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Yang L, Cheng Y, Wang Q, Hou J, Rong Q, Xiao C, Zhang Y, Yan J, Xia Q, Hou Y. Insights into the activation mechanism of Bm-CPA: Implications for insect molting regulation. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 173:104175. [PMID: 39134228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase A has been found across various animal species, yet its activation mechanism during the insect molting process remains elusive. Our study specifically delved into the activation mechanism of carboxypeptidase A (Bm-CPA), identified in Bombyx mori's molting fluid during metamorphosis. Initially, western blotting identified two forms of Bm-CPA, 65 kDa and 54 kDa, in the epidermis of silkworms during the molting stage. Expressing the complete Bm-CPA sequence in Pichia pastoris allowed the identification, via mass spectrometry analysis, of a 75-amino-acid propeptide for the initial hydrolysis process. Subsequently, a 35 kDa form of Bm-CPA emerged in the molting fluid, confirmed as the active form through in vitro assays, demonstrating potent carboxypeptidase A activity and faint carboxypeptidase B activity. Four potential activation sites (including Lys158/Arg159 and Arg177/Arg178) were identified through mass spectrometry and amino acid mutation analysis. RNAi of Bm-CPA indicates its critical role in molting. Finally, the carboxypeptidase inhibitor (Bm-CPI) from silkworm molting fluid was expressed to explore its role in regulating Bm-CPA activity, demonstrating a direct interaction with the 35 kDa Bm-CPA. Our research implies Bm-CPA's potential involvement in the silkworm molting process, suggesting diverse regulatory roles. These findings highlight intricate protein regulation patterns during insect metamorphosis and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhen Yang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yuejing Cheng
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qinglang Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jianing Hou
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qingyu Rong
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Chunxia Xiao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jiamin Yan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yong Hou
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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Xie YC, Zhang HH, Li HJ, Zhang XY, Luo XM, Jiang MX, Zhang CX. Molting-related proteases in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 152:103893. [PMID: 36513274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103893] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Digestion and absorption of old cuticles during insect molting are necessary for new cuticle formation, during which complicated enzyme catalysis is essential. To date, a few carboxypeptidases, aminopeptidases and serine proteases (mostly trypsins) connected with cuticle digestion, zymogen activation and histological differentiation during the ecdysis of lepidopteran, dipteran and hymenopteran insects have been identified. However, little is known about these proteins in hemimetabolous insects. In this study, we identified 33 candidate trypsin and trypsin-like homologs, 14 metallocarboxypeptidase and 32 aminopeptidase genes in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a hemipteran rice pest. Among the proteins encoded by these genes, 9 trypsin-like proteases, 3 metallocarboxypeptidases and 1 aminopeptidase were selected as potential procuticle hydrolases by bioinformatics analysis and in vivo validation. RNA interference targeting these genes demonstrated that 3 trypsin-like proteases (NlTrypsin-8, NlTrypsin-29 and NlTrypsin-32) genes and 1 metallocarboxypeptidase (NlCpB) gene were found to be essential for ecdysis in N. lugens; specifically, gene silencing led to incomplete cuticle degradation and arrested ecdysis, causing lethal morphological phenotype acquisition. Spatiotemporal expression profiling by quantitative PCR and western blotting revealed their specific expression in the integument and their periodic expression during each stadium, with a peak before ecdysis and eclosion. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated corresponding ultrastructural defects after RNAi targeting, with NlCpB-silenced specimens having the most undigested old procuticles. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that NlTrypsin-8, NlTrypsin-29 and NlCpB were predominantly located in the exuvial space. This research further adds to our understanding of proteases and its potential role in insect ecdysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Xie
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hou-Hong Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Han-Jing Li
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xu-Mei Luo
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ming-Xing Jiang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
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Corrochano-Fraile A, Davie A, Carboni S, Bekaert M. Evidence of multiple genome duplication events in Mytilus evolution. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:340. [PMID: 35501689 PMCID: PMC9063065 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Molluscs remain one significantly under-represented taxa amongst available genomic resources, despite being the second-largest animal phylum and the recent advances in genomes sequencing technologies and genome assembly techniques. With the present work, we want to contribute to the growing efforts by filling this gap, presenting a new high-quality reference genome for Mytilus edulis and investigating the evolutionary history within the Mytilidae family, in relation to other species in the class Bivalvia. Results Here we present, for the first time, the discovery of multiple whole genome duplication events in the Mytilidae family and, more generally, in the class Bivalvia. In addition, the calculation of evolution rates for three species of the Mytilinae subfamily sheds new light onto the taxa evolution and highlights key orthologs of interest for the study of Mytilus species divergences. Conclusions The reference genome presented here will enable the correct identification of molecular markers for evolutionary, population genetics, and conservation studies. Mytilidae have the capability to become a model shellfish for climate change adaptation using genome-enabled systems biology and multi-disciplinary studies of interactions between abiotic stressors, pathogen attacks, and aquaculture practises. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08575-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Corrochano-Fraile
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Andrew Davie
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Stefano Carboni
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK. .,International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini snc, 09170, Torre Grande, OR, Italy.
