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Chen X, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Wang F, Wang J, Yao X, Imran M, Luo S. Imidacloprid reduces the mating success of males in bumblebees. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172525. [PMID: 38631635 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Bumblebees play a vital role in both natural and agricultural environments, but there has been a noticeable decline in their populations. Pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, are widely regarded as a substantial contributing factor to the decline in bumblebee populations, as evidenced by the detrimental impacts documented across many stages of their life cycle. Mating is vital for the population maintenance of bumblebees. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research conducted on the effects of pesticides on the mating process. In this study, we individually examined the impact of imidacloprid on the mating behavior of bumblebee males and queens. A competitive mating experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect on the competitive prowess of male individuals and the mate selection behavior of female individuals. The study revealed that the mating rate of bumblebees exposed to a concentration of 10 ppb of imidacloprid was 3 %. This finding demonstrated a statistically significant impact when compared to the control group, which exhibited a mating rate of 58 % in the normal mating experiment. Furthermore, in the competitive mating experiment, we found that the competitive mating success rate of treated males (1 %) was significantly lower than that of untreated males (35 %). Hence, it provides evidence that neonicotinoid imidacloprid negatively affects bumblebee mating success and cautions us to protect bumblebees from pesticide exposure to prevent a severe impact on their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Western Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Western Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Western Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Feiran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832061, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832061, China
| | - Xudong Yao
- Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832061, China
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Entomology, University of Poonch Rawalakot, AJK 12350, Pakistan
| | - Shudong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Western Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832061, China.
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2
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Henriquez JE, Badwaik VD, Bianchi E, Chen W, Corvaro M, LaRocca J, Lunsman TD, Zu C, Johnson KJ. From Pipeline to Plant Protection Products: Using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in Agrochemical Safety Assessment. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:10710-10724. [PMID: 38688008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The human population will be approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, and food security has been identified as one of the key issues facing the global population. Agrochemicals are an important tool available to farmers that enable high crop yields and continued access to healthy foods, but the average new agrochemical active ingredient takes more than ten years, 350 million dollars, and 20,000 animals to develop and register. The time, monetary, and animal costs incentivize the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in early-stage screening to prioritize chemical candidates. This review outlines NAMs that are currently available or can be adapted for use in early-stage screening agrochemical programs. It covers new in vitro screens that are on the horizon in key areas of regulatory concern. Overall, early-stage screening with NAMs enables the prioritization of development for agrochemicals without human and environmental health concerns through a more directed, agile, and iterative development program before animal-based regulatory testing is even considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivek D Badwaik
- Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Enrica Bianchi
- Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | | | - Jessica LaRocca
- Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | | | - Chengli Zu
- Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Kamin J Johnson
- Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
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3
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Fischer N, Costa CP, Hur M, Kirkwood JS, Woodard SH. Impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides on bumble bee energy metabolism are revealed under nectar starvation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169388. [PMID: 38104805 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Bumble bees are an important group of insects that provide essential pollination services as a consequence of their foraging behaviors. These pollination services are driven, in part, by energetic exchanges between flowering plants and individual bees. Thus, it is important to examine bumble bee energy metabolism and explore how it might be influenced by external stressors contributing to declines in global pollinator populations. Two stressors that are commonly encountered by bees are insecticides, such as the neonicotinoids, and nutritional stress, resulting from deficits in pollen and nectar availability. Our study uses a metabolomic approach to examine the effects of neonicotinoid insecticide exposure on bumble bee metabolism, both alone and in combination with nutritional stress. We hypothesized that exposure to imidacloprid disrupts bumble bee energy metabolism, leading to changes in key metabolites involved in central carbon metabolism. We tested this by exposing Bombus impatiens workers to imidacloprid according to one of three exposure paradigms designed to explore how chronic versus more acute (early or late) imidacloprid exposure influences energy metabolite levels, then also subjecting them to artificial nectar starvation. The strongest effects of imidacloprid were observed when bees also experienced nectar starvation, suggesting a combinatorial effect of neonicotinoids and nutritional stress on bumble bee energy metabolism. Overall, this study provides important insights into the mechanisms underlying the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on pollinators, and underscores the need for further investigation into the complex interactions between environmental stressors and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fischer
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Claudinéia P Costa
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Manhoi Hur
- IIGB Metabolomics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jay S Kirkwood
- IIGB Metabolomics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - S Hollis Woodard
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
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4
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Wei P, Zeng X, Han H, Yang Y, Zhang Y, He L. Alternative splicing of a carboxyl/choline esterase gene enhances the fenpropathrin tolerance of Tetranychus cinnabarinus. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1255-1266. [PMID: 36544383 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Detoxification plays a crucial role in agricultural pests to withstand pesticides, and cytochrome P450s, carboxyl/choline esterases (CCEs), and glutathione-S-transferases are the main proteins responsible for their detoxification ability. The activity of CCEs can be upregulated, downregulated, or modified by mutation. However, few studies have examined the role of alternative splicing in altering the properties of CCEs. We identified 2 variants of TcCCE23 in Tetranychus cinnabarinus: a long version (CCE23-V1) and a short version that is 18 nucleotides shorter than CCE23-V1 (CCE23-V2). Whether splicing affects the activity of TcCCE23 remains unclear. Overexpression of CCE23-V2 in fenpropathrin-resistant T. cinnabarinus revealed that splicing affected the detoxification of fenpropathrin by CCE23-V2. The mortality of mites was significantly higher when the expression of CCE23-V2 was knocked down (43.2% ± 3.3%) via injection of CCE23-dsRNA (double-stranded RNA) compared with the control group injected with green fluorescent protein-dsRNA under fenpropathrin exposure; however, the downregulation of CCE23-V1 (61.3% ± 6.3%) by CCE23-small interfering RNA had no such effect, indicating CCE23-V2 plays a greater role in xenobiotic metabolism than CCE23-V1. The tolerance of flies overexpressing CCE23-V2 to fenpropathrin (50% lethal dose [LD50 ] = 19.47 μg/g) was significantly higher than that of Gal4/UAS-CCE23-V1 transgenic flies (LD50 = 13.11 μg/g). Molecular docking analysis showed that splicing opened a "gate" that enlarges the substrate binding cavity of CCE23-V2, might enhance the ability of CCE23-V2 to harbor fenpropathrin molecules. These findings suggest that splicing might enhance the detoxifying capability of TcCCE23. Generally, our data improve the understanding of the diversity and complexity of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of CCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinying Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haonan Han
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin He
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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5
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Wu WY, Liao LH, Lin CH, Johnson RM, Berenbaum MR. Effects of pesticide-adjuvant combinations used in almond orchards on olfactory responses to social signals in honey bees (Apis mellifera). Sci Rep 2023; 13:15577. [PMID: 37730836 PMCID: PMC10511525 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to agrochemical sprays containing pesticides and tank-mix adjuvants has been implicated in post-bloom mortality, particularly of brood, in honey bee colonies brought into California almond orchards for pollination. Although adjuvants are generally considered to be biologically inert, some adjuvants have exhibited toxicity and sublethal effects, including decreasing survival rates of next-generation queens. Honey bees have a highly developed olfactory system to detect and discriminate among social signals. To investigate the impact of pesticide-adjuvant combinations on honey bee signal perception, we performed electroantennography assays to assess alterations in their olfactory responsiveness to the brood ester pheromone (BEP), the volatile larval pheromone β-ocimene, and the alarm pheromone 2-heptanone. These assays aimed to uncover potential mechanisms underlying changes in social behaviors and reduced brood survival after pesticide exposure. We found that combining the adjuvant Dyne-Amic with the fungicide Tilt (propiconazole) and the insecticide Altacor (chlorantraniliprole) synergistically enhanced olfactory responses to three concentrations of BEP and as well exerted dampening and compensatory effects on responses to 2-heptanone and β-ocimene, respectively. In contrast, exposure to adjuvant alone or the combination of fungicide and insecticide had no effect on olfactory responses to BEP at most concentrations but altered responses to β-ocimene and 2-heptanone. Exposure to Dyne-Amic, Altacor, and Tilt increased BEP signal amplitude, indicating potential changes in olfactory receptor sensitivity or sensilla permeability to odorants. Given that, in a previous study, next-generation queens raised by nurses exposed to the same treated pollen experienced reduced survival, these new findings highlight the potential disruption of social signaling in honey bees and its implications for colony reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yen Wu
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ling-Hsiu Liao
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Chia-Hua Lin
- Department of Entomology, Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory, The Ohio State University, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Reed M Johnson
- Department of Entomology, Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory, The Ohio State University, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - May R Berenbaum
