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Yusuf AA, Pirk CWW, Buttstedt A. Expression of honey bee (Apis mellifera) sterol homeostasis genes in food jelly producing glands of workers. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:627-641. [PMID: 38567629 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Adult workers of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) acquire sterols from their pollen diet. These food sterols are transported by the hemolymph to peripheral tissues such as the mandibular and the hypopharyngeal glands in the worker bees' heads that secrete food jelly which is fed to developing larvae. As sterols are obligatory components of biological membranes and essential precursors for molting hormone synthesis in insects, they are indispensable to normal larval development. Thus, the study of sterol delivery to larvae is important for a full understanding of honey bee larval nutrition and development. Whereas hypopharyngeal glands only require sterols for their membrane integrity, mandibular glands add sterols, primarily 24-methylenecholesterol, to its secretion. For this, sterols must be transported through the glandular epithelial cells. We have analyzed for the first time in A. mellifera the expression of genes which are involved in intracellular movement of sterols. Mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands were dissected from newly emerged bees, 6-day-old nurse bees that feed larvae and 26-day-old forager bees. The expression of seven genes involved in intracellular sterol metabolism was measured with quantitative real-time PCR. Relative transcript abundance of sterol metabolism genes was significantly influenced by the age of workers and specific genes but not by gland type. Newly emerged bees had significantly more transcripts for six out of seven genes than older bees indicating that the bulk of the proteins needed for sterol metabolism are produced directly after emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi A Yusuf
- Social Insects Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christian W W Pirk
- Social Insects Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anja Buttstedt
- Social Insects Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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2
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Chen Q, Liu Q, Chen Y, Du L, Zhu X, Yang Y, Zhao J, Wang Z, Song L, Li J, Ren B. Functional Characterization of the Niemann-Pick C2 Protein BdioNPC2b in the Parasitic Wasp Baryscapus dioryctriae (Chalcidodea: Eulophidae). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7735-7748. [PMID: 38546111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Reverse chemical ecology has been widely applied for the functional characterization of olfactory proteins in various arthropods, but few related studies have focused on parasitic wasps. Here, the odorant carrier Niemann-Pick C2 protein of Baryscapus dioryctriae (BdioNPC2b) was studied in vitro and in vivo. Ligand binding analysis revealed that BdioNPC2b most strongly bound to 2-butyl-2-octenal and which compound could elicit an EAG response and attracted B. dioryctriae adults. Moreover, this odorant attractant significantly improved the reproductive efficiency of B. dioryctriae compared to that of the control. Then, the relationship between BdioNPC2b and 2-butyl-2-octenal was validated by RNAi, and site-directed mutagenesis revealed the involvement of three key residues of BdioNPC2b in binding to 2-butyl-2-octenal through hydrogen bonding. Our findings provide not only a deeper understanding of the olfactory function of NPC2 in wasps but also useful information for improving the performance of the parasitoid B. dioryctriae as a biological control agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Qingxin Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yuanxu Chen
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Lin Du
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Zizhuo Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Liwen Song
- Research Institute of Forest Protection, Jilin Provincial Academy of Forestry Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Jing Li
- Research Institute of Forest Protection, Jilin Provincial Academy of Forestry Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Bingzhong Ren
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
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3
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Mendoza-Grimau V, Pérez-Gálvez A, Busturia A, Fontecha J. Lipidomic profiling of Drosophila strains Canton-S and white 1118 reveals intraspecific lipid variations in basal metabolic rate. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2024; 201:102618. [PMID: 38795635 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2024.102618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is a well-established model system for studies on lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. In this study, we identified and quantified the main components of the lipid profile of two widely utilized Drosophila strains, namely Canton-S and white1118, under identical experimental conditions. Differences observed between the strains can be attributed to inherent metabolic divergences, thus limiting the influence of confounding factors. Using the comprehensive lipid data acquired, we applied cluster analysis and PLS-DA techniques to ascertain whether the lipidome could effectively differentiate between the strains. Certain lipid features, such as triacylglycerols, polar lipids, and specific sterol components, could be distinguished between flies of both strains regardless of sex. Our results suggest that although Canton-S and white1118 have similar lipid profiles and distributions, a selected subset of lipids demonstrates clear discriminatory potential between strains, thereby bearing significant implications for planning biological studies using these strains as control references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mendoza-Grimau
- Food Lipid Biomarkers and Health Group, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Antonio Pérez-Gálvez
- Group of Chemistry and Biochemistry of Pigments, Instituto de la Grasa, CSIC, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Ana Busturia
- Tissue and organ homeostasis, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, (CBMSO, CSIC-UAM), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Javier Fontecha
- Food Lipid Biomarkers and Health Group, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Madrid 28049, Spain.
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4
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Thambi PJ, Modahl CM, Kini RM. Niemann-Pick Type C2 Proteins in Aedes aegypti: Molecular Modelling and Prediction of Their Structure-Function Relationships. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1684. [PMID: 38338961 PMCID: PMC10855982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a major vector that transmits arboviruses through the saliva injected into the host. Salivary proteins help in uninterrupted blood intake and enhance the transmission of pathogens. We studied Niemann-Pick Type C2 (NPC2) proteins, a superfamily of saliva proteins that play an important role in arbovirus infections. In vertebrates, a single conserved gene encodes for the NPC2 protein that functions in cholesterol trafficking. Arthropods, in contrast, have several genes that encode divergent NPC2 proteins. We compared the sequences of 20 A. aegypti NPC2 proteins to the cholesterol-binding residues of human and bovine, and fatty-acid-binding residues of ant NPC2 protein. We identified four mosquito NPC2 proteins as potential sterol-binding proteins. Two of these proteins (AAEL006854 and/or AAEL020314) may play a key role in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and moulting. We also identified one mosquito NPC2 protein as a potential fatty-acid-binding protein. Through molecular modelling, we predicted the structures of the potential sterol- and fatty-acid-binding proteins and compared them to the reference proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - R. Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VCU School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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5
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Sun J, Zhang C, Gao F, Stathopoulos A. Single-cell transcriptomics illuminates regulatory steps driving anterior-posterior patterning of Drosophila embryonic mesoderm. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113289. [PMID: 37858470 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell technologies promise to uncover how transcriptional programs orchestrate complex processes during embryogenesis. Here, we apply a combination of single-cell technology and genetic analysis to investigate the dynamic transcriptional changes associated with Drosophila embryo morphogenesis at gastrulation. Our dataset encompassing the blastoderm-to-gastrula transition provides a comprehensive single-cell map of gene expression across cell lineages validated by genetic analysis. Subclustering and trajectory analyses revealed a surprising stepwise progression in patterning to transition zygotic gene expression and specify germ layers as well as uncovered an early role for ecdysone signaling in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the mesoderm. We also show multipotent progenitors arise prior to gastrulation by analyzing the transcription trajectory of caudal mesoderm cells, including a derivative that ultimately incorporates into visceral muscles of the midgut and hindgut. This study provides a rich resource of gastrulation and elucidates spatially regulated temporal transitions of transcription states during the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Sun
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Chen Zhang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Fan Gao
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Angelike Stathopoulos
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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6
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Neophytou C, Soteriou E, Pitsouli C. The Sterol Transporter Npc2c Controls Intestinal Stem Cell Mitosis and Host-Microbiome Interactions in Drosophila. Metabolites 2023; 13:1084. [PMID: 37887409 PMCID: PMC10609107 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is necessary for all cells to function. The intracellular cholesterol transporters Npc1 and Npc2 control sterol trafficking and their malfunction leads to Neimann-Pick Type C disease, a rare disorder affecting the nervous system and the intestine. Unlike humans that encode single Npc1 and Npc2 transporters, flies encompass two Npc1 (Npc1a-1b) and eight Npc2 (Npc2a-2h) members, and most of the Npc2 family genes remain unexplored. Here, we focus on the intestinal function of Npc2c in the adult. We find that Npc2c is necessary for intestinal stem cell (ISC) mitosis, maintenance of the ISC lineage, survival upon pathogenic infection, as well as tumor growth. Impaired mitosis of Npc2c-silenced midguts is accompanied by reduced expression of Cyclin genes, and genes encoding ISC regulators, such as Delta, unpaired1 and Socs36E. ISC-specific Npc2c silencing induces Attacin-A expression, a phenotype reminiscent of Gram-negative bacteria overabundance. Metagenomic analysis of Npc2c-depleted midguts indicates intestinal dysbiosis, whereby decreased commensal complexity is accompanied by increased gamma-proteobacteria. ISC-specific Npc2c silencing also results in increased cholesterol aggregation. Interestingly, administration of the non-steroidal ecdysone receptor agonist, RH5849, rescues mitosis of Npc2c-silenced midguts and increases expression of the ecdysone response gene Broad, underscoring the role of Npc2c and sterols in ecdysone signaling. Assessment of additional Npc2 family members indicates potential redundant roles with Npc2c in ISC control and response to ecdysone signaling. Our results highlight a previously unidentified essential role of Npc2c in ISC mitosis, as well as an important role in ecdysone signaling and microbiome composition in the Drosophila midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chrysoula Pitsouli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 1 University Avenue, 2109 Aglantzia, Cyprus; (C.N.); (E.S.)
