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Wang YP, Chen XY, Pu DQ, Yi CY, Liu CH, Zhang CC, Wei ZZ, Guo JW, Yu WJ, Chen S, Liu HL. Identification and Prediction of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs Associated with Detoxification Pathways in Larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1021. [PMID: 39202382 PMCID: PMC11353827 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081021] [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: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda poses a severe threat to crops, causing substantial economic losses. The increased use of chemical pesticides has led to resistance in S. frugiperda populations. Micro ribonucleic acids (MicroRNAs or miRNAs) are pivotal in insect growth and development. This study aims to identify miRNAs across different developmental stages of S. frugiperda to explore differential expression and predict target gene functions. High-throughput sequencing of miRNAs was conducted on eggs, 3rd instar larvae, pupae, and adults. Bioinformatics analyses identified differentially expressed miRNAs specifically in larvae, with candidate miRNAs screened to predict target genes, particularly those involved in detoxification pathways. A total of 184 known miRNAs and 209 novel miRNAs were identified across stages. Comparative analysis revealed 54, 15, and 18 miRNAs differentially expressed in larvae, compared to egg, pupa, and adult stages, respectively. Eight miRNAs showed significant differential expression across stages, validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses predicted target genes' functions, identifying eight differentially expressed miRNAs targeting 10 gene families associated with detoxification metabolism, including P450s, glutathione S-transferase (GSTs), ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and sodium channels. These findings elucidate the species-specific miRNA profiles and regulatory mechanisms of detoxification-related genes in S. frugiperda larvae, offering insights and strategies for effectively managing this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Xing-Yu Chen
- Science and Technology Security Center, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China;
| | - De-Qiang Pu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Chun-Yan Yi
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Chang-Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Cui-Cui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Jing-Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Wen-Juan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Song Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
| | - Hong-Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China; (Y.-P.W.); (D.-Q.P.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.L.); (C.-C.Z.); (Z.-Z.W.); (J.-W.G.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.C.)
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Niu Y, Pan Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Zhao Z, Kang L. Lead specifically declines tyrosine hydroxylase activity to induce the onset of Parkinson's disease through disrupting dopamine biosynthesis in fly models. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124383. [PMID: 38897282 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the fastest-growing neurodegenerative diseases and has been linked to the exposure to numerous environmental neurotoxins. Although lead (Pb) exposure has been related to the development of PD, the molecular target of Pb to cause the onset of PD is insufficiently investigated. Herein, we explored the effects of Pb exposure on behavior, pathophysiology, and gene expression of wild-type (WT) fly (Drosophila melanogaster) by comparison with its PD model. After exposure to Pb, the WT flies showed PD-like locomotor impairments and selective loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons, displaying similar phenotypes to fly PD model (PINK1). Transcriptomic analysis showed the similarity in gene expression profiles between Pb treatment WT flies and PINK1 mutant flies. Moreover, Pb exposure resulted in endogenous dopamine deficits in WT flies. Analyses of gene expression and enzyme activity confirmed that Pb exposure reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and led to failure of dopamine synthesis. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation confirmed that Pb was adsorbed by TH and subsequently inhibited the enzymatic activity. Exogenous injection of L-dopa and melatonin could partially rescue the pathological phenotypes of Pb-exposed flies and PD fly model. Antagonist injection of microRNA-133, which negatively regulated the expression of TH gene, ultimately rescued in the manifestation of PD phenotypes in flies. Involvement of TH overexpression mutants of fly strongly promoted the resistance to Pb exposure and rescued both behavior and the number of DAergic neurons. Therefore, our study elucidates the Pb molecular target in dopamine pathway and mechanism underlying the risks of Pb exposure on the occurrence of PD at environmentally-relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Niu
- Institute of Life Science and Green Development, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 30023, China
| | - Yifan Pan
- Institute of Life Science and Green Development, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 30023, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Institute of Life Science and Green Development, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 30023, China
| | - Yongqi Fu
- Institute of Life Science and Green Development, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 30023, China
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Institute of Life Science and Green Development, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 30023, China
| | - Le Kang
- Institute of Life Science and Green Development, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding 30023, China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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3
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He J, Kang L. Regulation of insect behavior by non-coding RNAs. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1106-1118. [PMID: 38443665 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2482-2] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The adaptation of insects to environments relies on a sophisticated set of behaviors controlled by molecular and physiological processes. Over the past several decades, accumulating studies have unveiled the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating insect behaviors. ncRNAs assume particularly pivotal roles in the behavioral plasticity of insects by rapidly responding to environmental stimuli. ncRNAs also contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis of insects by fine-tuning the expression of target genes. However, a comprehensive review of ncRNAs' roles in regulating insect behaviors has yet to be conducted. Here, we present the recent progress in our understanding of how ncRNAs regulate various insect behaviors, including flight and movement, social behavior, reproduction, learning and memory, and feeding. We refine the intricate mechanisms by which ncRNAs modulate the function of neural, motor, reproductive, and other physiological systems, as well as gene expression in insects like fruit flies, social insects, locusts, and mosquitos. Furthermore, we discuss potential avenues for future studies in ncRNA-mediated insect behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institutes of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
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Zhu YN, He J, Wang J, Guo W, Liu H, Song Z, Kang L. Parental experiences orchestrate locust egg hatching synchrony by regulating nuclear export of precursor miRNA. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4328. [PMID: 38773155 PMCID: PMC11109280 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48658-7] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Parental experiences can affect the phenotypic plasticity of offspring. In locusts, the population density that adults experience regulates the number and hatching synchrony of their eggs, contributing to locust outbreaks. However, the pathway of signal transmission from parents to offspring remains unclear. Here, we find that transcription factor Forkhead box protein N1 (FOXN1) responds to high population density and activates the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) in locusts. FOXN1-PTBP1 serves as an upstream regulator of miR-276, a miRNA to control egg-hatching synchrony. PTBP1 boosts the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of pre-miR-276 in a "CU motif"-dependent manner, by collaborating with the primary exportin protein exportin 5 (XPO5). Enhanced nuclear export of pre-miR-276 elevates miR-276 expression in terminal oocytes, where FOXN1 activates Ptbp1 and leads to egg-hatching synchrony in response to high population density. Additionally, PTBP1-prompted nuclear export of pre-miR-276 is conserved in insects, implying a ubiquitous mechanism to mediate transgenerational effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Nan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jing He
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hongran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhuoran Song
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
