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Meier CJ, Ahmed S, Barr JS, Estévez-Lao TY, Hillyer JF. Extracellular matrix proteins Pericardin and Lonely heart mediate periostial hemocyte aggregation in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 159:105219. [PMID: 38925431 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
An infection induces the migration of immune cells called hemocytes to the insect heart, where they aggregate around heart valves called ostia and phagocytose pathogens in areas of high hemolymph flow. Here, we investigated whether the cardiac extracellular matrix proteins, Pericardin (Prc) and Lonely heart (Loh), regulate the infection-induced aggregation of periostial hemocytes in the mosquito, An. gambiae. We discovered that RNAi-based post-transcriptional silencing of Prc or Loh did not affect the resident population of periostial hemocytes in uninfected mosquitoes, but that knocking down these genes decreases the infection-induced migration of hemocytes to the heart. Knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the proportional distribution of periostial hemocytes along the periostial regions. Moreover, knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the number of sessile hemocytes outside the periostial regions, suggesting that the role of these proteins is cardiac-specific. Finally, knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the amount of melanin at the periostial regions, or the intensity of an infection at 24 h after challenge. Overall, we demonstrate that Prc and Loh are positive regulators of the infection-induced migration of hemocytes to the heart of mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole J Meier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shabbir Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jordyn S Barr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tania Y Estévez-Lao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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2
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Robino P, Galosi L, Bellato A, Vincenzetti S, Gonella E, Ferrocino I, Serri E, Biagini L, Roncarati A, Nebbia P, Menzio C, Rossi G. Effects of a supplemented diet containing 7 probiotic strains (Honeybeeotic) on honeybee physiology and immune response: analysis of hemolymph cytology, phenoloxidase activity, and gut microbiome. Biol Res 2024; 57:50. [PMID: 39113128 PMCID: PMC11304726 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00533-x] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, a probiotic mixture (Honeybeeotic) consisting of seven bacterial strains isolated from a unique population of honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica) was used. That honeybee population was located in the Roti Abbey locality of the Marche Region in Italy, an area isolated from human activities, and genetic contamination from other honeybee populations. The aim was to investigate the effects of this probiotic mixture on the innate immunity and intestinal microbiome of healthy common honeybees in two hives of the same apiary. Hive A received a diet of 50% glucose syrup, while hive B received the same syrup supplemented with the probiotics, both administered daily for 1 month. To determine whether the probiotic altered the immune response, phenoloxidase activity and hemolymph cellular subtype count were investigated. Additionally, metagenomic approaches were used to analyze the effects on gut microbiota composition and function, considering the critical role the gut microbiota plays in modulating host physiology. RESULTS The results revealed differences in hemocyte populations between the two hives, as hive A exhibited higher counts of oenocytoids and granulocytes. These findings indicated that the dietary supplementation with the probiotic mixture was safe and well-tolerated. Furthermore, phenoloxidase activity significantly decreased in hive B (1.75 ± 0.19 U/mg) compared to hive A (3.62 ± 0.44 U/mg, p < 0.005), suggesting an improved state of well-being in the honeybees, as they did not require activation of immune defense mechanisms. Regarding the microbiome composition, the probiotic modulated the gut microbiota in hive B compared to the control, retaining core microbiota components while causing both positive and negative variations. Notably, several genes, particularly KEGG genes involved in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) transport, were more abundant in the probiotic-fed group, suggesting an effective nutritional supplement for the host. CONCLUSIONS This study advocated that feeding with this probiotic mixture induces beneficial immunological effects and promoted a balanced gut microbiota with enhanced metabolic activities related to digestion. The use of highly selected probiotics was shown to contribute to the overall well-being of the honeybees, improving their immune response and gut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Robino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Galosi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy.
| | | | - Silvia Vincenzetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Elena Gonella
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilario Ferrocino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Evelina Serri
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Lucia Biagini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Alessandra Roncarati
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nebbia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Menzio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
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3
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Sugiyama K, Kubota Y, Mochizuki O. Network Topology of Wing Veins in Hawaiian Flies Mitigates Allometric Dilemma. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:451. [PMID: 39194429 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9080451] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Specific Hawaiian fruit flies have an extra crossvein (ECV) in the wing vein network which connects contiguously with another crossvein and forms a unique cruciform topology. These flies are distinguished by their large wings and their allometrically small vein diameters compared to those of typical fruit flies. Small vein diameters may increase frictional energy loss during internal blood transport, although they lead to an improvement in the wing's moment of inertia. Our hypothesis was that the ECV's presence would reduce the hydraulic resistance of the entire vein network. To investigate the hemodynamic effects of its presence, the flow rate of blood and frictional pressure loss within the vein networks was simulated by modeling them as hydraulic circuits. The results showed a 3.1% reduction in pressure loss owing to the network topology created by the presence of the ECV. This vein and its contiguous crossvein diverted part of the blood from the wing veins topologically parallel to them, reducing the pressure loss in these bypassed veins. The contiguity of the ECV to the other crossvein provided the shortest blood transfer route and lowest pressure drop between these crossveins. The results suggest that the presence of the ECV may counterbalance the heightened resistance caused by constricted veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Sugiyama
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, Kujirai 2100, Kawagoe 350-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kubota
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, Kujirai 2100, Kawagoe 350-8585, Japan
| | - Osamu Mochizuki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, Kujirai 2100, Kawagoe 350-8585, Japan
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Treidel LA, Deem KD, Salcedo MK, Dickinson MH, Bruce HS, Darveau CA, Dickerson BH, Ellers O, Glass JR, Gordon CM, Harrison JF, Hedrick TL, Johnson MG, Lebenzon JE, Marden JH, Niitepõld K, Sane SP, Sponberg S, Talal S, Williams CM, Wold ES. Insect Flight: State of the Field and Future Directions. Integr Comp Biol 2024; 64:icae106. [PMID: 38982327 PMCID: PMC11406162 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icae106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolution of flight in an early winged insect ancestral lineage is recognized as a key adaptation explaining the unparalleled success and diversification of insects. Subsequent transitions and modifications to flight machinery, including secondary reductions and losses, also play a central role in shaping the impacts of insects on broadscale geographic and ecological processes and patterns in the present and future. Given the importance of insect flight, there has been a centuries-long history of research and debate on the evolutionary origins and biological mechanisms of flight. Here, we revisit this history from an interdisciplinary perspective, discussing recent discoveries regarding the developmental origins, physiology, biomechanics, and neurobiology and sensory control of flight in a diverse set of insect models. We also identify major outstanding questions yet to be addressed and provide recommendations for overcoming current methodological challenges faced when studying insect flight, which will allow the field to continue to move forward in new and exciting directions. By integrating mechanistic work into ecological and evolutionary contexts, we hope that this synthesis promotes and stimulates new interdisciplinary research efforts necessary to close the many existing gaps about the causes and consequences of insect flight evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Treidel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Lincoln NE, 68588, USA
| | - Kevin D Deem
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, 14627, USA
| | - Mary K Salcedo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, 14853, USA
| | - Michael H Dickinson
- Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | | | - Charles-A Darveau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Bradley H Dickerson
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Olaf Ellers
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
| | - Jordan R Glass
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82070, USA
| | - Caleb M Gordon
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8109, USA
| | - Jon F Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Tyson L Hedrick
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Meredith G Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Jacqueline E Lebenzon
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA, 94720, USA
| | - James H Marden
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | | | - Sanjay P Sane
- National Center for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065 India
| | - Simon Sponberg
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Stav Talal
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Caroline M Williams
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ethan S Wold
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Filošević Vujnović A, Čabrijan S, Mušković M, Malatesti N, Andretić Waldowski R. Systemic Effects of Photoactivated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis( N-methylpyridinium-3-yl) Porphyrin on Healthy Drosophila melanogaster. BIOTECH 2024; 13:23. [PMID: 39051338 PMCID: PMC11270250 DOI: 10.3390/biotech13030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Porphyrins are frequently employed in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive technique primarily utilized to treat subcutaneous cancers, as photosensitizing agents (PAs). The development of a new PA with improved tissue selectivity and efficacy is crucial for expanding the application of PDT for the management of diverse cancers. We investigated the systemic effects of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-3-yl)-porphyrin (TMPyP3) using Drosophila melanogaster adult males. We established the oral administration schedule and demonstrated that TMPyP3 was absorbed and stored higher in neuronal than in non-neuronal extracts. Twenty-four hours after oral TMPyP3 photoactivation, the quantity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) increased, but exclusively in the head extracts. Regardless of photoactivation, TMPyP3 resulted in a reduced concentration of H2O2 after 7 days, and this was linked with a decreased capacity to climb, as indicated by negative geotaxis. The findings imply that systemic TMPyP3 therapy may disrupt redox regulation, impairing cellular signaling and behavioral outcomes in the process. To determine the disruptive effect of porphyrins on redox homeostasis, its duration, and the mechanistic variations in retention across various tissues, more research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Filošević Vujnović
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (S.Č.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (R.A.W.)
