1
|
Toyota K. Crustacean endocrinology: Sexual differentiation and potential application for aquaculture. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 356:114578. [PMID: 38971237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114578] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Crustaceans, which represent a significant subset of arthropods, are classified into three major classes: Ostracoda, Malacostraca, and Branchiopoda. Among them, sex manipulation in decapod species from the Malacostraca class has been extensively researched for aquaculture purposes and to study reproductive physiology and sexual plasticity. Some decapods exhibit sexual dimorphism that influences their biological and economic value. Monosex culture, in which only one sex is cultivated, increases production yields while reducing the risk of invasiveness, as genetic leakage into natural waters is less likely to occur. Differences in yield are also observed when cultivating different sexes, with all-male cultures of Macrobrachium rosenbergii being more profitable than both mixed and all-female cultures. Research on decapod sexual differentiation has led to a better understanding of sex determination and sexual differentiation processes in arthropods. Similar to most mammals and other vertebrate classes, Malacostraca crustaceans, including decapods, exhibit a cell-non-autonomous mode of sexual development. Genetic factors (e.g., sex chromosomes) and endocrine factors (e.g., insulin-like androgenic gland factor and crustacean female sex hormone) play pivotal roles in the development of sexually dimorphic traits. This review synthesizes the existing understanding of sex determination mechanisms and the role of sex hormones in decapod species. Additionally, it provides an overview of the methyl farnesoate, which has been suggested to be involved in male sex differentiation in some crab species, as well as the phenomenon of male-to-female sex reversal in host decapods caused by parasitic crustaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Toyota
- Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, 2946 Tsuchiya, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1293, Japan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klementz BC, Brenneis G, Hinne IA, Laumer EM, Neu SM, Hareid GM, Gainett G, Setton EVW, Simian C, Vrech DE, Joyce I, Barnett AA, Patel NH, Harvey MS, Peretti AV, Gulia-Nuss M, Sharma PP. A Novel Expression Domain of extradenticle Underlies the Evolutionary Developmental Origin of the Chelicerate Patella. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae188. [PMID: 39235104 PMCID: PMC11422720 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Neofunctionalization of duplicated gene copies is thought to be an important process underlying the origin of evolutionary novelty and provides an elegant mechanism for the origin of new phenotypic traits. One putative case where a new gene copy has been linked to a novel morphological trait is the origin of the arachnid patella, a taxonomically restricted leg segment. In spiders, the origin of this segment has been linked to the origin of the paralog dachshund-2, suggesting that a new gene facilitated the expression of a new trait. However, various arachnid groups that possess patellae do not have a copy of dachshund-2, disfavoring the direct link between gene origin and trait origin. We investigated the developmental genetic basis for patellar patterning in the harvestman Phalangium opilio, which lacks dachshund-2. Here, we show that the harvestman patella is established by a novel expression domain of the transcription factor extradenticle. Leveraging this definition of patellar identity, we surveyed targeted groups across chelicerate phylogeny to assess when this trait evolved. We show that a patellar homolog is present in Pycnogonida (sea spiders) and various arachnid orders, suggesting a single origin of the patella in the ancestor of Chelicerata. A potential loss of the patella is observed in Ixodida. Our results suggest that the modification of an ancient gene, rather than the neofunctionalization of a new gene copy, underlies the origin of the patella. Broadly, this work underscores the value of comparative data and broad taxonomic sampling when testing hypotheses in evolutionary developmental biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Klementz
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Zoological Museum, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Georg Brenneis
- Unit Integrative Zoologie, Department Evolutionsbiologie, Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isaac A Hinne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Ethan M Laumer
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Zoological Museum, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sophie M Neu
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Zoological Museum, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Grace M Hareid
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Zoological Museum, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Guilherme Gainett
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children,'s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily V W Setton
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Catalina Simian
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientifícas Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - David E Vrech
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientifícas Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Isabella Joyce
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, USA
| | - Austen A Barnett
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, USA
| | - Nipam H Patel
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
- Organismal Biology & Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark S Harvey
- Collections & Research, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA, Australia
| | - Alfredo V Peretti
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientifícas Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Prashant P Sharma
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Zoological Museum, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Oguchi K, Miura T. Body part-specific development in termite caste differentiation: crosstalk between hormonal actions and developmental toolkit genes. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101183. [PMID: 38428818 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
In social insects, interactions among colony members trigger caste differentiation with morphological modifications. During caste differentiation in termites, body parts and caste-specific morphologies are modified during postembryonic development under endocrine controls such as juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysone. In addition to endocrine factors, developmental toolkit genes such as Hox- and appendage-patterning genes also contribute to the caste-specific body part modifications. These toolkits are thought to provide spatial information for specific morphogenesis. During social evolution, the complex crosstalks between physiological and developmental mechanisms should be established, leading to the sophisticated caste systems. This article reviews recent studies on these mechanisms underlying the termite caste differentiation and addresses implications for the evolution of caste systems in termites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oguchi
