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Yan Y, Liu DQ, Li C, Yang WJ, Xu KK. Disruption of microRNA pathway core genes inhibits molting and reproduction of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4543-4552. [PMID: 38738474 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8158] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA (miRNA) pathway genes have been widely reported to participate in several physiological events in insect lifecycles. The cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne is an economically important storage pest worldwide. However, the functions of miRNA pathway genes in L. serricorne remain to be clarified. Herein, we investigated the function of molting and reproduction of the miRNA pathway in L. serricorne. RESULTS LsDicer-1, LsArgonaute-1, LsLoquacious and LsExportin-5 were universally expressed in adults, whereas LsPasha and LsDrosha were mainly expressed in the pupae. The genes presented different patterns in various tissues. Silencing of LsDicer-1, LsArgonaute-1, LsDrosha and LsExportin-5 resulted in a high proportion of wing deformities and molting defects. Silencing of LsDicer-1, LsArgonaute-1, LsPasha and LsLoquacious affected the development of the ovary and the maturation of oocytes, resulting in a significant decrease in fecundity. Further investigation revealed that the decreases in LsDicer-1 and LsArgonaute-1 expression destroyed follicular epithelia and delayed vitellogenesis and oocyte development. In addition, the expression levels of several miRNAs (let-7, let-7-5p, miR-8-3p, miR-8-5p, miR-9c-5p, miR-71, miR-252-5p, miR-277-3p, miR-263b and Novel-miR-50) were decreased significantly after knockdown of these miRNA pathway core genes, indicating that they played important roles in regulating miRNA-mediated gene expression. CONCLUSION The results indicate that miRNA pathway genes play important roles in the molting, ovarian development and female fecundity of L. serricorne, and thus are potentially suitable target genes for developing an RNAi strategy against a major pest of stored products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - De-Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Can Li
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen-Jia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kang-Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
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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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Ren QQ, Long GY, Yang H, Zhou C, Yang XB, Yan Y, Yan X. Conserved microRNAs miR-8-3p and miR-2a-3 targeting chitin biosynthesis to regulate the molting process of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth)(Hemiptera: Delphacidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2024:toae123. [PMID: 38894631 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toae123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Molting is a key solution to growth restriction in insects. The periodic synthesis and degradation of chitin, one of the major components of the insect epidermis, is necessary for insect growth. MicroRNA (miRNA) have been implicated in molting regulation, yet their involvement in the interplay interaction between the chitin synthesis pathway and 20-hydroxyecdysone signaling remains poorly understood. In this study, soluble trehalase (Tre1) and phosphoacetylglucosamine mutase (PAGM) were identified as targets of conserved miR-8-3p and miR-2a-3, respectively. The expression profiles of miR-8-3p-SfTre1 and miR-2a-3-SfPAGM exhibited an opposite pattern during the different developmental stages, indicating a negative regulatory relationship between them. This relationship was confirmed by an in vitro dual-luciferase reporter system. Overexpression of miR-8-3p and miR-2a-3 by injection of mimics inhibited the expression of their respective target genes and increased mortality, leading to death in the pre-molting, and molting death phenomena. They also caused a decrease in chitin content and expression levels of key genes in the chitin synthesis pathway (SfTre1, SfTre2, SfHK, SfG6PI, SfGFAT, SfGNA, SfPAGM, SfUAP, SfCHS1, SfCHS1a, and SfCHS1b). Conversely, the injection of miRNA inhibitors resulted in the upregulation of the expression levels of these genes. Following 20E treatment, the expression levels of miR-8-3p and miR-2a-3 decreased significantly, while their corresponding target genes increased significantly. These results indicate that miR-8-3p and miR-2a-3 play a regulatory role in the molting of Sogatella furcifera by targeting SfTre1 and SfPAGM, respectively. These findings provide new potential targets for the development of subsequent new control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Ren
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Gui-Yun Long
- School of Chinese Ethnic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Guizhou Ethnic Medicine Resource Development and Utilization in Guizhou Minzu, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Cao Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi-Bin Yang
