Insect cuticle, an in vivo model of protein trafficking

Morphological and biochemical responses of a neotropical pest insect to low temperatures

As traditionally cold areas become warmer due to climate change, temperature could no longer be a barrier to the establishment of non-native insects. This is particularly relevant for pest insects from warm and tropical areas, mainly those with some tolerance to moderately low temperatures, which could expand their range into these new locations. From this perspective, in this work we studied the morphological and biochemical responses of the Neotropical pest Paysandisia archon to low temperatures, as part of a possible strategy to colonize new areas. To that end, wild larvae were exposed for 7 days to either low (1 and 5 °C) or ambient (23 °C) temperatures. We then quantified the inner and outer morphological changes, by X-Ray Computer Tomography and Digital Holographic Microscopy, as well as the accumulation of metabolites acting as potential endogenous cryoprotectants, by Spectrophotometry. We found that Paysandisia archon developed a cold-induced response based on different aspects. On the one hand, morphological changes occurred with a significant reduction both in fluids susceptible to freezing and fat body, together with the thickening, hardening and increased roughness of the integument. On the other hand, we found an increase in the hemolymph concentration of cryoprotective substances such as glucose (6-fold) and glycerol (2-fold), while trehalose remained unchanged. Surprisingly, this species did not show any evidence of cold-induced response unless the environmental temperature was remarkably low (1 °C). These results could be useful to improve models predicting the possible spread of such a pest, which should incorporate parameters related to its resistance to low temperatures.

Intraspecies variation of Metarhizium brunneum against the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, provides insight into the complexity of disease progression

BACKGROUND

Intensive application of chemical insecticides is required for aphid pest control. Among the biorational alternatives, entomopathogenic fungi are the most sustainable biocontrol agents; those of the order Hypocreales attack and cause fungal disease in arthropod hosts, with variations in host susceptibility attributed to both fungal and host characteristics. We evaluated inter- and intraspecies variations in Metarhizium spp. virulence and differences in fungal disease progression on adult and nymph stages of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), a parthenogenetically reproducing insect species.

RESULTS

Minor interspecies diversity was detected between the generalist Metarhizium species examined. Interestingly, significant intraspecies diversity was observed between Metarhizium brunneum isolates Mb7 and MbK. Infected adult aphids demonstrated similar disease progression for both isolates, mortality rates of more than 80% and fivefold reduction in fecundity. However, nymph mortality was detected only following MbK infection, with 50% mortality and significant reduction in molting rates. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated the variation in the disease stages of conidial adhesion and hemocoel colonization on each examined day post inoculation for each isolate. Significantly faster disease progression was observed in MbK-infected versus Mb7-infected nymphs, the latter demonstrating a higher percentage of uninfected nymphs accompanied with aphid molting.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed intraspecies variation suggests that altered conidial adhesion to the nymph cuticle is a major factor affecting virulence. We prove the role of nymph ecdysis as a defense mechanism disrupting fungal infection. Because significant differences were observed between closely related isolates, this study emphasizes the importance of appropriate isolate selection for biological control. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring integument transcriptomes, cuticle ultrastructure, and cuticular hydrocarbons profiles in eusocial and solitary bee species displaying heterochronic adult cuticle maturation