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7
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Martins JR, Pinheiro DG, Ahmed ACC, Giuliatti S, Mizzen CA, Bitondi MMG. Genome-wide analysis of the chromatin sites targeted by HEX 70a storage protein in the honeybee brain and fat body. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:277-304. [PMID: 36630080 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Hexamerins, the proteins massively stored in the larval haemolymph of insects, are gradually used throughout metamorphosis as a source of raw material and energy for the development of adult tissues. Such behaviour defined hexamerins as storage proteins. Immunofluorescence experiments coupled with confocal microscopy show a hexamerin, HEX 70a, in the nucleus of the brain and fat body cells from honeybee workers, an unexpected localization for a storage protein. HEX 70a colocalizes with fibrillarin, a nucleolar-specific protein and H3 histone, thus suggesting a potential role as a chromatin-binding protein. This was investigated through chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq). The significant HEX 70a-DNA binding sites were mainly localized at the intergenic, promoter and intronic regions. HEX 70a targeted DNA stretches mapped to the genomic regions encompassing genes with relevant functional attributes. Several HEX 70a targeted genes were associated with H3K27ac or/and H3K27me3, known as active and repressive histone marks. Brain and fat body tissues shared a fraction of the HEX 70 targeted genes, and tissue-specific targets were also detected. The presence of overrepresented DNA motifs in the binding sites is consistent with specific HEX 70a-chromatin association. In addition, a search for HEX 70a targets in RNA-seq public libraries of fat bodies from nurses and foragers revealed differentially expressed targets displaying hex 70a-correlated developmental expression, thus supporting a regulatory activity for HEX 70a. Our results support the premise that HEX 70a is a moonlighting protein that binds chromatin and has roles in the brain and fat body cell nuclei, apart from its canonical role as a storage protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana R Martins
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel G Pinheiro
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Agropecuária e Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Amy C C Ahmed
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Silvana Giuliatti
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Craig A Mizzen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Márcia M G Bitondi
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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8
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Morimoto J, Wenzel M, Derous D, Henry Y, Colinet H. The transcriptomic signature of responses to larval crowding in Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:539-554. [PMID: 36115064 PMCID: PMC10947363 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intraspecific competition at the larval stage is an important ecological factor affecting life-history, adaptation and evolutionary trajectory in holometabolous insects. However, the molecular pathways underpinning these ecological processes are poorly characterized. We reared Drosophila melanogaster at three egg densities (5, 60, and 300 eggs/mL) and sequenced the transcriptomes of pooled third-instar larvae. We also examined emergence time, egg-to-adult viability, adult mass, and adult sex-ratio at each density. Medium crowding had minor detrimental effects on adult phenotypes compared to low density and yielded 24 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including several chitinase enzymes. In contrast, high crowding had substantial detrimental effects on adult phenotypes and yielded 2107 DEGs. Among these, upregulated gene sets were enriched in sugar, steroid and amino acid metabolism as well as DNA replication pathways, whereas downregulated gene sets were enriched in ABC transporters, taurine, Toll/Imd signaling, and P450 xenobiotics metabolism pathways. Overall, our findings show that larval crowding has a large consistent effect on several molecular pathways (i.e., core responses) with few pathways displaying density-specific regulation (i.e., idiosyncratic responses). This provides important insights into how holometabolous insects respond to intraspecific competition during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Morimoto
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUnited Kingdom
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Ecologia e ConservaçãoUniversidade Federal do ParanáCuritibaBrazil
- Institute of MathematicsKing's CollegeUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUnited Kingdom
| | - Marius Wenzel
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUnited Kingdom
| | - Davina Derous
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUnited Kingdom
| | - Youn Henry
- CNRS, ECOBIO (Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)—UMR 6553University of RennesRennesFrance
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Herve Colinet
- CNRS, ECOBIO (Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)—UMR 6553University of RennesRennesFrance
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9
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Pfrieger FW. The Niemann-Pick type diseases – A synopsis of inborn errors in sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 90:101225. [PMID: 37003582 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Disturbances of lipid homeostasis in cells provoke human diseases. The elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and the development of efficient therapies represent formidable challenges for biomedical research. Exemplary cases are two rare, autosomal recessive, and ultimately fatal lysosomal diseases historically named "Niemann-Pick" honoring the physicians, whose pioneering observations led to their discovery. Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) and Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPCD) are caused by specific variants of the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) or NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 (NPC2) genes that perturb homeostasis of two key membrane components, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, respectively. Patients with severe forms of these diseases present visceral and neurologic symptoms and succumb to premature death. This synopsis traces the tortuous discovery of the Niemann-Pick diseases, highlights important advances with respect to genetic culprits and cellular mechanisms, and exposes efforts to improve diagnosis and to explore new therapeutic approaches.
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10
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Zhou H, Yan H, Wang E, Zhang B, Xu X. Expression and functional analysis of Niemann-Pick C2 gene in Phytoseiulus persimilis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:201-213. [PMID: 36920643 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00781-8] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As a new protein class of semiochemical binding and transporting, Niemann-Pick proteins type C2 (NPC2) in arthropods have received more attentions in recent decade. However, the gene function has not been studied in phytoseiid mites with biocontrol potential. In the current study, we cloned a NPC2 gene PpNPC2a from the transcriptome of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot. By encoding 181 amino acids with a conserved ML domain, PpNPC2a was found a homolog of NPC2-1 in Galendromus occidentalis Nesbitt. We then measured the spatio-temporal expression of PpNPC2a in P. persimilis, and found the highest expression in female adults compared to other stages. Due to the tiny body size of predatory mites, we only examined tissue expressions in two sections: the anterior part (gnathosoma and the first pair of legs) and the posterior part (idiosoma without the first pair of legs). Higher transcription of PpNPC2a was found in the posterior part. To investigate the potential function of PpNPC2a in P. persimilis, we interfered gene expression in female adults by feeding dsRNA, which resulted in a decrease of relative expression by 59.1 and 78.2% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. Compared with the control, dsNPC2a-treated P. persimilis were insensitive to the scent of leaves or plants infested by spider mites, suggesting a role of PpNPC2a in response to plant volatiles. However, the dsNPC2a-interfered mites could still respond to four representative compounds of herbivore-induced plant volatiles, including 4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (TMTT), methyl salicylate (MeSA), β-caryophyllene and linalool. In short, our results indicated PpNPC2a may be involved in the chemosensory process of P. persimilis in response to whole-plant volatiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Zhou
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Endong Wang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemies Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 100193, Beijing, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemies Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 100193, Beijing, China.
| | - Xuenong Xu
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemies Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 100193, Beijing, China.
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11
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Pan X, Dutta D, Lu S, Bellen HJ. Sphingolipids in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1137893. [PMID: 36875645 PMCID: PMC9978793 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1137893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDDs) are a group of disorders that cause progressive deficits of neuronal function. Recent evidence argues that sphingolipid metabolism is affected in a surprisingly broad set of NDDs. These include some lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), hereditary sensory and autonomous neuropathy (HSAN), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), as well as some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Many of these diseases have been modeled in Drosophila melanogaster and are associated with elevated levels of ceramides. Similar changes have also been reported in vertebrate cells and mouse models. Here, we summarize studies using fly models and/or patient samples which demonstrate the nature of the defects in sphingolipid metabolism, the organelles that are implicated, the cell types that are initially affected, and potential therapeutics for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Pan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Debdeep Dutta
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Cologna SM, Pathmasiri KC, Pergande MR, Rosenhouse-Dantsker A. Alterations in Cholesterol and Phosphoinositides Levels in the Intracellular Cholesterol Trafficking Disorder NPC. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1422:143-165. [PMID: 36988880 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21547-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Lipid mistrafficking is a biochemical hallmark of Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease and is classically characterized with endo/lysosomal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol due to genetic mutations in the cholesterol transporter proteins NPC1 and NPC2. Storage of this essential signaling lipid leads to a sequence of downstream events, including oxidative stress, calcium imbalance, neuroinflammation, and progressive neurodegeneration, another hallmark of NPC disease. These observations have been validated in a growing number of studies ranging from NPC cell cultures and animal models to patient specimens. In recent reports, alterations in the levels of another class of critical signaling lipids, namely phosphoinositides, have been described in NPC disease. Focusing on cholesterol and phosphoinositides, the chapter begins by reviewing the interactions of NPC proteins with cholesterol and their role in cholesterol transport. It then continues to describe the modulation of cholesterol efflux in NPC disease. The chapter concludes with a summary of findings related to the functional consequences of perturbations in phosphoinositides in this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melissa R Pergande
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Zheng L, Li J, Shi M, Chen Y, He X, Fu J. De Novo Transcription Responses Describe Host-Related Differentiation of Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). INSECTS 2022; 13:850. [PMID: 36135551 PMCID: PMC9502998 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an invasive pest with a diverse host range, strong diffusion, and high fecundity. It has been observed that P. marginatus feeding on Carica papaya have a higher survival rate, fecundity, and longer lifespan than P. marginatus feeding on Solanum tuberosum, indicating their successful adaptation to C. papaya; however, the mechanisms underlying host plant adaptation remain unclear. Therefore, RNA-seq was performed to study the transcriptional responses of P. marginatus feeding on C. papaya and S. tuberosum plants. A total of 408 genes with significant differential expression were defined; most of them were downregulated in S. tuberosum, including those of digestive enzymes, detoxifying enzymes, ribosomes, and reproductive-related genes, which may result from the adaptation of the host to nutritional needs and changes in toxic chemical levels. Enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that lysosome and longevity regulating pathways related to digestion, detoxification, and longevity were enriched. We suggest that C. papaya is a more suitable host than S. tuberosum, and downregulated target genes may have important effects on the adaptation of P. marginatus to host transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Zheng
- Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Jianyu Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Mengzhu Shi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Yanting Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Jianwei Fu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
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Identification of the Gene Repertoire of the IMD Pathway and Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide Genes in Several Tissues and Hemolymph of the Cockroach Blattella germanica. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158444. [PMID: 35955579 PMCID: PMC9369362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes, triggered by Toll and IMD pathways, are essential components of the innate immune system in the German cockroach Blattella germanica. Besides their role in killing pathogenic bacteria, AMPs could be involved in controlling its symbiotic systems (endosymbiont and microbiota). We found that the IMD pathway was active in the adult female transcriptomes of six tissues (salivary glands, foregut, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules and fat body) and hemolymph. Total expression of AMP genes was high in hemolymph and salivary glands and much lower in the other sample types. The expression of specific AMP genes was very heterogeneous among sample types. Two genes, defensin_g10 and drosomycin_g5, displayed relevant expression in the seven sample types, although higher in hemolymph. Other genes only displayed high expression in one tissue. Almost no expression of attacin-like and blattellicin genes was observed in any sample type, although some of them were among the genes with the highest expression in adult female whole bodies. The expression of AMP genes in salivary glands could help control pathogens ingested with food and even determine gut microbiota composition. The low expression levels in midgut and hindgut are probably related to the presence of beneficial microbiota. Furthermore, a reduction in the expression of AMP genes in fat body could be the way to prevent damage to the population of the endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti within bacteriocytes.