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
| | - Toru Miura
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Klementz BC, Brenneis G, Hinne IA, Laumer EM, Neu SM, Hareid GM, Gainett G, Setton EVW, Simian C, Vrech DE, Joyce I, Barnett AA, Patel NH, Harvey MS, Peretti AV, Gulia-Nuss M, Sharma PP. A novel expression domain of extradenticle underlies the evolutionary developmental origin of the chelicerate patella. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.594547. [PMID: 38826321 PMCID: PMC11142128 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.594547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Neofunctionalization of duplicated gene copies is thought to be an important process underlying the origin of evolutionary novelty and provides an elegant mechanism for the origin of new phenotypic traits. One putative case where a new gene copy has been linked to a novel morphological trait is the origin of the arachnid patella, a taxonomically restricted leg segment. In spiders, the origin of this segment has been linked to the origin of the paralog dachshund-2 , suggesting that a new gene facilitated the expression of a new trait. However, various arachnid groups that possess patellae do not have a copy of dachshund-2 , disfavoring the direct link between gene origin and trait origin. We investigated the developmental genetic basis for patellar patterning in the harvestman Phalangium opilio , which lacks dachshund-2 . Here, we show that the harvestman patella is established by a novel expression domain of the transcription factor extradenticle . Leveraging this definition of patellar identity, we surveyed targeted groups across chelicerate phylogeny to assess when this trait evolved. We show that a patellar homolog is present in Pycnogonida (sea spiders) and various arachnid orders, suggesting a single origin of the patella in the ancestor of Chelicerata. A potential loss of the patella is observed in Ixodida. Our results suggest that the modification of an ancient gene, rather than the neofunctionalization of a new gene copy, underlies the origin of the patella. Broadly, this work underscores the value of comparative data and broad taxonomic sampling when testing hypotheses in evolutionary developmental biology.
Collapse
|
5
|
Du H, Huang R, Chen DS, Zhuang T, Huang X, Zhang H, Li Z. Regulation of soldier caste differentiation by microRNAs in Formosan subterranean termite ( Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki). PeerJ 2024; 12:e16843. [PMID: 38436016 PMCID: PMC10909360 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The soldier caste is one of the most distinguished castes inside the termite colony. The mechanism of soldier caste differentiation has mainly been studied at the transcriptional level, but the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in soldier caste differentiation is seldom studied. In this study, the workers of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were treated with methoprene, a juvenile hormone analog which can induce workers to transform into soldiers. The miRNomes of the methoprene-treated workers and the controls were sequenced. Then, the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) were corrected with the differentially expressed genes DEGs to construct the DEmiR-DEG regulatory network. Afterwards, the DEmiR-regulated DEGs were subjected to GO enrichment and KEGG enrichment analysis. A total of 1,324 miRNAs were identified, among which 116 miRNAs were screened as DEmiRs between the methoprene-treated group and the control group. A total of 4,433 DEmiR-DEG pairs were obtained. No GO term was recognized as significant in the cellular component, molecular function, or biological process categories. The KEGG enrichment analysis of the DEmiR-regulated DEGs showed that the ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes and circadian rhythm-fly pathways were enriched. This study demonstrates that DEmiRs and DEGs form a complex network regulating soldier caste differentiation in termites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runmei Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Da-Song Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyong Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueyi Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oguchi K, Miura T. Upregulation of Hox genes leading to caste-specific morphogenesis in a termite. EvoDevo 2023; 14:12. [PMID: 37501210 PMCID: PMC10375622 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-023-00216-w] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In social insects, interactions among colony members trigger caste differentiation with morphological modifications. In termite caste differentiation, caste-specific morphologies (such as mandibles in soldiers, genital organs in reproductives or wings in alates) are well developed during post-embryonic development under endocrine controls (e.g., juvenile hormone and ecdysone). Since body part-specific morphogenesis in caste differentiation is hormonally regulated by global factors circulated throughout the body, positional information should be required for the caste-specific and also body part-specific morphogenesis. To identify factors providing the positional information, expression and functional analyses of eight Hox genes were carried out during the three types of caste differentiation (i.e., soldier, neotenic and alate differentiation) in a termite, Hodotermopsis sjostedti. RESULTS Spatio-temporal patterns of Hox gene expression during caste differentiation were elucidated by real-time qPCR, showing the caste-specific upregulations of Hox genes during the differentiation processes. Among eight Hox genes, Deformed (Dfd) was upregulated specifically in mandibles in soldier differentiation, abdominal-A (abd-A) and Abdominal-B (Abd-B) were upregulated in the abdomen in neotenic differentiation, while Sex-comb reduced (Scr) and Antennapedia (Antp) were upregulated during alate differentiation. Furthermore, RNAi knockdown of Dfd in soldier differentiation and of abd-A and Abd-B in neotenic differentiation distorted the modifications of caste-specific morphologies. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression and functional analyses in this study revealed that, in the caste differentiation in termites, upregulation of Hox genes provide positional identities of body segments, resulting in the caste-specific morphogenesis. The acquisition of such developmental modifications would have enabled the evolution of sophisticated caste systems in termites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oguchi
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, 238-0225, Japan.