Differences in the timing of exoskeleton melanization and sclerotization are evident when comparing eusocial and solitary bees. This cuticular maturation heterochrony may be associated with life style, considering that eusocial bees remain protected inside the nest for many days after emergence, while the solitary bees immediately start outside activities. To address this issue, we characterized gene expression using large-scale RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and quantified cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in comparative studies of the integument (cuticle plus its underlying epidermis) of two eusocial and a solitary bee species. In addition, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for studying the developing cuticle of these and other three bee species also differing in life style. We found 13,200, 55,209 and 30,161 transcript types in the integument of the eusocial Apis mellifera and Frieseomelitta varia, and the solitary Centris analis, respectively. In general, structural cuticle proteins and chitin-related genes were upregulated in pharate-adults and newly-emerged bees whereas transcripts for odorant binding proteins, cytochrome P450 and antioxidant proteins were overrepresented in foragers. Consistent with our hypothesis, a distance correlation analysis based on the differentially expressed genes suggested delayed cuticle maturation in A. mellifera in comparison to the solitary bee. However, this was not confirmed in the comparison with F. varia. The expression profiles of 27 of 119 genes displaying functional attributes related to cuticle formation/differentiation were positively correlated between A. mellifera and F. varia, and negatively or non-correlated with C. analis, suggesting roles in cuticular maturation heterochrony. However, we also found transcript profiles positively correlated between each one of the eusocial species and C. analis. Gene co-expression networks greatly differed between the bee species, but we identified common gene interactions exclusively between the eusocial species. Except for F. varia, the TEM analysis is consistent with cuticle development timing adapted to the social or solitary life style. In support to our hypothesis, the absolute quantities of n-alkanes and unsaturated CHCs were significantly higher in foragers than in the earlier developmental phases of the eusocial bees, but did not discriminate newly-emerged from foragers in C. analis. By highlighting differences in integument gene expression, cuticle ultrastructure, and CHC profiles between eusocial and solitary bees, our data provided insights into the process of heterochronic cuticle maturation associated to the way of life.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde synthase and cuticle formation in insects

Cuticle is the most important structure that protects mosquitoes and other insect species from adverse environmental conditions and infections of microorganism. The physiology and biochemistry of insect cuticle formation have been studied for many years and our understanding of cuticle formation and hardening has increased considerably. This is especially true for flexible cuticle. The recent discovery of a novel enzyme that catalyzes the production of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) in insects provides intriguing insights concerning the flexible cuticle formation in insects. For convenience, the enzyme that catalyzes the production DOPAL from l-dopa is named DOPAL synthase. In this mini-review, we summarize the biochemical pathways of cuticle formation and hardening in general and discuss DOPAL synthase-mediated protein crosslinking in insect flexible cuticle in particular.

A clip domain serine protease involved in moulting in the silkworm, Bombyx mori: cloning, characterization, expression patterns and functional analysis

Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by one or more conserved clip domains, are essential components of extracellular signalling cascades in various biological processes, especially in innate immunity and the embryonic development of insects. Additionally, CLIPs may have additional non-immune functions in insect development. In the present study, the clip domain serine protease gene Bombyx mori serine protease 95 (BmSP95), which encodes a 527-residue protein, was cloned from the integument of B. mori. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that BmSP95 is a typical CLIP of the subfamily D and possesses a clip domain at the N terminus, a trypsin-like serine protease (tryp_spc) domain at the C terminus and a conserved proline-rich motif between these two domains. At the transcriptional level, BmSP95 is expressed in the integument during moulting and metamorphosis, and the expression pattern is consistent with the fluctuating 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titre in B. mori. At the translational level, BmSP95 protein is synthesized in the epidermal cells, secreted as a zymogen and activated in the moulting fluid. Immunofluorescence revealed that BmSP95 is distributed into the old endocuticle in the moulting stage. The expression of BmSP95 was upregulated by 20E. Moreover, expression of BmSP95 was downregulated by pathogen infection. RNA interference-mediated silencing of BmSP95 led to delayed moulting from pupa to moth. These results suggest that BmSP95 is involved in integument remodelling during moulting and metamorphosis.

