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Liu Z, Liao C, Zou L, Jin M, Shan Y, Quan Y, Yao H, Zhang L, Wang P, Liu Z, Wang N, Li A, Liu K, Tabashnik BE, Heckel DG, Wu K, Xiao Y. Retrotransposon-mediated disruption of a chitin synthase gene confers insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa toxin. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002704. [PMID: 38954724 PMCID: PMC11249258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The vegetative insecticidal protein Vip3Aa from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been produced by transgenic crops to counter pest resistance to the widely used crystalline (Cry) insecticidal proteins from Bt. To proactively manage pest resistance, there is an urgent need to better understand the genetic basis of resistance to Vip3Aa, which has been largely unknown. We discovered that retrotransposon-mediated alternative splicing of a midgut-specific chitin synthase gene was associated with 5,560-fold resistance to Vip3Aa in a laboratory-selected strain of the fall armyworm, a globally important crop pest. The same mutation in this gene was also detected in a field population. Knockout of this gene via CRISPR/Cas9 caused high levels of resistance to Vip3Aa in fall armyworm and 2 other lepidopteran pests. The insights provided by these results could help to advance monitoring and management of pest resistance to Vip3Aa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongyu Liao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Luming Zou
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Minghui Jin
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinxue Shan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yudong Quan
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Na Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anjing Li
- Institute of Entomology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyu Liu
- Institute of Entomology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bruce E. Tabashnik
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - David G. Heckel
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Kongming Wu
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, China
| | - Yutao Xiao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Technologies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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Zhu H, Ludington WB, Spradling AC. Cellular and molecular organization of the Drosophila foregut. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318760121. [PMID: 38442150 PMCID: PMC10945768 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318760121] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The animal foregut is the first tissue to encounter ingested food, bacteria, and viruses. We characterized the adult Drosophila foregut using transcriptomics to better understand how it triages consumed items for digestion or immune response and manages resources. Cell types were assigned and validated using GFP-tagged and Gal4 reporter lines. Foregut-associated neuroendocrine cells play a major integrative role by coordinating gut activity with nutrition, the microbiome, and circadian cycles; some express clock genes. Multiple epithelial cell types comprise the proventriculus, the central foregut organ that secretes the peritrophic matrix (PM) lining the gut. Analyzing cell types synthesizing individual PM layers revealed abundant mucin production close to enterocytes, similar to the mammalian intestinal mucosa. The esophagus and salivary gland express secreted proteins likely to line the esophageal surface, some of which may generate a foregut commensal niche housing specific gut microbiome species. Overall, our results imply that the foregut coordinates dietary sensing, hormonal regulation, and immunity in a manner that has been conserved during animal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolong Zhu
- Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD21218
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
| | - William B. Ludington
- Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD21218
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
| | - Allan C. Spradling
- Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD21218
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
- HHMI, Baltimore, MD21218
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3
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Yu A, Beck M, Merzendorfer H, Yang Q. Advances in understanding insect chitin biosynthesis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 164:104058. [PMID: 38072083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104058] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Chitin, a natural polymer of N-acetylglucosamine chains, is a principal component of the apical extracellular matrix in arthropods. Chitin microfibrils serve as structural components of natural biocomposites present in the extracellular matrix of a variety of invertebrates including sponges, molluscs, nematodes, fungi and arthropods. In this review, we summarize the frontier advances of insect chitin synthesis. More specifically, we focus on the chitin synthase (CHS), which catalyzes the key biosynthesis step. CHS is also known as an attractive insecticidal target in that this enzyme is absent in mammals, birds or plants. As no insect chitin synthase structure have been reported so far, we review recent studies on glycosyltransferase domain structures derived from fungi and oomycetes, which are conserved in CHS from all species containing chitin. Auxiliary proteins, which coordinate with CHS in chitin biosynthesis and assembly, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Yu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Marius Beck
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Qing Yang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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4
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Chen J, Zou X, Zhu W, Duan Y, Merzendorfer H, Zhao Z, Yang Q. Fatty acid binding protein is required for chitin biosynthesis in the wing of Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 149:103845. [PMID: 36165873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chitin, the major structural polysaccharide in arthropods such as insects and mites, is a linear polymer of N-acetylglucosamine units. The growth and development of insects are intimately coupled with chitin biosynthesis. The membrane-bound β-glycosyltransferase chitin synthase is known to catalyze the key polymerization step of N-acetylglucosamine. However, the additional proteins that might assist chitin synthase during chitin biosynthesis are not well understood. Recently, fatty acid binding protein (Fabp) has been suggested as a candidate that interacts with the chitin synthase Krotzkopf verkehrt (Kkv) in Drosophila melanogaster. Here, using split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays, we have demonstrated that the Fabp-B splice variant physically interacts with Kkv in vitro. The global knockdown of Fabp in D. melanogaster using RNA interference (RNAi) induced lethality at the larval stage. Moreover, in tissue-specific RNAi experiments, silenced Fabp expression in the epidermis and tracheal system caused a lethal larval phenotype. Fabp knockdown in the wings resulted in an abnormal wing development and uneven cuticular surface. In addition to reducing the chitin content in the first longitudinal vein of wings, Fabp silencing also caused the loss of procuticle laminate structures. This study revealed that Fabp plays an important role in chitin synthesis and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the complex insect chitin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China; Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xu Zou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weixing Zhu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yanwei Duan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No 7 Pengfei Road, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 2, Siegen, 57068, Germany
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China; School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No 7 Pengfei Road, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
