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Perna S, Tang W, Blimbaum S, Li A, Zhou L. Shared Transcriptomic Signatures of Inflammaging Among Diverse Strains of Drosophila melanogaster. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4146509. [PMID: 38645033 PMCID: PMC11030547 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4146509/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Background A prominent hallmark of aging is inflammaging-the increased expression of innate immune genes without identifiable infection. Model organisms with shorter lifespans, such as the fruit fly, provide an essential platform for probing the mechanisms of inflammaging. Multiple groups have reported that, like mammalian models, old flies have significantly higher levels of expression of anti-microbial peptide genes. However, whether some of these genes-or any others-can serve as reliable markers for assessing and comparing inflammaging in different strains remains unclear. Methods and Results We compared RNA-Seq datasets generated by different groups. Although the fly strains used in these studies differ significantly, we found that they share a core group of genes with strong aging-associated expression. In addition to anti-microbial peptide genes, we identified other genes that have prominently increased expression in old flies, especially SPH93. We further showed that machine learning models can be used to predict the "inflammatory age" of the fruit y. Conclusion A core group of genes may serve as markers for studying inflammaging in Drosophila. RNA-Seq profiles, in combination with machine-learning models, can be applied to measure the acceleration or deceleration of inflammaging.
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Xu L, Qin J, Fu W, Wang S, Wu Q, Zhou X, Crickmore N, Guo Z, Zhang Y. MAP4K4 controlled transcription factor POUM1 regulates PxABCG1 expression influencing Cry1Ac resistance in Plutella xylostella (L.). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 182:105053. [PMID: 35249643 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) based biotechnology products including Bt sprays and Bt crops is critical for the long-term application of Bt technology. Previously, we established that down-regulation of the ABC transporter gene PxABCG1, trans-regulated by the MAPK signaling pathway, contributed to high-level resistance to Bt Cry1Ac toxin in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). However, the underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanism was unknown. Herein, we identified putative binding sites (PBSs) of the transcription factor (TF) POUM1 in the PxABCG1 promoter and used a dual-luciferase reporter assay (DLRA) and yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay to reveal that POUM1 activates PxABCG1 via interaction with one of these sites. The expression of POUM1 was significantly decreased in the midgut tissue of Cry1Ac-resistant P. xylostella strains compared to a Cry1Ac-susceptible P. xylostella strain. Silencing of POUM1 expression resulted in reduced expression of the PxABCG1 gene and an increase in larval tolerance to Bt Cry1Ac toxin in the Cry1Ac-susceptible P. xylostella strain. Furthermore, silencing of PxMAP4K4 expression increased the expression of both POUM1 and PxABCG1 genes in the Cry1Ac-resistant P. xylostella strain. These results indicate that the POUM1 induces PxABCG1 expression, while the activated MAPK cascade represses PxABCG1 expression thus reducing Cry1Ac susceptibility in P. xylostella. This result deepens our understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of midgut Cry receptor genes and the molecular basis of the evolution of Bt resistance in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzheng Xu
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jianying Qin
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China.
| | - Shaoli Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Qinjun Wu
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091, USA.
| | - Neil Crickmore
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK.
| | - Zhaojiang Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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Majane AC, Cridland JM, Begun DJ. Single-nucleus transcriptomes reveal evolutionary and functional properties of cell types in the Drosophila accessory gland. Genetics 2021; 220:6440054. [PMID: 34849871 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many traits responsible for male reproduction evolve quickly, including gene expression phenotypes in germline and somatic male reproductive tissues. Rapid male evolution in polyandrous species is thought to be driven by competition among males for fertilizations and conflicts between male and female fitness interests that manifest in post-copulatory phenotypes. In Drosophila, seminal fluid proteins secreted by three major cell types of the male accessory gland and ejaculatory duct are required for female sperm storage and use, and influence female post-copulatory traits. Recent work has shown that these cell types have overlapping but distinct effects on female post-copulatory biology, yet relatively little is known about their evolutionary properties. Here we use single-nucleus RNA-Seq of the accessory gland and ejaculatory duct from Drosophila melanogaster and two closely related species to comprehensively describe the cell diversity of these tissues and their transcriptome evolution for the first time. We find that seminal fluid transcripts are strongly partitioned across the major cell types, and expression of many other genes additionally define each cell type. We also report previously undocumented diversity in main cells. Transcriptome divergence was found to be heterogeneous across cell types and lineages, revealing a complex evolutionary process. Furthermore, protein adaptation varied across cell types, with potential consequences for our understanding of selection on male post-copulatory traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex C Majane
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Julie M Cridland
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - David J Begun