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6
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He L, Ahmad M, Wu S, Luo S, Shi W, Guo X, Cao Y, Perrimon N. Dietary Amino Acids Promote Glucagon-like Hormone Release to Generate Novel Calcium Waves in Adipose Tissues. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4493132. [PMID: 38947048 PMCID: PMC11213180 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4493132/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Nutrient sensing and the subsequent metabolic responses are fundamental functions of animals, closely linked to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and various obesity-related morbidities. Among different metabolic regulatory signals, cytosolic Ca2+ plays pivotal roles in metabolic regulation, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and lipolysis. Recently, intercellular calcium waves (ICWs), the propagation of Ca2+ signaling through tissues, have been found in different systems to coordinate multicellular responses. Nevertheless, our understanding of how ICWs are modulated and operate within living organisms remains limited. In this study, we explore the real-time dynamics, both in organ culture and free-behaving animals, of ICWs in Drosophila larval and adult adipose tissues. We identified Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the fly functional homolog of mammalian glucagon, as the key factor driving Ca2+ activities in adipose tissue. Interestingly, we found that AKH, which is released in a pulsatile manner into the circulating hemolymph from the AKH-producing neurosecretory cells (APCs) in the brain, stimulates ICWs in the larval fat by a previously unrecognized gap-junction-independent mechanism to promote lipolysis. In the adult fat body, however, gap-junction-dependent random ICWs are triggered by a presumably uniformly diffused AKH. This highlights the stage-specific interplay of hormone secretion, extracellular diffusion, and intercellular communication in the regulation of Ca2+ dynamics. Additionally, we discovered that specific dietary amino acids activate the APCs, leading to increased intracellular Ca2+ and subsequent AKH secretion. Altogether, our findings identify that dietary amino acids regulate the release of AKH peptides from the APCs, which subsequently stimulates novel gap-junction-independent ICWs in adipose tissues, thereby enhancing lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- University of Science and Technology of China
| | | | - Shang Wu
- University of Science and Technology of China
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7
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Gowri V, Monteiro A. Haemolymph transfusions transfer heritable learned novel odour preferences to naive larvae of Bicyclus anynana butterflies. Biol Lett 2024; 20:20230595. [PMID: 38747684 PMCID: PMC11285712 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0595] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms whereby environmental experiences of parents are transmitted to their offspring to impact their behaviour and fitness are poorly understood. Previously, we showed that naive Bicyclus anynana butterfly larvae, whose parents fed on a normal plant feed but coated with a novel odour, inherited an acquired preference towards that odour, which had initially elicited avoidance in the naive parents. Here, we performed simple haemolymph transfusions from odour-fed and control-fed larvae to naive larval recipients. We found that larvae injected with haemolymph from odour-fed donors stopped avoiding the novel odour, and their naive offspring preferred the odour more, compared to the offspring of larvae injected with control haemolymph. These results indicate that factors in the haemolymph, potentially the odour molecule itself, play an important role in odour learning and preference transmission across generations. Furthermore, this mechanism of odour preference inheritance, mediated by the haemolymph, bypasses the peripheral odour-sensing mechanisms taking place in the antennae, mouthparts or legs, and may mediate food plant switching and diversification in Lepidoptera or more broadly across insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Gowri
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore117543, Singapore
| | - Antonia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore117543, Singapore
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8
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Zhong S, Pan L, Wang Z, Zeng Z. Revealing Changes in Ovarian and Hemolymphatic Metabolites Using Widely Targeted Metabolomics between Newly Emerged and Laying Queens of Honeybee ( Apis mellifera). INSECTS 2024; 15:263. [PMID: 38667393 PMCID: PMC11050517 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The queen bee is a central and pivotal figure within the colony, serving as the sole fertile female responsible for its reproduction. The queen possesses an open circulatory system, with her ovaries immersed in hemolymph. A continuous and intricate transportation and interchange of substances exist between the ovaries and hemolymph of queen bees. To determine the characteristic metabolites in the hemolymph and ovary, as well as understand how their rapid metabolism contributes to the process of egg-laying by queens, we reared Apis mellifera queens from three different age groups: newly emerged queen (NEQ), newly laying queen (NLQ), and old laying queen (OLQ). Using widely targeted metabolomics, our study revealed that the laying queen (NLQ and OLQ) exhibited faster fatty acid metabolism, up-regulated expression of antioxidants, and significant depletion of amino acids compared to the NEQ. This study revealed that the levels of carnitine and antioxidants (GSH, 2-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, etc.) in the NLQ and OLQ were significantly higher compared to NEQ. However, most of the differentially expressed amino acids, such as L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-aspartic acid, etc., detected in NLQ and OLQ were down-regulated compared to the NEQ. Following egg-laying, pathways in the queens change significantly, e.g., Tryptophan metabolism, Tyrosine metabolism, cAMP signaling pathway, etc. Our results suggest that carnitine and antioxidants work together to maintain the redox balance of the queen. Additionally, various amino acids are responsible for maintaining the queen's egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqing Zhong
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (S.Z.); (L.P.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Luxia Pan
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (S.Z.); (L.P.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (S.Z.); (L.P.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zhijiang Zeng
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (S.Z.); (L.P.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
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9
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Alvarenga PH, Alves E Silva TL, Suzuki M, Nardone G, Cecilio P, Vega-Rodriguez J, Ribeiro JMC, Andersen JF. Comprehensive Proteomics Analysis of the Hemolymph Composition of Sugar-Fed Aedes aegypti Female and Male Mosquitoes. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1471-1487. [PMID: 38576391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00918] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
In arthropods, hemolymph carries immune cells and solubilizes and transports nutrients, hormones, and other molecules that are involved in diverse physiological processes including immunity, metabolism, and reproduction. However, despite such physiological importance, little is known about its composition. We applied mass spectrometry-based label-free quantification approaches to study the proteome of hemolymph perfused from sugar-fed female and male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. A total of 1403 proteins were identified, out of which 447 of them were predicted to be extracellular. In both sexes, almost half of these extracellular proteins were predicted to be involved in defense/immune response, and their relative abundances (based on their intensity-based absolute quantification, iBAQ) were 37.9 and 33.2%, respectively. Interestingly, among them, 102 serine proteases/serine protease-homologues were identified, with almost half of them containing CLIP regulatory domains. Moreover, proteins belonging to families classically described as chemoreceptors, such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs), were also highly abundant in the hemolymph of both sexes. Our data provide a comprehensive catalogue of A. aegypti hemolymph basal protein content, revealing numerous unexplored targets for future research on mosquito physiology and disease transmission. It also provides a reference for future studies on the effect of blood meal and infection on hemolymph composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia H Alvarenga
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Thiago Luiz Alves E Silva
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Motoshi Suzuki
- Protein and Chemistry Section, Research Technologies Branch, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Glenn Nardone
- Protein and Chemistry Section, Research Technologies Branch, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Pedro Cecilio
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Joel Vega-Rodriguez
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Jose M C Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - John F Andersen
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
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10
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Sugiyama K, Kubota Y, Mochizuki O. Circuit analogy unveiled the haemodynamic effects of the posterior cross vein in the wing vein networks. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301030. [PMID: 38564498 PMCID: PMC10986936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301030] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the wing vein network topology in fruit flies and observed that the posterior cross vein (PCV) disrupts the symmetry of the entire network. The fluidic engineering function of this vein's disposition remains unexplored although the wing vein network is known to transport blood. We examined the fluid mechanical effects of the PCV's disposition on this blood-transporting network through numerical simulations involving the removal and rearrangement of the vein, avoiding impractical physical manipulation. We characterised the geometry of each wing membrane cell, a portion of the wing membrane surrounded by a group of veins, by determining the ratio of its surface area to the contact area with the veins. We considered this ratio in association with the flow velocities of seeping water from the blood within the veins to the membrane and evaporating water from the membrane, based on the mass conservation law. We observed that the division of a membrane cell by the PCV maximises the ratio of the areas in the divided cell on the wing-tip side by virtually shifting this vein's connections in our geometric membrane model. We derived blood flow rate and pressure loss within the venous network from their geometry, using an analogy of the venous network with a circuit consisting of hydraulic resistors based on Kirchhoff and Ohm's laws. The overall pressure loss in the network decreased by 20% with the presence of the PCV functioning as a paralleled hydraulic resistor. By contrast, any other cross-vein computationally arranged on another membrane cell as the PCV's substitution did not exhibit a larger reduction in the pressure loss. Overall, our numerical analyses, leveraging geometry and a circuit analogy, highlighted the effects of the PCV's presence and position on the blood-transporting vein network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Sugiyama
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kubota
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyo University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Osamu Mochizuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, Saitama, Japan
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11
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Plata Á, Züst T, Bermejo A, Beitia FJ, Tena A. Exotic predators can sequester and use novel toxins from exotic non-coevolved prey. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232478. [PMID: 38471556 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2478] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Defensive chemicals of prey can be sequestered by some coevolved predators, which take advantage of prey toxins for their own defence. The increase in the number of invasive species in the Anthropocene has resulted in new interactions among non-coevolved predator and prey species. While novelty in chemical defence may provide a benefit for invasive prey against non-coevolved predators, resident predators with the right evolutionary pre-adaptations might benefit from sequestering these novel defences. Here, we chose a well-known system of invasive species to test whether non-coevolved predators can sequester and use toxins from exotic prey. Together with the invasive prickly pear plants, cochineal bugs (Dactylopius spp.) are spreading worldwide from their native range in the Americas. These insects produce carminic acid, a defensive anthraquinone that some specialized predators sequester for their own defence. Using this system, we first determined whether coccinellids that prey on cochineal bugs in the Mediterranean region tolerated, sequestered, and released carminic acid in reflex bleeding. Then, we quantified the deterrent effect of carminic acid against antagonistic ants. Our results demonstrate that the Australian coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri sequestered carminic acid, a substance absent in its coevolved prey, from exotic cochineal bugs. When attacked, the predator released this substance through reflex bleeding at concentrations that were deterrent against antagonistic ants. These findings reveal that non-coevolved predators can sequester and use novel toxins from exotic prey and highlights the surprising outcomes of novel interactions that arise from species invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Plata