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Dayal S, Chaubey D, Joshi DC, Ranmale S, Pillai B. Noncoding RNAs: Emerging regulators of behavioral complexity. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1847. [PMID: 38702948 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian genome encodes thousands of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), ranging in size from about 20 nucleotides (microRNAs or miRNAs) to kilobases (long non-coding RNAs or lncRNAs). ncRNAs contribute to a layer of gene regulation that could explain the evolution of massive phenotypic complexity even as the number of protein-coding genes remains unaltered. We propose that low conservation, poor expression, and highly restricted spatiotemporal expression patterns-conventionally considered ncRNAs may affect behavior through direct, rapid, and often sustained regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, or translational levels. Besides these direct roles, their effect during neurodevelopment may manifest as behavioral changes later in the organism's life, especially when exposed to environmental cues like stress and seasonal changes. The lncRNAs affect behavior through diverse mechanisms like sponging of miRNAs, recruitment of chromatin modifiers, and regulation of alternative splicing. We highlight the need for synthesis between rigorously designed behavioral paradigms in model organisms and the wide diversity of behaviors documented by ethologists through field studies on organisms exquisitely adapted to their environmental niche. Comparative genomics and the latest advancements in transcriptomics provide an unprecedented scope for merging field and lab studies on model and non-model organisms to shed light on the role of ncRNAs in driving the behavioral responses of individuals and groups. We touch upon the technical challenges and contentious issues that must be resolved to fully understand the role of ncRNAs in regulating complex behavioral traits. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanovar Dayal
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Divya Chaubey
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Dheeraj Chandra Joshi
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Samruddhi Ranmale
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, India
| | - Beena Pillai
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Stuart SH, Ahmed ACC, Kilikevicius L, Robinson GE. Effects of microRNA-305 knockdown on brain gene expression associated with division of labor in honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera). J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246785. [PMID: 38517067 PMCID: PMC11112348 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246785] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Division of labor in honey bee colonies is based on the behavioral maturation of adult workers that involves a transition from working in the hive to foraging. This behavioral maturation is associated with distinct task-related transcriptomic profiles in the brain and abdominal fat body that are related to multiple regulatory factors including juvenile hormone (JH) and queen mandibular pheromone (QMP). A prominent physiological feature associated with behavioral maturation is a loss of abdominal lipid mass as bees transition to foraging. We used transcriptomic and physiological analyses to study whether microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of division of labor. We first identified two miRNAs that showed patterns of expression associated with behavioral maturation, ame-miR-305-5p and ame-miR-375-3p. We then downregulated the expression of these two miRNAs with sequence-specific antagomirs. Neither ame-miR-305-5p nor ame-miR-375-3p knockdown in the abdomen affected abdominal lipid mass on their own. Similarly, knockdown of ame-miR-305-5p in combination with JH or QMP also did not affect lipid mass. By contrast, ame-miR-305-5p knockdown in the abdomen caused substantial changes in gene expression in the brain. Brain gene expression changes included genes encoding transcription factors previously implicated in behavioral maturation. The results of these functional genomic experiments extend previous correlative associations of microRNAs with honey bee division of labor and point to specific roles for ame-miR-305-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarai H. Stuart
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Amy C. Cash Ahmed
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Laura Kilikevicius
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Gene E. Robinson
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Wu M, Lv H, Guo Z, Li S, Tang J, Li J, You H, Ma K. miR-317-3p and miR-283-5p Play a Crucial Role in Regulating the Resistance to Indoxacarb in Spodoptera frugiperda by Targeting GSTs4. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:6889-6899. [PMID: 38512131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda is primarily controlled through chemical insecticides. Our RNA-seq data highlight the overexpression of GSTs4 in indoxacarb-resistant S. frugiperda. However, the exact role of GSTs4 in indoxacarb resistance and its regulatory mechanisms remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the functional role of GSTs4 in S. frugiperda and explored the underlying post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. GSTs4 was highly overexpressed (27.6-fold) in the indoxacarb-resistant strain, and GSTs4 silencing significantly increases the susceptibility of S. frugiperda to indoxacarb, increasing mortality by 27.3%. miR-317-3p and miR-283-5p can bind to the 3'UTR of GSTs4, and the targeting relationship was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Injecting miR-317-3p and miR-283-5p agomirs reduces GSTs4 levels by 64.8 and 42.3%, respectively, resulting in an increased susceptibility of S. frugiperda to indoxacarb. Conversely, the administration of miR-317-3p and miR-283-5pantagomirs increases GSTs4 expression and reduces larval susceptibility to indoxacarb. These findings demonstrate that miR-317-3p and miR-283-5p contribute to indoxacarb resistance in S. frugiperda by regulating the overexpression of GSTs4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyan Wu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Haixiang Lv
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Zhimin Guo
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Sheng Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Jiahui Tang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Jianhong Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Hong You
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Kangsheng Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
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Chen J, Guan Z, Sun L, Fan X, Wang D, Yu X, Lyu L, Qi G. N 6-methyladenosine modification of RNA controls dopamine synthesis to influence labour division in ants. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17322. [PMID: 38501589 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17322] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA has been reported to remodel gene expression in response to environmental conditions; however, the biological role of m6A in social insects remains largely unknown. In this study, we explored the role of m6A in the division of labour by worker ants (Solenopsis invicta). We first determined the presence of m6A in RNAs from the brains of worker ants and found that m6A methylation dynamics differed between foragers and nurses. Depletion of m6A methyltransferase or chemical suppression of m6A methylation in foragers resulted in a shift to 'nurse-like' behaviours. Specifically, mRNAs of dopamine receptor 1 (Dop1) and dopamine transporter (DAT) were modified by m6A, and their expression increased dopamine levels to promote the behavioural transition from foragers to nurses. The abundance of Dop1 and DAT mRNAs and their stability were reduced by the inhibition of m6A modification caused by the silencing of Mettl3, suggesting that m6A modification in worker ants modulates dopamine synthesis, which regulates labour division. Collectively, our results provide the first example of the epitranscriptomic regulation of labour division in social insects and implicate m6A regulatory mechanism as a potential novel target for controlling red imported fire ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziying Guan
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinlin Fan
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Desen Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Lyu
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guojun Qi