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Wang D, Ding J, Chen B, Liu Y, Jiang Y, Zhu S, Zang M, Li S. Synergistic effects of myogenic cells and fibroblasts on the promotion of engineered tendon regeneration with muscle derived cells. Connect Tissue Res 2022; 63:329-338. [PMID: 34030527 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2021.1924158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Tendon development requires the coordinated interaction of muscles and tendons. Muscle-derived cells (MDCs), a mixed cell population containing both myogenic and fibroblastic cell subsets, have been found to be ideal seed cells for tendon regeneration. However, the necessity of these cell types for tendon regeneration has not yet been tested. In this study, we aim to explore the possible synergistic effects of myogenic cells and fibroblasts in engineered tendon regeneration. METHODS MDCs were separated into rapidly adhering cell (RAC; fibroblasts) and slowly adhering cell (SAC; myogenic cells) populations. Myogenic- and tenogenic-related molecules were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining, RT-PCR and real-time PCR. The proliferative abilities of MDCs, RACs and SACs were also evaluated. Cell-scaffold constructs were implanted into nude mice, and subsequently evaluated for their histologic, ultrastructure, gene expression, and biomechanical characteristics. RESULTS MDCs have better proliferative activity than RAC and SAC population. RACs could express higher levels of tenogenic-related molecules tenomodulin (TNMD) and scleraxis (SCX) than SACs. Whereas SACs only expressed myogenic-related molecules MyoD. In contrast to the tendons engineered using RACs and SACs, the tendons engineered using MDCs exhibited a relatively more mature and well-organized tissue structure and ultrastructure as well as better mechanical properties. CONCLUSIONS Fibroblasts in muscle may be the primary cell population involved in tendon regeneration and that myogenic cells are an important component of the niche and control the fibroblast activity during tendon regeneration. The synergistic effects between fibroblasts and myogenic cells significantly contribute to efficient and effective regeneration of engineered tendons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danying Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing PR China
| | - Jinping Ding
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing PR China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing PR China
| | - Yuanbo Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing PR China
| | - Yongkang Jiang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai PR China
| | - Shan Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing PR China
| | - Mengqing Zang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing PR China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing PR China
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Xue J, Zhu Y, Wei L, Huang H, Li G, Huang W, Zhu H, Duan R. Loss of Drosophila NUS1 results in cholesterol accumulation and Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22411. [PMID: 35695805 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200212r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
NgBR is the Nogo-B receptor, encoded by NUS1 gene. As NgBR contains a C-terminal domain that is similar to cis-isoprenyltransferase (cis-IPTase), NgBR was speculated to stabilize nascent Niemann-Pick type C 2 (NPC2) to facilitate cholesterol transport out of lysosomes. Mutations in the NUS1 were known as risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). In our previous study, it was shown that knockdown of Drosophila NUS1 orthologous gene tango14 causes decreased climbing ability, loss of dopaminergic neurons, and decreased dopamine contents. In this study, tango14 mutant flies were generated with a mutation in the C-terminal enzyme activity region using CRISPR/Cas9. Tango14 mutant showed a reduced lifespan with locomotive defects and cholesterol accumulation in Malpighian tubules and brains, especially in dopaminergic neurons. Multilamellar bodies were found in tango14 mutants using electron microscopy. Neurodegenerative-related brain vacuolization was also detected in tango14 knockdown flies in an age-dependent manner. In addition, tango14 knockdown increased α-synuclein (α-syn) neurotoxicity in α-syn-overexpressing flies, with decreased locomotive activities, dopamine contents, and the numbers of dopaminergic neurons in aging flies. Thus, these observations suggest a role of NUS1, the ortholog of tango14, in PD-related pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xue
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingbao Zhu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liyi Wei
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongjing Huang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxu Li
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Huang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Ranhui Duan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
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17
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Neuparth T, Alves N, Machado AM, Pinheiro M, Montes R, Rodil R, Barros S, Ruivo R, Castro LFC, Quintana JB, Santos MM. Neuroendocrine pathways at risk? Simvastatin induces inter and transgenerational disruption in the keystone amphipod Gammarus locusta. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 244:106095. [PMID: 35121565 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The primary focus of environmental toxicological studies is to address the direct effects of chemicals on exposed organisms (parental generation - F0), mostly overlooking effects on subsequent non-exposed generations (F1 and F2 - intergenerational and F3 transgenerational, respectively). Here, we addressed the effects of simvastatin (SIM), one of the most widely prescribed human pharmaceuticals for the primary treatment of hypercholesterolemia, using the keystone crustacean Gammarus locusta. We demonstrate that SIM, at environmentally relevant concentrations, has significant inter and transgenerational (F1 and F3) effects in key signaling pathways involved in crustaceans' neuroendocrine regulation (Ecdysteroids, Catecholamines, NO/cGMP/PKG, GABAergic and Cholinergic signaling pathways), concomitantly with changes in apical endpoints, such as depressed reproduction and growth. These findings are an essential step to improve hazard and risk assessment of biological active compounds, such as SIM, and highlight the importance of studying the transgenerational effects of environmental chemicals in animals' neuroendocrine regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Neuparth
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - N Alves
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A M Machado
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Pinheiro
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Montes
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, R. Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - R Rodil
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, R. Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - S Barros
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, Quinta de Prados - Ed. Blocos Laboratoriais C1.10, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - R Ruivo
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - L Filipe C Castro
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J B Quintana
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, R. Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M M Santos
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Song Y, Zhou K, Nan X, Qin Y, Zhao K, Li W, Wang Q. A novel ML protein functions as a pattern recognition protein in antibacterial responses in Eriocheir sinensis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 127:104310. [PMID: 34762938 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2)-related lipid recognition (ML) domain is present in MD-2, MD-1, GM2-activator protein (GM2A) and Niemann-Pick disease type C2 (NPC2). ML proteins function in antibacterial signal transduction and lipid metabolism in vertebrates, but the mechanism in invertebrates is unknown. In this study, we found that ML proteins were involved in bacterial resistance in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). One member, EsML3, a soluble, bacterial-induced pattern recognition protein was upregulated in hemocytes following bacterial challenge. Recombinant EsML3 bound to Gram-negative bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) by interaction with peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide. EsML3 showed no direct bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal activity. Pre-incubating bacteria with rEsML3 significantly promoted in vivo bacterial clearance. EsML3 also promoted phagocytic activity and plays a role against bacterial infection. In summary, EsML3 mediates cellular immune responses by recognising invasive microorganisms, promoting bacterial clearance and phagocytosis against bacterial infection in crab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaimin Zhou
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyu Nan
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yukai Qin
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qun Wang
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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Carvalho-Costa TM, Tiveron RDR, Mendes MT, Barbosa CG, Nevoa JC, Roza GA, Silva MV, Figueiredo HCP, Rodrigues V, Soares SDC, Oliveira CJF. Salivary and Intestinal Transcriptomes Reveal Differential Gene Expression in Starving, Fed and Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Rhodnius neglectus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:773357. [PMID: 34988032 PMCID: PMC8722679 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.773357] [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: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodnius neglectus is a potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc), the causative agent of Chagas disease. The salivary glands (SGs) and intestine (INT) are actively required during blood feeding. The saliva from SGs is injected into the vertebrate host, modulating immune responses and favoring feeding for INT digestion. Tc infection significantly alters the physiology of these tissues; however, studies that assess this are still scarce. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the global transcriptional expression of genes in SGs and INT during fasting (FA), fed (FE), and fed in the presence of Tc (FE + Tc) conditions. In FA, the expression of transcripts related to homeostasis maintenance proteins during periods of stress was predominant. Therefore, the transcript levels of Tret1-like and Hsp70Ba proteins were increased. Blood appeared to be responsible for alterations found in the FE group, as most of the expressed transcripts, such as proteases and cathepsin D, were related to digestion. In FE + Tc group, there was a decreased expression of blood processing genes for insect metabolism (e.g., Antigen-5 precursor, Pr13a, and Obp), detoxification (Sult1) in INT and acid phosphatases in SG. We also found decreased transcriptional expression of lipocalins and nitrophorins in SG and two new proteins, pacifastin and diptericin, in INT. Several transcripts of unknown proteins with investigative potential were found in both tissues. Our results also show that the presence of Tc can change the expression in both tissues for a long or short period of time. While SG homeostasis seems to be re-established on day 9, changes in INT are still evident. The findings of this study may be used for future research on parasite-vector interactions and contribute to the understanding of food physiology and post-meal/infection in triatomines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Marielem Carvalho-Costa