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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Qin N, Liu J, Li F, Liu J. Recent Advances in Aptasensors for Rapid Pesticide Residues Detection. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2023:1-22. [PMID: 37708008 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2023.2257795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are applied widely to increase agricultural output and quality, however, this practice results in residual issues that not only harm the environment but also put people and animals' lives and health at risk. As a result, it is critical to find pesticide residues in a variety of sources, including crops, water supplies, and soil. Aptamers are more flexible in their synthesis and modification, have a high level of specificity, are inexpensive, and have good stability compared to conventional detection methods. They have therefore attracted a lot of interest in the industry. This study reviews the most recent aptasensor advancements in the detection of pesticide residues. Firstly, aptamers specifically binding to many pesticides are summarized. Secondly, the combination of aptasensors with colorimetric, fluorescent, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), resonance Light Scattering (RLS), chemiluminescence (CL), electrochemical, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technologies are systematically introduced, and their advantages and disadvantages are expounded. Importantly, the aptasensors for the detection of various pesticides (organochlorine, organophosphorus, neonicotinoids, carbamates, and pyrethroids) that have been developed so far are systematically analyzed and discussed. Finally, the furture prospects and challenges of the aptasensors are highlighted. It is expected to offer suggestions for the later creation of novel, highly effective and sensitive aptasensors for the detection of pesticide residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qin
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinfeng Liu
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengyun Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingbo Liu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
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7
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Zhuang M, Colgan TJ, Guo Y, Zhang Z, Liu F, Xia Z, Dai X, Zhang Z, Li Y, Wang L, Xu J, Guo Y, Qu Y, Yao J, Yang H, Yang F, Li X, Guo J, Brown MJF, Li J. Unexpected worker mating and colony-founding in a superorganism. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5499. [PMID: 37679330 PMCID: PMC10484907 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41198-6] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of caste-differentiated colonies, which have been defined as 'superorganisms', in ants, bees, and wasps represents a major transition in evolution. Lifetime mating commitment by queens, pre-imaginal caste determination and lifetime unmatedness of workers are key features of these animal societies. Workers in superorganismal species like honey bees and many ants have consequently lost, or retain only vestigial spermathecal structures. However, bumble bee workers retain complete spermathecae despite 25-40 million years since their origin of superorganismality, which remains an evolutionary mystery. Here, we show (i) that bumble bee workers retain queen-like reproductive traits, being able to mate and produce colonies, underlain by queen-like gene expression, (ii) the social conditions required for worker mating, and (iii) that these abilities may be selected for by early queen-loss in these annual species. These results challenge the idea of lifetime worker unmatedness in superorganisms, and provide an exciting new tool for the conservation of endangered bumble bee species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingsheng Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
- Shanghai Suosheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Thomas J Colgan
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yulong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Fugang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyan Dai
- Shanghai Suosheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Liuhao Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Jin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yueqin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yingping Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Huipeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK.
| | - Jilian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China.
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Chatzaki V, Montoro M, El-Rashid R, Jensen AB, Lecocq A. A New Approach for Detecting Sublethal Effects of Neonicotinoids on Bumblebees Using Optical Sensor Technology. INSECTS 2023; 14:713. [PMID: 37623423 PMCID: PMC10455988 DOI: 10.3390/insects14080713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Among insects, bees are important pollinators, providing many vital ecosystem services. The recent pollinator decline is threatening both their diversity and abundance. One of the main drivers of this decline is the extensive use of pesticides. Neonicotinoids, one of the most popular groups of pesticides, can be toxic to bees. In fact, numerous studies have found that neonicotinoids can cause sublethal effects, which can impair the biology, physiology, and colony survival of the bees. Yet, there are still knowledge gaps, and more research is needed to better understand the interaction between neonicotinoids and bees, especially in the field. A new optical sensor, which can automatically identify flying insects using machine learning, has been created to continuously monitor insect activity in the field. This study investigated the potential use of this sensor as a tool for monitoring the sublethal effects of pesticides on bumblebees. Bombus terrestris workers were orally exposed to field-realistic doses of imidacloprid. Two types of exposures were tested: acute and chronic. The flight activity of pesticide-exposed and non-exposed bumblebees was recorded, and the events of the insect flights recorded by the sensor were used in two ways: to extract the values of the wingbeat frequency and to train machine learning models. The results showed that the trained model was able to recognize differences between the events created by pesticide-exposed bumblebees and the control bumblebees. This study demonstrates the possibility of the optical sensor for use as a tool to monitor bees that have been exposed to sublethal doses of pesticides. The optical sensor can provide data that could be helpful in managing and, ideally, mitigating the decline of pollinators from one of their most major threats, pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileia Chatzaki
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences—PLEN, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (A.B.J.); (A.L.)
- FaunaPhotonics APS, Støberigade 14, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.M.); (R.E.-R.)
| | - Marta Montoro
- FaunaPhotonics APS, Støberigade 14, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.M.); (R.E.-R.)
| | - Rámi El-Rashid
- FaunaPhotonics APS, Støberigade 14, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.M.); (R.E.-R.)
| | - Annette Bruun Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences—PLEN, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (A.B.J.); (A.L.)
| | - Antoine Lecocq
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences—PLEN, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (A.B.J.); (A.L.)
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9
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Zioga E, White B, Stout JC. Pesticide mixtures detected in crop and non-target wild plant pollen and nectar. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:162971. [PMID: 36958551 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Cultivation of mass flowering entomophilous crops benefits from the presence of managed and wild pollinators, who visit flowers to forage on pollen and nectar. However, management of these crops typically includes application of pesticides, the presence of which may pose a hazard for pollinators foraging in an agricultural environment. To determine the levels of potential exposure to pesticides, their presence and concentration in pollen and nectar need assessing, both within and beyond the target crop plants. We selected ten pesticide compounds and one metabolite and analysed their occurrence in a crop (Brassica napus) and a wild plant (Rubus fruticosus agg.), which was flowering in field edges. Nectar and pollen from both plants were collected from five spring and five winter sown B. napus fields in Ireland, and were tested for pesticide residues, using QuEChERS and Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Pesticide residues were detected in plant pollen and nectar of both plants. Most detections were from fields with no recorded application of the respective compounds in that year, but higher concentrations were observed in recently treated fields. Overall, more residues were detected in B. napus pollen and nectar than in the wild plant, and B. napus pollen had the highest mean concentration of residues. All matrices were contaminated with at least three compounds, and the most frequently detected compounds were fungicides. The most common compound mixture was comprised of the fungicides azoxystrobin, boscalid, and the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin, which was not recently applied on the fields. Our results indicate that persistent compounds like the neonicotinoids, should be continuously monitored for their presence and fate in the field environment. The toxicological evaluation of the compound mixtures identified in the present study should be performed, to determine their impacts on foraging insects that may be exposed to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zioga
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Blánaid White
- School of Chemical Sciences, DCU Water Institute, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jane C Stout
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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10
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Martín-Blázquez R, Calhoun AC, Sadd BM, Cameron SA. Gene expression in bumble bee larvae differs qualitatively between high and low concentration imidacloprid exposure levels. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9415. [PMID: 37296299 PMCID: PMC10256756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoid pesticides negatively impact bumble bee health, even at sublethal concentrations. Responses to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid have been studied largely at individual adult and colony levels, focusing mostly on behavioral and physiological effects. Data from developing larvae, whose health is critical for colony success, are deficient, particularly at the molecular level where transcriptomes can reveal disruption of fundamental biological pathways. We investigated gene expression of Bombus impatiens larvae exposed through food provisions to two field-realistic imidacloprid concentrations (0.7 and 7.0 ppb). We hypothesized both concentrations would alter gene expression, but the higher concentration would have greater qualitative and quantitative effects. We found 678 genes differentially expressed under both imidacloprid exposures relative to controls, including mitochondrial activity, development, and DNA replication genes. However, more genes were differentially expressed with higher imidacloprid exposure; uniquely differentially expressed genes included starvation response and cuticle genes. The former may partially result from reduced pollen use, monitored to verify food provision use and provide additional context to results. A smaller differentially expressed set only in lower concentration larvae, included neural development and cell growth genes. Our findings show varying molecular consequences under different field-realistic neonicotinoid concentrations, and that even low concentrations may affect fundamental biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Blázquez
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Isla de la Cartuja, Seville, Spain.
