1
|
Palma L, Ruiz de Escudero I, Mañeru-Oria F, Berry C, Caballero P. UV protection and insecticidal activity of microencapsulated Vip3Ag4 protein in Bacillus megaterium. Toxicon 2024; 247:107807. [PMID: 38897358 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107807] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
In this study, secretable Vip3Ag4 protein was encapsulated in Bacillus megaterium and used for quantitative bioassays, in order to determine the UV photoprotective capacity of the cell, for preventing inactivation of the insecticidal activity of the protein. The non-encapsulated and purified protein was exposed to the UV light showing a LC50 of 518 ng/cm2 against Spodoptera littoralis larvae, whereas the exposed encapsulated protein exhibited 479 ng/cm2. In addition to the capability to accumulate Vip3 proteins for the development of novel insecticidal formulates, the B. megaterium cell has demonstrated to provide moderate protection against the deleterious action of UV light.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leopoldo Palma
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Departamento de Genética, Universitat de València, 46100, Burjassot, Spain.
| | - Iñigo Ruiz de Escudero
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology-IMAB, Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Francisco Mañeru-Oria
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology-IMAB, Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Colin Berry
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Primitivo Caballero
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology-IMAB, Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006, Pamplona, Spain; Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo, Bioinsectis SL, Plaza Cein 5, Nave A14, 31110, Noáin, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pomari E, Orza P, Bernardi M, Fracchetti F, Campedelli I, De Marta P, Recchia A, Paradies P, Buonfrate D. A Pilot Study for the Characterization of Bacillus spp. and Analysis of Possible B. thuringiensis/ Strongyloides stercoralis Correlation. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1603. [PMID: 39203445 PMCID: PMC11356623 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12081603] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentiating between Bacillus species is relevant in human medicine. Bacillus thuringiensis toxins might be effective against Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode causing relevant human morbidity. Our first objective was to evaluate genomic and MALDI-TOF identification methods for B. thuringiensis. Our secondary objective was to evaluate a possible negative selection pressure of B. thuringiensis against S. stercoralis. PCR and Sanger were compared to MALDI-TOF on a collection of 44 B. cereus group strains. B. thuringiensis toxin genes were searched on 17 stool samples from S. stercoralis-infected and uninfected dogs. Metagenomic 16S rRNA was used for microbiome composition. The inter-rate agreement between PCR, Sanger, and MALDI-TOF was 0.631 k (p-value = 6.4 × 10-10). B. thuringiensis toxins were not found in dogs' stool. Bacteroidota and Bacillota were the major phyla in the dogs' microbiome (both represented >20% of the total bacterial community). Prevotella was underrepresented in all Strongyloides-positive dogs. However, the general composition of bacterial communities was not significantly linked with S. stercoralis infection. The genomic methods allowed accurate differentiation between B. thuringiensis and B. cereus. There was no association between B. thuringiensis and S. stercoralis infection, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding. We provide the first descriptive results about bacterial fecal composition in dogs with S. stercoralis infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pomari
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Pierantonio Orza
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Milena Bernardi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Fabio Fracchetti
- Microbion srl, San Giovanni Lupatoto, 37057 Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (I.C.); (P.D.M.)
| | - Ilenia Campedelli
- Microbion srl, San Giovanni Lupatoto, 37057 Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (I.C.); (P.D.M.)
| | - Patrick De Marta
- Microbion srl, San Giovanni Lupatoto, 37057 Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (I.C.); (P.D.M.)
| | - Alessandra Recchia
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Veterinary Section, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Paradies
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Veterinary Section, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kolbenschlag S, Pietz S, Röder N, Schwenk K, Bundschuh M. Phenotypic adaptation of Chironomus riparius to chronic Bti exposure: effects on emergence time and nutrient content. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 273:107013. [PMID: 38996481 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107013] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Insects with aquatic larval and terrestrial adult life stages are a key component of coupled aquatic-terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, stressors applied to water bodies adversely affecting those larvae have the potential to influence the riparian zone through altered emergence, with differences in prey availability, timing, or nutrition. In this study, the common model organism Chironomus riparius, a species of Chironomidae (Diptera), was used. This selection was further motivated by its wide distribution in European freshwaters and its importance as prey for terrestrial predators. A stressor of high importance in this context is the globally used mosquito control agent Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) which has been shown to affect Chironomidae. Here, we investigated the ability of chironomid populations to adapt to a regularly applied stressor, leading to a reduced impact of Bti. Therefore, the initial sensitivity of laboratory populations of C. riparius was investigated under the influence of field-relevant Bti treatments (three doses × two application days) and different food sources (high-quality TetraMin vs. low-quality Spirulina). Following a chronic exposure to Bti over six months, the sensitivity of pre-exposed and naïve populations was re-evaluated. Food quality had a strong impact on emergence timing and nutrient content. In addition, alterations in emergence time as well as protein and lipid contents of chronically exposed populations indicated a selection for individuals of advantageous energetics, potentially leading to a more efficient development while combating Bti. Signs of adaptation could be confirmed in five out of 36 tested scenarios suggesting adaptation to Bti at the population level. Adaptive responses of one or several species could theoretically (via eco-evolutionary dynamics) result in a community shift, favouring the prevalence of Bti-tolerant species. (In)direct effects of Bti and the adaptive responses at both population and community levels could affect higher trophic levels and may determine the fate of meta-ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kolbenschlag
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstr. 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Sebastian Pietz
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstr. 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Nina Röder
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstr. 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Klaus Schwenk
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstr. 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstr. 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, SWE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Song C, Yang X, He L, Wang W, Wu K. Control Efficacy of the Bt Maize Event DBN3601T Expressing Cry1Ab and Vip3Aa Proteins against Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), in China. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1933. [PMID: 39065460 PMCID: PMC11281214 DOI: 10.3390/plants13141933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), is a major pest of maize, cotton, soybean, and many other crops globally. Despite the widespread deployment of Bt transgenic maize for pest control worldwide, the efficacy of Bt lepidopteran-resistant transgenic maize in managing S. exigua remains rarely studied. In this study, we quantified the expression level of pyramided Cry1Ab and Vip3Aa toxins in Bt maize (event DBN3601T) and evaluated their control efficiency against S. exigua under both laboratory and field conditions. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that the expression levels of Cry1Ab and Vip3Aa proteins in DBN3601T maize tissues followed a decreasing order as follows: V5-leaf > V8-leaf > VT-tassel > R2-kernel > R1-silk. Diet-overlay assay results showed that the LC50 values of Cry1Ab and Vip3Aa proteins against S. exigua larvae were 11.66 ng/cm2 and 27.74 ng/cm2, respectively, with corresponding GIC50 values at 1.59 ng/cm2 and 7.93 ng/cm2. Bioassay using various tissues of the DBN3601T maize indicated that after 7 days of infestation, mortality rates of neonates and third-instar larvae ranged from 86% to 100% and 58% to 100%, respectively. Mortality was highest on V5 and V8 leaves, followed by R2-kernel, VT-tassel, and R1-silk. Field trials demonstrated that DBN3601T maize exhibited significantly lower larval density, damage rate, and leaf damage score compared to non-Bt maize. Field cage trial showed that the control efficacy of DBN3601T maize at the vegetative stage could reach 98%. These findings provide a theoretical basis for utilizing Bt transgenic maize to enhance the sustainable management of S. exigua in Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Xianming Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Limei He
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610299, China;
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Y.); (W.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou Y, Zhang W, Wan Y, Jin W, Zhang Y, Li Y, Chen B, Jiang M, Fang X. Mosquitocidal toxin-like islands in Bacillus thuringiensis S2160-1 revealed by complete-genome sequence and MS proteomic analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15216. [PMID: 38956138 PMCID: PMC11219804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66048-3] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we present the whole genome sequence of Bt S2160-1, a potential alternative to the mosquitocidal model strain, Bti. One chromosome genome and four mega-plasmids were contained in Bt S2160-1, and 13 predicted genes encoding predicted insecticidal crystal proteins were identified clustered on one plasmid pS2160-1p2 containing two pathogenic islands (PAIs) designed as PAI-1 (Cry54Ba, Cry30Ea4, Cry69Aa-like, Cry50Ba2-like, Cry4Ca1-like, Cry30Ga2, Cry71Aa-like, Cry72Aa-like, Cry70Aa-like, Cyt1Da2-like and Vpb4C1-like) and PAI-2 (Cyt1Aa-like, and Tpp80Aa1-like). The clusters appear to represent mosquitocidal toxin islands similar to pathogenicity islands. Transcription/translation of 10 of the 13 predicted genes was confirmed by whole-proteome analysis using LTQ-Orbitrap LC-MS/MS. In summary, the present study identified the existence of a mosquitocidal toxin island in Bacillus thuringiensis, and provides important genomic information for understanding the insecticidal mechanism of B. thuringiensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, 530006, China
| | - Wenfei Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, Hainan, China
| | - Yusong Wan
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Wujun Jin
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Youzhi Li
- Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingguo Jiang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, 530006, China
| | - Xuanjun Fang
- Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China.
- Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Y, Wang M, Zhang Y, Chen F, Sun M, Li S, Zhang J, Zhang F. Resistance to both aphids and nematodes in tobacco plants expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3098-3106. [PMID: 38319036 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its crystal toxin or δ-endotoxins (Cry) offer great potential for the efficient control of crop pests. A vast number of pests can potentially infect the same host plant, either simultaneously or sequentially. However, no effective Bt-Cry protein has been reported to control both aphids and plant parasitic nematodes due to its highly specific activity. RESULTS Our study indicated that the Cry5Ba2 protein was toxic to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, which had a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 9.7 ng μL-1 and fiducial limits of 3.1-34.6 ng μL-1. Immunohistochemical localization of Cry5Ba2 revealed that it could bind to the apical tip of microvilli in midgut regions. Moreover, transgenic tobacco plants expressing Cry5Ba2 exhibited significant resistance to Myzus persicae, as evidenced by reduced insect survival and impaired fecundity, and also intoxicated the Meloidogyne incognita as indicated by a decrease in galls and progeny reproduction. CONCLUSION In sum, we identified a new aphicidal Bt toxin resource that could simultaneously control both aboveground and belowground pests, thus extending the application range of Bt-based strategy for crop protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei Hongshan laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - MengNan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei Hongshan laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei Hongshan laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei Hongshan laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei Hongshan laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fengjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Hubei Hongshan laboratory, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tomar P, Thakur N, Jhamta S, Chowdhury S, Kapoor M, Singh S, Shreaz S, Rustagi S, Rai PK, Rai AK, Yadav AN. Bacterial biopesticides: Biodiversity, role in pest management and beneficial impact on agricultural and environmental sustainability. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31550. [PMID: 38828310 PMCID: PMC11140719 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Agro-environmental sustainability is based upon the adoption of efficient resources in agro-practices that have a nominal impact on the ecosystem. Insect pests are responsible for causing severe impacts on crop productivity. Wide ranges of agro-chemicals have been employed over the last 50 years to overcome crop yield losses due to insect pests. But better knowledge about the hazards due to chemical pesticides and other pest resistance and resurgence issues necessitates an alternative for pest control. The applications of biological pesticides offer a best alternate that is safe, cost-effective, easy to adoption and successful against various insect pests and pathogens. Like other organisms, insects can get a wide range of diseases from various microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and nematodes. In order to create agricultural pest management practices that are environmentally beneficial, bacterial entomopathogens are being thoroughly studied. Utilization of bacterial biopesticides has been adopted for the protection of agricultural products. The different types of toxin complexes released by various microorganisms and their mechanisms of action are recapitulated. The present review described the diversity and biocontrol prospective of certain bacteria and summarised the potential of bacterial biopesticides for the management of agricultural pests, insects, and other phytopathogenic microorganisms in agricultural practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preety Tomar
- Department of Zoology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neelam Thakur
- Department of Zoology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Samiksha Jhamta
- Department of Zoology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sohini Chowdhury
- Chitkara Center for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Monit Kapoor
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Sangram Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sheikh Shreaz
- Desert Agriculture and Ecosystems Program, Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, PO Box 24885, 13109, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- Department of Food Technology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Invertis University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Rai
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajar Nath Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tavares CS, Mishra R, Kishk A, Wang X, Ghobrial PN, Killiny N, Bonning BC. The beta pore-forming bacterial pesticidal protein Tpp78Aa1 is toxic to the Asian citrus psyllid vector of the citrus greening bacterium. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108122. [PMID: 38710321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108122] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri transmits the causative agent of huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, that has decimated global citrus production. Pesticidal proteins derived from bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can provide effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for management of D. citri, but few with sufficient toxicity to D. citri have been identified. Here, we report on the toxicity of 14 Bt-derived pesticidal proteins from five different structural groups against D. citri. These proteins were selected based on previously reported toxicity to other hemipteran species and on pesticidal protein availability. Most of the proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified from inclusion bodies or His-tag affinity purification, while App6Aa2 was expressed in Bt and purified from spore/crystal mixtures. Pesticidal proteins were initially screened by feeding psyllids on a single dose, and lethal concentration (LC50) then determined for proteins with significantly greater mortality than the buffer control. The impact of CLas infection of D. citri on toxicity was assessed for selected proteins via topical feeding. The Bt protein Tpp78Aa1 was toxic to D. citri adults with an LC50 of approximately 204 µg/mL. Nymphs were more susceptible to Tpp78Aa1 than adults but no significant difference in susceptibility was observed between healthy and CLas-infected nymphs or adults. Tpp78Aa1 and other reported D. citri-active proteins may provide valuable tools for suppression of D. citri populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clebson S Tavares
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Ruchir Mishra
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abdelaziz Kishk
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA; Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University 31527, Egypt
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Pierre N Ghobrial
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nabil Killiny
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University 31527, Egypt
| | - Bryony C Bonning
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Niu X, Jiang J, Sun Y, Hull JJ, Ma W, Hua H, Lin Y. Knockdown of MAPK p38-linked genes increases the susceptibility of Chilo suppressalis larvae to various transgenic Bt rice lines. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:130815. [PMID: 38537847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130815] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins have provided exceptional control of agricultural insect pests, however, over reliance on the proteins would potentially contribute to the development of field tolerance. Developing new sustainable insect pest control methods that target the mechanisms underlying Bt tolerance can potentially support the Bt control paradigm while also providing insights into basic insect physiology. The MAPK p38 pathway is strongly associated with Bt tolerance in Chilo suppressalis, a major pest of rice. To gain insights into how this pathway impacts tolerance, high-throughput screening of C. suppressalis larval midguts initially identified eight novel target genes. Increased larval sensitivity to the transgenic cry1Ca rice strain T1C-19 was observed following RNA interference-mediated knockdown of four of the genes, Cscnc, Csgcp, Cszfp26 and CsZMYM1. Similar enhanced sensitivity to the TT51 (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac) and T2A-1 (expressing Cry2Aa) transgenic rice lines occurred when Cszfp26 and CsZMYM1 were knocked down. All four target genes are downstream of the MAPK p38 pathway but do not participate in negative feedback loop of the pathway. These results implicate Cscnc, Csgcp, Cszfp and CsZMYM1 in the C. suppressalis transgenic cry1Ca rice tolerance mechanism regulated by MAPK p38. These findings further enhance our understanding of the MAPK p38-dependent molecular mechanisms underlying Bt tolerance in C. suppressalis and open new avenues of tolerance management to develop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xurong Niu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Jialiang Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Yajie Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - J Joe Hull
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Weihua Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Hongxia Hua
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| | - Yongjun Lin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
简 远, 王 菲, 尹 宁, 周 若, 王 军. [Developmental toxicity of Cry1Ab protein in the embryonic stem-cell model]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2024; 56:213-222. [PMID: 38595236 PMCID: PMC11004948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the developmental toxicity of Cry1Ab protein by studying its effects on cell proliferation and differentiation ability using a developmental toxicity assessment model based on embryonic stem-cell. METHODS Cry1Ab protein was tested in seven dose groups (31.25, 62.50, 125.00, 250.00, 320.00, 1 000.00, and 2 000.00 μg/L) on mouse embryonic stem cells D3 (ES-D3) and 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells, with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) used as the positive control and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) as the solvent control. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay to calculate the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the test substance for different cells. Additionally, Cry1Ab protein was tested in five dose groups (125.00, 250.00, 320.00, 1 000.00, and 2 000.00 μg/L) on ES-D3 cells, with PBS as the solvent control and 5-FU used for model validation. After cell treatment, cardiac differentiation was induced using the embryonic bodies (EBs) culture method. The growth of EBs was observed under a microscope, and their diameters on the third and fifth days were measured. The proportion of EBs differentiating into beating cardiomyocytes was recorded, and the 50% inhibition concentration of differentiation (ID50) was calculated. Based on a developmental toxicity discrimination function, the developmental toxicity of the test substances was classified. Furthermore, at the end of the culture period, mRNA expression levels of cardiac differentiation-related markers (Oct3/4, GATA-4, Nkx2.5, and β-MHC) were quantitatively detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in the collected EBs samples. RESULTS The IC50 of 5-FU was determined as 46.37 μg/L in 3T3 cells and 32.67 μg/L in ES-D3 cells, while the ID50 in ES-D3 cells was 21.28 μg/L. According to the discrimination function results, 5-FU was classified as a strong embryotoxic substance. There were no statistically significant differences in cell viability between different concentrations of Cry1Ab protein treatment groups and the control group in both 3T3 cells and ES-D3 cells (P>0.05). Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in the diameter of EBs on the third and fifth days, as well as their morphology, between the Cry1Ab protein treatment groups and the control group (P>0.05). The cardiac differentiation rate showed no statistically significant differences between different concentrations of Cry1Ab protein treatment groups and the control group (P>0.05). 5-FU significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of β-MHC, Nkx2.5, and GATA-4 (P < 0.05), showing a dose-dependent trend (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of the pluripotency-associated marker Oct3/4 exhibited an increasing trend (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the mRNA expression levels of mature cardiac marker β-MHC, early cardiac differentiation marker Nkx2.5 and GATA-4, and pluripotency-associated marker Oct3/4 between the Cry1Ab protein treatment groups and the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION No developmental toxicity of Cry1Ab protein at concentrations ranging from 31.25 to 2 000.00 μg/L was observed in this experimental model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 远志 简
- 北京大学公共卫生学院营养与食品卫生学系, 北京 100191Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 菲 王
- 北京大学公共卫生学院营养与食品卫生学系, 北京 100191Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 宁 尹
- 北京大学公共卫生学院营养与食品卫生学系, 北京 100191Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 若宇 周
- 北京大学公共卫生学院营养与食品卫生学系, 北京 100191Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 军波 王
- 北京大学公共卫生学院营养与食品卫生学系, 北京 100191Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- 食品安全毒理学研究与评价北京市重点实验室,北京 100191Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang X, Chen Y, Yan T, Wang H, Zhang R, Xu Y, Hou Y, Peng Q, Song F. Cell death dependent on holins LrgAB repressed by a novel ArsR family regulator CdsR. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:173. [PMID: 38605001 PMCID: PMC11009283 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01942-3] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The cell death and survival paradox in various biological processes requires clarification. While spore development causes maternal cell death in Bacillus species, the involvement of other cell death pathways in sporulation remains unknown. Here, we identified a novel ArsR family transcriptional regulator, CdsR, and found that the deletion of its encoding gene cdsR causes cell lysis and inhibits sporulation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an ArsR family transcriptional regulator governing cell death. We found that CdsR directly repressed lrgAB expression. Furthermore, lrgAB overexpression resulted in cell lysis without sporulation, akin to the cdsR mutant, suggesting that LrgAB, a holin-like protein, induces cell death in Bacillus spp. The lrgAB mutation increases abnormal cell numbers during spore development. In conclusion, we propose that a novel repressor is vital for inhibiting LrgAB-dependent cell lysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Tinglu Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hengjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Fuping Song
