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Fu C, Yang T, Liao H, Huang Y, Wang H, Long W, Jiang N, Yang Y. Genome-wide identification and molecular evolution of elongation family of very long chain fatty acids proteins in Cyrtotrachelus buqueti. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:758. [PMID: 39095734 PMCID: PMC11297609 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10658-8] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
To reveal the molecular function of elongation family of very long chain fatty acids(ELO) protein in Cyrtotrachelus buqueti, we have identified 15 ELO proteins from C.buqueti genome. 15 CbuELO proteins were located on four chromosomes. Their isoelectric points ranged from 9.22 to 9.68, and they were alkaline. These CbuELO proteins were stable and hydrophobic. CbuELO proteins had transmembrane movement, and had multiple phosphorylation sites. The secondary structure of CbuELO proteins was mainly α-helix. A total of 10 conserved motifs were identified in CbuELO protein family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that molecular evolutionary relationships of ELO protein family between C. buqueti and Tribolium castaneum was the closest. Developmental transcriptome analysis indicated that CbuELO10, CbuELO13 and CbuELO02 genes were key enzyme genes that determine the synthesis of very long chain fatty acids in pupae and eggs, CbuELO6 and CbuELO7 were that in the male, and CbuELO8 and CbuELO11 were that in the larva. Transcriptome analysis under different temperature conditions indicated that CbuELO1, CbuELO5, CbuELO12 and CbuELO14 participated in regulating temperature stress responses. Transcriptome analysis at different feeding times showed CbuELO12 gene expression level in all feeding time periods was significant downregulation. The qRT-PCR experiment verified expression level changes of CbuELO gene family under different temperature and feeding time conditions. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that 9 CbuELO proteins were related to each other, CbuELO1, CbuELO4 and CbuELO12 had more than one interaction relationship. These results lay a theoretical foundation for further studying its molecular function during growth and development of C. buqueti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China.
- College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China.
| | - Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
- College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
| | - Hong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
- College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
| | - YuLing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
- College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
| | - HanYu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
- College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
| | - WenCong Long
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
- College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
| | - Na Jiang
- College of Tourism and Geographical Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China
| | - YaoJun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Bamboo Pests Control and Resource Development, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China.
- College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778 Binhe Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China.
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Zamora-Briseño JA, Schunke JM, Arteaga-Vázquez MA, Arredondo J, Tejeda MT, Ascencio-Ibáñez JT, Díaz-Fleischer F. Transcriptional response of laboratory-reared Mexican fruit flies ( Anastrepha ludens Loew) to desiccation. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 114:563-570. [PMID: 39295441 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485324000373] [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: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Confronting environments with low relative humidity is one of the main challenges faced by insects with expanding distribution ranges. Anastrepha ludens (the Mexican fruit fly) has evolved to cope with the variable conditions encountered during its lifetime, which allows it to colonise a wide range of environments. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the ability of this species to confront environments with low relative humidity is incomplete. In this sense, omic approaches such as transcriptomics can be helpful for advancing our knowledge on how this species copes with desiccation stress. Considering this, in this study, we performed transcriptomic analyses to compare the molecular responses of laboratory-reared A. ludens exposed and unexposed to desiccation. Data from the transcriptome analyses indicated that the responses to desiccation are shared by both sexes. We identified the up-regulation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in lipid metabolism and membrane remodelling, as well as proteases and cuticular proteins. Our results provide a framework for understanding the response to desiccation stress in one of the most invasive fruit fly species in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James M Schunke
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biochemistry, North Carolina State University
| | | | - José Arredondo
- PROGRAMA MOSCAMED, SADER-IICA, Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, México
| | - Marco T Tejeda
- PROGRAMA MOSCAMED, SADER-IICA, Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, México
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Golian MJ, Friedman DA, Harrison M, McMahon DP, Buellesbach J. Chemical and transcriptomic diversity do not correlate with ascending levels of social complexity in the insect order Blattodea. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70063. [PMID: 39091327 PMCID: PMC11289792 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70063] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Eusocial insects, such as ants and termites, are characterized by high levels of coordinated social organization. This is contrasted by solitary insects that display more limited forms of collective behavior. It has been hypothesized that this gradient in sociobehavioral sophistication is positively correlated with chemical profile complexity, due to a potentially increased demand for diversity in chemical communication mechanisms in insects with higher levels of social complexity. However, this claim has rarely been assessed empirically. Here, we compare different levels of chemical and transcriptomic complexity in selected species of the order Blattodea that represent different levels of social organization, from solitary to eusocial. We primarily focus on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) complexity, since it has repeatedly been demonstrated that CHCs are key signaling molecules conveying a wide variety of chemical information in solitary as well as eusocial insects. We assessed CHC complexity and divergence between our studied taxa of different social complexity levels as well as the differentiation of their respective repertoires of CHC biosynthesis gene transcripts. Surprisingly, we did not find any consistent pattern of chemical complexity correlating with social complexity, nor did the overall chemical divergence or transcriptomic repertoire of CHC biosynthesis genes reflect on the levels of social organization. Our results challenge the assumption that increasing social complexity is generally reflected in more complex chemical profiles and point toward the need for a more cautious and differentiated view on correlating complexity on a chemical, genetic, and social level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek J. Golian
- Institute for Evolution & BiodiversityUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Daniel A. Friedman
- Department of Entomology & NematologyUniversity of California – DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mark Harrison
- Institute for Evolution & BiodiversityUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Dino P. McMahon
- Institute of Biology – Zoology, Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department for Materials and EnvironmentBAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and TestingBerlinGermany
| | - Jan Buellesbach
- Institute for Evolution & BiodiversityUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
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4
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Macit MN, Collin E, Pfenninger M, Foitzik S, Feldmeyer B. Genomic basis of adaptation to climate and parasite prevalence and the importance of odorant perception in the ant Temnothorax longispinosus. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17417. [PMID: 38808556 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17417] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
A co-evolutionary arms race ensues when parasites exhibit exploitative behaviour, which prompts adaptations in their hosts, in turn triggering counter-adaptations by the parasites. To unravel the genomic basis of this coevolution from the host's perspective, we collected ants of the host species Temnothorax longispinosus, parasitized by the social parasite Temnothorax americanus, from 10 populations in the northeastern United States exhibiting varying levels of parasite prevalence and living under different climatic conditions. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with both prevalence and climate. Our investigation highlighted a multitude of candidate SNPs associated with parasite prevalence, particularly in genes responsible for sensory perception of smell including odorant receptor genes. We further focused on population-specific compositions of cuticular hydrocarbons, a complex trait important for signalling, communication and protection against desiccation. The relative abundances of n-alkanes were correlated with climate, while there was only a trend between parasite prevalence and the relative abundances of known recognition cues. Furthermore, we identified candidate genes likely involved in the synthesis and recognition of specific hydrocarbons. In addition, we analysed the population-level gene expression in the antennae, the primary organ for odorant reception, and established a strong correlation with parasite prevalence. Our comprehensive study highlights the intricate genomic patterns forged by the interplay of diverse selection factors and how these are manifested in the expression of various phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maide Nesibe Macit
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Erwann Collin
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Pfenninger
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Foitzik
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Feldmeyer
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Chen J, Wu Y, Chen J, Lu H, Cheng G, Tu ZJ, Liao C, Han Q. Roles of a newly lethal cuticular structural protein, AaCPR100A, and its upstream interaction protein, G12-like, in Aedes aegypti. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131704. [PMID: 38670198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131704] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes form a vital group of vector insects, which can transmit various diseases and filarial worms. The cuticle is a critical structure that protects mosquitoes from adverse environmental conditions and penetration resistance. Thus, cuticle proteins can be used as potential targets for controlling the mosquito population. In the present study, we found that AaCPR100A is a structural protein in the soft cuticle, which has flexibility and elasticity allowing insects to move or fly freely, of Aedes aegypti. RNA interference (RNAi) of AaCPR100A caused high mortality in Aedes aegypti larvae and adults and significantly decreased the egg hatching rate. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the larval microstructure had no recognizable endocuticle in AaCPR100A-deficient mosquitoes. A yeast two-hybrid assay was performed to screen proteins interacting with AaCPR100A. We verified that the G12-like protein had the strongest interaction with AaCPR100A using yeast two-hybrid and GST pull-down assays. Knockdown of G12-like transcription resulted in high mortality in Ae. aegypti larvae, but not in adults. Interestingly, RNAi of G12-like rescued the high mortality of adults caused by decreased AaCPR100A expression. Additionally, adults treated with G12-like dsRNA were found to be sensitive to low temperature, and their eggshell formation and hatching were decreased. Overall, our results demonstrated that G12-like may interacts with AaCPR100A, and both G12-like and AaCPR100A are involved in Ae. aegypti cuticle development and eggshell formation. AaCPR100A and G12-like can thus be considered newly potential targets for controlling the Ae. aegypti mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yuchen Wu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiukai Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Haoran Lu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijian Jake Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and the Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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6
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Briscoe AD. A genetic cause of male mate preference. Science 2024; 383:1290-1291. [PMID: 38513043 DOI: 10.1126/science.ado4079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
A gene for mate preference has been shared between hybridizing butterfly species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana D Briscoe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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7
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Poidevin M, Mazuras N, Bontonou G, Delamotte P, Denis B, Devilliers M, Akiki P, Petit D, de Luca L, Soulie P, Gillet C, Wicker-Thomas C, Montagne J. A fatty acid anabolic pathway in specialized-cells sustains a remote signal that controls egg activation in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011186. [PMID: 38483976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011186] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Egg activation, representing the critical oocyte-to-embryo transition, provokes meiosis completion, modification of the vitelline membrane to prevent polyspermy, and translation of maternally provided mRNAs. This transition is triggered by a calcium signal induced by spermatozoon fertilization in most animal species, but not in insects. In Drosophila melanogaster, mature oocytes remain arrested at metaphase-I of meiosis and the calcium-dependent activation occurs while the oocyte moves through the genital tract. Here, we discovered that the oenocytes of fruitfly females are required for egg activation. Oenocytes, cells specialized in lipid-metabolism, are located beneath the abdominal cuticle. In adult flies, they synthesize the fatty acids (FAs) that are the precursors of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), including pheromones. The oenocyte-targeted knockdown of a set of FA-anabolic enzymes, involved in very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis, leads to a defect in egg activation. Given that some but not all of the identified enzymes are required for CHC/pheromone biogenesis, this putative VLCFA-dependent remote control may rely on an as-yet unidentified CHC or may function in parallel to CHC biogenesis. Additionally, we discovered that the most posterior ventral oenocyte cluster is in close proximity to the uterus. Since oocytes dissected from females deficient in this FA-anabolic pathway can be activated in vitro, this regulatory loop likely operates upstream of the calcium trigger. To our knowledge, our findings provide the first evidence that a physiological extra-genital signal remotely controls egg activation. Moreover, our study highlights a potential metabolic link between pheromone-mediated partner recognition and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Poidevin
- Institut for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Nicolas Mazuras
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportements, Ecologie (EGCE), CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Gwénaëlle Bontonou
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportements, Ecologie (EGCE), CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Pierre Delamotte
- Institut for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Béatrice Denis
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportements, Ecologie (EGCE), CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Maëlle Devilliers
- Institut for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Perla Akiki
- Institut for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Delphine Petit
- Institut for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Laura de Luca
- Centre Médical Universitaire, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Priscilla Soulie
- Centre Médical Universitaire, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cynthia Gillet
- Institut for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Claude Wicker-Thomas
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportements, Ecologie (EGCE), CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jacques Montagne
- Institut for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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8
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Janzen A, Pothula R, Sychla A, Feltman NR, Smanski MJ. Predicting thresholds for population replacement gene drives. BMC Biol 2024; 22:40. [PMID: 38369493 PMCID: PMC10875781 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01823-2] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Threshold-dependent gene drives (TDGDs) could be used to spread desirable traits through a population, and are likely to be less invasive and easier to control than threshold-independent gene drives. Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI) is an extreme underdominance system previously demonstrated in Drosophila melanogaster that can function as a TDGD when EGI agents of both sexes are released into a wild-type population. RESULTS Here we use a single generation fitness assay to compare the fecundity, mating preferences, and temperature-dependent relative fitness to wild-type of two distinct genotypes of EGI agents. We find significant differences in the behavior/performance of these EGI agents that would not be predicted a priori based on their genetic design. We report a surprising temperature-dependent change in the predicted threshold for population replacement in an EGI agent that drives ectopic expression of the developmental morphogen pyramus. CONCLUSIONS The single-generation fitness assay presented here could reduce the amount of time required to estimate the threshold for TDGD strategies for which hybrid genotypes are inviable. Additionally, this work underscores the importance of empirical characterization of multiple engineered lines, as behavioral differences can arise in unique genotypes for unknown reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Janzen
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Ratnasri Pothula
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Adam Sychla
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Nathan R Feltman
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | - Michael J Smanski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA.