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Ullastres A, Merenciano M, González J. Regulatory regions in natural transposable element insertions drive interindividual differences in response to immune challenges in Drosophila. Genome Biol 2021; 22:265. [PMID: 34521452 PMCID: PMC8439047 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02471-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Variation in gene expression underlies interindividual variability in relevant traits including immune response. However, the genetic variation responsible for these gene expression changes remains largely unknown. Among the non-coding variants that could be relevant, transposable element insertions are promising candidates as they have been shown to be a rich and diverse source of cis-regulatory elements. Results In this work, we use a population genetics approach to identify transposable element insertions likely to increase the tolerance of Drosophila melanogaster to bacterial infection by affecting the expression of immune-related genes. We identify 12 insertions associated with allele-specific expression changes in immune-related genes. We experimentally validate three of these insertions including one likely to be acting as a silencer, one as an enhancer, and one with a dual role as enhancer and promoter. The direction in the change of gene expression associated with the presence of several of these insertions is consistent with an increased survival to infection. Indeed, for one of the insertions, we show that this is the case by analyzing both natural populations and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants in which the insertion is deleted from its native genomic context. Conclusions We show that transposable elements contribute to gene expression variation in response to infection in D. melanogaster and that this variation is likely to affect their survival capacity. Because the role of transposable elements as regulatory elements is not restricted to Drosophila, transposable elements are likely to play a role in immune response in other organisms as well. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-021-02471-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ullastres
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Merenciano
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefa González
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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5
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Zhao Y, Lindberg BG, Esfahani SS, Tang X, Piazza S, Engström Y. Stop codon readthrough alters the activity of a POU/Oct transcription factor during Drosophila development. BMC Biol 2021; 19:185. [PMID: 34479564 PMCID: PMC8417969 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A number of cellular processes have evolved in metazoans that increase the proteome repertoire in relation to the genome, such as alternative splicing and translation recoding. Another such process, translational stop codon readthrough (SCR), generates C-terminally extended protein isoforms in many eukaryotes, including yeast, plants, insects, and humans. While comparative genome analyses have predicted the existence of programmed SCR in many species including humans, experimental proof of its functional consequences are scarce. Results We show that SCR of the Drosophila POU/Oct transcription factor Ventral veins lacking/Drifter (Vvl/Dfr) mRNA is prevalent in certain tissues in vivo, reaching a rate of 50% in the larval prothoracic gland. Phylogenetically, the C-terminal extension is conserved and harbors intrinsically disordered regions and amino acid stretches implied in transcriptional activation. Elimination of Vvl/Dfr translational readthrough by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis changed the expression of a large number of downstream genes involved in processes such as chromatin regulation, neurogenesis, development, and immune response. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate that the C-terminal extension of Vvl/Dfr is necessary for correct timing of pupariation, by increasing the capacity to regulate its target genes. The extended Vvl/Dfr isoform acts in synergy with the transcription factor Molting defective (Mld) to increase the expression and biosynthesis of the steroid hormone ecdysone, thereby advancing pupariation. Consequently, late-stage larval development was prolonged and metamorphosis delayed in vvl/dfr readthrough mutants. Conclusions We demonstrate that translational recoding of a POU/Oct transcription factor takes place in a highly tissue-specific and temporally controlled manner. This dynamic and regulated recoding is necessary for normal expression of a large number of genes involved in many cellular and developmental processes. Loss of Vvl/Dfr translational readthrough negatively affects steroid hormone biosynthesis and delays larval development and progression into metamorphosis. Thus, this study demonstrates how SCR of a transcription factor can act as a developmental switch in a spatiotemporal manner, feeding into the timing of developmental transitions between different life-cycle stages. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01106-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpo Zhao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.,Present address: Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, SE, Sweden
| | - Bo Gustav Lindberg
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shiva Seyedoleslami Esfahani
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiongzhuo Tang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.,Present address: Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
| | - Stefano Piazza
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.,Present address: Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, via E Mach 1, 38010, San Michele a/Adige, Italy
| | - Ylva Engström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Krautz R, Khalili D, Theopold U. Tissue-autonomous immune response regulates stress signaling during hypertrophy. eLife 2020; 9:64919. [PMID: 33377870 PMCID: PMC7880693 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmitotic tissues are incapable of replacing damaged cells through proliferation, but need to rely on buffering mechanisms to prevent tissue disintegration. By constitutively activating the Ras/MAPK-pathway via RasV12-overexpression in the postmitotic salivary glands (SGs) of Drosophila larvae, we overrode the glands adaptability to growth signals and induced hypertrophy. The accompanied loss of tissue integrity, recognition by cellular immunity, and cell death are all buffered by blocking stress signaling through a genuine tissue-autonomous immune response. This novel, spatio-temporally tightly regulated mechanism relies on the inhibition of a feedback-loop in the JNK-pathway by the immune effector and antimicrobial peptide Drosomycin. While this interaction might allow growing SGs to cope with temporary stress, continuous Drosomycin expression in RasV12-glands favors unrestricted hypertrophy. These findings