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Rafael Destro Rosa Tiveron
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Maria Tays Mendes
- Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Cecília Gomes Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Jessica Coraiola Nevoa
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Augusto Roza
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinícius Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | | | - Virmondes Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Siomar de Castro Soares
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
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Wang W, Ma Y, Yang RR, Cheng X, Huang HJ, Zhang CX, Bao YY. An MD-2-related lipid-recognition protein is required for insect reproduction and integument development. Open Biol 2021; 11:210170. [PMID: 34905699 PMCID: PMC8670961 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210170] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2)-related lipid-recognition protein is involved in immune responses through recognizing bacteria lipopolysaccharide in mammals, arthropods and plants. However, the physiological roles of MD-2 in other biological processes are largely unknown. Here, we identified three homologue MD-2 genes (NlML1, NlML2 and NlML3) by searching the genome and transcriptome databases of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a hemipteran insect species. Temporospatial analysis showed that the NlML1 gene was highly expressed in the fat body but much less so in the other tissues, while the NlML2 and NlML3 genes were highly expressed in the testis or digestive tract. RNA interference-mediated depletion of the NlML1 gene significantly downregulated the transcription of numerous integument protein genes. The NlML1 knockdown led to moulting failure and mortality at the nymph-adult transition phase, impaired egg laying and hatching, and reduced 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) production in the nymphs. 20E could rescue the deficient moulting phenotypes derived from dsNlML1 RNAi. These novel findings indicate that NlML1 is required for nymphal moulting and female reproductive success as it plays an important role in regulating 20E synthesis, lipid and chitin metabolisms in N. lugens, thus contributing to our understanding of developmental and reproductive mechanisms in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Rui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Jian Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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21
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Nganso BT, Mani K, Eliash N, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Towards disrupting Varroa -honey bee chemosensing: A focus on a Niemann-Pick type C2 transcript. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:519-531. [PMID: 34216416 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We focused our study on the 12 recently identified putative odorant carrier proteins in the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor. Here we show, via an exclusion of the chemosensory appendages (forelegs and gnathosoma) that transcripts of five of the 12 genes were significantly lower, suggesting that they are likely involved in carrying host volatiles. Specifically, three transcripts were found to be foreleg-specific while the other two transcripts were expressed in both the forelegs and gnathosoma. We focused on one of the highly expressed and foreleg-specific transcript Vd40090, which encodes a Niemann-Pick disease protein type C2 (NPC2) protein. Effects of dsRNA-mediated silencing of Vd40090 were first measured by quantifying the transcript levels of genes that encode other putative odorant carrier proteins as well as reproduction related proteins. In addition, the impact of silencing on mites behaviour and survival was tested. Silencing of Vd40090 effectively disrupted Varroa host selection, acceptance and feeding and significantly impaired the expression of genes that regulate its reproduction in brood cells, resulting in reduced reproduction and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Nganso
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - K Mani
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - N Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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Uy FMK, Jernigan CM, Zaba NC, Mehrotra E, Miller SE, Sheehan MJ. Dynamic neurogenomic responses to social interactions and dominance outcomes in female paper wasps. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009474. [PMID: 34478434 PMCID: PMC8415593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social interactions have large effects on individual physiology and fitness. In the immediate sense, social stimuli are often highly salient and engaging. Over longer time scales, competitive interactions often lead to distinct social ranks and differences in physiology and behavior. Understanding how initial responses lead to longer-term effects of social interactions requires examining the changes in responses over time. Here we examined the effects of social interactions on transcriptomic signatures at two times, at the end of a 45-minute interaction and 4 hours later, in female Polistes fuscatus paper wasp foundresses. Female P. fuscatus have variable facial patterns that are used for visual individual recognition, so we separately examined the transcriptional dynamics in the optic lobe and the non-visual brain. Results demonstrate much stronger transcriptional responses to social interactions in the non-visual brain compared to the optic lobe. Differentially regulated genes in response to social interactions are enriched for memory-related transcripts. Comparisons between winners and losers of the encounters revealed similar overall transcriptional profiles at the end of an interaction, which significantly diverged over the course of 4 hours, with losers showing changes in expression levels of genes associated with aggression and reproduction in paper wasps. On nests, subordinate foundresses are less aggressive, do more foraging and lay fewer eggs compared to dominant foundresses and we find losers shift expression of many genes in the non-visual brain, including vitellogenin, related to aggression, worker behavior, and reproduction within hours of losing an encounter. These results highlight the early neurogenomic changes that likely contribute to behavioral and physiological effects of social status changes in a social insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floria M. K. Uy
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Jernigan
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Natalie C. Zaba
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Eshan Mehrotra
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Sara E. Miller
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Sheehan
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tseng WC, Johnson Escauriza AJ, Tsai-Morris CH, Feldman B, Dale RK, Wassif CA, Porter FD. The role of Niemann-Pick type C2 in zebrafish embryonic development. Development 2021; 148:dev194258. [PMID: 33722902 PMCID: PMC8077516 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, fatal, neurodegenerative lysosomal disease caused by mutations of either NPC1 or NPC2. NPC2 is a soluble lysosomal protein that functions in coordination with NPC1 to efflux cholesterol from the lysosomal compartment. Mutations of either gene result in the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids in the late endosome/lysosome, and reduction of cellular cholesterol bioavailability. Zygotic null npc2m/m zebrafish showed significant unesterified cholesterol accumulation at larval stages, a reduction in body size, and motor and balance defects in adulthood. However, the phenotype at embryonic stages was milder than expected, suggesting a possible role of maternal Npc2 in embryonic development. Maternal-zygotic npc2m/m zebrafish exhibited significant developmental defects, including defective otic vesicle development/absent otoliths, abnormal head/brain development, curved/twisted body axes and no circulating blood cells, and died by 72 hpf. RNA-seq analysis conducted on 30 hpf npc2+/m and MZnpc2m/m embryos revealed a significant reduction in the expression of notch3 and other downstream genes in the Notch signaling pathway, suggesting that impaired Notch3 signaling underlies aspects of the developmental defects observed in MZnpc2m/m zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chia Tseng
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ana J. Johnson Escauriza
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chon-Hwa Tsai-Morris
- Zebrafish Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Feldman
- Zebrafish Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ryan K. Dale
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christopher A. Wassif
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Forbes D. Porter
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Rigon L, De Filippis C, Napoli B, Tomanin R, Orso G. Exploiting the Potential of Drosophila Models in Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Pathological Mechanisms and Drug Discovery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030268. [PMID: 33800050 PMCID: PMC8000850 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) represent a complex and heterogeneous group of rare genetic diseases due to mutations in genes coding for lysosomal enzymes, membrane proteins or transporters. This leads to the accumulation of undegraded materials within lysosomes and a broad range of severe clinical features, often including the impairment of central nervous system (CNS). When available, enzyme replacement therapy slows the disease progression although it is not curative; also, most recombinant enzymes cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, leaving the CNS untreated. The inefficient degradative capability of the lysosomes has a negative impact on the flux through the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways; therefore, dysregulation of these pathways is increasingly emerging as a relevant disease mechanism in LSDs. In the last twenty years, different LSD Drosophila models have been generated, mainly for diseases presenting with neurological involvement. The fruit fly provides a large selection of tools to investigate lysosomes, autophagy and endocytic pathways in vivo, as well as to analyse neuronal and glial cells. The possibility to use Drosophila in drug repurposing and discovery makes it an attractive model for LSDs lacking effective therapies. Here, ee describe the major cellular pathways implicated in LSDs pathogenesis, the approaches available for their study and the Drosophila models developed for these diseases. Finally, we highlight a possible use of LSDs Drosophila models for drug screening studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rigon
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Concetta De Filippis
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Lysosomal Disorders, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Napoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini, 23842 Lecco, Italy;
| | - Rosella Tomanin
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (C.D.F.); (R.T.)
- Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Lysosomal Disorders, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
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Mang'era CM, Khamis FM, Awuoche EO, Hassanali A, Ombura FLO, Mireji PO. Transcriptomic response of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquito larvae to Curry tree (Murraya koenigii) phytochemicals. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:1. [PMID: 33388087 PMCID: PMC7777392 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect growth regulators (IGRs) can control insect vector populations by disrupting growth and development in juvenile stages of the vectors. We previously identified and described the curry tree (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng) phytochemical leaf extract composition (neplanocin A, 3-(1-naphthyl)-L-alanine, lumiflavine, terezine C, agelaspongin and murrayazolinol), which disrupted growth and development in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquito larvae by inducing morphogenetic abnormalities, reducing locomotion and delaying pupation in the mosquito. Here, we attempted to establish the transcriptional process in the larvae that underpins these phenotypes in the mosquito. METHODS We first exposed third-fourth instar larvae of the mosquito to the leaf extract and consequently the inherent phytochemicals (and corresponding non-exposed controls) in two independent biological replicates. We collected the larvae for our experiments sampled 24 h before peak pupation, which was 7 and 18 days post-exposure for controls and exposed larvae, respectively. The differences in duration to peak pupation were due to extract-induced growth delay in the larvae. The two study groups (exposed vs control) were consequently not age-matched. We then sequentially (i) isolated RNA (whole larvae) from each replicate treatment, (ii) sequenced the RNA on Illumina HiSeq platform, (iii) performed differential bioinformatics analyses between libraries (exposed vs control) and (iv) independently validated the transcriptome expression profiles through RT-qPCR. RESULTS Our analyses revealed significant induction of transcripts predominantly associated with hard cuticular proteins, juvenile hormone esterases, immunity and detoxification in the larvae samples exposed to the extract relative to the non-exposed control samples. Our analysis also revealed alteration of pathways functionally associated with putrescine metabolism and structural constituents of the cuticle in the extract-exposed larvae relative to the non-exposed control, putatively linked to the exoskeleton and immune response in the larvae. The extract-exposed larvae also appeared to have suppressed pathways functionally associated with molting, cell division and growth in the larvae. However, given the age mismatch between the extract-exposed and non-exposed larvae, we can attribute the modulation of innate immune, detoxification, cuticular and associated transcripts and pathways we observed to effects of age differences among the larvae samples (exposed vs control) and to exposures of the larvae to the extract. CONCLUSIONS The exposure treatment appears to disrupt cuticular development, immune response and oxidative stress pathways in Anopheles gambiae s.s larvae. These pathways can potentially be targeted in development of more efficacious curry tree phytochemical-based IGRs against An. gambiae s.s mosquito larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarence M Mang'era
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Njoro Campus, PO Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya. .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Ruiru Campus, PO Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Fathiya M Khamis
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Duduville Campus, Kasarani, PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Erick O Awuoche
- Department of Biological Sciences, Meru University of Science and Technology, PO Box 972-60200, Meru, Kenya
| | - Ahmed Hassanali
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Ruiru Campus, PO Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fidelis Levi Odhiambo Ombura
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Duduville Campus, Kasarani, PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul O Mireji
- Biotechnology Research Institute-Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, PO Box 362-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya.
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Understanding and Treating Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: Models Matter. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238979. [PMID: 33256121 PMCID: PMC7730076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms causing human diseases and to develop curative therapies. So far, these goals have been achieved for a small fraction of diseases, limiting factors being the availability, validity, and use of experimental models. Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) is a prime example for a disease that lacks a curative therapy despite substantial breakthroughs. This rare, fatal, and autosomal-recessive disorder is caused by defects in NPC1 or NPC2. These ubiquitously expressed proteins help cholesterol exit from the endosomal–lysosomal system. The dysfunction of either causes an aberrant accumulation of lipids with patients presenting a large range of disease onset, neurovisceral symptoms, and life span. Here, we note general aspects of experimental models, we describe the line-up used for NPC-related research and therapy development, and we provide an outlook on future topics.
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Analysis of blood-induced Anopheles gambiae midgut proteins and sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum interaction reveals mosquito genes important for malaria transmission. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14316. [PMID: 32868841 PMCID: PMC7459308 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium invasion of mosquito midguts is a mandatory step for malaria transmission. The roles of mosquito midgut proteins and parasite interaction during malaria transmission are not clear. This study aims to identify mosquito midgut proteins that interact with and affect P. falciparum invasion. Based on gene expression profiles and protein sequences, 76 mosquito secretory proteins that are highly expressed in midguts and up-regulated by blood meals were chosen for analysis. About 61 candidate genes were successfully cloned from Anopheles gambiae and expressed in insect cells. ELISA analysis showed that 25 of the insect cell-expressed recombinant mosquito proteins interacted with the P. falciparum-infected cell lysates. Indirect immunofluorescence assays confirmed 17 of them interacted with sexual stage parasites significantly stronger than asexual stage parasites. Knockdown assays found that seven candidate genes significantly changed mosquitoes' susceptibility to P. falciparum. Four of them (AGAP006268, AGAP002848, AGAP006972, and AGAP002851) played a protective function against parasite invasion, and the other three (AGAP008138, FREP1, and HPX15) facilitated P. falciparum transmission to mosquitoes. Notably, AGAP008138 is a unique gene that only exists in Anopheline mosquitoes. These gene products are ideal targets to block malaria transmission.
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Araki T, Osaka J, Kato Y, Shimozono M, Kawamura H, Iwanaga R, Hakeda-Suzuki S, Suzuki T. Systematic identification of genes regulating synaptic remodeling in the Drosophila visual system. Genes Genet Syst 2020; 95:101-110. [PMID: 32493879 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.19-00066] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In many animals, neural activity contributes to the adaptive refinement of synaptic properties, such as firing frequency and the number of synapses, for learning, memorizing and adapting for survival. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such activity-dependent synaptic remodeling remain largely unknown. In the synapses of Drosophila melanogaster, the presynaptic active zone (AZ) forms a T-shaped presynaptic density comprising AZ proteins, including Bruchpilot (Brp). In a previous study, we found that the signal from a fusion protein molecular marker consisting of Brp and mCherry becomes diffuse under continuous light over three days (LL), reflecting disassembly of the AZ, while remaining punctate under continuous darkness. To identify the molecular players controlling this synaptic remodeling, we used the fusion protein molecular marker and performed RNAi screening against 208 neuron-related transmembrane genes that are highly expressed in the Drosophila visual system. Second analyses using the STaR (synaptic tagging with recombination) technique, which showed a decrease in synapse number under the LL condition, and subsequent mutant and overexpression analysis confirmed that five genes are involved in the activity-dependent AZ disassembly. This work demonstrates the feasibility of identifying genes involved in activity-dependent synaptic remodeling in Drosophila, and also provides unexpected insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in cholesterol metabolism and biosynthesis of the insect molting hormone ecdysone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Araki
- Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
| | - Jiro Osaka
- Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
| | - Yuya Kato
- Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
| | - Mai Shimozono
- Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
| | - Hinata Kawamura
- Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
| | - Riku Iwanaga
- Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
| | | | - Takashi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
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Chen MM, Zhong L, Zhao CS, Wang FC, Ji WJ, Zhang B, Liu SY, Liu YQ, Li XS. Characterization of an Ecdysteroid-Regulated 16 kDa Protein Gene in Chinese Oak Silkworm, Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5836191. [PMID: 32396202 PMCID: PMC7216767 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A large number of ecdysteroid-regulated 16 kDa proteins (ESR16s) of insects have been isolated and annotated in GenBank; however, knowledge on insect ESR16s remain limited. In the present study, we characterized an ecdysteroid-regulated 16 kDa protein gene isolated in Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Méneville ('ApESR16' in the following), an important silk-producing and edible insect. The obtained cDNA sequence of ApESR16 is 1,049 bp, harboring an open reading frame of 441 bp that encodes a polypeptide of 146 amino acids. CD-search revealed that ApESR16 contains the putative cholesterol/lipid binding sites on conserved domain Npc2_like (Niemann-Pick type C-2) belonging to the MD-2-related lipid-recognition superfamily. Sequence comparison revealed that ApESR16 exhibits 51-57% identity to ESR16s of lepidopteran insects, 36-41% identity to ESR16 or NPC2a of nonlepidopteran insects, and 28-32% identity to NPC2a of vertebrates, indicating a high sequence divergence during the evolution of animals. Phylogenetic analysis found that the used sequences were divided into two groups corresponding to vertebrates and invertebrates, and the used insect sequences were also well clustered according to their families. The A. pernyi ESR16 mRNA is expressed during all four developmental stages and in all tested tissues. Injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E) into A. pernyi diapausing pupae triggering diapause termination induced upregulation of ESR16 mRNA compared to the diapausing pupae, with the highest expression level at day 2 in the ovaries but day 12 in the fat body. Our results suggested that ApESR16 might be a diapause-related gene and plays a vital role in the pupal diapause of A. pernyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Chen
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
| | - Chun-Shan Zhao
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
| | - Feng-Cheng Wang
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
| | - Wan-Jie Ji
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
| | - Shu-Yu Liu
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
| | - Yan-Qun Liu
- Department of Sericulture, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| | - Xi-Sheng Li
- Research Group of Silkworm Breeding, Sericultural Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng, China
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The Drosophila Post-mating Response: Gene Expression and Behavioral Changes Reveal Perdurance and Variation in Cross-Tissue Interactions. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:967-983. [PMID: 31907222 PMCID: PMC7056969 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Examining cross-tissue interactions is important for understanding physiology and homeostasis. In animals, the female gonad produces signaling molecules that act distally. We examine gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster female head tissues in 1) virgins without a germline compared to virgins with a germline, 2) post-mated females with and without a germline compared to virgins, and 3) post-mated females mated to males with and without a germline compared to virgins. In virgins, the absence of a female germline results in expression changes in genes with known roles in nutrient homeostasis. At one- and three-day(s) post-mating, genes that change expression are enriched with those that function in metabolic pathways, in all conditions. We systematically examine female post-mating impacts on sleep, food preference and re-mating, in the strains and time points used for gene expression analyses and compare to published studies. We show that post-mating, gene expression changes vary by strain, prompting us to examine variation in female re-mating. We perform a genome-wide association study that identifies several DNA polymorphisms, including four in/near Wnt signaling pathway genes. Together, these data reveal how gene expression and behavior in females are influenced by cross-tissue interactions, by examining the impact of mating, fertility, and genotype.