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang YX, Yang HJ, Zhang WJ, Zhao XH, Cui MY, Zhang JB, Zhang XX, Fan D. Antimicrobial peptide cecropin B functions in pathogen resistance of Mythimna separata. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 114:281-292. [PMID: 38602247 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485324000130] [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: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an omnivorous pest that poses a great threat to food security. Insect antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides that are important effector molecules of innate immunity. Here, we investigated the role of the AMP cecropin B in the growth, development, and immunity of M. separata. The gene encoding M. separata cecropin B (MscecropinB) was cloned. The expression of MscecropinB was determined in different developmental stages and tissues of M. separata. It was highest in the prepupal stage, followed by the pupal stage. Among larval stages, the highest expression was observed in the fourth instar. Tissue expression analysis of fourth instar larvae showed that MscecropinB was highly expressed in the fat body and haemolymph. An increase in population density led to upregulation of MscecropinB expression. MscecropinB expression was also upregulated by the infection of third and fourth instar M. separata with Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). RNA interference (RNAi) targeting MscecropinB inhibited the emergence rate and fecundity of M. separata, and resulted in an increased sensitivity to B. bassiana and Bt. The mortality of M. separata larvae was significantly higher in pathogen plus RNAi-treated M. separata than in controls treated with pathogens only. Our findings indicate that MscecropinB functions in the eclosion and fecundity of M. separata and plays an important role in resistance to infection by B. bassiana and Bt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiao Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Hong-Jia Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei-Jia Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Meng-Yao Cui
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jin-Bo Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin-Xin Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Dong Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jackson JJ, Heyer S, Bell G. Sortase-encoding genes, srtA and srtC, mediate Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF persistence in the Helicoverpa zea gastrointestinal tract. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1322303. [PMID: 38562482 PMCID: PMC10982312 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1322303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal and opportunistic pathogen in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of mammals and insects. To investigate mechanisms of bacterial persistence in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), we developed a non-destructive sampling model using Helicoverpa zea, a destructive agricultural pest, as host to study the role of bacterial sortase enzymes in mitigating persistence in the gastrointestinal tract. E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtA and E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtC, isogenic E. faecalis OG1RF sortase mutants grew similarly under planktonic growth conditions relative to a streptomycin-resistant E. faecalis OG1RFS WT in vitro but displayed impaired biofilm formation under, both, physiological and alkaline conditions. In the H. zea GI model, both mutants displayed impaired persistence relative to the WT. This represents one of the initial reports in which a non-destructive insect model has been used to characterize mechanisms of bacterial persistence in the Lepidopteran midgut and, furthermore, sheds light on new molecular mechanisms employed by diverse microorganisms to associate with invertebrate hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerreme J. Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Avisar D, Manoeli A, dos Santos AA, Porto ACDM, Rocha CDS, Zauza E, Gonzalez ER, Soliman E, Gonsalves JMW, Bombonato L, Galan MP, Domingues MM, Candelaria MC, Mafia R, Graça RN, Azulay S, Livne S, Dias TB, Drezza TR, Silva WJ, Pinheiro AC. Genetically engineered eucalyptus expressing pesticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis for insect resistance: a risk assessment evaluation perspective. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1322985. [PMID: 38562667 PMCID: PMC10982518 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1322985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Eucalyptus covers approximately 7.5 million hectares in Brazil and serves as the primary woody species cultivated for commercial purposes. However, native insects and invasive pests pose a significant threat to eucalyptus trees, resulting in substantial economic losses and reduced forest productivity. One of the primary lepidopteran pests affecting eucalyptus is Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), commonly referred to as the brown looper caterpillar. To address this issue, FuturaGene, the biotech division of Suzano S.A., has developed an insect-resistant (IR) eucalyptus variety, which expresses Cry pesticidal proteins (Cry1Ab, Cry1Bb, and Cry2Aa), derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Following extensive safety assessments, including field trials across various biomes in Brazil, the Brazilian National Technical Commission of Biosafety (CTNBio) recently approved the commercialization of IR eucalyptus. The biosafety assessments involved the analysis of molecular genomics, digestibility, thermostability, non-target organism exposure, degradability in the field, and effects on soil microbial communities and arthropod communities. In addition, in silico studies were conducted to evaluate allergenicity and toxicity. Results from both laboratory and field studies indicated that Bt eucalyptus is as safe as the conventional eucalyptus clone for humans, animals, and the environment, ensuring the secure use of this insect-resistant trait in wood production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dror Avisar
- FuturaGene Israel Ltd. (R&D), Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria P. Galan
- Suzano S.A. (FuturaGene—Biotech Division), Itapetininga, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sivan Livne
- FuturaGene Israel Ltd. (R&D), Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mentel MI, Loto FDV, Baigori MD, Pera LM. A dye elution method for the quantification of insecticidal crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis and its compatibility with the presence of agro-industrial raw materials and waste products. Lett Appl Microbiol 2024; 77:ovae024. [PMID: 38429983 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovae024] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The insecticidal crystal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis during sporulation are active ingredients against lepidopteran, dipteran, and coleopteran insects. Several methods have been reported for their quantification, such as crystal counting, ELISA, and SDS-PAGE/densitometry. One of the major tasks in industrial processes is the analysis of raw material dependency and costs. Thus, the crystal protein quantification method is expected to be compatible with the presence of complex and inexpensive culture medium components. This work presents a revalidated elution-based method for the quantification of insecticidal crystal proteins produced by the native strain B. thuringiensis RT. To quantify proteins, a calibration curve was generated by varying the amount of BSA loaded into SDS-PAGE gels. First, SDS-PAGE was performed for quality control of the bioinsecticide. Then, the stained protein band was excised from 10% polyacrylamide gel and the protein-associated dye was eluted with an alcoholic solution of SDS (3% SDS in 50% isopropanol) during 45 min at 95°C. This protocol was a sensitive procedure to quantify proteins in the range of 2.0-10.0 µg. As proof of concept, proteins of samples obtained from a complex fermented broth were separated by SDS-PAGE. Then, Cry1 and Cry2 proteins were properly quantified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Mentel
- PROIMI-CONICET, Morphogenesis and Fermentation Lab, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, T4001 MVB, Argentina
| | - Flavia Del Valle Loto
- PROIMI-CONICET, Morphogenesis and Fermentation Lab, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, T4001 MVB, Argentina
| | - Mario Domingo Baigori
- PROIMI-CONICET, Morphogenesis and Fermentation Lab, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, T4001 MVB, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Cátedra de Microbiología Superior, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, T4000 INI, Argentina
| | - Licia María Pera
- PROIMI-CONICET, Morphogenesis and Fermentation Lab, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, T4001 MVB, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang L, Xu H, Cheng H, Song F, Zhang J, Peng Q. Transcriptional regulation of cellobiose utilization by PRD-domain containing Sigma54-dependent transcriptional activator (CelR) and catabolite control protein A (CcpA) in Bacillus thuringiensis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1160472. [PMID: 38357353 PMCID: PMC10864463 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1160472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellobiose, a β-1,4-linked glucose dimer, is a major cellodextrin resulting from the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. It is a major source of carbon for soil bacteria. In bacteria, the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP): carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS), encoded by the cel operon, is responsible for the transport and utilization of cellobiose. In this study, we analyzed the transcription and regulation of the cel operon in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The cel operon is composed of five genes forming one transcription unit. β-Galactosidase assays revealed that cel operon transcription is induced by cellobiose, controlled by Sigma54, and positively regulated by CelR. The HTH-AAA+ domain of CelR recognized and specifically bound to three possible binding sites in the celA promoter region. CelR contains two PTS regulation domains (PRD1 and PRD2), which are separated by two PTS-like domains-the mannose transporter enzyme IIA component domain (EIIAMan) and the galactitol transporter enzyme IIB component domain (EIIBGat). Mutations of His-546 on the EIIAMan domain and Cys-682 on the EIIBGat domain resulted in decreased transcription of the cel operon, and mutations of His-839 on PRD2 increased transcription of the cel operon. Glucose repressed the transcription of the cel operon and catabolite control protein A (CcpA) positively regulated this process by binding the cel promoter. In the celABCDE and celR mutants, PTS activities were decreased, and cellobiose utilization was abolished, suggesting that the cel operon is essential for cellobiose utilization. Bt has been widely used as a biological pesticide. The metabolic properties of Bt are critical for fermentation. Nutrient utilization is also essential for the environmental adaptation of Bt. Glucose is the preferred energy source for many bacteria, and the presence of the phosphotransferase system allows bacteria to utilize other sugars in addition to glucose. Cellobiose utilization pathways have been of particular interest owing to their potential for developing alternative energy sources for bacteria. The data presented in this study improve our understanding of the transcription patterns of cel gene clusters. This will further help us to better understand how cellobiose is utilized for bacterial growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Qi Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Takahashi H, Asakura M, Ide T, Hayakawa T. Mutational analysis of the transmembrane α4-helix of Bacillus thuringiensis mosquito-larvicidal Cry4Aa toxin. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:80. [PMID: 38281302 PMCID: PMC10822788 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03602-8] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Cry4Aa, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, exhibits specific toxicity to larvae of medically important mosquito genera. Cry4Aa functions as a pore-forming toxin, and a helical hairpin (α4-loop-α5) of domain I is believed to be the transmembrane domain that forms toxin pores. Pore formation is considered to be a central mode of Cry4Aa action, but the relationship between pore formation and toxicity is poorly understood. In the present study, we constructed Cry4Aa mutants in which each polar amino acid residues within the transmembrane α4 helix was replaced with glutamic acid. Bioassays using Culex pipiens mosquito larvae and subsequent ion permeability measurements using symmetric KCl solution revealed an apparent correlation between toxicity and toxin pore conductance for most of the Cry4Aa mutants. In contrast, the Cry4Aa mutant H178E was a clear exception, almost losing its toxicity but still exhibiting a moderately high conductivity of about 60% of the wild-type. Furthermore, the conductance of the pore formed by the N190E mutant (about 50% of the wild-type) was close to that of H178E, but the toxicity was significantly higher than that of H178E. Ion selectivity measurements using asymmetric KCl solution revealed a significant decrease in cation selectivity of toxin pores formed by H178E compared to N190E. Our data suggest that the toxicity of Cry4Aa is primarily pore related. The formation of toxin pores that are highly ion-permeable and also highly cation-selective may enhance the influx of cations and water into the target cell, thereby facilitating the eventual death of mosquito larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Takahashi
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Mami Asakura
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Toru Ide
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Tohru Hayakawa
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sauka DH, Peralta C, Pérez MP, Molla A, Fernandez-Göbel T, Ocampo F, Palma L. Bacillus thuringiensis Bt_UNVM-84, a Novel Strain Showing Insecticidal Activity against Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:4. [PMID: 38276528 PMCID: PMC10819922 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive bacterium known for its insecticidal proteins effective against various insect pests. However, limited strains and proteins target coleopteran pests like Anthonomous grandis Boheman, causing substantial economic losses in the cotton industry. This study focuses on characterizing a Bacillus sp. strain, isolated from Oncativo (Argentina), which exhibits ovoid to amorphous parasporal crystals and was designated Bt_UNVM-84. Its genome encodes genes for the production of two pairs of binary Vpb1/Vpa2 proteins and three Cry-like proteins showing similarity with different Cry8 proteins. Interestingly, this gene content was found to be conserved in a previously characterized Argentine isolate of B. thuringiensis designated INTA Fr7-4. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a major band of 130 kDa that is proteolytically processed to an approximately 66-kDa protein fragment by trypsin. Bioassays performed with spore-crystal mixtures demonstrated an interesting insecticidal activity against the cotton boll weevil A. grandis neonate larvae, resulting in 91% mortality. Strain Bt_UNVM-84 is, therefore, an interesting candidate for the efficient biological control of this species, causing significant economic losses in the cotton industry in the Americas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Herman Sauka
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; (D.H.S.); (C.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMYZA), Hurlingham, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina;
| | - Cecilia Peralta
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; (D.H.S.); (C.P.)
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria y Biotecnológica (IMITAB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Villa María (UNVM), Villa María 1555, Argentina;
- Laboratorio de Control Biotecnológico de Plagas, Instituto BIOTECMED, Departamento de Genética, Universitat de València, 46100 València, Spain
| | - Melisa Paula Pérez
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMYZA), Hurlingham, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina;
| | - Antonella Molla
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria y Biotecnológica (IMITAB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Villa María (UNVM), Villa María 1555, Argentina;
| | - Tadeo Fernandez-Göbel
- Elytron Biotech S.A., 275 Ing. Enrique Butty Street, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1001, Argentina; (T.F.-G.); (F.O.)
| | - Federico Ocampo
- Elytron Biotech S.A., 275 Ing. Enrique Butty Street, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1001, Argentina; (T.F.-G.); (F.O.)
| | - Leopoldo Palma
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; (D.H.S.); (C.P.)