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, 55108, MN, USA.
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9
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Jarrett BJM, Miller CW. Host Plant Effects on Sexual Selection Dynamics in Phytophagous Insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 69:41-57. [PMID: 37562047 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-022823-020258] [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: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural selection is notoriously dynamic in nature, and so, too, is sexual selection. The interactions between phytophagous insects and their host plants have provided valuable insights into the many ways in which ecological factors can influence sexual selection. In this review, we highlight recent discoveries and provide guidance for future work in this area. Importantly, host plants can affect both the agents of sexual selection (e.g., mate choice and male-male competition) and the traits under selection (e.g., ornaments and weapons). Furthermore, in our rapidly changing world, insects now routinely encounter new potential host plants. The process of adaptation to a new host may be hindered or accelerated by sexual selection, and the unexplored evolutionary trajectories that emerge from these dynamics are relevant to pest management and insect conservation strategies. Examining the effects of host plants on sexual selection has the potential to advance our fundamental understanding of sexual conflict, host range evolution, and speciation, with relevance across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J M Jarrett
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom;
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;
| | - Christine W Miller
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;
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10
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Lin Z, Li F, Krug PJ, Schmidt EW. The polyketide to fatty acid transition in the evolution of animal lipid metabolism. Nat Commun 2024; 15:236. [PMID: 38172109 PMCID: PMC10764717 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44497-0] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals synthesize simple lipids using a distinct fatty acid synthase (FAS) related to the type I polyketide synthase (PKS) enzymes that produce complex specialized metabolites. The evolutionary origin of the animal FAS and its relationship to the diversity of PKSs remain unclear despite the critical role of lipid synthesis in cellular metabolism. Recently, an animal FAS-like PKS (AFPK) was identified in sacoglossan molluscs. Here, we explore the phylogenetic distribution of AFPKs and other PKS and FAS enzymes across the tree of life. We found AFPKs widely distributed in arthropods and molluscs (>6300 newly described AFPK sequences). The AFPKs form a clade with the animal FAS, providing an evolutionary link bridging the type I PKSs and the animal FAS. We found molluscan AFPK diversification correlated with shell loss, suggesting AFPKs provide a chemical defense. Arthropods have few or no PKSs, but our results indicate AFPKs contributed to their ecological and evolutionary success by facilitating branched hydrocarbon and pheromone biosynthesis. Although animal metabolism is well studied, surprising new metabolic enzyme classes such as AFPKs await discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Patrick J Krug
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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11
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Shi J, Xu J, Ma J, He F. tRNA-derived small RNAs are embedded in the gene regulatory network instructing Drosophila metamorphosis. Genome Res 2023; 33:2119-2132. [PMID: 37973194 PMCID: PMC10760521 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278128.123] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A class of noncoding RNAs, referred to as tsRNAs, is emerging with a potential to exert a new layer in gene regulation. These RNAs are breakdown products of tRNAs, either through active processing or passive cleavage or both. Since tRNAs are part of the general machinery for translation, their expression levels and activities are tightly controlled, raising the possibility that their breakdown products, tsRNAs, may provide a link between the overall translational status of a cell to specific changes in gene regulatory network. We hypothesize that Drosophila pupation, being a special developmental stage during which there is a global limitation of nutrients, represents a system in which such a link may readily reveal itself. We show that specific tsRNAs indeed show a dynamic accumulation upon entering the pupal stage. We describe experiments to characterize the mode of tsRNA action and, through the use of such gained knowledge, conduct a genome-wide analysis to assess the functions of dynamically expressed tsRNAs. Our results show that the predicted target genes are highly enriched in biological processes specific to this stage of development including metamorphosis. We further show that tsRNA action is required for successful pupation, providing direct support to the hypothesis that tsRNAs accumulated during this stage are critical to the gene expression program at this stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Shi
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China;
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Feng He
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China;
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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12
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Ren Y, Li Y, Ju Y, Zhang W, Wang Y. Insect cuticle and insecticide development. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 114:e22057. [PMID: 37840232 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Insecticide resistance poses a significant challenge, diminishing the effectiveness of chemical insecticides. To address this global concern, the development of novel and efficient pest management technologies based on chemical insecticides is an ongoing necessity. The insect cuticle, a highly complex and continuously renewing organ, plays a crucial role in this context. On one hand, as the most vital structure, it serves as a suitable target for insecticides. On the other hand, it acts as the outermost barrier, isolating the insect's inner organs from the environment, and thus offering resistance to contact with insecticides, preventing their entry into insect bodies. Our work focuses on key targets concerning cuticle formation and the interaction between the cuticle and contact insecticides. Deeper studying insect cuticles and understanding their structure-function relationship, formation process, and regulatory mechanisms during cuticle development, as well as investigating insecticide resistance related to the barrier properties of insect cuticles, are promising strategies not only for developing novel insecticides but also for discovering general synergists for contact insecticides. With this comprehensive review, we hope to contribute valuable insights into the development of effective pest management solutions and the mitigation of insecticide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunuo Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjie Ju
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiwen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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13
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Wang Z, Pu J, Richards C, Giannetti E, Cong H, Lin Z, Chung H. Evolution of a fatty acyl-CoA elongase underlies desert adaptation in Drosophila. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg0328. [PMID: 37647401 PMCID: PMC10468142 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Traits that allow species to survive in extreme environments such as hot-arid deserts have independently evolved in multiple taxa. However, the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms underlying these traits have thus far not been elucidated. Here, we show that Drosophila mojavensis, a desert-adapted fruit fly species, has evolved high desiccation resistance by producing long-chain methyl-branched cuticular hydrocarbons (mbCHCs) that contribute to a cuticular lipid layer reducing water loss. We show that the ability to synthesize these longer mbCHCs is due to evolutionary changes in a fatty acyl-CoA elongase (mElo). mElo knockout in D. mojavensis led to loss of longer mbCHCs and reduction of desiccation resistance at high temperatures but did not affect mortality at either high temperatures or desiccating conditions individually. Phylogenetic analysis showed that mElo is a Drosophila-specific gene, suggesting that while the physiological mechanisms underlying desert adaptation may be similar between species, the genes involved in these mechanisms may be species or lineage specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinan Wang
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Cole Richards
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Elaina Giannetti
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Haosu Cong
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Zhenguo Lin
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Henry Chung
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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14
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Dong W, Wu WJ, Song CY, Li T, Zhang JZ. Jinggangmycin stimulates reproduction and increases CHCs-dependent desiccation tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105484. [PMID: 37532348 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Jinggangmycin (JGM), an agricultural antibiotic compound, is mainly used against the rice sheath blight (RSB) Rhizoctonia solani. However, its application may lead to unexpected consequences in insects. In this study, the effects of JGM on the physiological parameters of Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. The results showed that 0.005 g/ml JGM exposure increased female daily egg production and extended the oviposition period, while there was no significant effect on reproduction at 0.016 g/ml. At the same time, desiccation tolerance increased in flies fed 0.005 g/ml JGM. The RT-qPCR results revealed that FAS1 and FAS3 expression were upregulated in 0.005 g/ml JGM treated flies. Consistently, the amount of CHCs accumulated on the cuticle surface increased upon JGM treatment at 0.005 g/ml. Moreover, RNAi for FAS3 decreased desiccation tolerance of JGM-treated flies. These results suggest that JGM affects fatty acid biosynthesis, which in turn enhances reproduction and desiccation tolerance in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Wu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chen-Yang Song
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting Li
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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15
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Sun W, Lange MI, Gadau J, Buellesbach J. Decoding the genetic and chemical basis of sexual attractiveness in parasitic wasps. eLife 2023; 12:e86182. [PMID: 37431891 PMCID: PMC10435230 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86182] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Attracting and securing potential mating partners is of fundamental importance for reproduction. Therefore, signaling sexual attractiveness is expected to be tightly coordinated in communication systems synchronizing senders and receivers. Chemical signaling has permeated through all taxa of life as the earliest and most widespread form of communication and is particularly prevalent in insects. However, it has been notoriously difficult to decipher how exactly information related to sexual signaling is encoded in complex chemical profiles. Similarly, our knowledge of the genetic basis of sexual signaling is very limited and usually restricted to a few case studies with comparably simple pheromonal communication mechanisms. The present study jointly addresses these two knowledge gaps by characterizing two fatty acid synthase genes that most likely evolved by tandem gene duplication and that simultaneously impact sexual attractiveness and complex chemical surface profiles in parasitic wasps. Gene knockdown in female wasps dramatically reduces their sexual attractiveness coinciding with a drastic decrease in male courtship and copulation behavior. Concordantly, we found a striking shift of methyl-branching patterns in the female surface pheromonal compounds, which we subsequently demonstrate to be the main cause for the greatly reduced male mating response. Intriguingly, this suggests a potential coding mechanism for sexual attractiveness mediated by specific methyl-branching patterns in complex cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles. So far, the genetic underpinnings of methyl-branched CHCs are not well understood despite their high potential for encoding information. Our study sheds light on how biologically relevant information can be encoded in complex chemical profiles and on the genetic basis of sexual attractiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhao Sun
- Institute for Evolution & Biodiversity, University of Münster, HüfferstrMünsterGermany
| | - Michelle Ina Lange
- Institute for Evolution & Biodiversity, University of Münster, HüfferstrMünsterGermany
| | - Jürgen Gadau
- Institute for Evolution & Biodiversity, University of Münster, HüfferstrMünsterGermany
| | - Jan Buellesbach
- Institute for Evolution & Biodiversity, University of Münster, HüfferstrMünsterGermany
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16
