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Arora S, Seth R, Singh Y, Seth RK. Effect of male parental gamma irradiation on host suitability of its F1 progeny of a lepidopteran tropical pest, Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) towards development and virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema thermophilum. Appl Radiat Isot 2024; 212:111426. [PMID: 38981166 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111426] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The suitability of F1 progeny insect larvae of the irradiated male parent, Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) for infective juveniles (IJs) of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Steinernema thermophilum was assessed to comprehend the feasibility of combining EPNs with nuclear pest control tactic. As compared to the control, the IJs induced faster host mortality with reduced proliferation in F1 host larvae. IJs derived from F1 host larvae exhibited almost similar proliferation capacity on normal hosts as in control. Further, the molecular basis of EPNs induced mortality in F1 host larvae was evaluated. Dual stress of EPN infection and irradiation induced downregulation of the relative mRNA expression of antimicrobial genes and upregulated expression of antioxidative genes. A pronounced effect of EPNs in association with irradiation stress was apparent on host mortality. Radiation induced sterile F1 insect larvae of S. litura acted as a reasonably suitable host for EPNs and also provided the environment for developing viable EPNs for their potential use as biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Arora
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Ranjana Seth
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - R K Seth
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India.
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Lu Z, Zhu Q, Bai Y, Zhao X, Wang H, Peng X, Luo Z, Zhang Y. A fungal pathogen secretes a cell wall-associated β-N-acetylhexosaminidase that is co-expressed with chitinases to contribute to infection of insects. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4699-4713. [PMID: 38771009 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8185] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-N-acetylhexosaminidases (HEXs) are widely distributed in fungi and involved in cell wall chitin metabolism and utilization of chitin-containing substrates. However, details of the fungal pathogens-derived HEXs in the interaction with their hosts remain limited. RESULTS An insect nutrients-induced β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, BbHex1, was identified from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, which was involved in cell wall modification and degradation of insect cuticle. BbHex1 was localized to cell wall and secreted, and displayed enzyme activity to degrade the chitinase-hydrolyzed product (GlcNAc)2. Disruption of BbHex1 resulted in a significant decrease in the level of cell wall chitin in the presence of insect nutrients and during infection of insects, with impaired ability to penetrate insect cuticle, accompanying downregulated cell wall metabolism-involved and cuticle-degrading chitinase genes. However, the opposite phenotypes were examined in the gene overexpression strain. Distinctly altered cell wall structures caused by BbHex1 mutation and overexpression led to the easy activation and evasion (respectively) of insect immune response during fungal infection. As a result, BbHex1 contributed to fungal virulence. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that promoters of some co-expressed chitinase genes with the BbHex1 promoter shared conserved transcription factors Skn7, Msn2 and Ste12, and CreA-binding motifs, implying co-regulation of those genes with BbHex1. CONCLUSION These data support a mechanism that the fungal pathogen specifically expresses BbHex1, which is co-expressed with chitinases to modify cell wall for evasion of insect immune recognition and to degrade insect cuticle, and contributes to the fungal virulence against insects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoyue Lu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiankuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Bai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Wang Y, Mbiza NIT, Liu T, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Luo X, Chu L, Li J, Yang Y, Wang X, Zhang J, Yu Y. SfREPAT38, a pathogen response gene (REPAT), is involved in immune response of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae through mediating Toll signalling pathway. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:417-426. [PMID: 38549231 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12909] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
REPAT (response to pathogen) is an immune-associated gene family that plays important roles in insect immune response to pathogens. Although nine REPAT genes have been identified in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) currently, their functions and mechanisms in the immune response to pathogens still remain unclear. Therefore, SfREPAT38, a pathogen response gene (REPAT) of S. frugiperda, was characterised and its function was analysed. The results showed that SfREPAT38 contains a signal peptide and a transcription activator MBF2 (multi-protein bridging factor 2) domain. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that SfREPAT38 was highly expressed in the sixth-instar larvae (L6) and was the highest in expression in the midgut of L6. We found that the expression of SfREPAT38 could be activated by challenge with four microbial pathogens (Bacillus thuringiensis, Metarhizium anisopliae, Spodoptera exigua nuclearpolyhedrosis and Escherichia coli), except 12 h after E. coli infection. Furthermore, the SfREPAT38 expression levels significantly decreased at 24, 48 and 72 h after SfREPAT38 dsRNA injection or feeding. Feeding with SfREPAT38 dsRNA significantly decreased the weight gain of S. frugiperda, and continuous feeding led to the death of S. frugiperda larvae from the fourth day. Moreover, SfREPAT38 dsRNA injection resulted in a significant decrease of weight gain on the fifth day. Silencing SfREPAT38 gene down-regulated the expression levels of immune genes belonging to the Toll pathway, including SPZ, Myd88, DIF, Cactus, Pell and Toll18W. After treatment with SfREPAT38 dsRNA, S. frugiperda became extremely sensitive to the B. thuringiensis infection, and the survival rate dramatically increased, with 100% mortality by the eighth day. The weight of S. frugiperda larvae was also significantly lower than that of the control groups from the second day onwards. In addition, the genes involved in the Toll signalling pathway and a few antibacterial peptide related genes were down-regulated after treatment. These results showed that SfREPAT38 is involved in the immune response of S. frugiperda larvae through mediating Toll signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Wang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Natasha Isabel Tanatsiwa Mbiza
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xincheng Luo
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Longyan Chu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jianping Li
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yazhen Yang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangping Wang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, College of Life Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
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Zhang Y, Yan Y, Smagghe G, Yang H, Dai RH, Yang WJ. Identification and immune analysis of antimicrobial peptides from the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne). INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:1121-1134. [PMID: 37984503 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13298] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in insects are endogenous peptides that are effector components of the innate defense system of the insect. AMPs may serve as antimicrobial agents because of their small molecular weight and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis of cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) larvae, parasitized by the ectoparasitic wasp, Anisopteromalus calandrae. Several AMP genes were significantly upregulated following A. calandrae parasitism, postulating the hypothesis that the parasitization enhanced the host's resistance against pathogenic microorganisms through the regulation of host AMP genes. Specifically, 3 AMP genes (LsDef1, LsDef2, and LsCole) were significantly upregulated and we studied their immune function in L. serricorne. Immune challenge and functional analysis showed that LsCole was responsible for the immune response against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, while LsDef1 and LsDef2 were involved in insect defense against Gram-positive bacteria. Purified recombinant LsCole exhibited antimicrobial activities against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. LsDef2 showed an antibacterial effect against S. aureus. LsCole and LsDef2 exhibited antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. The 2 AMPs disrupted cell membranes and caused leakage of S. aureus cell contents. The results indicated that the 3 AMPs in L. serricorne are involved in the innate immunity of this pest insect. These AMPs may have potential as antimicrobial agents for bacterial infection chemotherapy. Hence, data are discussed in relation to new control strategies with greater biosafety against pest insects with use of microbial biocontrol agents in combination with RNA interference against the insect's defensive AMP genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ren-Huai Dai
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen-Jia Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
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Wang L, Han Z, Liu X, Li S, Bi H, Feng C. Identification and Functional Analysis of Adipokinetic Hormone Receptor in Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée Larvae Parasitized by Macrocentrus cingulum. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 116:e22147. [PMID: 39190556 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22147] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
As a typical G protein-coupled receptor, the adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR) has seven transmembrane domains (TMDs), and its structure and function are similar to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) in vertebrates. However, there is a dearth of information on other components of the AKHR signaling pathway and how it functions in the interaction between insect hosts and parasitoids. In this study, we cloned and analyzed the multifunctional Ostrinia furnacalis AKHR (OfAKHR) cDNA (GenBank accession number MF797868). OfAKHR has a 2206 bp full-length cDNA, which includes an open reading frame containing 1194 bp. OfAKHR contains the typical seven TMDs, and a "DRY" motif. OfAKHR has the highest relative expression in the fat body and the fifth instar larvae. The results revealed that ApoLpⅢ, PPO2, GS, TPS, Cecropin, and Moricin decreased the transcription levels from 48 to 72 h after the knockdown of OfAKHR expression by dsOfAKHR injection in the fourth instar O. furnacalis larvae. The parasitization of Macrocentrus cingulum selectively upregulated the expression levels of nutrition metabolism and immune-related genes in parasitized O. furnacalis larvae, stimulated lysozyme activity, and obviously raised the concentrations of triglyceride and trehalose in the hemolymph of O. furnacalis larvae. However, they inhibited the activities of PO and trehalase. This study is conducive to a deeper cognition of the roles of OfAKHR in nutrition and immune homeostasis, coevolution, and coexistence between parasitic wasps and hosts. It also sheds light on the potential as the target of pest control reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libao Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Oceanology & Marine Fisheries, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoyang Han
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuzhong Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Honglun Bi
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Yan L, Nur Faidah A, Sun L, Cao C. Hemolin increases the immune response of a caterpillar to NPV infection. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 155:104651. [PMID: 38763360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104651] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Hemolin, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, plays a crucial role in the immune responses of insects against pathogens. However, the innate immune response of Hemolin to baculovirus infection varies among different insects, and the antiviral effects of Hemolin in Hyphantria cunea (HcHemolin) remain poorly understood. Our results showed that HcHemolin was expressed throughout all developmental stages, with higher expressions observed during pupal and adult stages of H. cunea. Additionally, HcHemolin was expressed in reproductive and digestive organs. The expression levels of the HcHemolin were induced significantly following H. cunea nucleopolyhedrovirus (HcNPV) infection. The susceptibility of H. cunea larvae to HcNPV decreased upon silencing of HcHemolin, resulting in a 40% reduction in median lifespan compared to the control group. The relative growth rate (RGR), the relative efficiency of consumption rate (RCR), the efficiency of the conversion of ingested food (ECI), and efficiency of the conversion of digested food (ECD) of silenced H. cunea larvae were significantly lower than those of the control group. Immune challenge assays showed that the median lifespan of treated H. cunea larvae was two-fold longer than the control group after HcNPV and HcHemolin protein co-injection. Therefore, we propose that HcHemolin plays a crucial role in regulating the growth, development, and food utilization of H. cunea, as well as in the antiviral immune response against HcNPV. These findings provide implications for the development of targeted nucleic acid pesticides and novel strategies for pollution-free biological control synergists for HcNPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
| | - Arina Nur Faidah
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
| | - Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
| | - Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
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Windfelder AG, Steinbart J, Graser L, Scherberich J, Krombach GA, Vilcinskas A. An enteric ultrastructural surface atlas of the model insect Manducasexta. iScience 2024; 27:109410. [PMID: 38558941 PMCID: PMC10981077 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The tobacco hornworm is a laboratory model that is particularly suitable for analyzing gut inflammation, but a physiological reference standard is currently unavailable. Here, we present a surface atlas of the healthy hornworm gut generated by scanning electron microscopy and nano-computed tomography. This comprehensive overview of the gut surface reveals morphological differences between the anterior, middle, and posterior midgut, allowing the screening of aberrant gut phenotypes while accommodating normal physiological variations. We estimated a total resorptive midgut surface of 0.42 m2 for L5d6 larvae, revealing its remarkable size. Our data will support allometric scaling and dose conversion from Manduca sexta to mammals in preclinical research, embracing the 3R principles. We also observed non-uniform gut colonization by enterococci, characterized by dense biofilms in the pyloric cone and downstream of the pylorus associated with pore and spine structures in the hindgut intima, indicating a putative immunosurveillance function in the lepidopteran hindgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton G. Windfelder
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jessica Steinbart
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Leonie Graser
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Scherberich
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gabriele A. Krombach
- Experimental Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Department of Applied Entomology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Bi J, Liu P, Gao R, Jiang Y, Zhang C, Zhao T, Gao L, Wang Y. Silencing gram-negative bacteria binding protein 1 decreases the immunity of Tribolium castaneum against bacteria. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130631. [PMID: 38453114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130631] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria binding proteins (GNBPs) have the ability to recognize molecular patterns associated with microbial pathogens (PAMPs), leading to the activation of immune responses downstream. In the genome of Tribolium castaneum, three GNBP genes have been identified; however, their immunological roles remain unexplored. In our study, a GNBP1, designated as TcGNBP1, were identified from the cDNA library of T. castaneum. The coding sequence of TcGNBP1 consisted of 1137 bps and resulted in the synthesis of a protein comprising 378 amino acids. This protein encompasses a signal peptide, a low-complexity region, and a glycoside hydrolase 16 domain. TcGNBP1 was strongly expressed in early adult stages, and mainly distributed in hemolymph and gut. Upon being challenged with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus, the transcript levels of TcGNBP1 were significantly changed at different time points. Through molecular docking and ELISA analysis, it was observed that TcGNBP1 has the ability to interact with lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycan, and β-1, 3-glucan. Based on these findings, it was further discovered that recombinant TcGNBP1 can directly bind to five different bacteria in a Ca2+-dependent manner. After knockdown of TcGNBP1 with RNA interference, expression of antimicrobial peptide genes and prophenoloxidase (proPO) activity were suppressed, the susceptibility of T. castaneum to E. coli or S. aureus infection was enhanced, leading to low survival rate. These results suggest a regulatory mechanism of TcGNBP1 in innate immunity of T. castaneum and provide a potential molecular target for dsRNA-based insect pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiu Bi
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Pingxiang Liu
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yuying Jiang
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; Cooperative of Vegetable and Grain Cultivation, Liaocheng Yifeng Bloc, Liaocheng, Shandong, China.
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Jackson JJ, Heyer S, Bell G. Sortase-encoding genes, srtA and srtC, mediate Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF persistence in the Helicoverpa zea gastrointestinal tract. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1322303. [PMID: 38562482 PMCID: PMC10982312 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1322303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal and opportunistic pathogen in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of mammals and insects. To investigate mechanisms of bacterial persistence in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), we developed a non-destructive sampling model using Helicoverpa zea, a destructive agricultural pest, as host to study the role of bacterial sortase enzymes in mitigating persistence in the gastrointestinal tract. E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtA and E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtC, isogenic E. faecalis OG1RF sortase mutants grew similarly under planktonic growth conditions relative to a streptomycin-resistant E. faecalis OG1RFS WT in vitro but displayed impaired biofilm formation under, both, physiological and alkaline conditions. In the H. zea GI model, both mutants displayed impaired persistence relative to the WT. This represents one of the initial reports in which a non-destructive insect model has been used to characterize mechanisms of bacterial persistence in the Lepidopteran midgut and, furthermore, sheds light on new molecular mechanisms employed by diverse microorganisms to associate with invertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerreme J. Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
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10
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Hu H, Hu Q, Weng Q, Wang J. Hemocytin, the special aggregation factor connecting insect hemolymph immunity, a potential target of insecticidal immunosuppresant. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 198:105704. [PMID: 38225099 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105704] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Insects possess an effective innate immunity that enables them to adapt to their intricate living environment and fend off various pathogens (or parasites). This innate immunity comprises both humoral and cellular immunity, which synergistically orchestrate immune responses. Hemocytin, a lectin with a distinctive structure, plays a crucial role in insect hemolymph immunity. Hemocytin is involved in the early immune response, facilitating processes such as coagulation, nodulation, and encapsulation in the hemolymph. It prevents hemolymph overflow and microbial pathogens invasion resulting from epidermal damage, and also aids in the recognition and elimination of invaders. However, the research on hemocytin is still limited. Our previous findings demonstrated that destruxin A effectively inhibits insect hemolymph immunity by interacting with hemocytin, suggesting that hemocytin could be a potential target for insecticides development. Therefore, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of hemocytin. This review integrates recent advancements in the study of the structure and function of insect hemocytin and also explores the potential of hemocytin as a target for insecticides. This review aims to enhance our comprehension of insect innate immunity and provide innovative ideas for the development of environmentally friendly pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwang Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Qiongbo Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Qunfang Weng
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Jingjing Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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11
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Chen K, Lu S, Song J, Dou X, Wei X, Wang X, Liu X, Feng C. The selective regulation of immune responses by matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 in Ostrinia furnacalis. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1622-1636. [PMID: 37209089 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial for tissue remodeling and immune responses in insects, yet it remains unclear how MMPs affect the various immune processes against pathogenic infections and whether the responses vary among insects. In this study, we used the lepidopteran pest Ostrinia furnacalis larvae to address these questions by examining the changes of immune-related gene expression and antimicrobial activity after the knockdown of MMP14 and bacterial infections. We identified MMP14 in O. furnacalis using the rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE), and found that it was conserved and belonged to the MMP1 subfamily. Our functional investigations revealed that MMP14 is an infection-responsive gene, and its knockdown reduces phenoloxidase (PO) activity and Cecropin expression, while the expressions of Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin are enhanced after MMP14 knockdown. Further PO and lysozyme activity determinations showed consistent results with gene expression of these immune-related genes. Finally, the knockdown of MMP14 decreased larvae survival to bacterial infections. Taken together, our data indicate that MMP14 selectively regulates the immune responses, and is required to defend against bacterial infections in O. furnacalis larvae. Conserved MMPs may serve as a potential target for pest control using a combination of double-stranded RNA and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahui Song
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyi Dou
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Xiangyi Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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12
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Ashraf MZ, Mogilicherla K, Sellamuthu G, Siino V, Levander F, Roy A. Comparative gut proteomics study revealing adaptive physiology of Eurasian spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Scolytinae). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1157455. [PMID: 38078109 PMCID: PMC10703158 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1157455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.), is a major pest of Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.), causing enormous economic losses globally. The adult stage of the I. typographus has a complex life cycle (callow and sclerotized); the callow beetles feed ferociously, whereas sclerotized male beetles are more aggressive and pioneers in establishing new colonies. We conducted a comparative proteomics study to understand male and female digestion and detoxification processes in callow and sclerotized beetles. Proteome profiling was performed using high-throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of >3000 proteins were identified from the bark beetle gut, and among them, 539 were differentially abundant (fold change ±2, FDR <0.05) between callow and sclerotized beetles. The differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) mainly engage with binding, catalytic activity, anatomical activity, hydrolase activity, metabolic process, and carbohydrate metabolism, and hence may be crucial for growth, digestion, detoxification, and signalling. We validated selected DAPs with RT-qPCR. Gut enzymes such as NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CYC), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and esterase (EST) play a crucial role in the I. typographus for detoxification and digesting of host allelochemicals. We conducted enzyme activity assays with them and observed a positive correlation of CYC and GST activities with the proteomic results, whereas EST activity was not fully correlated. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that callow beetles had an upregulation of proteins associated with juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis and chitin metabolism, whereas sclerotized beetles exhibited an upregulation of proteins linked to fatty acid metabolism and the TCA cycle. These distinctive patterns of protein regulation in metabolic and functional processes are specific to each developmental stage, underscoring the adaptive responses of I. typographicus in overcoming conifer defences and facilitating their survival. Taken together, it is the first gut proteomic study comparing males and females of callow and sclerotized I. typographus, shedding light on the adaptive ecology at the molecular level. Furthermore, the information about bark beetle handling of nutritionally limiting and defence-rich spruce phloem diet can be utilized to formulate RNAi-mediated beetle management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zubair Ashraf
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kanakachari Mogilicherla
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Gothandapani Sellamuthu
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Valentina Siino
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Levander
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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13