| | - Austin C Calhoun
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - Ben M Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - Sydney A Cameron
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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11
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Kenna D, Graystock P, Gill RJ. Toxic temperatures: Bee behaviours exhibit divergent pesticide toxicity relationships with warming. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:2981-2998. [PMID: 36944569 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and agricultural intensification are exposing insect pollinators to temperature extremes and increasing pesticide usage. Yet, we lack good quantification of how temperature modulates the sublethal effects of pesticides on behaviours vital for fitness and pollination performance. Consequently, we are uncertain if warming decreases or increases the severity of different pesticide impacts, and whether separate behaviours vary in the direction of response. Quantifying these interactive effects is vital in forecasting pesticide risk across climate regions and informing pesticide application strategies and pollinator conservation. This multi-stressor study investigated the responses of six functional behaviours of bumblebees when exposed to either a neonicotinoid (imidacloprid) or a sulfoximine (sulfoxaflor) across a standardised low, mid, and high temperature. We found the neonicotinoid had a significant effect on five of the six behaviours, with a greater effect at the lower temperature(s) when measuring responsiveness, the likelihood of movement, walking rate, and food consumption rate. In contrast, the neonicotinoid had a greater impact on flight distance at the higher temperature. Our findings show that different organismal functions can exhibit divergent thermal responses, with some pesticide-affected behaviours showing greater impact as temperatures dropped, and others as temperatures rose. We must therefore account for environmental context when determining pesticide risk. Moreover, we found evidence of synergistic effects, with just a 3°C increase causing a sudden drop in flight performance, despite seeing no effect of pesticide at the two lower temperatures. Our findings highlight the importance of multi-stressor studies to quantify threats to insects, which will help to improve dynamic evaluations of population tipping points and spatiotemporal risks to biodiversity across different climate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kenna
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Berkshire, UK
| | - Peter Graystock
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Berkshire, UK
| | - Richard J Gill
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Berkshire, UK
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12
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Seidenath D, Weig AR, Mittereder A, Hillenbrand T, Brüggemann D, Opel T, Langhof N, Riedl M, Feldhaar H, Otti O. Diesel exhaust particles alter gut microbiome and gene expression in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10180. [PMID: 37351478 PMCID: PMC10283033 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect decline is a major threat to ecosystems around the world as they provide many important functions, such as pollination or pest control. Pollution is one of the main reasons for the decline, alongside changes in land use, global warming, and invasive species. While negative impacts of pesticides are well-studied, there is still a lack of knowledge about the effects of other anthropogenic pollutants, such as airborne particulate matter, on insects. To address this, we exposed workers of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris to sublethal doses of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) and brake dust, orally or via air. After 7 days, we looked at the composition of the gut microbiome and tracked changes in gene expression. While there were no changes in the other treatments, oral DEP exposure significantly altered the structure of the gut microbiome. In particular, the core bacterium Snodgrassella had a decreased abundance in the DEP treatment. Similarly, transcriptome analysis revealed changes in gene expression after oral DEP exposure, but not in the other treatments. The changes are related to metabolism and signal transduction, which indicates a general stress response. Taken together, our results suggest potential health effects of DEP exposure on insects, here shown in bumblebees, as gut dysbiosis may increase the susceptibility of bumblebees to pathogens, while a general stress response may lower available energy resources. Those effects may exacerbate under natural conditions where insects face a multiple-stressor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Seidenath
- Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER)University of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Alfons R. Weig
- Keylab Genomics and Bioinformatics, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER)University of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Andreas Mittereder
- Department of Engineering Thermodynamics and Transport ProcessesUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Thomas Hillenbrand
- Department of Engineering Thermodynamics and Transport ProcessesUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Dieter Brüggemann
- Department of Engineering Thermodynamics and Transport ProcessesUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Thorsten Opel
- Department of Ceramic Materials EngineeringUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Nico Langhof
- Department of Ceramic Materials EngineeringUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Marcel Riedl
- Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER)University of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Heike Feldhaar
- Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER)University of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Oliver Otti
- Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER)University of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
- Applied ZoologyTU DresdenDresdenGermany
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13
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Toga K, Bono H. Meta-Analysis of Public RNA Sequencing Data Revealed Potential Key Genes Associated with Reproductive Division of Labor in Social Hymenoptera and Termites. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098353. [PMID: 37176060 PMCID: PMC10179490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eusociality in insects has evolved independently many times. One of the most notable characteristics of eusociality is the reproductive division of labor. In social insects, the reproductive division of labor is accomplished by queens and workers. Transcriptome analyses of queens and workers have been conducted for various eusocial species. However, the genes that regulate the reproductive division of labor across all or multiple eusocial species have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis using publicly available RNA-sequencing data from four major groups of social insects. In this meta-analysis, we collected 258 pairs (queen vs. worker) of RNA-sequencing data from 34 eusocial species. The meta-analysis identified a total of 20 genes that were differentially expressed in queens or workers. Out of these, 12 genes have not previously been reported to be involved in the reproductive division of labor. Functional annotation of these 20 genes in other organisms revealed that they could be regulators of behaviors and physiological states related to the reproductive division of labor. These 20 genes, revealed using massive datasets of numerous eusocial insects, may be key regulators of the reproductive division of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Toga
- Laboratory of BioDX, PtBio Co-Creation Research Center, Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Bono
- Laboratory of BioDX, PtBio Co-Creation Research Center, Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
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14
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Witwicka A, López‐Osorio F, Patterson V, Wurm Y. Expression of subunits of an insecticide target receptor varies across tissues, life stages, castes, and species of social bees. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:1034-1044. [PMID: 36478483 PMCID: PMC10947401 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Global losses of insects jeopardize ecosystem stability and crop pollination. Robust evidence indicates that insecticides have contributed to these losses. Notably, insecticides targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have neurotoxic effects on beneficial insects. Because each nAChR consists of five subunits, the alternative arrangements of subunits could create a multitude of receptors differing in structure and function. Therefore, understanding whether the use of subunits varies is essential for evaluating and predicting the effects of insecticides targeting such receptors. To better understand how the use and composition of nAChRs differ within and between insect pollinators, we analysed RNA-seq gene expression data from tissues and castes of Apis mellifera honey bees and life stages and castes of the Bombus terrestris bumble bees. We reveal that all analysed tissues express nAChRs and that relative expression levels of nAChR subunits vary widely across almost all comparisons. Our work thus shows fine-tuned spatial and temporal expression of nAChRs. Given that coexpression of subunits underpins the compositional diversity of functional receptors and that the affinities of insecticides depend on nAChR composition, our findings provide a likely mechanism for the various damaging effects of nAChR-targeting insecticides on insects. Furthermore, our results indicate that the appraisal of insecticide risks should carefully consider variation in molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yannick Wurm
- Biology DepartmentQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Digital Environment Research InstituteQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Alan Turing InstituteLondonUK
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15
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Zhang Y, Cai T, Yuan M, Li Z, Jin R, Ren Z, Qin Y, Yu C, Cai Y, Shu R, He S, Li J, Wong ACN, Wan H. Microbiome variation correlates with the insecticide susceptibility in different geographic strains of a significant agricultural pest, Nilaparvata lugens. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:2. [PMID: 36635299 PMCID: PMC9837087 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00369-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiome-mediated insecticide resistance is an emerging phenomenon found in insect pests. However, microbiome composition can vary by host genotype and environmental factors, but how these variations may be associated with insecticide resistance phenotype remains unclear. In this study, we compared different field and laboratory strains of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens in their microbiome composition, transcriptome, and insecticide resistance profiles to identify possible patterns of correlation. Our analysis reveals that the abundances of core bacterial symbionts are significantly correlated with the expression of several host detoxifying genes (especially NlCYP6ER1, a key gene previously shown involved in insecticides resistance). The expression levels of these detoxifying genes correlated with N. lugens insecticide susceptibility. Furthermore, we have identified several environmental abiotic factors, including temperature, precipitation, latitude, and longitude, as potential predictors of symbiont abundances associated with expression of key detoxifying genes, and correlated with insecticide susceptibility levels of N. lugens. These findings provide new insights into how microbiome-environment-host interactions may influence insecticide susceptibility, which will be helpful in guiding targeted microbial-based strategies for insecticide resistance management in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Zhang
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Tingwei Cai
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Maojun Yuan
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Zhao Li
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Ruoheng Jin
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Zhijie Ren
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Yao Qin
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Chang Yu
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Yongfeng Cai
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Runhang Shu
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA
| | - Shun He
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Jianhong Li
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Adam C. N. Wong
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA
| | - Hu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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16
