequencing of the Drosophila genome more than twenty years ago revealed that insect genomes contain a number of chitinases, but why insects need so many different chitinases was unclear. Here, we focus on insect GH18 family chitinases and discuss their participation in chitin matrix formation and degradation. We describe their variations in terms of temporal and spatial expression patterns, molecular function, and physiological consequences at chitinous cuticles. We further provide insight into the catalytic mechanisms by discussing chitinase protein domain structures, substrate binding, and enzymatic activities with respect to structural analysis of the enzymatic GH18 domain, substrate-binding cleft, and characteristic TIM-barrel structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhyeykumar Rabadiya
- Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Behr
- Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Lee Y, Muthukrishnan S, Kramer KJ, Sakamoto T, Tabunoki H, Arakane Y, Noh MY. Functional importance of groups I and II chitinases in cuticle chitin turnover during molting in a wood-boring beetle, Monochamus alternatus. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105496. [PMID: 37532355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Insects must periodically replace their old cuticle/exoskeleton with a new one in a process called molting or ecdysis to allow for continuous growth through sequential developmental stages. Many RNA interference (RNAi) studies have demonstrated that certain chitinases (CHTs) play roles in this vital physiological event because knockdown of these CHT genes resulted in developmental arrest during the ensuing molting period in several insect species. In this research we analyzed the functions of group I (MaCHT5) and group II (MaCHT10) CHT genes in molting of the Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus, an important forest pest known as a major vector of the pinewood nematode. Real-time qPCR revealed that these two CHT genes differ in their expression patterns during late stages of development. Depletion of either MaCHT5 or MaCHT10 transcripts by RNAi resulted in lethal larval-pupal and pupal-adult molting defects depending on the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection timing during development. The insects were unable to shed their old cuticle and died. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed that, unlike dsEGFP-treated controls, dsMaCHT5- and dsMaCHT10-treated pharate adults exhibited a failure of degradation of the endocuticular layer of their old pupal cuticle, retaining nearly intact horizontal chitinous laminae and vertical pore canal fibers. Both enzymes were indispensable for complete turnover of the chitinous old endocuticle, which is critical for insect molting. The possible functions of two spliced variants of MaCHT10, namely, MaCHT10a and MaCHT10b, are also discussed. Our results add to the knowledge base for further functional studies of insect chitin catabolism by revealing the relative importance of both MaCHT5 and MaCHT10 in chitin turnover with subtle differences in their action. These essential genes and their encoded proteins are potential targets to manipulate for controlling populations of M. alternatus and other pest insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngseo Lee
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Karl J Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Takuma Sakamoto
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tabunoki
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.
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Lu Q, Xie H, Qu M, Liu T, Yang Q. Group h Chitinase: A Molecular Target for the Development of Lepidopteran-Specific Insecticides. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37038745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture requires insecticides that are selective between insects and mammals and even between harmful and beneficial insects. Lepidoptera includes the largest number of insect pests that threaten crops, and Hymenoptera contains the natural enemies for these pests. Discovery of lepidopteran-specific molecular targets is one route to develop such selective pesticides. Group h chitinase (Chi-h) is an ideal target for lepidopteran-specific insecticides because it is only distributed in Lepidoptera and is critical to their molting processes. This minireview focuses on the latest progress in developing Chi-h as a lepidopteran-specific insecticide target. We describe the biological function, crystal structure, and small-molecule inhibitors of the enzyme. Notably, two unique pockets were discovered in the crystal structure of Chi-h for the binding of the selective inhibitors, phlegmacin B1 and lynamicin B. Moreover, lynamicin B was found to exhibit significant insecticidal activity toward lepidopteran pests but is harmless toward their natural enemies. These findings are advancing the development of selective insecticides to meet the needs of sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Lu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijie Xie
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingbo Qu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaodong 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518120, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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An S, Liu W, Fu J, Zhang Z, Zhang R. Molecular identification of the chitinase genes in Aedes albopictus and essential roles of AaCht10 in pupal-adult transition. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:120. [PMID: 37005671 PMCID: PMC10068161 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05733-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes albopictus is an increasingly serious threat in public health due to it is vector of multiple arboviruses that cause devastating human diseases, as well as its widening distribution in recent years. Insecticide resistance is a serious problem worldwide that limits the efficacy of chemical control strategies against Ae. albopictus. Chitinase genes have been widely recognized as attractive targets for the development of effective and environmentally safe insect management measures. METHODS Chitinase genes of Ae. albopictus were identified and characterized on the basis of bioinformatics search of the referenced genome. Gene characterizations and phylogenetic relationships of chitinase genes were investigated, and spatio-temporal expression pattern of each chitinase gene was evaluated using qRT-PCR. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to suppress the expression of AaCht10, and the roles of AaCht10 were verified based on phynotype observations, chitin content analysis and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain of epidermis and midgut. RESULTS Altogether, 14 chitinase-related genes (12 chitinase genes and 2 IDGFs) encoding 17 proteins were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all these AaChts were classified into seven groups, and most of them were gathered into group IX. Only AaCht5-1, AaCht10 and AaCht18 contained both catalytic and chitin-binding domains. Different AaChts displayed development- and tissue-specific expression profiling. Suppression of the expression of AaCht10 resulted in abnormal molting, increased mortality, decreased chitin content and thinning epicuticle, procuticle and midgut wall of pupa. CONCLUSIONS Findings of the present study will aid in determining the biological functions of AaChts and also contribute to using AaChts as potential target for mosquito management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha An
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Jingwen Fu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China.
