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Ashok K, Bhargava CN, Asokan R, Pradeep C, Pradhan SK, Kennedy JS, Balasubramani V, Murugan M, Jayakanthan M, Geethalakshmi V, Manamohan M. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated editing of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide ( PBAN) gene disrupts mating in the Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). 3 Biotech 2023; 13:370. [PMID: 37849767 PMCID: PMC10577122 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03798-3] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a globally important invasive pest, primarily on corn, causing severe yield loss. Overuse of synthetic chemicals has caused significant ecological harm, and in many instances control has failed. Therefore, developing efficient, environmentally friendly substitutes for sustainable management of this pest is of high priority. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing causes site-specific mutations that typically result in loss-of-function of the target gene. In this regard, identifying key genes that govern the reproduction of S. frugiperda and finding ways to introduce mutations in the key genes is very important for successfully managing this pest. In this study, the pheromone biosynthesis activator neuropeptide (PBAN) gene of S. frugiperda was cloned and tested for its function via a loss-of-function approach using CRISPR/Cas9. Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex (single guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting the PBAN gene + Cas9 protein) was validated through in vitro restriction assay followed by embryonic microinjection into the G0 stage for in vivo editing of the target gene. Specific suppression of PBAN by CRISPR/Cas9 in females significantly affected mating. Mating studies between wild males and mutant females resulted in no fecundity. This was in contrast to when mutant males were crossed with wild females, which resulted in reduced fecundity. These results suggest that mating disruption is more robust where PBAN is edited in females. The behavioural bioassay using an olfactometer revealed that mutant females were less attractive to wild males compared to wild females. This study is the first of its kind, supporting CRISPR/Cas9 mediating editing of the PBAN gene disrupting mating in S. frugiperda. Understanding the potential use of these molecular techniques may help develop novel management strategies that target other key functional genes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03798-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karuppannasamy Ashok
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Karnataka India
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Chikmagalur Nagaraja Bhargava
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Karnataka India
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Ramasamy Asokan
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Chalapathi Pradeep
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Karnataka India
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Pradhan
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Karnataka India
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Will I, Beckerson WC, de Bekker C. Using machine learning to predict protein-protein interactions between a zombie ant fungus and its carpenter ant host. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13821. [PMID: 37620441 PMCID: PMC10449854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic fungi produce proteins that modulate virulence, alter host physiology, and trigger host responses. These proteins, classified as a type of "effector," often act via protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The fungal parasite Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani (zombie ant fungus) manipulates Camponotus floridanus (carpenter ant) behavior to promote transmission. The most striking aspect of this behavioral change is a summit disease phenotype where infected hosts ascend and attach to an elevated position. Plausibly, interspecific PPIs drive aspects of Ophiocordyceps infection and host manipulation. Machine learning PPI predictions offer high-throughput methods to produce mechanistic hypotheses on how this behavioral manipulation occurs. Using D-SCRIPT to predict host-parasite PPIs, we found ca. 6000 interactions involving 2083 host proteins and 129 parasite proteins, which are encoded by genes upregulated during manipulated behavior. We identified multiple overrepresentations of functional annotations among these proteins. The strongest signals in the host highlighted neuromodulatory G-protein coupled receptors and oxidation-reduction processes. We also detected Camponotus structural and gene-regulatory proteins. In the parasite, we found enrichment of Ophiocordyceps proteases and frequent involvement of novel small secreted proteins with unknown functions. From these results, we provide new hypotheses on potential parasite effectors and host targets underlying zombie ant behavioral manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Will
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
| | - William C Beckerson
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Charissa de Bekker
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
- Department of Biology, Microbiology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Farris SM. Insect PRXamides: Evolutionary Divergence, Novelty, and Loss in a Conserved Neuropeptide System. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:3. [PMID: 36661324 PMCID: PMC9853942 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The PRXamide neuropeptides have been described in both protostome and deuterostome species, including all major groups of the Panarthropoda. Best studied are the insect PRXamides consisting of three genes: pk/pban, capa, and eth, each encoding multiple short peptides that are cleaved post-translationally. Comparisons of genome and transcriptome sequences reveal that while retaining its fundamental ancestral organization, the products of the pk/pban gene have undergone significant change in the insect Order Diptera. Basal dipteran pk/pban genes are much like those of other holometabolous insects, while more crown species have lost two peptide coding sequences including the otherwise ubiquitous pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). In the genomic model species Drosophila melanogaster, one of the remaining peptides (hugin) plays a potentially novel role in feeding and locomotor regulation tied to circadian rhythms. Comparison of peptide coding sequences of pk/pban across the Diptera pinpoints the acquisition or loss of the hugin and PBAN peptide sequences respectively, and provides clues to associated changes in life history, physiology, and/or behavior. Interestingly, the neural circuitry underlying pk/pban function is highly conserved across the insects regardless of the composition of the pk/pban gene. The rapid evolution and diversification of the Diptera provide many instances of adaptive novelties from genes to behavior that can be placed in the context of emerging selective pressures at key points in their phylogeny; further study of changing functional roles of pk/pban may then be facilitated by the high-resolution genetic tools available in Drosophila melanogaster.
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Xiong C, Wulff JP, Nachman RJ, Pietrantonio PV. Myotropic Activities of Tick Pyrokinin Neuropeptides and Analog in Feeding Tissues of Hard Ticks (Ixodidae). Front Physiol 2022; 12:826399. [PMID: 35242048 PMCID: PMC8887807 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.826399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides regulate many important physiological processes in animals. The G protein-coupled receptors of corresponding small neuropeptide ligands are considered promising targets for controlling arthropod pests. Pyrokinins (PKs) are pleiotropic neuropeptides that, in some insect species, stimulate muscle contraction and modulate pheromone biosynthesis, embryonic diapause, and feeding behavior. However, their function remains unknown in ticks. In this study, we reported the myotropic activity of tick endogenous PKs and a PK agonist analog, PK-PEG8 (MS[PEG8]-YFTPRLa), on feeding tissues of two tick species representing the family Ixodidae lineages, namely, Prostriata (Ixodes scapularis) and Metastriata (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). First, we predicted the sequences of two periviscerokinins (PVK), one with a derived ending RNa and five PKs encoded by the CAPA peptide precursor from R. sanguineus and found the encoded PKs were identical to those of R. microplus identified previously. The pharynx-esophagus of both tick species responded with increased contractions to 10 μM of the endogenous PK as well as to PK-PEG8 but not to the scrambled PK peptide, as expected. A dose-dependent myotropic activity of the PK-PEG8 was found for both tick species, validating the analog activity previously found in the pyrokinin recombinant receptor assay. In agreement with the tissue activity elicited, we quantified the relative transcript abundance of R. sanguineus PK receptor in unfed female ticks and found it was the highest in the feeding tissues extracted from the capitulum and lowest in the reproductive tissue. This is the first report of the activity of pyrokinins in ticks. These findings strongly indicate the potential role of PKs in regulating tick blood feeding and therefore, making the tick PK receptor a potential target for interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixing Xiong
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Juan P Wulff
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Insect Neuropeptide Lab, Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, College Station, TX, United States
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Hull JJ, Brent CS, Choi MY, Mikó Z, Fodor J, Fónagy A. Molecular and Functional Characterization of Pyrokinin-Like Peptides in the Western Tarnished Plant Bug Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100914. [PMID: 34680683 PMCID: PMC8541414 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuropeptides regulate most insect biological functions. One such group of peptides, the pyrokinins (PKs), are distinguished by a C-terminal FXPRLamide. While widely distributed in most insects, they are poorly characterized in plant bugs. To address this limitation, we identified the PK transcript in the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus) and examined its expression. The Lygus PK transcript is predicted to yield three PK-like peptides but only two (LyghePKa and LyghePKb) have the characteristic C-terminal amide. The transcript is expressed throughout development and is most abundant in heads. A custom FXPRLamide antibody revealed immunoreactive cells throughout the Lygus central nervous system consistent with typical neuropeptide expression. To assess potential functional roles of the peptides, a fluorescence-based Ca2+ influx assay using cultured insect cells stably expressing a moth PK receptor was performed. LyghePKa was unable to stimulate receptor activation, whereas LyghePKb triggered a robust response. The in vivo pheromonotropic activity of the two peptides was likewise assessed using three different moth species. Like the cell culture system, only the LyghePKb peptide was active. The study suggests evolutionary divergence of the PK gene in plant bugs and provides critical insights into likely biological functions in the western tarnished plant bug. Abstract The pyrokinin (PK) family of insect neuropeptides, characterized by C termini consisting of either WFGPRLamide (i.e., PK1) or FXPRLamide (i.e., PK2), are encoded on the capa and pk genes. Although implicated in diverse biological functions, characterization of PKs in hemipteran pests has been largely limited to genomic, transcriptomic, and/or peptidomic datasets. The Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug) PK transcript encodes a prepropeptide predicted to yield three PK2 FXPRLamide-like peptides with C-terminal sequences characterized by FQPRSamide (LyghePKa), FAPRLamide (LyghePKb), and a non-amidated YSPRF. The transcript is expressed throughout L. hesperus development with greatest abundance in adult heads. PRXamide-like immunoreactivity, which recognizes both pk- and capa-derived peptides, is localized to cells in the cerebral ganglia, gnathal ganglia/suboesophageal ganglion, thoracic ganglia, and abdominal ganglia. Immunoreactivity in the abdominal ganglia is largely consistent with capa-derived peptide expression, whereas the atypical fourth pair of immunoreactive cells may reflect pk-based expression. In vitro activation of a PK receptor heterologously expressed in cultured insect cells was only observed in response to LyghePKb, while no effects were observed with LyghePKa. Similarly, in vivo pheromonotropic effects were only observed following LyghePKb injections. Comparison of PK2 prepropeptides from multiple hemipterans suggests mirid-specific diversification of the pk gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Colin S. Brent
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA;
| | - Man-Yeon Choi
- Horticultural Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Zsanett Mikó
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Formerly Affiliated with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.M.); (J.F.); (A.F.)