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Leroy C, Brunet JL, Henry M, Alaux C. Using physiology to better support wild bee conservation. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coac076. [PMID: 36632323 PMCID: PMC9825782 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that wild bees are experiencing a decline in terms of species diversity, abundance or distribution, which leads to major concerns about the sustainability of both pollination services and intrinsic biodiversity. There is therefore an urgent need to better understand the drivers of their decline, as well as design conservation strategies. In this context, the current approach consists of linking observed occurrence and distribution data of species to environmental features. While useful, a highly complementary approach would be the use of new biological metrics that can link individual bee responses to environmental alteration with population-level responses, which could communicate the actual bee sensitivity to environmental changes and act as early warning signals of bee population decline or sustainability. We discuss here through several examples how the measurement of bee physiological traits or performance can play this role not only in better assessing the impact of anthropogenic pressures on bees, but also in guiding conservation practices with the help of the documentation of species' physiological needs. Last but not least, because physiological changes generally occur well in advance of demographic changes, we argue that physiological traits can help in predicting and anticipating future population trends, which would represent a more proactive approach to conservation. In conclusion, we believe that future efforts to combine physiological, ecological and population-level knowledge will provide meaningful contributions to wild bee conservation-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Luc Brunet
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84 914 Avignon, France
| | - Mickael Henry
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84 914 Avignon, France
| | - Cedric Alaux
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84 914 Avignon, France
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17
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Linguadoca A, Jürison M, Hellström S, Straw EA, Šima P, Karise R, Costa C, Serra G, Colombo R, Paxton RJ, Mänd M, Brown MJF. Intra-specific variation in sensitivity of Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis to three pesticides. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17311. [PMID: 36243795 PMCID: PMC9569340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that pesticides may be among the causes of worldwide bee declines, which has resulted in repeated calls for their increased scrutiny in regulatory assessments. One recurring concern is that the current frameworks may be biased towards assessing risks to the honey bee. This paradigm requires extrapolating toxicity information across bee species. Most research effort has therefore focused on quantifying differences in sensitivity across species. However, our understanding of how responses to pesticides may vary within a species is still very poor. Here we take the first steps towards filling this knowledge gap by comparing acute, lethal hazards in sexes and castes of the eusocial bee Bombus terrestris and in sexes of the solitary bee Osmia bicornis after oral and contact exposure to the pesticides sulfoxaflor, Amistar (azoxystrobin) and glyphosate. We show that sensitivity towards pesticides varies significantly both within and across species. Bee weight was a meaningful predictor of pesticide susceptibility. However, weight could not fully explain the observed differences, which suggests the existence of unexplored mechanisms regulating pesticide sensitivity across bee sexes and castes. Our data show that intra-specific responses are an overlooked yet important aspect of the risk assessment of pesticides in bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Linguadoca
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School for Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
- Pesticide Peer Review Unit, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Margret Jürison
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Sara Hellström
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edward A Straw
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School for Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Peter Šima
- Department of R&D, Koppert s.r.o., Nové Zámky, Slovakia
| | - Reet Karise
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Serra
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Colombo
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Robert J Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marika Mänd
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School for Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
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18
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Qu X, Wang S, Lin G, Li M, Shen J, Wang D. The Synergistic Effect of Thiamethoxam and Synapsin dsRNA Targets Neurotransmission to Induce Mortality in Aphis gossypii. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169388. [PMID: 36012653 PMCID: PMC9408958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sublethal doses of insecticides have many impacts on pest control and agroecosystems. Insects that survive a sublethal dose of insecticide could adapt their physiological and behavioral functions and resist this environmental stress, which contributes to the challenge of pest management. In this study, the sublethal effects of thiamethoxam on gene expression were measured through RNA sequencing in the melon aphid Aphis gossypii. Genes regulating energy production were downregulated, while genes related to neural function were upregulated. To further address the function of genes related to neurotransmission, RNA interference (RNAi) was implemented by transdermal delivery of dsRNA targeting synapsin (syn), a gene regulating presynaptic vesicle clustering. The gene expression of synapsin was knocked down and the mortality of aphids was increased significantly over the duration of the assay. Co-delivery of syn-dsRNA and thiamethoxam reversed the upregulation of synapsin caused by low-dose thiamethoxam and resulted in lethality to melon aphids, suggesting that the decreased presynaptic function may contribute to this synergistic lethal effect. In addition, the nanocarrier star polycation, which could bind both dsRNA and thiamethoxam, greatly improved the efficacy of lethality. These results increase our knowledge of the gene regulation induced by sublethal exposure to neonicotinoids and indicated that synapsin could be a potential RNAi target for resistance management of the melon aphid.
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19
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Costa CP, Leza M, Duennes MA, Fisher K, Vollaro A, Hur M, Kirkwood JS, Woodard SH. Pollen diet mediates how pesticide exposure impacts brain gene expression in nest-founding bumble bee queens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155216. [PMID: 35421476 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A primary goal in biology is to understand the effects of multiple, interacting environmental stressors on organisms. Wild and domesticated bees are exposed to a wide variety of interacting biotic and abiotic stressors, with widespread declines in floral resources and agrochemical exposure being two of the most important. In this study, we used examinations of brain gene expression to explore the sublethal consequences of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure and pollen diet composition in nest-founding bumble bee queens. We demonstrate for the first time that pollen diet composition can influence the strength of bumble bee queen responses to pesticide exposure at the molecular level. Specifically, one pollen mixture in our study appeared to buffer bumble bee queens entirely against the effects of pesticide exposure, with respect to brain gene expression. Additionally, we detected unique effects of pollen diet and sustained (versus more temporary) pesticide exposure on queen gene expression. Our findings support the hypothesis that nutritional status can help buffer animals against the harmful effects of other stressors, including pesticides, and highlight the importance of using molecular approaches to explore sublethal consequences of stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudineia P Costa
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA..
| | - Mar Leza
- Department of Biology (Zoology), University of the Balearic Islands, Cra, Valldemossa, Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | | | - Kaleigh Fisher
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa Vollaro
- IIGB Metabolomics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Manhoi Hur
- IIGB Metabolomics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jay S Kirkwood
- IIGB Metabolomics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - S Hollis Woodard
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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20
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Morimoto J, Barcellos R, Schoborg TA, Nogueira LP, Colaço MV. Assessing Anatomical Changes in Male Reproductive Organs in Response to Larval Crowding Using Micro-computed Tomography Imaging. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:526-535. [PMID: 35789989 PMCID: PMC9304064 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-022-00976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ecological conditions shape (adaptive) responses at the molecular, anatomical, and behavioral levels. Understanding these responses is key to predict the outcomes of intra- and inter-specific competitions and the evolutionary trajectory of populations. Recent technological advances have enabled large-scale molecular (e.g., RNAseq) and behavioral (e.g., computer vision) studies, but the study of anatomical responses to ecological conditions has lagged behind. Here, we highlight the role of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) in generating in vivo and ex vivo 3D imaging of anatomical structures, which can enable insights into adaptive anatomical responses to ecological environments. To demonstrate the application of this method, we manipulated the larval density of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen flies and applied micro-CT to investigate the anatomical responses of the male reproductive organs to varying intraspecific competition levels during development. Our data is suggestive of two classes of anatomical responses which broadly agree with sexual selection theory: increasing larval density led to testes and ejaculatory duct to be overall larger (in volume), while the volume of accessory glands and, to a lesser extent, ejaculatory duct decreased. These two distinct classes of anatomical responses might reflect shared developmental regulation of the structures of the male reproductive system. Overall, we show that micro-CT can be an important tool to advance the study of anatomical (adaptive) responses to ecological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Morimoto
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
- Institute of Mathematics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Conservação, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
- Institute of Differential Geometry, Riemann Centre for Geometry and Physics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Renan Barcellos
- COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Todd A Schoborg
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - Marcos Vinicius Colaço
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Sciences, Physics Institute, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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21
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Crone MK, Biddinger DJ, Grozinger CM. Wild Bee Nutritional Ecology: Integrative Strategies to Assess Foraging Preferences and Nutritional Requirements. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.847003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bees depend on flowering plants for their nutrition, and reduced availability of floral resources is a major driver of declines in both managed and wild bee populations. Understanding the nutritional needs of different bee species, and how these needs are met by the varying nutritional resources provided by different flowering plant taxa, can greatly inform land management recommendations to support bee populations and their associated ecosystem services. However, most bee nutrition research has focused on the three most commonly managed and commercially reared bee taxa—honey bees, bumble bees, and mason bees—with fewer studies focused on wild bees and other managed species, such as leafcutting bees, stingless bees, and alkali bees. Thus, we have limited information about the nutritional requirements and foraging preferences of the vast majority of bee species. Here, we discuss the approaches traditionally used to understand bee nutritional ecology: identification of floral visitors of selected focal plant species, evaluation of the foraging preferences of adults in selected focal bee species, evaluation of the nutritional requirements of focal bee species (larvae or adults) in controlled settings, and examine how these methods may be adapted to study a wider range of bee species. We also highlight emerging technologies that have the potential to greatly facilitate studies of the nutritional ecology of wild bee species, as well as evaluate bee nutritional ecology at significantly larger spatio-temporal scales than were previously feasible. While the focus of this review is on bee species, many of these techniques can be applied to other pollinator taxa as well.