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria y Biotecnológica (IMITAB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Villa María (UNVM), Villa María 1555, Argentina;
- Laboratorio de Control Biotecnológico de Plagas, Instituto BIOTECMED, Departamento de Genética, Universitat de València, 46100 València, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kennedy H, Kerns DL, Head GP, Yang F. Cross-resistance and redundant killing of Vip3Aa resistant populations of Helicoverpa zea on purified Bt proteins and pyramided Bt crops. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:5173-5179. [PMID: 37575031 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyramiding Bt proteins is a key strategy to delay insect resistance development. However, the durability of pyramided Bt crops for controlling insect pests is threatened by cross-resistance among Bt proteins, which can ultimately contribute to resistance development. The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, is a major agricultural pest of pyramided Bt crops. Previous studies have examined cross-resistance and redundant killing of Cry resistance in H. zea, but such information is lacking for Vip3Aa resistance in this pest. Here, we evaluated cross-resistance and redundant killing of Vip3Aa-resistant H. zea to purified Bt proteins, as well as Bt corn and Bt cotton. RESULTS Diet bioassays demonstrated high susceptibility of Vip3Aa-resistant H. zea to Cry1Ac, Cry1A.105, and Cry2Ab2 purified proteins. No Vip3Aa-susceptible, -heterozygous, or -resistant H. zea could survive on pyramided Bt corn containing Cry1 and/or Cry2 proteins. Complete redundant killing was observed in pyramided Bt corn containing Cry1 and/or Cry2 proteins against Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea. Vip3Aa-susceptible, -heterozygous, and -resistant H. zea exhibited survival rates ranging from 0.0% to 22.5% on pyramided Bt cotton with Cry1 and/or Cry2 proteins. Incomplete to complete redundant killing was observed for Vip3Aa-resistant H. zea on pyramided Bt cotton containing Cry1 and/or Cry2 proteins. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that Vip3Aa-resistant H. zea does not exhibit positive cross-resistance to Cry1 or Cry2 proteins. In addition, most pyramided Bt crops showed complete or nearly complete redundant killing of Vip3Aa-resistant H. zea. These results indicate that a pyramiding strategy would often be effective for managing Vip3Aa resistance in regions of the United States where H. zea has not evolved resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 toxins. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haley Kennedy
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David L Kerns
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Fei Yang
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Torres J, Surya W, Boonserm P. Channel Formation in Cry Toxins: An Alphafold-2 Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16809. [PMID: 38069132 PMCID: PMC10705909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains produce pore-forming toxins (PFTs) that attack insect pests. Information for pre-pore and pore structures of some of these Bt toxins is available. However, for the three-domain (I-III) crystal (Cry) toxins, the most used Bt toxins in pest control, this crucial information is still missing. In these Cry toxins, biochemical data have shown that 7-helix domain I is involved in insertion in membranes, oligomerization and formation of a channel lined mainly by helix α4, whereas helices α1 to α3 seem to have a dynamic role during insertion. In the case of Cry1Aa, toxic against Manduca sexta larvae, a tetrameric oligomer seems to precede membrane insertion. Given the experimental difficulty in the elucidation of the membrane insertion steps, we used Alphafold-2 (AF2) to shed light on possible oligomeric structural intermediates in the membrane insertion of this toxin. AF2 very accurately (<1 Å RMSD) predicted the crystal monomeric and trimeric structures of Cry1Aa and Cry4Ba. The prediction of a tetramer of Cry1Aa, but not Cry4Ba, produced an 'extended model' where domain I helices α3 and α2b form a continuous helix and where hydrophobic helices α1 and α2 cluster at the tip of the bundle. We hypothesize that this represents an intermediate that binds the membrane and precedes α4/α5 hairpin insertion, together with helices α6 and α7. Another Cry1Aa tetrameric model was predicted after deleting helices α1 to α3, where domain I produced a central cavity consistent with an ion channel, lined by polar and charged residues in helix α4. We propose that this second model corresponds to the 'membrane-inserted' structure. AF2 also predicted larger α4/α5 hairpin n-mers (14 ≤n ≤ 17) with high confidence, which formed even larger (~5 nm) pores. The plausibility of these models is discussed in the context of available experimental data and current paradigms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Torres
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Wahyu Surya
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Panadda Boonserm
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hemthanon T, Promdonkoy B, Boonserm P. Screening and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates for high production of Vip3A and Cry proteins and high thermostability to control Spodoptera spp. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:108020. [PMID: 37956858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.108020] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an entomopathogenic bacterium that produces crystalline (Cry and Cyt) and soluble (vegetative insecticidal proteins or Vips) proteins during the sporulation and vegetative growth phases, respectively. Combining Cry and Vip proteins could delay insect resistance development and exhibit synergistic activity against various insect pests. This study aims to screen Bt isolates collected from Thailand for high Vip3A and Cry protein production levels and high thermostability to control Spodoptera spp. Among the selected Bt isolates with high target protein synthesis, Bt isolate 506 was found to be safe for further biopesticide formulation due to the absence of non-specific metabolite, as determined by the detection of thermo-stable β-exotoxin I based on biological assays and PCR analysis. Bt isolate 506 showed the presence of Cry1A, Cry2A, and Vip3A-type proteins identified as Cry1Aa45, Cry2Aa22, and Vip3A87, respectively. The insecticidal activity of whole culture extracts containing Vip3A and Cry mixtures and culture supernatants containing secreted Vip3A protein was evaluated against the second-instar larvae of S. exigua and S. frugiperda. The Bt isolate 506 showed high toxicity against both insects, and the insecticidal proteins produced by this isolate retained their activity after heating at 50 °C. This Bt isolate is a promising candidate for further development as a biopesticide against lepidopteran pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tharathip Hemthanon
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Boonhiang Promdonkoy
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Panadda Boonserm
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cai J, Cao XL, Wang B, Liu J, Chen MJ, Luo YZ, Zhang XL, Li P, Zheng CJ. Bioactive secondary metabolites from tomato-derived bacterium Bacillus velezensis Hnu24. Nat Prod Res 2023; 37:3964-3970. [PMID: 36622890 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2164279] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A series of secondary metabolites have been isolated from the genus of Bacillus velezensis, most of which show antibacterial and insecticidal activities. In order to find more bioactive secondary metabolites from B. velezensis, one new natural component aminoindole dimer baciindole A (1), together with seven known compounds (2-8) were isolated from the tomato-derived bacterium Bacillus velezensis Hnu24. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by its HR-ESI-MS spectral data and 1 D/2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. Compound 3 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Ralstonia solanacearum with the MIC values of 3.125, 12.5 and 50 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 4 showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus with the MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL. Compound 3 showed cytotoxic activity for human colon cancer HTC116 cancer cells with the IC50 value of 8.42 ± 0.48 μM. Five compounds (1-4 and 8) were obtained from the strain of B. velezensis for the first time. These results indicated that 3 will be useful in developing antimicrobial and treatment of colon cancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Lan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Islands Ecology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Zhan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Long Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Islands Ecology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cai-Juan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Diao F, Li Y, Gao X, Luo J, Zhu X, Wang L, Zhang K, Li D, Ji J, Cui J. Response of the Propylea japonica Microbiota to Treatment with Cry1B Protein. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2008. [PMID: 38002951 PMCID: PMC10671136 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112008] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a dominant natural enemy of insect pests in farmland ecosystems. It also serves as an important non-target insect for environmental safety evaluations of transgenic crops. Widespread planting of transgenic crops may result in direct or indirect exposure of P. japonica to recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein, which may in turn affect the biological performance of this natural enemy by affecting the P. japonica microflora. However, the effects of Bt proteins (such as Cry1B) on the P. japonica microbiota are currently unclear. Here, we used a high-throughput sequencing method to investigate differences in the P. japonica microbiota resulting from treatment with Cry1B compared to a sucrose control. The results demonstrated that the P. japonica microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes at the phylum level and by Staphylococcus at the genus level. Within-sample (α) diversity indices demonstrated a high degree of consistency between the microbial communities of P. japonica treated with the sucrose control and those treated with 0.25 or 0.5 mg/mL Cry1B. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the abundance of any taxa after treatment with 0.25 mg/mL Cry1B for 24 or 48 h, and treatment with 0.5 mg/mL Cry1B for 24 or 48 h led to changes only in Staphylococcus, a member of the phylum Firmicutes. Treatment with a high Cry1B concentration (1.0 mg/mL) for 24 or 48 h caused significant changes in the abundance of specific taxa (e.g., Gemmatimonades, Patescibacteria, Thauera, and Microbacterium). However, compared with the control, most taxa remained unchanged. The statistically significant differences may have been due to the stimulatory effects of treatment with a high concentration of Cry1B. Overall, the results showed that Cry1B protein could alter endophytic bacterial community abundance, but not composition, in P. japonica. The effects of Bt proteins on endophytes and other parameters in non-target insects require further study. This study provides data support for the safety evaluation of transgenic plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Diao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Yarong Li
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Li Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Dongyang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (F.D.); (X.G.); (J.L.); (J.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (L.W.); (K.Z.); (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang S, Guo Y, Sun Y, Weng M, Liao Q, Qiu R, Zou S, Wu S. Identification of two Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa toxin-binding aminopeptidase N from Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:615-625. [PMID: 37466033 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000299] [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: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a quarantine pest that mainly damages plants in tropical regions, which are essential economic resources. Cry3Aa has been used to control coleopteran pests and is known to be toxic to R. ferrugineus. The binding of the Cry toxin to specific receptors on the target insect plays a crucial role in the toxicological mechanism of Cry toxins. However, in the case of R. ferrugineus, the nature and identity of the receptor proteins involved remain unknown. In the present study, pull-down assays and mass spectrometry were used to identify two proteins of aminopeptidase N proteins (RfAPN2a and RfAPN2b) in the larval midguts of R. ferrugineus. Cry3Aa was able to bind to RfAPN2a (Kd = 108.5 nM) and RfAPN2b (Kd = 68.2 nM), as well as midgut brush border membrane vesicles (Kd = 482.5 nM). In silico analysis of both RfAPN proteins included the signal peptide and anchored sites for glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol. In addition, RfAPN2a and RfAPN2b were expressed in the human embryonic kidney 293T cell line, and cytotoxicity assays showed that the transgenic cells were not susceptible to activated Cry3Aa. Our results show that RfAPN2a and RfAPN2b are Cry3Aa-binding proteins involved in the Cry3Aa toxicity of R. ferrugineus. This study deepens our understanding of the action mechanism of Cry3Aa in R. ferrugineus larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhen Wang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yajie Guo
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Asian Research Center for Bioresource and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 188-0002, Japan
| | - Yunzhu Sun
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Mingqing Weng
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Qiliao Liao
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Ru Qiu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Shuangquan Zou
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China, 350002
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Šolinc G, Anderluh G, Podobnik M. Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cyt2Aa forms filamentous oligomers when exposed to lipid membranes or detergents. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 674:44-52. [PMID: 37393643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces insecticidal proteins during the sporulation phase. These proteins are located in parasporal crystals consisting of two delta-endotoxin classes, crystal (Cry) and cytolytic (Cyt) toxins. In vitro, Cyt toxins show cytolytic activity against bacterial and a variety of insect and mammalian cells. They bind to cell membranes with unsaturated phospholipids and sphingomyelin. Although Bt and its parasporal crystals containing both Cry and Cyt toxins have been successfully used as bioinsecticides, the molecular mechanism of action of Cyt toxins is not yet fully understood. To address this, we exposed Cyt2Aa to lipid membranes and visualized membrane disruption process using cryo-electron microscopy. We observed two types of Cyt2Aa oligomers. First, Cyt2Aa forms smaller curved oligomers on the membrane surface that become linear over time, and detach when the membrane ruptures. Similar linear filamentous oligomers were also formed by Cyt2Aa in the presence of detergents without prior exposure to lipid membranes, which exhibited attenuated cytolytic activity. Furthermore, our data suggest that Cyt2Aa adopts different conformations between its monomeric and oligomeric forms. Overall, our results provide new evidence for a detergent-like mechanism of action of Cyt2Aa rather than the pore-forming model of target membrane disruption of this important class of insecticidal proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gašper Šolinc