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Station, Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guizhou, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Wang HC, Li L, Zhang JH, Yao ZH, Pang BP. MicroRNA miR-7-5p targets MARK2 to control metamorphosis in Galeruca daurica. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 272:110967. [PMID: 38521445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2024.110967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The MARK2 gene, coding microtubule affinity-regulating kinase or serine/threonine protein kinase, is an important modulator in organism microtubule generation and cell polarity. However, its role in the metamorphosis of insects remains unknown. In this study, we found a conserved miRNA, miR-7-5p, which targets MARK2 to participate in the regulation of the larval-pupal metamorphosis in Galeruca daurica. The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-7-5p interacted with the 3' UTR of MARK2 and repressed its expression. The expression profiling of miR-7-5p and MARK2 displayed an opposite trend during the larval-adult development process. In in-vivo experiments, overexpression of miR-7-5p by injecting miR-7-5p agomir in the final instar larvae down-regulated MARK2 and up-regulated main ecdysone signaling pathway genes including E74, E75, ECR, FTZ-F1 and HR3, which was similar to the results from knockdown of MARK2 by RNAi. In contrast, repression of miR-7-5p by injecting miR-7-5p antagomir obtained opposite effects. Notably, both overexpression and repression of miR-7-5p in the final instar larvae caused abnormal molting and high mortality during the larval-pupal transition, and high mortality during the pupal-adult transition. The 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) injection experiment showed that 20E up-regulated miR-7-5p whereas down-regulated MARK2. This study reveals that the accurate regulation of miRNAs and their target genes is indispensable for insect metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Chao Wang
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ling Li
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jing-Hang Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Center for Plant Protection and Quarantine, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhi-Han Yao
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Bao-Ping Pang
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
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Geens B, Goossens S, Li J, Van de Peer Y, Vanden Broeck J. Untangling the gordian knot: The intertwining interactions between developmental hormone signaling and epigenetic mechanisms in insects. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 585:112178. [PMID: 38342134 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Hormones control developmental and physiological processes, often by regulating the expression of multiple genes simultaneously or sequentially. Crosstalk between hormones and epigenetics is pivotal to dynamically coordinate this process. Hormonal signals can guide the addition and removal of epigenetic marks, steering gene expression. Conversely, DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs can modulate regional chromatin structure and accessibility and regulate the expression of numerous (hormone-related) genes. Here, we provide a review of the interplay between the classical insect hormones, ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones, and epigenetics. We summarize the mode-of-action and roles of these hormones in post-embryonic development, and provide a general overview of epigenetic mechanisms. We then highlight recent advances on the interactions between these hormonal pathways and epigenetics, and their involvement in development. Furthermore, we give an overview of several 'omics techniques employed in the field. Finally, we discuss which questions remain unanswered and possible avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Geens
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Stijn Goossens
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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6
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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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Zhang R, Liu W, Zhang Z. miR-306-5p is involved in chitin metabolism in Aedes albopictus pupae via linc8338-miR-306-5p-XM_019678125.2 axis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105811. [PMID: 38582583 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105811] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Aedes albopictus can transmit several lethal arboviruses. This mosquito has become a sever public health threat due to its rapidly changing global distribution. Chitin, which is the major component of the cuticle and peritrophic membrane (PM), is crucial for the growth and development of insect. microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the posttranscriptional level regulation of gene expression, thereby influencing many biological processes in insects. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the role of miR-306-5p in regulating chitin metabolism in Ae. albopictus pupae. Overexpression of miR-306-5p resulted in a significantly reduced survival rate in pupae and an increased malformation rate in adults. Both in vivo and in vitro evidence confirmed the presence of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory axis (linc8338-miR-306-5p-XM_019678125.2). RNAi of linc8338 and XM_019678125.2 had effects on pupae similar to those of miR-306-5p. The highest expression level of miR-306-5p was found in the midgut, and alteration in the expression of miR-306-5p, XM_019678125.2 and linc8338 induced increased transcript levels of chitin synthase 2 (AaCHS2) and decreased chitinase 10 (AaCht10); as well as increased thickness of the midgut and enlarged midgut epithelial cells. The results of this study highlight the potential of miR-306-5p as a prospective target in mosquito control and confirm that the ceRNA mechanism is involved in chitin metabolism. These findings will provide a basis for further studies to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which ncRNAs regulate chitin metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Zhang
- 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.