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22
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Colgan TJ, Arce AN, Gill RJ, Ramos Rodrigues A, Kanteh A, Duncan EJ, Li L, Chittka L, Wurm Y. Genomic signatures of recent adaptation in a wild bumblebee. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6521030. [PMID: 35134226 PMCID: PMC8845123 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental changes threaten insect pollinators, creating risks for agriculture and ecosystem stability. Despite their importance, we know little about how wild insects respond to environmental pressures. To understand the genomic bases of adaptation in an ecologically important pollinator, we analyzed genomes of Bombus terrestris bumblebees collected across Great Britain. We reveal extensive genetic diversity within this population, and strong signatures of recent adaptation throughout the genome affecting key processes including neurobiology and wing development. We also discover unusual features of the genome, including a region containing 53 genes that lacks genetic diversity in many bee species, and a horizontal gene transfer from a Wolbachia bacteria. Overall, the genetic diversity we observe and how it is distributed throughout the genome and the population should support the resilience of this important pollinator species to ongoing and future selective pressures. Applying our approach to more species should help understand how they can differ in their adaptive potential, and to develop conservation strategies for those most at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Colgan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Andres N Arce
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7QN, United Kingdom.,School of Engineering, Arts, Science & Technology, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, IP3 0FS, United KingdomCurrent Address
| | - Richard J Gill
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7QN, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Ramos Rodrigues
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7QN, United Kingdom
| | - Abdoulie Kanteh
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth J Duncan
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Li Li
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Chittka
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Yannick Wurm
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom.,Alan Turing Institute, London, NW1 2DB, United Kingdom
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23
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Sargent C, Ebanks B, Hardy ICW, Davies TGE, Chakrabarti L, Stöger R. Acute Imidacloprid Exposure Alters Mitochondrial Function in Bumblebee Flight Muscle and Brain. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 1:765179. [PMID: 38468884 PMCID: PMC10926543 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2021.765179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are intracellular organelles responsible for cellular respiration with one of their major roles in the production of energy in the form of ATP. Activities with increased energetic demand are especially dependent on efficient ATP production, hence sufficient mitochondrial function is fundamental. In bees, flight muscle and the brain have particularly high densities of mitochondria to facilitate the substantial ATP production required for flight activity and neuronal signalling. Neonicotinoids are systemic synthetic insecticides that are widely utilised against crop herbivores but have been reported to cause, by unknown mechanisms, mitochondrial dysfunction, decreasing cognitive function and flight activity among pollinating bees. Here we explore, using high-resolution respirometry, how the neonicotinoid imidacloprid may affect oxidative phosphorylation in the brain and flight muscle of the buff-tailed bumblebee, Bombus terrestris. We find that acute exposure increases routine oxygen consumption in the flight muscle of worker bees. This provides a candidate explanation for prior reports of early declines in flight activity following acute exposure. We further find that imidacloprid increases the maximum electron transport capacity in the brain, with a trend towards increased overall oxygen consumption. However, intra-individual variability is high, limiting the extent to which apparent effects of imidacloprid on brain mitochondria are shown conclusively. Overall, our results highlight the necessity to examine tissue-specific effects of imidacloprid on respiration and energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Sargent
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Brad Ebanks
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ian C. W. Hardy
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T. G. Emyr Davies
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Chakrabarti
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Reinhard Stöger
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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24
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Chen YR, Tzeng DTW, Yang EC. Chronic Effects of Imidacloprid on Honey Bee Worker Development-Molecular Pathway Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11835. [PMID: 34769266 PMCID: PMC8584158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sublethal dosages of imidacloprid cause long-term destructive effects on honey bees at the individual and colony levels. In this review, the molecular effects of sublethal imidacloprid were integrated and reported. Several general effects have been observed among different reports using different approaches. Quantitative PCR approaches revealed that imidacloprid treatments during the adult stage are expressed as changes in immuneresponse, detoxification, and oxidation-reduction response in both workers and queens. In addition, transcriptomic approaches suggested that phototransduction, behavior, and somatic muscle development also were affected. Although worker larvae show a higher tolerance to imidacloprid than adults, molecular evidence reveals its potential impacts. Sublethal imidacloprid treatment during the larval stage causes gene expression changes in larvae, pupae, and adults. Transcriptome profiles suggest that the population and functions of affected differentially expressed genes, DEGs, vary among different worker ages. Furthermore, an early transcriptomic switch from nurse bees to foragers was observed, suggesting that precocious foraging activity may occur. This report comprehensively describes the molecular effects of sublethal dosages of imidacloprid on the honey bee Apis mellifera. The corresponding molecular pathways for physiological and neurological responses in imidacloprid-exposed honey bees were validated. Transcriptomic evidence suggests a global and sustained sublethal impact of imidacloprid on honey bee development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ru Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - David T. W. Tzeng
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - En-Cheng Yang
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
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25
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Powner MB, Priestley G, Hogg C, Jeffery G. Improved mitochondrial function corrects immunodeficiency and impaired respiration in neonicotinoid exposed bumblebees. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256581. [PMID: 34437613 PMCID: PMC8389381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoid pesticides undermine pollinating insects including bumblebees. However, we have previously shown that mitochondrial damage induced by neonicotinoids can be corrected by 670nm light exposure. But we do not know if this protection extends to immunity or what the minimum effective level of 670nm light exposure is necessary for protection. We use whole body bee respiration in vivo as a metric of neonicotinoid damage and assess the amount of light exposure needed to correct it. We reveal that only 1 min of 670nm exposure is sufficient to correct respiratory deficits induced by pesticide and that this also completely repairs damaged immunocompetence measured by haemocyte counts and the antibacterial action of hemolymph. Further, this single 1 min exposure remains effective for 3–6 days. Longer exposures were not more effective. Such data are key for development of protective light strategies that can be delivered by relatively small economic devices placed in hives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Barry Powner
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chris Hogg
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Glen Jeffery
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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26
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Chen YR, Tzeng DTW, Ting C, Hsu PS, Wu TH, Zhong S, Yang EC. Missing Nurse Bees-Early Transcriptomic Switch From Nurse Bee to Forager Induced by Sublethal Imidacloprid. Front Genet 2021; 12:665927. [PMID: 34220942 PMCID: PMC8248817 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.665927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental residue/sublethal doses of neonicotinoid insecticides are believed to generate a negative impact on pollinators, including honey bees. Here we report our recent investigation on how imidacloprid, one of the major neonicotinoids, affects worker bees by profiling the transcriptomes of various ages of bees exposed to different doses of imidacloprid during the larval stage. The results show that imidacloprid treatments during the larval stage severely altered the gene expression profiles and may induce precocious foraging. Differential expression of foraging regulators was found in 14-day-old treated adults. A high transcriptome similarity between larvae-treated 14-day-old adults and 20-day-old controls was also observed, and the similarity was positively correlated with the dose of imidacloprid. One parts per billion (ppb) of imidacloprid was sufficient to generate a long-term impact on the bee's gene expression as severe as with 50 ppb imidacloprid. The disappearance of nurse bees may be driven not only by the hive member constitution but also by the neonicotinoid-induced precocious foraging behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ru Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - David T W Tzeng
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chieh Ting
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shou Hsu
- Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Gongguan, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsien Wu
- Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Gongguan, Taiwan
| | - Silin Zhong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - En-Cheng Yang
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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27
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Wynne R, Archer LC, Hutton SA, Harman L, Gargan P, Moran PA, Dillane E, Coughlan J, Cross TF, McGinnity P, Colgan TJ, Reed TE. Alternative migratory tactics in brown trout ( Salmo trutta) are underpinned by divergent regulation of metabolic but not neurological genes. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:8347-8362. [PMID: 34188891 PMCID: PMC8216917 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of alternative morphs within populations is common, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Many animals, for example, exhibit facultative migration, where two or more alternative migratory tactics (AMTs) coexist within populations. In certain salmonid species, some individuals remain in natal rivers all their lives, while others (in particular, females) migrate to sea for a period of marine growth. Here, we performed transcriptional profiling ("RNA-seq") of the brain and liver of male and female brown trout to understand the genes and processes that differentiate between migratory and residency morphs (AMT-associated genes) and how they may differ in expression between the sexes. We found tissue-specific differences with a greater number of genes expressed differentially in the liver (n = 867 genes) compared with the brain (n = 10) between the morphs. Genes with increased expression in resident livers were enriched for Gene Ontology terms associated with metabolic processes, highlighting key molecular-genetic pathways underlying the energetic requirements associated with divergent migratory tactics. In contrast, smolt-biased genes were enriched for biological processes such as response to cytokines, suggestive of possible immune function differences between smolts and residents. Finally, we identified evidence of sex-biased gene expression for AMT-associated genes in the liver (n = 12) but not the brain. Collectively, our results provide insights into tissue-specific gene expression underlying the production of alternative life histories within and between the sexes, and point toward a key role for metabolic processes in the liver in mediating divergent physiological trajectories of migrants versus residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wynne
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Louise C. Archer