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Adams KL, Selland EK, Willett BC, Carew JW, Vidoudez C, Singh N, Catteruccia F. Selection for insecticide resistance can promote Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011448. [PMID: 37339122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Insecticide resistance is under strong selective pressure in Anopheles mosquitoes due to widespread usage of insecticides in vector control strategies. Resistance mechanisms likely cause changes that profoundly affect mosquito physiology, yet it remains poorly understood how selective pressures imposed by insecticides may alter the ability of the mosquito to host and transmit a Plasmodium infection. From pyrethroid-resistant field-derived Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes, we established resistant (RES) and susceptible (SUS) colonies by either selection for, or loss of insecticide resistance. We show increased oocyst intensity and growth rate as well as increased sporozoite prevalence and intensity in RES compared to SUS females infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The increase in infection intensity in RES females was not associated with the presence of the kdrL1014F mutation and was not impacted by inhibition of Cytochrome P450s. The lipid transporter lipophorin (Lp), which was upregulated in RES compared to SUS, was at least partly implicated in the increased intensity of P. falciparum but not directly involved in the insecticide resistance phenotype. Interestingly, we observed that although P. falciparum infections were not affected when RES females were exposed to permethrin, these females had decreased lipid abundance in the fat body following exposure, pointing to a possible role for lipid mobilization in response to damage caused by insecticide challenge. The finding that selection for insecticide resistance can increase P. falciparum infection intensities and growth rate reinforces the need to assess the overall impact on malaria transmission dynamics caused by selective pressures mosquitoes experience during repeated insecticide challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Adams
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily K Selland
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bailey C Willett
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John W Carew
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Charles Vidoudez
- Harvard Center for Mass Spectrometry, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Naresh Singh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
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17
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Cheng JY, Yu PH, Xia X, Zhang R, Wang LH, Fang JC, Hoffmann AA, Luo GH. Identification of a fatty acid synthase gene (FAS1) from Laodelphax striatellus planthoppers contributing to fecundity. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:599-610. [PMID: 36308064 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a multifunctional enzyme that plays an important role in the formation of fatty acids. The fatty acids take part in many processes, such as cell signaling and energy metabolism, and in insects they are important in both cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) formation and reproduction. Here we characterized the sequence structure and function of an FAS from the small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus. The full-length open reading frame (ORF) sequence of LsFAS1 was 7122 bp, encoding a predicted protein of 2373 amino acid residues. There were 7 functional domains in the LsFAS1 protein sequence. Gene expression screening by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that LsFAS1 was expressed in all developmental stages. Relative expression was highest at the 4th-instar and female adult stages. Among different tissues, the expression level of LsFAS1 in the ovary was the highest. Phylogenetic analysis showed that LsFAS1 clustered in a clade with 2 FASs from Nilaparvata lugens. Furthermore, these 3 FASs are related to cockroach BgFAS and locust LmFAS. After RNA interference-mediated knock-down, most treated insects died at eclosion. In addition, the lifespan of dsFAS1-treated female adults was shorter than that of the dsGFP-injected control, and offspring production decreased. Also, the expression of vitellogenin (Vg) and vitellogenin receptor (VgR) genes decreased. Virgin females dissected at days 2 and 4 post-eclosion showed many matured oocytes in planthoppers treated with dsGFP but not with dsFAS1. These data highlight the importance of LsFAS1 in SBPH, including a role in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yan Cheng
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei-Han Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Xia
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Hua Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji-Chao Fang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guang-Hua Luo
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
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18
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Ostwald MM, Tretter S, Buellesbach J, Calixto JM, Fewell JH, Gadau J, Baudier KM. Body mass and cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, but not queen number, underlie worker desiccation resistance in a facultatively polygynous harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex californicus). J Comp Physiol B 2023; 193:261-269. [PMID: 37120421 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-023-01488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
As small-bodied terrestrial organisms, insects face severe desiccation risks in arid environments, and these risks are increasing under climate change. Here, we investigate the physiological, chemical, and behavioral mechanisms by which harvester ants, one of the most abundant arid-adapted insect groups, cope with desiccating environmental conditions. We aimed to understand how body size, cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, and queen number impact worker desiccation resistance in the facultatively polygynous harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex californicus. We measured survival at 0% humidity of field-collected worker ants sourced from three closely situated populations within a semi-arid region of southern California. These populations vary in queen number, with one population dominated by multi-queen colonies (primary polygyny), one population dominated by single-queen colonies, and one containing an even mix of single- and multi-queen colonies. We found no effect of population on worker survival in desiccation assays, suggesting that queen number does not influence colony desiccation resistance. Across populations, however, body mass and cuticular hydrocarbon profiles significantly predicted desiccation resistance. Larger-bodied workers survived longer in desiccation assays, emphasizing the importance of reduced surface area-to-volume ratios in maintaining water balance. Additionally, we observed a positive relationship between desiccation resistance and the abundance of n-alkanes, supporting previous work that has linked these high-melting point compounds to improved body water conservation. Together, these results contribute to an emerging model explaining the physiological mechanisms of desiccation resistance in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Tretter
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Buellesbach
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Jürgen Gadau
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kaitlin M Baudier
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
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19
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Chen J, Wu YC, Chen JK, Zhu XJ, Merkler D, Liao CH, Han Q. Elongases of Long-Chain Fatty Acids ELO2 and ELO9 Are Involved in Cuticle Formation and Function in Fecundity in the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti. INSECTS 2023; 14:189. [PMID: 36835758 PMCID: PMC9961117 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain fatty acid elongases (ELOs) play important roles in the metabolism of fatty acids in insects. In this study, the genes for two elongases from Aedes aegypti were identified, AeELO2 and AeELO9. Quantitative real time PCR showed that AeELO2 and AeELO9 are expressed at all developmental stages and some body parts, but with different expression patterns. RNAi-mediated knockdown of AeELO2 and AeELO9 was performed to investigate their roles in the development, growth, osmotic balance, and cold tolerance of Ae. aegypti. Knockdown of AeELO2 slowed larval growth and development by causing molting abnormalities. Additionally, 33% ± 3.3% of adults died during oviposition, accompanied by an abnormal extension of cuticles in AeELO2-dsRNA knockdown mosquitos. Knockdown of AeEL09 resulted in abnormal balance of cuticular osmotic pressure and a reduction in egg production. The maximal mRNAs of AeELO2 and AeELO9 were detected in eggs at 72 h after oviposition. Moreover, AeELO2 knockdown reduced the egg hatching rates and AeELO9 knockdown larvae did not develop well. In summary, AeELO2 is involved in larval molting and growth, and its knockdown affects the flexibility and elasticity of adult mosquito cuticles. AeELO9 regulates cold tolerance, osmotic balance, and egg development in Ae. aegypti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jiu-Kai Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - David Merkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Cheng-Hong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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20
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Zhao Y, Song L, Wang J, Fang X, Li K, Han L, Beiles A, Cao YB, Nevo E. Selection of p53 pathway in adaptive evolution and reproductive isolation in incipient sympatric speciation of Drosophila at Evolution Canyon. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blac125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Sympatric speciation (SS) refers to the origin of new species within a freely breeding population. The ‘Evolution Canyon’ (EC) in Israel is a natural microsite model for SS of species across phylogenies from viruses and bacteria to mammals, adapting to, and speciating in, interslope microclimates. The cosmopolitan Drosophila melanogaster at EC I, Mount Carmel, is undergoing incipient SS in response to sharply divergent interslope microclimate stresses, including solar radiation, temperature, humidity and pathogenicity. We demonstrated here a selective interslope divergence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) distribution in the Drosophila p53 pathway. This involves a total of 71 genes, which are associated with DNA repair, heat response, and fungal and bacterial resistant pathways. This distribution pattern links the previously observed thermotolerance and ageing divergence of D. melanogaster between the opposite canyon slopes: the south-facing slope (SFS, or African slope: tropical, savannoid and dry) and the abutting north-facing slope (NFS, or European slope; temperate, forested, cool and humid). The genes with interslope-significant differential SNPs link the p53 pathway with pathways related to the responses to microclimates through protein-protein interaction. Moreover, for the first time we provide evidence that the p53 pathway is linked to reproductive isolation, and is thus actively participating in incipient SS of D. melanogaster. This is the first demonstration of a link between the p53 pathway and reproductive isolation, thereby contributing to adaptive incipient sympatric speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Physiology, and Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital , , Hangzhou 301158 , China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine , , Hangzhou 301158 , China
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa , Haifa 3498838 , Israel
| | - Li Song
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen , Shenzhen 518083 , China
| | - Junying Wang
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University , Guangzhou 510631 , China
| | - Xiaodong Fang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen , Shenzhen 518083 , China
| | - Kexin Li
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa , Haifa 3498838 , Israel
| | - Lijuan Han
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen , Shenzhen 518083 , China
| | - Avigdor Beiles
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa , Haifa 3498838 , Israel
| | - Yi-Bin Cao
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa , Haifa 3498838 , Israel
- Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua 321004 , China
| | - Eviatar Nevo
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa , Haifa 3498838 , Israel
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21
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Vernier CL, Leitner N, Zelle KM, Foltz M, Dutton S, Liang X, Halloran S, Millar JG, Ben-Shahar Y. A pleiotropic chemoreceptor facilitates the production and perception of mating pheromones. iScience 2022; 26:105882. [PMID: 36691619 PMCID: PMC9860498 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal mating decisions depend on the robust coupling of signal production and perception because independent changes in either could carry a fitness cost. However, since the perception and production of mating signals are often mediated by different tissues and cell types, the mechanisms that drive and maintain their coupling remain unknown for most animal species. Here, we show that in Drosophila, behavioral responses to, and the production of, a putative inhibitory mating pheromone are co-regulated by Gr8a, a member of the Gustatory receptor gene family. Specifically, through behavioral and pheromonal data, we found that Gr8a independently regulates the behavioral responses of males and females to a putative inhibitory pheromone, as well as its production in the fat body and oenocytes of males. Overall, these findings provide a relatively simple molecular explanation for how pleiotropic receptors maintain robust mating signaling systems at the population and species levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassondra L. Vernier
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Nicole Leitner
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Zelle
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Merrin Foltz
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Sophia Dutton
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Xitong Liang
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sean Halloran
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jocelyn G. Millar
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Yehuda Ben-Shahar
- Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA,Corresponding author
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22