| | - Michaël Bekaert
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
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Gavor E, Choong YK, Tulsian NK, Nayak D, Idris F, Sivaraman H, Ting DHR, Sylvie A, Mok YK, Kini RM, Sivaraman J. Structure of Aedes aegypti procarboxypeptidase B1 and its binding with Dengue virus for controlling infection. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 5:5/1/e202101211. [PMID: 34750241 PMCID: PMC8605224 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Using high-resolution structure, we have characterized the substrate specificity of Aedes aegypti procarboxypeptidase B1 and provided mechanistic insights into the binding and inhibition of DENV Metallocarboxypeptidases play critical roles in the development of mosquitoes and influence pathogen/parasite infection of the mosquito midgut. Here, we report the crystal structure of Aedes aegypti procarboxypeptidase B1 (PCPBAe1), characterized its substrate specificity and mechanism of binding to and inhibiting Dengue virus (DENV). We show that the activated PCPBAe1 (CPBAe1) hydrolyzes both Arg- and Lys-substrates, which is modulated by residues Asp251 and Ser239. Notably, these residues are conserved in CPBs across mosquito species, possibly required for efficient digestion of basic dietary residues that are necessary for mosquito reproduction and development. Importantly, we characterized the interaction between PCPBAe1 and DENV envelope (E) protein, virus-like particles, and infectious virions. We identified residues Asp18A, Glu19A, Glu85, Arg87, and Arg89 of PCPBAe1 are essential for interaction with DENV. PCPBAe1 maps to the dimeric interface of the E protein domains I/II (Lys64–Glu84, Val238–Val252, and Leu278–Leu287). Overall, our studies provide general insights into how the substrate-binding property of mosquito carboxypeptidases could be targeted to potentially control mosquito populations or proposes a mechanism by which PCPBAe1 binds to and inhibits DENV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edem Gavor
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yeu Khai Choong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nikhil Kumar Tulsian
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Digant Nayak
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fakhriedzwan Idris
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hariharan Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Donald Heng Rong Ting
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alonso Sylvie
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Keung Mok
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - J Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Hou Y, Yang L, Xu S, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Li Y, Gong J, Xia Q. Trypsin-type serine protease p37k hydrolyzes CPAP3-type cuticle proteins in the molting fluid of the silkworm Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 137:103610. [PMID: 34182106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cuticular proteins analogous to peritrophin 3 (CPAP3)-type cuticle proteins constitute a family of proteins with three chitin-binding domains (CBDs) that play an important role in cuticle formation by associating with chitin. In our previous study, we identified CPAP3-type cuticle proteins in the silkworm genome, of which we characterized CPAP3-A2 (BmCBP1), a protein highly expressed in the epidermis. In this study, to elucidate the digestion mechanism of CPAP3-type cuticle proteins, we incubated CPAP3-A2 with molting fluid in vitro and found that its hydrolysis, which was inhibited by serine and cysteine protease inhibitors, produced two major bands with a molecular weight of approximately 22 kD and 11 kD. A trypsin-type serine protease, p37k, was presumed to be responsible for hydrolyzing CPAP3-A2 based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of naturally purified molting fluid. To verify this, p37k was subsequently expressed in Sf9 cells using the Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. In its active form, the recombinant protease could successfully hydrolyze CPAP3-A2. Finally, we analyzed the CPAP3-A2 molting fluid digestion site. When arginine 169 of CPAP3-A2 was mutated to alanine, a weaker hydrolysis of mutant CPAP3-A2 was observed compared to that of normal CPAP3-A2. Collectively, we identified a trypsin-type serine protease that is involved in the degradation of CPAP3-type cuticle proteins, including CPAP3-A2, suggesting that this protease plays an important role during molting in Bombyx mori. These findings provide the basis for further elucidation of the mechanisms underlying insect molting and metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Lingzhen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shuping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yuejing Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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6
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Lin YB, Rong JJ, Wei XF, Sui ZX, Xiao J, Huang DW. Proteomics and ultrastructural analysis of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larval peritrophic matrix. Proteome Sci 2021; 19:7. [PMID: 33836751 PMCID: PMC8035744 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-021-00175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has significant economic potential. The larvae can be used in financially viable waste management systems, as they are voracious feeders able to efficiently convert low-quality waste into valuable biomass. However, most studies on H. illucens in recent decades have focused on optimizing their breeding and bioconversion conditions, while information on their biology is limited. METHODS About 200 fifth instar well-fed larvae were sacrificed in this work. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy were employed in this study to perform a proteomic and ultrastructural analysis of the peritrophic matrix (PM) of H. illucens larvae. RESULTS A total of 565 proteins were identified in the PM samples of H. illucen, of which 177 proteins were predicted to contain signal peptides, bioinformatics analysis and manual curation determined 88 proteins may be associated with the PM, with functions in digestion, immunity, PM modulation, and others. The ultrastructure of the H. illucens larval PM observed by scanning electron microscopy shows a unique diamond-shaped chitin grid texture. CONCLUSIONS It is the first and most comprehensive proteomics research about the PM of H. illucens larvae to date. All the proteins identified in this work has been discussed in details, except several unnamed or uncharacterized proteins, which should not be ignored and need further study. A comparison of the ultrastructure between H. illucens larval PM and those of other insects as observed by SEM indicates that the PM displays diverse textures on an ultra-micro scale and we suscept a unique diamond-shaped chitin grid texture may help H. illucens larval to hold more food. This work deepens our understanding of the molecular architecture and ultrastructure of the H. illucens larval PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Bo Lin
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing-Jing Rong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xun-Fan Wei
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhuo-Xiao Sui
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jinhua Xiao
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Da-Wei Huang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Liu H, Heng J, Wang L, Tang X, Guo P, Li Y, Xia Q, Zhao P. Identification, characterization, and expression analysis of clip-domain serine protease genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 105:103584. [PMID: 31863792 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Clip-domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by regulatory module clip domains, constitute an important serine protease family identified in insects and other arthropods. They participate in host immune response and embryonic development in a cascade-activated manner. Here, we present a genome-wide identification and expression analysis of CLIP genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. A total of 26 CLIP genes were identified in the silkworm genome. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these CLIPs clustered into four subfamilies (CLIPA-D), and exhibit a close evolutionary relationship with CLIPs of Manduca sexta. Tissue expression profiling revealed that silkworm CLIP genes are mainly expressed in the integument, head, fat body, and hemocytes. Temporal expression profiles showed that 15 CLIP genes were predominantly expressed during the fifth-instar larval stage, early and later period of the pupal stage, and adult stage, whereas 10 CLIP genes were mainly expressed in the wandering stage and middle to later period of the pupal stage in the integument. Pathogens and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) induction analysis indicated that 14 CLIP genes were positively regulated by 20E, 9 were negatively regulated by 20E but positively regulated by pathogens, and 5 were positively regulated by both factors in the integument. Together, these results suggested that silkworm CLIP genes may play multiple functions in integument development, including melanization of new cuticle, molting and immune defense. Our data provide a comprehensive understanding of CLIP genes in the silkworm integument and lays a foundation for further functional studies of CLIP genes in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Liu
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jingya Heng
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Luoling Wang
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Pengchao Guo
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Youshan Li
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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8
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Jiang D, Du X, Wang C, Zhang S, Wang G. CD109 antigen-like gene is induced by ecdysone signaling and involved in the cellular immunity of Helicoverpa armigera. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:1183-1190. [PMID: 32141410 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1737504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cellular immunity is evolutionarily conserved in invertebrates and vertebrates. In insects, cellular immune response is provided by the hemocytes, and its molecular mechanisms are currently not fully understood. Here, we identified a CD109 antigen-like gene (HaCD109) from Helicoverpa armigera which is highly expressed in the hemocytes of larvae. Stimulation by Escherichia coli and chromatography beads significantly upregulated HaCD109 expression. In vivo HaCD109 silencing significantly increased bacterial load in larval hemolymphs and reduced the hemocyte spread. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) can induce HaCD109 expression through its receptors, EcR and USP. In vivo HaCD109 silencing nearly abolished 20E-induced bacterial clearance and hemocyte spread. These results suggested that HaCD109 plays an important role in cellular immunity, and the 20E-induced cellular immune response in H. armigera requires HaCD109 involvement. Our study contributes to the understanding of regulatory mechanisms for innate immune response and provides new insights into the interaction between innate immunity and steroid hormone signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Jiang
- College of Nursing, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xuemeng Du
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Cuiyan Wang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shisong Zhang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Gang Wang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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9