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tobias Züst
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Almudena Bermejo
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco José Beitia
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Tena
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Valencia, Spain
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Bergmann S, Graf E, Hoffmann P, Becker SC, Stern M. Localization of nitric oxide-producing hemocytes in Aedes and Culex mosquitoes infected with bacteria. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 395:313-326. [PMID: 38240845 PMCID: PMC10904431 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03862-1] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are significant vectors of various pathogens. Unlike vertebrates, insects rely solely on innate immunity. Hemocytes play a crucial role in the cellular part of the innate immune system. The gaseous radical nitric oxide (NO) produced by hemocytes acts against pathogens and also functions as a versatile transmitter in both the immune and nervous systems, utilizing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) as a second messenger. This study conducted a parallel comparison of NO synthase (NOS) expression and NO production in hemocytes during Escherichia coli K12 infection in four vector species: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens molestus, and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Increased NOS expression by NADPH diaphorase (NADPHd) staining and NO production by immunofluorescence against the by-product L-citrulline were observed in infected mosquito hemocytes distributed throughout the abdomens. NADPHd activity and citrulline labeling were particularly found in periostial hemocytes near the heart, but also on the ventral nerve chord (VNC). Pericardial cells of Ae. aegypti and Cx. p. molestus showed increased citrulline immunofluorescence, suggesting their involvement in the immune response. Oenocytes displayed strong NADPHd and citrulline labeling independent of infection status. This comparative study, consistent with findings in other species, suggests a widespread phenomenon of NO's role in hemocyte responses during E. coli infection. Found differences within and between genera highlight the importance of species-specific investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bergmann
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Emily Graf
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pascal Hoffmann
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefanie C Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Stern
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
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Wang C, Yu B, Meng X, Xia D, Pei B, Tang X, Zhang G, Wei J, Long M, Chen J, Bao J, Li C, Pan G, Zhou Z, Li T. Microsporidian Nosema bombycis hijacks host vitellogenin and restructures ovariole cells for transovarial transmission. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011859. [PMID: 38060601 PMCID: PMC10729982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011859] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasites that infect almost all animals, causing serious human diseases and major economic losses to the farming industry. Nosema bombycis is a typical microsporidium that infects multiple lepidopteran insects via fecal-oral and transovarial transmission (TOT); however, the underlying TOT processes and mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we characterized the TOT process and identified key factors enabling N. bombycis to invade the ovariole and oocyte of silkworm Bombyx mori. We found that the parasites commenced with TOT at the early pupal stage when ovarioles penetrated the ovary wall and were exposed to the hemolymph. Subsequently, the parasites in hemolymph and hemolymph cells firstly infiltrated the ovariole sheath, from where they invaded the oocyte via two routes: (I) infecting follicular cells, thereby penetrating oocytes after proliferation, and (II) infecting nurse cells, thus entering oocytes following replication. In follicle and nurse cells, the parasites restructured and built large vacuoles to deliver themselves into the oocyte. In the whole process, the parasites were coated with B. mori vitellogenin (BmVg) on their surfaces. To investigate the BmVg effects on TOT, we suppressed its expression and found a dramatic decrease of pathogen load in both ovarioles and eggs, suggesting that BmVg plays a crucial role in the TOT. Thereby, we identified the BmVg domains and parasite spore wall proteins (SWPs) mediating the interaction, and demonstrated that the von Willebrand domain (VWD) interacted with SWP12, SWP26 and SWP30, and the unknown function domain (DUF1943) bound with the SWP30. When disrupting these interactions, we found significant reductions of the pathogen load in both ovarioles and eggs, suggesting that the interplays between BmVg and SWPs were vital for the TOT. In conclusion, our study has elucidated key aspects about the microsporidian TOT and revealed the key factors for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boyan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyou Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guizheng Zhang
- Guangxi Institute of Sericulture Science, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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Cardoso-Jaime V, Maya-Maldonado K, Tsutsumi V, Hernández-Martínez S. Mosquito pericardial cells upregulate Cecropin expression after an immune challenge. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 147:104745. [PMID: 37268262 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Most mosquito-transmitted pathogens grow or replicate in the midgut before invading the salivary glands. Pathogens are exposed to several immunological factors along the way. Recently, it was shown that hemocytes gather near the periostial region of the heart to efficiently phagocytose pathogens circulating in the hemolymph. Nerveless, not all pathogens can be phagocyted by hemocytes and eliminated by lysis. Interestingly, some studies have shown that pericardial cells (PCs) surrounding periostial regions, may produce humoral factors, such as lysozymes. Our current work provides evidence that Anopheles albimanus PCs are a major producer of Cecropin 1 (Cec1). Furthermore, our findings reveal that after an immunological challenge, PCs upregulate Cec1 expression. We conclude that PCs are positioned in a strategic location that could allow releasing humoral components, such as cecropin, to lyse pathogens on the heart or circulating in the hemolymph, implying that PCs could play a significant role in the systemic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62100, Mexico; Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México, C.P. 07360, Mexico
| | - Krystal Maya-Maldonado
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62100, Mexico; Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México, C.P. 07360, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México, C.P. 07360, Mexico.
| | - Salvador Hernández-Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62100, Mexico.
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Li M, Zhang J, Qin Q, Zhang H, Li X, Wang H, Meng Q. Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses of Thitarodes xiaojinensis in Response to Ophiocordyceps sinensis Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2361. [PMID: 37764206 PMCID: PMC10537090 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092361] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophiocordyceps sinensis exhibits more than 5 months of vegetative growth in Thitarodes xiaojinensis hemocoel. The peculiar development process of O. sinensis has been elucidated through morphological observation and omics technology; however, little information has been reported regarding the changes that occur in the host T. xiaojinensis. The RNA sequencing data showed that when O. sinensis blastospores were in the proliferative stage, the greatest change in the infected larval fat body was the selectively upregulated immune recognition and antimicrobial peptide genes. When O. sinensis blastospores were in the stationary stage, the immune pathways of T. xiaojinensis reverted to normal levels, which coincides with the successful settlement of O. sinensis. Pathway enrichment analysis showed a higher expression of genes involved in energy metabolism pathway in this stage. Metabolomic analyses revealed a reduction of amino acids and lipids in hemolymph, but an upregulation of lipids in the fat body of the host larvae after O. sinensis infection. We present the first transcriptome integrated with the metabolome study of T. xiaojinensis infected by O. sinensis. It will improve our understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the host and entomopathogenic fungi, and facilitate future functional studies of genes and pathways involved in these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (H.Z.)
| | - Jihong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (H.Z.)
| | - Qilian Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (H.Z.)
| | - Huan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (H.Z.)
| | - Xuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (H.Z.)
| | - Hongtuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (H.Z.)
| | - Qian Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (H.Z.)
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Admella J, Torrents E. Investigating bacterial infections in Galleria mellonella larvae: Insights into pathogen dissemination and behavior. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 200:107975. [PMID: 37541571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107975] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The insect Galleria mellonella is an alternative animal model widely used for studying bacterial infections. It presents a wide range of advantages, including its low cost, easy maintenance and lack of ethical constraints. Among other features, their innate immune system is very similar to that of mammals. In this study, we dissected several larvae infected with important human pathogens: Mycobacterium abscessus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By observing the fat body, gut, trachea, and hemolymph under the microscope, we were able to describe where bacteria tend to disseminate. We also quantified the number of bacteria in the hemolymph throughout the infection course and found significant differences between the different pathogens. With this work, we aimed to better understand the behavior and dissemination of bacteria in the infected larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Admella
- Bacterial Infections and Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Section, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 643 Diagonal Ave., 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial Infections and Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Section, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 643 Diagonal Ave., 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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17
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Contrera FAL, Lopes BDSC, da Paz CA, Hamoy MKO, dos Santos MF, Barbosa GB, do Amaral ALG, de Pinho LHB, Hamoy M. First Records of Heartbeats via ECG in a Stingless Bee, Melipona flavolineata (Apidae, Meliponini), during Contention Stress Using Isoflurane as an Anesthetic. INSECTS 2023; 14:696. [PMID: 37623406 PMCID: PMC10455334 DOI: 10.3390/insects14080696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The hemodynamic activity of Melipona flavolineata workers was evaluated during restraint stress for a period of 30 min. The observed parameters were power variation in the elapsed time, and subsequently, six periods of one second were divided and called A, B, C, D, E and F; in each period, the electrocardiographic parameters were evaluated: spike frequency, amplitude, spike intervals and spike duration. The experiment was carried out with eight worker bees of M. flavolineata, for which electrodes of a nickel-chromium alloy were made. The bees were previously anesthetized with isoflurane and properly contained and fixed in a base for stereotaxis in which the electrode was implanted. All these procedures were performed inside a Faraday cage. The results showed power oscillations during the recording, with the highest energy level being between 300 and 600 s. Spike frequency, spike amplitude, interval between spikes and spike duration parameters underwent changes during the restraint stress period. Thus, the cardiac activity of M. flavolineata can be used as a biomarker and can be used to clarify physiological issues or alterations caused by toxic agents and indicate risk factors for these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Andrés León Contrera
- Laboratório de Biologia e Ecologia de Abelhas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil;
| | - Bárbara dos Santos Conceição Lopes
- Laboratório de Biologia e Ecologia de Abelhas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil;
| | - Clarissa Araújo da Paz
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (C.A.d.P.); (M.K.O.H.); (M.F.d.S.); (G.B.B.); (A.L.G.d.A.); (L.H.B.d.P.)