Defense role of the cocoon in the silk worm Bombyx mori L

Silk from the domesticated silk worm Bombyx mori procures foreign body response naturally, so it has been utilized as a biomaterial for decades. In India the prime focus of the sericulture industry is to improve silk production with high quality silk. Naturally, the silk worm builds its cocoon not only with silk proteins, but also with antimicrobial proteins to avoid infection since the cocoon is non-motile and non-feeding. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the antimicrobial proteins that persist in the cocoon of the silk worm Bombyx mori. At the pupal stage, the silk worm cocoon shell extract was prepared from the day of pupation (P0) to the day of natural rupture of the cocoon for the eclosion of moth (NR). Using the cocoon shell extract a microbial susceptibility test was performed by the disc diffusion method against the microbes Escherchia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The development of a zone of inhibition against the microbes confirmed the presence of antimicrobial/immunogenic activity of the cocoon shell extract. For further analysis, the cocoon shell extract was subjected to 7-15% sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The protein profile of the cocoon extract revealed the coomassie blue stained bands resolved from the 150-15 kDa molecular range. Interestingly, a polypeptide localized at around 29 kDa showed remarkable expressional changes during the development of pupa. To characterize the 29 kDa protein, it was eluted from the gel, digested with trypsin and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The trypsin-digested peptide peaks were analyzed through MASCOT and peptides were matched with the NCBI nr database. The peptides were very well matched with the 18 wheeler protein, which is reported to be responsible for innate immunity, belonging to the Toll family in insects and responsible for cellular mediated immunity.

Parasitization by Macrocentrus cingulum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) influences expression of prophenoloxidase in Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis

A prophenoloxidase (PPO) cDNA (OfPPO) was cloned from the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis. Sequence analysis revealed a full length transcript of the OfPPO cDNA with 2,686 bp, containing a 2,079 bp open reading frame (ORF), a 73-bp 5'-untranslated region, and a 534-bp 3'-untranslated region with a poly(A) signal. The ORF encodes a 693-amino acid polypeptide, containing two distinct copper-binding regions, a plausible thiol ester site, two proteolytic activation sites, and a conserved C-terminal region, but lacks a signal peptide sequence. Expression of the OfPPO transcript in the plasma, hemocytes, fat body and midgut was inhibited by Macrocentrus cingulum at 4 h post-parasitization (pp). In situ hybridization analysis showed that the hemocytes, especially the oenocytoids, hybridized strongly with the DNA probes of the OfPPO gene. No signal was detected in the cuticular epithelium or fat body of the parasitized larvae. Colloidal gold particles were used to visualize the PPO by immunoelectron microscopy. The time course study revealed a decrease in the labeling of the OfPPO at 4, 6, 8, 12, and 1 day pp in the larval integument and midgut parasitized by M. cingulum. We infer from time course studies of OfPPO gene expression and PO enzymatic activity that OfPPO in the integument is released from hemocytes and that the OfPPO expression was influenced at the transcriptional, translational, and then the post-translational level by parasitization challenge.

Characterization of cuticular chitin-binding proteins of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) and post-ecdysial transcript levels at different developmental stages

Seven cuticle chitin-binding proteins (Ld-CP1v1 to 7) were deduced from antenna cDNAs of adult Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), based on their consensus sequences. The mature proteins consisted of 87-188 residues. Ld-CP1v1 formed a distinct orthologous protein cluster (OP1) along with four proteins from other insect species in a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree. These proteins also contained a proline glutamine-rich (PQ-rich) region and a highly conserved C-terminal motif (Phr). Their consensus region lacked the defined aromatic triad. Ld-CP2 to 6 clustered with those bearing RR-1 consensus and Ld-CP7 with RR-2 consensus. Ld-CP1v1 to 4 were expressed at the post-ecdysial period in all the developmental stages whereas Ld-CP5 to 7 were expressed mainly in adults.

Purification, characterization and immunolocalization of a novel protease inhibitor from hemolymph of tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta

A novel serine protease inhibitor (AmPI) was purified from larval hemolymph of tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta by two-step process of trypsin-affinity and gel-filtration (FPLC) chromatography. AmPI was active against larval midgut and commercial bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin. The extent of purification was determined by SDS and Native PAGE. The protease inhibitor had an apparent molecular weight of approximately 14.5 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. Its activity was stable over a pH range of 4.5-9 and temperatures range of 4-65 degrees C. Molecular weight as determined by MALDITOF-MS was between 13241.63 and 13261.66 Da. MS profile of AmPI also suggests two isoforms of AmPI because of glycosylation by heptose (C(7)H(14)O(7)). This confirmed the result of Native PAGE showing two bands. N-terminal amino acid sequence of this protein did not show similarity to any known protease inhibitor. To study the functional implications of AmPI in insect, it was localized in insect body tissue of different larval instars by immunogold labeling technique using GAR-gold conjugate as secondary antibody. The pattern of localization suggests constitutive nature of AmPI, which may have role in insect's defense mechanism.