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5
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Zhu W, Duan Y, Chen J, Merzendorfer H, Zou X, Yang Q. SERCA interacts with chitin synthase and participates in cuticular chitin biogenesis in Drosophila. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 145:103783. [PMID: 35525402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103783] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The biogenesis of chitin, a major structural polysaccharide found in the cuticle and peritrophic matrix, is crucial for insect growth and development. Chitin synthase, a membrane-integral β-glycosyltransferase, has been identified as the core of the chitin biogenesis machinery. However, a yet unknown number of auxiliary proteins appear to assist in chitin biosynthesis, whose precise function remains elusive. Here, we identified a sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, as a chitin biogenesis-associated protein. The physical interaction between DmSERCA and epidermal chitin synthase (Krotzkopf verkehrt, Kkv) was demonstrated and analyzed using split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescent complementation, pull-down, and immunoprecipitation assays. The interaction involves N-terminal regions (aa 48-81 and aa 247-33) and C-terminal regions (aa 743-783 and aa 824-859) of DmSERCA and two N-terminal regions (aa 121-179 and aa 369-539) of Kkv, all of which are predicted be transmembrane helices. While tissue-specific knock-down of DmSERCA in the epidermis caused larval and pupal lethality, the knock-down of DmSERCA in wings resulted in smaller and crinkled wings, a significant decrease in chitin deposition, and the loss of chitin lamellar structure. Although DmSERCA is well-known for its role in muscular contraction, this study reveals a novel role in chitin synthesis, contributing to our knowledge on the machinery of chitin biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixing Zhu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yanwei Duan
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jiqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 2, Siegen, 57068, Germany
| | - Xu Zou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No 7 Pengfei Road, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
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6
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Duan Y, Zhu W, Zhao X, Merzendorfer H, Chen J, Zou X, Yang Q. Choline transporter-like protein 2 interacts with chitin synthase 1 and is involved in insect cuticle development. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 141:103718. [PMID: 34982980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chitin is an aminopolysaccharide present in insects as a major structural component of the cuticle. However, current knowledge on the chitin biosynthetic machinery, especially its constituents and mechanism, is limited. Using three independent binding assays, including co-immunoprecipitation, split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid assay, and pull-down assay, we demonstrate that choline transporter-like protein 2 (Ctl2) interacts with krotzkopf verkehrt (kkv) in Drosophila melanogaster. The global knockdown of Ctl2 by RNA interference (RNAi) induced lethality at the larval stage. Tissue-specific RNAi to silence Ctl2 in the tracheal system and in the epidermis of the flies resulted in lethality at the first larval instar. The knockdown of Ctl2 in wings led to shrunken wings containing accumulated fluid. Calcofluor White staining demonstrated reduced chitin content in the first longitudinal vein of Ctl2 knockdown wings. The pro-cuticle, which was thinner compared to wildtype, exhibited a reduced number of chitin laminar layers. Phylogenetic analyses revealed orthologues of Ctl2 in different insect orders with highly conserved domains. Our findings provide new insights into cuticle formation, wherein Ctl2 plays an important role as a chitin-synthase interacting protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Duan
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Weixing Zhu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhao
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 2, Siegen, 57068, Germany
| | - Jiqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xu Zou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing, 100193, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No 7 Pengfei Road, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
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7
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Bascuñán P, Gabrieli P, Mameli E, Catteruccia F. Mating-regulated atrial proteases control reinsemination rates in Anopheles gambiae females. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21974. [PMID: 33319823 PMCID: PMC7738481 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are the most important vectors of human malaria. The reproductive success of these mosquitoes relies on a single copulation event after which the majority of females become permanently refractory to further mating. This refractory behavior is at least partially mediated by the male-synthetized steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), which is packaged together with other seminal secretions into a gelatinous mating plug and transferred to the female atrium during mating. In this study, we show that two 20E-regulated chymotrypsin-like serine proteases specifically expressed in the reproductive tract of An. gambiae females play an important role in modulating the female susceptibility to mating. Silencing these proteases by RNA interference impairs correct plug processing and slows down the release of the steroid hormone 20E from the mating plug. In turn, depleting one of these proteases, the Mating Regulated Atrial Protease 1 (MatRAP1), reduces female refractoriness to further copulation, so that a significant proportion of females mate again. Microscopy analysis reveals that MatRAP1 is localized on a previously undetected peritrophic matrix-like structure surrounding the mating plug. These data provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms shaping the post-mating biology of these important malaria vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Bascuñán
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entomology Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paolo Gabrieli
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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8
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Tsuji A, Yuasa K. Identification and enzymatic characterization of clip domain serine protease in the digestive fluid of the sea hare, Aplysia kurodai. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 237:110322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.110322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Hegedus DD, Toprak U, Erlandson M. Peritrophic matrix formation. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 117:103898. [PMID: 31211963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dwayne D Hegedus
- Molecular Genetics Section, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - Umut Toprak
- Molecular Genetics Section, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Molecular Entomology Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Martin Erlandson
- Molecular Genetics Section, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Abstract
In all animals, oocytes are surrounded by an extracellular matrix upon fertilization. This matrix serves similar purposes in each animal. It functions to mediate sperm binding, to prevent polyspermy, to control the chemical environment of the embryo, and to provide physical protection to the embryo as it developes. The synthesis of the C. elegans matrix, or eggshell, begins when the oocyte enters the spermatheca and is fertilized by a single sperm. The process of eggshell synthesis is thought to take place during the completion of the maternal meiotic divisions such that the multi-layered eggshell is completed by anaphase II. The synthesis of the eggshell occurs in a hierarchical pattern in which the outermost layers are synthesized first in order to capture and retain the innermost layers as they form. Recent studies have revealed that the lipid-rich permeability barrier is distinct from the outer trilaminar eggshell. These new findings alter our previous understanding of the eggshell. This chapter aims to define each of the eggshell layers and the molecules that are known to play significant roles in their formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn K Stein