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Du H, Huang R, Chen DS, Zhuang T, Huang X, Zhang H, Li Z. Regulation of soldier caste differentiation by microRNAs in Formosan subterranean termite ( Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki). PeerJ 2024; 12:e16843. [PMID: 38436016 PMCID: PMC10909360 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The soldier caste is one of the most distinguished castes inside the termite colony. The mechanism of soldier caste differentiation has mainly been studied at the transcriptional level, but the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in soldier caste differentiation is seldom studied. In this study, the workers of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were treated with methoprene, a juvenile hormone analog which can induce workers to transform into soldiers. The miRNomes of the methoprene-treated workers and the controls were sequenced. Then, the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) were corrected with the differentially expressed genes DEGs to construct the DEmiR-DEG regulatory network. Afterwards, the DEmiR-regulated DEGs were subjected to GO enrichment and KEGG enrichment analysis. A total of 1,324 miRNAs were identified, among which 116 miRNAs were screened as DEmiRs between the methoprene-treated group and the control group. A total of 4,433 DEmiR-DEG pairs were obtained. No GO term was recognized as significant in the cellular component, molecular function, or biological process categories. The KEGG enrichment analysis of the DEmiR-regulated DEGs showed that the ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes and circadian rhythm-fly pathways were enriched. This study demonstrates that DEmiRs and DEGs form a complex network regulating soldier caste differentiation in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runmei Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Da-Song Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyong Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueyi Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Lu T, Ji Y, Chang M, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zou Z. The accumulation of modular serine protease mediated by a novel circRNA sponging miRNA increases Aedes aegypti immunity to fungus. BMC Biol 2024; 22:7. [PMID: 38233907 PMCID: PMC10795361 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01811-6] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes transmit many infectious diseases that affect human health. The fungus Beauveria bassiana is a biological pesticide that is pathogenic to mosquitoes but harmless to the environment. RESULTS We found a microRNA (miRNA) that can modulate the antifungal immunity of Aedes aegypti by inhibiting its cognate serine protease. Fungal infection can induce the expression of modular serine protease (ModSP), and ModSP knockdown mosquitoes were more sensitive to B. bassiana infection. The novel miRNA-novel-53 is linked to antifungal immune response and was greatly diminished in infected mosquitoes. The miRNA-novel-53 could bind to the coding sequences of ModSP and impede its expression. Double fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that this inhibition occurred in the cytoplasm. The amount of miRNA-novel-53 increased after miRNA agomir injection. This resulted in a significant decrease in ModSP transcript and a significant increase in mortality after fungal infection. An opposite effect was produced after antagomir injection. The miRNA-novel-53 was also knocked out using CRISPR-Cas9, which increased mosquito resistance to the fungus B. bassiana. Moreover, mosquito novel-circ-930 can affect ModSP mRNA by interacting with miRNA-novel-53 during transfection with siRNA or overexpression plasmid. CONCLUSIONS Novel-circ-930 affects the expression level of ModSP by a novel-circ-930/miRNA-novel-53/ModSP mechanism to modulate antifungal immunity, revealing new information on innate immunity in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yannan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mengmeng Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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11
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Li J, Zhang D, Zhang Z, Meng S, Wang B, Li Z, Liu X, Zhang S. miR-2765 Modulates the Seasonal Polyphenism in Cacopsylla chinensis by Targeting a Novel Cold Rreceptor CcTRPC3. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:140-152. [PMID: 38118125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Polyphenism is a beneficial way in organisms to better cope with changing circumstances and is a hot topic in entomology, evolutionary biology, and ecology. Until now, this phenomenon has been proven to be season-, density-, and diet-dependent; however, there are very few reports on temperature regulation. Cacopsylla chinensis showed seasonal polyphenism, namely as summer- and winter-form, with obvious diversity in phenotypic characteristics in response to seasonal variation. Previous studies have found that low temperature in autumn is an extremely important element in inducing summer-form change to winter-form, but the underlying regulatory mechanism is still a mystery. Herein, we provided the initial evidence that the third instar of the summer-form is the critical period for developing to the winter-form, and 10 °C induces this transition by affecting the total pigment, chitin level, and thickness of the cuticle. Second, CcTPRC3 was proven to function as a novel cold receptor to control this seasonal polyphenism. Moreover, miR-2765 was found to mediate seasonal polyphenism by inhibiting CcTRPC3 expression. Last, we found that cuticle binding proteins CcCPR4 and CcCPR9 function as the downstream signals of CcTRPC3 to regulate the seasonal polyphenism in C. chinensis. In conclusion, our results displayed a novel signal pathway of miR-2765 and CcTRPC3 for the regulation of seasonal polyphenism in C. chinensis. These findings provide insights into the comprehensive analysis of insect polyphenism and are useful in developing potential strategies to block the phase transition for the pest control of C. chinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Dongyue Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Zhixian Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Shili Meng
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, 572025 Sanya City, Hainan Province, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Songdou Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, 572025 Sanya City, Hainan Province, China
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12
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Chen J, Ma Y, Guan Z, Liu Q, Shi Q, Qi G, Chen T, Lyu L. Labor division of worker ants can be controlled by insulin synthesis targeted through miR-279c-5p in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:5029-5043. [PMID: 37552557 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In social insects, the labor division of workers is ubiquitous and controlled by genetic and environmental factors. However, how they modulate this coordinately remains poorly understood. RESULTS We report miR-279c-5p participation in insulin synthesis and behavioral transition by negatively regulating Rab8A in Solenopsis invicta. Eusocial specific miR-279c-5p is age-associated and highly expressed in nurse workers, and localized in the cytoplasm of neurons, where it is partly co-localized with its target, Rab8A. We determined that miR-279c-5p agomir suppressed Rab8A expression in forager workers, consequently decreasing insulin content, resulting in the behavioral shift to 'nurse-like' behaviors, while the decrease in miR-279c-5p increased Rab8A expression and increased insulin content in nurse workers, leading to the behavioral shift to 'foraging-like' behaviors. Moreover, insulin could rescue the 'foraging behavior' induced by feeding miR-279c-5p to nurse workers. The overexpression and suppression of miR-279c-5p in vivo caused an obvious behavioral transition between foragers and nurses, and insulin synthesis was affected by miR-279c-5p by regulating the direct target Rab8A. CONCLUSION We first report that miR-279c-5p is a novel regulator that promotes labor division by negatively regulating the target gene Rab8A by controlling insulin production in ants. This miRNA-mediated mechanism is significant for understanding the behavioral plasticity of social insects between complex factors and potentially provides new targets for controlling red imported fire ants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunjie Ma
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziying Guan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingxing Shi
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guojun Qi
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Lyu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Zhang S, Li J, Zhang D, Zhang Z, Meng S, Li Z, Liu X. miR-252 targeting temperature receptor CcTRPM to mediate the transition from summer-form to winter-form of Cacopsylla chinensis. eLife 2023; 12:RP88744. [PMID: 37965868 PMCID: PMC10651175 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature determines the geographical distribution of organisms and affects the outbreak and damage of pests. Insects seasonal polyphenism is a successful strategy adopted by some species to adapt the changeable external environment. Cacopsylla chinensis (Yang & Li) showed two seasonal morphotypes, summer-form and winter-form, with significant differences in morphological characteristics. Low temperature is the key environmental factor to induce its transition from summer-form to winter-form. However, the detailed molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here, we firstly confirmed that low temperature of 10 °C induced the transition from summer-form to winter-form by affecting the cuticle thickness and chitin content. Subsequently, we demonstrated that CcTRPM functions as a temperature receptor to regulate this transition. In addition, miR-252 was identified to mediate the expression of CcTRPM to involve in this morphological transition. Finally, we found CcTre1 and CcCHS1, two rate-limiting enzymes of insect chitin biosyntheis, act as the critical down-stream signal of CcTRPM in mediating this behavioral transition. Taken together, our results revealed that a signal transduction cascade mediates the seasonal polyphenism in C. chinensis. These findings not only lay a solid foundation for fully clarifying the ecological adaptation mechanism of C. chinensis outbreak, but also broaden our understanding about insect polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songdou Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianying Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Dongyue Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhixian Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shili Meng