| | - József Fodor
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Formerly Affiliated with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.M.); (J.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Adrien Fónagy
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Formerly Affiliated with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.M.); (J.F.); (A.F.)
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Ahn SJ, Mc Donnell RJ, Corcoran JA, Martin RC, Choi MY. Identification and functional characterization of the first molluscan neuromedin U receptor in the slug, Deroceras reticulatum. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22308. [PMID: 33339848 PMCID: PMC7749107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NmU) is a neuropeptide regulating diverse physiological processes. The insect homologs of vertebrate NmU are categorized as PRXamide family peptides due to their conserved C-terminal end. However, NmU homologs have been elusive in Mollusca, the second largest phylum in the animal kingdom. Here we report the first molluscan NmU/PRXamide receptor from the slug, Deroceras reticulatum. Two splicing variants of the receptor gene were functionally expressed and tested for binding with ten endogenous peptides from the slug and some insect PRXamide and vertebrate NmU peptides. Three heptapeptides (QPPLPRYa, QPPVPRYa and AVPRPRIa) triggered significant activation of the receptors, suggesting that they are true ligands for the NmU/PRXamide receptor in the slug. Synthetic peptides with structural modifications at different amino acid positions provided important insights on the core moiety of the active peptides. One receptor variant always exhibited higher binding activity than the other variant. The NmU-encoding genes were highly expressed in the slug brain, while the receptor gene was expressed at lower levels in general with relatively higher expression levels in both the brain and foot. Injection of the bioactive peptides into slugs triggered defensive behavior such as copious mucus secretion and a range of other anomalous behaviors including immobilization, suggesting their role in important physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Joon Ahn
- Horticultural Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology & Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Rory J Mc Donnell
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jacob A Corcoran
- Horticultural Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Biological Control of Insects Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ruth C Martin
- Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Man-Yeon Choi
- Horticultural Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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7
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Lajevardi A, Paluzzi JPV. Receptor Characterization and Functional Activity of Pyrokinins on the Hindgut in the Adult Mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Front Physiol 2020; 11:490. [PMID: 32528310 PMCID: PMC7255104 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrokinins are structurally related insect neuropeptides, characterized by their myotropic, pheromonotropic and melanotropic roles in some insects, but their function is unclear in blood-feeding arthropods. In the present study, we functionally characterized the pyrokinin-1 and pyrokinin-2 receptors (PK1-R and PK2-R, respectively), in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, using a heterologous cell system to characterize their selective and dose-responsive activation by members of two distinct pyrokinin subfamilies. We also assessed transcript-level expression of these receptors in adult organs and found the highest level of PK1-R transcript in the posterior hindgut (rectum) while PK2-R expression was enriched in the anterior hindgut (ileum) as well as in reproductive organs, suggesting these to be prominent target sites for their peptidergic ligands. In support of this, PRXa-like immunoreactivity (where X = V or L) was localized to innervation along the hindgut. Indeed, we identified a myoinhibitory role for a PK2 on the ileum where PK2-R transcript was enriched. However, although we found that PK1 did not influence myoactivity or Na+ transport in isolated recta, the PRXa-like immunolocalization terminating in close association to the rectal pads and the significant enrichment of PK1-R transcript in the rectum suggests this organ could be a target of PK1 signaling and may regulate the excretory system in this important disease vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Lajevardi
- Laboratory of Integrative Vector Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul V Paluzzi
- Laboratory of Integrative Vector Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Hao K, Tu X, Ullah H, McNeill MR, Zhang Z. Novel Lom-dh Genes Play Potential Role in Promoting Egg Diapause of Locusta migratoria L. Front Physiol 2019; 10:767. [PMID: 31275172 PMCID: PMC6591537 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diapause hormone (DH) neuropeptides in insects are produced by the genes belonging to pban/capa family. Previous studies show that DH contains a conserved sequence of WFGPRXa that plays vital role in diapause regulation of some Lepidopteran species. However, the function of DH in other species is still unknown. In order to expand our understanding of DH function in diapause induction, Lom-pban, Lom-capa, and five candidates DH precursor genes (Lom-dh1, Lom-dh2, Lom-dh3, Lom-dh4, Lom-dh5) of Locusta migratoria L. were subsequently cloned. We identified Lom-dh1 to Lom-dh5 as novel genes that encoded five types (type I–V) of 44 tandem repeats of DH-like neuropeptides, which might promote egg diapause of L. migratoria. To test this hypothesis, we identified four types of eight new neuropeptides encoded by Lom-dh using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry from the central neuron system of L. migratoria under both short (10:14 L:D) and long (16:8 L:D) photoperiods. Later on, we synthesized four type I DH-like neuropeptides, LDH1, SDH1, LDH2, and SDH2, encoded by Lom-dh2/Lom-dh3 and injected them into fifth instar female locusts. Egg diapause incidences were observed after female oviposition. The four DH-like neuropeptides significantly increased the incidence of egg diapause under the short photoperiod, but the response was absent under the long photoperiod. Injection of dsLom-dh into female adults of L. migratoria under the short photoperiod could inhibit egg diapause, with no response under the long photoperiod. This study identified a new member of pban/capa family being the second example beside Bombyx mori, where the DH showed significant role on maternal induction of diapause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Hao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiongbing Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hidayat Ullah
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Zehua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Ahn SJ, Choi MY. Identification and characterization of capa and pyrokinin genes in the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera): Gene structure, immunocytochemistry, and differential expression. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 99:e21500. [PMID: 30188567 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
CAPA and pyrokinin (PK) neuropeptides are produced from two different genes, capa and pyrokinin, respectively. In this study, we identified and characterized the capa and pyrokinin genes from the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera). The capa gene encodes two CAPA-PVK (periviscerokinin) peptides (DAGLFPFPRVamide and EQLIPFPRVamide) and one CAPA-DH (diapause hormone; NGASGNGGLWFGPRLamide). The pyrokinin gene encodes three PK2 peptides (QLVSFRPRLamide, SPPFAPRLamide, and FYAPFSPRLamide). The whole-mounting immunocytochemistry revealed the neurons contained PRXamide-like peptides throughout the cerebral ganglia (CRG), gnathal ganglia (GNG), thoracic ganglia (TG), and abdominal ganglia (AG). A pair of neurosecretory cells in the CRG and three cell clusters in the GNG were found with the axonal projections extended through the lateral side. A pair of immunostained cells were found in the TG, while three pairs of cells were present in the fused AG. Different expression patterns of capa and pyrokinin genes were observed in the CRG-GNG, TG, and AG. The capa gene was highly expressed in the AG tissue, whereas the pyrokinin gene was strongly expressed in the CRG-GNG. Interestingly, different developmental stages showed similar expressions of both genes, with the highest from the first nymph, gradually decreasing to the female adult. Comparison of peptide sequences encoded from pyrokinin genes showed the PK1 peptide is lost in Heteroptera suborders including H. halys, but retained in other suborders. The missing PK1 from the pyrokinin gene might be compensated by CAPA-DH (=PK1-like) produced by the capa gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Joon Ahn
- USDA-ARS, Horticultural Crops Research Unit, Corvallis, Oregon
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Man-Yeon Choi
- USDA-ARS, Horticultural Crops Research Unit, Corvallis, Oregon
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10
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Pietrantonio PV, Xiong C, Nachman RJ, Shen Y. G protein-coupled receptors in arthropod vectors: omics and pharmacological approaches to elucidate ligand-receptor interactions and novel organismal functions. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 29:12-20. [PMID: 30551818 PMCID: PMC6296246 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of many physiological processes in animals, certainly those controlled by neuropeptide hormones, involves G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Our work focusing on endocrine regulation of diuresis and water balance in mosquitoes and ticks started in 1997 with the kinin receptor, at the dawn of the omics era. After the genomic revolution, we began work on the endocrinology of reproduction in the red imported fire ant. We will use the template of this comparative work to summarize key points about GPCRs and signaling, and emphasize the most recent developments in the pharmacology of arthropod neuropeptide GPCRs. We will discuss omics' contributions to the advancement of this field, and its influence on peptidomimetic design while emphasizing work on blood feeding arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Pietrantonio
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University (TAMU), College Station, TX 77843-2475, United States.