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Andy Golden
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Smith CR, Morandin C, Noureddine M, Pant S. Conserved roles of Osiris genes in insect development, polymorphism and protection. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:516-529. [PMID: 29322640 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Much of the variation among insects is derived from the different ways that chitin has been moulded to form rigid structures, both internal and external. In this study, we identify a highly conserved expression pattern in an insect-only gene family, the Osiris genes, that is essential for development, but also plays a significant role in phenotypic plasticity and in immunity/toxicity responses. The majority of Osiris genes exist in a highly syntenic cluster, and the cluster itself appears to have arisen very early in the evolution of insects. We used developmental gene expression in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, the bumble bee, Bombus terrestris, the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, and the wood ant, Formica exsecta, to compare patterns of Osiris gene expression both during development and between alternate caste phenotypes in the polymorphic social insects. Developmental gene expression of Osiris genes is highly conserved across species and correlated with gene location and evolutionary history. The social insect castes are highly divergent in pupal Osiris gene expression. Sets of co-expressed genes that include Osiris genes are enriched in gene ontology terms related to chitin/cuticle and peptidase activity. Osiris genes are essential for cuticle formation in both embryos and pupae, and genes co-expressed with Osiris genes affect wing development. Additionally, Osiris genes and those co-expressed seem to play a conserved role in insect toxicology defences and digestion. Given their role in development, plasticity, and protection, we propose that the Osiris genes play a central role in insect adaptive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Smith
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN, USA
| | - C Morandin
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Noureddine
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN, USA
| | - S Pant
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN, USA
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Albaum D, Broehan G, Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H. Functional analysis of TcCTLP-5C 2, a chymotrypsin-like serine protease needed for molting in Tribolium castaneum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 86:20-28. [PMID: 28522347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In a previous study, we have characterized a gene family encoding chymotrypsin-like proteases from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (TcCTLPs). We identified 14 TcCTLP genes that were predominantly expressed in the midgut, where they presumably function in digestion. Two genes (TcCTLP-6C and TcCTLP-5C2), however, additionally showed considerable expression in the carcass, and RNAi studies demonstrated that they are required for molting (Broehan et al., 2010; Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol 40, 274-83). Thus, the enzyme has distinct functions in different physiological environments. To study molecular adaptations that facilitate enzyme function in different environments, we performed an in-depth analysis of the molecular and enzymatic properties of TcCTLP-5C2. We expressed different mutated versions of TcCTLP-5C2 in form of factor Xa activatable pro-enzymes in insect cells using a baculoviral expression system, and purified the recombinant proteins by affinity chromatography. By measuring and comparing the enzyme activities, we obtained information about the significance of single amino acid residues in motifs that determine substrate specificity and pH tolerance. Further, we showed that TcCTLP-5C2 is modified by N-glycosylation at amino acid position N137, which lies opposite to the catalytic cleft. Comparison of the enzymatic properties of non-glycosylated and glycosylated TcCTLP-5C2 versions showed that N-glycosylation decreases Vmax (maximum velocity) and kcat (turnover) while leaving the Km (specificity) unchanged. Thus, we provide evidence that N-glycosylation alters catalytic behavior by allosteric effects presumably due to altered structural dynamics as observed for chemically glycosylated enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Albaum
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany
| | - Gunnar Broehan
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 12163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, 141 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Macedo L, Antonino de Souza Junior J, Coelho R, Fonseca F, Firmino A, Silva M, Fragoso R, Albuquerque E, Silva M, de Almeida Engler J, Terra W, Grossi-de-Sa M. Knocking down chitin synthase 2 by RNAi is lethal to the cotton boll weevil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biori.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Park K, Nikapitiya C, Kim WS, Kwak TS, Kwak IS. Changes of exoskeleton surface roughness and expression of crucial participation genes for chitin formation and digestion in the mud crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus) following the antifouling biocide irgarol. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2016; 132:186-195. [PMID: 27318560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Irgarol is a common antifoulant present in coastal sediment. The mud crab Macrophthalmus japonicus is one of the most abundant of the macrobenthos in the costal environment, and its exoskeleton has a protective function against various environmental threats. We evaluated the effects of irgarol toxicity on the exoskeleton of M. japonicus, which is the outer layer facing the environment. We analyzed transcriptional expression of exoskeleton, molting, and proteolysis-related genes in the gill and hepatopancreas of these exposed M. japonicus. In addition, changes in survival and exoskeleton surface characteristics were investigated. In the hepatopancreas, mRNA expression of chitinase 1 (Mj-chi1), chitinase 4 (Mj-chi4), and chitinase 5 (Mj-chi5) increased in M. japonicus exposed to all concentrations of irgarol. Mj-chi1 and Mj-chi4 expressions from 1 to 10μgL(-1) were dose- and time-dependent. Ecdysteroid receptor (Mj-EcR), trypsin (Mj-Tryp), and serine proteinase (Mj-SP) in the hepatopancreas were upregulated in response to different exposure levels of irgarol at day 1, 4, or 7. In contrast, gill Mj-chi5, Mj-Tryp, and Mj-SP exhibited late upregulated responses to 10μgL(-1) irgarol compared to the control at day 7. Mj-chi1 showed early upregulation upon exposure to 10μgL(-1) irgarol and Mj-chi4 showed no changes in transcription in the gill. Gill Mj-EcR presented generally downregulated expression patterns. In addition, decreased survival and change of exoskeleton surface roughness were observed in M. japonicus exposed to the three concentrations of irgarol. These results suggest that exposure to irgarol induces changes in the exoskeleton, molting, and proteolysis metabolism of M. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyun Park
- Faculty of Marine Technology, Chonnam National University, Chonnam 550-749, South Korea
| | - Chamilani Nikapitiya
- Faculty of Marine Technology, Chonnam National University, Chonnam 550-749, South Korea; Department of Aqualife Medicine, Chonnam National University, Chonnam 550-749, South Korea
| | - Won-Seok Kim
- Faculty of Marine Technology, Chonnam National University, Chonnam 550-749, South Korea
| | - Tae-Soo Kwak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, GNTECH, Gyeongnam 660-758, South Korea
| | - Ihn-Sil Kwak
- Faculty of Marine Technology, Chonnam National University, Chonnam 550-749, South Korea.