indicate the necessity to refine therapeutic approaches that stimulate immune responses by acknowledging their possible, detrimental effects in damaged or stressed tissues. Tissues and organs work hard to maintain balance in everything from taking up nutrients to controlling their growth. Ageing, wounding, sickness, and changes in the genetic code can all alter this balance, and cause the tissue or organ to lose some of its cells. Many tissues restore this loss by dividing their remaining cells to fill in the gaps. But some – like the salivary glands of fruit fly larvae – have lost this ability. Tissues like these rely on being able to sense and counteract problems as they arise so as to not lose their balance in the first place. The immune system and stress responses are crucial for this process. They trigger steps to correct the problem and interact with each other to find a common decision about the fate of the affected tissue. To better understand how the immune system and stress response work together, Krautz, Khalili and Theopold genetically manipulated cells in the salivary gland of fruit fly larvae. These modifications switched on signals that stimulate cells to keep growing, causing the salivary gland’s tissue to slowly lose its balance and trigger the stress and immune response. The experiments showed that while the stress response instructed the cells in the gland to die, a peptide released by the immune system called Drosomycin blocked this response and prevented the tissue from collapsing. The cells in the part of the gland not producing this immune peptide were consequently killed by the stress response. When all the cells in the salivary gland were forced to produce Drosomycin, none of the cells died and the whole tissue survived. But it also allowed the cells in the gland to grow uncontrollably, like a tumor, threatening the health of the entire organism. Mapping the interactions between immune and stress pathways could help to fine-tune treatments that can prevent tissue damage. Fruit flies share many genetic features and molecular pathways with humans. So, the next step towards these kinds of treatments would be to screen for similar mechanisms that block stress activation in damaged human tissues. But this research carries a warning: careless activation of the immune system to protect stressed tissues could lead to uncontrolled tissue growth, and might cause more harm than good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Krautz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dilan Khalili
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrich Theopold
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Shen G, Chen E, Ji X, Liu L, Liu J, Hua X, Li D, Xiao Y, Xia Q. The POU Transcription Factor POU-M2 Regulates Vitellogenin Receptor Gene Expression in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E394. [PMID: 32268540 PMCID: PMC7230888 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenin receptors (VgRs) play critical roles in egg formation by transporting vitellogenin (Vg) into oocytes in insects. Although the function of VgR in insects is well studied, the transcriptional regulation of this gene is still unclear. Here, we cloned the promoter of the VgR gene from Bombyx mori (BmVgR), and predicted many POU cis-response elements (CREs) in its promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that the POU transcription factor POU-M2 bound directly to the CREs of the promoter. Overexpression of POU-M2 in an ovarian cell line (BmNs) enhanced BmVgR transcription and promoter activity detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and luciferase reporter assays. Analyses of expression patterns indicated that POU-M2 was expressed in ovary at day two of wandering stage initially, followed by BmVgR. RNA interference of POU-M2 significantly reduced the transcription of BmVgR in ovary and egg-laying rate. Our results suggest a novel function for the POU factor in silkworm oogenesis by its involvement in BmVgR regulation and expands the understanding of POU factors in insect VgR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanwang Shen
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Enxiang Chen
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaocun Ji
- Research Center of Bioenergy & Bioremediation, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
| | - Lina Liu
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jianqiu Liu
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Dan Li
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yingdan Xiao
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (G.S.); (E.C.); (L.L.); (J.L.); (X.H.); (D.L.); (Y.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
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Sarwar PF, McDonald IR, Wang VR, Suzuki Y. The POU factor Ventral veins lacking regulates ecdysone and juvenile hormone biosynthesis during development and reproduction of the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. Dev Biol 2020; 459:181-193. [PMID: 31812605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated endocrine roles for the POU domain transcription factor Ventral veins lacking (Vvl) during larval development of holometabolous insects - insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. In this study, the role of Vvl was examined in the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, a hemimetabolous insect. In the embryos, vvl was found to be expressed in the presumptive prothoracic glands. When vvl expression was knocked down using RNA interference (RNAi), embryos arrested their development after dorsal closure. Vvl double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-injected nymphs failed to molt and had reduced expression of the ecdysone response gene, hormone receptor 3 (HR3), the ecdysone biosynthesis genes, disembodied and spook, and the juvenile hormone (JH) response gene, Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1). Injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone rescued the molting phenotype and HR3 expression in vvl knockdown nymphs. In adults, vvl RNAi inhibited egg laying and suppressed the expression of Kr-h1 and vitellogenin in the fat body. Application of JH III or methoprene restored oviposition in vvl knockdown adults, indicating that Vvl regulates JH biosynthesis during reproduction. Thus, Vvl functions as a critical regulator of hormone biosynthesis throughout all developmental stages of O. fasciatus. Our study demonstrates that Vvl is a critical transcription factor involved in JH and ecdysteroid biosynthesis in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects.