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China.
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117, China.
- School of Laboratory Animal (Shandong Laboratory Animal Center), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117, China.
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Adeyinka OS, Nasir IA, Tabassum B. Host-induced silencing of the CpCHI gene resulted in developmental abnormalities and mortality in maize stem borer (Chilo partellus). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280963. [PMID: 36745624 PMCID: PMC9901779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAi-based insecticides for crop protection have witnessed rapid improvement over the years. However, their potential to efficiently control maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) pests has remained underexplored. In this study, double-stranded C. partellus chitinase (dsCHI) toxicity was investigated in C. partellus larvae. Furthermore, we developed transgenic maize lines expressing dsRNA targeted against C. partellus chitinase transcripts and performed detached leaf insect feeding bioassays. Our results revealed that C. partellus chitinase transcript expression was significantly downregulated by 57% and 82% in the larvae. Larvae exhibited various phenotypic distortion levels across developmental stages, and 53% mortality occurred in transgenic fed larvae compared to those fed on nontransgenic leaves. In conclusion, we have identified the C. partellus chitinase gene as a potential target for RNAi-mediated control and demonstrated that oral delivery via bacteria and plant-mediated delivery are viable means of achieving C. partellus RNAi-mediated control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olawale Samuel Adeyinka
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences Jackson state University, Jackson, MS, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Idrees Ahmad Nasir
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Tabassum
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Li L, Wang YQ, Li GY, Song QS, Stanley D, Wei SJ, Zhu JY. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of chitin metabolism enzymes in Tenebrio molitor. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 111:e21950. [PMID: 35809232 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chitin is of great importance in the cuticle and inner cuticular linings of insects. Chitin synthases (CHSs), chitin deacetylases (CDAs), chitinases (CHTs), and β-N-acetylhexosaminidases (HEXs) are important enzymes required for chitin metabolism, and play essential roles in development and metamorphosis. Although chitin metabolism genes have been well characterized in limited insects, the information in the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, a model insect, is presently still unavailable. With the help of bioinformatics, we identified 54 genes that encode putative chitin metabolism enzymes, including 2 CHSs, 10 CDAs, 32 CHTs, and 10 HEXs in the genome of T. molitor. All these genes have the conserved domains and motifs of their corresponding protein family. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that CHS genes were divided into two groups. CDA genes were clustered into five groups. CHT genes were phylogenetically grouped into 11 clades, among which 1 in the endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidases group and the others were classified in the glycoside hydrolase family 18 groups. HEX genes were assorted into six groups. Developmental and tissue-specific expression profiling indicated that the identified chitin metabolism genes showed dynamical expression patterns concurrent with specific instar during molting period, suggesting their significant roles in molting and development. They were predominantly expressed in different tissues or body parts, implying their functional specialization and diversity. The results provide important information for further clarifying their biological functions using the yellow mealworm as an ideal experimental insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu-Qin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Guang-Ya Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - David Stanley
- USDA/ARS Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Shu-Jun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Ying Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
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11
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Qu MB, Guo XX, Kong L, Hou LJ, Yang Q. A midgut-specific lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase of Locusta migratoria is indispensable for the deconstruction of the peritrophic matrix. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1287-1298. [PMID: 35150068 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13016] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are important enzymes that boost the hydrolysis of recalcitrant polysaccharides, such as chitin. They are found extensively in different insect species and are classified as auxiliary activities family 15 (AA15) LPMOs (LPMO15). Some of them were identified from the insect midgut and proven to act on chitin. However, knowledge about their physiological roles during insect growth and development remains limited. Here, we found that midgut-specific LPMO15s are widely distributed in different insect orders, such as the orthopteran Locusta migratoria and the lepidopteran Bombyx mori. Using L. migratoria as a model insect, the function of midgut-specific LmLPMO15-3 during development was investigated. Double-stranded RNA-mediated downregulation of LmLPMO15-3 expression at the 4th or 5th instar nymph stage severely decreased the survival rate and resulted in lethal phenotypes. Hematoxylin and eosin staining results indicated that the deficient individuals exhibited incompletely digested peritrophic matrix (PM), which suggested that LmLPMO15-3 is essential for the deconstruction of the PM during molting. This study provides direct evidence of the physiological importance of a midgut-specific LPMO15 during insect development. As L. migratoria is one of the most destructive agricultural pests, LmLPMO15-3 is a potential target for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Bo Qu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Guo
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lin Kong
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ling-Jie Hou
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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12