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Marjetka Podobnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kishk A, Dos Santos Tavares C, Mishra R, Bonning BC, Killiny N. Influence of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' infection on the susceptibility of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri to Bacillus thuringiensis pesticidal proteins, Mpp51Aa1 and Cry1Ba1. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 200:107972. [PMID: 37460056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) transmits the Gram-negative bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' that causes citrus greening disease. While chemical control has been the main management strategy for limiting D. citri, the widespread usage of chemical sprays has decreased the susceptibility of D. citri to most insecticides. Pesticidal proteins produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are active against a wide variety of insects and provide a more sustainable approach to insect control. Herein, we investigated the impact of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' infection of D. citri on the toxicity of two Bt proteins (Mpp51Aa1 and Cry1Ba1). Proteins were delivered to healthy and 'Ca. L. asiaticus'-infected D. citri via topical feeding application. The LC50 values of Mpp51Aa1 and Cry1Ba1 were calculated for both nymphs and adults. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of each protein on the survival probability and life span of healthy and 'Ca. L. asiaticus'-infected D. citri. The LC50 values indicated that adults and nymphs were more susceptible to Mpp51Aa1 than to Cry1Ba1 in both healthy and 'Ca. L. asiaticus'-infected D. citri. 'Ca. L. asiaticus'-infected adults and nymphs were more susceptible to Mpp51Aa1 and Cry1Ba1 than healthy insects, and nymphs were more susceptible to Mpp51Aa1 and Cry1Ba1 than adults. Moreover, we found that Mpp51Aa1 had a greater impact than Cry1Ba1 on the survival and lifespan of adults, and 'Ca. L. asiaticus'-infected insects were more affected by these pesticidal proteins than healthy adults. These results have important implications for the use of pesticidal proteins in D. citri management in Florida and elsewhere given the widespread presence of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' in the D. citri population. In this era of eco-friendly control strategies, Bt-derived pesticidal proteins provide a promising avenue to reducing the application of chemical insecticides for D. citri management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaziz Kishk
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA; Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, 31527, Egypt
| | | | - Ruchir Mishra
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Bryony C Bonning
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nabil Killiny
- Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wu Y, Weng Z, Yan H, Yao Z, Li Z, Sun Y, Ma K, Hull JJ, Zhang D, Ma W, Hua H, Lin Y. The microRNA-7322-5p/p38/Hsp19 axis modulates Chilo suppressalis cell-defences against Cry1Ca: an effective target for a stacked transgenic rice approach. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:1827-1838. [PMID: 37353991 PMCID: PMC10440986 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-secreted crystal (Cry) toxins form oligomeric pores in host cell membranes and are a common element in generating insect-resistant transgenic crops. Although Cry toxin function has been well documented, cellular defences against pore-formation have not been as well developed. Elucidation of the processes underlying this defence, however, could contribute to the development of enhanced Bt crops. Here, we demonstrate that Cry1Ca-mediated downregulation of microRNA-7322-5p (miR-7322-5p), which binds to the 3' untranslated region of p38, negatively regulates the susceptibility of Chilo suppressalis to Cry1Ca. Moreover, Cry1Ca exposure enhanced phosphorylation of Hsp19, and hsp19 downregulation increased susceptibility to Cry1Ca. Further, Hsp19 phosphorylation occurs downstream of p38, and pull-down assays confirmed the interactions between Hsp19 and Cry1Ca, suggesting that activation of Hsp19 by the miR-7322-5p/p38/Hsp19 pathway promotes Cry1Ca sequestration. To assess the efficacy of targeting this pathway in planta, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting C. suppressalis p38 (dsp38) was introduced into a previously generated cry1Ca-expressing rice line (1CH1-2) to yield a single-copy cry1Ca/dsp38 rice line (p38-rice). Feeding on this rice line triggered a significant reduction in C. suppressalis p38 expression and the line was more resistant to C. suppressalis than 1CH1-2 in both short term (7-day) and continuous feeding bioassays as well as field trials. These findings provide new insights into invertebrate epithelium cellular defences and demonstrate a potential new pyramiding strategy for Bt crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Zijin Weng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Haixia Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Zhuotian Yao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Yajie Sun
- College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Kangsheng Ma
- College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - J. Joe Hull
- U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Department of AgricultureU.S. Agricultural Research ServiceMaricopaArizonaUSA
| | - Delin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Weihua Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Hongxia Hua
- College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Yongjun Lin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liaqat A, Salisu IB, Bakhsh A, Ali Q, Imran A, Ali MA, Farooq AM, Rao AQ, Shahid AA. A sub-chronic feeding study of dual toxin insect-resistant transgenic maize (CEMB-413) on Wistar rats. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285090. [PMID: 37556453 PMCID: PMC10411795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285090] [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: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops expressing insecticidal crystal proteins are widely accepted worldwide, but their commercial utilization demands comprehensive risk assessment studies. A 90-day risk assessment study was conducted on Wistar rats fed with GM maize (CEMB-413) expressing binary insect-resistant genes (cry1Ac and cry2Ab) at low (30%) and high (50%) dose along with a control diet group. The study used fifty Wistar rats randomly distributed in five treatment groups. Our study revealed that compared to controls, GM diet had no adverse effects on animal's health, including body weight, food consumption, clinical pathological parameters, serum hormone levels and histological parameters of testes and ovaries of rats. Differences were observed in transcripts levels of fertility related genes, but these were independent of treatment with GM diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Liaqat
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim Bala Salisu
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Dutse, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria
| | - Allah Bakhsh
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Qasim Ali
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Imran
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Azam Ali
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Munim Farooq
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qayyum Rao
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Ali Shahid
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Karim AA, Idris AB, Yilmaz S. Bacillus thuringiensis pesticidal toxins: A global analysis based on a scientometric study (1980-2021). Heliyon 2023; 9:e18730. [PMID: 37576305 PMCID: PMC10415897 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18730] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have been conducted on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticidal toxins due to their successful environmentally friendly biopesticide activity against various insect pest orders, protozoa, mites, and nematodes. However, no existing study has systematically examined the trends and evolution of research on Bt pesticidal toxins from a scientometric perspective. This study aimed to analyze the trends and hotspots of global research in this field. 5757 publications on Bt pesticidal toxins were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) from 1980 to 2021. Statistical and scientometric analyses were performed using Excel, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer visualization tools to evaluate research evolution, journal contribution and subject categories, contributing countries and institutions, highly influential references, and most used author keywords. The 5757 publications featured in 917 journals spanning 116 subject categories. The top 5 subject categories ranked as Entomology, Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Agriculture. Out of these publications, the USA contributed the most, with 1562 publications, 72,754 citations, and 46.58 average citations per paper (ACPP); however, Belgium had the highest (106.43) ACPP among the top 20 contributing countries. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences is the leading institution with 298 publications and 21.20 ACPP. The Pasteur Institute is ranked first (90.04) in terms of ACPP. Keywords analyses revealed that recent studies are inclined toward the evolution of insect resistance against Bt toxins. In future, studies related to the development of resistance mechanisms by insects against Bt pesticidal toxins and ways to overcome them will likely receive more attention. This study highlights the past and current situations and prospective directions of Bt pesticidal toxins-related research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Aziz Karim
- School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Semih Yilmaz
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Rciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Morwool P, Dimitriu T, Crickmore N, Raymond B. Group Selection as a Basis for Screening Mutagenized Libraries of Public Goods (Bacillus thuringiensis Cry Toxins). Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0051223. [PMID: 37358425 PMCID: PMC10370297 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00512-23] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The pesticidal toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) supply the active proteins for genetically modified insect-resistant crops. There is therefore keen interest in finding new toxins, or improving known toxins, in order to increase the mortality of various targets. The production and screening of large libraries of mutagenized toxins are among the means of identifying improved toxins. Since Cry toxins are public goods, and do not confer advantages to producers in competition, conventional directed evolution approaches cannot be used here. Instead, thousands of individual mutants have to be sequenced and assayed individually, a costly and time-consuming process. In this study, we tested a group selection-based approach that could be used to screen an uncharacterized pool of Cry toxin mutants. This involved selecting for infectivity between subpopulations of Bt clones within metapopulations of infected insects in three rounds of passage. We also tested whether additional mutagenesis from exposure to ethyl methanesulfonate could increase infectivity or supply additional Cry toxin diversity during passage. Sequencing of pools of mutants at the end of selection showed that we could effectively screen out Cry toxin variants that had reduced toxicity with our group selection approach. The addition of extra mutagenesis during passage decreased the efficiency of selection for infectivity and did not produce any additional novel toxin diversity. Toxins with loss-of-function mutations tend to dominate mutagenized libraries, and so a process for screening out these mutants without time-consuming sequencing and characterization steps could be beneficial when applied to larger libraries. IMPORTANCE Insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are widely exploited in genetically modified plants. This application creates a demand for novel insecticidal toxins that can be used to better manage resistant pests or control new or recalcitrant target species. An important means of producing novel toxins is via high-throughput mutagenesis and screening of existing toxins, a lengthy and resource-intensive process. This study describes the development and testing of an efficient means of screening a test library of mutagenized insecticidal toxins. Here, we showed that it is possible to screen out loss-of-function mutations with low infectivity within a pool without the need to characterize and sequence each mutant individually. This has the potential to improve the efficiency of processes used to identify novel proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neil Crickmore
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Raymond
- University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chen F, Pang C, Zheng Z, Zhou W, Guo Z, Xiao D, Du H, Bravo A, Soberón M, Sun M, Peng D. Aminopeptidase MNP-1 triggers intestine protease production by activating daf-16 nuclear location to degrade pore-forming toxins in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011507. [PMID: 37440595 PMCID: PMC10368266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are effective tools for pathogens infection. By disrupting epithelial barriers and killing immune cells, PFTs promotes the colonization and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms in their host. In turn, the host triggers defense responses, such as endocytosis, exocytosis, or autophagy. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria produce PFT, known as crystal proteins (Cry) which damage the intestinal cells of insects or nematodes, eventually killing them. In insects, aminopeptidase N (APN) has been shown to act as an important receptor for Cry toxins. Here, using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as model, an extensive screening of APN gene family was performed to analyze the potential role of these proteins in the mode of action of Cry5Ba against the nematode. We found that one APN, MNP-1, participate in the toxin defense response, since the mnp-1(ok2434) mutant showed a Cry5Ba hypersensitive phenotype. Gene expression analysis in mnp-1(ok2434) mutant revealed the involvement of two protease genes, F19C6.4 and R03G8.6, that participate in Cry5Ba degradation. Finally, analysis of the transduction pathway involved in F19C6.4 and R03G8.6 expression revealed that upon Cry5Ba exposure, the worms up regulated both protease genes through the activation of the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16, which was translocated into the nucleus. The nuclear location of DAF-16 was found to be dependent on mnp-1 under Cry5Ba treatment. Our work provides evidence of new host responses against PFTs produced by an enteric pathogenic bacterium, resulting in activation of host intestinal proteases that degrade the PFT in the intestine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiyun Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Danyang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwen Du