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Expanded complement of Niemann-Pick type C2-like protein genes in Clonorchis sinensis suggests functions beyond sterol binding and transport. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:38. [PMID: 31973758 PMCID: PMC6979364 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The parasitic flatworm Clonorchis sinensis inhabits the biliary tree of humans and other piscivorous mammals. This parasite can survive and thrive in the bile duct, despite exposure to bile constituents and host immune attack. Although the precise biological mechanisms underlying this adaptation are unknown, previous work indicated that Niemann-pick type C2 (NPC2)-like sterol-binding proteins might be integral in the host-parasite interplay. Expansions of this family in some invertebrates, such as arthropods, have shown functional diversification, including novel forms of chemoreception. Thus, here we curated the NPC2-like protein gene complement in C. sinensis, and predicted their conserved and/or divergent functional roles. Methods We used an established comparative genomic-bioinformatic approach to curate NPC2-like proteins encoded in published genomes of Korean and Chinese isolates of C. sinensis. Protein sequence and structural homology, presence of conserved domains and phylogeny were used to group and functionally classify NPC2-like proteins. Furthermore, transcription levels of NPC2-like protein-encoding genes were explored in different developmental stages and tissues. Results Totals of 35 and 32 C. sinensis NPC2-like proteins were predicted to be encoded in the genomes of the Korean and Chinese isolates, respectively. Overall, these proteins had low sequence homology and high variability of sequence alignment coverage when compared with curated NPC2s. Most C. sinensis proteins were predicted to retain a conserved ML domain and a conserved fold conformation, with a large cavity within the protein. Only one protein sequence retained the conserved amino acid residues required in bovine NPC2 to bind cholesterol. Non-canonical C. sinensis NPC2-like protein-coding domains clustered into four distinct phylogenetic groups with members of a group frequently encoded on the same genome scaffolds. Interestingly, NPC2-like protein-encoding genes were predicted to be variably transcribed in different developmental stages and adult tissues, with most being transcribed in the metacercarial stage. Conclusions The results of the present investigation confirms an expansion of NPC2-like proteins in C. sinensis, suggesting a diverse array of functions beyond sterol binding and transport. Functional explorations of this protein family should elucidate the mechanisms enabling the establishment and survival of C. sinensis and related flukes in the biliary systems of mammalian hosts.![]()
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Konopová B, Buchberger E, Crisp A. Transcriptome of pleuropodia from locust embryos supports that these organs produce enzymes enabling the larva to hatch. Front Zool 2020; 17:4. [PMID: 31969926 PMCID: PMC6966819 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pleuropodia are limb-derived glandular organs that transiently appear on the first abdominal segment in embryos of insects from majority of “orders”. They are missing in the genetic model Drosophila and little is known about them. Experiments carried out on orthopteran insects 80 years ago indicated that the pleuropodia secrete a “hatching enzyme” that digests the serosal cuticle to enable the larva to hatch, but evidence by state-of-the-art molecular methods is missing. Results We used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to identify the genes expressed in the pleuropodia of the locust Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera). First, using transmission electron microscopy we studied the development of the pleuropodia during 11 stages of the locust embryogenesis. We show that the glandular cells differentiate and start secreting just before the definitive dorsal closure of the embryo and the secretion granules outside the cells become more abundant prior to hatching. Next, we generated a comprehensive embryonic reference transcriptome for the locust and used it to study genome wide gene expression across ten morphologicaly defined stages of the pleuropodia. We show that when the pleuropodia have morphological markers of functional organs and produce secretion, they are primarily enriched in transcripts associated with transport functions. They express genes encoding enzymes capable of digesting cuticular protein and chitin. These include the potent cuticulo-lytic Chitinase 5, whose transcript rises just before hatching. Unexpected finding was the enrichment in transcripts for immunity-related enzymes. This indicates that the pleuropodia are equipped with epithelial immunity similarly as barrier epithelia in postembryonic stages. Conclusions These data provide transcriptomic support for the historic hypothesis that pleuropodia produce cuticle-degrading enzymes and function in hatching. They may also have other functions, such as facilitation of embryonic immune defense. By the genes that they express the pleuropodia are specialized embryonic organs and apparently an important though neglected part of insect physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Konopová
- 1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,2Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Elisa Buchberger
- 4Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Jing X, Behmer ST. Insect Sterol Nutrition: Physiological Mechanisms, Ecology, and Applications. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 65:251-271. [PMID: 31600456 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insects, like all eukaryotes, require sterols for structural and metabolic purposes. However, insects, like all arthropods, cannot make sterols. Cholesterol is the dominant tissue sterol for most insects; insect herbivores produce cholesterol by metabolizing phytosterols, but not always with high efficiency. Many insects grow on a mixed-sterol diet, but this ability varies depending on the types and ratio of dietary sterols. Dietary sterol uptake, transport, and metabolism are regulated by several proteins and processes that are relatively conserved across eukaryotes. Sterol requirements also impact insect ecology and behavior. There is potential to exploit insect sterol requirements to (a) control insect pests in agricultural systems and (b) better understand sterol biology, including in humans. We suggest that future studies focus on the genetic mechanism of sterol metabolism and reverse transportation, characterizing sterol distribution and function at the cellular level, the role of bacterial symbionts in sterol metabolism, and interrupting sterol trafficking for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfeng Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China;
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Spencer T Behmer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA;
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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Gao J, Wang JX, Wang XW. MD-2 Homologue Recognizes the White Spot Syndrome Virus Lipid Component and Induces Antiviral Molecule Expression in Shrimp. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:1131-1141. [PMID: 31331974 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2)-related lipid-recognition (ML) domain is found in multiple proteins, including MD-2, MD-1, Niemann-Pick disease type C2, and mite major allergen proteins. The significance of ML proteins in antibacterial signal transduction and in lipid metabolism has been well studied. However, their function in host-virus interaction remains poorly understood. In the current study, we found that the ML protein family is involved in resistance against white spot syndrome virus in kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus One member, which showed a high similarity to mammalian MD-2/MD-1 and was designated as ML1, participated in the antiviral response by recognizing cholesta-3,5-diene (CD), a lipid component of the white spot syndrome virus envelope. After recognizing CD, ML1 induced the translocation of Rel family NF-κB transcription factor Dorsal into the nucleus, resulting in the expression of Vago, an IFN-like antiviral cytokine in arthropods. Overall, this study revealed the significance of an MD-2 homologue as an immune recognition protein for virus lipids. The identification and characterization of CD-ML1-Dorsal-Vago signaling provided new insights into invertebrate antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Jin-Xing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; and.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Xian-Wei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; .,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; and.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
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Corby-Harris V, Snyder L, Meador C. Fat body lipolysis connects poor nutrition to hypopharyngeal gland degradation in Apis mellifera. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 116:1-9. [PMID: 30953617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The hypopharyngeal glands (HGs) of honey bee nurse workers secrete the major protein fraction of jelly, a protein and lipid rich substance fed to developing larvae, other worker bees, and queens. A hallmark of poorly nourished nurses is their small HGs, which actively degrade due to hormone-induced autophagy. To better connect nutritional stress with HG degradation, we looked to honey bees and other insect systems, where nutrient stress is often accompanied by fat body degradation. The fat body contains stored lipids that are likely a substrate for ecdysteroid synthesis, so we tested whether starvation caused increased fat body lipolysis. Ecdysteroid signaling and response pathways and IIS/TOR are tied to nutrient-dependent autophagy in honey bees and other insects, and so we also tested whether and where genes in these pathways were differentially regulated in the head and fat body. Last, we injected nurse-aged bees with the honey bee ecdysteroid makisterone A to determine whether this hormone influenced HG size and autophagy. We find that starved nurse aged bees exhibited increased fat body lipolysis and increased expression of ecdysteroid production and response genes in the head. Genes in the IIS/TOR pathway were not impacted by starvation in either the head or fat body. Additionally, bees injected with makisterone A had smaller HGs and increased expression of autophagy genes. These data support the hypothesis that nutritional stress induces fat body lipolysis, which may liberate the sterols important for ecdysteroid production, and that increased ecdysteroid levels induce autophagic HG degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy Snyder
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
| | - Charlotte Meador
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
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A fat-tissue sensor couples growth to oxygen availability by remotely controlling insulin secretion. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1955. [PMID: 31028268 PMCID: PMC6486587 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms adapt their metabolism and growth to the availability of nutrients and oxygen, which are essential for development, yet the mechanisms by which this adaptation occurs are not fully understood. Here we describe an RNAi-based body-size screen in Drosophila to identify such mechanisms. Among the strongest hits is the fibroblast growth factor receptor homolog breathless necessary for proper development of the tracheal airway system. Breathless deficiency results in tissue hypoxia, sensed primarily in this context by the fat tissue through HIF-1a prolyl hydroxylase (Hph). The fat relays its hypoxic status through release of one or more HIF-1a-dependent humoral factors that inhibit insulin secretion from the brain, thereby restricting systemic growth. Independently of HIF-1a, Hph is also required for nutrient-dependent Target-of-rapamycin (Tor) activation. Our findings show that the fat tissue acts as the primary sensor of nutrient and oxygen levels, directing adaptation of organismal metabolism and growth to environmental conditions. The mechanisms by which organisms adapt their growth according to the availability of oxygen are incompletely understood. Here the authors identify the Drosophila fat body as a tissue regulating growth in response to oxygen sensing via a mechanism involving Hph inhibition, HIF1-a activation and insulin secretion.