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Wang Z, Receveur JP, Pu J, Cong H, Richards C, Liang M, Chung H. Desiccation resistance differences in Drosophila species can be largely explained by variations in cuticular hydrocarbons. eLife 2022; 11:e80859. [PMID: 36473178 PMCID: PMC9757832 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining water balance is a universal challenge for organisms living in terrestrial environments, especially for insects, which have essential roles in our ecosystem. Although the high surface area to volume ratio in insects makes them vulnerable to water loss, insects have evolved different levels of desiccation resistance to adapt to diverse environments. To withstand desiccation, insects use a lipid layer called cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) to reduce water evaporation from the body surface. It has long been hypothesized that the water-proofing capability of this CHC layer, which can confer different levels of desiccation resistance, depends on its chemical composition. However, it is unknown which CHC components are important contributors to desiccation resistance and how these components can determine differences in desiccation resistance. In this study, we used machine-learning algorithms, correlation analyses, and synthetic CHCs to investigate how different CHC components affect desiccation resistance in 50 Drosophila and related species. We showed that desiccation resistance differences across these species can be largely explained by variation in CHC composition. In particular, length variation in a subset of CHCs, the methyl-branched CHCs (mbCHCs), is a key determinant of desiccation resistance. There is also a significant correlation between the evolution of longer mbCHCs and higher desiccation resistance in these species. Given that CHCs are almost ubiquitous in insects, we suggest that evolutionary changes in insect CHC components can be a general mechanism for the evolution of desiccation resistance and adaptation to diverse and changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinan Wang
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | - Joseph P Receveur
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of MarylandBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- College of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural UniversitySichuanChina
| | - Haosu Cong
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | - Cole Richards
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | - Muxuan Liang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of FloridaGainesvilleUnited States
| | - Henry Chung
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
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23
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Liu S, Zhou J, Kong L, Cai Y, Liu H, Xie Z, Xiao X, James AA, Chen XG. Clock genes regulate mating activity rhythms in the vector mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010965. [PMID: 36455055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous circadian rhythms result from genetically-encoded molecular clocks, whose components and downstream output factors cooperate to generate cyclic changes in activity. Mating is an important activity of mosquitoes, however, the key aspects of mating rhythm patterns and their regulatory mechanisms in two vector mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, remain unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We determined and compared the diel mating activity rhythms of these two mosquito species and discovered that Ae. albopictus had mating peaks in the light/dark transition periods (ZT0-3 and ZT9-12), while Cx. quinquefasciatus only had a mating peak at ZT12-15. Knockouts of the clock (clk) orthologous genes (Aalclk and Cxqclk) resulted in phase delay or phase reversal of the mating peaks in Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. In addition, the temporal expression pattern of the desaturase orthologous genes, desat1, in both mosquito species was also different in respective wild-type strains and showed phase changes similar to the mating rhythms in clk mutant strains. Inhibition of desat1 expression resulted in decreased mating activity in male mosquitoes of both species but not females. In addition, desat1 regulated cuticular hydrocarbons' synthesis in both species. Silencing desat1 in male Ae. albopictus resulted in decreases of nonadecane and tricosane, which promoted mating, with concomitant increases of heptacosane, which inhibited mating. Silencing desat1 in male Cx. quinquefasciatus also resulted in decreases of tricosane, which promoted mating. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that Aalclk and Cxqclk have significant roles in the mating activity rhythms in both Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus by regulating the temporal expression of the desat1 gene under LD cycles, which affects sex pheromone synthesis and mating. This work provides insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism of distinct mating rhythm of Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus and may provide a basis for the control of these two important vector mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayong Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Kong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiquan Cai
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongkai Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhensheng Xie
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anthony A James
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine California, United States of America
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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Yusuf LH, Tyukmaeva V, Hoikkala A, Ritchie MG. Divergence and introgression among the virilis group of Drosophila. Evol Lett 2022; 6:537-551. [PMID: 36579165 PMCID: PMC9783487 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Speciation with gene flow is now widely regarded as common. However, the frequency of introgression between recently diverged species and the evolutionary consequences of gene flow are still poorly understood. The virilis group of Drosophila contains 12 species that are geographically widespread and show varying levels of prezygotic and postzygotic isolation. Here, we use de novo genome assemblies and whole-genome sequencing data to resolve phylogenetic relationships and describe patterns of introgression and divergence across the group. We suggest that the virilis group consists of three, rather than the traditional two, subgroups. Some genes undergoing rapid sequence divergence across the group were involved in chemical communication and desiccation tolerance, and may be related to the evolution of sexual isolation and adaptation. We found evidence of pervasive phylogenetic discordance caused by ancient introgression events between distant lineages within the group, and more recent gene flow between closely related species. When assessing patterns of genome-wide divergence in species pairs across the group, we found no consistent genomic evidence of a disproportionate role for the X chromosome as has been found in other systems. Our results show how ancient and recent introgressions confuse phylogenetic reconstruction, but may play an important role during early radiation of a group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeban H. Yusuf
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsKY16 9THUnited Kingdom
| | - Venera Tyukmaeva
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsKY16 9THUnited Kingdom
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and BehaviourUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 7ZBUnited Kingdom
| | - Anneli Hoikkala
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskylä40014Finland
| | - Michael G. Ritchie
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsKY16 9THUnited Kingdom
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25
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Song Y, Gu F, Liu Z, Li Z, Wu F, Sheng S. The Key Role of Fatty Acid Synthase in Lipid Metabolism and Metamorphic Development in a Destructive Insect Pest, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169064. [PMID: 36012329 PMCID: PMC9409488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169064] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a key enzyme in the lipid synthesis pathway, however, its roles in insects remain largely unknown. Here, we firstly identified two FAS genes from the transcriptome dataset of the general cutworm Spodoptera litura, which is a destructive insect pest of many crops. Both SlFAS1 and SlFAS2 were highly expressed in third instar larvae and in their fat bodies. Then, we successfully silenced SlFAS1 in third instar larvae and the content of α-linolenic acid and triglyceride was significantly decreased. Besides that, the effect of FAS on the metamorphic development in S. litura was evaluated. The results indicate that after silencing SlFAS1, the survival rates of S. litura larvae decreased significantly compared to the control groups. Silencing SlFAS1 in fifth instar larvae resulted in more malformed pupae and adults, and the emergence rates were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the ecdysone content in the haemolymph of fifth instar larvae was significantly decreased after silencing SlFAS1. In addition, knocking down SlFAS1 significantly alters the expression of other key genes in the lipogenesis pathway, implying that FAS has an impact on the lipogenesis pathway. The present study deepens the understanding of FAS in insects and provides novel potential targets for managing insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Song
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Fengming Gu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Zhixiang Liu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Zongnan Li
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Fu’an Wu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Sheng Sheng
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- Correspondence:
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26
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Meisel RP. Ecology and the evolution of sex chromosomes. J Evol Biol 2022; 35:1601-1618. [PMID: 35950939 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sex chromosomes are common features of animal genomes, often carrying a sex determination gene responsible for initiating the development of sexually dimorphic traits. The specific chromosome that serves as the sex chromosome differs across taxa as a result of fusions between sex chromosomes and autosomes, along with sex chromosome turnover-autosomes becoming sex chromosomes and sex chromosomes 'reverting' back to autosomes. In addition, the types of genes on sex chromosomes frequently differ from the autosomes, and genes on sex chromosomes often evolve faster than autosomal genes. Sex-specific selection pressures, such as sexual antagonism and sexual selection, are hypothesized to be responsible for sex chromosome turnovers, the unique gene content of sex chromosomes and the accelerated evolutionary rates of genes on sex chromosomes. Sex-specific selection has pronounced effects on sex chromosomes because their sex-biased inheritance can tilt the balance of selection in favour of one sex. Despite the general consensus that sex-specific selection affects sex chromosome evolution, most population genetic models are agnostic as to the specific sources of these sex-specific selection pressures, and many of the details about the effects of sex-specific selection remain unresolved. Here, I review the evidence that ecological factors, including variable selection across heterogeneous environments and conflicts between sexual and natural selection, can be important determinants of sex-specific selection pressures that shape sex chromosome evolution. I also explain how studying the ecology of sex chromosome evolution can help us understand important and unresolved aspects of both sex chromosome evolution and sex-specific selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Meisel
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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27
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Qiao JW, Fan YL, Wu BJ, Bai TT, Wang YH, Zhang ZF, Wang D, Liu TX. Downregulation of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase via RNA interference increases the susceptibility of Acyrthosiphon pisum to desiccation and insecticides. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1105-1119. [PMID: 34723412 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is involved in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substances, and detoxification of insecticides. RNA interference (RNAi) of CPR in certain insects causes developmental defects and enhanced susceptibility to insecticides. However, the CPR of Acyrthosiphon pisum has not been characterized, and its function is still not understood. In this study, we investigated the biochemical functions of A. pisum CPR (ApCPR). ApCPR was found to be transcribed in all developmental stages and was abundant in the embryo stage, and in the gut, head, and abdominal cuticle. After optimizing the dose and silencing duration of RNAi for downregulating ApCPR, we found that ApCPR suppression resulted in a significant decrease in the production of cuticular and internal hydrocarbon contents, and of cuticular waxy coatings. Deficiency in cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) decreased the survival rate of A. pisum under desiccation stress and increased its susceptibility to contact insecticides. Moreover, desiccation stress induced a significant increase in ApCPR mRNA levels. We further confirmed that ApCPR participates in CHC production. These results indicate that ApCPR modulates CHC production, desiccation tolerance, and insecticide susceptibility in A. pisum, and presents a novel target for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wen Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bing-Jin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Tian-Tian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ying-Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhan-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Dun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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28