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Alejandra Bravo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Mario Soberón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghai Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang R, Luo Y, Gang L, Xu Y, Zhang X, Peng Q, Slamti L, Lereclus D, Wang G, Song F. Key amino acids residues enhance the ability of CpcR to activate cry gene expression in Bacillus thuringiensis. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104051. [PMID: 36907231 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104051] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Typical Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces one or more parasporal crystals composed of insecticidal Cry proteins during the sporulation, and the parasporal crystals and spores are produced from the same cell. Strain Bt LM1212 is different from typical Bt strains in that its crystals and spores are produced in different cells. Previous studies have found that the cell differentiation process of Bt LM1212 is related to the transcription factor CpcR which activates the cry-gene promoters. In addition, CpcR could activate the Bt LM1212 cry35-like gene promoter (P35) when introduced in the heterologous HD73- strain. It was shown that P35 was only activated in non-sporulating cells. In this study, the peptidic sequences of CpcR homologous proteins found in other strains of the Bacillus cereus group were used as references to identify two key amino acid sites for CpcR activity. The function of these amino acids was investigated by measuring P35 activation by CpcR in strain HD73-. These results will lay a foundation for the optimization of the insecticidal protein expression system in non-sporulating cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruibin Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yang Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Lili Gang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yanrong Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Qi Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Leyla Slamti
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Didier Lereclus
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Guirong Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Fuping Song
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nevers A, Kranzler M, Perchat S, Gohar M, Sorokin A, Lereclus D, Ehling-Schulz M, Sanchis-Borja V. Plasmid - Chromosome interplay in natural and non-natural hosts: global transcription study of three Bacillus cereus group strains carrying pCER270 plasmid. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104074. [PMID: 37149076 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104074] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The Bacillus cereus group comprises genetically related Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria that colonize a wide range of ecological niches and hosts. Despite their high degree of genome conservation, extrachromosomal genetic material diverges between these species. The discriminating properties of the B. cereus group strains are mainly due to plasmid-borne toxins, reflecting the importance of horizontal gene transfers in bacterial evolution and species definition. To investigate how a newly acquired megaplasmid can impact the transcriptome of its host, we transferred the pCER270 from the emetic B. cereus strains to phylogenetically distant B. cereus group strains. RNA-sequencing experiments allowed us to determine the transcriptional influence of the plasmid on host gene expression and the impact of the host genomic background on the pCER270 gene expression. Our results show a transcriptional cross-regulation between the megaplasmid and the host genome. pCER270 impacted carbohydrate metabolism and sporulation genes expression, with a higher effect in the natural host of the plasmid, suggesting a role of the plasmid in the adaptation of the carrying strain to its environment. In addition, the host genomes also modulated the expression of pCER270 genes. Altogether, these results provide an example of the involvement of megaplasmids in the emergence of new pathogenic strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Nevers
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Markus Kranzler
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna, Austria
| | - Stéphane Perchat
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Michel Gohar
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Alexei Sorokin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Didier Lereclus
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Monika Ehling-Schulz
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna, Austria.
| | - Vincent Sanchis-Borja
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhao Y, Song Q, Song Y. The role of insect intestinal microbes in controlling of Empoasca onukii Matsuda (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) pest infestations in the production of tea garden: a review. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:267. [PMID: 37351731 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03609-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Pests like the phytophagous bug Empoasca onukii Matsuda frequently harm tea plants. The harm this insect does to agricultural and environmentally sensitive places is extremely harmful since physical and chemical prevention and control are still the primary methods of handling it. Therefore, it is important to develop pest management strategies. Recent research has demonstrated that pathogenic fungus and the gut microbiota interact to induce host and death, and that the gut microbiota, which has a dramatic effect on the host, can engage in pest control. The advancement of genome editing technologies is also new to the field of pest management. The diversity, function, and research methodologies of insect gut microbiota are summarized in this work, and discusses E. onukii Matsuda control options as well as the importance of insect gut microbiome in pest management. In comparison to traditional pesticides and physical prevention and control, the interaction between pathogenic fungi represented by Beauveria bassiana and intestinal microorganisms, as well as their participation in pest management, causes physiological stress on the host, which meets the new requirements of modern agricultural green development and has a protective effect on habitat fragmentation areas (Karst region). Exploring additional harmful fungus for pest management and fully using the specific traits of insect gut microbiota to achieve "killing insects with bacteria" would be a promising technique from this standpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqi Zhao
- School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
- State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Qingfa Song
- School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
- State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Yuehua Song
- School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China.
- State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dornelas ASP, Pestana JLT, de Souza Saraiva A, Barbosa RS, Cavallini GS, Gravato C, da Maia Soares AMV, Sarmento RA. The combined effects of microbial insecticides and sodium chloride on the development and emergence of Chironomus xanthus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2255-2263. [PMID: 36775861 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Freshwater organisms are facing increasing salinity levels, not only due to natural environmental processes, but also human activities, which can cause several physiological adaptations to osmotic stress. Additionally, these organisms might also have to deal with contamination by microbial insecticides. Our main goal was to use Chironomus xanthus to assess the chronic effects of increasing the salinity and commercial formulations of the microbial insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis subs. kurstaki (Btk) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) as active ingredients, respectively. RESULTS A significant interaction of growth was observed between the biopesticide based on Bb and NaCl on the larvae of C. xanthus. Single exposure to NaCl and each one of the formulations demonstrated deleterious impacts not only on larval development, but also on the emergence success and emergence time of this nontarget insect, with potential consequences for freshwater ecosystems due to cascading effects. CONCLUSION The chronic effects induced by both bioinsecticides show that these formulations can have environmental impacts on nontarget freshwater insects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - João L T Pestana
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Rone Silva Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Campus Universitário de Gurupi, 77402-970, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Grasiele Soares Cavallini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Campus Universitário de Gurupi, 77402-970, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Renato Almeida Sarmento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Campus Universitário de Gurupi, 77402-970, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mullins E, Bresson JL, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, Firbank LG, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Moreno FJ, Naegeli H, Nogué F, Rostoks N, Sánchez Serrano JJ, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Ardizzone M, De Sanctis G, Federici S, Fernandez A, Gennaro A, Gómez Ruiz JÁ, Goumperis T, Kagkli DM, Lenzi P, Camargo AM, Neri FM, Raffaello T. Assessment of genetically modified maize Bt11 × MIR162 × MIR604 × MON 89034 × 5307 × GA21 and 30 subcombinations, for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-DE-2018-149). EFSA J 2023; 21:e08011. [PMID: 37284025 PMCID: PMC10240405 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified maize Bt11 × MIR162 × MIR604 × MON 89034 × 5307 × GA21 was developed by crossing to combine six single events: Bt11, MIR162, MIR604, MON 89034, 5307 and GA21, the GMO Panel previously assessed the 6 single maize events and 27 out of the 56 possible subcombinations and did not identify safety concerns. No new data on the single maize events or the assessed subcombinations were identified that could lead to modification of the original conclusions on their safety. The molecular characterisation, comparative analysis (agronomic, phenotypic and compositional characteristics) and the outcome of the toxicological, allergenicity and nutritional assessment indicate that the combination of the single maize events and of the newly expressed proteins in the six-event stack maize does not give rise to food and feed safety and nutritional concerns. The GMO Panel concludes that six-event stack maize, as described in this application, is as safe as the conventional counterpart and non-GM maize varieties tested, and no post-market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable six-event stack maize grains into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The GMO Panel assessed the likelihood of interactions among the single events in 29 of the maize subcombinations not previously assessed and covered by the scope of this application and concludes that these are expected to be as safe as the single events, the previously assessed subcombinations and the six-event stack maize. The post-market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize Bt11 × MIR162 × MIR604 × MON 89034 × 5307 × GA21. The GMO Panel concludes that six-event stack maize and the 30 subcombinations covered by the scope of the application are as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non-GM maize varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Liu X, Zhang Y, Du X, Luo X, Tan W, Guan X, Zhang L. Effect of yhfS gene on Bt LLP29 antioxidant and UV ray resistance. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2087-2097. [PMID: 36715224 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widely used microbial insecticide. However, its persistence is limited because of ultraviolet (UV) rays or other environmental factors. The yhfS gene, which encodes acetyl-CoA acyltransferase, plays an important role in lipid transport and metabolism in many organisms. To explore whether it is related to the stress resistance of Bt LLP29, the yhfS gene knockout strain LLP29 Δ-yhfS and the complementary strain LLP29 R-yhfS were generated successfully by homologous recombination technology, and the related phenotypic changes were compared in this study. RESULTS Gene yhfS was found to be functional in response to UV radiation in Bt by comparing the survival rates of Bt LLP29 harboring yhfS or not under UV light. Enzyme activity assays of key enzymes showed the the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway was enhanced yet the tricarboxylic acid cycle as well as butanoate synthesis were repressed when the gene was deleted. At the same time, the amino acid content was decreased, but reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content were increased. Most noteworthy, antioxidase (such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) activities and contents of some potent antioxidants (such as pyruvate, carotenoids and NADPH) were lower in LLP29 Δ-yhfS than in LLP29. CONCLUSION These tests revealed that the loss of the yhfS gene led to metabolic disorders and reduction of the antioxidant ability of Bt. Higher ROS level and lower anti-oxidative capacity might be responsible for the reduced UV resistance when the gene was deleted. These results not only greatly enrich understanding of the mechanism of Bt UV resistance, but also provide an important theoretical basis for Bt application. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education & Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Plant Protection and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- College of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, China
| | - Yile Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education & Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Plant Protection and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xi Du
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education & Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Plant Protection and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xingyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education & Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Plant Protection and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weilong Tan