| | - Maria Klara Otake Hamoy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (C.A.d.P.); (M.K.O.H.); (M.F.d.S.); (G.B.B.); (A.L.G.d.A.); (L.H.B.d.P.)
| | - Murilo Farias dos Santos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (C.A.d.P.); (M.K.O.H.); (M.F.d.S.); (G.B.B.); (A.L.G.d.A.); (L.H.B.d.P.)
| | - Gabriela Brito Barbosa
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (C.A.d.P.); (M.K.O.H.); (M.F.d.S.); (G.B.B.); (A.L.G.d.A.); (L.H.B.d.P.)
| | - Anthony Lucas Gurgel do Amaral
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (C.A.d.P.); (M.K.O.H.); (M.F.d.S.); (G.B.B.); (A.L.G.d.A.); (L.H.B.d.P.)
| | - Luiz Henrique Barbosa de Pinho
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (C.A.d.P.); (M.K.O.H.); (M.F.d.S.); (G.B.B.); (A.L.G.d.A.); (L.H.B.d.P.)
| | - Moisés Hamoy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (C.A.d.P.); (M.K.O.H.); (M.F.d.S.); (G.B.B.); (A.L.G.d.A.); (L.H.B.d.P.)
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Hillyer JF. Insect physiology: The mouthparts of moths and butterflies breathe through strategically positioned micropores. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R762-R764. [PMID: 37490861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Insects employ a tracheal system to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the body's cells. A new study discovers a micropore-based mechanism of respiration in the coiling mouthparts of moths and butterflies, which allowed these insects to evolve intricately long mouthparts without also evolving proportionally larger body sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37205, USA.
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19
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Czarniewska E, Sielicki K, Maślana K, Mijowska E. In vivo study on borophene nanoflakes interaction with Tenebrio molitor beetle: viability of hemocytes and short-term immunity effect. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11823. [PMID: 37479709 PMCID: PMC10361989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38595-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of graphene-based materials welcomed a new member, borophene, in 2014. Research on synthesis routes and experimental study on physicochemical and biological (especially in vivo) properties still is strongly desired in order to evaluate its practical potential as a drug delivery-system. The effect of two-dimensional borophene nanoflakes on cells, systems and the entire animal organism has not been studied so far. Therefore, we investigated in vivo its biocompatibility with hemocytes in the Tenebrio molitor as a model organism. Short-term studies demonstrated that borophene nanoflakes at doses of 0.5, 1 or 2 µg of nanoflakes per insect did not induce hemocytotoxicity. Hemocytes exposed to nanoflakes showed morphology, adhesiveness and ability to form filopodia as in the control hemocytes. A detailed study indicates that borophene nanoflakes do not: (i) generate intracellular reactive oxygen species in hemocytes, (ii) affect the mitochondrial membrane potential and (iii) interfere with phagocytosis. Therefore, this contribution presents new in vivo insights into the group of two-dimensional materials which are one of the most promising materials for biomedical applications owing to their special structure and unique properties. However, long-term studies in insects and other animals are still necessary to confirm that borophene is biocompatible and biologically safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Czarniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Sielicki
- Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Nanomaterials Physicochemistry Department, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Piastow Ave. 42, 71-065, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Klaudia Maślana
- Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Nanomaterials Physicochemistry Department, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Piastow Ave. 42, 71-065, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Mijowska
- Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Nanomaterials Physicochemistry Department, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Piastow Ave. 42, 71-065, Szczecin, Poland.
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20
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Zhang Y, Tan Q, Lin M, Shen C, Jin L, Li G. Dusky-like Is Critical for Morphogenesis of the Cellular Protuberances and Formation of the Cuticle in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:866. [PMID: 37372150 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Dusky-like (Dyl) is a transmembrane protein containing a zona pellucida domain. Its physiological roles during metamorphosis have been well explored in Drosophila melanogaster and have also been documented in Tribolium castaneum. However, Dyl has undergone a functional shift between Diptera and Coleoptera insects. Further investigation of Dyl in other insects will be helpful to further clarify its function in insect growth and development. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an important Coleoptera that causes enormous economic losses in agriculture in China. In this study, we found that the expression of Hvdyl was detectable in embryos, larvae, prepupae, pupae, and adults. We knocked down Hvdyl in third- and fourth-instar larvae and pupae with RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi of Hvdyl mainly caused two phenotypic defects. Firstly, the growth of epidermal cellular protuberances was suppressed. Injection of dsdyl (double-stranded dusky-like RNA) at the third-instar larval stage truncated the scoli throughout the thorax and abdomen and shortened the setae on the head capsules and mouthparts of the fourth-instar larvae. Introduction of dsdyl at the third- and fourth-instar stages led to misshapen pupal setae. The setae were shortened or became black nodules. Treatment with dsdyl at the larval and pupal stages resulted in deformed adults with completely suppressed wing hairs. Moreover, the knockdown of Hvdyl at the third-instar stage caused deformed larval mouthparts at the fourth-instar period. As a result, foliage consumption was inhibited, and larval growth was slowed. The results indicate that Dyl is associated with the growth of cellular protuberances throughout development and with the formation of the cuticle in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Zhang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qiao Tan
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Mengjiao Lin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chenhui Shen
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Zhang L, Yang T, Su X, Zhang X, Zhou X. Debilitation of Galleria mellonella hemocytes using CytCo a cytolytic-like protein derived from the entomopathogen Conidiobolus obscurus. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:105418. [PMID: 37247995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cytolytic (Cyt)-like genes are present in both pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Bacterial Cyt proteins can destroy insect midgut epithelial cells after ingestion by hosts and some of them have been developed as biopesticides; however, few studies have investigated their functions in fungal pathogens. This study investigated the effects of a Cyt-like protein (CytCo) derived from Conidiobolus obscurus (Entomophthoromycotina) on the hemocytes of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella larvae. The results showed a significant decline in hemocyte viability after treatment with CytCo in vivo or in vitro. The hemocyte density in the hemolymph was reduced by 65.2% and 50.2% after 12 h in vivo and 6 h in vitro treatments, respectively. Apoptosis/necrosis tests using fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that CytCo-treated hemocytes displayed apoptosis, and many of them also showed necrosis after 6 h in vitro treatment. Based on transcriptome analysis, several genes involved in the programmed cell death signaling pathway were upregulated in the CytCo-treated hemocytes. Meanwhile, the differentially expressed genes related to energy production, signal transduction, transcription regulation, and melanization were upregulated, demonstrating activated immune responses; those putatively related to hemocyte adhesion were downregulated, possibly in response to the reduction of hemocytes in hemolymph. In conclusion, CytCo as a virulence factor, could irreversibly incapacitate host hemocytes, playing an important role in debilitating insect immunity. This novel insecticidal protein holds a potential to develop biopesticide for controlling agroforestry pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvhao Zhang
- State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, PR China
| | - Tian Yang
- State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, PR China
| | - Xiu Su
- State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, PR China
| | - Xinqi Zhang
- State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, PR China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- State key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, PR China.
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22
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Jahn H, Hammel JU, Göpel T, Wirkner CS, Mayer G. A multiscale approach reveals elaborate circulatory system and intermittent heartbeat in velvet worms (Onychophora). Commun Biol 2023; 6:468. [PMID: 37117786 PMCID: PMC10147947 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04797-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An antagonistic hemolymph-muscular system is essential for soft-bodied invertebrates. Many ecdysozoans (molting animals) possess neither a heart nor a vascular or circulatory system, whereas most arthropods exhibit a well-developed circulatory system. How did this system evolve and how was it subsequently modified in panarthropod lineages? As the closest relatives of arthropods and tardigrades, onychophorans (velvet worms) represent a key group for addressing this question. We therefore analyzed the entire circulatory system of the peripatopsid Euperipatoides rowelli and discovered a surprisingly elaborate organization. Our findings suggest that the last common ancestor of Onychophora and Arthropoda most likely possessed an open vascular system, a posteriorly closed heart with segmental ostia, a pericardial sinus filled with nephrocytes and an impermeable pericardial septum, whereas the evolutionary origin of plical and pericardial channels is unclear. Our study further revealed an intermittent heartbeat-regular breaks of rhythmic, peristaltic contractions of the heart-in velvet worms, which might stimulate similar investigations in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Jahn
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, D-34132, Kassel, Germany.