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Kumari P, Jasrotia P, Kumar D, Kashyap PL, Kumar S, Mishra CN, Kumar S, Singh GP. Biotechnological Approaches for Host Plant Resistance to Insect Pests. Front Genet 2022; 13:914029. [PMID: 35719377 PMCID: PMC9201757 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.914029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Annually, the cost of insect pest control in agriculture crosses billions of dollars around the world. Until recently, broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides were considered as the most effective means of pest control in agriculture. However, over the years, the overreliance on pesticides has caused adverse effects on beneficial insects, human health and the environment, and has led to the development of pesticide resistant insects. There is a critical need for the development of alternative pest management strategies aiming for minimum use of pesticides and conservation of natural enemies for maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. Host plant resistance plays a vital role in integrated pest management but the development of insect-resistant varieties through conventional ways of host plant resistance takes time, and is challenging as it involves many quantitative traits positioned at various loci. Biotechnological approaches such as gene editing, gene transformation, marker-assisted selection etc. in this direction have recently opened up a new era of insect control options. These could contribute towards about exploring a much wider array of novel insecticidal genes that would otherwise be beyond the scope of conventional breeding. Biotechnological interventions can alter the gene expression level and pattern as well as the development of transgenic varieties with insecticidal genes and can improve pest management by providing access to novel molecules. This review will discuss the emerging biotechnological tools available to develop insect-resistant engineered crop genotypes with a better ability to resist the attack of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Kumari
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
- CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
| | - Poonam Jasrotia
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
| | - Prem Lal Kashyap
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | | | - Sudheer Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
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Chitin and cuticle proteins form the cuticular layer in the spinning duct of silkworm. Acta Biomater 2022; 145:260-271. [PMID: 35364319 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chitin is found in the exoskeleton and peritrophic matrix of arthropods, but recent studies have also identified chitin in the spinning duct of silk-spinning arthropods. Here, we report the presence and function of chitin and cuticle proteins ASSCP1 and ASSCP2 in the spinning duct of silkworm. We show that chitin and these proteins are co-located in the cuticular layer of the spinning duct. Ultrastructural analysis indicates that the cuticular layer has a multilayer structure by layered stacking of the chitin laminae. After knocking down ASSCP1 and ASSCP2, the fine structure of this layer was disrupted, which had negative impacts on the mechanical properties of silk. This work clarifies the function of chitin in the spinning duct of silkworm. Chitin and cuticle proteins are the main components of the cuticular layer, providing the shearing stress during silk fibrillogenesis and regulating the final mechanical properties of silk. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Recent studies have identified chitin in the spinning duct of silk-spinning arthropods. However, the role of chitin in this specific organ remains unclear. This study reports that chitin and cuticle proteins form the cuticular layer, a unique structure of the spinning duct of silkworm. This layer with a precise laminate structure gives the spinning duct flexible properties, provides shearing forces for silk fibrillogenesis, and contributes to silk final mechanical properties. Our work clarifies the component, ultrastructure, and biological significance of the silkworm cuticular layer, describes the specific process of silk fiber formation, and proposes new molecular targets (chitin and cuticle proteins) for the improvement of animal silks.
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Hu DQ, Luo SH, Abudunasier M, Cai XH, Feng MM, Liu XN, Wang DM. The effect of group IV chitinase, HaCHT4, on the chitin content of the peritrophic matrix (PM) during larval growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1815-1823. [PMID: 35043538 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive research has been conducted on insect chitinases. However, little is known about the function of chitinase in the regulation of the surface structure of the peritrophic matrix (PM) in larval midguts. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of HaCHT4 on the chitin content and surface structure of the PM during larval growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera. RESULTS The expression level of HaCHT4 was lower and the chitin content was higher in the early stages of fourth to sixth instar larvae, but they were reversed in the corresponding late stages. The correlation coefficient between the expression level of HaCHT4 and the chitin content was -0.585 (P < 0.05), with a higher negative correlation of -0.934 for the fourth instar (P < 0.01). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the surface structure of PM was multi-laminated with small pores in the early stages of fourth to sixth instar larvae, and more and bigger pores in the late stages. Low expression of HaCHT4 caused by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in the increase of chitin content in the PM, and the surface structure of PM became multilayered with smaller pore size in the late stage of fourth instar larvae. Also, induction of HaCHT4 by application of 2-tridecanone (2-TD), decreased the chitin content of PM, caused larger pores to form and lots of food bolus to attach to the PM surface, and also increased the larval susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole. CONCLUSION These results provided strong evidence that HaCHT4 plays an important role by regulating the chitin content of the PM and its surface structure, thereby affecting the sensitivity of H. armigera to chlorantraniliprole.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Qin Hu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Sheng-Hui Luo
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Maimaitiaili Abudunasier
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xin-Hui Cai
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Meng-Meng Feng
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiao-Ning Liu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dong-Mei Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
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15