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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14
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Huang J, Wang T, Qiu Y, Hassanyar AK, Zhang Z, Sun Q, Ni X, Yu K, Guo Y, Yang C, Lü Y, Nie H, Lin Y, Li Z, Su S. Differential Brain Expression Patterns of microRNAs Related to Olfactory Performance in Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera). Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051000. [PMID: 37239360 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the nerve regulation of honey bees (Apis mellifera). This study aims to investigate the differences in expression of miRNAs in a honey bee's brain for olfactory learning tasks and to explore their potential role in a honey bee's olfactory learning and memory. In this study, 12 day old honey bees with strong and weak olfactory performances were utilized to investigate the influence of miRNAs on olfactory learning behavior. The honey bee brains were dissected, and a small RNA-seq technique was used for high-throughput sequencing. The data analysis of the miRNA sequences revealed that 14 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between the two groups, strong (S) and weak (W), for olfactory performance in honey bees were identified, which included seven up-regulated and seven down-regulated. The qPCR verification results of the 14 miRNAs showed that four miRNAs (miR-184-3p, miR-276-3p, miR-87-3p, and miR-124-3p) were significantly associated with olfactory learning and memory. The target genes of these DEmiRNAs were subjected to the GO database annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The functional annotation and pathway analysis showed that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, biosynthesis of amino acids, pentose phosphate pathway, carbon metabolism, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis may be a great important pathway related to olfactory learning and memory in honey bees. Our findings together further explained the relationship between olfactory performance and the brain function of honey bees at the molecular level and provides a basis for further study on miRNAs related to olfactory learning and memory in honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Huang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Tianbao Wang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuanmei Qiu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Aqai Kalan Hassanyar
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhaonan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Laboratory of Evolution and Diversity Biology, UMR5174, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Qiaoling Sun
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaomin Ni
- Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kejun Yu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yongkang Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Changsheng Yang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yang Lü
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Mudanjiang Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mudanjiang 157041, China
| | - Hongyi Nie
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yan Lin
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Academy of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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15
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Cytosolic and mitochondrial ribosomal proteins mediate the locust phase transition via divergence of translational profiles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216851120. [PMID: 36701367 PMCID: PMC9945961 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216851120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The phase transition from solitary to gregarious locusts is crucial in outbreaks of locust plague, which threaten agricultural yield and food security. Research on the regulatory mechanisms of phase transition in locusts has focused primarily on the transcriptional or posttranslational level. However, the translational regulation of phase transition is unexplored. Here, we show a phase-dependent pattern at the translation level, which exhibits different polysome profiles between gregarious and solitary locusts. The gregarious locusts exhibit significant increases in 60S and polyribosomes, while solitary locusts possess higher peaks of the monoribosome and a specific "halfmer." The polysome profiles, a molecular phenotype, respond to changes in population density. In gregarious locusts, ten genes involved in the cytosolic ribosome pathway exhibited increased translational efficiency (TE). In solitary locusts, five genes from the mitochondrial ribosome pathway displayed increased TE. The high expression of large ribosomal protein 7 at the translational level promotes accumulation of the free 60S ribosomal subunit in gregarious locusts, while solitary locusts employ mitochondrial small ribosomal protein 18c to induce the assembly of mitochondrial ribosomes, causing divergence of the translational profiles and behavioral transition. This study reveals the translational regulatory mechanism of locust phase transition, in which the locusts employ divergent ribosome pathways to cope with changes in population density.
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16
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Glutamate-GABA imbalance mediated by miR-8-5p and its STTM regulates phase-related behavior of locusts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215660120. [PMID: 36574679 PMCID: PMC9910461 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215660120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of locusts from solitary to gregarious phases is crucial for the formation of devastating locust plagues. Locust management requires research on the prevention of aggregation or alternative and greener solutions to replace insecticide use, and insect-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) show the potential for application in pest control. Here, we performed a genome-wide screen of the differential expression of miRNAs between solitary and gregarious locusts and showed that miR-8-5p controls the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/glutamate functional balance by directly targeting glutamate decarboxylase (Gad). Blocking glutamate-GABA neurotransmission by miR-8-5p overexpression or Gad RNAi in solitary locusts decreased GABA production, resulting in locust aggregation behavior. Conversely, activating this pathway by miR-8-5p knockdown in gregarious locusts induced GABA production to eliminate aggregation behavior. Further results demonstrated that ionotropic glutamate/GABA receptors tuned glutamate/GABA to trigger/hamper the aggregation behavior of locusts. Finally, we successfully established a transgenic rice line expressing the miR-8-5p inhibitor by short tandem target mimic (STTM). When locusts fed on transgenic rice plants, Gad transcript levels in the brain increased greatly, and aggregation behavior was lost. This study provided insights into different regulatory pathways in the phase change of locusts and a potential control approach through behavioral regulation in insect pests.
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Vasiliev GV, Ovchinnikov VY, Lisachev PD, Bondar NP, Grinkevich LN. The Expression of miRNAs Involved in Long-Term Memory Formation in the CNS of the Mollusk Helix lucorum. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010301. [PMID: 36613744 PMCID: PMC9820140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mollusks are unique animals with a relatively simple central nervous system (CNS) containing giant neurons with identified functions. With such simple CNS, mollusks yet display sufficiently complex behavior, thus ideal for various studies of behavioral processes, including long-term memory (LTM) formation. For our research, we use the formation of the fear avoidance reflex in the terrestrial mollusk Helix lucorum as a learning model. We have shown previously that LTM formation in Helix requires epigenetic modifications of histones leading to both activation and inactivation of the specific genes. It is known that microRNAs (miRNAs) negatively regulate the expression of genes; however, the role of miRNAs in behavioral regulation has been poorly investigated. Currently, there is no miRNAs sequencing data being published on Helix lucorum, which makes it impossible to investigate the role of miRNAs in the memory formation of this mollusk. In this study, we have performed sequencing and comparative bioinformatics analysis of the miRNAs from the CNS of Helix lucorum. We have identified 95 different microRNAs, including microRNAs belonging to the MIR-9, MIR-10, MIR-22, MIR-124, MIR-137, and MIR-153 families, known to be involved in various CNS processes of vertebrates and other species, particularly, in the fear behavior and LTM. We have shown that in the CNS of Helix lucorum MIR-10 family (26 miRNAs) is the most representative one, including Hlu-Mir-10-S5-5p and Hlu-Mir-10-S9-5p as top hits. Moreover, we have shown the involvement of the MIR-10 family in LTM formation in Helix. The expression of 17 representatives of MIR-10 differentially changes during different periods of LTM consolidation in the CNS of Helix. In addition, using comparative analysis of microRNA expression upon learning in normal snails and snails with deficient learning abilities with dysfunction of the serotonergic system, we identified a number of microRNAs from several families, including MIR-10, which expression changes only in normal animals. The obtained data can be used for further fundamental and applied behavioral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady V. Vasiliev