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Konopová B, Buchberger E, Crisp A. Transcriptome of pleuropodia from locust embryos supports that these organs produce enzymes enabling the larva to hatch. Front Zool 2020; 17:4. [PMID: 31969926 PMCID: PMC6966819 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pleuropodia are limb-derived glandular organs that transiently appear on the first abdominal segment in embryos of insects from majority of “orders”. They are missing in the genetic model Drosophila and little is known about them. Experiments carried out on orthopteran insects 80 years ago indicated that the pleuropodia secrete a “hatching enzyme” that digests the serosal cuticle to enable the larva to hatch, but evidence by state-of-the-art molecular methods is missing. Results We used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to identify the genes expressed in the pleuropodia of the locust Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera). First, using transmission electron microscopy we studied the development of the pleuropodia during 11 stages of the locust embryogenesis. We show that the glandular cells differentiate and start secreting just before the definitive dorsal closure of the embryo and the secretion granules outside the cells become more abundant prior to hatching. Next, we generated a comprehensive embryonic reference transcriptome for the locust and used it to study genome wide gene expression across ten morphologicaly defined stages of the pleuropodia. We show that when the pleuropodia have morphological markers of functional organs and produce secretion, they are primarily enriched in transcripts associated with transport functions. They express genes encoding enzymes capable of digesting cuticular protein and chitin. These include the potent cuticulo-lytic Chitinase 5, whose transcript rises just before hatching. Unexpected finding was the enrichment in transcripts for immunity-related enzymes. This indicates that the pleuropodia are equipped with epithelial immunity similarly as barrier epithelia in postembryonic stages. Conclusions These data provide transcriptomic support for the historic hypothesis that pleuropodia produce cuticle-degrading enzymes and function in hatching. They may also have other functions, such as facilitation of embryonic immune defense. By the genes that they express the pleuropodia are specialized embryonic organs and apparently an important though neglected part of insect physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Konopová
- 1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,2Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Elisa Buchberger
- 4Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Yang L, Liu Y, Donkersley P, Xu P. Up-regulation of cryptochrome 1 gene expression in cotton bollworm ( Helicoverpa armigera) during migration over the Bohai Sea. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8071. [PMID: 31741806 PMCID: PMC6859876 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptochromes (CRYs) are flavoproteins and play a pivotal role in circadian clocks which mediate behavior of organisms such as feeding, mating and migrating navigation. Herein, we identified novel transcripts in Helicoverpa armigera of six isoforms of cry1 and seven isoforms of cry2 by Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the transcripts of cry1 and cry2 align closely with other insect crys, indicating within-species divergence of Hacry. A dn/ds analysis revealed that the encoding sequence of the cry1 was under purifying selection by a strong negative selection pressure whereas the cry2 was less constraint and showed a less strong purification selection than cry1. In general, Hacrys were more abundantly transcribed in wild migrating populations than that in laboratory maintained populations, and expression of the cry2 was lower than cry1 in all samples tested. Moreover, when compared with the migrating parental population, offspring reared in laboratory conditions showed a significant reduction on transcription of the cry1 but not cry2. These results strongly suggest that cry1 was more related to the migration behavior of H. armigera than cry2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyu Yang
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tobacco Research Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yingjie Liu
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tobacco Research Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | | | - Pengjun Xu
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tobacco Research Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Liu HW, Wang LL, Meng Z, Tang X, Li YS, Xia QY, Zhao P. A clip domain serine protease involved in moulting in the silkworm, Bombyx mori: cloning, characterization, expression patterns and functional analysis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:507-521. [PMID: 28597953 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by one or more conserved clip domains, are essential components of extracellular signalling cascades in various biological processes, especially in innate immunity and the embryonic development of insects. Additionally, CLIPs may have additional non-immune functions in insect development. In the present study, the clip domain serine protease gene Bombyx mori serine protease 95 (BmSP95), which encodes a 527-residue protein, was cloned from the integument of B. mori. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that BmSP95 is a typical CLIP of the subfamily D and possesses a clip domain at the N terminus, a trypsin-like serine protease (tryp_spc) domain at the C terminus and a conserved proline-rich motif between these two domains. At the transcriptional level, BmSP95 is expressed in the integument during moulting and metamorphosis, and the expression pattern is consistent with the fluctuating 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titre in B. mori. At the translational level, BmSP95 protein is synthesized in the epidermal cells, secreted as a zymogen and activated in the moulting fluid. Immunofluorescence revealed that BmSP95 is distributed into the old endocuticle in the moulting stage. The expression of BmSP95 was upregulated by 20E. Moreover, expression of BmSP95 was downregulated by pathogen infection. RNA interference-mediated silencing of BmSP95 led to delayed moulting from pupa to moth. These results suggest that BmSP95 is involved in integument remodelling during moulting and metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-W Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - L-L Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Z Meng