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon at DESY, Notkestraße 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Torben Göpel
- Multiscale Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305220, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Christian S Wirkner
- Institut für Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Universitätsplatz 2, D-18055, Rostock, Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, D-34132, Kassel, Germany
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23
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Brasovs A, Palaoro AV, Aprelev P, Beard CE, Adler PH, Kornev KG. Haemolymph viscosity in hawkmoths and its implications for hovering flight. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222185. [PMID: 37122259 PMCID: PMC10130727 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2185] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Viscosity determines the resistance of haemolymph flow through the insect body. For flying insects, viscosity is a major physiological parameter limiting flight performance by controlling the flow rate of fuel to the flight muscles, circulating nutrients and rapidly removing metabolic waste products. The more viscous the haemolymph, the greater the metabolic energy needed to pump it through confined spaces. By employing magnetic rotational spectroscopy with nickel nanorods, we showed that viscosity of haemolymph in resting hawkmoths (Sphingidae) depends on wing size non-monotonically. Viscosity increases for small hawkmoths with high wingbeat frequencies, reaches a maximum for middle-sized hawkmoths with moderate wingbeat frequencies, and decreases in large hawkmoths with slower wingbeat frequencies but greater lift. Accordingly, hawkmoths with small and large wings have viscosities approaching that of water, whereas hawkmoths with mid-sized wings have more than twofold greater viscosity. The metabolic demands of flight correlate with significant changes in circulatory strategies via modulation of haemolymph viscosity. Thus, the evolution of hovering flight would require fine-tuned viscosity adjustments to balance the need for the haemolymph to carry more fuel to the flight muscles while decreasing the viscous dissipation associated with its circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artis Brasovs
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Alexandre V. Palaoro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Pavel Aprelev
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Charles E. Beard
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Peter H. Adler
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Konstantin G. Kornev
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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24
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Salcedo MK, Ellis TE, Sáenz ÁS, Lu J, Worrell T, Madigan ML, Socha JJ. Transient use of hemolymph for hydraulic wing expansion in cicadas. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6298. [PMID: 37072416 PMCID: PMC10113369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32533-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect wings must be flexible, light, and strong to allow dynamic behaviors such as flying, mating, and feeding. When winged insects eclose into adults, their wings unfold, actuated hydraulically by hemolymph. Flowing hemolymph in the wing is necessary for functioning and healthy wings, both as the wing forms and as an adult. Because this process recruits the circulatory system, we asked, how much hemolymph is pumped into wings, and what happens to the hemolymph afterwards? Using Brood X cicadas (Magicicada septendecim), we collected 200 cicada nymphs, observing wing transformation over 2 h. Using dissection, weighing, and imaging of wings at set time intervals, we found that within 40 min after emergence, wing pads morphed into adult wings and total wing mass increased to ~ 16% of body mass. Thus, a significant amount of hemolymph is diverted from body to wings to effectuate expansion. After full expansion, in the ~ 80 min after, the mass of the wings decreased precipitously. In fact, the final adult wing is lighter than the initial folded wing pad, a surprising result. These results demonstrate that cicadas not only pump hemolymph into the wings, they then pump it out, producing a strong yet lightweight wing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Salcedo
- Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Tyler E Ellis
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ángela S Sáenz
- Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Joyce Lu
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Terrell Worrell
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michael L Madigan
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - John J Socha
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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25
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Zhao Y, van de Leemput J, Han Z. The opportunities and challenges of using Drosophila to model human cardiac diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1182610. [PMID: 37123266 PMCID: PMC10130661 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1182610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila heart tube seems simple, yet it has notable anatomic complexity and contains highly specialized structures. In fact, the development of the fly heart tube much resembles that of the earliest stages of mammalian heart development, and the molecular-genetic mechanisms driving these processes are highly conserved between flies and humans. Combined with the fly's unmatched genetic tools and a wide variety of techniques to assay both structure and function in the living fly heart, these attributes have made Drosophila a valuable model system for studying human heart development and disease. This perspective focuses on the functional and physiological similarities between fly and human hearts. Further, it discusses current limitations in using the fly, as well as promising prospects to expand the capabilities of Drosophila as a research model for studying human cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpo Zhao
- Center for Precision Disease Modeling, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joyce van de Leemput
- Center for Precision Disease Modeling, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zhe Han
- Center for Precision Disease Modeling, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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26
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Serrano I, Verdial C, Tavares L, Oliveira M. The Virtuous Galleria mellonella Model for Scientific Experimentation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:505. [PMID: 36978373 PMCID: PMC10044286 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The first research on the insect Galleria mellonella was published 85 years ago, and the larva is now widely used as a model to study infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens, for screening new antimicrobials, to study the adjacent immune response in co-infections or in host-pathogen interaction, as well as in a toxicity model. The immune system of the G. mellonella model shows remarkable similarities with mammals. Furthermore, results from G. mellonella correlate positively with mammalian models and with other invertebrate models. Unlike other invertebrate models, G. mellonella can withstand temperatures of 37 °C, and its handling and experimental procedures are simpler. Despite having some disadvantages, G. mellonella is a virtuous in vivo model to be used in preclinical studies, as an intermediate model between in vitro and mammalian in vivo studies, and is a great example on how to apply the bioethics principle of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal experimentation. This review aims to discuss the progress of the G. mellonella model, highlighting the key aspects of its use, including experimental design considerations and the necessity to standardize them. A different score in the "cocoon" category included in the G. mellonella Health Index Scoring System is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Serrano
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Verdial
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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27
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Liessem S, Held M, Bisen RS, Haberkern H, Lacin H, Bockemühl T, Ache JM. Behavioral state-dependent modulation of insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2023; 33:449-463.e5. [PMID: 36580915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.005] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Insulin signaling plays a pivotal role in metabolic control and aging, and insulin accordingly is a key factor in several human diseases. Despite this importance, the in vivo activity dynamics of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) are poorly understood. Here, we characterized the effects of locomotion on the activity of IPCs in Drosophila. Using in vivo electrophysiology and calcium imaging, we found that IPCs were strongly inhibited during walking and flight and that their activity rebounded and overshot after cessation of locomotion. Moreover, IPC activity changed rapidly during behavioral transitions, revealing that IPCs are modulated on fast timescales in behaving animals. Optogenetic activation of locomotor networks ex vivo, in the absence of actual locomotion or changes in hemolymph sugar levels, was sufficient to inhibit IPCs. This demonstrates that the behavioral state-dependent inhibition of IPCs is actively controlled by neuronal pathways and is independent of changes in glucose concentration. By contrast, the overshoot in IPC activity after locomotion was absent ex vivo and after starvation, indicating that it was not purely driven by feedforward signals but additionally required feedback derived from changes in hemolymph sugar concentration. We hypothesize that IPC inhibition during locomotion supports mobilization of fuel stores during metabolically demanding behaviors, while the rebound in IPC activity after locomotion contributes to replenishing muscle glycogen stores. In addition, the rapid dynamics of IPC modulation support a potential role of insulin in the state-dependent modulation of sensorimotor processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Liessem
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martina Held
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rituja S Bisen
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Haberkern
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Haluk Lacin
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 4523 Clayton Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Till Bockemühl
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan M Ache
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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28
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Niu Y, Zhao Y, Shi F, Li M, Zhang S, Yang J, Zong S, Tao J. An Efficient and Simple Method for Collecting Haemolymph of Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) Adults. INSECTS 2022; 14:29. [PMID: 36661957 PMCID: PMC9863847 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cerambycid beetles (Cerambycidae) are major forest pests, posing a serious threat to the security of forest resources worldwide. Extensive research has focused on the control of cerambycid beetles from physiological and biochemical perspectives. Despite the important roles of insect haemolymph in physiological processes, efficient collection methods for Cerambycidae are lacking. For the efficient and easy collection of large amounts of pure haemolymph from adult cerambycid beetles, a new method, named net centrifugation, was developed. Three species of cerambycid beetles with large differences in size, Anoplophora chinensis, Monochamus saltuarius and Saperda populnea, were selected for the study. Haemolymph was collected by the newly developed net centrifugation method-in which an inner nylon net is used during centrifugation under optimised conditions, and a relatively small wound is generated on the insect-as well as the traditional tearing method and double centrifugation method. Among the three methods evaluated, the net centrifugation method caused the least damage to cerambycid beetles during the whole operation. This method resulted in the most haemolymph from a single beetle, with the lowest turbidity, mostly pure haemocytes in the precipitate, the clearest haemolymph smears by microscopy and the highest quality of RNA extracted from haemocytes. The net centrifugation method has a high collection efficiency, providing important technical support for haemolymph extraction and entomological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Niu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Fengming Shi
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Meng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sainan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jinglin Yang
- Mentougou Forestry Station, Beijing 102308, China
| | - Shixiang Zong
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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29
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Cardoso-Jaime V, Tikhe CV, Dong S, Dimopoulos G. The Role of Mosquito Hemocytes in Viral Infections. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102088. [PMID: 36298644 PMCID: PMC9608948 DOI: 10.3390/v14102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect hemocytes are the only immune cells that can mount a humoral and cellular immune response. Despite the critical involvement of hemocytes in immune responses against bacteria, fungi, and parasites in mosquitoes, our understanding of their antiviral potential is still limited. It has been shown that hemocytes express humoral factors such as TEP1, PPO, and certain antimicrobial peptides that are known to restrict viral infections. Insect hemocytes also harbor the major immune pathways, such as JAK/STAT, TOLL, IMD, and RNAi, which are critical for the control of viral infection. Recent research has indicated a role for hemocytes in the regulation of viral infection through RNA interference and autophagy; however, the specific mechanism by which this regulation occurs remains uncharacterized. Conversely, some studies have suggested that hemocytes act as agonists of arboviral infection because they lack basal lamina and circulate throughout the whole mosquito, likely facilitating viral dissemination to other tissues such as salivary glands. In addition, hemocytes produce arbovirus agonist factors such as lectins, which enhance viral infection. Here, we summarize our current understanding of hemocytes’ involvement in viral infections.