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir Y. Ovchinnikov
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Pavel D. Lisachev
- Federal Research Center for Information and Computational Technologies, 6 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Natalia P. Bondar
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Larisa N. Grinkevich
- The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 6 nab. Makarova, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Correspondence:
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18
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Shen ZJ, Zhu F, Liu YJ, Li Z, Moural TW, Liu XM, Liu X. MicroRNAs miR-14 and miR-2766 regulate tyrosine hydroxylase to control larval-pupal metamorphosis in Helicoverpa armigera. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3540-3550. [PMID: 35587569 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, is a worldwide polyphagous pest, causing huge economic losses in vegetable, cotton and corn crops, among others. Owing to long-term exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, evolution of resistance has been detected in this pest. As a conservative and effective neurotransmitter, dopamine (DA) has an important role in insect growth and development. In this study, we investigated the regulatory functions of DA and its associated non-coding RNA in metamorphosis in H. armigera. RESULTS Expression profiles indicated that DA and DA pathway genes were highly expressed during larval-pupal metamorphosis in H. armigera. RNA interference and pharmacological experiments confirmed that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopa decarboxylase, vesicular amine transporter and DA receptor 2 are critical genes related to the development of H. armigera from larvae to pupae. We also found that miR-14 and miR-2766 targeted the 3' untranslated region to post-transcriptionally regulate HaTH function. Application of miR-2766 and miR-14 antagomirs significantly increased levels of HaTH transcripts and proteins, while injection of miR-2766 and miR-14 agomirs not only suppressed messenger RNA and protein levels of HaTH, but also resulted in defective pupation in H. armigera. CONCLUSION These results suggest that DA deficiency inhibits larval-pupal metamorphosis in H. armigera. Potentially, DA pathway genes and their microRNAs could be used as a novel target for H. armigera management. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Jian Shen
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, USA
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Timothy W Moural
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Liu
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology, MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
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19
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Van den Brande S, Gijbels M, Wynant N, Peeters P, Gansemans Y, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Santos D, Vanden Broeck J. Identification and profiling of stable microRNAs in hemolymph of young and old Locusta migratoria fifth instars. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:100041. [PMID: 36003267 PMCID: PMC9387440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2022.100041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, numerous novel miRNAs have been identified which can regulate presumably every biological process in a wide range of metazoan species. In accordance, several insect miRNAs have been identified and functionally characterized. While regulatory RNA pathways are traditionally described at an intracellular level, studies reporting on the presence and potential role of extracellular (small) sRNAs have been emerging in the last decade, mainly in mammalian systems. Interestingly, evidence in several species indicates the functional transfer of extracellular RNAs between donor and recipient cells, illustrating RNA-based intercellular communication. In insects, however, reports on extracellular small RNAs are emerging but the number of detailed studies is still very limited. Here, we demonstrate the presence of stable sRNAs in the hemolymph of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. Moreover, the levels of several extracellular miRNAs (ex-miRNAs) present in locust hemolymph differed significantly between young and old fifth nymphal instars. In addition, we performed a 'proof of principle' experiment which suggested that extracellularly delivered miRNA molecules are capable of affecting the locusts' development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Van den Brande
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marijke Gijbels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Zhang MY, Zhang P, Su X, Guo TX, Zhou JL, Zhang BZ, Wang HL. MicroRNA-190-5p confers chlorantraniliprole resistance by regulating CYP6K2 in Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 184:105133. [PMID: 35715027 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (FAA) is responsible for considerable losses in grain production, and chemical control is the most effective strategy. However, frequent insecticide application can lead to the development of resistance. In insects, cytochrome P450 plays a crucial role in insecticide metabolism. CYP6K2 is related to FAA resistance to chlorantraniliprole. However, the regulatory mechanism of CYP6K2 expression is poorly understood. In this study, a conserved target of isolated miRNA-190-5p was located in the 3' UTR of CYP6K2 in FAA. A luciferase reporter analysis showed that in FAA, miRNA-190-5p can combine with the 3'UTR of CYP6K2 to suppress its expression. Injected miRNA-190-5p agomir significantly reduced CYP6K2 abundance by 54.6% and reduced tolerance to chlorantraniliprole in FAA larvae, whereas injected miRNA-190-5p antagomir significantly increased CYP6K2 abundance by 1.77-fold and thus improved chlorantraniliprole tolerance in FAA larvae. These results provide a basis for further research on the posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism of CYP6K2 and will facilitate further study on the function of miRNAs in regulating tolerance to chlorantraniliprole in FAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan engineering research center of biological pesticide & fertilizer development and synergistic application, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Pei Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan engineering research center of biological pesticide & fertilizer development and synergistic application, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Xu Su
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan engineering research center of biological pesticide & fertilizer development and synergistic application, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Tian-Xin Guo
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan engineering research center of biological pesticide & fertilizer development and synergistic application, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Jun-Lei Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan engineering research center of biological pesticide & fertilizer development and synergistic application, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Bai-Zhong Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan engineering research center of biological pesticide & fertilizer development and synergistic application, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, PR China.
| | - Hong-Liang Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan engineering research center of biological pesticide & fertilizer development and synergistic application, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
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21
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piRNA-guided intron removal from pre-mRNAs regulates density-dependent reproductive strategy. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110593. [PMID: 35476998 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal density-dependent experiences have profound effects on reproductive strategies with marked fecundity differences. Migratory locust adopts distinct population density-dependent reproductive strategies to cope with their respective life cycles, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in the locust germline play key roles in this process. We find that the locust Piwi protein Liwi1 and piRNAs are highly expressed in early developing egg chambers in solitarious locusts, which have higher fecundity than gregarious locusts. Approximately 40% of solitarious locust-associated piRNAs map to protein-coding genes. We find that Liwi1/piRNAs facilitate pre-mRNA splicing of oocyte development-related genes, such as oo18 RNA-binding protein (Orb), in the germline by recruiting the splicing factor U2AF35 to piRNA-targeted introns, thereby increasing fecundity. Such piRNA-guided pre-mRNA splicing is also functional in Drosophila and mouse germ cells. We uncover a piRNA-guided splicing mechanism for processing reproduction-related mRNAs and determining animal reproductive strategies.