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Zhang X, Zhang S, Kuang J, Sellens KA, Morejon B, Saab SA, Li M, Metto EC, An C, Culbertson CT, Osta MA, Scoglio C, Michel K. CLIPB4 Is a Central Node in the Protease Network that Regulates Humoral Immunity in Anopheles gambiae Mosquitoes. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:680-696. [PMID: 37703846 PMCID: PMC10603620 DOI: 10.1159/000533898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect humoral immune responses are regulated in part by protease cascades, whose components circulate as zymogens in the hemolymph. In mosquitoes, these cascades consist of clip-domain serine proteases (cSPs) and/or their non-catalytic homologs, which form a complex network, whose molecular make-up is not fully understood. Using a systems biology approach, based on a co-expression network of gene family members that function in melanization and co-immunoprecipitation using the serine protease inhibitor (SRPN)2, a key negative regulator of the melanization response in mosquitoes, we identify the cSP CLIPB4 from the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae as a central node in this protease network. CLIPB4 is tightly co-expressed with SRPN2 and forms protein complexes with SRPN2 in the hemolymph of immune-challenged female mosquitoes. Genetic and biochemical approaches validate our network analysis and show that CLIPB4 is required for melanization and antibacterial immunity, acting as a prophenoloxidase (proPO)-activating protease, which is inhibited by SRPN2. In addition, we provide novel insight into the structural organization of the cSP network in An. gambiae, by demonstrating that CLIPB4 is able to activate proCLIPB8, a cSP upstream of the proPO-activating protease CLIPB9. These data provide the first evidence that, in mosquitoes, cSPs provide branching points in immune protease networks and deliver positive reinforcement in proPO activation cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junyao Kuang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | | | - Bianca Morejon
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Sally A. Saab
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Miao Li
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Eve C. Metto
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Mike A. Osta
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Caterina Scoglio
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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14
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Zhao M, Lin Z, Zheng Z, Yao D, Yang S, Zhao Y, Chen X, Aweya JJ, Zhang Y. The mechanisms and factors that induce trained immunity in arthropods and mollusks. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1241934. [PMID: 37744346 PMCID: PMC10513178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1241934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides dividing the organism's immune system into adaptive and innate immunity, it has long been thought that only adaptive immunity can establish immune memory. However, many studies have shown that innate immunity can also build immunological memory through epigenetic reprogramming and modifications to resist pathogens' reinfection, known as trained immunity. This paper reviews the role of mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetic modifications and describes the molecular foundation in the trained immunity of arthropods and mollusks. Mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetic modifications complement each other and play a key role in trained immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Zhongyang Lin
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Zhihong Zheng
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Defu Yao
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Shen Yang
- College of Ocean Food and Biological Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Enzyme Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yongzhen Zhao
- Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Nanning, China
| | - Xiuli Chen
- Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Nanning, China
| | - Jude Juventus Aweya
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, China
- College of Ocean Food and Biological Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Enzyme Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, China
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15
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Li J, Mao Y, Yi J, Lin M, Xu H, Cheng Y, Wu H, Liu J. Induced expression modes of genes related to Toll, Imd, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway-mediated immune response in Spodoptera frugiperda infected with Beauveria bassiana. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1249662. [PMID: 37693000 PMCID: PMC10484109 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1249662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the most harmful pests that attack maize and other major food crops and causes huge economic loss every year in China and other countries and regions. Beauveria bassiana, a kind of entomological fungus that is highly pathogenic to pests, is harmless to the environment and human beings. However, at present, S. frugiperda has gradually developed resistance to many pesticides and microbial insecticides. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was conducted to analyze the differences in gene expression between B. bassiana-infected and -uninfected S. frugiperda. More than 160 Gb of clean data were obtained as 150-bp paired-end reads using the Illumina HiSeq™ 4000 platform, and 2,767 and 2,892 DEGs were identified in LH36vsCK36 and LH144vsCK144, respectively. In order to explore the roles of JAK/STAT, Toll, and Imd signaling pathways in antifungal immune response in S. frugiperda against B. bassiana infection, the expression patterns of those signaling pathway-related genes in B. bassiana-infected S. frugiperda were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, antifungal activity experiments revealed that the suppression of JAK/STAT, Toll, and Imd signaling pathways by inhibitors could inhibit the antifungal activity to a large extent and lead to increased sensitivity of S. frugiperda to B. bassiana infection, indicating that JAK/STAT, Toll, and Imd signaling pathways and their associated genes might be involved in the synthesis and secretion of antifungal substances. This study implied that JAK/STAT, Toll, and Imd signaling pathways played crucial roles in the antifungal immune response of the S. frugiperda larvae, in which the related genes of these signaling pathways could play special regulatory roles in signal transduction. This study would improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying innate immunity and provide the basis for a wide spectrum of strategies against antifungal resistance of S. frugiperda.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Han Wu
- Institute of Nanfan and Seed Industry, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianbai Liu
- Institute of Nanfan and Seed Industry, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Ghosh E, Tafesh-Edwards GSY, Eleftherianos I, Goldin SL, Ode PJ. The plant toxin 4-methylsulfinylbutyl isothiocyanate decreases herbivore performance and modulates cellular and humoral immunity. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289205. [PMID: 37531339 PMCID: PMC10395821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect herbivores frequently encounter plant defense molecules, but the physiological and ecological consequences for their immune systems are not fully understood. The majority of studies attempting to relate levels of plant defensive chemistry to herbivore immune responses have used natural population or species-level variation in plant defensive chemistry. Yet, this potentially confounds the effects of plant defense chemistry with other potential plant trait differences that may affect the expression of herbivore immunity. We used an artificial diet containing known quantities of a plant toxin (4-methylsulfinylbutyl isothiocyanate; 4MSOB-ITC or ITC, a breakdown product of the glucosinolate glucoraphanin upon herbivory) to explicitly explore the effects of a plant toxin on the cellular and humoral immune responses of the generalist herbivore Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that frequently feeds on glucosinolate-containing plants. Caterpillars feeding on diets with high concentrations of ITC experienced reduced survivorship and growth rates. High concentrations of ITC suppressed the appearance of several types of hemocytes and melanization activity, which are critical defenses against parasitic Hymenoptera and microbial pathogens. In terms of T. ni humoral immunity, only the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes lebocin and gallerimycin were significantly upregulated in caterpillars fed on diets containing high levels of ITC relative to caterpillars that were provided with ITC-free diet. Surprisingly, challenging caterpillars with a non-pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli resulted in the upregulation of the AMP gene cecropin. Feeding on high concentrations of plant toxins hindered caterpillar development, decreased cellular immunity, but conferred mixed effects on humoral immunity. Our findings provide novel insights into the effects of herbivore diet composition on insect performance demonstrating the role of specific plant defense toxins that shape herbivore immunity and trophic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enakshi Ghosh
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, Unites States of America
| | - Ghada S Y Tafesh-Edwards
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., Unites States of America
| | - Ioannis Eleftherianos
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., Unites States of America
| | - Stephanie L Goldin
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, Unites States of America
| | - Paul J Ode
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, Unites States of America
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, Unites States of America
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17
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Candian V, Savio C, Meneguz M, Gasco L, Tedeschi R. Effect of the rearing diet on gene expression of antimicrobial peptides in Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:933-946. [PMID: 36542450 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Insect proteins have been proposed for human and animal food production. Safeguarding the health status of insects in mass rearing allows to obtain high-quality products and to avoid severe economic losses due to entomopathogens. Therefore, new strategies for preserving insect health must be implemented. Modulation of the insect immune system through the diet is one such strategy. We evaluated gene expression of two antimicrobial peptides (one defensin and one cecropin) in Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) reared on different diets. Analyses were performed on prepupae and 10-day-old larvae reared on cereal- and municipal organic waste-based diets and on only prepupae reared on a cereal-based diet supplemented with sunflower, corn, or soybean oil. The inclusion of sunflower oil at different points in the cereal-based diet was also evaluated. Moreover, diet-driven differences in the inhibitory activity of the hemolymph were tested against Escherichia coli DH5α and Micrococcus yunnanensis HI55 using diffusion assays in solid media. Results showed that a municipal organic waste-based diet produced a significant overexpression of antimicrobial peptides only in prepupae. Inclusion of vegetable oils caused an upregulation of at least one peptide, except for the corn oil. Higher expression of both genes was observed when sunflower oil was added 5 days before pupation. All hemolymph samples showed an inhibitory activity against bacteria colonies. Our results suggest that municipal organic waste-based diet and vegetable oil-added diet may successfully impact the immune system of H. illucens. Such alternatives may also exist for other species of economic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Candian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Carlotta Savio
- INRAE, Micalis, GME, University of Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Gasco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Rosemarie Tedeschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
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18
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Duffield KR, Rosales AM, Muturi EJ, Behle RW, Ramirez JL. Increased Phenoloxidase Activity Constitutes the Main Defense Strategy of Trichoplusia ni Larvae against Fungal Entomopathogenic Infections. INSECTS 2023; 14:667. [PMID: 37623376 PMCID: PMC10455440 DOI: 10.3390/insects14080667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni is an important agricultural pest worldwide and is frequently used as a model organism for assessing entomopathogenic fungi virulence, though few studies have measured the host response repertoire to fungal biocontrol agents. Here, we quantified the immune response of T. ni larvae following exposure to two entomopathogenic fungal species: Beauveria bassiana and Cordyceps javanica. Results from our study demonstrate that T. ni larvae exposed to fungal entomopathogens had higher total phenoloxidase activity compared to controls, indicating that the melanization cascade is one of the main immune components driving defense against fungal infection and contrasting observations from other insect-fungi interaction studies. We also observed differences in host response depending on the species of entomopathogenic fungi, with significantly higher induction observed during infections with B. bassiana than with C. javanica. Larvae exposed to B. bassiana had an increased expression of genes involved in prophenoloxidase response and the Imd, JNK, and Jak/STAT immune signaling pathways. Our results indicate a notable absence of Toll pathway-related responses, further contrasting results to other insect-fungi pathosystems. Important differences were also observed in the induction of antimicrobial effectors, with B. bassiana infections eliciting three antimicrobial effectors (lysozyme, gloverin, and cecropin), while C. javanica only induced cecropin expression. These results provide insight into the host response strategies employed by T. ni for protection against entomopathogenic fungi and increase our understanding of insect-fungal entomopathogen interactions, aiding in the design of more effective microbial control strategies for this important agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin R. Duffield
- USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop BioProtection Research Unit, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA; (E.J.M.)
| | | | - Ephantus J. Muturi
- USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop BioProtection Research Unit, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA; (E.J.M.)
| | - Robert W. Behle
- USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop BioProtection Research Unit, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA; (E.J.M.)
| | - José L. Ramirez
- USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop BioProtection Research Unit, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA; (E.J.M.)