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30
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Horn T, Narov KD, Panfilio KA. Persistent Parental RNAi in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum Involves Maternal Transmission of Long Double-Stranded RNA. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2022; 3:2100064. [PMID: 36620196 PMCID: PMC9744488 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Parental RNA interference (pRNAi) is a powerful and widely used method for gene-specific knockdown. Yet in insects its efficacy varies between species, and how the systemic response is transmitted from mother to offspring remains elusive. Using the beetle Tribolium castaneum, an RT-qPCR strategy to distinguish the presence of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from endogenous mRNA is reported. It is found that injected dsRNA is directly transmitted into the egg and persists throughout embryogenesis. Despite this depletion of dsRNA from the mother, it is shown that strong pRNAi can persist for months before waning at strain-specific rates. In seeking the receptor proteins for cellular uptake of long dsRNA into the egg, a phylogenomics profiling approach of candidate proteins is also presented. A visualization strategy based on taxonomically hierarchical assessment of orthology clustering data to rapidly assess gene age and copy number changes, refined by sequence-based evidence, is demonstrated. Repeated losses of SID-1-like channel proteins in the arthropods, including wholesale loss in the Heteroptera (true bugs), which are nonetheless highly sensitive to pRNAi, are thereby documented. Overall, practical considerations for insect pRNAi against a backdrop of outstanding questions on the molecular mechanism of dsRNA transmission for long-term, systemic knockdown are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Horn
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental BiologyUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47b50674CologneGermany
| | - Kalin D. Narov
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickGibbet Hill CampusCoventryCV4 7ALUK
| | - Kristen A. Panfilio
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental BiologyUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47b50674CologneGermany
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickGibbet Hill CampusCoventryCV4 7ALUK
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31
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Ramakrishnan A, Hillyer JF. Silencing Transglutaminase Genes TGase2 and TGase3 Has Infection-Dependent Effects on the Heart Rate of the Mosquito Anopheles gambiae. INSECTS 2022; 13:582. [PMID: 35886758 PMCID: PMC9315499 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminases are pleiotropic enzymes that in mosquitoes participate in the formation of the mating plug and the wound-induced antimalarial response. Moreover, one transglutaminase, TGase3, negatively regulates the infection-induced aggregation of hemocytes on the heart. Given that TGase3 is an inhibitor of periostial hemocyte aggregation, we used RNAi-based gene silencing followed by intravital video imaging to scrutinize whether any of the three transglutaminases encoded in the genome of the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, play a role in modulating the heart rate of uninfected and infected mosquitoes. Initially, we confirmed that an infection decreases the heart rate. Then, we uncovered that silencing TGase1 does not impact heart physiology, but silencing TGase2 results in a constant heart rate regardless of infection status, eliminating the infection-induced decrease in the heart rate. Finally, silencing TGase3 decreases the heart rate in uninfected mosquitoes but increases the heart rate in infected mosquitoes. We conclude that TGase2 and TGase3 modulate heart physiology and demonstrate that factors not classically associated with insect circulatory physiology are involved in the functional integration of the immune and circulatory systems of mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julián F. Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
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32
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Ouali R, Vieira LR, Salmon D, Bousbata S. Rhodnius prolixus Hemolymph Immuno-Physiology: Deciphering the Systemic Immune Response Triggered by Trypanosoma cruzi Establishment in the Vector Using Quantitative Proteomics. Cells 2022; 11:1449. [PMID: 35563760 PMCID: PMC9104911 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the development of Trypanosoma cruzi within the triatomine vector at the molecular level should provide novel targets for interrupting parasitic life cycle and affect vectorial competence. The aim of the current study is to provide new insights into triatomines immunology through the characterization of the hemolymph proteome of Rhodnius prolixus, a major Chagas disease vector, in order to gain an overview of its immune physiology. Surprisingly, proteomics investigation of the immunomodulation of T. cruzi-infected blood reveals that the parasite triggers an early systemic response in the hemolymph. The analysis of the expression profiles of hemolymph proteins from 6 h to 24 h allowed the identification of a broad range of immune proteins expressed already in the early hours post-blood-feeding regardless of the presence of the parasite, ready to mount a rapid response exemplified by the significant phenol oxidase activation. Nevertheless, we have also observed a remarkable induction of the immune response triggered by an rpPGRP-LC and the overexpression of defensins 6 h post-T. cruzi infection. Moreover, we have identified novel proteins with immune properties such as the putative c1q-like protein and the immunoglobulin I-set domain-containing protein, which have never been described in triatomines and could play a role in T. cruzi recognition. Twelve proteins with unknown function are modulated by the presence of T. cruzi in the hemolymph. Determining the function of these parasite-induced proteins represents an exciting challenge for increasing our knowledge about the diversity of the immune response from the universal one studied in holometabolous insects. This will provide us with clear answers for misunderstood mechanisms in host-parasite interaction, leading to the development of new generation strategies to control vector populations and pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radouane Ouali
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Larissa Rezende Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Didier Salmon
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Sabrina Bousbata
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
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Yan Y, Ramakrishnan A, Estévez-Lao TY, Hillyer JF. Transglutaminase 3 negatively regulates immune responses on the heart of the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6715. [PMID: 35468918 PMCID: PMC9038791 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10766-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune and circulatory systems of insects are functionally integrated. Following infection, immune cells called hemocytes aggregate around the ostia (valves) of the heart. An earlier RNA sequencing project in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, revealed that the heart-associated hemocytes, called periostial hemocytes, express transglutaminases more highly than hemocytes elsewhere in the body. Here, we further queried the expression of these transglutaminase genes and examined whether they play a role in heart-associated immune responses. We found that, in the whole body, injury upregulates the expression of TGase2, whereas infection upregulates TGase1, TGase2 and TGase3. RNAi-based knockdown of TGase1 and TGase2 did not alter periostial hemocyte aggregation, but knockdown of TGase3 increased the number of periostial hemocytes during the early stages of infection and the sequestration of melanin by periostial hemocytes during the later stages of infection. In uninfected mosquitoes, knockdown of TGase3 also slightly reduced the number of sessile hemocytes outside of the periostial regions. Taken altogether, these data show that TGase3 negatively regulates periostial hemocyte aggregation, and we hypothesize that this occurs by negatively regulating the immune deficiency pathway and by altering hemocyte adhesion. In conclusion, TGase3 is involved in the functional integration between the immune and circulatory systems of mosquitoes.
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Lieberman ZE, Billen J, Kamp T, Boudinot BE. The ant abdomen: the skeletomuscular and soft tissue anatomy of
Amblyopone australis
workers (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J Morphol 2022; 283:693-770. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziv Ellis Lieberman
- Department of Entomology and Nematology University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, U. S. A. 95616
| | - Johan Billen
- Zoological Institute, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Box 2466, B‐3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Thomas Kamp
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein‐Leopoldshafen Germany
- Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 12 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Brendon Elias Boudinot
- Friedrich‐Schiller‐Universität Jena, Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Entomologie Gruppe, Erbertstraße 1 07743 Jena Germany
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Ménard G, Rouillon A, Cattoir V, Donnio PY. Galleria mellonella as a Suitable Model of Bacterial Infection: Past, Present and Future. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:782733. [PMID: 35004350 PMCID: PMC8727906 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.782733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing interest for Galleria mellonella larvae as an infection model is evidenced by the number of papers reporting its use, which increases exponentially since the early 2010s. This popularity was initially linked to limitation of conventional animal models due to financial, technical and ethical aspects. In comparison, alternative models (e.g. models using Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster or G. mellonella) were cheap, simple to use and not limited by ethical regulation. Since then, similar results have been established with G. mellonella model comparatively to vertebrates, and it is more and more often used as a robust model per se, not only as an alternative to the murine model. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge supporting the development of this model, both on immunological and microbiological aspects. For that, we focus on investigation of virulence and new therapies for the most important pathogenic bacteria. We also discuss points out directions for standardization, as well as recent advances and new perspectives for monitoring host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Ménard
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière (SB2H), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
| | - Astrid Rouillon
- Univ Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Cattoir
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière (SB2H), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Donnio
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Bacterial Regulatory RNAs and Medicine (BRM), service de Bactériologie Hygiène-Hospitalière (SB2H), UMR_S 1230, Rennes, France
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NO Synthesis in Immune-Challenged Locust Hemocytes and Potential Signaling to the CNS. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100951. [PMID: 34680720 PMCID: PMC8539611 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Insects, in the same way as vertebrates, are exposed to a broad variety of pathogens but lack their adaptive immune system. Relying on their innate immune system, they respond to pathogens by phagocytosis, melanization, and the synthesis of antimicrobial or cytotoxic compounds. In this study, we evaluated the production of the cytotoxic gaseous radical nitric oxide (NO) in hemocytes, the immune cells of the model insect Locusta migratoria in response to various immune stimuli. Both sessile and circulating hemocytes responded to gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Streptococcus suis injection with a strong increase in NO production. In contrast, the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus elicited only a minor response. In addition, bacteria were encapsulated by hemocytes. Since NO is an important neurotransmitter, NO-producing hemocytes were tested on the locust central nervous system (CNS) in an embryo culture model. CNS neurons responded with a distinct increase in production of the second messenger, cGMP. This is indicative of the influence of the immune response on the CNS. Our findings show that NO production in hemocytes and capsule formation need complex stimuli and contribute to the understanding of neuroimmune interactions in insects. Abstract Similar to vertebrates, insects are exposed to a broad variety of pathogens. The innate insect immune system provides several response mechanisms such as phagocytosis, melanization, and the synthesis of antimicrobial or cytotoxic compounds. The cytotoxic nitric oxide (NO), which is also a neurotransmitter, is involved in the response to bacterial infections in various insects but has rarely been shown to be actually produced in hemocytes. We quantified the NO production in hemocytes of Locusta migratoria challenged with diverse immune stimuli by immunolabeling the by-product of NO synthesis, citrulline. Whereas in untreated adult locusts less than 5% of circulating hemocytes were citrulline-positive, the proportion rose to over 40% after 24 hours post injection of heat-inactivated bacteria. Hemocytes surrounded and melanized bacteria in locust nymphs by forming capsules. Such sessile hemocytes also produced NO. As in other insect species, activated hemocytes were found dorsally, close to the heart. In addition, we frequently observed citrulline-positive hemocytes and capsules near the ventral nerve cord. Neurites in the CNS of sterile locust embryos responded with elevation of the second messenger cGMP after contact with purified adult NO-producing hemocytes as revealed by immunofluorescence. We suggest that hemocytes can mediate a response in the CNS of an infected animal via the NO/cGMP signaling pathway.