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - X Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Y-S Li
- Vitamin D Research Institute, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Q-Y Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - P Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Wang P, Bi S, Wu F, Xu P, Shen X, Zhao Q. Differentially expressed genes in the head of the 2nd instar pre-molting larvae of the nm2 mutant of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180160. [PMID: 28727825 PMCID: PMC5519023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Molting is an important physiological process in the larval stage of Bombyx mori and is controlled by various hormones and peptides. The silkworm mutant that exhibits the phenotype of non-molting in the 2nd instar (nm2) is incapable of molting in the 2nd instar and dies after seven or more days. The ecdysone titer in the nm2 mutant is lower than that in the wildtype, and the mutant can be rescued by feeding with 20E and cholesterol. The results of positional cloning indicated that structural alteration of BmCPG10 is responsible for the phenotype of the nm2 mutant. To explore the possible relationship between BmCPG10 and the ecdysone titer as well as the genes affected by BmCPG10, digital gene expression (DGE) profile analysis was conducted in the nm2 mutant, with the wildtype strain C603 serving as the control. The results revealed 1727 differentially expressed genes, among which 651 genes were upregulated and 1076 were downregulated in nm2. BLASTGO analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes were involved in various biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions. KEGG analysis indicated an enrichment of these differentially expressed genes in 240 pathways, including metabolic pathways, pancreatic secretion, protein digestion and absorption, fat digestion and absorption and glycerolipid metabolism. To verify the accuracy of the DGE results, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed, focusing on key genes in several related pathways, and the results were highly consistent with the DGE results. Our findings indicated significant differences in cuticular protein genes, ecdysone biosynthesis genes and ecdysone-related nuclear receptors genes, but no significant difference in juvenile hormone and chitin biosynthesis genes was detected. Our research findings lay the foundation for further research on the formation mechanism of the nm2 mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyang Wang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
| | - Simin Bi
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Industrial Crops Institute, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Pingzhen Xu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingjia Shen
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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Song Y, Villeneuve DL, Toyota K, Iguchi T, Tollefsen KE. Ecdysone Receptor Agonism Leading to Lethal Molting Disruption in Arthropods: Review and Adverse Outcome Pathway Development. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:4142-4157. [PMID: 28355071 PMCID: PMC6135102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Molting is critical for growth, development, reproduction, and survival in arthropods. Complex neuroendocrine pathways are involved in the regulation of molting and may potentially become targets of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Based on several known ED mechanisms, a wide range of pesticides has been developed to combat unwanted organisms in food production activities such as agriculture and aquaculture. Meanwhile, these chemicals may also pose hazards to nontarget species by causing molting defects, and thus potentially affecting the health of the ecosystems. The present review summarizes the available knowledge on molting-related endocrine regulation and chemically mediated disruption in arthropods (with special focus on insects and crustaceans), to identify research gaps and develop a mechanistic model for assessing environmental hazards of these compounds. Based on the review, multiple targets of EDCs in the molting processes were identified and the link between mode of action (MoA) and adverse effects characterized to inform future studies. An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) describing ecdysone receptor agonism leading to incomplete ecdysis associated mortality was developed according to the OECD guideline and subjected to weight of evidence considerations by evolved Bradford Hill Criteria. This review proposes the first invertebrate ED AOP and may serve as a knowledge foundation for future environmental studies and AOP development.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Song
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
- Corresponding Author: Knut Erik Tollefsen, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00, , You Song, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00,
| | | | - Kenji Toyota
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | - Knut Erik Tollefsen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Section of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Department of Environmental Sciences (IMV). P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
- Corresponding Author: Knut Erik Tollefsen, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00, , You Song, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. Tlf.: 02348, Fax: (+47) 22 18 52 00,