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Belmonte RL, Corbally MK, Duneau DF, Regan JC. Sexual Dimorphisms in Innate Immunity and Responses to Infection in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3075. [PMID: 32076419 PMCID: PMC7006818 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexes show profound differences in responses to infection and the development of autoimmunity. Dimorphisms in immune responses are ubiquitous across taxa, from arthropods to vertebrates. Drosophila melanogaster shows strong sex dimorphisms in immune system responses at baseline, upon pathogenic challenge, and over aging. We have performed an exhaustive survey of peer-reviewed literature on Drosophila immunity, and present a database of publications indicating the sex(es) analyzed in each study. While we found a growing interest in the community in adult immunity and in reporting both sexes, the main body of work in this field uses only one sex, or does not stratify by sex. We synthesize evidence for sexually dimorphic responses to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Dimorphisms may be mediated by distinct immune compartments, and we review work on sex differences in behavioral, epithelial, cellular, and systemic (fat body-mediated) immunity. Emerging work on sexually dimorphic aging of immune tissues, immune senescence, and inflammation are examined. We consider evolutionary drivers for sex differences in immune investment, highlight the features of Drosophila biology that make it particularly amenable to studies of immune dimorphisms, and discuss areas for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Belmonte
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mary-Kate Corbally
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David F. Duneau
- Laboratoire Evolution & Diversite Biologique, UMR5174 EDB, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jennifer C. Regan
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Lovato CV, Lovato TL, Cripps RM. Crossveinless is a direct transcriptional target of Trachealess and Tango in Drosophila tracheal precursor cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217906. [PMID: 31158257 PMCID: PMC6546244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the transcriptional pathways controlling tissue-specific gene expression is critical to unraveling the complex regulatory networks that underlie developmental mechanisms. Here, we assessed how the Drosophila crossveinless (cv) gene, that encodes a BMP-binding factor, is transcriptionally regulated in the developing embryonic tracheal system. We identify an upstream regulatory region of cv that promotes reporter gene expression in the tracheal precursors. We further demonstrate that this promoter region is directly responsive to the basic, helix-loop-helix-PAS domain factors Trachealess (Trh) and Tango (Tgo), that function to specify tracheal fate. Moreover, cv expression in embryos is lost in trh mutants, and the integrity of the Trh/Tgo binding sites are required for promoter-lacZ expression. These findings for the first time elucidate the transcriptional regulation of one member of a family of BMP binding proteins, that have diverse functions in animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice V. Lovato
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - TyAnna L. Lovato
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Richard M. Cripps
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Tang X, Engström Y. Regulation of immune and tissue homeostasis by Drosophila POU factors. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 109:24-30. [PMID: 30954681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune system of insects deploys both cellular and humoral reactions in immunocompetent tissues for protection of insects against a variety of infections, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Transcriptional regulation of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cytokines, and other immune effectors plays a pivotal role in maintenance of immune homeostasis both prior to and after infections. The POU/Oct transcription factor family is a subclass of the homeodomain proteins present in all metazoans. POU factors are involved in regulation of development, metabolism and immunity. Their role in regulation of immune functions has recently become evident, and involves control of tissue-specific, constitutive expression of immune effectors in barrier epithelia as well as positive and negative control of immune responses in gut and fat body. In addition, they have been shown to affect the composition of gut microbiota and play a role in regulation of intestinal stem cell activities. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of how POU transcription factors control Drosophila immune homeostasis in healthy and infected insects. The role of POU factor isoform specific regulation of stem cell activities in Drosophila and mammals is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongzhuo Tang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Engström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Sharrock J, Estacio-Gomez A, Jacobson J, Kierdorf K, Southall TD, Dionne MS. fs(1)h controls metabolic and immune function and enhances survival via AKT and FOXO in Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.037259. [PMID: 30910908 PMCID: PMC6505478 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.037259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila fat body is the primary organ of energy storage as well as being responsible for the humoral response to infection. Its physiological function is of critical importance to the survival of the organism; however, many molecular regulators of its function remain ill-defined. Here, we show that the Drosophila melanogaster bromodomain-containing protein FS(1)H is required in the fat body for normal lifespan as well as metabolic and immune homeostasis. Flies lacking fat body fs(1)h exhibit short lifespan, increased expression of immune target genes, an inability to metabolize triglyceride, and low basal AKT activity, mostly resulting from systemic defects in insulin signalling. Removal of a single copy of the AKT-responsive transcription factor foxo normalises lifespan, metabolic function, uninduced immune gene expression and AKT activity. We suggest that the promotion of systemic insulin signalling activity is a key in vivo function of fat body fs(1)h. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The bromodomain-containing protein FS(1)H is required in the Drosophila fat body for normal lifespan and metabolic and immune function, largely via the insulin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sharrock
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Jake Jacobson
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Tony D Southall
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Marc S Dionne