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The Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus ac110 gene encodes a new per os infectivity factor. Virus Res 2016; 221:30-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Zhu KY, Merzendorfer H, Zhang W, Zhang J, Muthukrishnan S. Biosynthesis, Turnover, and Functions of Chitin in Insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 61:177-96. [PMID: 26982439 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010715-023933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Chitin is a major component of the exoskeleton and the peritrophic matrix of insects. It forms complex structures in association with different assortments of cuticle and peritrophic matrix proteins to yield biocomposites with a wide range of physicochemical and mechanical properties. The growth and development of insects are intimately coupled with the biosynthesis, turnover, and modification of chitin. The genes encoding numerous enzymes of chitin metabolism and proteins that associate with and organize chitin have been uncovered by bioinformatics analyses. Many of these proteins are encoded by sets of large gene families. There is specialization among members within each family, which function in particular tissues or developmental stages. Chitin-containing matrices are dynamically modified at every developmental stage and are under developmental and/or physiological control. A thorough understanding of the diverse processes associated with the assembly and turnover of these chitinous matrices offers many strategies to achieve selective pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China;
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506; ,
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Hu X, Zhu M, Wang S, Zhu L, Xue R, Cao G, Gong C. Proteomics analysis of digestive juice from silkworm during Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infection. Proteomics 2015; 15:2691-700. [PMID: 25914115 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have analyzed the midgut transcriptome and proteome after challenge with Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), however little information is available on the digestive juice proteome after BmNPV challenge. This study investigated BmNPV infection-induced protein changes in the digestive juice of silkworms using shotgun proteomics and MS sequencing. From the digestive juice of normal third-day, fifth-instar silkworm larvae, 75 proteins were identified, 44 of which were unknown; from larvae 6 h after inoculation with BmNPV, 106 proteins were identified, of which 39 were unknown. After BmNPV challenge, more secreted proteins appeared that had antiviral and digestive features. GO annotation analysis clustered most proteins in the lumen into catalytic, binding, and metabolic processes. Numerous proteins were reported to have BmNPV interactions. Hsp70 protein cognate, lipase-1, and chlorophyllide A-binding protein precursor were upregulated significantly after BmNPV challenge. Levels of trypsin-like serine protease, beta-1,3-glucanase, catalase, and serine protease transcripts decreased or were not significantly change after BmNPV challenge. Taken together, these findings provided insights into the interaction between host and BmNPV and revealed potential functions of digestive juice after per os BmNPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Hu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Simei Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Liyuan Zhu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Renyu Xue
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Guangli Cao
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China
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Deciphering the genetic programme triggering timely and spatially-regulated chitin deposition. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1004939. [PMID: 25617778 PMCID: PMC4305360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ and tissue formation requires a finely tuned temporal and spatial regulation of differentiation programmes. This is necessary to balance sufficient plasticity to undergo morphogenesis with the acquisition of the mature traits needed for physiological activity. Here we addressed this issue by analysing the deposition of the chitinous extracellular matrix of Drosophila, an essential element of the cuticle (skin) and respiratory system (tracheae) in this insect. Chitin deposition requires the activity of the chitin synthase Krotzkopf verkehrt (Kkv). Our data demonstrate that this process equally requires the activity of two other genes, namely expansion (exp) and rebuf (reb). We found that Exp and Reb have interchangeable functions, and in their absence no chitin is produced, in spite of the presence of Kkv. Conversely, when Kkv and Exp/Reb are co-expressed in the ectoderm, they promote chitin deposition, even in tissues normally devoid of this polysaccharide. Therefore, our results indicate that both functions are not only required but also sufficient to trigger chitin accumulation. We show that this mechanism is highly regulated in time and space, ensuring chitin accumulation in the correct tissues and developmental stages. Accordingly, we observed that unregulated chitin deposition disturbs morphogenesis, thus highlighting the need for tight regulation of this process. In summary, here we identify the genetic programme that triggers the timely and spatially regulated deposition of chitin and thus provide new insights into the extracellular matrix maturation required for physiological activity. In this work we studied the maturation of the extracellular matrix during Drosophila embryogenesis. Drosophila deposit a chitin-rich extracellular matrix with key physiological functions, such as the control of organ size and shape, and cuticle formation. Chitin synthesis depends on chitin synthases, and in Drosophila the gene krotzkopf verkehrt (kkv) encodes the main enzyme of this family. Our observations indicate that Kkv alone is not sufficient to induce chitin formation. We have identified another function (which is exerted by the activity of two genes encoding MH2-domain proteins) that are equally required for chitin deposition. The most striking result of our analysis is that the presence of Kkv and the newly identified function is sufficient to trigger chitin deposition in ectodermally-derived tissues, even if they are normally devoid of this polysaccharide. Importantly, we also demonstrate that unregulated chitin deposition (absent, advanced, or ectopic) leads to severe defects in morphogenesis. We show that the temporal and spatial pattern of kkv and the other two genes perfectly recapitulates the deposition of chitin, thereby unveiling a highly co-ordinated mechanism for the acquisition of mature traits.
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Odman-Naresh J, Duevel M, Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H. A lepidopteran-specific gene family encoding valine-rich midgut proteins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82015. [PMID: 24312395 PMCID: PMC3843731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Many lepidopteran larvae are serious agricultural pests due to their feeding activity. Digestion of the plant diet occurs mainly in the midgut and is facilitated by the peritrophic matrix (PM), an extracellular sac-like structure, which lines the midgut epithelium and creates different digestive compartments. The PM is attracting increasing attention to control lepidopteran pests by interfering with this vital function. To identify novel PM components and thus potential targets for insecticides, we performed an immunoscreening with anti-PM antibodies using an expression library representing the larval midgut transcriptome of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. We identified three cDNAs encoding valine-rich midgut proteins of M. sexta (MsVmps), which appear to be loosely associated with the PM. They are members of a lepidopteran-specific family of nine VMP genes, which are exclusively expressed in larval stages in M. sexta. Most of the MsVMP transcripts are detected in the posterior midgut, with the highest levels observed for MsVMP1. To obtain further insight into Vmp function, we expressed MsVMP1 in insect cells and purified the recombinant protein. Lectin staining and glycosidase treatment indicated that MsVmp1 is highly O-glycosylated. In line with results from qPCR, immunoblots revealed that MsVmp1 amounts are highest in feeding larvae, while MsVmp1 is undetectable in starving and molting larvae. Finally using immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated that MsVmp1 localizes to the cytosol of columnar cells, which secrete MsVmp1 into the ectoperitrophic space in feeding larvae. In starving and molting larvae, MsVmp1 is found in the gut lumen, suggesting that the PM has increased its permeability. The present study demonstrates that lepidopteran species including many agricultural pests have evolved a set of unique proteins that are not found in any other taxon and thus may reflect an important adaptation in the highly specialized lepidopteran digestive tract facing particular immune challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margret Duevel
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Fang DA, Huang XM, Zhang ZQ, Xu DP, Zhou YF, Zhang MY, Liu K, Duan JR, Shi WG. Molecular cloning and expression analysis of chymotrypsin-like serine protease from the redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus): a possible role in the junior and adult innate immune systems. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 34:1546-1552. [PMID: 23541770 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.03.360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel chymotrypsin-like serine protease (CLSP) was isolated from the hepatopancreas of the redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Cq-chy). The full-length cDNA of Cq-chy contains 951 nucleotides encodes a peptide of 270 amino acids. The mature peptide comprising 223 amino acids contains the conserved catalytic triad (H, D, and S). Similarity analysis showed that Cq-chy shares high identity with chymotrypsins from the fiddler crab; Uca pugilator. Cq-chy mRNA expression in C. quadricarinatus was shown to be: (a) tissue-related with the highest expression in the hepatotpancreas and widely distributed, (b) highly responsive in the hepatopancreas to White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) challenge, and (c) differently regulated in immature and adult crayfish. In this study we successfully isolated Cq-chy. Our observations indicate that Cq-chy is differently involved in the immature and adult innate immune reactions, thus suggesting a role for CLSPs in the invertebrate innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di-An Fang
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Changjiang River, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Wuxi 214081, China.