Genes related to immunity, as expressed in the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, during pathogen challenge

Virtually nothing is known about disease resistance in solitary bees, so expressed sequence tag (EST) databases were developed to search for immune response genes in the alfalfa leafcutting bee. We identified 104 putative immunity-related genes from both healthy and pathogen-challenged bee larvae, and 12 more genes using PCR amplification. The genes identified coded for proteins with a wide variety of innate immune response functions, including pathogen recognition, phagocytosis, the prophenoloxidase cascade, melanization, coagulation and several signalling pathways. Some immune response genes were highly conserved with honey bee genes, and more distantly related to other insects. The data presented provides the first analysis of immune function in a solitary bee and provides a foundation for the further analysis of gene expression patterns in bees.

Soft-cuticle biomechanics: a constitutive model of anisotropy for caterpillar integument

The mechanical properties of soft tissues are important for the control of motion in many invertebrates. Pressurized cylindrical animals such as worms have circumferential reinforcement of the body wall; however, no experimental characterization of comparable anisotropy has been reported for climbing larvae such as caterpillars. Using uniaxial, real-time fluorescence extensometry on millimeter scale cuticle specimens we have quantified differences in the mechanical properties of cuticle to circumferentially and longitudinally applied forces. Based on these results and the composite matrix-fiber structure of cuticle, a pseudo-elastic transversely isotropic constitutive material model was constructed with circumferential reinforcement realized as a Horgan-Saccomandi strain energy function. This model was then used numerically to describe the anisotropic material properties of Manduca cuticle. The constitutive material model will be used in a detailed finite-element analysis to improve our understanding of the mechanics of caterpillar crawling.

Cloning of a novel protease required for the molting of Locusta migratoria manilensis

Molting is required for progression between larval stages in the life cycle of an insect. The essence of insect molting is the laying down of new cuticle followed by shedding of the old cuticle. Degradation and recycling of old cuticle are brought about by enzymes present in the molting fluid, which fills the space between the old and new cuticle. Here, we describe the cloning of a novel protease gene from Locusta migratoria manilensis, designated as Lm-TSP. The cDNA and its deduced protein sequences were deposited in GenBank (accession numbers EF081255 and ABN13876, respectively). Sequence analysis indicated that Lm-TSP belongs to the trypsin-like serine protease family. We show, by RNA interference (RNAi), that silencing of Lm-TSP leads to dramatic reductions in protease and cuticle-degrading activity of a molting fluid, which leads to molting defects from fourth-instar larvae (L4) to fifth-instar larvae (L5), and between L5 and adult stages. These observations suggest that Lm-TSP plays a critical role in L. migratoria manilensis ecdysis.

In vitro association between the helper component–proteinase of zucchini yellow mosaic virus and cuticle proteins of Myzus persicae

Potyviruses, as typical non-persistently transmitted viruses, are carried within the stylets of aphids. Cuticle proteins (CuPs), which are a major component of the insect cuticle, were examined forin vitrobinding to the potyviral helper component–proteinase (HC–Pro). Proteins in 8 M urea extracts fromMyzus persicaewere separated by SDS-PAGE, electroblotted onto membranes and identified as CuPs by using specific antibodies toM. persicaeCuP. BlottedM. persicaeprotein extracts were overlaid with two HC–Pros, differing by the presence of K or E in the KLSC domain. The HC–Pro with KLSC, known to assist transmission, was found to bindM. persicaeproteins, whereas the HC–Pro with ELSC, being deficient in assisting transmission, did not. To identify CuPs that react with HC–Pro, protein extracts were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Nine proteins reacting with HC–Pro were sequenced by mass spectrometry. Sequences of peptides in four proteins, of molecular masses between 22 and 31 kDa, were identified as CuPs according to comparison with sequences in GenBank. The putative CuPs fromM. persicaethat bind HC–Pro are potentially of interest in locating receptors for virions bound to HC–Pro in aphids’ stylets.