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK .,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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13
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Wang JD, Wang WZ, Wang YR, Gao SJ, Elzaki M, Wang R, Wang R, Wu M. Response of detoxification and immune genes and of transcriptome expression in Mythimna separata following chlorantraniliprole exposure. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2018; 28:90-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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14
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Guo Z, Qin J, Zhou X, Zhang Y. Insect Transcription Factors: A Landscape of Their Structures and Biological Functions in Drosophila and beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113691. [PMID: 30469390 PMCID: PMC6274879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play essential roles in the transcriptional regulation of functional genes, and are involved in diverse physiological processes in living organisms. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, a simple and easily manipulated organismal model, has been extensively applied to study the biological functions of TFs and their related transcriptional regulation mechanisms. It is noteworthy that with the development of genetic tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and the next-generation genome sequencing techniques in recent years, identification and dissection the complex genetic regulatory networks of TFs have also made great progress in other insects beyond Drosophila. However, unfortunately, there is no comprehensive review that systematically summarizes the structures and biological functions of TFs in both model and non-model insects. Here, we spend extensive effort in collecting vast related studies, and attempt to provide an impartial overview of the progress of the structure and biological functions of current documented TFs in insects, as well as the classical and emerging research methods for studying their regulatory functions. Consequently, considering the importance of versatile TFs in orchestrating diverse insect physiological processes, this review will assist a growing number of entomologists to interrogate this understudied field, and to propel the progress of their contributions to pest control and even human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojiang Guo
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jianying Qin
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
- Longping Branch, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha 410125, China.
| | - Xiaomao Zhou
- Longping Branch, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha 410125, China.
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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15
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Polanowska J, Chen JX, Soulé J, Omi S, Belougne J, Taffoni C, Pujol N, Selbach M, Zugasti O, Ewbank JJ. Evolutionary plasticity in the innate immune function of Akirin. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007494. [PMID: 30036395 PMCID: PMC6072134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic gene expression requires the coordinated action of transcription factors, chromatin remodelling complexes and RNA polymerase. The conserved nuclear protein Akirin plays a central role in immune gene expression in insects and mammals, linking the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodelling complex with the transcription factor NFκB. Although nematodes lack NFκB, Akirin is also indispensable for the expression of defence genes in the epidermis of Caenorhabditis elegans following natural fungal infection. Through a combination of reverse genetics and biochemistry, we discovered that in C. elegans Akirin has conserved its role of bridging chromatin-remodellers and transcription factors, but that the identity of its functional partners is different since it forms a physical complex with NuRD proteins and the POU-class transcription factor CEH-18. In addition to providing a substantial step forward in our understanding of innate immune gene regulation in C. elegans, our results give insight into the molecular evolution of lineage-specific signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jia-Xuan Chen
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julien Soulé
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Shizue Omi
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | | | - Clara Taffoni
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Matthias Selbach
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Zhao Q, Ma D, Huang Y, He W, Li Y, Vasseur L, You M. Genome-wide investigation of transcription factors provides insights into transcriptional regulation in Plutella xylostella. Mol Genet Genomics 2017; 293:435-449. [PMID: 29147778 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-017-1389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs), which play a vital role in regulating gene expression, are prevalent in all organisms and characterization of them may provide important clues for understanding regulation in vivo. The present study reports a genome-wide investigation of TFs in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide pest of crucifers. A total of 940 TFs distributed among 133 families were identified. Phylogenetic analysis of insect species showed that some of these families were found to have expanded during the evolution of P. xylostella or Lepidoptera. RNA-seq analysis showed that some of the TF families, such as zinc fingers, homeobox, bZIP, bHLH, and MADF_DNA_bdg genes, were highly expressed in certain tissues including midgut, salivary glands, fat body, and hemocytes, with an obvious sex-biased expression pattern. In addition, a number of TFs showed significant differences in expression between insecticide susceptible and resistant strains, suggesting that these TFs play a role in regulating genes related to insecticide resistance. Finally, we identified an expansion of the HOX cluster in Lepidoptera, which might be related to Lepidoptera-specific evolution. Knockout of this cluster using CRISPR/Cas9 showed that the egg cannot hatch, indicating that this cluster may be related to egg development and maturation. This is the first comprehensive study on identifying and characterizing TFs in P. xylostella. Our results suggest that some TF families are expanded in the P. xylostella genome, and these TFs may have important biological roles in growth, development, sexual dimorphism, and resistance to insecticides. The present work provides a solid foundation for understanding regulation via TFs in P. xylostella and insights into the evolution of the P. xylostella genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongna Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuping Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyi He
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiying Li