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Simmons LW, Lovegrove M, Du B, Ren Y, Thomas ML. Ontogeny can provide insight into the roles of natural and sexual selection in cricket cuticular hydrocarbon evolution. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276022. [PMID: 35848820 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The often complex cocktails of hydrocarbon compounds found on the cuticles of insects can serve both naturally and sexually selected functions, contributing to an individual's ability to withstand water loss and attract mating partners. However, whether natural and sexual selection act synergistically or antagonistically on a species' cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile remains unclear. Here we examined the ontogeny of the CHC profile in a species of cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus while manipulating humidity during development. We predicted that juvenile crickets should produce only those compounds that contribute to desiccation resistance, while those compounds contributing specifically to male attractiveness should be produced only at sexual maturity. Further, if attractive CHCs come at a cost to desiccation resistance as predicted by some models of sexual selection, then males reared under low humidity should be constrained to invest less in attractive CHCs. Crickets reared under low humidity produced more long chained methyl branched alkanes, alkenes and alkadienes than did crickets reared under high humidity. The abundance of n-alkanes was unaffected by humidity treatment. Sexual dimorphism in the CHC profile was not apparent until adult emergence and became exaggerated 10 days after emergence when crickets were sexually mature. Males produced more of the same compounds that were increased in both sexes under low humidity, but the humidity treatment did not interact with sex in determining CHC abundance. The data suggest that CHC profiles which protect crickets from desiccation might have synergistic effects on male attractiveness, as there was no evidence to suggest males trade-off a CHC profile produced in response to low humidity for one associated with sexual signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Maxine Lovegrove
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Bob Du
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
| | - Yonglin Ren
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
| | - Melissa L Thomas
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia.,CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO Land and Water, Floreat 6014, Australia
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29
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Rusuwa BB, Chung H, Allen SL, Frentiu FD, Chenoweth SF. Natural variation at a single gene generates sexual antagonism across fitness components in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2022; 32:3161-3169.e7. [PMID: 35700732 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mutations with conflicting fitness effects in males and females accumulate in sexual populations, reducing their adaptive capacity.1,2 Although quantitative genetic studies indicate that sexually antagonistic polymorphisms are common,3-5 their molecular basis and population genetic properties remain poorly understood.6,7 Here, we show in fruit flies how natural variation at a single gene generates sexual antagonism through phenotypic effects on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) traits that function as both mate signals and protectors against abiotic stress8 across a latitudinal gradient. Tropical populations of Drosophila serrata have polymorphic CHCs producing sexual antagonism through opposing but sex-limited effects on these two fitness-related functions. We dissected this polymorphism to a single fatty-acyl CoA reductase gene, DsFAR2-B, that is expressed in oenocyte cells where CHCs are synthesized. RNAi-mediated disruption of the DsFAR2-B ortholog in D. melanogaster oenocytes affected CHCs in a similar way to that seen in D. serrata. Population genomic analysis revealed that balancing selection likely operates at the DsFAR2-B locus in the wild. Our study provides insights into the genetic basis of sexual antagonism in nature and connects sexually varying antagonistic selection on phenotypes with balancing selection on genotypes that maintains molecular variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosco B Rusuwa
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Henry Chung
- Department of Entomology and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Scott L Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Francesca D Frentiu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Stephen F Chenoweth
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
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30
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Buellesbach J, Holze H, Schrader L, Liebig J, Schmitt T, Gadau J, Niehuis O. Genetic and genomic architecture of species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon variation in parasitoid wasps. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220336. [PMID: 35673870 PMCID: PMC9174729 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0336] [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: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) serve two fundamental functions in insects: protection against desiccation and chemical signalling. How the interaction of genes shapes CHC profiles, which are essential for insect survival, adaptation and reproductive success, is still poorly understood. Here we investigate the genetic and genomic basis of CHC biosynthesis and variation in parasitoid wasps of the genus Nasonia. We mapped 91 quantitative trait loci (QTL) explaining the variation of a total of 43 CHCs in F2 hybrid males from interspecific crosses between three Nasonia species. To identify candidate genes, we localized orthologues of CHC biosynthesis-related genes in the Nasonia genomes. We discovered multiple genomic regions where the location of QTL coincides with the location of CHC biosynthesis-related candidate genes. Most conspicuously, on a region close to the centromere of chromosome 1, multiple CHC biosynthesis-related candidate genes co-localize with several QTL explaining variation in methyl-branched alkanes. The genetic underpinnings behind this compound class are not well understood so far, despite their high potential for encoding chemical information as well as their prevalence in hymenopteran CHC profiles. Our study considerably extends our knowledge on the genetic architecture governing this important compound class, establishing a model for methyl-branched alkane genetics in the Hymenoptera in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Buellesbach
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Henrietta Holze
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Lukas Schrader
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jürgen Liebig
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874701, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Thomas Schmitt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Gadau
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Oliver Niehuis
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Institute of Biology I (Zoology), Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Hauptstr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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31
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Jin B, Barbash DA, Castillo DM. Divergent selection on behavioural and chemical traits between reproductively isolated populations of Drosophila melanogaster. J Evol Biol 2022; 35:693-707. [PMID: 35411988 PMCID: PMC9320809 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Speciation is driven by traits that can act to prevent mating between nascent lineages, including male courtship and female preference for male traits. Mating barriers involving these traits evolve quickly because there is strong selection on males and females to maximize reproductive success, and the tight co-evolution of mating interactions can lead to rapid diversification of sexual behaviour. Populations of Drosophila melanogaster show strong asymmetrical reproductive isolation that is correlated with geographic origin. Using strains that capture natural variation in mating traits, we ask two key questions: which specific male traits are females selecting, and are these traits under divergent sexual selection? These questions have proven extremely challenging to answer, because even in closely related lineages males often differ in multiple traits related to mating behaviour. We address these questions by estimating selection gradients for male courtship and cuticular hydrocarbons for two different female genotypes. We identify specific behaviours and particular cuticular hydrocarbons that are under divergent sexual selection and could potentially contribute to premating reproductive isolation. Additionally, we report that a subset of these traits are plastic; males adjust these traits based on the identity of the female genotype they interact with. These results suggest that even when male courtship is not fixed between lineages, ongoing selection can act on traits that are important for reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozhou Jin
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Daniel A. Barbash
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Dean M. Castillo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Nebraska at OmahaOmahaNebraskaUSA
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32
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Yang Y, Li X, Liu D, Pei X, Khoso AG. Rapid Changes in Composition and Contents of Cuticular Hydrocarbons in Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Clones Adapting to Desiccation Stress. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:508-518. [PMID: 35022723 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are diverse in insects, and include variable classes of cuticular lipids, contributing to waterproofing for insects under desiccation environments. However, this waterproofing function of CHCs is still not well characterized in aphids. In this study, we compared CHC profiles for desiccation-resistant and nonresistant genotypes of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), in responses to desiccation. Our result showed that a total of 27 CHCs were detected in S. avenae, and linear alkanes (e.g., n-C29) were found to be the predominant components. Long-chain monomethyl alkanes were found to associate closely with water loss rates in S. avenae in most cases. Resistant genotypes of both wing morphs had higher contents of short-chain n-alkanes under control than nonresistant genotypes, showing the importance of short-chain n-alkanes in constitutive desiccation resistance. Among these, n-C25 might provide a CHC signature to distinguish between desiccation-resistant and nonresistant individuals. Compared with linear alkanes, methyl-branched CHCs appeared to display higher plasticity in rapid responses to desiccation, especially for 2-MeC26, implying that methyl-branched CHCs could be more sensitive to desiccation, and play more important roles in induced desiccation-resistance. Thus, both constitutive and induced CHCs (linear or methyl-branched) can contribute to adaptive responses of S. avenae populations under desiccation environments. Our results provide substantial evidence for adaptive changes of desiccation resistance and associated CHCs in S. avenae, and have significant implications for aphid evolution and management in the context of global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas (Northwest A&F University), Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaosai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas (Northwest A&F University), Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Deguang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas (Northwest A&F University), Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaojin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas (Northwest A&F University), Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Abdul Ghaffar Khoso
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas (Northwest A&F University), Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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Fezza TJ, Siderhurst MS, Jang EB, Stacy EA, Price DK. Phenotypic disruption of cuticular hydrocarbon production in hybrids between sympatric species of Hawaiian picture-wing Drosophila. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4865. [PMID: 35318342 PMCID: PMC8941103 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08635-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecies hybrids can express phenotypic traits far outside the range of parental species. The atypical traits of hybrids provide insight into differences in the factors that regulate the expression of these traits in the parental species. In some cases, the unusual phenotypic traits of hybrids can lead to phenotypic dysfunction with hybrids experiencing reduced survival or reproduction. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in insects are important phenotypic traits that serve several functions, including desiccation resistance and pheromones for mating. We used gas chromatography mass spectrometry to investigate the differences in CHC production between two closely related sympatric Hawaiian picture-wing Drosophila species, Drosophila heteroneura and D. silvestris, and their F1 and backcross hybrid offspring. CHC profiles differed between males of the two species, with substantial sexual dimorphism in D. silvestris but limited sexual dimorphism in D. heteroneura. Surprisingly, F1 hybrids did not produce three CHCs, and the abundances of several other CHCs occurred outside the ranges present in the two parental species. Backcross hybrids produced all CHCs with greater variation than observed in F1 or parental species. Overall, these results suggest that the production of CHCs was disrupted in F1 and backcross hybrids, which may have important consequences for their survival or reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Fezza
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - Matthew S Siderhurst
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Mennonite University, 1200 Park Rd, Harrisonburg, VA, 22802, USA
| | - Eric B Jang
- Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research, D.K.I, U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 64 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stacy
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI, 96720, USA.,School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA
| | - Donald K Price
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI, 96720, USA. .,School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.