Design and mechanical properties of insect cuticle

Since nearly all adult insects fly, the cuticle has to provide a very efficient and lightweight skeleton. Information is available about the mechanical properties of cuticle-Young's modulus of resilin is about 1 MPa, of soft cuticles about 1 kPa to 50 MPa, of sclerotised cuticles 1-20 GPa; Vicker's Hardness of sclerotised cuticle ranges between 25 and 80 kgf mm(-2); density is 1-1.3 kg m(-3)-and one of its components, chitin nanofibres, the Young's modulus of which is more than 150 GPa. Experiments based on fracture mechanics have not been performed although the layered structure probably provides some toughening. The structural performance of wings and legs has been measured, but our understanding of the importance of buckling is lacking: it can stiffen the structure (by elastic postbuckling in wings, for example) or be a failure mode. We know nothing of fatigue properties (yet, for instance, the insect wing must undergo millions of cycles, flexing or buckling on each cycle). The remarkable mechanical performance and efficiency of cuticle can be analysed and compared with those of other materials using material property charts and material indices. Presented in this paper are four: Young's modulus-density (stiffness per unit weight), specific Young's modulus-specific strength (elastic hinges, elastic energy storage per unit weight), toughness-Young's modulus (fracture resistance under various loading conditions), and hardness (wear resistance). In conjunction with a structural analysis of cuticle these charts help to understand the relevance of microstructure (fibre orientation effects in tendons, joints and sense organs, for example) and shape (including surface structure) of this fibrous composite for a given function. With modern techniques for analysis of structure and material, and emphasis on nanocomposites and self-assembly, insect cuticle should be the archetype for composites at all levels of scale.

Comparison of newly isolated cuticular protein genes from six aphid species

This paper reports on the first aphids' cuticular proteins. One gene (Mpcp1) was obtained by screening a cDNA library of Myzus persicae with antibodies to a lepidopteran cuticle protein. MpCP1 presents a putative signal peptide, a central extended R&R domain, flanked by N- and C-terminal repeats of alanine, tyrosine and proline. The mRNA of Mpcp1 could be detected in a larval and in adult stages. Primers based on Mpcp1 allowed isolating and comparing cuticle protein genes from five aphid species, but not from whitefly or thrips. Comparison revealed a high degree of similarity. Data from this paper suggest that this cuticle protein family is typical and predominant to aphids. The conformation of these cuticle proteins and the significance on particular properties of aphid cuticle is discussed.

A structural model of the chitin-binding domain of cuticle proteins

The nature of the interaction of insect cuticular proteins and chitin is unknown even though about half of the cuticular proteins sequenced thus far share a consensus region that has been predicted to be the site of chitin binding. We previously predicted the preponderance of beta-pleated sheet in the consensus region and proposed its responsibility for the formation of helicoidal cuticle (Iconomidou et al., Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 29 (1999) 285). Consequently, we have also verified experimentally the abundance of antiparallel beta-pleated sheet in the structure of cuticle proteins (Iconomidou et al., Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 31 (2001) 877). In this work, based on sequence and secondary structure similarity of cuticle proteins, and especially that of the consensus motif, to that of bovine plasma retinol binding protein (RBP), we propose by homology modelling an antiparallel beta-sheet half-barrel structure as the basic folding motif of cuticle proteins. This folding motif may provide the template for elucidating cuticle protein-chitin interactions in detail and reveal the precise geometrical formation of cuticle's helicoidal architecture. This predicted motif is another example where nature utilizes an almost flat protein surface covered by aromatic side chains to interact with the polysaccharide chains of chitin.