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Stephen A. Hutton
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Luke Harman
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | | | - Peter A. Moran
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Present address:
Department of Ecological Science – Animal EcologyVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Eileen Dillane
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Jamie Coughlan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Thomas F. Cross
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Philip McGinnity
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Marine InstituteNewportIreland
| | - Thomas J. Colgan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Present address:
Institute of Organismic and Molecular EvolutionJohannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Thomas E. Reed
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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28
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Séguret A, Stolle E, Fleites-Ayil FA, Quezada-Euán JJG, Hartfelder K, Meusemann K, Harrison MC, Soro A, Paxton RJ. Transcriptomic Signatures of Ageing Vary in Solitary and Social Forms of an Orchid Bee. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6259147. [PMID: 33914875 PMCID: PMC8214409 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Eusocial insect queens are remarkable in their ability to maximize both fecundity and longevity, thus escaping the typical trade-off between these two traits. Several mechanisms have been proposed to underlie the remolding of the trade-off, such as reshaping of the juvenile hormone (JH) pathway, or caste-specific susceptibility to oxidative stress. However, it remains a challenge to disentangle the molecular mechanisms underlying the remolding of the trade-off in eusocial insects from caste-specific physiological attributes that have subsequently arisen. The socially polymorphic orchid bee Euglossa viridissima represents an excellent model to address the role of sociality per se in longevity as it allows direct comparisons of solitary and social individuals within a common genetic background. We investigated gene expression and JH levels in young and old bees from both solitary and social nests. We found 902 genes to be differentially expressed with age in solitary females, including genes involved in oxidative stress, versus only 100 genes in social dominant females, and 13 genes in subordinate females. A weighted gene coexpression network analysis further highlights pathways related to ageing in this species, including the target of rapamycin pathway. Eleven genes involved in translation, apoptosis, and DNA repair show concurrent age-related expression changes in solitary but not in social females, representing potential differences based on social status. JH titers did not vary with age or social status. Our results represent an important step in understanding the proximate mechanisms underlying the remodeling of the fecundity/longevity trade-off that accompanies the evolutionary transition from solitary life to eusociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Séguret
- Institute of Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.,Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Westfälische-Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Eckart Stolle
- Institute of Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Animal Biodiversity, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Center of Molecular Biodiversity Research, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - José Javier G Quezada-Euán
- Department of Apiculture, Campus of Biological Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Klaus Hartfelder
- Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Karen Meusemann
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg (i. Brsg.), Germany
| | - Mark C Harrison
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Westfälische-Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Antonella Soro
- Institute of Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Robert J Paxton
- Institute of Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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29
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Tasman K, Rands SA, Hodge JJL. The Power of Drosophila melanogaster for Modeling Neonicotinoid Effects on Pollinators and Identifying Novel Mechanisms. Front Physiol 2021; 12:659440. [PMID: 33967830 PMCID: PMC8096932 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.659440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides in the world and are implicated in the widespread population declines of insects including pollinators. Neonicotinoids target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors which are expressed throughout the insect central nervous system, causing a wide range of sub-lethal effects on non-target insects. Here, we review the potential of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to model the sub-lethal effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators, by utilizing its well-established assays that allow rapid identification and mechanistic characterization of these effects. We compare studies on the effects of neonicotinoids on lethality, reproduction, locomotion, immunity, learning, circadian rhythms and sleep in D. melanogaster and a range of pollinators. We also highlight how the genetic tools available in D. melanogaster, such as GAL4/UAS targeted transgene expression system combined with RNAi lines to any gene in the genome including the different nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit genes, are set to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the sub-lethal effects of these common pesticides. We argue that studying pollinators and D. melanogaster in tandem allows rapid elucidation of mechanisms of action, which translate well from D. melanogaster to pollinators. We focus on the recent identification of novel and important sublethal effects of neonicotinoids on circadian rhythms and sleep. The comparison of effects between D. melanogaster and pollinators and the use of genetic tools to identify mechanisms make a powerful partnership for the future discovery and testing of more specific insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiah Tasman
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sean A. Rands
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - James J. L. Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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30
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Colgan TJ, Moran PA, Archer LC, Wynne R, Hutton SA, McGinnity P, Reed TE. Evolution and Expression of the Immune System of a Facultatively Anadromous Salmonid. Front Immunol 2021; 12:568729. [PMID: 33717060 PMCID: PMC7952528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.568729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrates have evolved a complex immune system required for the identification of and coordinated response to harmful pathogens. Migratory species spend periods of their life-cycle in more than one environment, and their immune system consequently faces a greater diversity of pathogens residing in different environments. In facultatively anadromous salmonids, individuals may spend parts of their life-cycle in freshwater and marine environments. For species such as the brown trout Salmo trutta, sexes differ in their life-histories with females more likely to migrate to sea while males are more likely to stay and complete their life-cycle in their natal river. Salmonids have also undergone a lineage-specific whole genome duplication event, which may provide novel immune innovations but our current understanding of the differences in salmonid immune expression between the sexes is limited. We characterized the brown trout immune gene repertoire, identifying a number of canonical immune genes in non-salmonid teleosts to be duplicated in S. trutta, with genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Through genome-wide transcriptional profiling (“RNA-seq”) of male and female livers to investigate sex differences in gene expression amplitude and alternative splicing, we identified immune genes as being generally male-biased in expression. Our study provides important insights into the evolutionary consequences of whole genome duplication events on the salmonid immune gene repertoire and how the sexes differ in constitutive immune expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Colgan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Peter A Moran
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise C Archer
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Robert Wynne
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Stephen A Hutton
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Philip McGinnity
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Marine Institute, Newport, Ireland
| | - Thomas E Reed
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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31
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Camp AA, Lehmann DM. Impacts of Neonicotinoids on the Bumble Bees Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens Examined through the Lens of an Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:309-322. [PMID: 33226673 PMCID: PMC8577289 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Bumble bees (Bombus sp.) are important pollinators for agricultural systems and natural landscapes and have faced population declines globally in recent decades. Neonicotinoid pesticides have been implicated as one of the reasons for the population reductions in bumble bees and other pollinators due to their widespread use, specificity to the invertebrate nervous system, and toxicity to bees. Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) are used to describe the mechanism of action of a toxicant through sequential levels of biological organization to understand the key events that occur for a given adverse outcome. We used the AOP framework to organize and present the current literature available on the impacts of neonicotinoids on bumble bees. The present review focuses on Bombus terrestris and B. impatiens, the 2 most commonly studied bumble bees due to their commercial availability. Our review does not seek to describe an AOP for the molecular initiating event shared by neonicotinoids, but rather aims to summarize the current literature and determine data gaps for the Bombus research community to address. Overall, we highlight a great need for additional studies, especially those examining cellular and organ responses in bumble bees exposed to neonicotinoids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:309-322. © 2020 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Camp
- ORISE Researcher, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - D. M. Lehmann
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health & Environmental Systems Division, Exposure Indicators Branch, US - Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
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32
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Decio P, Ustaoglu P, Derecka K, Hardy ICW, Roat TC, Malaspina O, Mongan N, Stöger R, Soller M. Thiamethoxam exposure deregulates short ORF gene expression in the honey bee and compromises immune response to bacteria. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1489. [PMID: 33452318 PMCID: PMC7811001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maximizing crop yields relies on the use of agrochemicals to control insect pests. One of the most widely used classes of insecticides are neonicotinoids that interfere with signalling of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, but these can also disrupt crop-pollination services provided by bees. Here, we analysed whether chronic low dose long-term exposure to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam alters gene expression and alternative splicing in brains of Africanized honey bees, Apis mellifera, as adaptation to altered neuronal signalling. We find differentially regulated genes that show concentration-dependent responses to thiamethoxam, but no changes in alternative splicing. Most differentially expressed genes have no annotated function but encode short Open Reading Frames, a characteristic feature of anti-microbial peptides. As this suggested that immune responses may be compromised by thiamethoxam exposure, we tested the impact of thiamethoxam on bee immunity by injecting bacteria. We show that intrinsically sub-lethal thiamethoxam exposure makes bees more vulnerable to normally non-pathogenic bacteria. Our findings imply a synergistic mechanism for the observed bee population declines that concern agriculturists, conservation ecologists and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmela Decio
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XInstitute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Pinar Ustaoglu
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Kamila Derecka
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Ian C. W. Hardy