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Kay AR, Eberl DF, Wang JW. Myogenic contraction of a somatic muscle powers rhythmic flow of hemolymph through Drosophila antennae and generates brain pulsations. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb242699. [PMID: 34585241 PMCID: PMC8545754 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242699] [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: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hemolymph is driven through the antennae of Drosophila melanogaster by the rhythmic contraction of muscle 16 (m16), which runs through the brain. Contraction of m16 results in the expansion of an elastic ampulla, opening ostia and filling the ampulla. Relaxation of the ampullary membrane forces hemolymph through vessels into the antennae. We show that m16 is an auto-active rhythmic somatic muscle. The activity of m16 leads to the rapid perfusion of the antenna by hemolymph. In addition, it leads to the rhythmic agitation of the brain, which could be important for clearing the interstitial space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R. Kay
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Daniel F. Eberl
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jing W. Wang
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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38
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Rodríguez M, Pagola L, Norry FM, Ferrero P. Cardiac performance in heat-stressed flies of heat-susceptible and heat-resistant Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 133:104268. [PMID: 34171365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104268] [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: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Thermotolerance is a complex trait that can greatly differ between heat-susceptible (HS) and heat-adapted populations of small insects including Drosophila, with short-term effects after a sub-lethal level of heat stress on many physiological functions. Cardiac performance could accordingly be more robust in heat-resistant (HR) than in HS individuals under heat stress. Here, we tested heart performance under heat-stress effects in two recombinant inbred lines (RIL) of Drosophila melanogaster that dramatically differ in heat knockdown resistance. Heart rate did not strongly differ between heat-susceptible and heat-tolerant flies after a sub-lethal heat stress. Instead, heat-susceptible flies showed a much higher arrhythmia incidence, a longer duration of each heartbeat, and a larger amount of bradycardia than heat-tolerant flies. The highly conserved cardiac proteins SERCA, RyR and NCX that participate in the excitation/contraction coupling, did not differ in activity level between HR and HS flies. Available information for both RIL suggests that heart performance under heat stress may be linked, at least partially, to candidate genes of previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for thermotolerance. This study indicates that HR flies can be genetically more robust in their heart performance than HS flies under even sub-lethal levels of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Experimentales, Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pergamino 2700, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Pagola
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNLP, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabian M Norry
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C-1428-EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA) - CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C-1428-EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Paola Ferrero
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Experimentales, Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pergamino 2700, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNLP, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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39
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Cross-talk of insulin-like peptides, juvenile hormone, and 20-hydroxyecdysone in regulation of metabolism in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2023470118. [PMID: 33526700 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023470118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Female mosquitoes feed sequentially on carbohydrates (nectar) and proteins (blood) during each gonadotrophic cycle to become reproductively competent and effective disease vectors. Accordingly, metabolism is synchronized to support this reproductive cyclicity. However, regulatory pathways linking metabolism to reproductive cycles are not fully understood. Two key hormones, juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone, 20E, is the most active form) govern female mosquito reproduction. Aedes aegypti genome codes for eight insulin-like peptides (ILPs) that are critical for controlling metabolism. We examined the effects of the JH and 20E pathways on mosquito ILP expression to decipher regulation of metabolism in a reproducing female mosquito. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed genomic interactions between ilp genes and the JH receptor, methoprene-tolerant, a transcription factor, Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1), and two isoforms of the ecdysone response early gene, E74. The luciferase reporter assays showed that Kr-h1 activates ilps 2, 6, and 7, but represses ilps 4 and 5 The 20E pathway displayed the opposite effect in the regulation of ilps E74B repressed ilps 2 and 6, while E74A activated ilps 4 and 5 Combining RNA interference, CRISPR gene tagging and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we have shown that the JH and 20E regulate protein levels of all eight Ae. aegypti ILPs. Thus, we have established a regulatory axis between ILPs, JH, and 20E in coordination of metabolism during gonadotrophic cycles of Ae. aegypti.
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Evolutionary morphology of the antennal heart in stick and leaf insects (Phasmatodea) and webspinners (Embioptera) (Insecta: Eukinolabia). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-021-00526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe morphology of the antennal hearts in the head of Phasmatodea and Embioptera was investigated with particular reference to phylogenetically relevant key taxa. The antennal circulatory organs of all examined species have the same basic construction: they consist of antennal vessels that are connected to ampullae located in the head near the antenna base. The ampullae are pulsatile due to associated muscles, but the points of attachment differ between the species studied. All examined Phasmatodea species have a Musculus (M.) interampullaris which extends between the two ampullae plus a M. ampulloaorticus that runs from the ampullae to the anterior end of the aorta; upon contraction, all these muscles dilate the lumina of both ampullae at the same time. In Embioptera, only the australembiid Metoligotoma has an M. interampullaris. All other studied webspinners instead have a M. ampullofrontalis which extends between the ampullae and the frontal region of the head capsule; these species do not have M. ampulloaorticus. Outgroup comparison indicates that an antennal heart with a M. interampullaris is the plesiomorphic character state among Embioptera and the likely ground pattern of the taxon Eukinolabia. Antennal hearts with a M. ampullofrontalis represent a derived condition that occurs among insects only in some embiopterans. These findings help to further clarify the controversially discussed internal phylogeny of webspinners by supporting the view that Australembiidae are the sister group of the remaining Embioptera.