Ontogeny of individual asymmetries in several traits of larvalChironomus ripariusMeigen, 1804 (Diptera, Chironomidae)

In recent years considerable effort has been dedicated to the analysis of alterations in the morphology of individuals, mainly fluctuating asymmetry, as bioindicators of stress. However, inconsistent results and a general lack of knowledge about the processes involved in the generation and development of asymmetries have discouraged some researchers from using this tool. We present a study of the ontogeny of individual asymmetries in several traits of Chironomus riparius larvae. Development of asymmetries through consecutive instars showed no evidence of sidedness and was in accordance with a compensatory growth model, since growth of the smaller side was typically greater than growth of the larger side during one moult. Surprisingly, however, although growth was compensatory, right–left (R-L) values were size-dependent and increased throughout larval development. Once R-L values were corrected for size dependence, asymmetry levels proved to be similar in all instars except for instar I in one case. We discuss our findings in relation to the developmental patterns and regulation mechanisms described and proposed in similar studies. Specifically, the coincidence of our results with those of another study on insects may indicate the existence of similar regulatory systems throughout this group of animals.

Changes of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in third instar larval integument of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata

Developmental analysis of the tyrosine protein phosphorylation levels in larval integument and partial characterization of the endogenous protein tyrosine kinase activity (PTK) in Ceratitis capitata are described in this study. Larval integument contains high levels of PTK activity at the early stages of the third instar, which progressively declines to low levels in the white pupal stage. An integumental 90-kDa polypeptide was identified to have prominent endogenous PTK activity and follow a similar developmental pattern. The major integumental phosphotyrosine-containing polypeptides have apparent molecular weights of 30, 41, 44, 46, and 54 kDa, respectively. Polypeptides with molecular weights of 62 and 73 kDa were identified as Ser/Thr-containing phosphoproteins and were shown to exhibit high levels of phosphorylation at the middle stage of larval development. These differences are likely to be due to the higher activation state of the protein tyrosine kinase(s) at the early stages of larval development.

A potential dual apical pathway in polarized regenerative cells of the midgut of Manduca sexta

Two novel proteins with apparent molecular weight of 38 (Manduca sexta midgut MsM38) and 46kDa (MsM46) were isolated from midgut homogenates in wandering stage Manduca sexta larvae and both of them were found to be present exclusively in this tissue on Western blots. Immunocytochemical studies revealed that both proteins are expressed in the regenerative cells however, their distribution pattern is clearly different. MsM38 is localized in the cytoplasm of resting regenerative cells during the feeding period, and is accumulated in the calcospherits at the beginning of the wandering period. Along with the delamination of the larval epithelium, this protein is released apically from these vesicles. The antiserum labels an additional 76 kDa protein in the wandering larval midgut homogenates. The appearance of this 76 kDa protein coincides with the accumulation of the immunopositive material in the calcospherits. MsM46 is similarly distributed during the feeding period in the cytoplasm of regenerative cells. At the beginning of the wandering period it accumulates around the newly forming large apical vacuoles, that are released at the time of complete delamination of the larval epithelium. In parallel with this process MsM46, and another 40 kDa protein, that becomes labeled from this period on Western blots appeares on the apical microvillar projections. Thus both isolated proteins are directed apically from different compartments, that raises the possibility of a dual apical routing pathway in regenerative cells.

The immunoprotein scolexin and its synthesizing sites--the midgut epithelium and the epidermis

Scolexin is one of the bacterial induced hemolymph proteins of tobacco homworm (Manduca sexta) larvae, that has hemocyte coagulation-provoking activity. The 72 kDa scolexin complex is composed of two 36 kDa subunits. To examine the protein secretory pathways in insect epithelia a polyclonal antibody was raised against the 36 kDa hemolymph protein. This MsH36 antibody recognised a 36 and a 72 kDa protein in tissue homogenates. On the basis of the characteristic labelling pattern observed on immunoblots and immunocytochemical sections we concluded that the 36 kDa protein in the hemolymph, in the midgut and in the epidermis was identical with the scolexin subunit. In present paper we report a labelling shift in the midgut epithelium between goblet and columnar cells that may be controlled by the hormonal system. A 72 kDa protein showed similar epitops and molecular weight to the scolexin complex and was detected in epidermis and in cuticle under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. Tissue localization of 36 kDa and 72 kDa MsH36 antibody labelling proteins indicated the possibility that the epidermal cells produce two kinds of scolexin-like proteins. The complex composed of 36 kDa subunits are transported basolaterally into the circulation and display hemocyte coagulation inducing activity while the 72 kDa form contains two subunits linked covalently secreted apically into the cuticle.