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Zhang X, Yan Zhu K. Biochemical characterization of chitin synthase activity and inhibition in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. INSECT SCIENCE 2013; 20:158-66. [PMID: 23955856 PMCID: PMC3980569 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7917.2012.01568.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Chitin synthase (CHS) is an important enzyme catalyzing the formation of chitin polymers in all chitin containing organisms and a potential target site for insect pest control. However, our understanding of biochemical properties of insect CHSs has been very limited. We here report enzymatic and inhibitory properties of CHS prepared from the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Our study, which represents the first time to use a nonradioactive method to assay CHS activity in an insect species, determined the optimal conditions for measuring the enzyme activity, including pH, temperature, and concentrations of the substrate uridine diphosphate N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) and Mg(++) . The optimal pH was about 6.5-7.0, and the highest activity was detected at temperatures between 37°C and 44°C. Dithithreitol is required to prevent melanization of the enzyme extract. CHS activity was enhanced at low concentration of GlcNAc, but inhibited at high concentrations. Proteolytic activation of the activity is significant both in the 500 ×g supernatant and the 40 000 ×g pellet. Our study revealed only slight in vitro inhibition of A. gambiae CHS activity by diflubenzuron and nikkomycin Z at the highest concentration (2.5 μmol/L) examined. There was no in vitro inhibition by polyoxin D at any concentration examined. Furthermore, we did not observe any in vivo inhibition of CHS activity by any of these chemicals at any concentration examined. Our results suggest that the inhibition of chitin synthesis by these chemicals is not due to direct inhibition of CHS in A. gambiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Abstract
Abstract Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide on earth. It is produced at the apical side of epidermal, tracheal, fore-, and hindgut epithelial cells in insects as a central component of the protective and supporting extracellular cuticle. Chitin is also an important constituent of the midgut peritrophic matrix that encases the food supporting its digestion and protects the epithelium against invasion by possibly ingested pathogens. The enzyme producing chitin is a glycosyltransferase that resides in the apical plasma membrane forming a pore to extrude the chains of chitin into the extracellular space. The apical plasma membrane is not only a platform for chitin synthases but, probably through its shape and equipment with distinct factors, also plays an important role in orienting and organizing chitin fibers. Here, I review findings on the cellular and molecular constitution of the apical plasma membrane of chitin-producing epithelia mainly focusing on work done in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Moussian
- Animal Genetics, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Toro EJ, Ostrov DA, Wronski TJ, Holliday LS. Rational identification of enoxacin as a novel V-ATPase-directed osteoclast inhibitor. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2012; 13:180-91. [PMID: 22044158 PMCID: PMC3409362 DOI: 10.2174/138920312800493151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Binding between vacuolar H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) and microfilaments is mediated by an actin binding domain in the B-subunit. Both isoforms of mammalian B-subunit bind microfilaments with high affinity. A similar actin-binding activity has been demonstrated in the B-subunit of yeast. A conserved “profilin-like” domain in the B-subunit mediates this actin-binding activity, named due to its sequence and structural similarity to an actin-binding surface of the canonical actin binding protein profilin. Subtle mutations in the “profilin-like” domain eliminate actin binding activity without disrupting the ability of the altered protein to associate with the other subunits of V-ATPase to form a functional proton pump. Analysis of these mutated B-subunits suggests that the actin-binding activity is not required for the “housekeeping” functions of V-ATPases, but is important for certain specialized roles. In osteoclasts, the actin-binding activity is required for transport of V-ATPases to the plasma membrane, a prerequisite for bone resorption. A virtual screen led to the identification of enoxacin as a small molecule that bound to the actin-binding surface of the B2-subunit and competitively inhibited B2-subunit and actin interaction. Enoxacin disrupted osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro, but did not affect osteoblast formation or mineralization. Recently, enoxacin was identified as an inhibitor of the virulence of Candidaalbicans and more importantly of cancer growth and metastasis. Efforts are underway to determine the mechanisms by which enoxacin and other small molecule inhibitors of B2 and microfilament binding interaction selectively block bone resorption, the virulence of Candida, cancer growth, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo J Toro
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Transcriptional profiling of midgut immunity response and degeneration in the wandering silkworm, Bombyx mori. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43769. [PMID: 22937093 PMCID: PMC3427160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lepidoptera insects have a novel development process comprising several metamorphic stages during their life cycle compared with vertebrate animals. Unlike most Lepidoptera insects that live on nectar during the adult stage, the Bombyx mori silkworm adults do not eat anything and die after egg-laying. In addition, the midguts of Lepidoptera insects produce antimicrobial proteins during the wandering stage when the larval tissues undergo numerous changes. The exact mechanisms responsible for these phenomena remain unclear. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We used the silkworm as a model and performed genome-wide transcriptional profiling of the midgut between the feeding stage and the wandering stage. Many genes concerned with metabolism, digestion, and ion and small molecule transportation were down-regulated during the wandering stage, indicating that the wandering stage midgut loses its normal functions. Microarray profiling, qRT-PCR and western blot proved the production of antimicrobial proteins (peptides) in the midgut during the wandering stage. Different genes of the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway were up-regulated during the wandering stage. However, some key genes belonging to the Toll pathway showed no change in their transcription levels. Unlike butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae), the midgut of silkworm moth has a layer of cells, indicating that the development of midgut since the wandering stage is not usual. Cell division in the midgut was observed only for a short time during the wandering stage. However, there was extensive cell apoptosis before pupation. The imbalance of cell division and apoptosis probably drives the continuous degeneration of the midgut in the silkworm since the wandering stage. CONCLUSIONS This study provided an insight into the mechanism of the degeneration of the silkworm midgut and the production of innate immunity-related proteins during the wandering stage. The imbalance of cell division and apoptosis induces irreversible degeneration of the midgut. The Imd pathway probably regulates the production of antimicrobial peptides in the midgut during the wandering stage.