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Liu Y, Ji Y, Li X, Shui G, Huang X. Lipid storage regulator CdsA is essential for Drosophila metamorphosis. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:231-234. [PMID: 31072795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Guanghou Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Fog CK, Kirkegaard T. Animal models for Niemann-Pick type C: implications for drug discovery & development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:499-509. [PMID: 30887840 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1588882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) is a neurovisceral, progressively detrimental lysosomal storage disease with very limited therapeutic options and no approved treatment available in the US. Despite its rarity, NPC has seen increased drug developmental efforts over the past decade, culminating in the completion of two potential registration trials in 2018. Areas covered: This review highlights the many available animal models that have been developed in the field and briefly covers classical and new cell technologies. This review provides a high-level evaluation and prioritization of the various models with regard to efficient and clinically translatable drug development, and briefly discusses the relevant developments and opportunities pertaining to this. Expert opinion: With a number of in vitro and in vivo models available, and with having several drugs, all with various mechanisms of action, either approved or in late stage development, the NPC field is in an exciting time. One of the challenges for researchers and developers will be the ability to make use of the lessons learnt from existing late-stage programs as well as the incorporation not only of the opportunities but also the limitations of the many models into successful drug discovery and translational development programs.
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Meuti ME, Short SM. Physiological and Environmental Factors Affecting the Composition of the Ejaculate in Mosquitoes and Other Insects. INSECTS 2019; 10:E74. [PMID: 30875967 PMCID: PMC6468485 DOI: 10.3390/insects10030074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In addition to transferring sperm, male mosquitoes deliver several proteins, hormones and other factors to females in their seminal fluid that inhibit remating, alter host-seeking behaviors and stimulate oviposition. Recently, bioinformatics, transcriptomics and proteomics have been used to characterize the genes transcribed in male reproductive tissues and the individual proteins that are delivered to females. Thanks to these foundational studies, we now understand the complexity of the ejaculate in several mosquito species. Building on this work, researchers have begun to identify the functions of various proteins and hormones in the male ejaculate, and how they mediate their effects on female mosquitoes. Here, we present an overview of these studies, followed by a discussion of an under-studied aspect of male reproductive physiology: the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the composition of the ejaculate. We argue that future research in this area would improve our understanding of male reproductive biology from a physiological and ecological perspective, and that researchers may be able to leverage this information to study key components of the ejaculate. Furthermore, this work has the potential to improve mosquito control by allowing us to account for relevant factors when implementing vector control strategies involving male reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Meuti
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 2001 Fyffe Rd., Room 232 Howlett Hall, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Sarah M Short
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 2001 Fyffe Rd., Room 232 Howlett Hall, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Obniski R, Sieber M, Spradling AC. Dietary Lipids Modulate Notch Signaling and Influence Adult Intestinal Development and Metabolism in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2018; 47:98-111.e5. [PMID: 30220569 PMCID: PMC6894183 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis involves a complex balance of developmental signals and environmental cues that dictate stem cell function. We found that dietary lipids control enteroendocrine cell production from Drosophila posterior midgut stem cells. Dietary cholesterol influences new intestinal cell differentiation in an Hr96-dependent manner by altering the level and duration of Notch signaling. Exogenous lipids modulate Delta ligand and Notch extracellular domain stability and alter their trafficking in endosomal vesicles. Lipid-modulated Notch signaling occurs in other nutrient-dependent tissues, suggesting that Delta trafficking in many cells is sensitive to cellular sterol levels. These diet-mediated alterations in young animals contribute to a metabolic program that persists after the diet changes. A low-sterol diet also slows the proliferation of enteroendocrine tumors initiated by Notch pathway disruption. Thus, a specific dietary nutrient can modify a key intercellular signaling pathway to shift stem cell differentiation and cause lasting changes in tissue structure and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Obniski
- Department of Embryology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories, Carnegie Institution for Science, 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Matthew Sieber
- Department of Embryology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories, Carnegie Institution for Science, 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9040, USA
| | - Allan C Spradling
- Department of Embryology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories, Carnegie Institution for Science, 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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Miguel-Aliaga I, Jasper H, Lemaitre B. Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive Tract of Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2018; 210:357-396. [PMID: 30287514 PMCID: PMC6216580 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract has recently come to the forefront of multiple research fields. It is now recognized as a major source of signals modulating food intake, insulin secretion and energy balance. It is also a key player in immunity and, through its interaction with microbiota, can shape our physiology and behavior in complex and sometimes unexpected ways. The insect intestine had remained, by comparison, relatively unexplored until the identification of adult somatic stem cells in the Drosophila intestine over a decade ago. Since then, a growing scientific community has exploited the genetic amenability of this insect organ in powerful and creative ways. By doing so, we have shed light on a broad range of biological questions revolving around stem cells and their niches, interorgan signaling and immunity. Despite their relatively recent discovery, some of the mechanisms active in the intestine of flies have already been shown to be more widely applicable to other gastrointestinal systems, and may therefore become relevant in the context of human pathologies such as gastrointestinal cancers, aging, or obesity. This review summarizes our current knowledge of both the formation and function of the Drosophila melanogaster digestive tract, with a major focus on its main digestive/absorptive portion: the strikingly adaptable adult midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Heinrich Jasper
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California 94945-1400
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Bruno Lemaitre
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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He S, Johnston PR, Kuropka B, Lokatis S, Weise C, Plarre R, Kunte HJ, McMahon DP. Termite soldiers contribute to social immunity by synthesizing potent oral secretions. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:564-576. [PMID: 29663551 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The importance of soldiers to termite society defence has long been recognized, but the contribution of soldiers to other societal functions, such as colony immunity, is less well understood. We explore this issue by examining the role of soldiers in protecting nestmates against pathogen infection. Even though they are unable to engage in grooming behaviour, we find that the presence of soldiers of the Darwin termite, Mastotermes darwiniensis, significantly improves the survival of nestmates following entomopathogenic infection. We also show that the copious exocrine oral secretions produced by Darwin termite soldiers contain a high concentration of proteins involved in digestion, chemical biosynthesis, and immunity. The oral secretions produced by soldiers are sufficient to protect nestmates against infection, and they have potent inhibitory activity against a broad spectrum of microbes. Our findings support the view that soldiers may play an important role in colony immunity, and broaden our understanding of the possible function of soldiers during the origin of soldier-first societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S He
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - P R Johnston
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany
| | - B Kuropka
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Lokatis
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Weise
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Plarre
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - H-J Kunte
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - D P McMahon
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
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Zheng Y, Wang SN, Peng Y, Lu ZY, Shan S, Yang YQ, Li RJ, Zhang YJ, Guo YY. Functional characterization of a Niemann-Pick type C2 protein in the parasitoid wasp Microplitis mediator. INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 25:765-777. [PMID: 28459128 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) is a type of small soluble protein involved in lipid metabolism and triglyceride accumulation in vertebrates and arthropods. Recent studies have determined that NPC2 also participates in chemical communication of arthropods. In this work, two novel NPC2 proteins (MmedNPC2a and MmedNPC2b) in Microplitis mediator were identified. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that MmedNPC2a was expressed higher in the antennae than in other tissues of adult wasps compared with MmedNPC2b. Subsequent immunolocalization results demonstrated that NPC2a was located in the lymph cavities of sensilla placodea. To further explore the binding characterization of recombinant MmedNPC2a to 54 candidate odor molecules, a fluorescence binding assay was performed. It was found MmedNPC2a could not bind with selected fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and octadecenoic acid. However, seven cotton volatiles, 4-ethylbenzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethylbenzaldehyde, β-ionone, linalool, m-xylene, benzaldehyde and trans-2-hexen-1-al showed certain binding abilities with MmedNPC2a. Moreover, the predicted 3D model of MmedNPC2a was composed of seven β-sheets and three pairs of disulfide bridges. In this model, the key binding residues for oleic acid in CjapNPC2 of Camponotus japonicus, Lue68, Lys69, Lys70, Phe97, Thr103 and Phe127, are replaced with Phe85, Ser86, His87, Leu113, Tyr119 and Ile143 in MmedNPC2a, respectively. We proposed that MmedNPC2a in M. mediator may play roles in perception of plant volatiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shan-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Plant Protection, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zi-Yun Lu
- IPM Center of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Protection Institute, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shuang Shan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye-Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Plant Protection, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Rui-Jun Li