| | - Toru Miura
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, 238-0225, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Comparison of gene expression profiles among caste differentiations in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11947. [PMID: 35831400 PMCID: PMC9279399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15984-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Termite castes express specialized phenotypes for their own tasks and are a good example of insect polyphenism. To understand the comprehensive gene expression profiles during caste differentiation, RNA-seq analysis based on the genome data was performed during the worker, presoldier, and nymphoid molts in Reticulitermes speratus. In this species, artificial induction methods for each molt have already been established, and the time scale has been clarified. Three different periods (before the gut purge (GP), during the GP, and after the molt) were discriminated in each molt, and two body parts (head and other body regions) were separately sampled. The results revealed that many differentially expressed genes (head: 2884, body: 2579) were identified in each molt. Based on the independent real-time quantitative PCR analysis, we confirmed the different expression patterns of seven out of eight genes in the presoldier molt. Based on the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, the expressions of genes related to juvenile hormone titer changes (e.g., JH acid methyltransferase), nutrition status (e.g., Acyl-CoA Delta desaturase), and cell proliferation (e.g., insulin receptor), were shown to specifically fluctuate in each molt. These differences may have a crucial impact on caste differentiation. These data are important resources for future termite sociogenomics.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao H, Zhu Z, Xing G, Li Y, Zhou X, Wang J, Li G, Cao H, Huang Y. Deformed Mediated Larval Incisor Lobe Development Causes Differing Feeding Behavior between Oriental Armyworm and Fall Armyworm. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13070594. [PMID: 35886770 PMCID: PMC9320430 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Mandibular incisor lobes are important for insect feeding behavior, living habits and niche. However, the molecular regulation of insect incisor lobe development remains unknown. In this study, we found that two maize pests, oriental armyworm Mythimna separata and fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda, have different feeding patterns in maize, which are closely associated with the different development patterns of their incisor lobes. Different from first to sixth instar S. frugiperda, which feed on leaf tissues and whorls with sharp incisor lobes, older instars of M. separata feed from leaf margins with no incisor lobes. Hox gene Deformed (Dfd) is important for head appendages, but its function in incisor lobe development is not clear. Here, Dfds were identified from two armyworm species, and both were expressed highly in heads and eggs. Interestingly, the expression levels of MsDfd were relatively high in larval mandibles and decreased dramatically from fourth-instar mandibles in M. separata. Knockdown of MsDfd resulted in malformed mandibles with no incisor lobe in M. separata, making the larvae unable to perform window-feeding. However, RNAi of SfDfd did not affect the mandibles and window-feeding pattern of S. frugiperda, indicating the different roles of Dfd in these two species. Moreover, the mortality of new first instar M. separata increased after feeding dsMsDfd but did not for S. frugiperda feeding dsSfDfd. These findings revealed that Dfd mediated the larval mandibular incisor lobe morphology, affecting its feeding pattern in M. separata, broadening the knowledge of Dfd functions in insect mandibles and feeding behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Zhao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Crop Integrated Pest Management, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (H.Z.); (Z.Z.); (G.X.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Zeng Zhu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Crop Integrated Pest Management, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (H.Z.); (Z.Z.); (G.X.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Gaoliang Xing
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Crop Integrated Pest Management, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (H.Z.); (Z.Z.); (G.X.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Yiyu Li
- Institute of New Rural Development, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China;
| | - Xue Zhou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Crop Integrated Pest Management, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (H.Z.); (Z.Z.); (G.X.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Plant Protection Station of Anhui Province, Hefei 230061, China;
| | - Guiting Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Crop Integrated Pest Management, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (H.Z.); (Z.Z.); (G.X.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Haiqun Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Crop Integrated Pest Management, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (H.Z.); (Z.Z.); (G.X.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Yong Huang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Crop Integrated Pest Management, College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (H.Z.); (Z.Z.); (G.X.); (X.Z.); (G.L.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Matsunami M, Watanabe D, Fujiwara K, Hayashi Y, Shigenobu S, Miura T, Maekawa K. Transcriptomics on Social Interactions in Termites: Effects of Soldier Presence. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.924151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The organization of social insect colonies requires sophisticated mechanisms to regulate caste composition according to colony demands. In termites, the soldier caste is responsible for the inhibition of soldier differentiation, but the mechanism underlying the regulation of soldier differentiation is still unclear. In this study, we performed transcriptome analyses to identify genes expressed in workers that fluctuated in the presence of soldiers in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. First, soldier differentiation was artificially induced via juvenile hormone (JH) application, and the inhibitory effects of soldier differentiation on soldier presence were evaluated. Second, transcriptomes were prepared from workers with or without soldiers under JH treatment, and expression analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for each treatment. The expression levels of several DEGs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. The results indicated that only a small number of DEGs were upregulated by the presence of soldiers. A homology search of DEGs and gene ontology (GO) analysis of the DEGs showed that some genes were responsible for the regulation of hormone levels, social interaction, and response to xenobiotic substances, suggesting that they could be involved in developmental arrest and pheromonal regulation in workers. Moreover, GO analysis indicated that the expression of many genes, including those involved in hormone metabolic processes, fluctuated with JH application. Suppression of soldier differentiation in the presence of soldiers could be accomplished by the expression of a large number of genes required for soldier differentiation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Maekawa K, Hayashi Y, Lo N. Termite sociogenomics: evolution and regulation of caste-specific expressed genes. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100880. [PMID: 35123120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Termite genomes have been sequenced in at least five species from four different families. Genome-based transcriptome analyses have identified large numbers of protein-coding genes with caste-specific expression patterns. These genes include those involved in caste-specific morphologies and roles, for example high fecundity and longevity in reproductives. Some caste-specific expressed genes belong to multi-gene families, and their genetic architecture and expression profiles indicate they have evolved via tandem gene duplication. Candidate regulatory mechanisms of caste-specific expression include epigenetic regulation (e.g. histone modification and non-coding RNA) and diversification of transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements. We review current knowledge in the area of termite sociogenomics, focussing on the evolution and regulation of caste-specific expressed genes, and discuss future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoto Maekawa
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Hayashi
- Department of Biology, Keio University, Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223-8521, Japan
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Understanding of superorganisms: collective behavior, differentiation and social organization. ARTIFICIAL LIFE AND ROBOTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10015-022-00754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
12
|
Oguchi K, Koshikawa S, Miura T. Hormone-related genes heterochronically and modularly regulate neotenic differentiation in termites. Dev Biol 2022; 485:70-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Milacek M, Bittova L, Tumova S, Luksan O, Hanus R, Kyjakova P, Machara A, Marek A, Jindra M. Binding of de novo synthesized radiolabeled juvenile hormone (JH III) by JH receptors from the Cuban subterranean termite Prorhinotermes simplex and the German cockroach Blattella germanica. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 139:103671. [PMID: 34656795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) controls insect reproduction and development through an intracellular receptor complex comprising two bHLH-PAS proteins, the JH-binding Methoprene-tolerant (Met) and its partner Taiman (Tai). Many hemimetabolous insects including cockroaches strictly depend on JH for stimulation of vitellogenesis. In termites, the eusocial hemimetabolans, JH also regulates the development of caste polyphenism. Studies addressing the agonist ligand binding to recombinant JH receptors currently include three species belonging to two holometabolous insect orders, but none that would represent any of the hemimetabolous orders. Here, we examined JH receptors in two representatives of Blattodea, the cockroach Blattella germanica and the termite Prorhinotermes simplex. To test the JH-binding capacity of Met proteins from these species, we performed chemical synthesis and tritium labeling of the natural blattodean JH homolog, JH III. Our improved protocol increased the yield and specific activity of [10-3H]JH III relative to formerly available preparations. Met proteins from both species specifically bound [3H]JH III with high affinity, whereas Met variants mutated at a critical position within the ligand-binding domain were incapable of such binding. Furthermore, JH III and the synthetic JH mimic fenoxycarb stimulated dimerization between Met and Tai components of the respective JH receptors of both species. These data present primary evidence for agonist binding by JH receptors in any hemimetabolous species and provide a molecular basis for JH action in cockroaches and termites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matej Milacek
- Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Bittova
- Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Tumova
- Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Luksan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Hanus
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Kyjakova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Machara
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Marek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 166 10, Czech Republic.