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Eastern Command, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiong Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education & Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Plant Protection and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education & Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Plant Protection and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yates-Stewart AD, Yorke BT, Willse A, Fridley J, Head GP. Using Sentinel Plots to Monitor for Changes in Thrips Susceptibility to MON 88702 Cotton Containing the Cry51Aa2.834_16 Bt Protein. INSECTS 2023; 14:497. [PMID: 37367313 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic Bt crops are important tools for growers to manage insect pests, but their durability is threatened by the evolution of insect resistance. Implementing a resistance monitoring program is essential to detect and mitigate resistance. For non-high-dose Bt crops, resistance monitoring is challenging, because insect control is not complete, so targeted insects and insect damage will be present even without resistance. Given these challenges, sentinel plots have been used to monitor for insect resistance to non-high-dose crops by assessing changes in the efficacy of a Bt crop over time relative to a non-Bt control. We optimized a sentinel plot resistance monitoring approach for MON 88702 ThryvOn™ cotton, a new non-high-dose Bt product targeting two sucking pest taxa-Lygus (L. lineolaris and L. hesperus) and thrips (Frankliniella fusca and F. occidentalis)-and report here on the thrips monitoring methods and results. Quantifying thrips immatures was the best metric to characterize the impact of the trait, with at least a 40-60% average reduction of thrips immatures on ThryvOn relative to the control cotton at all sites with higher thrips densities. These data can be used within a ThryvOn resistance monitoring program and represent a case study for establishing a resistance monitoring approach for a non-high-dose trait product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan Willse
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kinkar OU, Prashar A, Yadav B, Kumar A, Hadapad AB, Hire RS, Makde RD. Purification, characterization and proteolytic processing of mosquito larvicidal protein Cry11Aa from Bacillus thuringensis subsp. isralensis ISPC-12. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:124979. [PMID: 37245748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cry11Aa is the most potent mosquito larvicidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). Development of resistance against insecticidal proteins including Cry11Aa is known but no field resistance was observed with Bti. The phenomenon of increasing resistance in insect pests necessitates the development of new strategies and techniques to enhance efficacy of insecticidal proteins. Recombinant technology offers better control over the molecule and allows modification of protein to achieve maximal effect against target pests. In this study, we standardised protocol for recombinant purification of Cry11Aa. Recombinant Cry11Aa found active against larvae of Aedes and Culex mosquito species and LC50 were estimated. Detailed biophysical characterization provides crucial insights into stability and in-vitro behaviour of the recombinant Cry11Aa. Moreover, trypsin hydrolysis doesn't improve overall toxicity of recombinant Cry11Aa. Proteolytic processing suggests domain I and II are more prone to proteolysis in comparison to domain III. Significance of structural features for proteolysis of Cry11Aa was observed after performing molecular dynamics simulations. Findings reported here are contributing significantly in method for purification, understanding in-vitro behaviour and proteolytic processing of Cry11Aa which could facilitate in efficient utilisation of Bti for insect pests and vectors control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omkar U Kinkar
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arpit Prashar
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Beena Yadav
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ashok B Hadapad
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ramesh S Hire
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India; Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India; Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Steinigeweg C, Alkassab AT, Erler S, Beims H, Wirtz IP, Richter D, Pistorius J. Impact of a Microbial Pest Control Product Containing Bacillus thuringiensis on Brood Development and Gut Microbiota of Apis mellifera Worker Honey Bees. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1300-1307. [PMID: 35389085 PMCID: PMC10167108 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
To avoid potential adverse side effects of chemical plant protection products, microbial pest control products (MPCP) are commonly applied as biological alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the biosafety of a MPCP with the active organism Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai (strain: ABTS-1857). An in-hive feeding experiment was performed under field-realistic conditions to examine the effect of B. thuringiensis (B. t.) on brood development and the bacterial abundance of the core gut microbiome (Bifidobacterium asteroids, Gilliamella apicola, the group of Lactobacillus and Snodgrasella alvi) in Apis mellifera worker bees. We detected a higher brood termination rate and a non-successful development into worker bees of treated colonies compared to those of the controls. For the gut microbiome, all tested core members showed a significantly lower normalized abundance in bees of the treated colonies than in those of the controls; thus, a general response of the gut microbiome may be assumed. Consequently, colony exposure to B. t. strain ABTS-1857 had a negative effect on brood development under field-realistic conditions and caused dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Further studies with B. t.-based products, after field-realistic application in bee attractive crops, are needed to evaluate the potential risk of these MPCPs on honey bees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdulrahim T Alkassab
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) - FederalResearch Centre for Cultivated Plants, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Silvio Erler
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) - FederalResearch Centre for Cultivated Plants, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hannes Beims
- Institute for Apiculture, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Celle, Germany
| | - Ina P Wirtz
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) - FederalResearch Centre for Cultivated Plants, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dania Richter
- Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Pistorius
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) - FederalResearch Centre for Cultivated Plants, Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yang Y, Wu Z, He X, Xu H, Lu Z. Processing Properties and Potency of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry Toxins in the Rice Leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040275. [PMID: 37104213 PMCID: PMC10143973 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Different Cry toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) possess different insecticidal spectra, whereas insects show variations in their susceptibilities to different Cry toxins. Degradation of Cry toxins by insect midgut extracts was involved in the action of toxins. In this study, we explored the processing patterns of different Cry toxins in Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) midgut extracts and evaluated the impact of Cry toxins degradation on their potency against C. medinalis to better understand the function of midgut extracts in the action of different Cry toxins. The results indicated that Cry1Ac, Cry1Aa, and Cry1C toxins could be degraded by C. medinalis midgut extracts, and degradation of Cry toxins by midgut extracts differed among time or concentration effects. Bioassays demonstrated that the toxicity of Cry1Ac, Cry1Aa, and Cry1C toxins decreased after digestion by midgut extracts of C. medinalis. Our findings in this study suggested that midgut extracts play an important role in the action of Cry toxins against C. medinalis, and the degradation of Cry toxins by C. medinalis midgut extracts could reduce their toxicities to C. medinalis. They will provide insights into the action of Cry toxins and the application of Cry toxins in C. medinalis management in paddy fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Zhihong Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Xiaochan He
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Hongxing Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Alves GB, de Oliveira EE, Jumbo LOV, dos Santos GR, dos Santos MM, Ootani MA, Ribeiro BM, Aguiar RWDS. Genomic–proteomic analysis of a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain: toxicity against two lepidopteran pests, abundance of Cry1Ac5 toxin, and presence of InhA1 virulence factor. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:143. [PMID: 36967401 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a biological alternative to the indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides in agriculture. Due to resistance development on insect pests to Bt crops, isolating novel Bt strains is a strategy for screening new pesticidal proteins or strains containing toxin profile variety that can delay resistance. Besides, the combined genomic and proteomic approaches allow identifying pesticidal proteins and virulence factors accurately. Here, the genome of a novel Bt strain (Bt TOL651) was sequenced, and the proteins from the spore-crystal mixture were identified by proteomic analysis. Toxicity bioassays with the spore-crystal mixture against larvae of Diatraea saccharalis and Anticarsia gemmatalis, key pests of sugarcane and soybean, respectively, were performed. The toxicity of Bt TOL651 varies with the insect; A. gemmatalis (LC50 = 1.45 ng cm-2) is more susceptible than D. saccharalis (LC50 = 73.77 ng cm-2). Phylogenetic analysis of the gyrB gene indicates that TOL651 is related to Bt kenyae strains. The genomic analysis revealed the presence of cry1Aa18, cry1Ac5, cry1Ia44, and cry2Aa9 pesticidal genes. Virulence factor genes such as phospholipases (plcA, piplc), metalloproteases (inhA), hemolysins (cytK, hlyIII, hblA, hblC, hblD), and enterotoxins (nheA, nheB, nheC) were also identified. The combined use of the genomic and proteomic data indicated the expression of Cry1Aa18, Cry1Ac5, and Cry2Aa9 proteins, with Cry1Ac5 being the most abundant. InhA1 also was expressed and may contribute to Bt TOL651 pathogenicity. These results provide Bt TOL651 as a new tool for the biocontrol of lepidopteran pests.
Collapse
|
43
|
Rabha M, Das D, Konwar T, Acharjee S, Sarmah BK. Whole genome sequencing of a novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from Assam soil. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:91. [PMID: 37003972 PMCID: PMC10064770 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive ubiquitous saprophytic bacterium that produces proteins (Crystal protein, Vegetative insecticidal protein, and Secreted insecticidal protein) toxic to insects during its growth cycle. In the present study, the whole genome of a locally isolated B. thuringiensis strain BA04 was sequenced to explore the genetic makeup and to identify the genes responsible to produce insecticidal proteins including the virulence factors. The strain was isolated from the soil sample of the Kaziranga National Park, Assam, North-Eastern part of India (Latitude: 26°34'39.11''N and Longitude: 93°10'16.04''E). RESULTS The whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the BA04 strain revealed that it has a circular genome of size 6,113,005 bp with four numbers of plasmids. A total of 6,111 genes including two novel crystal protein-encoding genes (MH753362.1 and MH753363.1) were identified. The BLASTn analysis of MH753362.1 showed 84% similarities (maximum identity) with Cry1Ia (KJ710646.1) gene, whereas MH753363.1 exhibited 66% identity with Insecticidal Crystal Protein (ICP)-6 gene (KM053257.1). At the protein level, MH753362.1 and MH753363.1 shared 79% identity with Cry1Ia (AIW52613.1) and 40% identity with Insecticidal Crystal Protein (ICP)-6 (AJW76687.1) respectively. Three-dimensional structures of these two novel protein sequences revealed that MH753362.1 have 48% structural similarity with Cry8ea1 protein, whereas MH753363.1 showed only 20% structural similarity with Cry4Aa protein. Apart from these insecticidal genes, the strain was also found to contain virulence and virulence-associated factors including the antibiotic resistance genes and Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) sequences. CONCLUSION This is the first report on the whole genome sequence of Bt strain BA04 isolated from Assam, a North-Eastern state of India. The WGS of strain BA04 unveils the presence of two novel types of insecticidal crystal protein-encoding genes which can be used for the development of insect-resistant transgenic crops. Additionally, the strain could be used for the formulations of effective biopesticides. The WGS provides the fastest and cheapest platform for a better understanding of the genetic makeup of a strain and helps to explore the role of virulence genes in pathogenicity against the insect host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Rabha
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
- Silkworm Pathology Section, Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textile, Govt of India, Berhampore, West Bengal, 7421 01, India
| | - Debajit Das
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
| | - Trishna Konwar
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
| | - Sumita Acharjee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
| | - Bidyut Kumar Sarmah