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China. .,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China. .,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Yao L, Wang S, Westholm JO, Dai Q, Matsuda R, Hosono C, Bray S, Lai EC, Samakovlis C. Genome-wide identification of Grainy head targets in Drosophila reveals regulatory interactions with the POU domain transcription factor Vvl. Development 2017; 144:3145-3155. [PMID: 28760809 DOI: 10.1242/dev.143297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Grainy head (Grh) is a conserved transcription factor (TF) controlling epithelial differentiation and regeneration. To elucidate Grh functions we identified embryonic Grh targets by ChIP-seq and gene expression analysis. We show that Grh controls hundreds of target genes. Repression or activation correlates with the distance of Grh-binding sites to the transcription start sites of its targets. Analysis of 54 Grh-responsive enhancers during development and upon wounding suggests cooperation with distinct TFs in different contexts. In the airways, Grh-repressed genes encode key TFs involved in branching and cell differentiation. Reduction of the POU domain TF Ventral veins lacking (Vvl) largely ameliorates the airway morphogenesis defects of grh mutants. Vvl and Grh proteins additionally interact with each other and regulate a set of common enhancers during epithelial morphogenesis. We conclude that Grh and Vvl participate in a regulatory network controlling epithelial maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Yao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shenqiu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden.,Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jakub O Westholm
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 232, 171 21 Solna, Sweden
| | - Qi Dai
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ryo Matsuda
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chie Hosono
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah Bray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Eric C Lai
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christos Samakovlis
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden .,Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 232, 171 21 Solna, Sweden.,Molecular Pneumology, UGMLC, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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18
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Biochemical characterization and functional analysis of the POU transcription factor POU-M2 of Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 86:701-8. [PMID: 26854886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
POU-M2 is a homeodomain transcription factor which plays important roles in the development and silk synthesis of Bombyx mori. In this study, we expressed, purified and characterized POU-M2 and studied its transcription regulation on fibroin heavy chain gene of Bombyx mori. Gel filtration showed POU-M2 existed as a dimer in solution. Far-UV circular dichroism spectra indicated POU-M2 had a well-defined α-helix structure and the α-helix content was about 26.4%. The thermal unfolding transition of POU-M2 was a cooperative process. Tm, ΔH and ΔS were 45.15 ± 0.2 °C, 138.4 ± 0.5 KJ/mol and 0.4349 ± 0.04 KJ/(mol·K), respectively. Western blotting analysis indicated the expression level of POU-M2 increased slightly from day 3 to day 7 of the fifth instar larvae in the posterior silk gland. POU-M2 was positioned in the nucleus of cells. The luciferase reporter assay demonstrated POU-M2 could stimulate the promoter activity of fibroin heavy chain gene, and the activation effect was dependent on the amount of POU-M2. Our study suggested POU-M2 may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of fibroin heavy chain gene. These findings expand toward a better understanding of the structure of POU-M2 and its function in silk synthesis of Bombyx mori.
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19
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Stolt CC, Wegner M. Schwann cells and their transcriptional network: Evolution of key regulators of peripheral myelination. Brain Res 2015; 1641:101-110. [PMID: 26423937 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As derivatives of the neural crest, Schwann cells represent a vertebrate invention. Their development and differentiation is under control of a newly constructed, vertebrate-specific regulatory network that contains Sox10, Oct6 and Krox20 as cornerstones and central regulators of peripheral myelination. In this review, we discuss the function and relationship of these transcription factors among each other and in the context of their regulatory network, and present ideas of how neofunctionalization may have helped to recruit them to their novel task in Schwann cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Myelin Evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Claus Stolt
- Institut für Biochemie, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Wegner
- Institut für Biochemie, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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20
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Liao YY, Zuo YH, Tsai CL, Hsu CM, Chen ME. cDNA CLONING AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF THE CECROPIN AND ATTACIN FROM THE ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY, Bactrocera dorsalis (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 89:111-126. [PMID: 25781309 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We described the cDNA cloning of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cecropin (BdCec), and attacin C (BdAttC), from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a serious insect pest of fruit trees. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends, fragments encompassing the entire open reading frames of BdCec and BdAttC were cloned and sequenced. The complete 425 bp cDNA of BdCec encodes a protein of 64 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 6.84 kDa. The 931 bp cDNA of BdAttC encodes a protein of 239 residues with a predicted molecular weight of 24.97 kDa. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that the developmental transcription profiles of BdCec and BdAttC were similar in each larvae, pupae, and adults. The constitutive expression levels of both AMPs were high in the first-instar and late third-instar larvae, suggesting that their antimicrobial activity is active in the newly hatched larvae and just before pupation. The basal expression levels were not significant different in adult fat bodies. The expression of BdCec and BdAttC was upregulated after bacterial challenge in adult fat bodies. The ratio of inducible expression to constitutive expression was lower in males compared to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Yin Liao