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22
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Wang H, Jiang F, Liu X, Liu Q, Fu Y, Li R, Hou L, Zhang J, He J, Kang L. Piwi/piRNAs control food intake by promoting neuropeptide F expression in locusts. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e50851. [PMID: 34985794 PMCID: PMC8892266 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal feeding, which directly affects growth and metabolism, is an important physiological process. However, the contribution of PIWI proteins and PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) to the regulatory mechanism of animal feeding is unknown. Here, we report a novel function of Piwi and piRNAs in regulating food intake in locusts. Our study shows that the locust can serve as a representative species for determining PIWI function in insects. Knockdown of Piwi1 expression suppresses anabolic processes and reduces food consumption and body weight. The reduction in food intake by knockdown of Piwi1 expression results from decreased expression of neuropeptide NPF1 in a piRNA‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, intronic piRNAs might enhance RNA splicing of NPF1 by preventing hairpin formation at the branch point sites. These results suggest a novel nuclear PIWI/piRNA‐mediated mechanism that controls food intake in the locust nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Sino‐Danish College University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yunyun Fu
- College of Life Science Hebei University Baoding China
| | - Ran Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Li Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jing He
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Le Kang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- College of Life Science Hebei University Baoding China
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23
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Agwunobi DO, Pei T, Bai R, Wang Z, Shi X, Zhang M, Yu Z, Liu J. miR-2a and miR-279 are functionally associated with cold tolerance in Dermacentor silvarum (Acari: Ixodidae). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 41:100946. [PMID: 34872025 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites that can attack mammals, birds, reptiles as well as amphibians. Dermacentor silvarum, an important vector of various pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoans, is widely distributed in China. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nucleotide non-coding small RNA molecules, involved in the regulation of various physiological and cellular processes. Previous studies demonstrated the vital roles of miRNAs during the reproduction and development of ticks, whereas, the regulatory/functional roles of microRNAs during the cold response of ticks remain unexplored. Here, we identified and functionally explored D. silvarum miRNAs involved in cold response to gain further understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying cold stress in ticks. The microRNA libraries of D. silvarum were established via high-throughput sequencing after exposure to different cold treatments. A total of 147 miRNAs, including 44 known miRNAs and 103 new miRNAs, were identified. The verification of six highly differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-2a, miR-5305, miR-7, miR-279, miR-993, and novel-3) via RT-qPCR were consistent with the high-throughput sequence results. miR-2a peaked by day 6 and miR-279 expression was lowest by day 3 after cold treatment. The potential target genes of miR-2a and miR-279 were the glycogen phosphorylase (GPase) gene and serine gene, respectively. After injecting D. silvarum ticks with miR-2a and miR-279 antagonists, their respective target genes were up-regulated and vice-versa after injection with the agonists. These results indicated that these two miRNAs and their target genes may be involved in the cold response of D. silvarum ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Xinyue Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
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24
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Zhang X, Zhu YN, Chen B, Kang L. A Gypsy element contributes to the nuclear retention and transcriptional regulation of the resident lncRNA in locusts. RNA Biol 2022; 19:206-220. [PMID: 35067197 PMCID: PMC8786324 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.2024032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contain transposable elements (TEs). PAHAL, a nuclear-retained lncRNA that is inserted by a Gypsy retrotransposon, has been shown to be a vital regulator of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene expression that controls dopamine biosynthesis and behavioural aggregation in the migratory locust. However, the role of the Gypsy retrotransposon in the transcriptional regulation of PAHAL remains unknown. Here, we identified a Gypsy retrotransposon (named Gypsy element) as an inverted long terminal repeat located in the 3′ end of PAHAL, representing a feature shared by many other lncRNAs in the locust genome. The embedded Gypsy element contains a RNA nuclear localization signal motif, which promotes the stable accumulation of PAHAL in the nucleus. The Gypsy element also provides high-affinity SRSF2 binding sites for PAHAL that induce the recruitment of SRSF2, resulting in the PAHAL-mediated transcriptional activation of PAH. Thus, our data demonstrate that TEs provide discrete functional domains for lncRNA organization and highlight the contribution of TEs to the regulatory significance of lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Nan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China.,Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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25
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Li X, Zhao MH, Tian MM, Zhao J, Cai WL, Hua HX. An InR/mir-9a/NlUbx regulatory cascade regulates wing diphenism in brown planthoppers. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1300-1313. [PMID: 32935926 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wing polymorphism significantly contributes to the ecological success of some insect species. For example, the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, which is one of the most destructive rice pests in Asia, can develop into either highly mobile long-winged or highly fecund short-winged adult morphs. A recent study reported a highly provocative result that the Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) is expressed in BPH forewings and showed that this wing development gene is differentially expressed in nymphs that develop into long-winged versus short-winged morphs. Here, we found that Ubx may be a mir-9a target, and used dual luciferase reporter assays and injected micro RNA (miRNA) mimics and inhibitors to confirm the interactions between mir-9a and NlUbx. We measured the mir-9a and NlUbx expression profiles in nymphs and found that the expression of these two biomolecules was negatively correlated. By rearing BPH nymphs on host rice plants with different nutritional status, we were able to characterize a regulatory cascade between insulin receptor genes, mir-9a, and NlUbx that regulate wing length in BPHs. When host quality was low, NlInR1 expression in the nymph terga increased and NlInR2 expression decreased; this led to a higher mir-9a level, which in turn reduced the NlUbx transcript level and ultimately resulted in longer wing lengths. Beyond extending our understanding of the interplay between host plant status and genetic events that modulate polymorphism, we demonstrated both the upstream signal and miRNA-based regulatory mechanism that control Ubx expression in BPH forewings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mu-Hua Zhao
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Miao-Miao Tian
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan-Lun Cai
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Xia Hua
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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26
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Elgendy AM, Mohamed AA, Duvic B, Tufail M, Takeda M. Involvement of Cis-Acting Elements in Molecular Regulation of JH-Mediated Vitellogenin Gene 2 of Female Periplaneta americana. Front Physiol 2021; 12:723072. [PMID: 34526913 PMCID: PMC8435907 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.723072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenins (Vgs) are yolk protein precursors that are regulated by juvenile hormone (JH) and/or 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in insects. JH acts as the principal gonadotropin that stimulates vitellogenesis in hemimetabolous insects. In this study, we cloned and characterized the Periplaneta americana Vitellogenin 2 (Vg2) promoter. Multiple sites for putative transcription factor binding were predicted for the 1,804 bp Vg2 promoter region, such as the Broad-Complex, ecdysone response element (EcRE), GATA, Hairy, JH response element (JHRE), and Methoprene (Met)-binding motif, among others. Luciferase reporter assay has identified that construct -177 bp is enough to support JH III induction but not 20E suppression. This 38 bp region (from -177 to -139 bp) contains two conserved response element half-sites separated by 2 nucleotides spacer (DR2) and is designated as Vg2RE (-168GAGTCACGGAGTCGCCGCTG-149). Mutation assay and luciferase assay data using mutated constructs verified the crucial role of G residues in Vg2RE for binding the isolated fat body nuclear protein. In Sf9 cells, a luciferase reporter placed under the control of a minimal promoter containing Vg2RE was induced by JH III in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nuclear proteins isolated from previtellogenic female fat body cells bound to Vg2RE, and this binding was outcompeted by a 50-fold excess of cold Drosophila melanogaster DR4 and Galleria mellonella JH binding protein response elements (Chorion factor-I/Ultraspiracle). Affinity pull-down experiment with nuclear extracts of previtellogenic female fat body, using 31-bp probe Vg2RE as bait, yielded a 71 kDa candidate nuclear protein that may mediate the regulatory action of the JH III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M Elgendy
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Amr A Mohamed
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan.,Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Makio Takeda
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan
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27