- College of Plant Protection, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yong-Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Yuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Pei J, Kinch LN, Grishin NV. FlyXCDB—A Resource for Drosophila Cell Surface and Secreted Proteins and Their Extracellular Domains. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:3353-3411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Cheng C, Tan JC, Hahn MW, Besansky NJ. Systems genetic analysis of inversion polymorphisms in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E7005-E7014. [PMID: 29987007 PMCID: PMC6064990 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806760115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inversion polymorphisms in the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae segregate along climatic gradients of aridity. Despite indirect evidence of their adaptive significance, little is known of the phenotypic targets of selection or the underlying genetic mechanisms. Here we adopt a systems genetics approach to explore the interaction of two inversions on opposite arms of chromosome 2 with gender, climatic conditions, and one another. We measure organismal traits and transcriptional profiles in 8-d-old adults of both sexes and four alternative homokaryotypic classes reared under two alternative climatic regimes. We show that karyotype strongly influences both organismal traits and transcriptional profiles but that the strength and direction of the effects depend upon complex interactions with gender and environmental conditions and between inversions on independent arms. Our data support the suppressed recombination model for the role of inversions in local adaptation, and-supported by transcriptional and physiological measurements following perturbation with the drug rapamycin-suggest that one mechanism underlying their adaptive role may be the maintenance of energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changde Cheng
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - John C Tan
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Matthew W Hahn
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
- Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Nora J Besansky
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556;
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556
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Moulos P, Alexandratos A, Nellas I, Dedos SG. Refining a steroidogenic model: an analysis of RNA-seq datasets from insect prothoracic glands. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:537. [PMID: 30005604 PMCID: PMC6045881 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prothoracic gland (PG), the principal steroidogenic organ of insects, has been proposed as a model for steroid hormone biosynthesis and regulation. RESULTS To validate the robustness of the model, we present an analysis of accumulated transcriptomic data from PGs of two model species, Drosophila melanogaster and Bombyx mori. We identify that the common core components of the model in both species are encoded by nine genes. Five of these are Halloween genes whose expression differs substantially between the PGs of these species. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the PGs can be a model for steroid hormone synthesis and regulation within the context of mitochondrial cholesterol transport and steroid biosynthesis but beyond these core mechanisms, gene expression in insect PGs is too diverse to fit in a context-specific model and should be analysed within a species-specific framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Moulos
- HybridStat Predictive Analytics, Aiolou 19, 10551 Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center ‘Alexander Fleming’, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Nellas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Skarlatos G. Dedos
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
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The Effect of Common Inversion Polymorphisms In(2L)t and In(3R)Mo on Patterns of Transcriptional Variation in Drosophila melanogaster. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:3659-3668. [PMID: 28916647 PMCID: PMC5677173 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal inversions are a ubiquitous feature of genetic variation. Theoretical models describe several mechanisms by which inversions can drive adaptation and be maintained as polymorphisms. While inversions have been shown previously to be under selection, or contain genetic variation under selection, the specific phenotypic consequences of inversions leading to their maintenance remain unclear. Here we use genomic sequence and expression data from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to explore the effects of two cosmopolitan inversions, In(2L)t and In(3R)Mo, on patterns of transcriptional variation. We demonstrate that each inversion has a significant effect on transcript abundance for hundreds of genes across the genome. Inversion-affected loci (IAL) appear both within inversions as well as on unlinked chromosomes. Importantly, IAL do not appear to be influenced by the previously reported genome-wide expression correlation structure. We found that five genes involved with sterol uptake, four of which are Niemann-Pick Type 2 orthologs, are upregulated in flies with In(3R)Mo but do not have SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the inversion. We speculate that this upregulation is driven by genetic variation in mod(mdg4) that is in LD with In(3R)Mo. We find that there is little evidence for a regional or position effect of inversions on gene expression at the chromosomal level, but do find evidence for the distal breakpoint of In(3R)Mo interrupting one gene and possibly disassociating the two flanking genes from regulatory elements.
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Li H, Tennessen JM. Methods for studying the metabolic basis of Drosophila development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 6:10.1002/wdev.280. [PMID: 28556549 PMCID: PMC5561480 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The field of metabolic research has experienced an unexpected renaissance. While this renewed interest in metabolism largely originated in response to the global increase in diabetes and obesity, studies of metabolic regulation now represent the frontier of many biomedical fields. This trend is especially apparent in developmental biology, where metabolism influences processes ranging from stem cell differentiation and tissue growth to sexual maturation and reproduction. In this regard, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a powerful tool for dissecting conserved mechanisms that underlie developmental metabolism, often with a level of detail that is simply not possible in other animals. Here we describe why the fly is an ideal system for exploring the relationship between metabolism and development, and outline a basic experimental strategy for conducting these studies. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e280. doi: 10.1002/wdev.280 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongde Li
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Jason M. Tennessen
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405
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Anstead CA, Perry T, Richards S, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Bowles VM, Batterham P, Gasser RB. The Battle Against Flystrike - Past Research and New Prospects Through Genomics. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 98:227-281. [PMID: 28942770 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Flystrike, or cutaneous myiasis, is caused by blow fly larvae of the genus Lucilia. This disease is a major problem in countries with large sheep populations. In Australia, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) is the principal fly involved in flystrike. While much research has been conducted on L. cuprina, including physical, chemical, immunological, genetic and biological investigations, the molecular biology of this fly is still poorly understood. The recent sequencing, assembly and annotation of the draft genome and analyses of selected transcriptomes of L. cuprina have given a first global glimpse of its molecular biology and insights into host-fly interactions, insecticide resistance genes and intervention targets. The present article introduces L. cuprina, flystrike and associated issues, details past control efforts and research foci, reviews salient aspects of the L. cuprina genome project and discusses how the new genomic and transcriptomic resources for this fly might accelerate fundamental molecular research of L. cuprina towards developing new methods for the treatment and control of flystrike.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trent Perry
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Neil D Young
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Sellin J, Schulze H, Paradis M, Gosejacob D, Papan C, Shevchenko A, Psathaki OE, Paululat A, Thielisch M, Sandhoff K, Hoch M. Characterization of Drosophila Saposin-related mutants as a model for lysosomal sphingolipid storage diseases. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:737-750. [PMID: 28389479 PMCID: PMC5483003 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipidoses are inherited diseases belonging to the class of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), which are characterized by the accumulation of indigestible material in the lysosome caused by specific defects in the lysosomal degradation machinery. While some LSDs can be efficiently treated by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), this is not possible if the nervous system is affected due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier. Sphingolipidoses in particular often present as severe, untreatable forms of LSDs with massive sphingolipid and membrane accumulation in lysosomes, neurodegeneration and very short life expectancy. The digestion of intralumenal membranes within lysosomes is facilitated by lysosomal sphingolipid activator proteins (saposins), which are cleaved from a prosaposin precursor. Prosaposin mutations cause some of the severest forms of sphingolipidoses, and are associated with perinatal lethality in mice, hampering studies on disease progression. We identify the Drosophila prosaposin orthologue Saposin-related (Sap-r) as a key regulator of lysosomal lipid homeostasis in the fly. Its mutation leads to a typical spingolipidosis phenotype with an enlarged endolysosomal compartment and sphingolipid accumulation as shown by mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography. Sap-r mutants show reduced viability with ∼50% survival to adulthood, allowing us to study progressive neurodegeneration and analyze their lipid profile in young and aged flies. Additionally, we observe a defect in sterol homeostasis with local sterol depletion at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, we find that autophagy is increased, resulting in the accumulation of mitochondria in lysosomes, concomitant with increased oxidative stress. Together, we establish Drosophila Sap-r mutants as a lysosomal storage disease model suitable for studying the age-dependent progression of lysosomal dysfunction associated with lipid accumulation and the resulting pathological signaling events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sellin
- LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development & Genetics, Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Heike Schulze
- LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Membrane Biology & Lipid Biochemistry, c/o Kekulé Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Strasse 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Marie Paradis
- LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development & Genetics, Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominic Gosejacob
- LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development & Genetics, Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cyrus Papan
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrej Shevchenko
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Olympia Ekaterina Psathaki
- University of Osnabrück, Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology, Barbarastraße 11, 49076 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Achim Paululat
- University of Osnabrück, Biology, EM unit, Barbarastraße 11, 49076 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Melanie Thielisch
- LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development & Genetics, Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Konrad Sandhoff
- LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Membrane Biology & Lipid Biochemistry, c/o Kekulé Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Strasse 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoch
- LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development & Genetics, Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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