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Pei XJ, Bai TT, Zhang ZF, Chen N, Li S, Fan YL, Liu TX. Two putative fatty acid synthetic genes of BgFas3 and BgElo1 are responsible for respiratory waterproofing in Blattella germanica. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:33-50. [PMID: 33543834 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Water retention is critical for physiological homeostasis and survival in terrestrial insects. While deposition of hydrocarbons on insect cuticles as a key measure for water conservation has been extensively investigated, we know little about other mechanisms for preventing water loss in insects. Here, we report two fatty acid synthetic genes that are independent of hydrocarbon production but crucial for water retention in the German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.). First, an integument enriched fatty acid elongase gene (BgElo1) was identified as a critical gene for desiccation resistance in B. germanica; however, knockdown of BgElo1 surprisingly failed to cause a decline in cuticular lipids. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi)-knockdown of an upstream fatty acid synthase gene (BgFas3) showed a similar phenotype, and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that BgFas3- or BgElo1-RNAi did not affect cuticle architecture. Bodyweight loss test showed that repression of BgFas3 and BgElo1 significantly increased the weight loss rate, but the difference disappeared when the respiration was closed by freeze killing the cockroaches. A water immersion test was performed, and we found that BgFas3- and BgElo1-RNAi made it difficult for cockroaches to recover from drowning, which was supported by the upregulation of hypoxia-related genes after a 10-h recovery from drowning. Moreover, a dyeing assay with water-soluble Eosin Y showed that this was caused by the entry of water into the respiratory system. Our research suggests that BgFas3 and BgElo1 are required for both inward and outward waterproofing of the respiratory system. This study benefits the understanding of water retention mechanisms in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tian-Tian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhan-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology and Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology and Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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Golian M, Bien T, Schmelzle S, Esparza-Mora MA, McMahon DP, Dreisewerd K, Buellesbach J. Neglected Very Long-Chain Hydrocarbons and the Incorporation of Body Surface Area Metrics Reveal Novel Perspectives for Cuticular Profile Analysis in Insects. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13010083. [PMID: 35055926 PMCID: PMC8778109 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The waxy layer covering the surface of most terrestrial insects is mainly composed of non-polar lipids termed cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). These have a long research history as important dual traits for both desiccation prevention and chemical communication. We analyzed CHC profiles of seven species of the insect order Blattodea (termites and cockroaches) with the most commonly applied chromatographic method, gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the more novel approach of silver-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (Ag-LDI-MS). Comparing these two analytical methods, we demonstrated that the conventional GC-MS approach does not provide enough information on the entire CHC profile range in the tested species. Ag-LDI-MS was able to detect very long-chain CHCs ranging up to C58, which remained undetected when solely relying on standard GC-MS analysis. Additionally, we measured the body surface areas of each tested species applying 3D scanning technology to assess their respective CHC amounts per mm2. When adjusting for body surface areas, proportional CHC quantity distributions shifted considerably between our studied species, suggesting the importance of including this factor when conducting quantitative CHC comparisons, particularly in insects that vary substantially in body size. Abstract Most of our knowledge on insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) stems from analytical techniques based on gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). However, this method has its limits under standard conditions, particularly in detecting compounds beyond a chain length of around C40. Here, we compare the CHC chain length range detectable by GC-MS with the range assessed by silver-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (Ag-LDI-MS), a novel and rarely applied technique on insect CHCs, in seven species of the order Blattodea. For all tested species, we unveiled a considerable range of very long-chain CHCs up to C58, which are not detectable by standard GC-MS technology. This indicates that general studies on insect CHCs may frequently miss compounds in this range, and we encourage future studies to implement analytical techniques extending the conventionally accessed chain length range. Furthermore, we incorporate 3D scanned insect body surface areas as an additional factor for the comparative quantification of extracted CHC amounts between our study species. CHC quantity distributions differed considerably when adjusted for body surface areas as opposed to directly assessing extracted CHC amounts, suggesting that a more accurate evaluation of relative CHC quantities can be achieved by taking body surface areas into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Golian
- Institute for Evolution & Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, D-48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Tanja Bien
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (T.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Sebastian Schmelzle
- Ecological Networks, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 2, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany;
| | - Margy Alejandra Esparza-Mora
- Institute of Biology—Zoology, Free University of Berlin, Unter den Eichen 87, D-12205 Berlin, Germany; (M.A.E.-M.); (D.P.M.)
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, D-12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dino Peter McMahon
- Institute of Biology—Zoology, Free University of Berlin, Unter den Eichen 87, D-12205 Berlin, Germany; (M.A.E.-M.); (D.P.M.)
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, D-12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Dreisewerd
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (T.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Jan Buellesbach
- Institute for Evolution & Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, D-48149 Münster, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-251-83-21637
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Xin Y, Chen N, Wang Y, Ni R, Zhao H, Yang P, Li M, Qiu X. CYP4G8 is responsible for the synthesis of methyl-branched hydrocarbons in the polyphagous caterpillar of Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 140:103701. [PMID: 34890799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have dual functions as physical barrier and chemical signals. The last step of CHC biosynthesis is known to be catalyzed by cytochrome P450 CYP4G in a number of insects. Until recently, studies on CYP4Gs in the context of functional evolution are rare. In this study, we analyzed sequence similarity and temporal-spatial expression patterns of the five CYP4G genes in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, an important agricultural pest and also typical representative of lepidopteran insects. Moreover, the CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockout was used to clarify the roles of the five CYP4Gs in CHC biosynthesis. Temporal-spatial expression patterns revealed that CYP4G8 was highly expressed at all developmental stages and in most tissues examined. Larvae with CYP4G8 knocked out could not produce methyl-branched CHCs and failed to pupate, while larvae with the other four CYP4G genes knocked out (4G1-type-KO) showed no significant changes in their CHC profiles, weight gain and survival. Comparative transcriptomics revealed that knocking out CYP4G8 affected the global gene expression in larvae, especially down-regulated the expression of genes in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, while no significant change in 4G1-type-KO transcriptome was observed. These findings indicate that the five members of the CYP4G subfamily have undergone functional divergence: CYP4G8 maintains the essential function in CHC biosynthesis, while the function of the other four CYP4G genes remains unclear. Intriguingly, CYP4G8 has evolved to be a P450 enzyme responsible for the synthesis of larval methyl-branched hydrocarbons. The observation that CYP4G8 knockout is lethal strongly suggest that CYP4G8 may serve as a candidate target for the development of insecticidal agents for the control of cotton bollworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucui Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ruoyao Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongrui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Peiqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinghui Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Couzin-Fuchs E, Ayali A. The social brain of 'non-eusocial' insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 48:1-7. [PMID: 33933684 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Decisions are seldom entirely devoid of social influence. Even in organisms that have traditionally been considered non-social, the social environment plays an important role in mediating behavior. Here we review the current knowledge regarding the neural basis of social behaviors in non-eusocial insects, with a particular focus on fruit flies, cockroaches and locusts. Each are shown to offer valuable, and complementary, insights into how social behavior is mediated at the neural level. The presented studies demonstrate that social cues, which are integrated in primary sensory areas, exert a considerable influence on behavior. Further studies with these models, and others, will provide important insights into the diversity of social behaviors, and into the way that these are encoded in dedicated brain and neuronal structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Couzin-Fuchs
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Amir Ayali
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Israel
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38
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Davis JS, Pearcy MJ, Yew JY, Moyle LC. A shift to shorter cuticular hydrocarbons accompanies sexual isolation among Drosophila americana group populations. Evol Lett 2021; 5:521-540. [PMID: 34621538 PMCID: PMC8484720 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Because sensory signals often evolve rapidly, they could be instrumental in the emergence of reproductive isolation between species. However, pinpointing their specific contribution to isolating barriers, and the mechanisms underlying their divergence, remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate sexual isolation due to divergence in chemical signals between two populations of Drosophila americana (SC and NE) and one population of D. novamexicana, and dissect its underlying phenotypic and genetic mechanisms. Mating trials revealed strong sexual isolation between Drosophila novamexicana males and SC Drosophila americana females, as well as more moderate bi-directional isolation between D. americana populations. Mating behavior data indicate SC D. americana males have the highest courtship efficiency and, unlike males of the other populations, are accepted by females of all species. Quantification of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles-chemosensory signals that are used for species recognition and mate finding in Drosophila-shows that the SC D. americana population differs from the other populations primarily on the basis of compound carbon chain-length. Moreover, manipulation of male CHC composition via heterospecific perfuming-specifically perfuming D. novamexicana males with SC D. americana males-abolishes their sexual isolation from these D. americana females. Of a set of candidates, a single gene-elongase CG17821-had patterns of gene expression consistent with a role in CHC differences between species. Sequence comparisons indicate D. novamexicana and our Nebraska (NE) D. americana population share a derived CG17821 truncation mutation that could also contribute to their shared "short" CHC phenotype. Together, these data suggest an evolutionary model for the origin and spread of this allele and its consequences for CHC divergence and sexual isolation in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S. Davis
- Department of BiologyIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndiana47405
- Department of BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentucky40508
| | | | - Joanne Y. Yew
- Pacific Biosciences Research CenterUniversity of Hawaii at MānoaHonoluluHawaii96822
| | - Leonie C. Moyle
- Department of BiologyIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndiana47405
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39