| | - Caixing Xiong
- Department of Entomology, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2475, United States
| | - Ronald James Nachman
- Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, College Station, TX 77845, United States
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-3128, United States
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Jurenka R. Regulation of pheromone biosynthesis in moths. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:29-35. [PMID: 29208220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Female moths release sex pheromones for attracting males from a distance. Most moths are nocturnal so there is a periodicity to the release of sex pheromone. The temporal release of sex pheromone in most moths is regulated by calling behavior and by the biosynthesis of sex pheromone. In most moths, biosynthesis occurs in the pheromone gland and is controlled by the neuropeptide PBAN (pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide). PBAN is produced in the subesophageal ganglion and released into circulation where it travels to the pheromone gland to activate pheromone biosynthesis. The G-protein coupled receptor that binds PBAN has been identified as well as aspects of signal transduction to activate the biosynthetic pathway. This review will highlight recent advances in the study of regulation of pheromone biosynthesis in moths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Jurenka
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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12
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Ragionieri L, Özbagci B, Neupert S, Salts Y, Davidovitch M, Altstein M, Predel R. Identification of mature peptides from pban and capa genes of the moths Heliothis peltigera and Spodoptera littoralis. Peptides 2017; 94:1-9. [PMID: 28502715 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
By transcriptome analysis, we identified PBAN and CAPA precursors in the moths Spodoptera littoralis and Heliothis peltigera which are among the most damaging pests of agriculture in tropical and subtropical Africa as well as in Mediterranean countries. A combination of mass spectrometry and immunocytochemistry was used to identify mature peptides processed from these precursors and to reveal their spatial distribution in the CNS. We found that the sites of expression of pban genes, the structure of PBAN precursors and the processed neuropeptides are very similar in noctuid moths. The sequence of the diapause hormone (DH; tryptopyrokinin following the signal peptide), however, contains two N-terminal amino acids more than expected from comparison with already published sequences of related species. Capa genes of S. littoralis and H. peltigera encode, in addition to periviscerokinins, a tryptopyrokinin showing sequence similarity with DH, which is the tryptopyrokinin of the pban gene. CAPA peptides, which were not known from any noctuid moth so far, are produced in cells of abdominal ganglia. The shape of the release sites of these hormones in H. peltigera represents an exceptionally derived trait state and does not resemble the well-structured abdominal perisympathetic organs which are known from many other insects. Instead, axons of CAPA cells extensively ramify within the ventral diaphragm. The novel information regarding the sequences of all mature peptides derived from pban and capa genes of H. peltigera and S. littoralis now enables a detailed analysis of the bioactivity and species-specificity of the native peptides, especially those from the hitherto unknown capa genes, and to explore their interactions with PBAN/DH receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Ragionieri
- Department of Biology, Institute for Zoology, Functional Peptidomics Group, University of Cologne, D-50674 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Burak Özbagci
- Department of Biology, Institute for Zoology, Functional Peptidomics Group, University of Cologne, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanne Neupert
- Department of Biology, Institute for Zoology, Functional Peptidomics Group, University of Cologne, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Yuval Salts
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | - Miriam Altstein
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Reinhard Predel
- Department of Biology, Institute for Zoology, Functional Peptidomics Group, University of Cologne, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
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Choi MY, Ahn SJ, Kim AY, Koh Y. Identification and characterization of pyrokinin and CAPA peptides, and corresponding GPCRs from spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:354-362. [PMID: 28069423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The family of FXPRLamide peptides serves as a major insect hormone. It is characterized by a core active amino acid sequence conserved at the C-terminal ends, and provides various physiological roles across the Insecta. In this study we identified and characterized pyrokinin (PK) and CAPA cDNAs encoding two FXPRLamide peptides, pyrokinin and CAPA-DH (diapause hormone), and two corresponding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) from spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii. Expressions of PK and CAPA mRNAs were differentially observed during all life stages except the embryo, and the detection of CAPA transcription was relatively strong compared with the PK gene in SWD. Both D. suzukii pyrokinin receptor (DrosuPKr) and CAPA-DH receptor (DrosuCAPA-DHr) were functionally expressed and confirmed through binding to PK and DH peptides. Differential expression of two GPCRs occurred during all life stages; a strong transcription of DrosuPKr was observed in the 3rd instar. DrosuCAPA-DHr was clearly expressed from the embryo to the larva, but not detected in the adult. Gene regulation during the life stages was not synchronized between ligand and receptor. For example, SWD CAPA mRNA has been up-regulated in the adult while CAPA-DHr was down-regulated. The difference could be from the CAPA mRNA translating multiple peptides including CAPA-DH and two CAPA-PVK (periviscerokinin) peptides to act on different receptors. Comparing the genes of SWD PK, CAPA, PKr and CAPA-DHr to four corresponding genes of D. melanogaster, SWD CAPA and the receptor are more similar to D. melanogaster than PK and the receptor. These data suggest that the CAPA gene could be evolutionally more conserved to have a common biological role in insects. In addition, the effect of Kozak sequences was investigated by the expression of the GPCRs with or without Kozak sequences in Sf9 insect cells. The Kozak sequenced PK receptor was significantly less active than the original (= no Kozak sequenced) receptor. Our results provide a knowledge for potential biological function(s) of PK and CAPA-DH peptides in SWD, and possibly offer a novel control method for this pest insect in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yeon Choi
- USDA-ARS, Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, 3420 NW Orchard Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA.
| | - Seung-Joon Ahn
- USDA-ARS, Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, 3420 NW Orchard Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA; Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - A Young Kim
- Department of Bio-medical Gerontology, Ilsong Institute of Life Sciences, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngho Koh
- Department of Bio-medical Gerontology, Ilsong Institute of Life Sciences, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Transcriptomic characterization and curation of candidate neuropeptides regulating reproduction in the eyestalk ganglia of the Australian crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38658. [PMID: 27924858 PMCID: PMC5141488 DOI: 10.1038/srep38658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Australian redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) has recently received attention as an emerging candidate for sustainable aquaculture production in Australia and worldwide. More importantly, C. quadricarinatus serves as a good model organism for the commercially important group of decapod crustaceans as it is distributed worldwide, easy to maintain in the laboratory and its reproductive cycle has been well documented. In order to better understand the key reproduction and development regulating mechanisms in decapod crustaceans, the molecular toolkit available for model organisms such as C. quadricarinatus must be expanded. However, there has been no study undertaken to establish the C. quadricarinatus neuropeptidome. Here we report a comprehensive study of the neuropeptide genes expressed in the eyestalk in the Australian crayfish C. quadricarinatus. We characterised 53 putative neuropeptide-encoding transcripts based on key features of neuropeptides as characterised in other species. Of those, 14 neuropeptides implicated in reproduction regulation were chosen for assessment of their tissue distribution using RT-PCR. Further insights are discussed in relation to current knowledge of neuropeptides in other species and potential follow up studies. Overall, the resulting data lays the foundation for future gene-based neuroendocrinology studies in C. quadricarinatus.