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Wu ZZ, Zhang WY, Lin YZ, Li DQ, Shu BS, Lin JT. Genome-wide identification, characterization and functional analysis of the chitianse and chitinase-like gene family in Diaphorina citri. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1740-1748. [PMID: 34997800 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect chitinases play vital roles in postembryonic development, especially during the molting process, and are potential targets for the RNA interference (RNAi)-based insecticidal strategy. Systematic functional analyses of chitinase genes have already been conducted on numerous insect pests, but similar analyses have not been carried out on Diaphorina citri. RESULTS Eleven chitinase/chitinase-like genes and one endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) gene were identified in the Diaphorina citri genome using various bioinformatic tools. Transcriptomes of the integument and midgut from fifth-instar nymphs and freshly-emerged adults of Diaphorina citri were generated and sequenced. Potential functions of 12 chitinase/chitinase-like genes were examined during nymph-adult transitions. Four chitinase genes, including DcCht5, DcCht7, DcCht10-1 and DcCht10-2, were mainly expressed in the integument of fifth-instar nymphs. These four genes were also up-regulated significantly under 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatments. RNAi-mediated knockdown of these four genes suggests that they are essential for nymph-adult transition. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated essential roles of the chitinase/chitinase-like genes during the nymph-adult transition in Diaphorina citri, which are potentially useful targets for controlling the Diaphorina citri pest. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Zhen Wu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wan-Ying Zhang
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Zhu Lin
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Da-Qi Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P. R. China
| | - Ben-Shui Shu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Tian Lin
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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16
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Jiao Z, Su P, Li Y, Zhao W, Yang L, Sun C, Xiu J, Shang X, Guo G. Identification and function analysis of chitinase 2 gene in housefly, Musca domestica. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 259:110717. [PMID: 35017045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chitinases are hydrolytic enzymes that play important roles in chitin degradation during the insect development process, and thus are considered as the potential targets for pest management. Here, we identified and characterized the group VII chitinase gene from health pest Musca domestica (MdCht2). We found that MdCht2 was 1932 bp in length with an open reading frame of 1530 bp, which encodes a polypeptide of 509 amino acid residues. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MdCht2 gene was homologs with other closed insects, and belong to the group VII chitinases. Moreover, Real-time PCR analysis indicated that MdCht2 mRNA was highly expressed in pupa stage, as well as in integument and trachea. However, RNAi-mediated knockdown of MdCht2 resulted in high mortality rates and abnormal eclosion. Therefore, we hypothesized that MdCht2 was a crucial gene required for housefly development, which was supported by the transcription level of MdCht2 could be induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), and the dsMdCht2 could resulted in decrease of the chitinase activity and increase of the chitin content. Taken together, our findings suggested that MdCht2 regulated the chitin content via chitinases, thereby leading to abnormal development. Our results provide a potential target for M. domestica management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlong Jiao
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Peipei Su
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Lixia District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Yan Li
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Longbing Yang
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chaoqin Sun
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiangfan Xiu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiaoli Shang
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guo Guo
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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17
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Wang Y, Zou H, Lai J, Zhang Z, Sun W. The miR-282-5p regulates larval moulting process by targeting chitinase 5 in Bombyx mori. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:190-201. [PMID: 34862684 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Moulting is critical for growth, development and survival in insects. As the main components of cuticle, dynamic change of chitin is consistent with the moulting process. Chitinase is the main enzyme to mediate chitin metabolism in the old cuticle. To avoid over-degrading chitin from the new cuticle, the expression of chitinase must be precisely regulated. In this study, we performed microRNA-sequencing to investigate expression change of microRNAs in silkworm epidermis during the moulting process. A comparative microRNA transcriptomic analysis from different moulting stages and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment identified bmo-miR-282-5p as a candidate. By the bioinformatic analysis, chitinase 5 (BmCht5) was predicted to be a target of bmo-miR-282-5p. Meanwhile, a temporal expression analysis revealed that BmCht5 only expressed at moulting D3 stage, whereas bmo-miR-282-5p showed a converse pattern, in which its transcript signal disappeared at this time point. Furthermore, a luciferase assay and agomir treatment demonstrated that bmo-miR-282-5p suppressed transcript of BmCht5 in vivo. As a result, injection of 282-5p agomir triggered 40% death due to moulting failure. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of BmCht5 caused 30% developmental defect. Taken together, our data demonstrate the coordinated regulation of chitinase 5 by conserved miR-282-5p, and the 20E signalling pathway is essential for the normal moulting process in the domesticated silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbin Zou
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Lai
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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Yang X, Zhou C, Long G, Yang H, Chen C, Jin D. Characterization and functional analysis of chitinase family genes involved in nymph-adult transition of Sogatella furcifera. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:901-916. [PMID: 32536018 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase degrades chitin in the old epidermis or peritrophic matrix of insects, which ensures normal development and metamorphosis. In our previous work, we comprehensively studied the function of SfCht7 in Sogatella furcifera. However, the number and function of chitinase genes in S. furcifera remain unknown. Here, we identified 12 full-length chitinase transcripts from S. furcifera, which included nine chitinase (Cht), two imaginal disc growth factor (IDGF), and one endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) genes. Expression analysis results revealed that the expression levels of eight genes (SfCht3, SfCht5, SfCht6-1, SfCht6-2, SfCht7, SfCht8, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2) with similar transcript levels peaked prior to molting of each nymph and were highly expressed in the integument. Based on RNA interference (RNAi), description of the functions of each chitinase gene indicated that the silencing of SfCht5, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2 led to molting defects and lethality. RNAi inhibited the expressions of SfCht5, SfCht7, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2, which led to downregulated expressions of chitin synthase 1 (SfCHS1, SfCHS1a, and SfCHS1b) and four chitin deacetylase genes (SfCDA1, SfCDA2, SfCDA3, and SfCDA4), and caused a change in the expression level of two trehalase genes (TRE1 and TRE2). Furthermore, silencing of SfCht7 induced a significant decrease in the expression levels of three wing development-related genes (SfWG, SfDpp, and SfHh). In conclusion, SfCht5, SfCht7, SfCht10, and SfIDGF2 play vital roles in nymph-adult transition and are involved in the regulation of chitin metabolism, and SfCht7 is also involved in wing development; therefore, these genes are potential targets for control of S. furcifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xibin Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Cao Zhou