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Lun P, Ji T, Wan DH, Liu X, Chen XD, Yu S, Sun P. HOTTIP downregulation reduces neuronal damage and microglial activation in Parkinson's disease cell and mouse models. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:887-897. [PMID: 34472490 PMCID: PMC8530116 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.322475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP), a newly identified long noncoding RNA, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and inhibit oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal apoptosis. However, its role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridium (MPP+) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were used to establish PD models in SH-SY5Y and BV2 cells and in C57BL/6 male mice, respectively. In vitro, after HOTTIP knockdown by sh-HOTTIP transfection, HOTTIP and FOXO1 overexpression promoted SH-SY5Y apoptosis, BV2 microglial activation, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and nuclear factor kappa-B and NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome activation. Overexpression of miR-615-3p inhibited MPP+-induced neuronal apoptosis and microglial inflammation and ameliorated HOTTIP- and FOXO1-mediated nerve injury and inflammation. In vivo, HOTTIP knockdown alleviated motor dysfunction in PD mice and reduced neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation in the substantia nigra. These findings suggest that inhibition of HOTTIP mitigates neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation in PD models by modulating miR-615-3p/FOXO1. This study was approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, China (approval No. UDX-2018-042) in June 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lun
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tao Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Laiyang People's Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - De-Hong Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Chen
- Emergency Department, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuai Yu
- Emergency Department, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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28
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Chen B, Tong X, Zhang X, Gui W, Ai G, Huang L, Ding D, Zhang J, Kang L. Sulfation modification of dopamine in brain regulates aggregative behavior of animals. Natl Sci Rev 2021; 9:nwab163. [PMID: 35530433 PMCID: PMC9072122 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwab163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral plasticity and the underlying neuronal plasticity represent a fundamental capacity of animals to cope with environmental stimuli. Behavioral plasticity is controlled by complex molecular networks that act under different layers of regulation. While various molecules have been found to be involved in the regulation of plastic behaviors across species, less is known about how organisms orchestrate the activity of these molecules as part of a coherent behavioral response to varying environments. Here we discover a mechanism for the regulation of animal behavioral plasticity involving molecular sulfation in the brain, a modification of substrate molecules by sulfotransferase (ST)-catalyzed addition of a sulfonate group (SO3) from an obligate donor, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to the substrates. We investigated aggregation behaviors of migratory locusts, which are well-known for extreme phase change plasticity triggered by population density. The processes of PAPS biosynthesis acted efficiently on induction of locust behavioral transition: Inhibition of PAPS synthesis solicited a behavioral shift from gregarious to solitarious states; external PAPS dosage, by contrast, promoted aggregation in solitarious locusts. Genetic or pharmacological intervention in the sulfation catalyzation resulted into pronounced solitarizing effects. Analysis of substrate-specific STs suggests a widespread involvement of sulfated neurotransmitters in the behavioral response. Dopamine in the brain was finally identified to be actively sulfate conjugated, and the sulfate conjugation enhanced the free DA-mediated behavioral aggregation. Similar results in Caenorhabditis elegans and mice indicate that sulfation may be involved more broadly in the modulation of animal aggregation. These findings reveal a general mechanism that effectively regulates animal social-like behavioral plasticity, possibly through sulfation-mediated modification of neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Chen
- School of Life Science, Institutes of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiwen Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Xia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wanying Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guoming Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Ding Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiangxu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Le Kang
- School of Life Science, Institutes of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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29
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Identification and Characterization of MicroRNAs in Gonads of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080749. [PMID: 34442315 PMCID: PMC8396854 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary For most insects, the development of the testis and ovary directly determines their reproductive ability. The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is a polyphagous crop pest of the Lepidoptera Noctuidae. Owing to its broad range of host plants and strong fertility, H. armigera causes huge economic losses to agricultural production. Acting as a type of post-transcriptional regulatory factor, miRNAs participate in the gonadal development and reproductive regulation of H. arimgera. Our study uses H. armigera as a research object to identify and characterize the miRNAs and study their potential functions in the testis and ovary of this destructive crop pest. A total of 7,592,150 and 8,815,237 clean reads were obtained by constructing small RNA libraries of the testis and ovary, respectively. Length distribution analysis showed that the main types of small RNAs in the testis and ovary were different. Among the 74 known miRNAs, 60 miRNAs existed in the ovary, and 72 existed in the testis. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that the 8 gonad-biased differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-989a, miR-263-5p, miR-34, miR-2763, miR-998, miR-2c, miR-2765, and miR-252a-5p) had many target transcripts involved in the reproduction process. Abstract The high fecundity of the most destructive pest Helicoverpa armigera and its great resistance risk to insecticides and Bt crops make the reproductive-destruction-based control of this pest extremely appealing. To find suitable targets for disruption of its reproduction, we observed the testis and ovary development of H. armigera and conducted deep sequencing of the ovary and testis small RNAs of H. armigera and quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) validation to identify reproduction-related micro RNAs (miRNAs). A total of 7,592,150 and 8,815,237 clean reads were obtained from the testis and ovary tissue, respectively. After further analysis, we obtained 173 novel and 74 known miRNAs from the two libraries. Among the 74 known miRNAs, 60 miRNAs existed in the ovary and 72 existed in the testis. Further RT-qPCR validation of 5 miRNAs from the ovary and 6 miRNAs from the testis confirmed 8 of them were indeed ovary- (miR-989a, miR-263-5p, miR-34) or testis-biased (miR-2763, miR-998, miR-2c, miR-2765, miR-252a-5p). The 8 ovary- or testis-biased miRNAs had a total of 30,172 putative non-redundant target transcripts, as predicted by miRanda and RNAhybrid. Many of these target transcripts are assigned to reproduction-related GO terms (e.g., oocyte maturation, vitellogenesis, spermatogenesis) and are members of multiple reproduction-related KEGG pathways, such as the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, oocyte meiosis, the insulin signaling pathway, and insect hormone biosynthesis. These results suggest that the 8 gonad-biased miRNAs play important roles in reproduction and may be used as the targets for the development of reproductive-destruction-based control of H. armigera and, possibly, other lepidopteran pests.
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The Effect of Eight Weeks of Endurance Training with Saffron on miR133bFC, miR29aFC in the Hippocampus Tissue and Depression in Rats with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.103333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent studies indicate that deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression is associated with neurological and cognitive disorders, but physical activity and medicinal plants have favorable effects on physiological and psychological factors in these patients. Objectives: Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of endurance training (ET) with saffron (S) on miR133bFC, miR29aFC in the hippocampus tissue and depression of rats with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Forty AD rats with the mean age of eight weeks and mean weight of 250 ± 30.65 g were randomly divided into five groups of eight rats including: (1) control (C), (2) ET, (3) ET + S, (4) S, and (5) sham (normal saline) (Sh). During eight weeks, groups 2 and 3 ran on a treadmill for three sessions per week, each session lasting for 15 - 30 minutes, at a speed of 20 - 15 m/min, and groups 3 and 4 received 25 mg/kg daily aqueous extract of S peritoneally. Depression was evaluated by the forced swim test. Results: The levels of miR29aFC were higher in the ET + S group than in the C (P = 0.002), Sh (P = 0.003), ET (P = 0.003), and S (P = 0.001) groups. The levels of miR133bFC in the S (P = 0.02) and ET (P = 0.005) groups were lower than the C group. The mobility time in the ET (P = 0.001), S (P = 0.001), and ET + S (P = 0.001) groups was higher than the C group; in the ET + S group, the mobility time was higher than in the ET (P = 0.001) and S (P = 0.001) groups, and in the S group the mobility time was higher than in the ET group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: It seems that ET and S administration alone do not have favorable effects on miR29aFC and miR133bFC expression levels, but both can decrease depression; however, the simultaneous administration S and ET has interactive effects on improving miR29aFC expression and reducing depression.