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15
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Gondalia K, Qudrat A, Bruno B, Fleites Medina J, Paluzzi JPV. Identification and functional characterization of a pyrokinin neuropeptide receptor in the Lyme disease vector, Ixodes scapularis. Peptides 2016; 86:42-54. [PMID: 27667704 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pyrokinin-related peptides are pleiotropic factors that are defined by their conserved C-terminal sequence FXPRL-NH2. The pyrokinin nomenclature derives from their originally identified myotropic actions and, as seen in some family members, a blocked amino terminus with pyroglutamate. The black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is well known as a vector of Lyme disease and various other illnesses; however, in comparison to blood-feeding insects, knowledge on its physiology (along with other Ixodid ticks) is rather limited. In this study, we have isolated, examined the expression profile, and functionally deorphanized the pyrokinin peptide receptor in the medically important tick, I. scapularis. Phylogenetic analysis supports that the cloned receptor is indeed a bona fide member of the pyrokinin-related peptide receptor family. The tick pyrokinin receptor transcript expression is most abundant in the central nervous system (i.e. synganglion), but is also detected in trachea, female reproductive tissues, and in a pooled sample comprised of Malpighian (renal) tubules and the hindgut. Finally, functional characterization of the identified receptor confirmed it as a pyrokinin peptide receptor as it was activated equally by four endogenous pyrokinin-related peptides. The receptor was slightly promiscuous as it was also activated by a peptide sharing some structural similarity, namely the CAPA-periviserokinin (CAPA-PVK) peptide. Nonetheless, the I. scapularis pyrokinin receptor required a CAPA-PVK peptide concentration of well over three orders of magnitude to achieve a comparable receptor activation response, which indicates it is quite selective for its native pyrokinin peptide ligands. This study sets the stage for future research to examine the prospective tissue targets identified in order to resolve the physiological roles of this family of peptides in Ixodid ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsi Gondalia
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Anam Qudrat
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Brigida Bruno
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Janet Fleites Medina
- Vivarium Facility, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul V Paluzzi
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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16
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Buckley SJ, Fitzgibbon QP, Smith GG, Ventura T. In silico prediction of the G-protein coupled receptors expressed during the metamorphic molt of Sagmariasus verreauxi (Crustacea: Decapoda) by mining transcriptomic data: RNA-seq to repertoire. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 228:111-127. [PMID: 26850661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Against a backdrop of food insecurity, the farming of decapod crustaceans is a rapidly expanding and globally significant source of food protein. Sagmariasus verreauxi spiny lobster, the subject of this study, are decapods of underdeveloped aquaculture potential. Crustacean neuropeptide G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate endocrine pathways that are integral to animal fecundity, growth and survival. The potential use of novel biotechnologies to enhance GPCR-mediated physiology may assist in improving the health and productivity of farmed decapod populations. This study catalogues the GPCRs expressed in the early developmental stages, as well as adult tissues, with a view to illuminating key neuropeptide receptors. De novo assembled contiguous sequences generated from transcriptomic reads of metamorphic and post metamorphic S. verreauxi were filtered for seven transmembrane domains, and used as a reference for iterative re-mapping. Subsequent putative GPCR open reading frames (ORFs) were BLAST annotated, categorised, and compared to published orthologues based on phylogenetic analysis. A total of 85 GPCRs were digitally predicted, that represented each of the four arthropod subfamilies. They generally displayed low-level and non-differential metamorphic expression with few exceptions that we examined using RT-PCR and qPCR. Two putative CHH-like neuropeptide receptors were annotated. Three dimensional structural modelling suggests that these receptors exhibit a conserved extracellular ligand binding pocket, providing support to the notion that these receptors co-evolved with their ligands across Decapoda. This perhaps narrows the search for means to increase productivity of farmed decapod populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Buckley
- GeneCology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia
| | - Quinn P Fitzgibbon
- Fisheries and Aquaculture, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Gregory G Smith
- Fisheries and Aquaculture, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tomer Ventura
- GeneCology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 4 Locked Bag, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia.
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17
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Shiomi K, Takasu Y, Kunii M, Tsuchiya R, Mukaida M, Kobayashi M, Sezutsu H, Ichida Takahama M, Mizoguchi A. Disruption of diapause induction by TALEN-based gene mutagenesis in relation to a unique neuropeptide signaling pathway in Bombyx. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15566. [PMID: 26497859 PMCID: PMC4620438 DOI: 10.1038/srep15566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect neuropeptide family FXPRLa, which carries the Phe-Xaa-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH2 sequence at the C-terminus, is involved in many physiological processes. Although ligand-receptor interactions in FXPRLa signaling have been examined using in vitro assays, the correlation between these interactions and in vivo physiological function is unclear. Diapause in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is thought to be elicited by diapause hormone (DH, an FXPRLa) signaling, which consists of interactions between DH and DH receptor (DHR). Here, we performed transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-based mutagenesis of the Bombyx DH-PBAN and DHR genes and isolated the null mutants of these genes in a bivoltine strain. All mutant silkworms were fully viable and showed no abnormalities in the developmental timing of ecdysis or metamorphosis. However, female adults oviposited non-diapause eggs despite diapause-inducing temperature and photoperiod conditions. Therefore, we conclude that DH signaling is essential for diapause induction and consists of highly sensitive and specific interactions between DH and DHR selected during ligand-receptor coevolution in Bombyx mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiro Shiomi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Yoko Takasu
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba 305-8634, Japan
| | - Masayo Kunii
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Ryoma Tsuchiya
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Moeka Mukaida
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masakazu Kobayashi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba 305-8634, Japan
| | | | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
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18
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Choi MY, Sanscrainte ND, Estep AS, Vander Meer RK, Becnel JJ. Identification and expression of a new member of the pyrokinin/pban gene family in the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 79:55-62. [PMID: 26050919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The major family of neuropeptides (NPs) derived from the pk (pyrokinin)/pban (pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide) gene are defined by a common FXPRL-NH2 or similar sequence at the C-termini. This family of peptides has been found in all insect groups investigated to date and is implicated in regulating various physiological functions, including pheromone biosynthesis and diapause, but other functions are still largely unknown in specific life stages. Here we identify two isoforms of pk/pban cDNA encoding the PBAN domain from the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. The two pk/pban isoforms have the same sequence except for a 63 nucleotide difference between the long and short forms, and contain no alternative mRNA splicing site. Two NP homologues, DASGDNGSDSQRTRPPFAPRLamide and SLPFSPRLamide are expected, however, sequence corresponding to the diapause hormone was not found in the P. papatasi pk/pban gene. The PBAN-like amino acid sequence homologue SNKYMTPRL is conserved in the gene, but there is no cleavage site for processing a functional peptide. Characterizing the expression of the isoforms in developmental stages and adults indicates that the short form is differentially transcribed depending on the life stage. The P. papatasi pk/pban gene is the only known pk/pban gene with two transcriptional isoforms and from examination of endoproteolytic cleavage sites is expected to produce fewer peptides than most of the pk/pban genes elucidated to date; only Drosophila melanogaster is simpler with a single NP detected by mass spectroscopy. A phylogenetic analysis showed P. papatasi pk/pban grouped more closely with other nematoceran flies rather than higher flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yeon Choi
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE), 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| | - Neil D Sanscrainte
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE), 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Alden S Estep
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE), 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Box 43, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL 32212-0043, USA
| | - Robert K Vander Meer
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE), 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - James J Becnel
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE), 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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19
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Jiang H, Wei Z, Nachman RJ, Kaczmarek K, Zabrocki J, Park Y. Functional characterization of five different PRXamide receptors of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum with peptidomimetics and identification of agonists and antagonists. Peptides 2015; 68:246-52. [PMID: 25447413 PMCID: PMC4437919 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptidergic system in insects is an excellent target for pest control strategies. One promising biorational approach is the use of peptidomimetics modified from endogenous ligands to enhance biostability and bioavailability. In this study, we functionally characterized five different G protein-coupled receptors in a phylogenetic cluster, containing receptors for PRXamide in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, by evaluating a series of 70 different peptides and peptidomimetics. Three pyrokinin receptors (TcPKr-A, -B, and -C), cardioacceleratory peptide receptor (TcCAPAr) and ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (TcETHr) were included in the study. Strong agonistic or antagonistic peptidomimetics were identified, and included beta-proline (β(3)P) modification of the core amino acid residue proline and also a cyclo-peptide. It is common for a ligand to act on multiple receptors. In a number of cases, a ligand acting as an agonist on one receptor was an efficient antagonist on another receptor, suggesting complex outcomes of a peptidomimetic in a biological system. Interestingly, TcPK-A was highly promiscuous with a high number of agonists, while TcPK-C and TcCAPAr had a lower number of agonists, but a higher number of compounds acting as an antagonist. This observation suggests that a target GPCR with more promiscuity will provide better success for peptidomimetic approaches. This study is the first description of peptidomimetics on a CAPA receptor and resulted in the identification of peptidomimetic analogs that demonstrate antagonism of CAPA ligands. The PRXamide receptor assays with peptidomimetics provide useful insights into the biochemical properties of receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Zhaojun Wei
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, 2881 F/B Road, College Station, TX 77845, United States
| | - Krzysztof Kaczmarek
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, 2881 F/B Road, College Station, TX 77845, United States; Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Zabrocki
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, 2881 F/B Road, College Station, TX 77845, United States; Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States.