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19
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Zhang X, Zhang S, Kuang J, Sellens KA, Morejon B, Saab SA, Li M, Metto EC, An C, Culbertson CT, Osta MA, Scoglio C, Michel K. CLIPB4 is a central node in the protease network that regulates humoral immunity in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.545904. [PMID: 37461554 PMCID: PMC10350057 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.545904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Insect humoral immune responses are regulated in part by protease cascades, whose components circulate as zymogens in the hemolymph. In mosquitoes, these cascades consist of clip domain serine proteases (cSPs) and/or their non-catalytic homologs (cSPHs), which form a complex network, whose molecular make-up is not fully understood. Using a systems biology approach, based on a co-expression network of gene family members that function in melanization and co-immunoprecipitation using the serine protease inhibitor (SRPN)2, a key negative regulator of the melanization response in mosquitoes, we identify the cSP CLIPB4 from the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae as a central node in this protease network. CLIPB4 is tightly co-expressed with SRPN2 and forms protein complexes with SRPN2 in the hemolymph of immune-challenged female mosquitoes. Genetic and biochemical approaches validate our network analysis and show that CLIPB4 is required for melanization and antibacterial immunity, acting as a prophenoloxidase (proPO)-activating protease, which is inhibited by SRPN2. In addition, we provide novel insight into the structural organization of the cSP network in An. gambiae, by demonstrating that CLIPB4 is able to activate proCLIPB8, a cSP upstream of the proPO-activating protease CLIPB9. These data provide the first evidence that, in mosquitoes, cSPs provide branching points in immune protease networks and deliver positive reinforcement in proPO activation cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junyao Kuang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | - Bianca Morejon
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Sally A. Saab
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Miao Li
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Eve C. Metto
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Mike A. Osta
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Caterina Scoglio
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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20
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Borovsky D, Rougé P. Cloning and characterization of Aedes aegypti blood downregulated chymotrypsin II. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 113:e22018. [PMID: 37106507 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti adult and larval blood downregulated chymotrypsin II was cloned, sequenced and its 3D conformation modeled. Cloning of the enzymes from adult and larval guts indicated that both genes sit at the same location on Chromosome 2. Genomic analyses showed that larval and adult genes are the same and both have four exons and three introns that are located on an 8.32 Kb DNA in direction with the Ae. aegypti genome. The adult and larval transcript synthesis is controlled by alternative splicing explaining small difference in the amino acids sequences. Chymotrypsin II that was extracted from guts of sugar-fed and at 48 after blood feeding showed a pH optimum of 4-5 with a broad shoulder of activity from pH 6 to 10. Dot blot analyses show that the enzyme's transcript is downregulated after females take a blood meal and upregulated at 48 h after the blood meal. A Chymotrypsin II transcript was also detected in the larval gut during different times of larval developmental stages, indication that Ae. aegypti chymotrypsin II is synthesized by adults and larval guts. The possibility that JH III and 20HE play an active role in the regulation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dov Borovsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Pierre Rougé
- UMR 152 Pharma-Dev, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Institut de Recherche et Développement, Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
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21
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Patyra E, Kwiatek K. Insect Meals and Insect Antimicrobial Peptides as an Alternative for Antibiotics and Growth Promoters in Livestock Production. Pathogens 2023; 12:854. [PMID: 37375544 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The extensive use of antibiotics in animal production has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and the search for alternative antimicrobial agents in animal production. One such compound may be antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are characterized by, among others, a wide range of biocidal activity. According to scientific data, insects produce the largest number of antimicrobial peptides, and the changing EU legislation has allowed processed animal protein derived from insects to be used in feed for farm animals, which, in addition to a protein supplement, may prove to be an alternative to antibiotics and antibiotic growth promoters due to their documented beneficial impact on livestock health. In animals that were fed feeds with the addition of insect meals, changes in their intestinal microbiota, strengthened immunity, and increased antibacterial activity were confirmed to be positive effects obtained thanks to the insect diet. This paper reviews the literature on sources of antibacterial peptides and the mechanism of action of these compounds, with particular emphasis on insect antibacterial peptides and their potential impact on animal health, and legal regulations related to the use of insect meals in animal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Patyra
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feedingstuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Avenue, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kwiatek
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feedingstuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Avenue, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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22
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Windfelder AG, Steinbart J, Flögel U, Scherberich J, Kampschulte M, Krombach GA, Vilcinskas A. A quantitative micro-tomographic gut atlas of the lepidopteran model insect Manduca sexta. iScience 2023; 26:106801. [PMID: 37378344 PMCID: PMC10291339 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tobacco hornworm is used extensively as a model system for ecotoxicology, immunology and gut physiology. Here, we established a micro-computed tomography approach based on the oral application of the clinical contrast agent iodixanol, allowing for a high-resolution quantitative analysis of the Manduca sexta gut. This technique permitted the identification of previously unknown and understudied structures, such as the crop or gastric ceca, and revealed the underlying complexity of the hindgut folding pattern, which is involved in fecal pellet formation. The acquired data enabled the volume rendering of all gut parts, the reliable calculation of their volumes, and the virtual endoscopy of the entire alimentary tract. It can provide information for accurate orientation in histology uses, enable quantitative anatomical phenotyping in three dimensions, and allow the calculation of locally effective midgut concentrations of applied chemicals. This atlas will provide critical insights into the evolution of the alimentary tract in lepidopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton G. Windfelder
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jessica Steinbart
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Scherberich
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marian Kampschulte
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Gabriele A. Krombach
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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23
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Dong Y, Hou Q, Ye M, Li Z, Li J, You M, Yuchi Z, Lin J, You S. Clip-SP1 cleavage activates downstream prophenoloxidase activating protease (PAP) in Plutella xylostella. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 146:104737. [PMID: 37236330 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Melanization is a component of the humoral immune defense of insects and is induced by serine protease-mediated phenoloxidase (PO) catalysis. Prophenoloxidase (PPO) in the midgut of Plutella xylostella is activated by the CLIP domain serine protease (clip-SP) in response to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) infection, but the detailed signaling cascade following this activation is unknown. Here, we report that activation of clip-SP enhances PO activity in the P. xylostella midgut by cleaving three downstream PPO-activating proteases (PAPs). First, the expression level of clip-SP1 was increased in the midgut after Bt8010 infection of P. xylostella. Then, purified recombinant clip-SP1 was able to activate three PAPs - PAPa, PAPb and PAP3 - which in turn enhanced their PO activity in the hemolymph. Furthermore, clip-SP1 showed a dominant effect on PO activity compared to the individual PAPs. Our results indicate that Bt infection induces the expression of clip-SP1, which is upstream of a signaling cascade, to efficiently activate PO catalysis and mediate melanization in the midgut of P. xylostella. And it provides a basis for studying the complex PPO regulatory system in the midgut during Bt infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Qing Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Zeyun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jingge Li
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| | - Zhiguang Yuchi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Junhan Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Department of Food and Biological Engineering, Fujian Vocational College of Bioengineering, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| | - Shijun You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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24
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Chu X, Jiang D, Yu L, Li M, Wu S, Zhang F, Hu X. Heterologous Expression and Bioactivity Determination of Monochamus alternatus Antibacterial Peptide Gene in Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065421. [PMID: 36982491 PMCID: PMC10049621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects have evolved to form a variety of complex natural compounds to prevent pathogen infection in the process of a long-term attack and defense game with various pathogens in nature. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are important effector molecules of the insect immune response to the pathogen invasion involved in bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes. The discovery and creation of new nematicides from these natural compounds is a key path to pest control. A total of 11 AMPs from Monochamus alternatus were classified into 3 categories, including Attacin, Cecropin and Defensin. Four AMP genes were successfully expressed by Komagataella phaffii KM71. The bioassay results showed that the exogenous expressed AMPs represented antimicrobial activity against Serratia (G−), Bacillus thuringiensis (G+) and Beauveria bassiana and high nematicide activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. All four purified AMPs’ protein against B. xylophilus reached LC50 at 3 h (LC50 = 0.19 mg·mL−1 of MaltAtt-1, LC50 = 0.20 mg·mL−1 of MaltAtt-2 and MaltCec-2, LC50 = 0.25 mg·mL−1 of MaltDef-1). Furthermore, the AMPs could cause significant reduction of the thrashing frequency and egg hatching rate, and the deformation or fracture of the body wall of B. xylophilus. Therefore, this study is a foundation for further study of insect biological control and provides a theoretical basis for the research and development of new insecticidal pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Chu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- International Joint Laboratory of Forest Symbiology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Di Jiang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- International Joint Laboratory of Forest Symbiology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ming Li
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xia Hu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- International Joint Laboratory of Forest Symbiology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18350068276
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25
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Feng P, Wang Y, Zou H, Zhu Q, Ren Y, Shu Q, Su W, Liu W, Hu Y, Li B. The effects of glyphosate exposure on gene transcription and immune function of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 112:e21990. [PMID: 36537163 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21990] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and crop desiccant. However, whether its extensive use has any effect on the species diversity of nontarget organisms is still unclear. In this study, we used the silkworm, Bombyx mori, as the research subject, and performed RNA sequencing to analyze the transcriptional profile of silkworm midgut after exposure to glyphosate at 2975.20 mg/L (a concentration commonly used at mulberry fields). A total of 125 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the midgut of glyphosate-exposed silkworm (q < 0.05), of which 53 were upregulated and 72 were downregulated. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis showed that the differential genes were mainly related to oxidative stress, nutrient metabolism, and immune defense pathways, including oxidative stress-related Cat and Jafrac1, nutrient metabolism-related Fatp and Scpx, and immune-related CYP6AN2, UGT40B4, CTL11, serpin-2, and so forth. Experimental verification showed that glyphosate exposure led to a 4.35-fold increase in the mortality of silkworm after Beauveria bassiana infection, which might be caused by the decreased PO (phenoloxidase) activity and impaired immunity. These results provide evidence for the potential effects of residue glyphosate on the physiological functions of silkworm, and also provide a reference for the biosafety evaluation of glyphosate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piao Feng
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yuanfei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Hongbin Zou
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Qingyu Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yuying Ren
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Qilong Shu
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wujie Su
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Suzhou Taihu snow silk Co., Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yufang Hu
- Suzhou Taihu snow silk Co., Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Bing Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Sericulture Institute of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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26
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Impact of Dietary Administration of Seaweed Polysaccharide on Growth, Microbial Abundance, and Growth and Immune-Related Genes Expression of The Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei). Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020344. [PMID: 36836701 PMCID: PMC9962296 DOI: 10.3390/life13020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aims to determine the impact of dietary supplementation of polysaccharide, extracted from brown seaweeds Sargassum dentifolium on growth indices, feed utilization, biochemical compositions, microbial abundance, expressions of growth and immunity-related genes, and stress genes of the Pacific Whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 360 post-larvae of L. vannamei were randomly distributed into a 12-glass aquarium (40 L of each) at a stocking density of 30 shrimp with an initial weight of (0.0017 ± 0.001 g). During the 90-day experiment trial, all shrimp larvae were fed their respective diets at 10% of total body weight, three times a day. Three experimental diets were prepared with different seaweed polysaccharide (SWP) levels. The basal control diet had no polysaccharide level (SWP0), while SWP1, SWP2, and SWP3 contained polysaccharides at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 g kg-1 diet, respectively. Diets supplemented with polysaccharide levels showed significant improvements in weight gain and survival rate, compared to the control diet. Whole-body biochemical composition and the microbial abundance (the total count of heterotrophic bacteria and Vibrio spp.) of L. vannamei showed significant differences among polysaccharide-treated diets compared to the control. At the end of the feeding experiment, the dietary supplementation of polysaccharide levels enhanced the expression of growth-related genes (Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I, IGF-II), immune-related genes (β -Glucan-binding protein (β-Bgp), Prophenoloxidase (ProPO), Lysozyme (Lys), and Crustin), and stress genes (Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the muscle tissue of L. vannamei. However, the current study concluded that the inclusion rate of 2 g kg-1 of polysaccharide as a dietary additive administration enhanced both weight gain and survival rate of L. vannamei, while the incorporation level of 3 g kg-1 reduces the abundance of pathogenic microbes and enhances the growth-, immunity- and stress-related gene expressions of L. vannamei.