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Knorr DY, Hartung D, Schneider K, Hintz L, Pies HS, Heinrich R. Locust Hemolymph Conveys Erythropoietin-Like Cytoprotection via Activation of the Cytokine Receptor CRLF3. Front Physiol 2021; 12:648245. [PMID: 33897456 PMCID: PMC8063046 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.648245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3) is an evolutionary conserved class 1 cytokine receptor present in all major eumetazoan groups. Endogenous CRLF3 ligands have not been identified and the physiological responses mediated by mammalian CRLF3 are poorly characterized. Insect CRLF3 is activated by erythropoietin (Epo) and several related molecules that protect mammalian neurons from stress-induced apoptosis. However, insects neither express Epo nor “classical” Epo receptor. Cell-protective effects of insect hemolymph have been described for several species. In this study, we explored the possibility that the endogenous CRLF3 ligand is contained in locust hemolymph. PCR analyses confirmed expression of crfl3-transcripts in neurons and hemocytes of Locusta migratoria and Tribolium castaneum. Survival of locust hemocytes in primary cultures was significantly increased by supplementation of culture medium with locust hemolymph serum. Locust primary neuron cultures were also protected by locust hemolymph, though preceding exposure to fetal bovine serum changed the hemolymph dose-dependency of neuroprotection. Direct comparison of 10% hemolymph serum with recombinant human Epo in its optimal neuroprotective concentration revealed equivalent anti-apoptotic effects on hypoxia-exposed locust neurons. The same concentration of locust hemolymph serum also protected hypoxia-exposed T. castaneum neurons. This indicates that the neuroprotective factor in locust hemolymph is sufficiently conserved in insects to allow activation of neuroprotective receptors in different species. Locust hemolymph-induced neuroprotection in both L. migratoria and T. castaneum was abolished after RNAi-mediated suppression of crlf3-expression. In summary, we report the presence of a conserved endogenous cytokine in locust hemolymph that activates CRLF3 and connected anti-apoptotic processes in hemocytes and neurons. Identification and characterization of the CRLF3 ligand will promote knowledge about cytokine evolution and may unravel cell-protective agents with potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbra Y Knorr
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Denise Hartung
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kristin Schneider
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luzia Hintz
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hanna S Pies
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Heinrich
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Cardoso-Jaime V, Maya-Maldonado K, Celestino-Montes A, Tsutsumi V, Hernández-Martínez S. Lysozyme c-1 gene is overexpressed in Anopheles albimanus pericardial cells after an immune challenge. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 114:103830. [PMID: 32805306 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Different evidences suggest that pericardial cells play an important role during the immune response against pathogens that invade the mosquito hemocoel. Previously, we identified two lysozyme genes in Anopheles albimanus heart transcriptome. The present study showed that one of these genes (IDVB: AALB004517) has high percentage of identity to mosquito lysozyme genes related to immunity, suggesting its possible participation during the mosquito immune response. This An. albimanus gen, constitutively expressed lysozyme c-1 mRNA (albLys c-1) in mosquito heart; however, it was overexpressed in bacteria-injected mosquitoes. In heart extract samples, we identified a protein of approximately 14 kDa (likely lysozyme c-1), which lysed M. luteus. In addition, mRNA-FISH assay in heart samples, showed specific fluorescent hybridization signal in pericardial cells from M. luteus-injected mosquitos. We conclude that for the first time an inducible immune factor (lysozyme c-1) is identified in Anopheles albimanus mosquito pericardial cells, which could be a key component in the response against pathogens that interact with the mosquito heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Krystal Maya-Maldonado
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Antonio Celestino-Montes
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Salvador Hernández-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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Yan Y, Hillyer JF. The immune and circulatory systems are functionally integrated across insect evolution. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/48/eabb3164. [PMID: 33239286 PMCID: PMC7688319 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The immune and circulatory systems of mammals are functionally integrated, as exemplified by the immune function of the spleen and lymph nodes. Similar functional integration exists in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, as exemplified by the infection-induced aggregation of hemocytes around the heart valves. Whether this is specific to mosquitoes or a general characteristic of insects remained unknown. We analyzed 68 species from 51 families representing 16 orders and found that infection induces the aggregation of hemocytes and pathogens on the heart of insects from all major branches of the class Insecta. An expanded analysis in the holometabolous mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the hemimetabolous bed bug, Cimex lectularius, showed that infection induces the aggregation of phagocytic hemocytes on the hearts of distantly related insects, with aggregations mirroring the patterns of hemolymph flow. Therefore, the functional integration of the immune and circulatory systems is conserved across the insect tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-1634, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-1634, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
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44
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Hormonal axes in Drosophila: regulation of hormone release and multiplicity of actions. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:233-266. [PMID: 32827072 PMCID: PMC7584566 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03264-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hormones regulate development, as well as many vital processes in the daily life of an animal. Many of these hormones are peptides that act at a higher hierarchical level in the animal with roles as organizers that globally orchestrate metabolism, physiology and behavior. Peptide hormones can act on multiple peripheral targets and simultaneously convey basal states, such as metabolic status and sleep-awake or arousal across many central neuronal circuits. Thereby, they coordinate responses to changing internal and external environments. The activity of neurosecretory cells is controlled either by (1) cell autonomous sensors, or (2) by other neurons that relay signals from sensors in peripheral tissues and (3) by feedback from target cells. Thus, a hormonal signaling axis commonly comprises several components. In mammals and other vertebrates, several hormonal axes are known, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis or the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis that regulate reproduction and metabolism, respectively. It has been proposed that the basic organization of such hormonal axes is evolutionarily old and that cellular homologs of the hypothalamic-pituitary system can be found for instance in insects. To obtain an appreciation of the similarities between insect and vertebrate neurosecretory axes, we review the organization of neurosecretory cell systems in Drosophila. Our review outlines the major peptidergic hormonal pathways known in Drosophila and presents a set of schemes of hormonal axes and orchestrating peptidergic systems. The detailed organization of the larval and adult Drosophila neurosecretory systems displays only very basic similarities to those in other arthropods and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
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45
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Claros-Guzmán A, Rodríguez MG, Heredia-Rivera B, González-Segovia R. Three-dimensional analysis of the heart function and effect cholinergic agonists in the cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2020; 206:857-870. [PMID: 32955634 PMCID: PMC7603477 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-020-01443-5] [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: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many relevant aspects of mammal’s cardiac physiology have been mainly investigated in insect models such as Drosophila melanogaster and Periplaneta americana. Cardiac function has been poorly studied in the cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa, which has some advantages for experimental purposes such as an easier culture, bigger organs and a robust physiology. On the other hand, the study of cardiac physiology in insects has been largely improved since the arrival of digital imaging technologies for recording purposes. In the present work, we introduce a methodology of video recording coupled to an isotonic transducer for a three-dimensional analysis of the heart and intracardiac valves of G. portentosa. We used this methodology for assessing the physiological responses of the cockroach heart upon the application of different cholinergic neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, nicotine and muscarine). We recorded in detail the relationship between intracardiac valves movement, hemolymph flow, diastole and systole. Acetylcholine and nicotine induced a biphasic effect on the cardiac frequency. Acetylcholine increased the diastolic opening. Nicotine at high concentration caused paralysis. Muscarine induced no major effects. These findings suggest a combined action of cholinergic agonists for a finely tuned the cardiac frequency, intracardiac valves function and cardiac cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Claros-Guzmán
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Aguascalientes, 20130, México
| | - Martín G Rodríguez
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Aguascalientes, 20130, México.
| | - Birmania Heredia-Rivera
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Aguascalientes, 20130, México
| | - Rodolfo González-Segovia
- Department of Microbiology, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Aguascalientes, 20130, México
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Abstract
Insect wings are living, flexible structures composed of tubular veins and thin wing membrane. Wing veins can contain hemolymph (insect blood), tracheae, and nerves. Continuous flow of hemolymph within insect wings ensures that sensory hairs, structural elements such as resilin, and other living tissue within the wings remain functional. While it is well known that hemolymph circulates through insect wings, the extent of wing circulation (e.g., whether flow is present in every vein, and whether it is confined to the veins alone) is not well understood, especially for wings with complex wing venation. Over the last 100 years, scientists have developed experimental methods including microscopy, fluorescence, and thermography to observe flow in the wings. Recognizing and evaluating the importance of hemolymph movement in insect wings is critical in evaluating how the wings function both as flight appendages, as active sensors, and as thermoregulatory organs. In this review, we discuss the history of circulation in wings, past and present experimental techniques for measuring hemolymph, and broad implications for the field of hemodynamics in insect wings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Salcedo
- Department of Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - John J Socha
- Department of Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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47
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Estévez-Lao TY, Sigle LT, Gomez SN, Hillyer JF. Nitric oxide produced by periostial hemocytes modulates the bacterial infection-induced reduction of the mosquito heart rate. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb225821. [PMID: 32561636 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.225821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The circulatory and immune systems of mosquitoes are functionally integrated. An infection induces the migration of hemocytes to the dorsal vessel, and specifically, to the regions surrounding the ostia of the heart. These periostial hemocytes phagocytose pathogens in the areas of the hemocoel that experience the highest hemolymph flow. Here, we investigated whether a bacterial infection affects cardiac rhythmicity in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae We discovered that infection with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, but not Micrococcus luteus, reduces the mosquito heart rate and alters the proportional directionality of heart contractions. Infection does not alter the expression of genes encoding crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), FMRFamide, corazonin, neuropeptide F or short neuropeptide F, indicating that they do not drive the cardiac phenotype. Infection upregulates the transcription of two superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes, catalase and a glutathione peroxidase, but dramatically induces upregulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in both the heart and hemocytes. Within the heart, nitric oxide synthase is produced by periostial hemocytes, and chemically inhibiting the production of nitric oxide using l-NAME reverses the infection-induced cardiac phenotype. Finally, infection induces the upregulation of two lysozyme genes in the heart and other tissues, and treating mosquitoes with lysozyme reduces the heart rate in a manner reminiscent of the infection phenotype. These data demonstrate an exciting new facet of the integration between the immune and circulatory systems of insects, whereby a hemocyte-produced factor with immune activity, namely nitric oxide, modulates heart physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Y Estévez-Lao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Leah T Sigle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Scherly N Gomez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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48
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Graumans W, Jacobs E, Bousema T, Sinnis P. When Is a Plasmodium-Infected Mosquito an Infectious Mosquito? Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:705-716. [PMID: 32620501 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites experience significant bottlenecks as they transit through the mosquito and are transmitted to their mammalian host. Oocyst prevalence on mosquito midguts and sporozoite prevalence in salivary glands are nevertheless commonly used to confirm successful malaria transmission, assuming that these are reliable indicators of the mosquito's capacity to give rise to secondary infections. Here we discuss recent insights in sporogonic development and transmission bottlenecks for Plasmodium. We highlight critical gaps in our knowledge and frame their importance in understanding the human and mosquito reservoirs of infection. A better understanding of the events that lead to successful inoculation of infectious sporozoites by mosquitoes is critical to designing effective interventions to shrink the malaria map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Graumans
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ella Jacobs
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Photini Sinnis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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