| | - Marek Jindra
- Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, 370 05, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hombría JCG, García-Ferrés M, Sánchez-Higueras C. Anterior Hox Genes and the Process of Cephalization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:718175. [PMID: 34422836 PMCID: PMC8374599 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.718175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During evolution, bilateral animals have experienced a progressive process of cephalization with the anterior concentration of nervous tissue, sensory organs and the appearance of dedicated feeding structures surrounding the mouth. Cephalization has been achieved by the specialization of the unsegmented anterior end of the body (the acron) and the sequential recruitment to the head of adjacent anterior segments. Here we review the key developmental contribution of Hox1-5 genes to the formation of cephalic structures in vertebrates and arthropods and discuss how this evolved. The appearance of Hox cephalic genes preceded the evolution of a highly specialized head in both groups, indicating that Hox gene involvement in the control of cephalic structures was acquired independently during the evolution of vertebrates and invertebrates to regulate the genes required for head innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James C-G Hombría
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide), Seville, Spain
| | - Mar García-Ferrés
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide), Seville, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Higueras
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide), Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Oguchi K, Maekawa K, Miura T. Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying the Differentiation of Neotenic Reproductives in Termites: Partial Release From Arrested Development. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.635552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Eusocial insects exhibit reproductive division of labor, in which only a part of colony members differentiates into reproductives. In termite colonies, the division of labors is performed among multiple types of individuals (i.e., castes), such as reproductives, workers, and soldiers to organize their society. Caste differentiation occurs according to extrinsic factors, such as social interactions, leading to developmental modifications during postembryonic development, and consequently, the caste ratio in a colony is appropriately coordinated. In particular, when the current reproductives die or become senescent, some immature individuals molt into supplementary reproductives, also known as “neotenics,” that take over the reproductive task in their natal colony. Neotenics exhibit variety of larval features, such as winglessness, and thus, immature individuals are suggested to differentiate by a partial release from arrested development, particularly in the reproductive organs. These neotenic features, which have long been assumed to develop via heterochronic regulation, provide us opportunities to understand the developmental mechanisms and evolutionary origin of the novel caste. This article overviews the accumulated data on the physiological and developmental mechanisms that regulate the neotenic differentiation in termites. Furthermore, the evolutionary trajectories leading to neotenic differentiation are discussed, namely the acquisition of a regulatory mechanism that enable the partial release from a developmentally arrested state.
Collapse
|
16
|
Toyota K, Miyakawa H, Hiruta C, Sato T, Katayama H, Ohira T, Iguchi T. Sex Determination and Differentiation in Decapod and Cladoceran Crustaceans: An Overview of Endocrine Regulation. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020305. [PMID: 33669984 PMCID: PMC7924870 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying sex determination and differentiation in animals are known to encompass a diverse array of molecular clues. Recent innovations in high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies have been widely applied in non-model organisms without reference genomes. Crustaceans are no exception. They are particularly diverse among the Arthropoda and contain a wide variety of commercially important fishery species such as shrimps, lobsters and crabs (Order Decapoda), and keystone species of aquatic ecosystems such as water fleas (Order Branchiopoda). In terms of decapod sex determination and differentiation, previous approaches have attempted to elucidate their molecular components, to establish mono-sex breeding technology. Here, we overview reports describing the physiological functions of sex hormones regulating masculinization and feminization, and gene discovery by transcriptomics in decapod species. Moreover, this review summarizes the recent progresses of studies on the juvenile hormone-driven sex determination system of the branchiopod genus Daphnia, and then compares sex determination and endocrine systems between decapods and branchiopods. This review provides not only substantial insights for aquaculture research, but also the opportunity to re-organize the current and future trends of this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Toyota
- Marine Biological Station, Sado Center for Ecological Sustainability, Niigata University, Sado, Niigata 952-2135, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1293, Japan;
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan;
| | - Chizue Hiruta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan;
| | - Tomomi Sato
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan;
| | - Tsuyoshi Ohira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1293, Japan;