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Sirot L, Bansal R, Esquivel CJ, Arteaga-Vázquez M, Herrera-Cruz M, Pavinato VAC, Abraham S, Medina-Jiménez K, Reyes-Hernández M, Dorantes-Acosta A, Pérez-Staples D. Post-mating gene expression of Mexican fruit fly females: disentangling the effects of the male accessory glands. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:480-496. [PMID: 34028117 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mating has profound physiological and behavioural consequences for female insects. During copulation, female insects typically receive not only sperm, but a complex ejaculate containing hundreds of proteins and other molecules from male reproductive tissues, primarily the reproductive accessory glands. The post-mating phenotypes affected by male accessory gland (MAG) proteins include egg development, attraction to oviposition hosts, mating, attractiveness, sperm storage, feeding and lifespan. In the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens, mating increases egg production and the latency to remating. However, previous studies have not found a clear relationship between injection of MAG products and oviposition or remating inhibition in this species. We used RNA-seq to study gene expression in mated, unmated and MAG-injected females to understand the potential mating- and MAG-regulated genes and pathways in A. ludens. Both mating and MAG-injection regulated transcripts and pathways related to egg development. Other transcripts regulated by mating included those with orthologs predicted to be involved in immune response, musculature and chemosensory perception, whereas those regulated by MAG-injection were predicted to be involved in translational control, sugar regulation, diet detoxification and lifespan determination. These results suggest new phenotypes that may be influenced by seminal fluid molecules in A. ludens. Understanding these influences is critical for developing novel tools to manage A. ludens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sirot
- The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - R Bansal
- USDA-ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Parlier, CA, USA
| | - C J Esquivel
- Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - M Arteaga-Vázquez
- INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av de las Culturas Veracruzanas 101, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - M Herrera-Cruz
- CONACyT- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - V A C Pavinato
- Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - S Abraham
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ecoetológicas de Moscas de la Fruta y sus Enemigos Naturales (LIEMEN), PROIMI, Tucumán, Argentina, CONICET, Argentina
| | - K Medina-Jiménez
- INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av de las Culturas Veracruzanas 101, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - M Reyes-Hernández
- INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av de las Culturas Veracruzanas 101, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - A Dorantes-Acosta
- INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av de las Culturas Veracruzanas 101, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - D Pérez-Staples
- INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av de las Culturas Veracruzanas 101, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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40
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Devilliers M, Garrido D, Poidevin M, Rubin T, Le Rouzic A, Montagne J. Differential metabolic sensitivity of insulin-like-response- and TORC1-dependent overgrowth in Drosophila fat cells. Genetics 2021; 217:1-12. [PMID: 33683355 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolysis and fatty acid (FA) synthesis directs the production of energy-carrying molecules and building blocks necessary to support cell growth, although the absolute requirement of these metabolic pathways must be deeply investigated. Here, we used Drosophila genetics and focus on the TOR (Target of Rapamycin) signaling network that controls cell growth and homeostasis. In mammals, mTOR (mechanistic-TOR) is present in two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2; the former directly responds to amino acids and energy levels, whereas the latter sustains insulin-like-peptide (Ilp) response. The TORC1 and Ilp signaling branches can be independently modulated in most Drosophila tissues. We show that TORC1 and Ilp-dependent overgrowth can operate independently in fat cells and that ubiquitous over-activation of TORC1 or Ilp signaling affects basal metabolism, supporting the use of Drosophila as a powerful model to study the link between growth and metabolism. We show that cell-autonomous restriction of glycolysis or FA synthesis in fat cells retrains overgrowth dependent on Ilp signaling but not TORC1 signaling. Additionally, the mutation of FASN (Fatty acid synthase) results in a drop in TORC1 but not Ilp signaling, whereas, at the cell-autonomous level, this mutation affects none of these signals in fat cells. These findings thus reveal differential metabolic sensitivity of TORC1- and Ilp-dependent growth and suggest that cell-autonomous metabolic defects might elicit local compensatory pathways. Conversely, enzyme knockdown in the whole organism results in animal death. Importantly, our study weakens the use of single inhibitors to fight mTOR-related diseases and strengthens the use of drug combination and selective tissue-targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maelle Devilliers
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Damien Garrido
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Mickael Poidevin
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Thomas Rubin
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Arnaud Le Rouzic
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9191, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jacques Montagne
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Finet C, Kassner VA, Carvalho AB, Chung H, Day JP, Day S, Delaney EK, De Ré FC, Dufour HD, Dupim E, Izumitani HF, Gautério TB, Justen J, Katoh T, Kopp A, Koshikawa S, Longdon B, Loreto EL, Nunes MDS, Raja KKB, Rebeiz M, Ritchie MG, Saakyan G, Sneddon T, Teramoto M, Tyukmaeva V, Vanderlinde T, Wey EE, Werner T, Williams TM, Robe LJ, Toda MJ, Marlétaz F. DrosoPhyla: Resources for Drosophilid Phylogeny and Systematics. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evab179. [PMID: 34343293 PMCID: PMC8382681 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster is a pivotal model for invertebrate development, genetics, physiology, neuroscience, and disease. The whole family Drosophilidae, which contains over 4,400 species, offers a plethora of cases for comparative and evolutionary studies. Despite a long history of phylogenetic inference, many relationships remain unresolved among the genera, subgenera, and species groups in the Drosophilidae. To clarify these relationships, we first developed a set of new genomic markers and assembled a multilocus data set of 17 genes from 704 species of Drosophilidae. We then inferred a species tree with highly supported groups for this family. Additionally, we were able to determine the phylogenetic position of some previously unplaced species. These results establish a new framework for investigating the evolution of traits in fruit flies, as well as valuable resources for systematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Finet
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Victoria A Kassner
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Antonio B Carvalho
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Henry Chung
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Jonathan P Day
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Day
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Emily K Delaney
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, USA
| | - Francine C De Ré
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Héloïse D Dufour
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Eduardo Dupim
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hiroyuki F Izumitani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Thaísa B Gautério
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jessa Justen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Toru Katoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Artyom Kopp
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, USA
| | - Shigeyuki Koshikawa
- The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research and Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Ben Longdon
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elgion L Loreto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria D S Nunes
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom
| | - Komal K B Raja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, USA
| | - Mark Rebeiz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | - Gayane Saakyan
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, USA
| | - Tanya Sneddon
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Machiko Teramoto
- The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research and Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Japan
| | | | - Thyago Vanderlinde
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emily E Wey
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, USA
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, USA
| | | | - Lizandra J Robe
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Masanori J Toda
- Hokkaido University Museum, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ferdinand Marlétaz
- Centre for Life’s Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, United Kingdom
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Modulation of fatty acid elongation in cockroaches sustains sexually dimorphic hydrocarbons and female attractiveness. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001330. [PMID: 34314414 PMCID: PMC8315507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) serve as important intersexual signaling chemicals and generally show variation between the sexes, but little is known about the generation of sexually dimorphic hydrocarbons (SDHCs) in insects. In this study, we report the molecular mechanism and biological significance that underlie the generation of SDHC in the German cockroach Blattella germanica. Sexually mature females possess more C29 CHCs, especially the contact sex pheromone precursor 3,11-DimeC29. RNA interference (RNAi) screen against the fatty acid elongase family members combined with heterologous expression of the genes in yeast revealed that both BgElo12 and BgElo24 were involved in hydrocarbon (HC) production, but BgElo24 is of wide catalytic activities and is able to provide substrates for BgElo12, and only the female-enriched BgElo12 is responsible for sustaining female-specific HC profile. Repressing BgElo12 masculinized the female CHC profile, decreased contact sex pheromone level, and consequently reduced the sexual attractiveness of female cockroaches. Moreover, the asymmetric expression of BgElo12 between the sexes is modulated by sex differentiation cascade. Specifically, male-specific BgDsx represses the transcription of BgElo12 in males, while BgTra is able to remove this effect in females. Our study reveals a novel molecular mechanism responsible for the formation of SDHCs and also provide evidences on shaping of the SDHCs by sexual selection, as females use them to generate high levels of contact sex pheromone. Sexual dimorphism of body waxes is prevalent in insects; this study reveals that the sex-differentiation pathway regulates fatty acid elongation, ensuring production of the sexually dimorphic cuticular hydrocarbons needed for high levels of sex pheromone and sexual attractiveness in female cockroaches.
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Cuticular hydrocarbons are associated with mating success and insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. Commun Biol 2021; 4:911. [PMID: 34312484 PMCID: PMC8313523 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Anopheles coluzzii females, important malaria vectors in Africa, mate only once in their lifetime. Mating occurs in aerial swarms with a high male-to-female ratio, where traits underlying male mating success are largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) influence mating success in natural mating swarms in Burkina Faso. As insecticides are widely used in this area for malaria control, we also determined whether CHCs affect insecticide resistance levels. We find that mated males have higher CHC abundance than unmated controls, suggesting CHCs could be determinants of mating success. Additionally, mated males have higher insecticide resistance under pyrethroid challenge, and we show a link between resistance intensity and CHC abundance. Taken together, our results suggest that CHC abundance may be subject to sexual selection in addition to selection by insecticide pressure. This has implications for insecticide resistance management, as these traits may be sustained in the population due to their benefits in mating even in the absence of insecticides. In this study, Adams et al. investigate the effect of cuticular hydrocarbons on mating success in natural mosquito mating swarms. These hydrocarbons confer both higher mating success and increased resistance to pyrethroid, suggesting sexual selection for insecticide resistance in this population secondary to mating success.