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Yang Y, Nachman RJ, Pietrantonio PV. Molecular and pharmacological characterization of the Chelicerata pyrokinin receptor from the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 60:13-23. [PMID: 25747529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We identified the first pyrokinin receptor (Rhimi-PKR) in Chelicerata and analyzed structure-activity relationships of cognate ligand neuropeptides and their analogs. Based on comparative and phylogenetic analyses, this receptor, which we cloned from larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae), is the ortholog of the insect pyrokinin (PK)/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN)/diapause hormone (DH) neuropeptide family receptor. Rhimi-PKR functional analyses using calcium bioluminescence were performed with a developed stable recombinant CHO-K1 cell line. Rhimi-PKR was activated by four endogenous PKs from the Lyme disease vector, the tick Ixodes scapularis (EC50s range: 85.4 nM-546 nM), and weakly by another tick PRX-amide peptide, periviscerokinin (PVK) (EC50 = 24.5 μM). PK analogs with substitutions of leucine, isoleucine or valine at the C-terminus for three tick PK peptides, Ixosc-PK1, Ixosc-PK2, and Ixosc-PK3, retained their potency on Rhimi-PKR. Therefore, Rhimi-PKR is less selective and substantially more tolerant than insect PK receptors of C-terminal substitutions of leucine to isoleucine or valine, a key structural feature that serves to distinguish insect PK from PVK/CAP2b receptors. In females, ovary and synganglion had the highest Rhimi-PKR relative transcript abundance followed by the rectal sac, salivary glands, Malpighian tubules, and midgut. This is the first pharmacological analysis of a PK/PBAN/DH-like receptor from the Chelicerata, which will now permit the discovery of the endocrinological roles of this neuropeptide family in vectors of vertebrate pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Yang
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475, USA
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, College Station, TX 77845, USA
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Shalev AH, Altstein M. Pheromonotropic and melanotropic PK/PBAN receptors: differential ligand-receptor interactions. Peptides 2015; 63:81-9. [PMID: 25451335 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to further characterize the PK/PBAN receptors and their interaction with various PK/PBAN peptides in order to get a better understanding of their ubiquitous and multifunctional nature. Two cloned receptors stably expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells were used in this study: a Heliothis peltigera pheromone gland receptor (Hep-PK/PBAN-R) (which stimulates sex pheromone biosynthesis) and Spodoptera littoralis larval receptor (Spl-PK/PBAN-R) (which mediates cuticular melanization in moth larvae) and their ability to respond to several native PK/PBAN peptides: β-subesophageal neuropeptide (β-SGNP), myotropin (MT) and Leucophaea maderae pyrokinin (LPK), as well as linear and cyclic analogs was tested by monitoring their ability to stimulate Ca(2+) release. The receptors exhibited a differential response to β-SGNP, which activated the Hep-PK/PBAN-R but not the Spl-PK/PBAN-R - a response opposite to that previously demonstrated with diapause hormone (DH). MT was somewhat more active on Spl-PK/PBAN-R than on Hep-PK/PBAN-R. LPK elicited similar positive responses in both receptors (like that with PBAN). A differential response toward both receptors was also noticed with the PBAN-derived backbone cyclic (BBC) conformationally constrained peptide BBC-5. The peptides BBC-7 and BBC-8 activated both receptors. The results correlate between two PK/PBAN mediated function (cuticular melanization and sex pheromone biosynthesis) and the peptides that activate them and thus advance our understanding of the mode of action of the PK/PBAN family, and might help in exploring novel high-affinity receptor-specific antagonists that could serve as a basis for development of new families of insect-control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam Altstein
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
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22
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Functional phylogenetics reveals contributions of pleiotropic peptide action to ligand-receptor coevolution. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6800. [PMID: 25348027 PMCID: PMC4210869 DOI: 10.1038/srep06800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of peptidergic signaling has been accompanied by a significant degree of ligand-receptor coevolution. Closely related clusters of peptide signaling molecules are observed to activate related groups of receptors, implying that genes encoding these ligands may orchestrate an array of functions, a phenomenon known as pleiotropy. Here we examine whether pleiotropic actions of peptide genes might influence ligand-receptor coevolution. Four test groups of neuropeptides characterized by conserved C-terminal amino acid sequence motifs and their cognate receptors were examined in the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum): 1) cardioacceleratory peptide 2b (CAPA); CAPAr, 2) pyrokinin/diapause hormone (PK1/DH); PKr-A, -B, 3) pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis activating hormone (PK2/PBAN); PKr-C, and 4) ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH); ETHr-b. Ligand-receptor specificities were established through heterologous expression of receptors in cell-based assays for 9 endogenous ligands. Based on ligand-receptor specificity analysis, we found positive pleiotropism exhibited by ETH on ETHR-b and CAPAr, whereas PK1/DH and CAPA are more highly selective for their respective authentic receptors than would be predicted by phylogenetic analysis. Disparities between evolutionary trees deduced from receptor sequences vs. functional ligand-receptor specificities lead to the conclusion that pleiotropy exhibited by peptide genes influences ligand-receptor coevolution.
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Kawai T, Katayama Y, Guo L, Liu D, Suzuki T, Hayakawa K, Lee JM, Nagamine T, Hull JJ, Matsumoto S, Nagasawa H, Tanokura M, Nagata K. Identification of functionally important residues of the silkmoth pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide receptor, an insect ortholog of the vertebrate neuromedin U receptor. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:19150-63. [PMID: 24847080 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.488999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The biosynthesis of sex pheromone components in many lepidopteran insects is regulated by the interaction between pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) and the PBAN receptor (PBANR), a class A G-protein-coupled receptor. To identify functionally important amino acid residues in the silkmoth PBANR, a series of 27 alanine substitutions was generated using a PBANR chimera C-terminally fused with enhanced GFP. The PBANR mutants were expressed in Sf9 insect cells, and their ability to bind and be activated by a core PBAN fragment (C10PBAN(R2K)) was monitored. Among the 27 mutants, 23 localized to the cell surface of transfected Sf9 cells, whereas the other four remained intracellular. Reduced binding relative to wild type was observed with 17 mutants, and decreased Ca(2+) mobilization responses were observed with 12 mutants. Ala substitution of Glu-95, Glu-120, Asn-124, Val-195, Phe-276, Trp-280, Phe-283, Arg-287, Tyr-307, Thr-311, and Phe-319 affected both binding and Ca(2+) mobilization. The most pronounced effects were observed with the E120A mutation. A molecular model of PBANR indicated that the functionally important PBANR residues map to the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th transmembrane helices, implying that the same general region of class A G-protein-coupled receptors recognizes both peptidic and nonpeptidic ligands. Docking simulations suggest similar ligand-receptor recognition interactions for PBAN-PBANR and the orthologous vertebrate pair, neuromedin U (NMU) and NMU receptor (NMUR). The simulations highlight the importance of two glutamate residues, Glu-95 and Glu-120, in silkmoth PBANR and Glu-117 and Glu-142 in human NMUR1, in the recognition of the most functionally critical region of the ligands, the C-terminal residue and amide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kawai
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yukie Katayama
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Linjun Guo
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Desheng Liu
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Suzuki
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kou Hayakawa
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Jae Min Lee
- the Molecular Entomology Laboratory, RIKEN Advanced Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan, and
| | - Toshihiro Nagamine
- the Molecular Entomology Laboratory, RIKEN Advanced Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan, and
| | - J Joe Hull
- the United States Department of Agriculture-Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, Arizona 85138
| | - Shogo Matsumoto
- the Molecular Entomology Laboratory, RIKEN Advanced Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan, and
| | - Hiromichi Nagasawa
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masaru Tanokura
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan,
| | - Koji Nagata
- From the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan,
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Jiang H, Wei Z, Nachman RJ, Park Y. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the diapause hormone receptor in the corn earworm Helicoverpa zea. Peptides 2014; 53:243-9. [PMID: 24257143 PMCID: PMC3989431 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The diapause hormone (DH) in the heliothine moth has shown its activity in termination of pupal diapause, while the orthology in the silkworm is known to induce embryonic diapause. In the current study, we cloned the diapause hormone receptor from the corn earworm Helicoverpa zea (HzDHr) and tested its ligand specificities in a heterologous reporter system. HzDHr was expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, which were co-transfected with the aequorin reporter, and was used to measure the ligand activities. A total of 68 chemicals, including natural DH analogs and structurally similar peptide mimetics, were tested for agonistic and antagonistic activities. Several peptide mimetics with a 2-amino-7-bromofluorene-succinoyl (2Abf-Suc) N-terminal modification showed strong agonistic activities; these mimetics included 2Abf-Suc-F[dA]PRLamide, 2Abf-Suc-F[dR]PRLamide, 2Abf-Suc-FKPRLamide and 2Abf-Suc-FGPRLamide. Antagonistic activity was found in the ecdysis triggering hormone in Drosophila melanogaster (FFLKITKNVPRLamide). Interestingly, HzDHr does not discriminate between DH (WFGPRLamide C-terminal motif) and another closely related endogenous peptide, pyrokinin 1 (FXPRXamide; a C-terminal motif that is separate from WFGPRLamide). We provide large-scale in vitro data that serve as a reference for the development of agonists and antagonists to disrupt the DH signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Jiang
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Zhaojun Wei
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Areawide Pest Management Research, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, 2881 F/B Road, College Station, TX 77845, United States
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States.