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Targeted disruption of Toxoplasma gondii serine protease inhibitor 1 increases bradyzoite cyst formation in vitro and parasite tissue burden in mice. Infect Immun 2011; 80:1156-65. [PMID: 22202120 DOI: 10.1128/iai.06167-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As an intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii is likely to exploit proteases for host cell invasion, acquisition of nutrients, avoidance of host protective responses, escape from the parasitophorous vacuole, differentiation, and other activities. T. gondii serine protease inhibitor 1 (TgPI1) is the most abundantly expressed protease inhibitor in parasite tachyzoites. We show here that alternative splicing produces two TgPI1 isoforms, both of which are secreted via dense granules into the parasitophorous vacuole shortly after invasion, become progressively more abundant over the course of the infectious cycle, and can be detected in the infected host cell cytoplasm. To investigate TgPI1 function, the endogenous genomic locus was disrupted in the RH strain background. ΔTgPI1 parasites replicate normally as tachyzoites but exhibit increased bradyzoite gene transcription and labeling of vacuoles with Dolichos biflorus lectin under conditions promoting in vitro differentiation. The differentiation phenotype can be partially complemented by either TgPI1 isoform. Mice infected with the ΔTgPI1 mutant display ∼3-fold-increased parasite burden in the spleen and liver, and this in vivo phenotype is also complemented by either TgPI1 isoform. These results demonstrate that TgPI1 influences both parasite virulence and bradyzoite differentiation, presumably by inhibiting parasite and/or host serine proteases.
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Hu X, Chen L, Xiang X, Yang R, Yu S, Wu X. Proteomic analysis of peritrophic membrane (PM) from the midgut of fifth-instar larvae, Bombyx mori. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:3427-34. [PMID: 21725639 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The insect peritrophic membrane (PM), separating midgut epithelium and intestinal contents, is protective lining for the epithelium and plays the important role in absorption of nutrients, and also is the first barrier to the pathogens ingested through oral feeding. In order to understand the biological function of silkworm larval PM, shotgun liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach was applied to investigate its protein composition. Total 47 proteins were identified, of which 51.1% of the proteins had the isoelectric point (pI) within the range of 5-7, and 53.2% had molecular weights within the range 15-45 kDa. Most of them were found to be closely related to larval nutrients metabolism and innate immunity. Furthermore, these identified proteins were annotated according to Gene Ontology Annotation in terms of molecular function, biological process and cell localization. Most of the proteins had catalytic activity, binding activity and transport function. The knowledge obtained from this study will favour us to well understand the role of larval PM in larval physiological activities, and also help us to find the potential target and design better biopesticides to control pest, particularly the Lepidoptera insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Hu
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China
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The cellular basis of chitin synthesis in fungi and insects: common principles and differences. Eur J Cell Biol 2011; 90:759-69. [PMID: 21700357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2011.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, which assembles into microfibrils of about 20 sugar chains. These microfibrils serve as a structural component of natural biocomposites found in cell walls and specialized extracellular matrices such as cuticles and peritrophic membranes. Chitin synthesis is performed by a wide range of organisms including fungi and insects. The underlying biosynthetic machinery is highly conserved and involves several enzymes, of which the chitin synthase is the key enzyme. This membrane integral glycosyltransferase catalyzes the polymerization reaction. Most of what we know about chitin synthesis derives from studies of fungal and insect systems. In this review, common principles and differences will be worked out at the levels of gene organization, enzymatic properties, cellular localization and regulation.
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Wang Y, Zhang H, Li H, Miao X. Second-generation sequencing supply an effective way to screen RNAi targets in large scale for potential application in pest insect control. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18644. [PMID: 21494551 PMCID: PMC3073972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The key of RNAi approach success for potential insect pest control is mainly dependent on careful target selection and a convenient delivery system. We adopted second-generation sequencing technology to screen RNAi targets. Illumina's RNA-seq and digital gene expression tag profile (DGE-tag) technologies were used to screen optimal RNAi targets from Ostrinia furnalalis. Total 14690 stage specific genes were obtained which can be considered as potential targets, and 47 were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Ten larval stage specific expression genes were selected for RNAi test. When 50 ng/µl dsRNAs of the genes DS10 and DS28 were directly sprayed on the newly hatched larvae which placed on the filter paper, the larval mortalities were around 40∼50%, while the dsRNAs of ten genes were sprayed on the larvae along with artificial diet, the mortalities reached 73% to 100% at 5 d after treatment. The qRT-PCR analysis verified the correlation between larval mortality and the down-regulation of the target gene expression. Topically applied fluorescent dsRNA confirmed that dsRNA did penetrate the body wall and circulate in the body cavity. It seems likely that the combination of DGE-tag with RNA-seq is a rapid, high-throughput, cost less and an easy way to select the candidate target genes for RNAi. More importantly, it demonstrated that dsRNAs are able to penetrate the integument and cause larval developmental stunt and/or death in a lepidopteron insect. This finding largely broadens the target selection for RNAi from just gut-specific genes to the targets in whole insects and may lead to new strategies for designing RNAi-based technology against insect damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haichao Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuexia Miao
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Zhan Q, Zheng S, Feng Q, Liu L. A midgut-specific chymotrypsin cDNA (Slctlp1) from Spodoptera litura: cloning, characterization, localization and expression analysis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 76:130-143. [PMID: 21322004 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteases play important roles in food digestion and immune response during insect development. A full-length cDNA (Slctlp1) encoding a chymotrypsin-like serine protease was cloned from Spodoptera litura and characterized for its cDNA structure, developmental and induced expression and localization. The deduced protein of the Slctlp1 cDNA contains a catalytic triad and a substrate specificity pocket found in most of the serine proteases. Both the transcripts and protein of Slctlp1 were predominately expressed in the midgut at the feeding stages during the larval development. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that the SLCTLP1 protein was predominately present in the midgut of the 6th instar feeding larvae. Starvation suppressed the expression of Slctlp1 gene and protein in 6th instar larvae and the protein expression was increased again by re-feeding the insect. The results suggest that the cloned Slctlp1 cDNA may be involved in food protein digestion at the feeding stages during larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglei Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Zhang C, Zhou D, Zheng S, Liu L, Tao S, Yang L, Hu S, Feng Q. A chymotrypsin-like serine protease cDNA involved in food protein digestion in the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura: Cloning, characterization, developmental and induced expression patterns, and localization. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 56:788-799. [PMID: 20149796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Revised: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA (Slctlp2) encoding a chymotrypsin-like serine protease was cloned from Spodoptera litura. This cDNA encoded a putative serine protease with a predicted molecular mass of 30.6kDa, which contained a serine protease catalytic motif GDSGGPL. Temporal and spatial expression of Slctlp2 mRNA and protein detected by Northern blotting, RT-PCR, qPCR and Western blotting analyses revealed that both Slctlp2 mRNA and protein were mainly present in the foregut and midgut of the 5th and 6th instar larvae during the feeding stages. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry confirmed that both Slctlp2 mRNA and protein were predominately present in the midgut. Expression of the gene was not induced by bacterial infection. Juvenile hormone III induced the gene expression, while 20-hydroxyecdysone had no impact on the expression. The expression of Slctlp2 mRNA and protein was down-regulated by starvation but up-regulated by re-feeding. The SlCTLP2 protein was detected in the lumen residues of the anterior, middle and posterior midgut and feces of the feeding 6th instar larvae, suggesting that it was secreted from the epithelium into the lumen of the gut. The results suggest that this Slctlp2 gene may be involved in digestive process of food proteins during the feeding stages of the larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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Zhao P, Wang GH, Dong ZM, Duan J, Xu PZ, Cheng TC, Xiang ZH, Xia QY. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and homologs in the silkworm Bombyx mori. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:405. [PMID: 20576138 PMCID: PMC2996933 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2009] [Accepted: 06/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serine proteases (SPs) and serine proteases homologs (SPHs) are a large group of proteolytic enzymes, with important roles in a variety of physiological processes, such as cell signalling, defense and development. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and their homologs in the silkworm might provide valuable information about their biological functions. Results In this study, 51 SP genes and 92 SPH genes were systematically identified in the genome of the silkworm Bombyx mori. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that six gene families have been amplified species-specifically in the silkworm, and the members of them showed chromosomal distribution of tandem repeats. Microarray analysis suggests that many silkworm-specific genes, such as members of SP_fam12, 13, 14 and 15, show expression patterns that are specific to tissues or developmental stages. The roles of SPs and SPHs in resisting pathogens were investigated in silkworms when they were infected by Escherichia coli, Bacillus bombysepticus, Batrytis bassiana and B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus, respectively. Microarray experiment and real-time quantitative RT-PCR showed that 18 SP or SPH genes were significantly up-regulated after pathogen induction, suggesting that SP and SPH genes might participate in pathogenic microorganism resistance in B. mori. Conclusion Silkworm SP and SPH genes were identified. Comparative genomics showed that SP and SPH genes belong to a large family, whose members are generated mainly by tandem repeat evolution. We found that silkworm has species-specific SP and SPH genes. Phylogenetic and microarray analyses provide an overview of the silkworm SP and SPHs, and facilitate future functional studies on these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhao
- The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
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Broehan G, Arakane Y, Beeman RW, Kramer KJ, Muthukrishnan S, Merzendorfer H. Chymotrypsin-like peptidases from Tribolium castaneum: a role in molting revealed by RNA interference. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 40:274-283. [PMID: 19897036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/31/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Chymotrypsin-like peptidases (CTLPs) of insects are primarily secreted into the gut lumen where they act as digestive enzymes. We studied the gene family encoding CTLPs in the genome of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Using an extended search pattern, we identified 14 TcCTLP genes that encode peptidases with S1 specificity pocket residues typically found in chymotrypsin-like enzymes. We further analyzed the expression patterns of seven TcCTLP genes at various developmental stages. While some TcCTLP genes were exclusively expressed in feeding larval and adult stages (TcCTLP-5A/B, TcCTLP-6A), others were also detected in non-feeding embryonic (TcCTLP-5C, TcCTLP-6D) and pupal stages (TcCTLP-5C, TcCTLP-6C/D/E). TcCTLP genes were expressed predominantly in the midgut, where they presumably function in digestion. However, TcCTLP-6C and TcCTLP-5C also showed considerable expression in the carcass. The latter two genes might therefore encode peptidases that act as molting fluid enzymes. To test this hypothesis, we performed western blots using protein extracts from larval exuviae. The extracts reacted with antibodies to TcCTLP-5C and TcCTLP-6E suggesting that the corresponding peptidases are secreted into the molting fluid. Finally, we performed systemic RNAi experiments. While injections of five TcCTLP-dsRNAs into penultimate larvae did not affect growth or development, injection of dsRNA for TcCTLP-5C and TcCTLP-6C resulted in severe molting defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Broehan
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, Division of Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastr. 11, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany
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Maue L, Meissner D, Merzendorfer H. Purification of an active, oligomeric chitin synthase complex from the midgut of the tobacco hornworm. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 39:654-659. [PMID: 19576988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2009] [Revised: 06/24/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Chitin formation depends on the activity of a family II glycosyltransferase known as chitin synthase, whose biochemical and structural properties are largely unknown. Previously, we have demonstrated that the chitin portion of the peritrophic matrix in the midgut of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, is produced by chitin synthase 2 (CHS-2), one of two isoenzymes encoded by the Chs-1 and Chs-2 genes (also named Chs-A and Chs-B), and that CHS-2 is located at the apical tips of the brush border microvilli. Here we report the purification of the chitin synthase from the Manduca midgut as monitored by its activity and immuno-reactivity with antibodies to the chitin synthase. After gel permeation chromatography, the final step of the developed purification protocol, the active enzyme eluted in a fraction corresponding to a molecular mass between 440 and 670 kDa. Native PAGE revealed a single, immuno-reactive band of about 520 kDa, thrice the molecular mass of the chitin synthase monomer. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting indicated finally that an active, oligomeric complex of the chitin synthase was purified. In summary, the chitin synthase from the midgut of Manduca may prove to be a good model for investigating the enzymes' mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Maue
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, Division of Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany