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27
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Kang DS, Kim Y, Stanley D. What is in a model? ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 112:e21972. [PMID: 36164283 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21972] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
After reading contradictory claims of model status for some insect species, we feel a brief discussion of the topic may be useful. Here, we document a few examples where clarity on model status seems to be lacking, briefly review work on widely recognized models, and offer criteria for including any given species as a model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Kang
- USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
| | - David Stanley
- USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Lu JB, Wang SN, Ren PP, He F, Li Q, Chen JP, Li JM, Zhang CX. RNAi-mediated silencing of an egg-specific gene Nllet1 results in hatch failure in the brown planthopper. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:415-427. [PMID: 36177946 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive agricultural pests in Asia. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated pest management has been under development for years, and the selection of appropriate target genes is important for pest-targeted RNAi. C-type lectins (CTLs) are a class of genes that perform a variety of functions, such as the regulation of growth and development. RESULTS A CTL-S protein named Nllet1, containing a single calcium ion (Ca2+ )-dependent carbohydrate-binding domain (CRD) with a conserved triplet motif QPD was identified and functionally characterized in BPH. Expression profiles at both the transcriptional and translational levels show that Nllet1 accumulates during the serosal cuticle (SC) formation period. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling further demonstrated that Nllet1 is located in the serosal endocuticle (en-SC). Maternal RNAi-mediated silencing of Nllet1 disrupted the SC structure, accompanied by a loss of the outward barrier and 100% embryo mortality. Injection of 10 ng dsNllet1 or dsNllet1' per female adult BPH resulted in a total failure of egg hatching. CONCLUSION Nllet1 is essential for SC formation and embryonic development in BPH, which helps us understand the important roles of CTL-Ss. Additionally, BPH eggs show high sensitivity to the depletion of Nllet1. This study indicates that Nllet1 is a promising candidate gene that can be used to develop RNAi-based control strategies at the BPH egg stage, and it can also be used as a target for developing novel ovicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Bao Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Sai-Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Peng-Peng Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Fang He
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Service, Technology Center of Wuhan Customs District, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jun-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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29
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Wang Z, Luo J, Feng K, Zhou Y, Tang F. Prophenoloxidase of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) (Blattodea: Termitidae) Is a Key Gene in Melanization and Has a Defensive Role during Bacterial Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010406. [PMID: 36613850 PMCID: PMC9820534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization mediated by the prophenoloxidase (PPO)-activating system is an important innate immunity to fight pathogens in insects. In this study, the in vitro time-dependent increase in the intensity of melanization and phenoloxidase (PO) activity from the hemolymph of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) challenged by pathogenic bacteria was detected. PPO is one of the key genes in melanization pathway, whereas the molecular characteristics and functions of O. formosanus PPO are unclear. The OfPPO gene was cloned and characterized. The open reading frame of OfPPO is 2085 bp in length and encodes a 79.497 kDa protein with 694 amino acids. A BLASTx search and phylogenetic analyses revealed that OfPPO shares a high degree of homology to the Blattodea PPOs. Moreover, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis showed that OfPPO is ubiquitously expressed in all castes and tissues examined, with the highest expression in workers and variable expression patterns in tissues of different termite castes. Furthermore, the expression of OfPPO was significantly induced in O. formosanus infected by pathogenic bacteria. Intriguingly, in combination with silencing of OfPPO expression, pathogenic bacteria challenge caused greatly increased mortality of O. formosanus. These results suggest that OfPPO plays a role in defense against bacteria and highlight the novel termite control strategy combining pathogenic bacteria application with termite PPO silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jian Luo
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yujingyun Zhou
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-1396-6269
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Yokoi K, Furukawa S, Zhou R, Jouraku A, Bono H. Reference Genome Sequences of the Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13121172. [PMID: 36555082 PMCID: PMC9853324 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Lepidopteran insects are an important group of animals, including those used as biochemical and physiological model species in the insect and silk industries as well as others that are major agricultural pests. Therefore, the genome sequences of several lepidopteran insects have been reported. The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is an agricultural pest commonly used to study insect immune reactions and interactions with parasitoid wasps as hosts. To improve our understanding of these research topics, reference genome sequences were constructed in the present study. Using long-read and short-read sequence data, de novo assembly and polishing were performed and haplotigs were purged. Subsequently, gene predictions and functional annotations were performed. To search for orthologs of the Toll and Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathways and for C-type lectins, annotation data analysis, BLASTp, and Hummer scans were performed. The M. separata genome is 682 Mbp; its contig N50 was 2.7 Mbp, with 21,970 genes and 24,452 coding sites predicted. All orthologs of the core components of the Toll and IMD pathways and 105 C-type lectins were identified. These results suggest that the genome data were of sufficient quality for use as reference genome data and could contribute to promoting M. separata and lepidopteran research at the molecular and genome levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kakeru Yokoi
- Insect Design Technology Group, Division of Insect Advanced Technology, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba 305-0901, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-838-6129
| | - Seiichi Furukawa
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
| | - Rui Zhou
- Degree Program in Agro-Bioresources Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
| | - Akiya Jouraku
- Insect Design Technology Group, Division of Insect Advanced Technology, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba 305-0901, Japan;
| | - Hidemasa Bono
- Laboratory of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Japan;
- Laboratory of BioDX, Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Japan
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Nishide Y, Nagamine K, Kageyama D, Moriyama M, Futahashi R, Fukatsu T. A new antimicrobial peptide, Pentatomicin, from the stinkbug Plautia stali. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16503. [PMID: 36192417 PMCID: PMC9529961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20427-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play crucial roles in the innate immunity of diverse organisms, which exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structural property and antimicrobial spectrum. Here, we describe a new AMP, named Pentatomicin, from the stinkbug Plautia stali (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Orthologous nucleotide sequences of Pentatomicin were present in stinkbugs and beetles but not in other insect groups. Notably, orthologous sequences were also detected from a horseshoe crab, cyanobacteria and proteobacteria, suggesting the possibility of inter-domain horizontal gene transfers of Pentatomicin and allied protein genes. The recombinant protein of Pentatomicin was effective against an array of Gram-positive bacteria but not against Gram-negative bacteria. Upon septic shock, the expression of Pentatomicin drastically increased in a manner similar to other AMPs. On the other hand, unlike other AMPs, mock and saline injections increased the expression of Pentatomicin. RNAi-mediated downregulation of Imd pathway genes (Imd and Relish) and Toll pathway genes (MyD88 and Dorsal) revealed that the expression of Pentatomicin is under the control of Toll pathway. Being consistent with in vitro effectiveness of the recombinant protein, adult insects injected with dsRNA of Pentatomicin exhibited higher vulnerability to Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus than to Gram-negative Escherichia coli. We discovered high levels of Pentatomicin expression in eggs, which is atypical of other AMPs and suggestive of its biological functioning in eggs. Contrary to the expectation, however, RNAi-mediated downregulation of Pentatomicin did not affect normal embryonic development of P. stali. Moreover, the downregulation of Pentatomicin in eggs did not affect vertical symbiont transmission to the offspring even under heavily contaminated conditions, which refuted our expectation that the antimicrobial activity of Pentatomicin may contribute to egg surface-mediated symbiont transmission by suppressing microbial contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Nishide
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, 305-8634, Japan.
| | - Keisuke Nagamine
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, 305-8634, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kageyama
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, 305-8634, Japan
| | - Minoru Moriyama
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Ryo Futahashi
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8566, Japan.
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8566, Japan.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan.