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guiyun Long
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- College of Tobacco Science of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Daochao Jin
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture, Guiyang, China
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19
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Hou QL, Chen EH. RNA-seq analysis of gene expression changes in cuticles during the larval-pupal metamorphosis of Plutella xylostella. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 39:100869. [PMID: 34171685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a holometabolous insect that its cuticles must undergo the significant changes during the larval-pupal metamorphosis development. To elucidate these changes at molecular levels, RNA-seq analysis of cuticles from LLS (later fourth instar larval stage), PPS (prepupal stage) and PS (pupal stage) were performed in P. xylostella. In this paper, a total of 17,710 transcripts were obtained in the larval-pupal transition of P. xylostella, and out of which 2293 (881 up-regulated and 1412 down-regulated) and 2989 transcripts (2062 up-regulated and 927 down-regulated) were identified to be differentially expressed between LLS and PPS, as well as PPS and PS, respectively. The further GO and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the 'structural constituent of cuticle', 'chitin metabolic process', 'chitin binding', 'tyrosine metabolism' and 'insect hormone biosynthesis' pathways were significantly enriched, indicating these pathways might be involved in the process of larval pupation in P. xylostella. Then, we found some genes that encoded cuticular proteins, chitinolytic enzymes, chitin synthesis enzymes, and cuticle tanning proteins changed their expression levels remarkably, indicating these genes might play important roles in the restruction (degradation and biosynthesis) of insect cuticles during the larval metamorphosis. Additionally, the significant changes in the mRNA levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) related genes suggested their crucial roles in regulating cuticle remodeling during the larval metamorphosis of P. xylostella. In conclusion, the present study provide us the comprehensive gene expression profiles to explore the molecular mechanisms of cuticle metamorphosis in P. xylostella, which laid a molecular basis to study roles of specific pathways and genes in insect development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Li Hou
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Er-Hu Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Qu MB, Sun SP, Liu YS, Deng XR, Yang J, Yang Q. Insect group II chitinase OfChtII promotes chitin degradation during larva-pupa molting. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:692-704. [PMID: 32306549 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The insect group II chitinase (ChtII, also known as Cht10) is a unique chitinase with multiple catalytic and chitin-binding domains. It has been proven genetically to be an essential chitinase for molting. However, ChtII's role in chitin degradation during insect development remains poorly understood. Obtaining this knowledge is the key to fully understanding the chitin degradation system in insects. Here, we investigated the role of OfChtII during the molting of Ostrinia furnacalis, a model lepidopteran pest insect. OfChtII was expressed earlier than OfChtI (OfCht5) and OfChi-h, at both the gene and protein levels during larva-pupa molting as evidenced by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. A truncated OfChtII, OfChtII-B4C1, was recombinantly expressed in Pichia pastoris cells and purified to homogeneity. The recombinant OfChtII-B4C1 loosened compacted chitin particles and produced holes in the cuticle surface as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. It synergized with OfChtI and OfChi-h when hydrolyzing insoluble α-chitin. These findings suggested an important role for ChtII during insect molting and also provided a strategy for the coordinated degradation of cuticular chitin during insect molting by ChtII, ChtI and Chi-h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Bo Qu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shao-Peng Sun
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuan-Sheng Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Deng
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinases: The known and the unknown. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 43:107553. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Zhao Y, Li Z, Gu X, Su Y, Liu L. Imaginal Disc Growth Factor 6 (Idgf6) Is Involved in Larval and Adult Wing Development in Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Front Genet 2020; 11:451. [PMID: 32435262 PMCID: PMC7218075 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, imaginal disk growth factors (IDGFs), an important component of the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family of chitinases, have been reported to be associated with the maintenance of the cuticle and molting. However, there is little knowledge of their function. In this study, imaginal disk growth factor 6 (Idgf6), which is an Idgf, was first identified and cloned from the guava fruit fly Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), one of the most serious pest insects in South China and surrounding Southeast Asian countries. This gene encodes IDGF6 protein with a conserved domain similar to ChiA chitinases, the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family of chitinases, according to NCBI BLAST. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Idgf6s were highly conserved among similar species. Subsequent temporal expression profiling revealed that Idgf6 was highly expressed in both the late-pupal and mid-adult stages, suggesting that this gene plays a predominant role in pupal and adult development. Furthermore, RNA interference experiments against Idgf6 in B. correcta, which led to the specific decrease in Idgf6 expression, resulted in larval death as well as adult wing malformation. The direct effects of Idgf6 silencing on B. correcta indicated its important role in development, and Idgf6 might be further exploited as a novel insecticide target in the context of pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Gu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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23