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Thaisa C. Roat
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XInstitute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XInstitute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Nigel Mongan
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Reinhard Stöger
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Matthias Soller
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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Collins DH, Wirén A, Labédan M, Smith M, Prince DC, Mohorianu I, Dalmay T, Bourke AFG. Gene expression during larval caste determination and differentiation in intermediately eusocial bumblebees, and a comparative analysis with advanced eusocial honeybees. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:718-735. [PMID: 33238067 PMCID: PMC7898649 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The queen‐worker caste system of eusocial insects represents a prime example of developmental polyphenism (environmentally‐induced phenotypic polymorphism) and is intrinsic to the evolution of advanced eusociality. However, the comparative molecular basis of larval caste determination and subsequent differentiation in the eusocial Hymenoptera remains poorly known. To address this issue within bees, we profiled caste‐associated gene expression in female larvae of the intermediately eusocial bumblebee Bombus terrestris. In B. terrestris, female larvae experience a queen‐dependent period during which their caste fate as adults is determined followed by a nutrition‐sensitive period also potentially affecting caste fate but for which the evidence is weaker. We used mRNA‐seq and qRT‐PCR validation to isolate genes differentially expressed between each caste pathway in larvae at developmental stages before and after each of these periods. We show that differences in gene expression between caste pathways are small in totipotent larvae, then peak after the queen‐dependent period. Relatively few novel (i.e., taxonomically‐restricted) genes were differentially expressed between castes, though novel genes were significantly enriched in late‐instar larvae in the worker pathway. We compared sets of caste‐associated genes in B. terrestris with those reported from the advanced eusocial honeybee, Apis mellifera, and found significant but relatively low levels of overlap of gene lists between the two species. These results suggest both the existence of low numbers of shared toolkit genes and substantial divergence in caste‐associated genes between Bombus and the advanced eusocial Apis since their last common eusocial ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Collins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Anders Wirén
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Marjorie Labédan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - David C Prince
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Irina Mohorianu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, WT-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Andrew F G Bourke
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Strobl V, Camenzind D, Minnameyer A, Walker S, Eyer M, Neumann P, Straub L. Positive Correlation between Pesticide Consumption and Longevity in Solitary Bees: Are We Overlooking Fitness Trade-Offs? INSECTS 2020; 11:E819. [PMID: 33233695 PMCID: PMC7699727 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous use of pesticides is one major driver for the current loss of biodiversity, and the common practice of simultaneously applying multiple agrochemicals may further contribute. Insect toxicology currently has a strong focus on survival to determine the potential hazards of a chemical routinely used in risk evaluations. However, studies revealing no effect on survival or even indicating enhanced survival are likely to be misleading, if potential trade-offs between survival and other physiological factors are overlooked. Here, we used standard laboratory experiments to investigate the sublethal (i.e., food consumption) and lethal (i.e., survival) effects of two common agricultural pesticides (Roundup® and clothianidin) on adult female solitary bees, Osmia bicornis. The data showed no significant effect of the treatment on cumulative survival; however, a significant positive correlation between herbicide and insecticide exposure and age was revealed, i.e., bees exposed to higher dosages lived longer. As no significant differences in daily food consumption were observed across treatment groups, increased food intake can be excluded as a factor leading to the prolonged survival. While this study does not provide data on fitness effects, two previous studies using solitary bees observed significant negative effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on fitness, yet not on survival. Thus, we conjecture that the observed non-significant effects on longevity may result from a trade-off between survival and reproduction. The data suggest that a focus on survival can lead to false-negative results and it appears inevitable to include fitness or at least tokens of fitness at the earliest stage in future risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Strobl
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Domenic Camenzind
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Angela Minnameyer
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Stephanie Walker
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Michael Eyer
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland;
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Lars Straub
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
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35
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Devillers J, Devillers H. Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Pyriproxyfen on Apis and Non- Apis Bees. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040104. [PMID: 33212791 PMCID: PMC7712127 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pyriproxyfen is a juvenile hormone mimic used extensively worldwide to fight pests in agriculture and horticulture. It also has numerous applications as larvicide in vector control. The molecule disrupts metamorphosis and adult emergence in the target insects. The same types of adverse effects are expected on non-target insects. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the existing information on the toxicity of pyriproxyfen on the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and non-Apis bees (bumble bees, solitary bees, and stingless bees). The goal was also to identify the gaps necessary to fill. Thus, whereas the acute and sublethal toxicity of pyriproxyfen against A. mellifera is well-documented, the information is almost lacking for the non-Apis bees. The direct and indirect routes of exposure of the non-Apis bees to pyriproxyfen also need to be identified and quantified. More generally, the impacts of pyriproxyfen on the reproductive success of the different bee species have to be evaluated as well as the potential adverse effects of its metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo Devillers
- SPO, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
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36
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Matsuda K, Ihara M, Sattelle DB. Neonicotinoid Insecticides: Molecular Targets, Resistance, and Toxicity. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 60:241-255. [PMID: 31914891 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids have been used to protect crops and animals from insect pests since the 1990s, but there are concerns regarding their adverse effects on nontarget organisms, notably on bees. Enhanced resistance to neonicotinoids in pests is becoming well documented. We address the current understanding of neonicotinoid target site interactions, selectivity, and metabolism not only in pests but also in beneficial insects such as bees. The findings are relevant to the management of both neonicotinoids and the new generation of pesticides targeting insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Matsuda
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan; .,Agricultural Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Makoto Ihara
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan;
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom;
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37
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Botías C, Jones JC, Pamminger T, Bartomeus I, Hughes WOH, Goulson D. Multiple stressors interact to impair the performance of bumblebee Bombus terrestris colonies. J Anim Ecol 2020; 90:415-431. [PMID: 33084067 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bumblebees are constantly exposed to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses which they must defend themselves against to survive. Pathogens and pesticides represent important stressors that influence bumblebee health, both when acting alone or in combination. To better understand bumblebee health, we need to investigate how these factors interact, yet experimental studies to date generally focus on only one or two stressors. The aim of this study is to evaluate how combined effects of four important stressors (the gut parasite Nosema ceranae, the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam, the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin and the EBI fungicide tebuconazole) interact to affect bumblebees at the individual and colony levels. We established seven treatment groups of colonies that we pulse exposed to different combinations of these stressors for 2 weeks under laboratory conditions. Colonies were subsequently placed in the field for 7 weeks to evaluate the effect of treatments on the prevalence of N. ceranae in inoculated bumblebees, expression levels of immunity and detoxification-related genes, food collection, weight gain, worker and male numbers, and production of worker brood and reproductives. Exposure to pesticide mixtures reduced food collection by bumblebees. All immunity-related genes were upregulated in the bumblebees inoculated with N. ceranae when they had not been exposed to pesticide mixtures, and bumblebees exposed to the fungicide and the pyrethroid were less likely to have N. ceranae. Combined exposure to the three-pesticide mixture and N. ceranae reduced bumblebee colony growth, and all treatments had detrimental effects on brood production. The groups exposed to the neonicotinoid insecticide produced 40%-76% fewer queens than control colonies. Our findings show that exposure to combinations of stressors that bumblebees frequently come into contact with have detrimental effects on colony health and performance and could therefore have an impact at the population level. These results also have significant implications for current practices and policies for pesticide risk assessment and use as the combinations tested here are frequently applied simultaneously in the field. Understanding the interactions between different stressors will be crucial for improving our ability to manage bee populations and for ensuring pollination services into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Botías
- Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain.,School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Julia C Jones
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tobias Pamminger
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,BASF SE, APD/EE-Li 425, Limburgerhof, Germany
| | - Ignasi Bartomeus
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Dpto. Ecología Integrativa, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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38
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Fent K, Schmid M, Hettich T, Schmid S. The neonicotinoid thiacloprid causes transcriptional alteration of genes associated with mitochondria at environmental concentrations in honey bees. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115297. [PMID: 32823041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thiacloprid is widely used in agriculture and may affect pollinators. However, its molecular effects are poorly known. Here, we report the global gene expression profile in the brain of honey bee foragers assessed by RNA-sequencing. Bees were exposed for 72 h to nominal concentrations of 25 and 250 ng/bee via sucrose solution. Determined residue concentrations by LC-MS/MS were 0.59 and 5.49 ng/bee, respectively. Thiacloprid exposure led to 5 and 71 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial ribosomal proteins and enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, as well as metabolism enzymes and transporters were altered at 5.49 ng/bee. Kyoto Encylopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that mitochondrial ribosome proteins, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, pyrimidine, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and additional metabolic pathways were altered. Among 21 genes assessed by RT-qPCR, the transcript of farnesol dehydrogenase involved in juvenile hormone III synthesis was significantly down-regulated. Transcripts of cyp6a14-like and apolipophorin-II like protein, cytochrome oxidase (cox17) and the non-coding RNA (LOC102654625) were significantly up-regulated at 5.49 ng/bee. Our findings indicate that thiacloprid causes transcriptional changes of genes prominently associated with mitochondria, particularly oxidative phosphorylation. This highlight potential effects of this neonicotinoid on energy metabolism, which may compromise bee foraging and thriving populations at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Fent