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, China.
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Zhang Y, Gao J, Cao L, Du J, Xu G, Xu P. Microcystin-LR-induced autophagy via miR-282-5p/PIK3R1 pathway in Eriocheir sinensis hepatopancreas. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 267:115661. [PMID: 37948941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115661] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
With the intensifying climate warming, blue-green algae blooms have become more frequent and severe, releasing environmental hazards such as microcystin that pose potential threats to human and animal health. Autophagy has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating immune responses induced by environmental hazards, enabling cells to adapt to stress and protect against damage. Although microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has been identified to affect autophagy in mammalian, its impact on aquatic animals has been poorly studied. To investigate the toxicological effects of MC-LR in aquatic ecosystems, we constructed a microRNA profile of acute MC-LR stress in the hepatopancreas of the Chinese mitten crab. Interestingly, we found the MC-LR exposure activated autophagy in the hepatopancreas based on the following evidence. Specifically, mRNA expression level of ATG7, Beclin1 and Gabarap was significantly up-regulated, autophagy regulatory pathways were significantly enriched, and numerous autolysosomes and autophagosomes were observed. Additionally, we found that miR-282-5p and its target gene PIK3R1 played important regulatory roles in autophagy by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Overexpression of miR-282-5p mimicked MC-LR-induced autophagy by inhibiting PIK3R1 expression, while miR-282-5p silencing inhibited autophagy by promoting PIK3R1 expression. Altogether, our findings suggest that MC-LR increases miR-282-5p, which then targets inhibition of PIK3R1 to stimulate autophagy. This study focused on the stress response regulatory mechanisms of juvenile crabs to toxic pollutants in water, offering a potential target for alleviating the toxicity of MC-LR. These findings lay a foundation for reducing the toxicity of MC-LR and environmental hazards in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Zhang
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Jiancao Gao
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Liping Cao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Jinliang Du
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China
| | - Gangchun Xu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China.
| | - Pao Xu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China.
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9
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Zhang R, Liu W, Fu J, Zhang Z. MicroRNA-989 controls Aedes albopictus pupal-adult transition process by influencing cuticle chitin metabolism in pupae. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:397. [PMID: 37919799 PMCID: PMC10623821 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05976-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes albopictus is a vector of numerous devastating arboviruses and places heavy burdens on global public health. Chitin is one of the important components of cuticles and targeting chitin metabolism is a promising strategy for preventing mosquito dispersal and mosquito-borne diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in various physiological processes of insects. METHODS A previous analysis suggested that the microRNA miR-989 is potentially involved in chitin metabolism in Ae. albopictus pupae. In the present study, we found that the expression level of miR-989 was significantly overexpressed after injection of agomir. A dual-luciferase assay was used to determine the direct target of miR-989. Survival rate, eclosion rate and malformation rate were statistically analyzed to evaluate the potential effect of miR-989. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and chitin staining were used to evaluate the microstructural changes in the cuticles of Ae. albopictus pupae. RESULTS Overexpression of miR-989 resulted in a significantly reduced survival rate and eclosion rate of pupae and an elevated malformation rate of adults. The results suggested that miR-989 acted as a regulator of chitin metabolism in Ae. albopictus pupae by affecting the transcript levels of the Ae. albopictus genes encoding chitin synthase 1 (AaCHS1) and chitinase 10 (AaCht10). The altered expression levels of the two chitin metabolism-related enzymes (CHS1 and Cht10, respectively) caused the structural changes in cuticles and further affected the pupal-adult transition process of Ae. albopictus. XM_029863591.1 was proven to be the target gene of miR-989 and displayed similar effects on pupae as miR-989. CONCLUSIONS The microRNA miR-989 was found to be essential for chitin metabolism in old and new cuticles of Ae. albopictus pupae. The results of the current study suggested that miR-989 could be used as a potential target to control Ae. albopictus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China.
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250117, China.