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Sprenger PP, Hartke J, Schmitt T, Menzel F, Feldmeyer B. Candidate genes involved in cuticular hydrocarbon differentiation between cryptic, parabiotic ant species. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6174692. [PMID: 33729492 PMCID: PMC8104948 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are highly diverse and have multiple functions, including communication and waterproofing. CHC profiles form species-specific, complex blends of up to 150 compounds. Especially in ants, even closely related species can have largely different profiles, raising the question how CHC differences are mirrored in the regulation of biosynthetic pathways. The neotropical ants Crematogaster levior and Camponotus femoratus both consist of two cryptic species each that are morphologically similar, but express strongly different CHC profiles. This is ideal to study the molecular basis of CHC differences. We thus investigated gene expression differences in fat-body transcriptomes of these ants. Despite common garden conditions, we found several thousand differentially expressed transcripts within each cryptic species pair. Many of these were related to metabolic processes, probably accounting for physiological differences. Moreover, we identified candidate genes from five gene families involved in CHC biosynthesis. By assigning candidate transcripts to orthologs in Drosophila, we inferred which CHCs might be influenced by differential gene expression. Expression of these candidate genes was often mirrored in the CHC profiles. For example, Cr. levior A, which has longer CHCs than its cryptic sister species, had a higher expression of elongases and a lower expression of fatty acyl- CoA reductases. This study is one of the first to identify CHC candidate genes in ants and will provide a basis for further research on the genetic basis of CHC biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp P Sprenger
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Hartke
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Senckenberg Research Institute, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmitt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Menzel
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Fujimoto S, Tsurui‐Sato K, Katsube N, Tatsuta H, Tsuji K. Alternative reproductive tactics in male freshwater fish influence the accuracy of species recognition. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:3884-3900. [PMID: 33976782 PMCID: PMC8093699 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual conflict can result in coercive mating. Because males bear low costs of heterospecific mating, coercive males may engage in misdirected mating attempts toward heterospecific females. In contrast, sexual selection through consensual mate choice can cause mate recognition cues among species to diverge, leading to more accurate species recognition. Some species show both coercive mating and mate choice-associated courtship behaviors as male alternative reproductive tactics. We hypothesized that if the selection pressures on each tactic differ, then the accuracy of species recognition would also change depending on the mating tactic adopted. We tested this hypothesis in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) by a series of choice experiments. Poecilia reticulata and G. affinis males both showed imperfect species recognition and directed all components of mating behavior toward heterospecific females. They tended to direct courtship displays more frequently toward conspecific than heterospecific females. With male P. reticulata, however, accurate species recognition disappeared when they attempted coercive copulation: they directed coercions more frequently toward heterospecific females. We also found that heterospecific sexual interaction had little effect on the fecundity of gravid females, which suggests that prepregnancy interactions likely underpin the exclusion of G. affinis by P. reticulata in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Fujimoto
- Center for Strategic Research ProjectUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
- Present address:
Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusOkinawaJapan
| | - Kaori Tsurui‐Sato
- Center for Strategic Research ProjectUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Naotaka Katsube
- Faculty of AgricultureUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Haruki Tatsuta
- Faculty of AgricultureUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural SciencesKagoshima UniversityKagoshimaJapan
| | - Kazuki Tsuji
- Faculty of AgricultureUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural SciencesKagoshima UniversityKagoshimaJapan
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46
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Yukilevich R. Reproductive Character Displacement Drives Diversification of Male Courtship Songs in Drosophila. Am Nat 2021; 197:690-707. [PMID: 33989143 DOI: 10.1086/714046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMale secondary sexual traits are one of the most striking and diverse features of the animal kingdom. While these traits are often thought to evolve via sexual selection, many questions remain about their patterns of diversification and their role in speciation. To address these questions, I performed a comparative study of precopulatory male courtship songs of 119 Drosophila species across 10 distinct species groups. I related song divergence to genetic distances, geographic relationships, and sexual isolation between species. On the basis of pairwise Euclidean song distances, species groups typically retained their phylogenetic signal while species within groups diverged five times more in sympatry relative to allopatry, producing a pattern of reproductive character displacement. This occurred despite similar genetic distances in allopatry and sympatry, was exaggerated among younger species pairs, and was driven primarily by the parameter interpulse interval. While sexual isolation in sympatry was high even with low song divergence, these variables were correlated with each other and with increased divergence of female mating preferences in sympatry. The widespread pattern of character displacement implies that allopatric divergence due to processes like sexual selection are very slow relative to sympatric processes such as reinforcement and reproductive interference in driving song diversification across Drosophila.
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Wang Y, Ferveur JF, Moussian B. Eco-genetics of desiccation resistance in Drosophila. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1421-1440. [PMID: 33754475 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Climate change globally perturbs water circulation thereby influencing ecosystems including cultivated land. Both harmful and beneficial species of insects are likely to be vulnerable to such changes in climate. As small animals with a disadvantageous surface area to body mass ratio, they face a risk of desiccation. A number of behavioural, physiological and genetic strategies are deployed to solve these problems during adaptation in various Drosophila species. Over 100 desiccation-related genes have been identified in laboratory and wild populations of the cosmopolitan fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and its sister species in large-scale and single-gene approaches. These genes are involved in water sensing and homeostasis, and barrier formation and function via the production and composition of surface lipids and via pigmentation. Interestingly, the genetic strategy implemented in a given population appears to be unpredictable. In part, this may be due to different experimental approaches in different studies. The observed variability may also reflect a rich standing genetic variation in Drosophila allowing a quasi-random choice of response strategies through soft-sweep events, although further studies are needed to unravel any underlying principles. These findings underline that D. melanogaster is a robust species well adapted to resist climate change-related desiccation. The rich data obtained in Drosophila research provide a framework to address and understand desiccation resistance in other insects. Through the application of powerful genetic tools in the model organism D. melanogaster, the functions of desiccation-related genes revealed by correlative studies can be tested and the underlying molecular mechanisms of desiccation tolerance understood. The combination of the wealth of available data and its genetic accessibility makes Drosophila an ideal bioindicator. Accumulation of data on desiccation resistance in Drosophila may allow us to create a world map of genetic evolution in response to climate change in an insect genome. Ultimately these efforts may provide guidelines for dealing with the effects of climate-related perturbations on insect population dynamics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Wang
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, Section Animal Genetics, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jean-François Ferveur
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, UMR-CNRS 6265, Université de Bourgogne, 6, Bd Gabriel, Dijon, 21000, France
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, Section Animal Genetics, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Institute of Biology Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Parc Valrose, Nice CEDEX 2, 06108, France
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Hou Z, Shi F, Ge S, Tao J, Ren L, Wu H, Zong S. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the newly discovered insect vector of the pine wood nematode in China, revealing putative genes related to host plant adaptation. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:189. [PMID: 33726671 PMCID: PMC7968331 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many insect species, the larvae/nymphs are unable to disperse far from the oviposition site selected by adults. The Sakhalin pine sawyer Monochamus saltuarius (Gebler) is the newly discovered insect vector of the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in China. Adult M. saltuarius prefers to oviposit on the host plant Pinus koraiensis, rather than P. tabuliformis. However, the genetic basis of adaptation of the larvae of M. saltuarius with weaken dispersal ability to host environments selected by the adult is not well understood. RESULTS In this study, the free amino and fatty acid composition and content of the host plants of M. saltuarius larvae, i.e., P. koraiensis and P. tabuliformis were investigated. Compared with P. koraiensis, P. tabuliformis had a substantially higher content of various free amino acids, while the opposite trend was detected for fatty acid content. The transcriptional profiles of larval populations feeding on P. koraiensis and P. tabuliformis were compared using PacBio Sequel II sequencing combined with Illumina sequencing. The results showed that genes relating to digestion, fatty acid synthesis, detoxification, oxidation-reduction, and stress response, as well as nutrients and energy sensing ability, were differentially expressed, possibly reflecting adaptive changes of M. saltuarius in response to different host diets. Additionally, genes coding for cuticle structure were differentially expressed, indicating that cuticle may be a potential target for plant defense. Differential regulation of genes related to the antibacterial and immune response were also observed, suggesting that larvae of M. saltuarius may have evolved adaptations to cope with bacterial challenges in their host environments. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides comprehensive transcriptome resource of M. saltuarius relating to host plant adaptation. Results from this study help to illustrate the fundamental relationship between transcriptional plasticity and adaptation mechanisms of insect herbivores to host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehai Hou
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengming Shi
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Sixun Ge
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Ren
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Dangerous Forest Pest Management and Control, Shenyang, China
| | - Shixiang Zong
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for the Control of Forest Pests, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
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49
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Liu Y, El-Kassaby YA. Transcriptome-wide analysis of introgression-resistant regions reveals genetic divergence genes under positive selection in Populus trichocarpa. Heredity (Edinb) 2021; 126:442-462. [PMID: 33214679 PMCID: PMC8027638 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00388-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparing gene expression patterns and genetic polymorphisms between populations is of central importance for understanding the origin and maintenance of biodiversity. Based on population-specific gene expression levels and allele frequency differences, we sought to identify population divergence (PD) genes across the introgression-resistant genomic regions of Populus trichocarpa. Genes containing highly diverged loci [i.e., genetic divergence (GD)] or showing expression divergence (ED) between populations were widely distributed in the genome and substantially enriched in functional categories related to stress responses, disease resistance, timing of flowering, cell cycle regulation, plant growth, and development. Nine genomic regions showing evidence of strong positive selection were overlapped with GD genes, which had significant differences between Oregon (a southernmost peripheral deme) and the other demes. However, we did not find evidence that genes under positive selection show an enrichment for ED. PD genes and genes under selection pertained to the same gene classes, such as SERINE/CYSTEINE PROTEASE, ABC TRANSPORTER, GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASE and other transferases. Our analysis also revealed that GD genes were polymorphic within the species (41.9 ± 3.66 biallelic variants per gene), as previously reported in herbaceous plants. By contrast, ED genes contained less genetic variants (10.73 ± 1.14) and were likely highly expressed. In addition, we found that trans- rather than cis-acting variants considerably contribute to the evolution of >90% PD genes. Overall, this study elucidates that cohorts of PD genes agree with the general attributes of known speciation genes and GD genes will provide substrates for positive selection to operate on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Yousry A El-Kassaby
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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50
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Souza NM, Schröder ML, Hayes RA, Bello JE, Nahrung HF. Cuticular hydrocarbons of Gonipterus weevils: are there species differences? CHEMOECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-021-00337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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