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Sandlund L, Nilsen F, Male R, Dalvin S. The ecdysone receptor (EcR) is a major regulator of tissue development and growth in the marine salmonid ectoparasite, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda, Caligidae). Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 208:65-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Cai MJ, Zhao WL, Jing YP, Song Q, Zhang XQ, Wang JX, Zhao XF. 20-hydroxyecdysone activates Forkhead box O to promote proteolysis during Helicoverpa armigera molting. Development 2016; 143:1005-15. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.128694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Insulin inhibits transcription factor forkhead box O (FoxO) activity, and the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) activates FoxO; however, the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that 20E upregulates phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase (PTEN) expression to activate FoxO, thereby promoting proteolysis during molting in the lepidopteran insect Helicoverpa armigera. FoxO expression is increased during molting and metamorphosis. The knockdown of FoxO in fifth instar larvae results in larval molting failure. 20E induces FoxO non-phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Insulin, via Akt, induces FoxO phosphorylation and cytoplasm localization. 20E represses insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation and FoxO phosphorylation. 20E, via ecdysone receptor B1 (EcRB1) and the ultraspiracle protein (USP1), upregulates PTEN expression, which represses Akt phosphorylation, thereby repressing FoxO phosphorylation. The non-phosphorylated FoxO enters the nucleus and attaches to a FoxO binding element in the upstream region of the Broad isoform 7 (BrZ7) gene to regulate BrZ7 transcription under 20E induction. 20E upregulates FoxO expression via EcRB1 and USP1. FoxO regulation of BrZ7 expression regulates CarboxypeptidaseA expression for final proteolysis during insect molting. Hence, 20E activates FoxO via upregulating PTEN expression to counteract insulin activity and promote proteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Juan Cai
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Wen-Li Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Yu-Pu Jing
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Qian Song
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Jin-Xing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
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16
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Tian G, Cheng L, Qi X, Ge Z, Niu C, Zhang X, Jin S. Transgenic Cotton Plants Expressing Double-stranded RNAs Target HMG-CoA Reductase (HMGR) Gene Inhibits the Growth, Development and Survival of Cotton Bollworms. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:1296-305. [PMID: 26435695 PMCID: PMC4582153 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has been developed as a powerful technique in the research of functional genomics as well as plant pest control. In this report, double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) targeting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene, which catalyze a rate-limiting enzymatic reaction in the mevalonate pathway of juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis in cotton bollworm, was expressed in cotton plants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. PCR and Sothern analysis revealed the integration of HMGR gene into cotton genome. RT-PCR and qRT-PCR confirmed the high transcription level of dsHMGR in transgenic cotton lines. The HMGR expression both in transcription and translation level was significantly downregulated in cotton bollworms (helicoverpa armigera) larvae after feeding on the leaves of HMGR transgenic plants. The transcription level of HMGR gene in larvae reared on transgenic cotton leaves was as much as 80.68% lower than that of wild type. In addition, the relative expression level of vitellogenin (Vg, crucial source of nourishment for offspring embryo development) gene was also reduced by 76.86% when the insect larvae were fed with transgenic leaves. The result of insect bioassays showed that the transgenic plant harboring dsHMGR not only inhibited net weight gain but also delayed the growth of cotton bollworm larvae. Taken together, transgenic cotton plant expressing dsRNAs successfully downregulated HMGR gene and impaired the development and survival of target insect, which provided more option for plant pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuangxia Jin
- College of Plant Science and Technology, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
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17
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Molecular characterisation and functional analysis of LsChi2, a chitinase found in the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis salmonis, Krøyer 1838). Exp Parasitol 2015; 151-152:39-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Eichner C, Nilsen F, Grotmol S, Dalvin S. A method for stable gene knock-down by RNA interference in larvae of the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Exp Parasitol 2014; 140:44-51. [PMID: 24632188 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), an ectoparasitic copepod of salmonid fish, is a major threat to aquaculture in Norway, Ireland, Scotland and Canada. Due to rise in resistance against existing pesticides, development of novel drugs or vaccines is necessary. Posttranscriptional gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi), when established in a high throughput system is a potential method for evaluation of molecular targets for new medical compounds or vaccine antigens. Successful use of RNAi has been reported in several stages of salmon lice. However, when we employed a previously described protocol for planktonic stages, no reproducible down-regulation of target genes was gained. In the present study, we describe a robust method for RNAi, where nauplius larvae are soaked in seawater added double stranded RNA (dsRNA). In order to test for when dsRNA may be introduced, and for the efficacy and duration of RNAi, we performed a series of experiments on accurately age determined larvae, ranging from the hatching egg to the copepodid with a salmon louse coatomer and a putative prostaglandin E synthase gene. Presumptive knock-down was monitored by real time PCR. Significant gene silencing was obtained only when nauplius I larvae were exposed to dsRNA during the period in which they molted to nauplius II. A knock down effect could be detected 2days after soaking, and it remained stable until the last measurement, on day 12. Soaking nauplius I larvae, knock-down was verified for six additional genes with a putative role in molting. For one chitinase, a loss-of-function phenotype with abnormal swimming was obtained. Hence, RNAi, induced in the nauplius, may facilitate studies of the molecular biology of the louse, such as the function of specific genes in developmental processes and physiology, host recognition, host-parasite interaction, and, in extension, the engineering of novel medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Eichner