Localization of a cuticular protein during the postembryonal development of Manduca sexta

The pattern of cuticle protein synthesis by the epidermis of insects changes during the last larval, pupal and adult development, leading to an alteration in cuticular stucture and feature. We have isolated a protein that had an apparent molecular mass of 33.1 kD from larval cuticle of Manduca sexta. Synthesis, transport and accumulation of MsCP33.1 were followed during metamorphosis by immunoblots and immunocytochemical methods using the antibody developed against this protein. Our data prove that the presence of MsCP33.1 in the larval cuticle is general while its appearance in the pupal or adult integument is restricted only in the cuticle of wings and apodemes. We established that the synthesis of 33.1 kD protein is negatively regulated by moulting hormone (20-hydroxyecdysone). Possible roles for this cuticular protein are discussed.

Diverse genes expressed in distinct regions of the trunk epithelium define a monolayer cellular template for construction of the oikopleurid house

The filter-feeding house secreted by urochordate Appendicularians is among the most complex extracellular structures constructed by any organism. This structure allows the Appendicularia to exploit a wide range of food particle sizes, including nanoplankton and submicrometer colloids, establishing them as an important and abundant component of marine zooplankton communities throughout the world. The oikoplastic epithelium, a monolayer of cells covering the trunk of the animal, is responsible for secretion of the house. The epithelium has a fixed number of cells, organized in distinct fields, characterized by defined cell shapes and nuclear morphologies. Certain structures in the house appear to be spatially linked to these different fields of cells. Using cDNA representation difference analysis (cDNA RDA) on whole animals at two different developmental stages separated by the metamorphic tailshift event, we isolated four families of genes (oikosins) that are expressed only from specific subregions of the oikoplastic epithelium. The molecular patterns defined by oikosin gene expression establish the epithelium as an ideal and easily accessible monolayer cellular template for exploring coordinate regulation of gene expression, cell-cell interactions involved in pattern formation, gene/genome amplification, and the role of temporal changes in nuclear architecture in regulating gene expression.

Distribution of serpins in the tissues of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) larvae. Existence of new serpins possibly encoded by a gene distinct from the serpin-1 gene

Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the isolated hemolymph serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) of Manduca sexta larvae. Two of these antibodies, MsH49a and MsH49b, displayed characteristic differences in labelling patterns of hemocytes, fat body, integumental epidermis and cuticle on immunoblots, and in light- and electronmicroscopic sections. The serpin composition of the latter three tissue homogenates was determined by native immunoblots and inhibitor binding assays. The results were compared to the hemolymph samples containing all the known inhibitors encoded by the well-characterized serpin-1 gene. The enzyme specificity of the MsH49b-labelled cuticular serpin was similar to serpin-1J, although its electrophoretic mobility on native PAGE was not identical with any of the known proteinase inhibitors encoded by the serpin-1 gene. Based on these data, we suggest that the cuticle and hemolymph may contain novel serpin(s) encoded by a gene other than the serpin-1 gene. Since the serpin-1J proved to be involved in the activation pathway of the prophenoloxidase system in the hemolymph, the in vivo function of cuticular MsH49b serpin was investigated by prophenoloxidase tests in native cuticular homogenates. Our results demonstrated that the cuticular serpin(s) that are labelled by the MsH49b antibody may play a determinant role in the regulation of the prophenoloxidase system of the integumental cuticle.