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Hellmich E, Nusawardani T, Bartholomay L, Jurenka R. Pyrokinin/PBAN-like peptides in the central nervous system of mosquitoes. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 356:39-47. [PMID: 24458703 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1782-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) family of peptides is characterized by a common C-terminal pentapeptide, FXPRLamide, which is required for diverse physiological functions in various insects. Polyclonal antisera against the C-terminus was utilized to determine the location of cell bodies and axons in the central nervous systems of larval and adult mosquitoes. Immunoreactive material was detected in three groups of neurons in the subesophageal ganglion of larvae and adults. The corpora cardiaca of both larvae and adults contained immunoreactivity indicating potential release into circulation. The adult and larval brains had at least one pair of immunoreactive neurons in the protocerebrum with the adult brain having additional immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal medial part of the protocerebrum. The ventral ganglia of both larvae and adults each contained one pair of neurons that sent their axons to a perisympathetic organ associated with each abdominal ganglion. These results indicate that the mosquito nervous system contains pyrokinin/PBAN-like peptides and that these peptides could be released into the hemolymph. The peptides in insects and mosquitoes are produced by two genes, capa and pk/pban. Utilizing PCR protocols, we demonstrate that products of the capa gene could be produced in the abdominal ventral ganglia and the products of the pk/pban gene could be produced in the subesophageal ganglion. Two receptors for pyrokinin peptides were differentially localized to various tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Hellmich
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011-3222, USA
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Conzelmann M, Williams EA, Krug K, Franz-Wachtel M, Macek B, Jékely G. The neuropeptide complement of the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:906. [PMID: 24359412 PMCID: PMC3890597 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii is emerging as a powerful lophotrochozoan experimental model for evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) and neurobiology. Recent studies revealed the presence of conserved neuropeptidergic signaling in Platynereis, including vasotocin/neurophysin, myoinhibitory peptide and opioid peptidergic systems. Despite these advances, comprehensive peptidome resources have yet to be reported. Results The present work describes the neuropeptidome of Platynereis. We established a large transcriptome resource, consisting of stage-specific next-generation sequencing datasets and 77,419 expressed sequence tags. Using this information and a combination of bioinformatic searches and mass spectrometry analyses, we increased the known proneuropeptide (pNP) complement of Platynereis to 98. Based on sequence homology to metazoan pNPs, Platynereis pNPs were grouped into ancient eumetazoan, bilaterian, protostome, lophotrochozoan, and annelid families, and pNPs only found in Platynereis. Compared to the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, the only other lophotrochozoan with a large-scale pNP resource, Platynereis has a remarkably full complement of conserved pNPs, with 53 pNPs belonging to ancient eumetazoan or bilaterian families. Our comprehensive search strategy, combined with analyses of sequence conservation, also allowed us to define several novel lophotrochozoan and annelid pNP families. The stage-specific transcriptome datasets also allowed us to map changes in pNP expression throughout the Platynereis life cycle. Conclusion The large repertoire of conserved pNPs in Platynereis highlights the usefulness of annelids in comparative neuroendocrinology. This work establishes a reference dataset for comparative peptidomics in lophotrochozoans and provides the basis for future studies of Platynereis peptidergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Conzelmann
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Spemannstrasse 35, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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27
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Yang Y, Bajracharya P, Castillo P, Nachman RJ, Pietrantonio PV. Molecular and functional characterization of the first tick CAP2b (periviscerokinin) receptor from Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 194:142-51. [PMID: 24055303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The cDNA of the receptor for CAP(2b)/periviscerokinin (PVK) neuropeptides, designated Rhimi-CAP(2b)-R, was cloned from synganglia of tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. This receptor is the ortholog of the insect CAP(2b)/PVK receptor, as concluded from analyses of the predicted protein sequence, phylogenetics and functional expression. Expression analyses of synganglion, salivary gland, Malpighian tubule, and ovary revealed Rhimi-CAP(2b)-R transcripts. The expression in mammalian cells of the open reading frame of Rhimi-CAP(2b)-R cDNA fused with a hemagglutinin tag at the receptor N-terminus was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. In a calcium bioluminescence assay the recombinant receptor was activated by the tick Ixodes scapularis CAP(2b)/PVK and a PVK analog with EC₅₀s of 64 nM and 249 nM, respectively. Tick pyrokinins were not active. This is the first report on the functional characterization of the CAP(2b)/PVK receptor from any tick species which will now permit the discovery of the physiological roles of these neuropeptides in ticks, as neurohormones, neuromodulators and/or neurotransmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Yang
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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28
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Choi MY, Estep A, Sanscrainte N, Becnel J, Vander Meer RK. Identification and expression of PBAN/diapause hormone and GPCRs from Aedes aegypti. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 375:113-20. [PMID: 23727337 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides control various physiological functions and constitute more than 90% of insect hormones. The pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN)/pyrokinin family is a major group of insect neuropeptides and is well conserved in Insecta. This family of peptides has at least two closely related G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activated by PBAN and a diapause hormone (DH). They have been shown to control several biological activities including pheromone production and diapause induction in moths. However, beyond some moth species, the biological function(s) of PBAN/pyrokinin peptides are largely unknown although these peptides are found in all insects. In this study we identified and characterized PBAN/pyrokinin peptides and corresponding GPCRs from the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Ae. aegypti PBAN mRNA encodes four putative peptides including PBAN and DH, and is expressed in females and males during all life stages. The PBAN receptor (PBAN-R) and the DH receptor (DH-R) were functionally expressed and confirmed through binding assays with PBAN and DH peptides. These receptors are differentially expressed from eggs to adults with the relative gene expression of the PBAN-R significantly lower during the 4th instar larval (L4) and pupal (P1-P2) stages compared to the 2nd and 3rd instar larval stages (L2 and L3). However, DH-R expression level is consistently 4-10 times higher than the PBAN-R in the same period, suggesting that PBAN-R is downregulated in the late larval and pupal stages, whereas DH-R stays upregulated throughout all developmental stages. PBAN/pyrokinin mRNA expression remains high in all stages since it produces PBAN and DH peptides. This study provides the foundation for determining the function(s) of the PBAN/pyrokinin peptides in mosquitoes and establishes data critical to the development of methods for disruption of these hormone actions as a novel strategy for mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yeon Choi
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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Hariton-Shalev A, Shalev M, Adir N, Belausov E, Altstein M. Structural and functional differences between pheromonotropic and melanotropic PK/PBAN receptors. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1830:5036-48. [PMID: 23850474 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PK/PBAN) plays a major role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes in insects. The ubiquitous and multifunctional nature of the PK/PBAN peptide family raises many questions regarding the mechanisms by which these neuropeptides elicit their effects and the nature of the receptors that mediate their functions. METHODS A sex pheromone gland receptor of the PK/PBAN family from Heliothis peltigera female moth and a Spodoptera littoralis larval receptor were cloned and stably expressed, and their structural models, electrostatic potentials and cellular functional properties were evaluated. RESULTS Homology modeling indicated highly conserved amino-acid residues in appropriate structural positions as experimentally shown for class A G-protein coupled receptors. Structural differences could be proposed and electrostatic potentials of the two receptor models revealed net charge differences. Calcium mobilization assays demonstrated that both receptors were fully functional and could initiate extracellular calcium influx to start PK/PBAN signal transduction. Evaluation of the signaling response of both receptors to PBAN and diapause hormone (DH) revealed a highly sensitive, though differential response. Both receptors responded to PBAN whereas only Spl-PK/PBAN-R exhibited a high response toward DH. CONCLUSIONS The structural, electrostatic and cellular functional differences indicate that different PK/PBAN in vivo functions may be mediated by different PK/PBAN receptors and elicited by different peptide(s). GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The results advance our understanding of the mode of action of the PK/PBAN family, and might help in exploring novel high-affinity receptor-specific antagonists that can serve as a basis for the development of new families of insect-control agents.
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30
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Davies SA, Cabrero P, Povsic M, Johnston NR, Terhzaz S, Dow JAT. Signaling by Drosophila capa neuropeptides. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:60-6. [PMID: 23557645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The capa peptide family, originally identified in the tobacco hawk moth, Manduca sexta, is now known to be present in many insect families, with increasing publications on capa neuropeptides each year. The physiological actions of capa peptides vary depending on the insect species but capa peptides have key myomodulatory and osmoregulatory functions, depending on insect lifestyle, and life stage. Capa peptide signaling is thus critical for fluid homeostasis and survival, making study of this neuropeptide family attractive for novel routes for insect control. In Dipteran species, including the genetically tractable Drosophila melanogaster, capa peptide action is diuretic; via elevation of nitric oxide, cGMP and calcium in the principal cells of the Malpighian tubules. The identification of the capa receptor (capaR) in several insect species has shown this to be a canonical GPCR. In D. melanogaster, ligand-activated capaR activity occurs in a dose-dependent manner between 10(-6) and 10(-12)M. Lower concentrations of capa peptide do not activate capaR, either in adult or larval Malpighian tubules. Use of transgenic flies in which capaR is knocked-down in only Malpighian tubule principal cells demonstrates that capaR modulates tubule fluid secretion rates and in doing so, sets the organismal response to desiccation. Thus, capa regulates a desiccation-responsive pathway in D. melanogaster, linking its role in osmoregulation and fluid homeostasis to environmental response and survival. The conservation of capa action between some Dipteran species suggests that capa's role in desiccation tolerance may not be confined to D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen-A Davies
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G128QQ, United Kingdom.