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4132, Muttenz, Switzerland; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollution Dynamics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Schmid
- Genexa AG, Dienerstrasse 7, CH-8004, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Timm Hettich
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4132, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Simon Schmid
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Hofackerstrasse 30, CH-4132, Muttenz, Switzerland
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39
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Belsky JE, Camp AA, Lehmann DM. The Importance of Males to Bumble Bee ( Bombus Species) Nest Development and Colony Viability. INSECTS 2020; 11:E506. [PMID: 32764336 PMCID: PMC7469185 DOI: 10.3390/insects11080506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bumble bee population declines over the last decade have stimulated strong interest in determining causative factors and necessary conservation measures. Research attention has largely been directed toward bumble bee worker and queen health and their contributions to population stability, while male bees (i.e., drones) have typically been overlooked regarding their role in influencing colony fitness and longevity. In this review we assess existing literature on the diverse role of males within bumble bee nests and their importance to queen health and fitness, as well as to overall nest success. The implications of reproductive measures, including sperm transfer, mating behavior, mating plugs, and male immunity, among other topics, are examined. Overall, bumble bee males are found to drive colony function in a unique manner. Current knowledge gaps pertaining to the role of males are discussed. We highlight the importance of drones to queen success and fitness in many ways, and suggest future research exploring impacts of this often-neglected caste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E Belsky
- Public Health & Environmental Systems Division, Integrated Health Assessment Branch Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), US-Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27711, USA
| | - Allison A Camp
- ORISE Researcher, Research Triangle Park Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27711, USA
| | - David M Lehmann
- Public Health & Environmental Systems Division, Integrated Health Assessment Branch Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), US-Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27711, USA
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40
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Healthy Pollinators: Evaluating Pesticides with Molecular Medicine Approaches. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:380-383. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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41
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Colgan TJ, Carolan JC, Sumner S, Blaxter ML, Brown MJF. Infection by the castrating parasitic nematode Sphaerularia bombi changes gene expression in Bombus terrestris bumblebee queens. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 29:170-182. [PMID: 31566835 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Parasitism can result in dramatic changes in host phenotype, which are themselves underpinned by genes and their expression. Understanding how hosts respond at the molecular level to parasites can therefore reveal the molecular architecture of an altered host phenotype. The entomoparasitic nematode Sphaerularia bombi is a parasite of bumblebee (Bombus) hosts where it induces complex behavioural changes and host castration. To examine this interaction at the molecular level, we performed genome-wide transcriptional profiling using RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) of S. bombi-infected Bombus terrestris queens at two critical time-points: during and just after overwintering diapause. We found that infection by S. bombi affects the transcription of genes underlying host biological processes associated with energy usage, translation, and circadian rhythm. We also found that the parasite affects the expression of immune genes, including members of the Toll signalling pathway providing evidence for a novel interaction between the parasite and the host immune response. Taken together, our results identify host biological processes and genes affected by an entomoparasitic nematode providing the first steps towards a molecular understanding of this ecologically important host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Colgan
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - J C Carolan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - S Sumner
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - M L Blaxter
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M J F Brown
- Centre of Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
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42
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Colgan TJ, Finlay S, Brown MJF, Carolan JC. Mating precedes selective immune priming which is maintained throughout bumblebee queen diapause. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:959. [PMID: 31823732 PMCID: PMC6902353 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6314-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the mechanisms by which organisms adapt to unfavourable conditions is a fundamental question in ecology and evolutionary biology. One such mechanism is diapause, a period of dormancy typically found in nematodes, fish, crustaceans and insects. This state is a key life-history event characterised by arrested development, suppressed metabolism and increased stress tolerance and allows an organism to avoid prolonged periods of harsh and inhospitable environmental conditions. For some species, diapause is preceded by mating which can have a profound effect on female behaviour, physiology and key biological processes, including immunity. However, our understanding of how mating impacts long-term immunity and whether these effects persist throughout diapause is currently limited. To address this, we explored molecular changes in the haemolymph of the ecologically important pollinator, the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris. B. terrestris queens mate prior to entering diapause, a non-feeding period of arrested development that can last 6–9 months. Using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, we quantified changes in the pre-diapause queen haemolymph after mating, as well as the subsequent protein expression of mated queens during and post-diapause. Results Our analysis identified distinct proteome profiles associated with diapause preparation, maintenance and termination. More specifically, mating pre-diapause was followed by an increase in the abundance of antimicrobial peptides, key effectors of the immune system. Furthermore, we identified the elevated abundance of these proteins to be maintained throughout diapause. This finding was in contrast to the general reduction observed in immune proteins during diapause suggestive of selective immune priming and expression during diapause. Diapause also affected the expression of proteins involved in cuticular maintenance, olfaction, as well as proteins of unknown function, which may have roles in diapause regulation. Conclusions Our results provide clear molecular evidence for the consequences and benefits of mating at the immune level as it precedes the selective increased abundance of antimicrobial peptides that are sustained throughout diapause. In addition, our results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which bumblebees prepare for, survive, and recover from diapause, insights that may have implications for our general understanding of these processes in other insect groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Colgan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, County Cork, Ireland. .,School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Sive Finlay
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - James C Carolan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
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43
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Bebane PSA, Hunt BJ, Pegoraro M, Jones ARC, Marshall H, Rosato E, Mallon EB. The effects of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on gene expression and DNA methylation in the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20190718. [PMID: 31213186 PMCID: PMC6599982 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are effective insecticides used on many important arable and horticultural crops. They are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists which disrupt the function of insect neurons and cause paralysis and death. In addition to direct mortality, there are numerous sublethal effects of low doses of neonicotinoids on bees. We hypothesize that some of these large array of effects could be a consequence of epigenetic changes in bees induced by neonicotinoids. We compared whole methylome (BS-seq) and RNA-seq libraries of the brains of buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris workers exposed to field-realistic doses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid to libraries from control workers. We found numerous genes which show differential expression between neonicotinoid-treated bees and control bees, but no differentially methylated cytosines in any context. We found CpG methylation to be focused mainly in exons and associated with highly expressed genes. We discuss the implications of our results for future legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. S. A. Bebane
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - B. J. Hunt
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, John Moores University Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - M. Pegoraro
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - A. R. C Jones
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - H. Marshall
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - E. Rosato
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - E. B. Mallon
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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Colgan TJ, Fletcher IK, Arce AN, Gill RJ, Ramos Rodrigues A, Stolle E, Chittka L, Wurm Y. Caste- and pesticide-specific effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure on gene expression in bumblebees. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:1964-1974. [PMID: 30843300 PMCID: PMC6563198 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Social bees are important insect pollinators of wildflowers and agricultural crops, making their reported declines a global concern. A major factor implicated in these declines is the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Indeed, recent research has demonstrated that exposure to low doses of these neurotoxic pesticides impairs bee behaviours important for colony function and survival. However, our understanding of the molecular-genetic pathways that lead to such effects is limited, as is our knowledge of how effects may differ between colony members. To understand what genes and pathways are affected by exposure of bumblebee workers and queens to neonicotinoid pesticides, we implemented a transcriptome-wide gene expression study. We chronically exposed Bombus terrestriscolonies to either clothianidin or imidacloprid at field-realistic concentrations while controlling for factors including colony social environment and worker age. We reveal that genes involved in important biological processes including mitochondrial function are differentially expressed in response to neonicotinoid exposure. Additionally, clothianidin exposure had stronger effects on gene expression amplitude and alternative splicing than imidacloprid. Finally, exposure affected workers more strongly than queens. Our work demonstrates how RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling can provide detailed novel insight on the mechanisms mediating pesticide toxicity to a key insect pollinator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Colgan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Isabel K Fletcher
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Andres N Arce
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
| | - Richard J Gill
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
| | | | - Eckart Stolle
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lars Chittka
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yannick Wurm
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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