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Frank Nilsen
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sindre Grotmol
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgt. 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sussie Dalvin
- SLCR-Sea Lice Research Center, Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway
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Li J, Li X, Chen Y, Yang Z, Guo S. Solexa sequencing based transcriptome analysis of Helicoverpa armigera larvae. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:11051-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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20
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Hou L, Cai MJ, Liu W, Song Q, Zhao XF. Small GTPase Rab4b participates in the gene transcription of 20-hydroxyecdysone and insulin pathways to regulate glycogen level and metamorphosis. Dev Biol 2012; 371:13-22. [PMID: 22824427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The insulin and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) pathways coordinately regulate insect growth and metamorphosis. However, the molecular mechanism of the interaction of these two pathways in regulating insect development is not well understood. In the present study, we found that a small GTPase Rab4b from a lepidopteran insect Helicoverpa armigera participates in gene transcription in the two pathways. The results show that RNA interference of Rab4b in larvae results in a decrease in glycogen levels, small pupae, abnormal metamorphic transition, or larval death. The molecular mechanisms are demonstrated that knockdown of Rab4b in the larvae suppresses the transcription of glycogen synthase (GS), as well as the metamorphic-initiating factor (Br) and hormone receptor 3 (HR3), but increases the transcription of Forkhead box class O (FOXO). Further studies in the cell line confirm that Rab4b is necessary for gene transcription in the insulin and 20E pathways. Rab4b locates in the cytoplasm and takes part in regulation on FOXO cytoplasmic location by insulin induction, but travels toward the cell membrane upon 20E induction without affecting the FOXO location. The transcription of Rab4b could be upregulated by insulin injection or glucose feeding to the larvae, but not by 20E or juvenile hormone analogy methoprene. Our data suggest that Rab4b takes part in metamorphosis by regulating gene transcription and glycogen level in the insulin and 20E pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Hou
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, Shandong, China.
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Wang G, Liu PC, Wang JX, Zhao XF. A BTB domain-containing gene is upregulated by immune challenge. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 77:58-71. [PMID: 21374716 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) is an important hormone that regulates the development of insects. Although previous evidence revealed that 20E promotes innate immunity in insects, the mechanism involved is still unclear. In this study, the HaBBP gene from Helicoverpa armigera is cloned, which contains BTB (broad-complex, tramtrack, and bric-a-brac), a BACK (BTB and carboxyl-terminus kelch repeats), and PHR (PAM, highwire, and RPM) domains. RT-PCR analysis of HaBBP and western blot analysis of HaBBP show that the mRNA and protein level are higher in the fat body and hemocytes during the molting and metamorphic stages compared with the feeding stage. HaBBP was upregulated by 20E in hemocytes. Knockdown of the 20E receptor EcR-B1 and the heterodimeric partner ultraspiracle protein USP1 in an epidermal cell line (HaEpi) blocked the transcription of HaBBP. HaBBP is distributed in granulocytes and plasmatocytes. Immune stimulation by Escherichia coli caused the upregulation of HaBBP in both hemocytes and fat body. Thus, HaBBP is regulated by the 20E signaling pathway, and is likely involved in the insect innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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22
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Liu PC, Wang JX, Song QS, Zhao XF. The participation of calponin in the cross talk between 20-hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone signaling pathways by phosphorylation variation. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19776. [PMID: 21625546 PMCID: PMC3098250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) signaling pathways interact to mediate insect development, but the mechanism of this interaction is poorly understood. Here, a calponin homologue domain (Chd) containing protein (HaCal) is reported to play a key role in the cross talk between 20E and JH signaling by varying its phosphorylation. Chd is known as an actin binding domain present in many proteins including some signaling proteins. Using an epidermal cell line (HaEpi), HaCal was found to be up-regulated by either 20E or the JH analog methoprene (JHA). 