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Nusawardani T, Kroemer JA, Choi MY, Jurenka RA. Identification and characterization of the pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide family of G protein-coupled receptors from Ostrinia nubilalis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 22:331-340. [PMID: 23551811 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Insects have two closely related G protein-coupled receptors belonging to the pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (pyrokinin/PBAN) family, one with the ligand PBAN or pyrokinin-2 and another with diapause hormone or pyrokinin-1 as a ligand. A related receptor is activated by products of the capa gene, periviscerokinins. Here we characterized the PBAN receptor and the diapause hormone receptor from the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. We also identified a partial sequence for the periviscerokinin receptor. Quantitative PCR of mRNA for all three receptors indicated differential expression in various life stages and tissues. All three splice variants of the PBAN receptor were identified with all variants found in pheromone gland tissue. Immunohistochemistry of V5 tags of expressed receptors indicated that all three variants and the diapause hormone receptor were expressed at similar levels in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 (Sf9) cells. However, the A- and B-variants were not active in our functional assay, which confirms studies from other moths. Functional expression of the C-variant indicated that it is has a 44 nM half effective concentration for activation by PBAN. The diapause hormone receptor was activated by diapause hormone with a 150 nM half effective concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nusawardani
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Vogel KJ, Brown MR, Strand MR. Phylogenetic investigation of Peptide hormone and growth factor receptors in five dipteran genomes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:193. [PMID: 24379806 PMCID: PMC3863949 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide hormones and growth factors bind to membrane receptors and regulate a myriad of processes in insects and other metazoans. The evolutionary relationships among characterized and uncharacterized ("orphan") receptors can provide insights into receptor-ligand biology and narrow target choices in deorphanization studies. However, the large number and low sequence conservation of these receptors make evolutionary analysis difficult. Here, we characterized the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor guanylyl cyclases (RGCs), and protein kinase receptors (PKRs) of mosquitoes and select other flies by interrogating the genomes of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus, Drosophila melanogaster, and D. mojavensis. Sequences were grouped by receptor type, clustered using the program CLANS, aligned using HMMR, and phylogenetic trees built using PhyML. Our results indicated that PKRs had relatively few orphan clades whereas GPCRs and RGCs had several. In addition, more than half of the Class B secretin-like GPCRs and RGCs remained uncharacterized. Additional studies revealed that Class B GPCRs exhibited more gain and loss events than other receptor types. Finally, using the neuropeptide F family of insect receptors and the neuropeptide Y family of vertebrate receptors, we also show that functional sites considered critical for ligand binding are conserved among distinct family members and between distantly related taxa. Overall, our results provide the first comprehensive analysis of peptide hormone and growth factor receptors for a major insect group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Vogel
- Department of Entomology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- *Correspondence: Kevin J. Vogel, Department of Entomology, The University of Georgia, 413 Biological Sciences Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA e-mail:
| | - Mark R. Brown
- Department of Entomology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael R. Strand
- Department of Entomology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Choi MY, Vander Meer RK. Ant trail pheromone biosynthesis is triggered by a neuropeptide hormone. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50400. [PMID: 23226278 PMCID: PMC3511524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of insect chemical communication including pheromone identification, synthesis, and their role in behavior has advanced tremendously over the last half-century. However, endocrine regulation of pheromone biosynthesis has progressed slowly due to the complexity of direct and/or indirect hormonal activation of the biosynthetic cascades resulting in insect pheromones. Over 20 years ago, a neurohormone, pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) was identified that stimulated sex pheromone biosynthesis in a lepidopteran moth. Since then, the physiological role, target site, and signal transduction of PBAN has become well understood for sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths. Despite that PBAN-like peptides (∼200) have been identified from various insect Orders, their role in pheromone regulation had not expanded to the other insect groups except for Lepidoptera. Here, we report that trail pheromone biosynthesis in the Dufour's gland (DG) of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is regulated by PBAN. RNAi knock down of PBAN gene (in subesophageal ganglia) or PBAN receptor gene (in DG) expression inhibited trail pheromone biosynthesis. Reduced trail pheromone was documented analytically and through a behavioral bioassay. Extension of PBAN's role in pheromone biosynthesis to a new target insect, mode of action, and behavioral function will renew research efforts on the involvement of PBAN in pheromone biosynthesis in Insecta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yeon Choi
- USDA-ARS, Center of Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert K. Vander Meer
- USDA-ARS, Center of Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Florida, United States of America
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Paluzzi JP, O'Donnell MJ. Identification, spatial expression analysis and functional characterization of a pyrokinin-1 receptor in the Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 363:36-45. [PMID: 22820129 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The capability or capa gene, encodes a pyrokinin-related peptide (known as pyrokinin-1, PK1) that contains the consensus carboxy-terminal sequence of WFGPRL-NH(2). Although the CAPA precursor polypeptide in Rhodnius prolixus yields the anti-diuretic hormone, RhoprCAPA-α2, no function has yet been elucidated for the pyrokinin-1 peptide, RhoprCAPA-αPK1. In order to elucidate the possible physiological roles of the PK1-related peptides in R. prolixus, we have isolated and functionally characterized the PK1 receptor, RhoprPK1-R. Additionally, we have determined a set of three optimal reference genes to utilize for normalization of data obtained when carrying out spatial expression analyses via quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) in various tissues of fifth instar R. prolixus. The RhoprPK1-R expression profile differs strikingly from the receptor for the anti-diuretic hormone RhoprCAPA-α2, which is localized mainly to gut epithelial tissues. Instead, RhoprPK1-R expression in fifth instar stage insects was identified in tissues that are not involved in osmotic and ionic balance, including the prothoracic glands, male reproductive tissues and a pooled sample composed of fat body, dorsal vessel, abdominal nerves and female reproductive tissues. Thus, this research establishes novel possibilities for the physiological roles of the pyrokinin-related peptides in this medically relevant disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Paluzzi
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1.
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Paluzzi JPV. Anti-diuretic factors in insects: the role of CAPA peptides. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 176:300-8. [PMID: 22226757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Insects have adapted to live in a wide variety of habitats and utilize an array of feeding strategies that present challenges to their ability to maintain osmotic balance. Regardless of the feeding strategy, water and ion levels within the haemolymph (insect blood) are maintained within a narrow range. This homeostasis involves the action of a variety of tissues, but is often chiefly regulated by the excretory system. Until recently, most research on the hormonal control of the excretory tissues has focused on factors known to have diuretic activities. In this mini-review, the current state of knowledge on anti-diuretic factors in insects will be discussed with a particular emphasis on the CAPA peptides in the blood-feeding Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul V Paluzzi
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1.