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He L, Ou-Yang YY, Li N, Chen Y, Liu SQ, Huang GH. Regulation of Chitinase in Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) During Infection by Heliothis virescens ascovirus 3h (HvAV-3h). Front Physiol 2020; 11:166. [PMID: 32210833 PMCID: PMC7077506 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect chitinases play essential roles in the molting and metamorphosis of insects. The virus Heliothis virescens ascovirus 3h (HvAV-3h) can prolong the total duration of the larval stage in its host larvae. In this study, the molecular character and function of chitinase and chitin-binding domain (CBD) were analyzed in larvae of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In detecting the chitinase activity of mock-infected and HvAV-3h-infected larval whole bodies and four different larval tissues, the results showed that larval chitinase activity was significantly decreased at 48 h post infection (hpi) and that the chitinase activity of HvAV-3h-infected larval fat body and cuticle was notably decreased at 144 and 168 hpi. The transcription level of S. exigua chitinase 7 (SeCHIT7) was down-regulated at the 6, 9, 12, 48, 72, and 96 hpi sample times, the S. exigua chitinase 11 (SeCHIT11) was down-regulated at 3-96 hpi, while both S. exigua chitinases (SeCHITs) were up-regulated at 120-168 hpi. Further tissue-specific detection of SeCHIT7 and SeCHIT11 transcription showed that SeCHIT7 was down-regulated at 144 and 168 hpi in the fat body and cuticle. SeCHIT11 was down-regulated at 168 hpi in the fat body, midgut, and cuticle. Additionally, the transcription and expression of S. exigua chitin-binding domain (SeCBD) could not be detected in HvAV-3h-infected larvae. The in vitro analyses of SeCHIT7N, SeCHIT11, and SeCBD showed that SeCHIT7N and SeCHIT11 were typical chitinases. Conversely, no chitinase activity was detected with SeCBD. SeCBD, however, could significantly increase the activity of SeCHIT7N and SeCHIT11. In conclusion, HvAV-3h not only interfered with the transcription and expression of SeCHITs but also affected the normal transcription and expression of SeCBD and, in doing so, influenced the host larval chitinase activity. These results will aid in providing a foundation for further studies on the pathogenesis of HvAV-3h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi-Yi Ou-Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Ni Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang-Qing Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo-Hua Huang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
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24
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Omar MAA, Ao Y, Li M, He K, Xu L, Tong H, Jiang M, Li F. The functional difference of eight chitinase genes between male and female of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:550-567. [PMID: 30739379 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous insect that attacks tens of plant and causes substantial economic loss. Insect chitinases are required to remove the old cuticle to allow for continued growth and development. Though insect chitinases have been well studied in tens of insects, their functions in mealybug are still not addressed. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of adult males and females, from which eight chitinase genes were identified. We then used the method of rapid amplification of cDNA ends to amplify their full length. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these genes clustered into five subgroups. Among which, group II PsCht2 had the longest transcript and was highly expressed at second instar nymph. PsCht10, PsCht3-3 and PsIDGF were highly expressed in the adult females, whereas PsCht4 and PsCht4-1 were significantly expressed at the male pupa and adult male. Next, we knocked down all eight chitinase genes by feeding the double-stranded RNA. Knockdown of PsCht4 or PsCht4-1 led to the failure of moult and, silencing PsCht5 resulted in pupation defect, while silencing PsCht10 led to small body size, suggesting these genes have essential roles in development and can be used as a potential target for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A A Omar
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Y Ao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - M Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - K He
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - L Xu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H Tong
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - M Jiang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - F Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Zhu B, Shan J, Li R, Liang P, Gao X. Identification and RNAi-based function analysis of chitinase family genes in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:1951-1961. [PMID: 30578597 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect chitinases play a vital part in chitin degradation in exoskeletons and gut linings during the molting process, and therefore are considered potential targets for new insecticide designs or RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management. Systematic functional analysis of chitinase genes has already been conducted in several insect pests, but not Plutella xylostella. RESULTS In this study, 13 full-length chitinase transcripts were obtained in P. xylostella. Developmental and tissue-specific expression pattern analysis revealed that seven chitinase transcripts were periodically expressed during molting stage and mainly expressed in the integument or midgut, including PxCht3, PxCht5, PxCht6-2, PxCht7, PxCht8, PxCht10 and PxCht-h. RNAi-mediated knockdown of these specific expressed genes revealed that PxCht5 and PxCht10 were essential in larval molting, pupation and eclosion, and PxCht7 was indispensable only in eclosion. No significant effects were observed on insect survival or normal development when the rest chitinase transcripts were suppressed by RNAi. CONCLUSION Our results indicated the function of P. xylostella chitinase family genes during the molting process, and may provide potential targets for RNAi-based management of P. xylostella. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinqiong Shan
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Liang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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26
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Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H, Arakane Y, Yang Q. Chitin Organizing and Modifying Enzymes and Proteins Involved In Remodeling of the Insect Cuticle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:83-114. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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27