20E induced rapid phosphorylation of HaCal whereas no phosphorylation occurred with JHA. HaCal could be quickly translocated into the nuclei through 20E or JH signaling but interacted with USP1 only under the mediation of JHA. Knockdown of HaCal by RNAi blocked the 20E inducibility of USP1, PKC and HR3, and also blocked the JHA inducibility of USP1, PKC and JHi. After gene silencing of HaCal by ingestion of dsHaCal expressed by Escherichia coli, the larval development was arrested and the gene expression of USP1, PKC, HR3 and JHi were blocked. These composite data suggest that HaCal plays roles in hormonal signaling by quickly transferring into nucleus to function as a phosphorylated form in the 20E pathway and as a non-phosphorylated form interacting with USP1 in the JH pathway to facilitate 20E or JH signaling cascade, in short, by switching its phosphorylation status to regulate insect development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jin-Xing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Xiao-Fan Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Hou L, Wang JX, Zhao XF. Rab32 and the remodeling of the imaginal midgut in Helicoverpa armigera. Amino Acids 2010; 40:953-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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24
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Broehan G, Arakane Y, Beeman RW, Kramer KJ, Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H. Chymotrypsin-like peptidases from Tribolium castaneum: a role in molting revealed by RNA interference. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 40:274-283. [PMID: 19897036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/31/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Chymotrypsin-like peptidases (CTLPs) of insects are primarily secreted into the gut lumen where they act as digestive enzymes. We studied the gene family encoding CTLPs in the genome of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Using an extended search pattern, we identified 14 TcCTLP genes that encode peptidases with S1 specificity pocket residues typically found in chymotrypsin-like enzymes. We further analyzed the expression patterns of seven TcCTLP genes at various developmental stages. While some TcCTLP genes were exclusively expressed in feeding larval and adult stages (TcCTLP-5A/B, TcCTLP-6A), others were also detected in non-feeding embryonic (TcCTLP-5C, TcCTLP-6D) and pupal stages (TcCTLP-5C, TcCTLP-6C/D/E). TcCTLP genes were expressed predominantly in the midgut, where they presumably function in digestion. However, TcCTLP-6C and TcCTLP-5C also showed considerable expression in the carcass. The latter two genes might therefore encode peptidases that act as molting fluid enzymes. To test this hypothesis, we performed western blots using protein extracts from larval exuviae. The extracts reacted with antibodies to TcCTLP-5C and TcCTLP-6E suggesting that the corresponding peptidases are secreted into the molting fluid. Finally, we performed systemic RNAi experiments. While injections of five TcCTLP-dsRNAs into penultimate larvae did not affect growth or development, injection of dsRNA for TcCTLP-5C and TcCTLP-6C resulted in severe molting defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Broehan
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, Division of Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastr. 11, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany
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Zheng WW, Yang DT, Wang JX, Song QS, Gilbert LI, Zhao XF. Hsc70 binds to ultraspiracle resulting in the upregulation of 20-hydroxyecdsone-responsive genes in Helicoverpa armigera. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 315:282-91. [PMID: 19897013 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Revised: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To probe the specific functions of the chaperone protein Hsc70 in 20-hydroxyecdysone signaling, we report on the roles of the Hsc70 from Helicoverpa armigera. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the genes for HaEcRB1 and HaUSP1 were upregulated in 5th molting and metamorphic molting larvae, whereas HaHsc70 maintained a constitutive expression level throughout larval development. Silencing HaEcRB1, HaUSP1 or HaHsc70 by RNAi inhibited the expression of a set of 20E-responsive genes. Immunocytochemical assay demonstrated that HaHsc70 is located predominantly in the cytoplasm of unstimulated cells and partially translocated to the nucleus after stimulation by 20E. Knockdown of HaHsc70 by RNAi decreased the amount of both HaEcRB1 and HaUSP1 in the nucleus. HaHsc70 was capable of binding to HaUSP1 in pull-down assays. These data suggest that Hsc70 participates in the 20E signal transduction pathway via binding to USP1 and mediating the expression of EcRB1, USP1 and then a set of 20E-responsive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shanda Road 27, Jinan 250100, Shandong, China
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26
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Liu Y, Sui YP, Wang JX, Zhao XF. Characterization of the trypsin-like protease (Ha-TLP2) constitutively expressed in the integument of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 72:74-87. [PMID: 19557747 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Trypsins belong to the serine endoproteases. They are the most important proteases in insects because of their key roles in food digestion and zymogens activation. But there has been little study of the trypsins in the integuments of insects. In this work, we cloned a trypsin-like protease gene from Helicoverpa armigera and named it trypsin-like protease 2 (Ha-TLP2). Semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that Ha-TLP2 is constitutively expressed in the integument and can be down-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and up-regulated by the juvenile hormone (JH) analog methoprene. Immunohistochemistry showed that Ha-TLP2 is located not only in the epidermis, but also in new and old cuticles. Immunoblotting and gelatin-SDS-PAGE revealed that Ha-TLP2 is constitutively expressed with activity in the integument during larval feeding, molting, and metamorphosis. This evidence suggests that Ha-TLP2 is involved in the remodeling of the integument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, Shandong, China
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