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Li S, Liu F, Kang Z, Li X, Lu Y, Li Q, Pang Y, Zheng F, Yin X. Cellular immune responses of the yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), to the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 194:107826. [PMID: 36075444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The yellow peach moth (YPM), Conogethes punctiferalis, is a destructive insect pest of maize in eastern China and adapts to diverse environments, especially against pathogens. In insects, innate immunity comprising both humoral and cellular defense responses, is the primary defense against invading microbial pathogens. In this study, we identified five types of circulating hemocytes from the hemolymph of YPM larvae and analyzed their alterations and functions in immune responses to the infection of Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus infesting many lepidopteran species. The identified hemocytes included prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes and oenocytoids. Significant decreases of total and differential hemocyte counts were recorded over time in larvae, after they were injected with B. bassiana conidia. Additionally, hemocyte-mediated phagocytosis and nodulation were initiated in the hemolymph of larvae from the B. bassiana conidia challenge. The introduction of DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow beads stained with Congo red also induced a strong encapsulation response in the larval hemolymph. Our observations unravel the occurrence of phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation in the hemocoel of YPM larvae to fight against the fungal infection, and offer the first insight into the YPM immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Fanghua Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Zhiwei Kang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Qiyun Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Yunshun Pang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Fangqiang Zheng
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China.
| | - Xiangchu Yin
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
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Kariyawasam U, Gulati M, Wang Y, Bao H, Shan T, Li X, Cao X, Sumathipala N, Hu Y, Zhang X, Boons GJ, Jiang H. Preferential binding of DAP-PGs by major peptidoglycan recognition proteins found in cell-free hemolymph of Manduca sexta. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 148:103827. [PMID: 36007680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103827] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) detect invading bacteria to trigger or modulate immune responses in insects. While these roles are established in Drosophila, functional studies are not yet achieved at the PGRP family level in other insects. To attain this goal, we selected Manduca sexta PGRP12 and five of the nine secreted PGRPs for recombinant expression and biochemical characterization. We cloned PGRP2-5, 12 and 13 cDNAs, produced the proteins in full (PGRP2-5, 13) or in part (PGRP3s, 12e, 13N, 13C) in Sf9 cells, and tested their bindings of two muramyl pentapeptides by surface plasmon resonance, two soluble peptidoglycans by competitive ELISA, and four insoluble peptidoglycans and eight whole bacteria by a pull-down assay. Preferential binding of meso-diaminopimelic acid-peptidoglycans (DAP-PGs) was observed in all the proteins containing a peptidoglycan binding domain and, since PGRP6, 7 and 9 proteins were hardly detected in cell-free hemolymph, the reportoire of PGRPs (including PGRP1 published previously) in M. sexta hemolymph is likely adapted to mainly detect Gram-negative bacteria and certain Gram-positive bacteria with DAP-PGs located on their surface. After incubation with plasma from naïve larvae, PGRP2, 3f, 4, 5, 13f and 13N considerably stimulated prophenoloxidase activation in the absence of a bacterial elicitor. PGRP3s and 12e had much smaller effects. Inclusion of the full-length PGRPs and their regions in the plasma also led to proHP8 activation, supporting their connections to the Toll pathway, since HP8 is a Spӓtzle-1 processing enzyme in M. sexta. Together, these findings raised concerns on the common belief that the Toll-pathway is specific for Gram-positive bacteria in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udeshika Kariyawasam
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Mansi Gulati
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Haibo Bao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangshu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, PR China
| | - Tisheng Shan
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Xiuru Li
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Xiaolong Cao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Niranji Sumathipala
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Yingxia Hu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Xiufeng Zhang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Geert-Jan Boons
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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Polenogova OV, Noskov YA, Artemchenko AS, Zhangissina S, Klementeva TN, Yaroslavtseva ON, Khodyrev VP, Kruykova NA, Glupov VV. Citrobacter freundii, a natural associate of the Colorado potato beetle, increases larval susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3823-3835. [PMID: 35238478 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6856] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assume that certain representatives of gut microflora mediate immune changes during dysbiosis, accelerating septicemia caused by Bacillus thuringiensis. RESULTS Co-introduction of Citrobacter freundii with Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (morrisoni) (Bt) led to an increase in Colorado potato beetle (CPB) larval mortality to 69.0% (1.3-5×) and a synergistic effect was observed from day 1 to day 6. Ultrathin sections of the CPB midgut showed autophagosome formation and partial destruction of gut microvilli under the influence of Bt, which was accompanied by pronounced hypersecretion of the endoplasmic reticulum with apocrine vesicle formation and oncotic changes in cells under the action of C. freundii. The destruction of gut tissues was accompanied by suppression of detoxification processes under the action of the bacteria and a decrease (2.8-3.5×) in the concentration of lipid oxidation products during Bt infection. In the first hours post combined treatment, we registered a slight increase in the total hemocyte count (THC) especially a predomination (1.4×) of immune-competent plasmatocytes. Oral administration of symbiotic and entomopathogenic bacteria to the CPB larvae significantly decreased the THC (1.4×) after 24 h and increased (1.1-1.5×) the detoxifying enzymes level in the lymph. These changes are likely to be associated with the destruction of hemocytes and the need to remove the toxic products of reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSION The obtained results indicate that feeding of C. freundii and B. thuringiensis to the CPB larvae is accompanied by tissue changes that significantly affect the cellular and humoral immunity of the insect, increasing its susceptibility to Bt. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Polenogova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yury A Noskov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Anna S Artemchenko
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Saule Zhangissina
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatyana N Klementeva
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga N Yaroslavtseva
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Viktor P Khodyrev
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalya A Kruykova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Viktor V Glupov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Rashidi M, Killiny N. In Silico Characterization and Gene Expression Analysis of Toll Signaling Pathway-Related Genes in Diaphorina citri. INSECTS 2022; 13:783. [PMID: 36135484 PMCID: PMC9500897 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri is the main vector of citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). Currently, mitigating HLB depends on the control of D. citri using insecticides. To design innovative control strategies, we should investigate various biological aspects of D. citri at the molecular level. Herein we explored the Toll signaling system-related proteins in D. citri using in silico analyzes. Additionally, the transcripts of the identified genes were determined in all life stages from eggs to adults. Our findings reveal that D. citri genome possesses Toll signaling pathway-related genes similar to the insect model, Drosophila melanogaster, with slight differences. These genes include cact, TI, Myd88, Dif/DI, pll, tub, and spz encoding Cactus, Toll, Myeloid differentiation factor 88, Dorsal related immunity factor/Dorsal, Pelle, Tube, and Spaetzle, respectively. Unlike D. melanogaster, in D. citri Dorsal, immunity factor and Dorsal are the same protein. In addition, in D. citri, Pelle protein possesses a kinase domain, which is absent in Pelle of D. melanogaster. Gene expression analysis showed the transcript for cact, TI, Myd88, pll, tub, and spz are maximum in adults, suggesting the immunity increases with maturity. Instead, Dif/DI transcripts were maximal in eggs and adults and minimal in nymphal stages, indicating its role in embryonic development. The overall findings will help in designing pioneering control strategies of D. citri based on repressing its immunity by RNAi or CRISPR and combining that with biological control.
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Ji Y, Lu T, Zou Z, Wang Y. Aedes aegypti CLIPB9 activates prophenoloxidase-3 in the presence of CLIPA14 after fungal infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927322. [PMID: 35967454 PMCID: PMC9365933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization is an integral part of the insect defense system and is often induced by pathogen invasion. Phenoloxidases (POs) are critical enzymes that catalyze melanin formation. PO3 is associated with the antifungal response of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, but the molecular mechanism of the prophenoloxidase-3 (PPO3) activation is unclear. Here we report that PPO3 cleavage activation is mediated by a clip-domain serine protease, CLIPB9. We purified recombinant CLIPB9 and found that it cleaved PPO3 and increased PO activity in the hemolymph. We then identified CLIPA14 (a serine protease homolog) by co-immunoprecipitation using anti-CLIPB9 antibody. After being cleaved by CLIPB9, Ae. aegypti CLIPA14 acted as a cofactor for PPO3 activation. In addition, dsRNA co-silencing of CLIPB9 and CLIPA14 genes reduced melanization after infection with the entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana, making the adult mosquitoes more sensitive to fungal infection. These results illustrate the roles of CLIPB9 and CLIPA14 in the PPO activation pathway and revealed the complexity of the upstream serine protease network controlling melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tengfei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhong Wang, ; Zhen Zou,
| | - Yanhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhong Wang, ; Zhen Zou,
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Mugerwa H, Gautam S, Catto MA, Dutta B, Brown JK, Adkins S, Srinivasan R. Differential Transcriptional Responses in Two Old World Bemisia tabaci Cryptic Species Post Acquisition of Old and New World Begomoviruses. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132060. [PMID: 35805143 PMCID: PMC9265393 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Begomoviruses are transmitted by several cryptic species of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in a persistent and circulative manner. Upon virus acquisition and circulative translocation within the whitefly, a multitude of molecular interactions occur. This study investigated the differentially expressed transcript profiles associated with the acquisition of the Old World monopartite begomovirus, tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), and two New World bipartite begomoviruses, sida golden mosaic virus (SiGMV) and cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), in two invasive B. tabaci cryptic species, Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED). A total of 881 and 559 genes were differentially expressed in viruliferous MEAM1 and MED whiteflies, respectively, compared with their non-viruliferous counterparts, of which 146 genes were common between the two cryptic species. For both cryptic species, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with TYLCV and SiGMV acquisition were higher compared with DEGs associated with CuLCrV acquisition. Pathway analysis indicated that the acquisition of begomoviruses induced differential changes in pathways associated with metabolism and organismal systems. Contrasting expression patterns of major genes associated with virus infection and immune systems were observed. These genes were generally overexpressed and underexpressed in B. tabaci MEAM1 and MED adults, respectively. Further, no specific expression pattern was observed among genes associated with fitness (egg production, spermatogenesis, and aging) in viruliferous whiteflies. The weighted gene correlation network analysis of viruliferous B. tabaci MEAM1 and MED adults identified different hub genes potentially implicated in the vector competence and circulative tropism of viruses. Taken together, the results indicate that both vector cryptic species and the acquired virus species could differentially affect gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habibu Mugerwa
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA; (H.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Saurabh Gautam
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA; (H.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Michael A. Catto
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA; (H.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Bhabesh Dutta
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, 3250 Rainwater Road, Tifton, GA 31793, USA;
| | - Judith K. Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Scott Adkins
- USDA-ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA;
| | - Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA; (H.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-770-229-3099
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Tang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Chen R, Gong L, Wei X, Yang J, Wu K, Huang W, Li S, Toufeeq S, Liu Q, Ling E. Prophenoloxidase-positive tubes derived from the hindguts may be the doorkeeper to detoxify the waste metabolites collected by Malpighian tubules in Lepidoptera insects. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 131:104361. [PMID: 35143809 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104361] [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: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prophenoloxidase (PPO), an important immunity protein in insects, is mainly produced by hemocytes and released into the hemolymph upon cell lysis. In addition, PPO can also be produced by epidermal cells in the foregut to detoxify the toxic plant secondary metabolites and in the hindgut to kill pathogens through PPO-induced melanization. Previously, we noticed a pair of tubes extended from the larval hindgut became melanized upon staining in dopamine dissolved in 30% ethanol. However, the structure and function of these tubes are largely unknown. In this study, we performed staining of the tubes and the neighboring Malpighian tubule for further confirmation. Eventually, we detected PPO inside epidermal cells of the tubes, and called them as PPO-positive tubes. We observed that the PPO-positive tubes are physically derived from the hindgut but strongly adhere to the Malpighian tubule. Inside the PPO-positive tubes, there is an acellular peritrophic membrane to protect the epidermal cells. Furthermore, the PPO-positive tubes act like a doorkeeper to firstly detoxify the metabolite wastes collected by the Malpighian tubule from the hemolymph.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyu Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetland, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224007, China; Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Qiaoli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Rongbing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Liyuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Xuefei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Jingfeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Kai Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao, 334001, China
| | - Wuren Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Shirong Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China
| | - Shahzad Toufeeq
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China; Department of Entomology, The University of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22620, Pakistan
| | - Qiuning Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, School of Wetland, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224007, China; Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China.