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Chen W, Zhou Y, Yang Q. Structural dissection reveals a general mechanistic principle for group II chitinase (ChtII) inhibition. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:9358-9364. [PMID: 31053640 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors of insect chitinases have potential applications for controlling insect pests. Insect group II chitinase (ChtII) is the most important chitinase in insects and functions throughout all developmental stages. However, the possibility of inhibiting ChtII by small molecules has not been explored yet. Here, we report the structural characteristics of four molecules that exhibited similar levels of inhibitory activity against OfChtII, a group II chitinase from the agricultural pest Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis These inhibitors were chitooctaose ((GlcN)8), dipyrido-pyrimidine derivative (DP), piperidine-thienopyridine derivative (PT), and naphthalimide derivative (NI). The crystal structures of the OfChtII catalytic domain complexed with each of the four inhibitors at 1.4-2.0 Å resolutions suggested they all exhibit similar binding modes within the substrate-binding cleft; specifically, two hydrophobic groups of the inhibitor interact with +1/+2 tryptophan and a -1 hydrophobic pocket. The structure of the (GlcN)8 complex surprisingly revealed that the oligosaccharide chain of the inhibitor is orientated in the opposite direction to that previously observed in complexes with other chitinases. Injection of the inhibitors into 4th instar O. furnacalis larvae led to defects in development and pupation. The results of this study provide insights into a general mechanistic principle that confers inhibitory activity against ChtII, which could facilitate rational design of agrochemicals that target ecdysis of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, China and
| | - Yong Zhou
- School of Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qing Yang
- From the State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, China and .,School of Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China
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28
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Liu X, Cooper AMW, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Biosynthesis, modifications and degradation of chitin in the formation and turnover of peritrophic matrix in insects. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 114:109-115. [PMID: 30902530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The peritrophic matrix (PM) is an extracellular, semi-permeable biocomposite that lines the midgut of most insects. The PM serves as the first defense in the midgut to resist microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, and to protect epithelial cells from mechanical damage. The PM also separates the midgut lumen into different compartments, which play important roles in nutrient ingestion and digestion. The PM is a highly dynamic structure that consists mainly of chitin fibers cross-linked by proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans. The PM is continuously biosynthesized, assembled, and degraded in response to feeding and development. Chitin chains are synthesized by several enzymes and organized in several hierarchical levels, in which various PM-associated proteins appear to be essential for maintaining the structural integrity and physiological function of the PM. This review summarizes research advances on molecular components of the PM and their functions, as well as related proteins and enzymes that contribute to PM formation and modification. Crucial gaps in our current understanding of the PM are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | | | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China.
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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29
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Meng X, Miao L, Ge H, Yang X, Dong F, Xu X, Wu Z, Qian K, Wang J. Molecular characterization of glutamate-gated chloride channel and its possible roles in development and abamectin susceptibility in the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 155:72-80. [PMID: 30857629 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission in invertebrate nervous systems, and are of considerable interest in insecticide discovery. The full length cDNA encoding CsGluCl was cloned from the rice stem borer Chilo suppressalis (Walker). Multiple cDNA sequence alignment revealed three variants of CsGluCl generated by alternative splicing of exon 3 and exon 9. While all the transcripts were predominantly expressed in both nerve cord and brain, the expression patterns of these three variants differed among other tissues and developmental stages. Specifically, the expression level of CsGluCl C in cuticle was similar to that in nerve cord and brain, and was the predominant variant in late pupae and early adult stages. Both injection and oral delivery of dsGluCl significantly reduced the mRNA level of CsGluCl. Increased susceptibility to abamectin and reduced larvae growth and pupation rate were observed in dsGluCl-treated larvae. Thus, our results provide the evidence that in addition to act as the target of abamectin, GluCls also play important physiological roles in the development of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangkun Meng
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Lijun Miao
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Huichen Ge
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xuemei Yang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Fan Dong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xin Xu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhaolu Wu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Kun Qian
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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30
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Zhao X, Situ G, He K, Xiao H, Su C, Li F. Functional analysis of eight chitinase genes in rice stem borer and their potential application in pest control. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:835-846. [PMID: 30058753 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Insect chitinases participate in numerous physiological processes such as nutrition, parasitism, morphogenesis and immunity. These properties make chitinases good targets for pest control. Rice striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis Walker, is one of the most destructive pests of rice causing huge yield losses. In our previous work, we reported the identification of 12 SSB chitinase (CsCht) genes, and studied the functions of CsCht1 to 4. Here, we have extended our study to investigate the expression patterns and functions of CsCht5 to 12. All eight chitinase genes displayed distinct temporospatial expression profiles. We looked at the effect of knocking down each gene at the developmental stage where highest expression was observed. Knocking down CsCht5, CsCht6 and CsCht8 resulted in high mortality and delayed development. Although silencing CsCht7, CsCht9, CsCht10, CsCht11 and CsCht12 had no apparent effect on development, knocking down CsCht10 in SSB individuals that were simultaneously treated with Beauveria bassiana (Bb84) led to higher mortality rates and quicker death, suggesting CsCht10 has an essential role in protecting SSB from exogenous microorganisms. In summary, we elucidated the functions of eight SSB chitinase genes and found that CsCht10 could be a good candidate for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - G Situ