- School of Laboratory Animal (Shandong Laboratory Animal Center), Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University, 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 Academy of Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University, 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 Academy of Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250117, China.
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Fan X, Zhang W, Guo S, Zhu L, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Gao X, Jiang H, Zhang T, Chen D, Guo R, Niu Q. Expression Profile, Regulatory Network, and Putative Role of microRNAs in the Developmental Process of Asian Honey Bee Larval Guts. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050469. [PMID: 37233097 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
MiRNAs, as a kind of key regulators in gene expression, play vital roles in numerous life activities from cellular proliferation and differentiation to development and immunity. However, little is known about the regulatory manner of miRNAs in the development of Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) guts. Here, on basis of our previously gained high-quality transcriptome data, transcriptome-wide identification of miRNAs in the larval guts of Apis cerana cerana was conducted, followed by investigation of the miRNAs' differential expression profile during the gut development. In addition to the regulatory network, the potential function of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) was further analyzed. In total, 330, 351, and 321 miRNAs were identified in the 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old larval guts, respectively; among these, 257 miRNAs were shared, while 38, 51, and 36 ones were specifically expressed. Sequences of six miRNAs were confirmed by stem-loop RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Additionally, in the "Ac4 vs. Ac5" comparison group, there were seven up-regulated and eight down-regulated miRNAs; these DEmiRNAs could target 5041 mRNAs, involving a series of GO terms and KEGG pathways associated with growth and development, such as cellular process, cell part, Wnt, and Hippo. Comparatively, four up-regulated and six down-regulated miRNAs detected in the "Ac5 vs. Ac6" comparison group and the targets were associated with diverse development-related terms and pathways, including cell, organelle, Notch and Wnt. Intriguingly, it was noticed that miR-6001-y presented a continuous up-regulation trend across the developmental process of larval guts, implying that miR-6001-y may be a potential essential modulator in the development process of larval guts. Further investigation indicated that 43 targets in the "Ac4 vs. Ac5" comparison group and 31 targets in the "Ac5 vs. Ac6" comparison group were engaged in several crucial development-associated signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hippo, and Notch. Ultimately, the expression trends of five randomly selected DEmiRNAs were verified using RT-qPCR. These results demonstrated that dynamic expression and structural alteration of miRNAs were accompanied by the development of A. c. cerana larval guts, and DEmiRNAs were likely to participate in the modulation of growth as well as development of larval guts by affecting several critical pathways via regulation of the expression of target genes. Our data offer a basis for elucidating the developmental mechanism underlying Asian honey bee larval guts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Fan
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wende Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Sijia Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Leran Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Haodong Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xuze Gao
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Haibin Jiang
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin 132000, China
| | - Tianze Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qingsheng Niu
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin 132000, China
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Li C, Wu W, Tang J, Feng F, Chen P, Li B. Identification and Characterization of Development-Related microRNAs in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076685. [PMID: 37047657 PMCID: PMC10094939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in insect growth and development, but they were poorly studied in insects. In this study, a total of 883 miRNAs were detected from the early embryo (EE), late larva (LL), early pupa (EP), late pupa (LP), and early adult (EA) of Tribolium castaneum by microarray assay. Further analysis identified 179 differentially expressed unique miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) during these developmental stages. Of the DEmiRNAs, 102 DEmiRNAs exhibited stage-specific expression patterns during development, including 53 specifically highly expressed miRNAs and 20 lowly expressed miRNAs in EE, 19 highly expressed miRNAs in LL, 5 weakly expressed miRNAs in EP, and 5 abundantly expressed miRNAs in EA. These miRNAs were predicted to target 747, 265, 472, 234, and 121 genes, respectively. GO enrichment analysis indicates that the targets were enriched by protein phosphorylation, calcium ion binding, sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factor activity, and cytoplasm. An RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the DEmiRNAs tca-miR-6-3p, tca-miR-9a-3p, tca-miR-9d-3p, tca-miR-11-3p, and tca-miR-13a-3p led to defects in metamorphosis and wing development of T. castaneum. This study has completed the identification and characterization of development-related miRNAs in T. castaneum, and will enable us to investigate their roles in the growth and development of insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjun Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
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