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Zuo
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Lung Tsai
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Hsu
- Bachelor Program of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Er Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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21
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Danielsen ET, Moeller ME, Dorry E, Komura-Kawa T, Fujimoto Y, Troelsen JT, Herder R, O'Connor MB, Niwa R, Rewitz KF. Transcriptional control of steroid biosynthesis genes in the Drosophila prothoracic gland by ventral veins lacking and knirps. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004343. [PMID: 24945799 PMCID: PMC4063667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Specialized endocrine cells produce and release steroid hormones that govern development, metabolism and reproduction. In order to synthesize steroids, all the genes in the biosynthetic pathway must be coordinately turned on in steroidogenic cells. In Drosophila, the steroid producing endocrine cells are located in the prothoracic gland (PG) that releases the steroid hormone ecdysone. The transcriptional regulatory network that specifies the unique PG specific expression pattern of the ecdysone biosynthetic genes remains unknown. Here, we show that two transcription factors, the POU-domain Ventral veins lacking (Vvl) and the nuclear receptor Knirps (Kni), have essential roles in the PG during larval development. Vvl is highly expressed in the PG during embryogenesis and is enriched in the gland during larval development, suggesting that Vvl might function as a master transcriptional regulator in this tissue. Vvl and Kni bind to PG specific cis-regulatory elements that are required for expression of the ecdysone biosynthetic genes. Knock down of either vvl or kni in the PG results in a larval developmental arrest due to failure in ecdysone production. Furthermore, Vvl and Kni are also required for maintenance of TOR/S6K and prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) signaling in the PG, two major pathways that control ecdysone biosynthesis and PG cell growth. We also show that the transcriptional regulator, Molting defective (Mld), controls early biosynthetic pathway steps. Our data show that Vvl and Kni directly regulate ecdysone biosynthesis by transcriptional control of biosynthetic gene expression and indirectly by affecting PTTH and TOR/S6K signaling. This provides new insight into the regulatory network of transcription factors involved in the coordinated regulation of steroidogenic cell specific transcription, and identifies a new function of Vvl and Knirps in endocrine cells during post-embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morten E. Moeller
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elad Dorry
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tatsuya Komura-Kawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jesper T. Troelsen
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rachel Herder
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael B. O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- PRESTO, JST, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kim F. Rewitz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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22
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Aufauvre J, Misme-Aucouturier B, Viguès B, Texier C, Delbac F, Blot N. Transcriptome analyses of the honeybee response to Nosema ceranae and insecticides. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91686. [PMID: 24646894 PMCID: PMC3960157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are constantly exposed to a wide variety of environmental stressors such as parasites and pesticides. Among them, Nosema ceranae and neurotoxic insecticides might act in combination and lead to a higher honeybee mortality. We investigated the molecular response of honeybees exposed to N. ceranae, to insecticides (fipronil or imidacloprid), and to a combination of both stressors. Midgut transcriptional changes induced by these stressors were measured in two independent experiments combining a global RNA-Seq transcriptomic approach with the screening of the expression of selected genes by quantitative RT-PCR. Although N. ceranae-insecticide combinations induced a significant increase in honeybee mortality, we observed that they did not lead to a synergistic effect. According to gene expression profiles, chronic exposure to insecticides had no significant impact on detoxifying genes but repressed the expression of immunity-related genes. Honeybees treated with N. ceranae, alone or in combination with an insecticide, showed a strong alteration of midgut immunity together with modifications affecting cuticle coatings and trehalose metabolism. An increasing impact of treatments on gene expression profiles with time was identified suggesting an absence of stress recovery which could be linked to the higher mortality rates observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Aufauvre
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | - Barbara Misme-Aucouturier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | - Bernard Viguès
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | - Catherine Texier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
| | - Nicolas Blot
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubière, France
- * E-mail:
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23
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Zuo YH, Chen ME. Differential gene expression in male and female fat body in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 85:48-59. [PMID: 24338783 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The sexual difference in gene expression in fat body between 8- and 10-day-old male and female Bactrocera dorsalis was examined using suppression subtractive hybridization. A total of 952 clones were sequenced and searched using BLAST from the subtracted cDNA library. About 22% of these clones showed homology with detoxification enzymes including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) and glutathione S-transferase. NADH dehydrogenases, distributed to energy metabolism, constituted about 9% of these clones. About 10% of these clones were cecropin, an antimicrobial peptide. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed that four transcripts were expressed at a higher level in fat body of males, compared to females. Bactrocera dorsalis cyp6g2 (Bdcyp6g2) was cloned (accession number KF469179) and the temporal profile of transcriptional expression showed that Bdcyp6g2 mRNA increased with age in males from day 3 after eclosion, but only on days 0-3 in females. Compared to females, the susceptibility of 9-day-old males to three insecticides was significantly less. These results suggested the genes expressed at a higher level in male act in its survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Zuo