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Miura T, Maekawa K. The making of the defensive caste: Physiology, development, and evolution of the soldier differentiation in termites. Evol Dev 2020; 22:425-437. [PMID: 32291940 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Termites (Blattodea, Termitoidea, or Isoptera) constitute one of the major lineages of eusocial insects. In termite societies, multiple types of functional individuals, that is, castes, perform divisions of labors to coordinate social behaviors. Among other castes, the soldier caste is distinctive since it is sterile and exclusively specialized into defensive behavior with largely modified morphological features. Therefore, many of the previous studies have been focused on soldiers, in terms of ecology, behavior, and evolution as well as developmental and physiological mechanisms. This article overviews the accumulation of studies especially focusing on the developmental and physiological mechanisms underlying the soldier differentiation in termites. Furthermore, the evolutionary trajectories that have led the acquisition of soldier caste and have diversified the soldier characteristics in association with the social evolution are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toru Miura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Methoprene-Induced Genes in Workers of Formosan Subterranean Termites ( Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11020071. [PMID: 31973177 PMCID: PMC7074503 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Termites have a distinct polyphenism controlled by concise hormonal and molecular mechanisms. Workers undergo double molts to transform into soldiers (worker–presoldier–soldier). Juvenile hormone analogs, such as methoprene, can induce workers to transform into presoldiers. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the worker-to-presoldier transformation in Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki is still not clear. We sequenced the transcriptome of workers four days after they had fed on methoprene-treated filter paper and control group workers, which fed on acetone-treated filter paper. The transcriptome of C. formosanus was assembled using the de novo assembly method. Expression levels of unigenes in the methoprene-treated group and the control group were compared. The differentially expressed genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Tetrapyrrole binding, oxidoreductase activity, and metal ion binding were the only three enriched GO terms. Juvenile hormone synthesis was the first ranked enriched pathway. Carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism pathways were also enriched. These three pathways may be related to fat body development, which is critical for presoldier formation. Our results have demonstrated the significance of JH synthesis pathways, and pathways related to fat body development in the artificial induction of presoldiers.
Collapse
|
19
|
Oguchi K, Miura T. Unique Morphogenesis in the Damp-Wood Termite: Abscission of the Stylus during Female Reproductive Caste Differentiation. Zoolog Sci 2019; 36:380-386. [DOI: 10.2108/zs190056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oguchi
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
| | - Toru Miura
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nii R, Oguchi K, Shinji J, Koshikawa S, Miura T. Reduction of a nymphal instar in a dampwood termite: heterochronic shift in the caste differentiation pathways. EvoDevo 2019; 10:10. [PMID: 31123582 PMCID: PMC6521406 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-019-0123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generally in termites, alates differentiate through multiple nymphal instars which gradually develop wing buds. However, in a dampwood termite, Hodotermopsis sjostedti, alates molt directly from a single nymphal instar with short wing buds. In this study, to examine the mechanism underlying the wing formation during the alate differentiation in H. sjostedti, histological and morphological observations were carried out on the developmental process of wing formation during the nymphal instar, in comparison with those in Zootermopsis nevadensis, which has two nymphal instars. Furthermore, the expression patterns of genes that are thought to be responsible for wing formation, i.e., wing-patterning genes and genes encoding hormone-related factors, were quantified during alate differentiation and compared between the two species. RESULTS The results showed that, in H. sjostedti, wings were formed in a complicatedly folded shape, not only inside the wing buds as seen in Z. nevadensis, but also under the dorsal thoracic cuticle, where the wing tips shifted toward the median thoracic part. Accordingly, the wing expansion pattern also differed from that in Z. nevadensis. Furthermore, the results of real-time qRT-PCR on overall expression profiles of wing-patterning genes and hormone-related genes suggest that the single nymphal instar in H. sjostedti well resembles to the second nymphal instar in Z. nevadensis. In particular, significant upregulation of vestigial (vg) and downregulation of Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) that were observed at the second nymphal instar in Z. nevadensis apparently occurred during the single nymphal instar in H. sjostedti. CONCLUSION The developmental events for wing formation are compacted into a single nymphal instar in H. sjostedti, and as a result, the unique wing formation is seen to compensate for the spatial restriction inside small wing buds, leading to the completion of functional wings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryotaro Nii
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810 Japan
| | - Kohei Oguchi
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225 Japan
| | - Junpei Shinji
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225 Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Koshikawa
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810 Japan
| | - Toru Miura
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225 Japan
| |
Collapse
|