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - K He
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, China
| | - C Su
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - F Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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31
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Chen W, Qu M, Zhou Y, Yang Q. Structural analysis of group II chitinase (ChtII) catalysis completes the puzzle of chitin hydrolysis in insects. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:2652-2660. [PMID: 29317504 PMCID: PMC5827449 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitin is a linear homopolymer of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosamines and a major structural component of insect cuticles. Chitin hydrolysis involves glycoside hydrolase family 18 (GH18) chitinases. In insects, chitin hydrolysis is essential for periodic shedding of the old cuticle ecdysis and proceeds via a pathway different from that in the well studied bacterial chitinolytic system. Group II chitinase (ChtII) is a widespread chitinolytic enzyme in insects and contains the greatest number of catalytic domains and chitin-binding domains among chitinases. In Lepidopterans, ChtII and two other chitinases, ChtI and Chi-h, are essential for chitin hydrolysis. Although ChtI and Chi-h have been well studied, the role of ChtII remains elusive. Here, we investigated the structure and enzymology of OfChtII, a ChtII derived from the insect pest Ostrinia furnacalis We present the crystal structures of two catalytically active domains of OfChtII, OfChtII-C1 and OfChtII-C2, both in unliganded form and complexed with chitooligosaccharide substrates. We found that OfChtII-C1 and OfChtII-C2 both possess long, deep substrate-binding clefts with endochitinase activities. OfChtII exhibited structural characteristics within the substrate-binding cleft similar to those in OfChi-h and OfChtI. However, OfChtII lacked structural elements favoring substrate binding beyond the active sites, including an extra wall structure present in OfChi-h. Nevertheless, the numerous domains in OfChtII may compensate for this difference; a truncation containing one catalytic domain and three chitin-binding modules (OfChtII-B4C1) displayed activity toward insoluble polymeric substrates that was higher than those of OfChi-h and OfChtI. Our observations provide the last piece of the puzzle of chitin hydrolysis in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Mingbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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32
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Liu T, Zhu W, Wang J, Zhou Y, Duan Y, Qu M, Yang Q. The deduced role of a chitinase containing two nonsynergistic catalytic domains. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2018; 74:30-40. [PMID: 29372897 PMCID: PMC5786006 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798317018289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinases degrade or alter chitin. Multiple catalytic domains in a glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinase function synergistically during chitin degradation. Here, an insect group III chitinase from the agricultural pest Ostrinia furnacalis (OfChtIII) is revealed to be an arthropod-conserved chitinase that contains two nonsynergistic GH18 domains according to its catalytic properties. Both GH18 domains are active towards single-chained chitin substrates, but are inactive towards insoluble chitin substrates. The crystal structures of each unbound GH18 domain, as well as of GH18 domains complexed with hexa-N-acetyl-chitohexaose or penta-N-acetyl-chitopentaose, suggest that the two GH18 domains possess endo-specific activities. Physiological data indicated that the developmental stage-dependent gene-expression pattern of OfChtIII was the same as that of the chitin synthase OfChsA but significantly different from that of the chitinase OfChtI, which is indispensable for cuticular chitin degradation. Additionally, immunological staining indicated that OfChtIII was co-localized with OfChsA. Thus, OfChtIII is most likely to be involved in the chitin-synthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weixing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Engineering, School of Life Science and Biotechnology and School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang X, Zheng S. 20-hydroxyecdysone enhances the expression of the chitinase 5 via Broad-Complex Zinc-Finger 4 during metamorphosis in silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:243-253. [PMID: 28032930 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Insect chitinases are hydrolytic enzymes required for the degradation of chitin. They are essential for insect moulting and metamorphosis. In this study, the regulation mechanism of a chitinase gene, Bombyx mori chitinase 5 (BmCHT5), was studied. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that BmCHT5 was up-regulated during the larval-larval and larval-pupa transitions and notably induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Analysis of the BmCHT5 promoter revealed the presence of one Bombyx mori Broad-Complex Zinc-Finger Isoform 4 (BR-C Z4), two BR-C Z2 and two ecdysone-induced protein 74A (E74A) cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that are related to 20E. qRT-PCR showed that the expression of both BmBR-C Z4 and BmBR-C Z2 during metamorphosis, and when induced by 20E, was anastomotic with the variations in BmCHT5 mRNA level. In contrast, BmE74A did not follow this trend. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay did not retrieve a binding partner for the two BR-C Z2 CREs in the BmN cell line nuclear extract, whereas BR-C Z4 CRE specifically bound to BmBR-C Z4. Besides, luciferase activity analysis confirmed that BmBR-C Z4 could enhance the activity of the BmCHT5 promoter with BR-C Z4 CRE and could not enhance the promoter activity by mutating BR-C Z4 CRE. Taken together, these data suggest that the transcription factor BmBR-C Z4 enhances the expression of BmCHT5 during metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - S Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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34
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Cheba BA, Zaghloul TI, EL-Massry MH, EL-Mahdy AR. Kinetics Properties of Marine Chitinase from Novel Red Sea Strain of Bacillus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.02.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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