| | - Erjun Ling
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200036, China; Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China.
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Mongue AJ, Kawahara AY. Population differentiation and structural variation in the Manduca sexta genome across the United States. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6534337. [PMID: 35191476 PMCID: PMC9073680 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many species that are extensively studied in the laboratory are less well characterized in their natural habitat, and laboratory strains represent only a small fraction of the variation in a species’ genome. Here we investigate genomic variation in 3 natural North American populations of an agricultural pest and a model insect for many scientific disciplines, the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). We show that hornworms from Arizona, Kansas, and North Carolina are genetically distinct, with Arizona being particularly differentiated from the other 2 populations using Illumina whole-genome resequencing. Peaks of differentiation exist across the genome, but here, we focus in on the most striking regions. In particular, we identify 2 likely segregating inversions found in the Arizona population. One inversion on the Z chromosome may enhance adaptive evolution of the sex chromosome. The larger, 8 Mb inversion on chromosome 12 contains a pseudogene which may be involved in the exploitation of a novel hostplant in Arizona, but functional genetic assays will be required to support this hypothesis. Nevertheless, our results reveal undiscovered natural variation and provide useful genomic data for both pest management and evolutionary genetics of this insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Mongue
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH93FL, UK
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Akito Y Kawahara
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Eychenne M, Girard PA, Frayssinet M, Lan L, Pagès S, Duvic B, Nègre N. Mutagenesis of both prophenoloxidases in the fall armyworm induces major defects in metamorphosis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 139:104399. [PMID: 35568240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104399] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Upon infection, the phenoloxidase system in arthropods is rapidly mobilized and constitutes a major defense system against invaders. The activation of the key enzymes prophenoloxidase (PPO) and their action in immunity through melanization and encapsulation of foreign bodies in hemolymph has been described in many insects. On the other hand, little is known about PPOs involvement in other essential functions related to insect development. In this paper, we investigated the function of the two PPOs of the crop pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (PPO1 and PPO2). We show that PPOs are mainly expressed in hemocytes with the PPO2 expressed at higher levels than the PPO1. In addition, these two genes are expressed in the same tissue and at the same stages of insect development. Through the generation of loss-of-function mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 method, we show that the presence of PPOs is essential for the normal development of the pupa and the survival of the insect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laijiao Lan
- DGIMI, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvie Pagès
- DGIMI, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard Duvic
- DGIMI, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
| | - Nicolas Nègre
- DGIMI, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
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Combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of developmental features in the immune system of Plutella xylostella during larva-to-adult metamorphosis. Genomics 2022; 114:110381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ahmed S, Roy MC, Choi D, Kim Y. HMG-Like DSP1 Mediates Immune Responses of the Western Flower Thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis) Against Beauveria bassiana, a Fungal Pathogen. Front Immunol 2022; 13:875239. [PMID: 35450074 PMCID: PMC9016178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.875239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Western flower thrips, Frankliella occidentalis, is a serious pest by directly infesting host crops. It can also give indirect damage to host crops by transmitting a plant virus called tomato spotted wilt virus. A fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana, can infect thrips. It has been used as a biopesticide. However, little is known on the defense of thrips against this fungal pathogen. This study assessed the defense of thrips against the fungal infection with respect to immunity by analyzing immune-associated genes of F. occidentalis in both larvae and adults. Immunity-associated genes of western flower thrips were selected from three immunity steps: nonself recognition, mediation, and immune responses. For the pathogen recognition step, dorsal switch protein 1 (DSP1) was chosen. For the immune mediation step, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and prostaglandin E2 synthase were also selected. For the step of immune responses, two phenoloxidases (PO) genes and four proPO-activating peptidase genes involved in melanization against pathogens were chosen. Dual oxidase gene involved in the production of reactive oxygen species and four antimicrobial peptide genes for executing humoral immune responses were selected. All immunity-associated genes were inducible to the fungal infection. Their expression levels were induced higher in adults than in larvae by the fungal infections. However, inhibitor treatments specific to DSP1 or PLA2 significantly suppressed the inducible expression of these immune-associated genes, leading to significant enhancement of fungal pathogenicity. These results suggest that immunity is essential for thrips to defend against B. bassiana, in which DSP1 and eicosanoids play a crucial role in eliciting immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabbir Ahmed
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
| | - Miltan Chandra Roy
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
| | - Duyeol Choi
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
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Ouali R, Vieira LR, Salmon D, Bousbata S. Rhodnius prolixus Hemolymph Immuno-Physiology: Deciphering the Systemic Immune Response Triggered by Trypanosoma cruzi Establishment in the Vector Using Quantitative Proteomics. Cells 2022; 11:1449. [PMID: 35563760 PMCID: PMC9104911 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the development of Trypanosoma cruzi within the triatomine vector at the molecular level should provide novel targets for interrupting parasitic life cycle and affect vectorial competence. The aim of the current study is to provide new insights into triatomines immunology through the characterization of the hemolymph proteome of Rhodnius prolixus, a major Chagas disease vector, in order to gain an overview of its immune physiology. Surprisingly, proteomics investigation of the immunomodulation of T. cruzi-infected blood reveals that the parasite triggers an early systemic response in the hemolymph. The analysis of the expression profiles of hemolymph proteins from 6 h to 24 h allowed the identification of a broad range of immune proteins expressed already in the early hours post-blood-feeding regardless of the presence of the parasite, ready to mount a rapid response exemplified by the significant phenol oxidase activation. Nevertheless, we have also observed a remarkable induction of the immune response triggered by an rpPGRP-LC and the overexpression of defensins 6 h post-T. cruzi infection. Moreover, we have identified novel proteins with immune properties such as the putative c1q-like protein and the immunoglobulin I-set domain-containing protein, which have never been described in triatomines and could play a role in T. cruzi recognition. Twelve proteins with unknown function are modulated by the presence of T. cruzi in the hemolymph. Determining the function of these parasite-induced proteins represents an exciting challenge for increasing our knowledge about the diversity of the immune response from the universal one studied in holometabolous insects. This will provide us with clear answers for misunderstood mechanisms in host-parasite interaction, leading to the development of new generation strategies to control vector populations and pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radouane Ouali
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Larissa Rezende Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Didier Salmon
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Sabrina Bousbata
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
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Identification and Functional Analysis of a Defensin CcDef2 from Coridius chinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052789. [PMID: 35269935 PMCID: PMC8911331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coridius chinensis belongs to Dinidoridae, Hemiptera. Previous studies have indicated that C. chinensis contains abundant polypeptides with antibacterial and anticancer activities. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as endogenous peptides with immune function, play an indispensable role in the process of biological development and immunity. AMPs have become one of the most potential substitutes for antibiotics due to their small molecular weight and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, a defensin CcDef2 from C. chinensis was characterized based on bioinformatics and functional analyses. The mature peptide of CcDef2 is a typical cationic peptide composed of 43 amino acid residues with five cations, and contains three intramolecular disulfide bonds and a typical cysteine-stabilized αβ motif in defensins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CcDef2 belongs to the insect defensin family. Analysis of gene expression patterns showed that CcDef2 was expressed throughout developmental stages of C. chinensis with high levels at the nymphal stage and in adult tissues tested with the highest level in the fat body. In addition, the CcDef2 expression was significantly upregulated in adults infected by bacteria. After expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and renatured, the recombinant CcDef2 showed a significant antibacterial effect on three kinds of Gram-positive bacteria. These results indicate that CcDef2 is an excellent antibacterial peptide and a highly effective immune effector in the innate immunity of C. chinensis. This study provides a foundation for further understanding the function of CcDef2 and developing new antimicrobial drugs.