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Dinglasan RR, Devenport M, Florens L, Johnson JR, McHugh CA, Donnelly-Doman M, Carucci DJ, Yates JR, Jacobs-Lorena M. The Anopheles gambiae adult midgut peritrophic matrix proteome. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 39:125-34. [PMID: 19038338 PMCID: PMC2684889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2008.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Revised: 10/05/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a devastating disease. For transmission to occur, Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria, must complete a complex developmental cycle in its mosquito vector. Thus, the mosquito is a potential target for disease control. Plasmodium ookinetes, which develop within the mosquito midgut, must first cross the midgut's peritrophic matrix (PM), a thick extracellular sheath that completely surrounds the blood meal. The PM poses a partial, natural barrier against parasite invasion of the midgut and it is speculated that modifications to the PM may lead to a complete barrier to infection. However, such strategies require thorough characterization of the structure of the PM. Here, we describe for the first time, the complete PM proteome of the main malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. Altogether, 209 proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Among them were nine new chitin-binding peritrophic matrix proteins, expanding the list from three to twelve peritrophins. Lastly, we provide a model for the putative interactions among the proteins identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Dinglasan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Hegedus D, Erlandson M, Gillott C, Toprak U. New insights into peritrophic matrix synthesis, architecture, and function. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2009; 54:285-302. [PMID: 19067633 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.54.110807.090559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a chitin and glycoprotein layer that lines the invertebrate midgut. Although structurally different, it is functionally similar to the mucous secretions of the vertebrate digestive tract. The PM is a physical barrier, protecting the midgut epithelium from abrasive food particles, digestive enzymes, and pathogens infectious per os. It is also a biochemical barrier, sequestering and, in some cases, inactivating ingested toxins. Finally, the PM compartmentalizes digestive processes, allowing for efficient nutrient acquisition and reuse of hydrolytic enzymes. The PM consists of an organized lattice of chitin fibrils held together by chitin binding proteins. Glycans fill the interstitial spaces, creating a molecular sieve, the properties of which are dependent on the immediate ion content and pH. In this review, we have integrated recent structural and functional information to create a holistic model for the PM. We also show how this information may generate novel technologies for use in insect pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwayne Hegedus
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada.
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Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Chs2 (chitin synthase 2) synthesizes the primary septum after mitosis is completed. It is essential for proper cell separation and is expected to be highly regulated. We have expressed Chs2 and a mutant lacking the N-terminal region in Pichia pastoris in an active form at high levels. Both constructs show a pH and cation dependence similar to the wild-type enzyme, as well as increased activity after trypsin treatment. Using further biochemical analysis, we have identified two mechanisms of chitin synthase regulation. First, it is hyperactivated by a soluble yeast protease. This protease is expressed during exponential growth phase, when budding cells require Chs2 activity. Secondly, LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography tandem MS) experiments on purified Chs2 identify 12 phosphorylation sites, all in the N-terminal domain. Four of them show the perfect sequence motif for phosphorylation by the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdk1. As we also show that phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain is important for Chs2 stability, these sites might play an important role in the cell cycle-dependent degradation of the enzyme, and thus in cell division.
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Park K, Kwak IS. Expression of Chironomus riparius serine-type endopeptidase gene under di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) exposure. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 151:349-54. [PMID: 18762262 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2008] [Revised: 08/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Environmental stressors can induce changes in gene expression that can be useful as biomarkers. To identify potential biomarkers of water quality, we characterized full-length cDNA sequences of the serine-type endopeptidase (SP) gene from Chironomus riparius. Their expression was analyzed during different life-history stages and in response to treatment with various concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) for short and long periods of time. A comparative molecular and phylogenetic investigation was then conducted among different orders of insects using sequence database analysis. The sequence of the C. riparius SP gene was found to be most closely related to the sequence of SPs isolated from Aedes aegypti. In addition, the basal level of C. riparius SP mRNA was more highly expressed in larvae than in other life-history stages. However, the expression of C. riparius SP was primarily limited to the gut in larvae. When the effects of short-term exposure to DEHP were evaluated, C. riparius SP gene expression decreased within 1 h of treatment, regardless of dose. We also investigated expression of the C. riparius SP gene following long-term DEHP exposure (10 days) and found that it decreased significantly across all DEHP dosages. Finally, the response of the SP gene was more sensitive in C. riparius that were exposed to low concentrations of DEHP than in those that were exposed to high concentrations. These results show that suppression of the C. riparius SP gene by DEHP is as a potential biomarker that could be useful for monitoring aquatic quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyun Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Yuseong-gu, Daejon 305-701, Republic of Korea
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Broehan G, Kemper M, Driemeier D, Vogelpohl I, Merzendorfer H. Cloning and expression analysis of midgut chymotrypsin-like proteinases in the tobacco hornworm. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:1243-1252. [PMID: 18634789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2008] [Revised: 06/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Digestion of proteins in the midgut of lepidopteran larvae relies on different trypsin and chymotrypsin isoforms. In this study we describe three chymotrypsin-like proteinases (CTLP2-4) from the larval midgut of Manduca sexta, which are closely related to CTLP1 and less closely related to another chymotrypsin (CT), two previously described proteinases present in the larval midgut of M. sexta. CTLP1-4 fit perfectly into a novel subgroup of insect CTLPs by sequence similarity and by the replacement of GP by SA in the highly conserved GDSGGP motif. When we examined CTLP expression in different tissues, most of the proteinases were predominantly expressed in the anterior and median midgut, while some were found in the Malpighian tubules. When we examined CTLP expression at different physiological states, we observed that the CTLP mRNA amounts did not differ considerably in feeding and starving larvae except for CTLP2, whose mRNA dropped significantly upon starvation. During moulting, however, the mRNA amounts of all CTLPs dropped significantly. When we immunologically examined CTLP amounts, mature proteinases were only detectable in the gut lumen of feeding and re-fed larvae, but not in that of starving or moulting larvae, suggesting that CTLP secretion is suspended during starvation or moult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Broehan
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
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