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Terhzaz S, Cabrero P, Robben JH, Radford JC, Hudson BD, Milligan G, Dow JAT, Davies SA. Mechanism and function of Drosophila capa GPCR: a desiccation stress-responsive receptor with functional homology to human neuromedinU receptor. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29897. [PMID: 22253819 PMCID: PMC3256212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The capa peptide receptor, capaR (CG14575), is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) for the D. melanogaster capa neuropeptides, Drm-capa-1 and -2 (capa-1 and -2). To date, the capa peptide family constitutes the only known nitridergic peptides in insects, so the mechanisms and physiological function of ligand-receptor signalling of this peptide family are of interest. Capa peptide induces calcium signaling via capaR with EC₅₀ values for capa-1 = 3.06 nM and capa-2 = 4.32 nM. capaR undergoes rapid desensitization, with internalization via a b-arrestin-2 mediated mechanism but is rapidly re-sensitized in the absence of capa-1. Drosophila capa peptides have a C-terminal -FPRXamide motif and insect-PRXamide peptides are evolutionarily related to vertebrate peptide neuromedinU (NMU). Potential agonist effects of human NMU-25 and the insect -PRLamides [Drosophila pyrokinins Drm-PK-1 (capa-3), Drm-PK-2 and hugin-gamma [hugg]] against capaR were investigated. NMU-25, but not hugg nor Drm-PK-2, increases intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]i) levels via capaR. In vivo, NMU-25 increases [Ca²⁺]i and fluid transport by the Drosophila Malpighian (renal) tubule. Ectopic expression of human NMU receptor 2 in tubules of transgenic flies results in increased [Ca²⁺]i and fluid transport. Finally, anti-porcine NMU-8 staining of larval CNS shows that the most highly immunoreactive cells are capa-producing neurons. These structural and functional data suggest that vertebrate NMU is a putative functional homolog of Drm-capa-1 and -2. capaR is almost exclusively expressed in tubule principal cells; cell-specific targeted capaR RNAi significantly reduces capa-1 stimulated [Ca²⁺]i and fluid transport. Adult capaR RNAi transgenic flies also display resistance to desiccation. Thus, capaR acts in the key fluid-transporting tissue to regulate responses to desiccation stress in the fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim Terhzaz
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (S-AD); (ST)
| | - Pablo Cabrero
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Joris H. Robben
- Department of Physiology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan C. Radford
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Brian D. Hudson
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Milligan
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Julian A. T. Dow
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Shireen-A. Davies
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (S-AD); (ST)
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Caers J, Verlinden H, Zels S, Vandersmissen HP, Vuerinckx K, Schoofs L. More than two decades of research on insect neuropeptide GPCRs: an overview. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:151. [PMID: 23226142 PMCID: PMC3510462 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the state of the art on neuropeptide receptors in insects. Most of these receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and are involved in the regulation of virtually all physiological processes during an insect's life. More than 20 years ago a milestone in invertebrate endocrinology was achieved with the characterization of the first insect neuropeptide receptor, i.e., the Drosophila tachykinin-like receptor. However, it took until the release of the Drosophila genome in 2000 that research on neuropeptide receptors boosted. In the last decade a plethora of genomic information of other insect species also became available, leading to a better insight in the functions and evolution of the neuropeptide signaling systems and their intracellular pathways. It became clear that some of these systems are conserved among all insect species, indicating that they fulfill crucial roles in their physiological processes. Meanwhile, other signaling systems seem to be lost in several insect orders or species, suggesting that their actions were superfluous in those insects, or that other neuropeptides have taken over their functions. It is striking that the deorphanization of neuropeptide GPCRs gets much attention, but the subsequent unraveling of the intracellular pathways they elicit, or their physiological functions are often hardly examined. Especially in insects besides Drosophila this information is scarce if not absent. And although great progress made in characterizing neuropeptide signaling systems, even in Drosophila several predicted neuropeptide receptors remain orphan, awaiting for their endogenous ligand to be determined. The present review gives a précis of the insect neuropeptide receptor research of the last two decades. But it has to be emphasized that the work done so far is only the tip of the iceberg and our comprehensive understanding of these important signaling systems will still increase substantially in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Liliane Schoofs
- *Correspondence: Liliane Schoofs, Department of Biology, Research Group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Naamsestraat 59, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. e-mail:
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Choi MY, Vander Meer RK. Molecular Structure and Diversity of PBAN/pyrokinin Family Peptides in Ants. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:32. [PMID: 22654860 PMCID: PMC3356087 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are the largest group of insect hormones. They are produced in the central and peripheral nervous systems and affect insect development, reproduction, feeding, and behavior. A variety of neuropeptide families have been identified in insects. One of these families is the PBAN/pyrokinin family defined by a common FXPRLamide or similar amino acid fragment at the C-terminal end. These peptides, found in all insects studied thus far, have been conserved throughout evolution. The most well studied physiological function is regulation of moth sex pheromone biosynthesis through the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN), although several developmental functions have also been reported. Over the past years we have extended knowledge of the PBAN/pyrokinin family of peptides to ants, focusing mainly on the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. The fire ant is one of the most studied social insects and over the last 60 years a great deal has been learned about many aspects of this ant, including the behaviors and chemistry of pheromone communication. However, virtually nothing is known about the regulation of these pheromone systems. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of PBAN/pyrokinin immunoreactive neurons in the fire ant, and identified and characterized PBAN and additional neuropeptides. We have mapped the fire ant PBAN gene structure and determined the tissue expression level in the central nervous system of the ant. We review here our research to date on the molecular structure and diversity of ant PBAN/pyrokinin peptides in preparation for determining the function of the neuropeptides in ants and other social insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yeon Choi
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary EntomologyGainesville, FL, USA
- *Correspondence: Man-Yeon Choi and Robert K. Vander Meer, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW 23rd Dr. Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. e-mail: ;
| | - Robert K. Vander Meer
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary EntomologyGainesville, FL, USA
- *Correspondence: Man-Yeon Choi and Robert K. Vander Meer, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW 23rd Dr. Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. e-mail: ;
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Hull JJ, Lee JM, Matsumoto S. Identification of specific sites in the third intracellular loop and carboxyl terminus of the Bombyx mori pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor crucial for ligand-induced internalization. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 20:801-811. [PMID: 21955122 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2011.01110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Sex pheromone production in most moths is mediated by the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor (PBANR). Using fluorescent Bombyx mori PBANR (BmPBANR) chimeras to study PBANR regulation, we previously showed that BmPBANR undergoes rapid ligand-induced internalization, that the endocytotic motif resides between residues 358-367 of the BmPBANR C terminus, and that the internalization pathway is clathrin-dependent. Here, we sought to expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BmPBANR function and regulation by transiently expressing a series of fluorescent BmPBANR chimeric constructs in cultured Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells and assaying for internalization of a fluorescently labelled ligand. Pharmacological inhibition of phospholipase C significantly reduced internalization, suggesting that BmPBANR regulation proceeds via a conventional G-protein-dependent pathway. This was further supported by impaired internalization following site-directed mutagenesis of R263 and R264, two basic residues at the transmembrane 6 intracellular junction that are thought to stabilize G-protein coupling via electrostatic interactions. Ala substitution of S333 and S366, two consensus protein kinase C sites in the C terminus, likewise impaired internalization, as did RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Sf9 protein kinase C. N-terminal truncations of BmPBANR indicate that the first 27 residues are not necessary for cell surface trafficking or receptor functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Hull
- Molecular Entomology Laboratory, RIKEN Advanced Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
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Jurenka R, Rafaeli A. Regulatory Role of PBAN in Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis of Heliothine Moths. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:46. [PMID: 22654810 PMCID: PMC3356091 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Both males and females of heliothine moths utilize sex-pheromones during the mating process. Females produce and release a sex pheromone for the long-range attraction of males for mating. Production of sex pheromone in females is controlled by the peptide hormone (pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide, PBAN). This review will highlight what is known about the role PBAN plays in controlling pheromone production in female moths. Male moths produce compounds associated with a hairpencil structure associated with the aedaegus that are used as short-range aphrodisiacs during the mating process. We will discuss the role that PBAN plays in regulating male production of hairpencil pheromones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Jurenka
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA, USA
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Volcani Center, Agricultural Research OrganizationBet Dagan, Israel
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Uehara H, Senoh Y, Yoneda K, Kato Y, Shiomi K. An FXPRLamide neuropeptide induces seasonal reproductive polyphenism underlying a life-history tradeoff in the tussock moth. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24213. [PMID: 21887383 PMCID: PMC3162613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The white spotted tussock moth, Orgyia thyellina, is a typical insect that exhibits seasonal polyphenisms in morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits, including a life-history tradeoff known as oogenesis-flight syndrome. However, the developmental processes and molecular mechanisms that mediate developmental plasticity, including life-history tradeoff, remain largely unknown. To analyze the molecular mechanisms involved in reproductive polyphenism, including the diapause induction, we first cloned and characterized the diapause hormone-pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (DH-PBAN) cDNA encoding the five Phe-X-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH(2) (FXPRLa) neuropeptides: DH, PBAN, and α-, β-, and γ-SGNPs (subesophageal ganglion neuropeptides). This gene is expressed in neurosecretory cells within the subesophageal ganglion whose axonal projections reach the neurohemal organ, the corpus cardiacum, suggesting that the DH neuroendocrine system is conserved in Lepidoptera. By injection of chemically synthetic DH and anti-FXPRLa antibody into female pupae, we revealed that not only does the Orgyia DH induce embryonic diapause, but also that this neuropeptide induces seasonal polyphenism, participating in the hypertrophy of follicles and ovaries. In addition, the other four FXPRLa also induced embryonic diapause in O. thyellina, but not in Bombyx mori. This is the first study showing that a neuropeptide has a pleiotropic effect in seasonal reproductive polyphenism to accomplish seasonal adaptation. We also show that a novel factor (i.e., the DH neuropeptide) acts as an important inducer of seasonal polyphenism underlying a life-history tradeoff. Furthermore, we speculate that there must be evolutionary conservation and diversification in the neuroendocrine systems of two lepidopteran genera, Orgyia and Bombyx, in order to facilitate the evolution of coregulated life-history traits and tradeoffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Uehara
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yukiko Senoh
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kyohei Yoneda
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yoshiomi Kato
- Department of Life Science, International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Shiomi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
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