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Lei X, Zhang F, Zhang J. Gut Microbiota Accelerate the Insecticidal Activity of Plastid-Expressed Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb to a Leaf Beetle, Plagiodera versicolora. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0504922. [PMID: 36976001 PMCID: PMC10101071 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05049-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis is widely used as a biopesticide, and its crystal protein expressed in transgenic crops has been successfully used for the management of insect pests. However, whether the midgut microbiota contribute to the Bt insecticidal mechanism remains controversial. We previously demonstrated that transplastomic poplar plants expressing Bt Cry3Bb are highly lethal to willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora), one of the major pests causing severe damage to Salicaceae plants such as willows and poplars. Here, we demonstrate that feeding poplar leaves expressing Cry3Bb to nonaxenic P. versicolora larvae leads to significantly accelerated mortality, and overgrowth and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, compared with axenic larvae. Corroborating work done with Lepidopteran insects, plastid-expressed Cry3Bb can cause the lysis of the beetle's intestinal cells, lead to the entry of intestinal bacteria into the body cavity, and thus cause the dynamic changes in the flora of the midgut and blood cavity in P. versicolora. Reintroduction of Pseudomonas putida, a gut bacterium of P. versicolora, into axenic P. versicolora larvae further enhances mortality upon feeding on Cry3Bb-expressing poplar. Our results indicate the important contribution of host gut microbiota in promoting the B. thuringiensis crystal protein insecticidal activity and provide new insights into the mechanism of pest control by Bt-transplastomic approaches. IMPORTANCE The contribution of gut microbiota to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb insecticidal activity in a leaf beetle was demonstrated using transplastomic poplar plants, providing a potential new approach to improve the efficiency of plastid transformation technology for pest control by expression of Bt toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Anees Siddiqui H, Asif M, Zahra Naqvi R, Shehzad A, Sarwar M, Amin I, Mansoor S. Development of modified Cry1Ac for the control of resistant insect pest of cotton, Pectinophora gossypiella. Gene 2023; 856:147113. [PMID: 36543309 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cotton has been one of the most important cash crops in Pakistan, but its production is adversely affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Insect pests such as pink bollworm present a colossal vulnerability to such a financially important commodity. Bt toxins have been widely used to safeguard agricultural plants against notorious insect pests such as cotton bollworm and pink bollworm, and they have proven to be effective in reducing chewing insect pests. However, its efficacy has been challenged due to the development of resistance in insect pests against Bt toxins such as Cry1Ac and this poses a significant risk to the long-term adoption of these Bt crops. Resistance in insect pests against Bt toxin Cry1Ac is developed due to the mutations in the midgut receptors such as cadherin. In this study first 56 amino acids which also includes helix alpha-1 portion from N-terminus of the Cry1Ac were removed and the gene was commercially synthesized following codon optimization. Modified Cry1Ac was used to develop transgenic plants of Nicotiana tabacum and insect bioassays were conducted to check the efficacy of Cry1Ac through leaf bioassays. Cry1Ac, a modified Bt toxin, was produced pET-28a (+), and diet bioassays were performed using purified protein at various doses against Pectinophora gossypiella. Based on the insect mortality and LC50, the Cry1AcM3 form of the modified toxins was shown to be more potent than the other modified versions (Cry1AcM1, Cry1AcM2), with more than 80 % mortality against resistant pink bollworm at 1.25 g/mL and an LC50 of 0.48. The results suggest that modified toxin cry1Ac may be useful in controlling population of pink bollworm resistant against cry1Ac.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Anees Siddiqui
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan; Department of Biotechnology, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Rubab Zahra Naqvi
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Shehzad
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sarwar
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Imran Amin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Mansoor
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ateiah M, Gandalipov ER, Rubel AA, Rubel MS, Kolpashchikov DM. DNA Nanomachine (DNM) Biplex Assay for Differentiating Bacillus cereus Species. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054473. [PMID: 36901903 PMCID: PMC10003685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional methods for the detection and differentiation of Bacillus cereus group species have drawbacks mostly due to the complexity of genetic discrimination between the Bacillus cereus species. Here, we describe a simple and straightforward assay based on the detected unamplified bacterial 16S rRNA by DNA nanomachine (DNM). The assay uses a universal fluorescent reporter and four all-DNA binding fragments, three of which are responsible for "opening up" the folded rRNA while the fourth stand is responsible for detecting single nucleotide variation (SNV) with high selectivity. Binding of the DNM to 16S rRNA results in the formation of the 10-23 deoxyribozyme catalytic core that cleaves the fluorescent reporter and produces a signal, which is amplified over time due to catalytic turnover. This developed biplex assay enables the detection of B. thuringiensis 16S rRNA at fluorescein and B. mycoides at Cy5 channels with a limit of detection of 30 × 103 and 35 × 103 CFU/mL, respectively, after 1.5 h with a hands-on time of ~10 min. The new assay may simplify the analysis of biological RNA samples and might be useful for environmental monitoring as a simple and inexpensive alternative to amplification-based nucleic acid analysis. The DNM proposed here may become an advantageous tool for detecting SNV in clinically significant DNA or RNA samples and can easily differentiate SNV under broadly variable experimental conditions and without prior amplification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhannad Ateiah
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Erik R. Gandalipov
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Aleksandr A. Rubel
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya enb. 7-9, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia;
| | - Maria S. Rubel
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Dmitry M. Kolpashchikov
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, USA
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tangsongcharoen C, Toca-Herrera JL, Promdonkoy B, Tharad S. Mutation of a Threonine Residue in αD-β4 Loop of Cyt2Aa2 Protein Influences Binding on Fluid Lipid Membranes. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:167. [PMID: 36828480 PMCID: PMC9967203 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyt proteins are insecticidal proteins originally from Bacillus thuringiensis. The lipid binding of the Cyt2Aa2 protein depends on the phase of the lipid bilayer. In this work, the importance of the conserved T144 residue in the αD-β4 loop for lipid binding on fluid lipid membranes was investigated via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Lipid membrane fluidity could be monitored for the following lipid mixture systems: POPC/DPPC, POPC/SM, and DOPC/SM. AFM results revealed that the T144A mutant was unable to bind to pure POPC bilayers. Similar topography between the wildtype and T144A mutant was seen for the POPC/Chol system. Small aggregates of T144A mutant were observed in the POPC and DOPC domains of the lipid mixture systems. In addition, the T144A mutant had no cytotoxic effect against human colon cancer cells. These results suggest that alanine replacement into threonine 144 hinders the binding of Cyt2Aa2 on liquid lipid membranes. These observations provide a possibility to modify the Cyt2Aa2 protein to specific cells via lipid phase selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose L. Toca-Herrera
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Boonhiang Promdonkoy
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sudarat Tharad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Xiao Z, Yao X, Bai S, Wei J, An S. Involvement of an Enhanced Immunity Mechanism in the Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis in Lepidopteran Pests. INSECTS 2023; 14:151. [PMID: 36835720 PMCID: PMC9965922 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the safest, economically successful entomopathogen to date. It is extensively produced in transgenic crops or used in spray formulations to control Lepidopteran pests. The most serious threat to the sustainable usage of Bt is insect resistance. The resistance mechanisms to Bt toxins depend not only on alterations in insect receptors, but also on the enhancement of insect immune responses. In this work, we review the current knowledge of the immune response and resistance of insects to Bt formulations and Bt proteins, mainly in Lepidopteran pests. We discuss the pattern recognition proteins for recognizing Bt, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their synthetic signaling pathways, the prophenoloxidase system, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nodulation, encapsulation, phagocytosis, and cell-free aggregates, which are involved in immune response reactions or resistance to Bt. This review also analyzes immune priming, which contributes to the evolution of insect resistance to Bt, and puts forward strategies to improve the insecticidal activity of Bt formulations and manage insect resistance, targeting the insect immune responses and resistance.
Collapse
|
49
|
Schmaltz S, Silva MA, Ninaus RG, Guedes JVC, Zabot GL, Tres MV, Mazutti MA. Biomolecules in modern and sustainable agriculture. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:70. [PMID: 36742447 PMCID: PMC9889597 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03486-2] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents scientific findings which indicate biomolecules are excellent candidates for the development of biopesticides. Efforts are being done to find routes to increase their concentrations in the cultivation media because this concentration facilitates applications, storage, and transportation. Some of these routes are co-fermentation and ultrasound-assisted fermentation. Ultrasonication increases metabolite production and growth rates by improvement of cell permeability and nutrient uptake rates through cell membranes. For example, 24% increase in the enzymatic activity of cellulases produced by Trichoderma reesei in solid-state fermentation was achieved with ultrasonication. Also, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase productions were stimulated by ultrasound in Beauveria bassiana cultivation, presenting positive results. The common parameters evaluated in the production of biomolecules by ultrasound-assisted fermentation are the duty cycle, time of application, power, energetic density, and how long the sonication is maintained in the fermentation media. Many successful cases are reported and discussed, which include the final formulation of bioproducts for agricultural applications. In this trend, nanotechnology is a promising tool for the development of nanoformulations. Nanoemulsification, green synthesis, biosynthesis, or biogenic synthesis are technologies used to produce such nanoformulations, allowing the controlled release of control agents, as well as the delivery of biomolecules to specific targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Schmaltz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000, Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Silva
- São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, 400, Trabalhador São-Carlense Avenue, São Carlos, SP 13566-590 Brazil
| | - Renata Gulart Ninaus
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000, Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Jerson Vanderlei Carus Guedes
- Department of Plant Protection, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000, Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Giovani Leone Zabot
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, 1040, Sete de Setembro St., Center DC, Cachoeira Do Sul, RS 96508-010 Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Tres
- Laboratory of Agroindustrial Processes Engineering (LAPE), Federal University of Santa Maria, 1040, Sete de Setembro St., Center DC, Cachoeira Do Sul, RS 96508-010 Brazil
| | - Marcio Antonio Mazutti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000, Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gowelo S, Meijer P, Tizifa T, Malenga T, Mburu MM, Kabaghe AN, Terlouw DJ, van Vugt M, Phiri KS, Mzilahowa T, Koenraadt CJM, van den Berg H, Manda-Taylor L, McCann RS, Takken W. Community Participation in Habitat Management and Larviciding for the Control of Malaria Vectors in Southern Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:51-60. [PMID: 36410320 PMCID: PMC9833073 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Larval source management (LSM) could reduce malaria transmission when executed alongside core vector control strategies. Involving communities in LSM could increase intervention coverage, reduce operational costs, and promote sustainability via community buy-in. We assessed the effectiveness of community-led LSM to reduce anopheline larval densities in 26 villages along the perimeter of Majete Wildlife Reserve in southern Malawi. The communities formed LSM committees which coordinated LSM activities in their villages following specialized training. Effectiveness of larviciding by LSM committees was assessed via pre- and post-spray larval sampling. The effect of community-led LSM on anopheline larval densities in intervention villages was assessed via comparisons with densities in non-LSM villages over a period of 14 months. Surveys involving 502 respondents were undertaken in intervention villages to explore community motivation and participation, and factors influencing these outcomes. Larviciding by LSM committees reduced anopheline larval densities in post-spray sampling compared with pre-spray sampling (P < 0.0001). No differences were observed between anopheline larval densities during pre-spray sampling in LSM villages and those in non-LSM villages (P = 0.282). Knowledge about vector biology and control, and someone's role in LSM motivated community participation in the vector control program. Despite reducing anopheline larval densities in LSM villages, the impact of the community-led LSM could not be detected in our study setting because of low mosquito densities after scale-up of core malaria control interventions. Still, the contributions of the intervention in increasing a community's knowledge of malaria, its risk factors, and its control methods highlight potential benefits of the approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Gowelo
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,MAC Communicable Diseases Action Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Paola Meijer
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tinashe Tizifa
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tumaini Malenga
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,African Institute for Development Policy, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Monicah M Mburu
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - Alinune N Kabaghe
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dianne J Terlouw
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michèle van Vugt
- Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kamija S Phiri
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Themba Mzilahowa
- MAC Communicable Diseases Action Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Henk van den Berg
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucinda Manda-Taylor
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Robert S McCann
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Willem Takken
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|