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Kleino A, Silverman N. The Drosophila IMD pathway in the activation of the humoral immune response. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 42:25-35. [PMID: 23721820 PMCID: PMC3808521 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The IMD pathway signaling plays a pivotal role in the Drosophila defense against bacteria. During the last two decades, significant progress has been made in identifying the components and deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathway, including the means of bacterial sensing and signal transduction. While these findings have contributed to the understanding of the immune signaling in insects, they have also provided new insights in studying the mammalian NF-κB signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the current view of the IMD pathway focusing on how it regulates the humoral immune response of Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Kleino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Dantoft W, Davis MM, Lindvall JM, Tang X, Uvell H, Junell A, Beskow A, Engström Y. The Oct1 homolog Nubbin is a repressor of NF-κB-dependent immune gene expression that increases the tolerance to gut microbiota. BMC Biol 2013; 11:99. [PMID: 24010524 PMCID: PMC3849502 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Innate immune responses are evolutionarily conserved processes that provide crucial protection against invading organisms. Gene activation by potent NF-κB transcription factors is essential both in mammals and Drosophila during infection and stress challenges. If not strictly controlled, this potent defense system can activate autoimmune and inflammatory stress reactions, with deleterious consequences for the organism. Negative regulation to prevent gene activation in healthy organisms, in the presence of the commensal gut flora, is however not well understood. Results We show that the Drosophila homolog of mammalian Oct1/POU2F1 transcription factor, called Nubbin (Nub), is a repressor of NF-κB/Relish-driven antimicrobial peptide gene expression in flies. In nub1 mutants, which lack Nub-PD protein, excessive expression of antimicrobial peptide genes occurs in the absence of infection, leading to a significant reduction of the numbers of cultivatable gut commensal bacteria. This aberrant immune gene expression was effectively blocked by expression of Nub from a transgene. We have identified an upstream regulatory region, containing a cluster of octamer sites, which is required for repression of antimicrobial peptide gene expression in healthy flies. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that Nub binds to octamer-containing promoter fragments of several immune genes. Gene expression profiling revealed that Drosophila Nub negatively regulates many genes that are involved in immune and stress responses, while it is a positive regulator of genes involved in differentiation and metabolism. Conclusions This study demonstrates that a large number of genes that are activated by NF-κB/Relish in response to infection are normally repressed by the evolutionarily conserved Oct/POU transcription factor Nub. This prevents uncontrolled gene activation and supports the existence of a normal gut flora. We suggest that Nub protein plays an ancient role, shared with mammalian Oct/POU transcription factors, to moderate responses to immune challenge, thereby increasing the tolerance to biotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widad Dantoft
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kounatidis I, Ligoxygakis P. Drosophila as a model system to unravel the layers of innate immunity to infection. Open Biol 2013; 2:120075. [PMID: 22724070 PMCID: PMC3376734 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.120075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity relies entirely upon germ-line encoded receptors, signalling components and effector molecules for the recognition and elimination of invading pathogens. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster with its powerful collection of genetic and genomic tools has been the model of choice to develop ideas about innate immunity and host–pathogen interactions. Here, we review current research in the field, encompassing all layers of defence from the role of the microbiota to systemic immune activation, and attempt to speculate on future directions and open questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Kounatidis
- Laboratory of Genes and Development, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
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The complementary facets of epithelial host defenses in the genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster: from resistance to resilience. Curr Opin Immunol 2013; 25:59-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2012.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Inhibition of the binding of MSG-intermolt-specific complex, MIC, to the sericin-1 gene promoter and sericin-1 gene expression by POU-M1/SGF-3. Dev Genes Evol 2012; 222:351-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00427-012-0418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Davis MM, Engström Y. Immune response in the barrier epithelia: lessons from the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. J Innate Immun 2012; 4:273-83. [PMID: 22237424 DOI: 10.1159/000332947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The barrier epithelia of multicellular organisms frequently come into direct contact with microorganisms and thus need to fulfill the important task of preventing the penetration of pathogens that could cause systemic infections. A functional immune defence in the epithelial linings of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive organs as well as the epidermis/skin of animals is therefore of crucial importance for survival. Epithelial defence reactions are likely to be evolutionarily ancient, and the use of invertebrate animal models, such as insects and nematodes, has been crucial in unravelling the mechanisms underlying epithelial immunity. This review addresses basic questions of epithelial immunity in animals and humans. It focuses on recent developments in the understanding of the immune responses in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and how the innate immune system acts locally in the epidermis and cuticle, tracheae, gut and genital organs. Both basal immune activities in epithelia that are constantly exposed to microbes as well as positive and negative regulation in response to pathogenic organisms are covered. Important immuno-physiological aspects of epithelial defence mechanisms are also discussed, such as wound healing, re-epithelialization and intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Davis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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