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Analysis of the Humoral Immunal Response Transcriptome of Ectropis obliqua Infected by Beauveria bassiana. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030225. [PMID: 35323523 PMCID: PMC8955196 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Ectropis obliqua is a destructive leaf-eating pest that is widely distributed in China’s tea gardens. This pest shows remarkable resistance against multiple insecticides. As an environmentally friendly entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana has been widely used to prevent agricultural pest infestations. However, the molecular mechanism of B. bassiana against E. obliqua remains unclear. We firstly isolated and identified a highly virulent B. bassiana strain. Using a transcriptome, we analyzed the differences of immune gene expression levels in fat bodies and hemocytes of E. obliqua that were infected by the B. bassiana, which provide molecular insights into the insect–pathogen interaction. Abstract Ectropis obliqua is a destructive masticatory pest in China’s tea gardens. Beauveria bassiana as microbial insecticides can effectively control E. obliqua larvae; however, the immune response of this insect infected by B. bassiana are largely unknown. Here, after isolating a highly virulent strain of B. bassiana from E. obliqua, the changes in gene expression among different tissues, including hemocytes and fat bodies, of E. obliqua larvae infected by the entomopathogen were investigated using transcriptome sequencing. A total of 5877 co-expressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in hemocytes and fat bodies, of which 5826 were up-regulated in hemocytes and 5784 were up-regulated in fat bodies. We identified 249 immunity-related genes, including pattern recognition receptors, immune effectors, signal modulators, and members of immune pathways. A quantitative real-time PCR analysis confirmed that several pattern recognition receptors were upregulated in hemocytes and fat bodies; however, others were downregulated. The investigated immune effectors (ATT and PPO-1) were suppressed. The results showed that there were tissue differences in the expression of immune genes. This study provides a large number of immunity-related gene sequences from E. obliqua after being infected by B. bassiana, furthering the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of E. obliqua defenses against B. bassiana.
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Arokiyaraj C, Tamilarasan K, Manikandan R, Janarthanan S. Purification and structural characterization of lectin with antibacterial and anticancer properties from grubs of hide beetle, Dermestes frischii. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 203:312-332. [PMID: 35074334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.099] [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: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lectins or haemagglutinins are diverse classes of non-immune proteins; they bind to carbohydrates and are abundant in nature. In the present study, a coleopteran lectin from grubs of hide beetle, Dermestes frischii called DFL, was purified by glutaraldehyde (fixative-agent) fixed hen erythrocytes and characterized further for its functional properties. The purified DFL was stable between pH range 5 to 9 and heat-stable up to 50C. It was insensitive to EDTA and did not require any divalent cations. DFL native molecular mass was approximately 69 kDa with three different polypeptide subunits of 33 (pI ~4.4), 22 (pI ~6) and 14 (pI ~4.4) kDa. Haemagglutinating activity of DFL was highly inhibited by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. DFL partial peptide sequences obtained from peptide mass fingerprinting experiments matched with amino acid sequences of lectins from different organisms confirmed its nature. Biological properties of purified DFL namely antibacterial and bacterial agglutination experiments revealed that DFL have both the effects against laboratory cultures of Aeromonas hydrophila, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and habitat bacterial isolates of Staphylococcus cohnii and Bacillus cereus. In addition, the DFL exhibited substantial anticancer properties against HeLa cells. These results concluded that purified DFL could serve as a potent therapeutic agent for various biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Arokiyaraj
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India
| | | | - Ramar Manikandan
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - Sundaram Janarthanan
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India.
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The pupal moulting fluid has evolved social functions in ants. Nature 2022; 612:488-494. [PMID: 36450990 PMCID: PMC9750870 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Insect societies are tightly integrated, complex biological systems in which group-level properties arise from the interactions between individuals1-4. However, these interactions have not been studied systematically and therefore remain incompletely known. Here, using a reverse engineering approach, we reveal that unlike solitary insects, ant pupae extrude a secretion derived from the moulting fluid that is rich in nutrients, hormones and neuroactive substances. This secretion elicits parental care behaviour and is rapidly removed and consumed by the adults. This behaviour is crucial for pupal survival; if the secretion is not removed, pupae develop fungal infections and die. Analogous to mammalian milk, the secretion is also an important source of early larval nutrition, and young larvae exhibit stunted growth and decreased survival without access to the fluid. We show that this derived social function of the moulting fluid generalizes across the ants. This secretion thus forms the basis of a central and hitherto overlooked interaction network in ant societies, and constitutes a rare example of how a conserved developmental process can be co-opted to provide the mechanistic basis of social interactions. These results implicate moulting fluids in having a major role in the evolution of ant eusociality.
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Xin Y, Chen N, Wang Y, Ni R, Zhao H, Yang P, Li M, Qiu X. CYP4G8 is responsible for the synthesis of methyl-branched hydrocarbons in the polyphagous caterpillar of Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 140:103701. [PMID: 34890799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103701] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have dual functions as physical barrier and chemical signals. The last step of CHC biosynthesis is known to be catalyzed by cytochrome P450 CYP4G in a number of insects. Until recently, studies on CYP4Gs in the context of functional evolution are rare. In this study, we analyzed sequence similarity and temporal-spatial expression patterns of the five CYP4G genes in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, an important agricultural pest and also typical representative of lepidopteran insects. Moreover, the CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockout was used to clarify the roles of the five CYP4Gs in CHC biosynthesis. Temporal-spatial expression patterns revealed that CYP4G8 was highly expressed at all developmental stages and in most tissues examined. Larvae with CYP4G8 knocked out could not produce methyl-branched CHCs and failed to pupate, while larvae with the other four CYP4G genes knocked out (4G1-type-KO) showed no significant changes in their CHC profiles, weight gain and survival. Comparative transcriptomics revealed that knocking out CYP4G8 affected the global gene expression in larvae, especially down-regulated the expression of genes in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, while no significant change in 4G1-type-KO transcriptome was observed. These findings indicate that the five members of the CYP4G subfamily have undergone functional divergence: CYP4G8 maintains the essential function in CHC biosynthesis, while the function of the other four CYP4G genes remains unclear. Intriguingly, CYP4G8 has evolved to be a P450 enzyme responsible for the synthesis of larval methyl-branched hydrocarbons. The observation that CYP4G8 knockout is lethal strongly suggest that CYP4G8 may serve as a candidate target for the development of insecticidal agents for the control of cotton bollworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucui Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ruoyao Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongrui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Peiqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinghui Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Transcriptome of the Maize Leafhopper ( Dalbulus maidis) and Its Transcriptional Response to Maize Rayado Fino Virus (MRFV), Which It Transmits in a Persistent, Propagative Manner. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0061221. [PMID: 34817206 PMCID: PMC8612151 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00612-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis) is an important vector of maize rayado fino virus (MRFV), a positive-strand RNA (+ssRNA) marafivirus which it transmits in a persistent propagative manner. The interaction of D. maidis with MRFV, including infection of the insect and subsequent transmission to new plants, is not well understood at the molecular level. To examine the leafhopper-virus interaction, a D. maidis transcriptome was assembled and differences in transcript abundance between virus-exposed and naive D. maidis were examined at two time points (4 h and 7 days) post exposure to MRFV. The D. maidis transcriptome contained 56,116 transcripts generated from 1,727,369,026 100-nt paired-end reads from whole adult insects. The transcriptome of D. maidis shared highest identity and most orthologs with the leafhopper Graminella nigrifrons (65% of transcripts had matches with E values of <10-5) versus planthoppers Sogatella furcifera (with 23% of transcript matches below the E value cutoff) and Peregrinus maidis (with 21% transcript matches below the E value cutoff), as expected based on taxonomy. D. maidis expressed genes in the Toll, Imd, and Jak/Stat insect immune signaling pathways, RNA interference (RNAi) pathway genes, prophenoloxidase-activating system pathways, and immune recognition protein-encoding genes such as peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), antimicrobial peptides, and other effectors. Statistical analysis (performed by R package DESeq2) identified 72 transcripts at 4 h and 67 at 7 days that were significantly responsive to MRFV exposure. Genes expected to be favorable for virus propagation, such as protein synthesis-related genes and genes encoding superoxide dismutase, were significantly upregulated after MRFV exposure. IMPORTANCE The transcriptome of the corn leafhopper, D. maidis, revealed conserved biochemical pathways for immunity and discovered transcripts responsive to MRFV-infected plants at two time points, providing a basis for functional identification of genes that either limit or promote the virus-vector interaction. Compared to other hopper species and the propagative plant viruses they transmit, D. maidis shared 15 responsive transcripts with S. furcifera (to southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus [SRBSDV]), one with G. nigrifrons (to maize fine streak virus [MFSV]), and one with P. maidis (to maize mosaic virus [MMV]), but no virus-responsive transcripts identified were shared among all four hopper vector species.
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Roy MC, Kim Y. Toll signal pathway activating eicosanoid biosynthesis shares its conserved upstream recognition components in a lepidopteran Spodoptera exigua upon infection by Metarhizium rileyi, an entomopathogenic fungus. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 188:107707. [PMID: 34952100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Eicosanoids play crucial roles in mediating immune responses in insects. Upon a fungal infection, Toll signal pathway can mediate immune responses of Spodoptera exigua, a lepidopteran insect, by activating eicosanoid biosynthesis. However, upstream signal components of the Toll signal pathway activating eicosanoid biosynthesis remain unclear. This study predicted pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and serine proteases (SPs) as upstream components of the Toll pathway with reference to known signal components of Manduca sexta, another lepidopteran insect. S. exigua infected with Metarhizium rileyi, an entomopathogenic fungus, activated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and phenoloxidase (PO) enzymes along with marked increases of expression levels of genes encoding three specific antimicrobial peptides, cecropin, gallerimycin, and hemolin. Among ten Toll receptors encoded in the genome of S. exigua, seven Toll genes were associated with immune responses against fungal infection by M. rileyi through individual RNA interference (RNAi) screening. In addition, two Spätzles (ligands of Toll receptor) were required for Toll signaling against the fungal infection. All predicted upstream components of the Toll pathway were inducible by the fungal infection. Individual RNAi screening showed that three PRRs (βGRP-1, βGRP-2, and GNBP3) and five SPs (ModSP, HP21, HP5, HP6, and HP8) were required for immune responses of S. exigua mediated by Toll signal pathway against the fungal infection. However, two PO-activating proteases (PAP1 and PAP3) were not required for PLA2 activation, although they were required for PO activation. These results suggest that PRRs and SPs conserved as upstream components in Toll signal pathway play crucial roles in triggering eicosanoid biosynthesis of S. exigua to mediate various immune responses against fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miltan Chandra Roy
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea.
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