Molecular patterning of the oikoplastic epithelium of the larvacean tunicate Oikopleura dioica

Appendicularia are protochordates that rely on a complex mucous secretion, the house, to filter food particles from seawater. A monolayer of cells covering the trunk of the animal, the oikoplastic epithelium, secretes the house. This epithelium contains a fixed number of cells arranged in characteristic patterns with distinct sizes and nuclear morphologies. Certain house structures appear to be spatially related to defined, underlying groups of cells in the epithelium. We show that the house is composed of at least 20 polypeptides, a number of which are highly glycosylated, with glycosidase treatments resulting in molecular mass shifts exceeding 100 kDa. Nanoelectrospray tandem mass spectrometric microsequencing of house polypeptides was used to design oligonucleotides to screen an adult Oikopleura dioica cDNA library. This resulted in the isolation of cDNAs coding for three different proteins, oikosin 1, oikosin 2, and oikosin 3. The latter two are novel proteins unrelated to any known data base entries. Oikosin 1 has 13 repeats of a Cys domain, previously identified as a subunit of repeating sequences in some vertebrate mucins. We also find one repeat of this Cys domain in human cartilage intermediate layer protein but find no evidence of this domain in any invertebrate species, including those for which entire genomes have been sequenced. The three oikosins show distinct and complementary expression patterns restricted to the oikoplastic epithelium. This easily accessible epithelium, with differential gene expression patterns in readily identifiable groups of cells with distinctive nuclear morphologies, is a highly attractive model system for molecular studies of pattern formation.

Cuticular pro-phenoloxidase of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Purification and demonstration of its transport from hemolymph

Pro-phenoloxidase (proPO) in insects is implicated in the defense against microbes and wounding. The presence of proPO in the cuticle was suggested more than 30 years ago, but it has not been purified. The extract of cuticles of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, was shown to contain two proPO isoforms (F-type and S-type proPOs, which have slightly different mobilities in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions). The two isoforms were purified to homogeneity. From hemolymph of the same insect, two types of proPO with the same electrophoretic mobilities as those of cuticular isoforms were separated and were shown to be different at five amino acid residues in one of their subunits. The isoforms in the hemolymph and cuticle were activated by a specific activating enzyme. The resulting active phenoloxidases exhibited almost the same substrate specificities and specific activities toward o-diphenols. The substrate specificities and the susceptibilities to inhibitors, including carbon monoxide, indicated that the purified proPO isoforms were not zymogens of laccase-type phenoloxidase. The proPO in hemolymph was shown to be transported to the cuticle. This demonstration was corroborated by the failure to detect proPO transcripts by Northern analysis of total RNA from epidermal cells. In reversed-phase column chromatography, cuticular and hemolymph proPOs gave distinct elution profiles, indicating that some yet to be identified modification occurs in hemolymph proPO and results in the formation of cuticular proPO. There was little transportation of cuticular proPO to the cuticle when it was injected into the hemocoel. The nature of the modification is described in the accompanying paper (Asano, T., and Ashida, M. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 11113-11125).

Transepithelially transported pro-phenoloxidase in the cuticle of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Identification of its methionyl residues oxidized to methionine sulfoxides

Pro-phenoloxidase (proPO) in insects is activated through the action of a protease cascade triggered by minute amounts of microbial cell wall components. It is an important molecule for the defense against invading microorganisms and for the repair of wounds. In the accompanying paper (Asano, T., and Ashida, M. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 11100-11112), a proPO isoform, proPO-HS, in the hemolymph of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is reported to be transported to the cuticle. The transported proPO isoform was recovered from the cuticle and named proPO-CS. The elution profiles of proPO-CS and proPO-HS in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were found to be different, giving a basis to the inference that proPO-CS is a modified form of proPO-HS. In the present study, we investigated the nature of the modifications occurring in proPO-CS, in which proteolytically and chemically cleaved fragments originating from the subunits of proPO-CS and proPO-HS were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC, amino acid sequencing, and mass spectrometry. A subunit of the heterodimeric proPO-CS was found to contain five or six methionine sulfoxides, and another subunit was found to contain one methionine residue oxidized to the sulfoxide. All of the oxidized methionyl residues were identified. Other than oxidation of the methionyl residues, no additional modification of proPO-CS was found. In the model structure of each subunit of proPO-CS constructed by protein modeling with the known structures of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, hemocyanin type II subunit as templates, the methionine residues identified as methionine sulfoxide had high degrees of accessibility to the solvent. The implication of the oxidation at the methionine residues is discussed in relation to the mechanism of transepithelial transport of proPO from the hemolymph to the cuticle.