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Wu Z, Yang L, He Q, Zhou S. Regulatory Mechanisms of Vitellogenesis in Insects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:593613. [PMID: 33634094 PMCID: PMC7901893 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.593613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenesis is pre-requisite to insect egg production and embryonic development after oviposition. During insect vitellogenesis, the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (Vg) is mainly synthesized in the fat body, transported by the hemolymph through the intercellular spaces (known as patency) in the follicular epithelium to reach the membrane of maturing oocytes, and sequestered into the maturing oocytes via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Insect vitellogenesis is governed by two critical hormones, the sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH) and the ecdysteriod 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). JH acts as the principal gonadotropic hormone to stimulate vitellogenesis in basal hemimetabolous and most holometabolous insects. 20E is critical for vitellogenesis in some hymenopterans, lepidopterans and dipterans. Furthermore, microRNA (miRNA) and nutritional (amino acid/Target of Rapamycin and insulin) pathways interplay with JH and 20E signaling cascades to control insect vitellogenesis. Revealing the regulatory mechanisms underlying insect vitellogenesis is critical for understanding insect reproduction and helpful for developing new strategies of insect pest control. Here, we outline the recent research progress in the molecular action of gonadotropic JH and 20E along with the role of miRNA and nutritional sensor in regulating insect vitellogenesis. We highlight the advancements in the regulatory mechanisms of insect vitellogenesis by the coordination of hormone, miRNA and nutritional signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Libin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qiongjie He
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Zhao L, Guo W, Jiang F, He J, Liu H, Song J, Yu D, Kang L. Phase-related differences in egg production of the migratory locust regulated by differential oosorption through microRNA-34 targeting activinβ. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009174. [PMID: 33406121 PMCID: PMC7787450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of locust plagues result from the long-term accumulation of high-density egg production. The migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, displays dramatic differences in the egg-laid number with dependence on population density, while solitarious locusts lay more eggs compared to gregarious ones. However, the regulatory mechanism for the egg-laid number difference is unclear. Herein, we confirm that oosorption plays a crucial role in the regulation of egg number through the comparison of physiological and molecular biological profiles in gregarious and solitarious locusts. We find that gregarious oocytes display a 15% higher oosorption ratio than solitarious ones. Activinβ (Actβ) is the most highly upregulated gene in the gregarious terminal oocyte (GTO) compared to solitarious terminal oocyte (STO). Meanwhile, Actβ increases sharply from the normal oocyte (N) to resorption body 1 (RB1) stage during oosorption. The knockdown of Actβ significantly reduces the oosorption ratio by 13% in gregarious locusts, resulting in an increase in the egg-laid number. Based on bioinformatic prediction and experimental verification, microRNA-34 with three isoforms can target Actβ. The microRNAs display higher expression levels in STO than those in GTO and contrasting expression patterns of Actβ from the N to RB1 transition. Overexpression of each miR-34 isoform leads to decreased Actβ levels and significantly reduces the oosorption ratio in gregarious locusts. In contrast, inhibition of the miR-34 isoforms results in increased Actβ levels and eventually elevates the oosorption ratio of solitarious locusts. Our study reports an undescribed mechanism of oosorption through miRNA targeting of a TGFβ ligand and provides new insights into the mechanism of density-dependent reproductive adaption in insects. The continuous accumulation of high-density eggs laid by flying swarms of adults results in huge populations of flightless juveniles, which contributes to the outbreaks of locust plagues. An interesting phenomenon is that locusts have the phenotypic plasticity of reproduction. The gregarious locusts lay fewer big eggs than do solitarious phase locusts. In contrast, the solitarious phase locusts lay more small eggs compared to the gregarious locusts. We find the egg-laid number is not only regulated by the phase status of parents but also controlled by oosorption, a type of oocyte death. Further studies confirmed the phase-related ratio of oocyte death in the mother is regulated by a microRNA, which posttranscriptionally influences the expression level of a TGFβ ligand. This maternal effect on progeny size is especially critical for gregarious locusts to control the population size and maintain population fitness, and for solitarious locusts to enhance chance for gregarization and further enlargement of population size. This is the first study to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of a microRNA-gene circuit for locust oocyte death to determine the offspring number. These findings can provide some important clues to develop potential drugs to prevent vast locust reproduction from a plague upsurge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianfeng Zhao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing He
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongran Liu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Song
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Le Kang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Xu L, Zhang J, Zhan A, Wang Y, Ma X, Jie W, Cao Z, Omar MAA, He K, Li F. Identification and Analysis of MicroRNAs Associated with Wing Polyphenism in the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9754. [PMID: 33371331 PMCID: PMC7767257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Many insects are capable of developing two types of wings (i.e., wing polyphenism) to adapt to various environments. Though the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating animal growth and development have been well studied, their potential roles in modulating wing polyphenism remain largely elusive. To identify wing polyphenism-related miRNAs, we isolated small RNAs from 1st to 5th instar nymphs of long-wing (LW) and short-wing (SW) strains of the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. Small RNA libraries were then constructed and sequenced, yielding 158 conserved and 96 novel miRNAs. Among these, 122 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the two BPH strains. Specifically, 47, 2, 27 and 41 miRNAs were more highly expressed in the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th instars, respectively, of the LW strain compared with the SW strain. In contrast, 47, 3, 29 and 25 miRNAs were more highly expressed in the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th instars, respectively, of the SW strain compared with the LW strain. Next, we predicted the targets of these miRNAs and carried out Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. We found that a number of pathways might be involved in wing form determination, such as the insulin, MAPK, mTOR, FoxO and thyroid hormone signaling pathways and the thyroid hormone synthesis pathway. Thirty and 45 differentially expressed miRNAs targeted genes in the insulin signaling and insect hormone biosynthesis pathways, respectively, which are related to wing dimorphism. Among these miRNAs, Nlu-miR-14-3p, Nlu-miR-9a-5p and Nlu-miR-315-5p, were confirmed to interact with insulin receptors (NlInRs) in dual luciferase reporter assays. These discoveries are helpful for understanding the miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism of wing polyphenism in BPHs and shed new light on how insects respond to environmental cues through developmental plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.X.); (A.Z.); (X.M.); (Z.C.); (M.A.A.O.); (F.L.)
| | - Jiao Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (J.Z.); (W.J.)
| | - Anran Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.X.); (A.Z.); (X.M.); (Z.C.); (M.A.A.O.); (F.L.)
| | - Yaqin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Xingzhou Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.X.); (A.Z.); (X.M.); (Z.C.); (M.A.A.O.); (F.L.)
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (J.Z.); (W.J.)
| | - Wencai Jie
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (J.Z.); (W.J.)
| | - Zhenghong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.X.); (A.Z.); (X.M.); (Z.C.); (M.A.A.O.); (F.L.)
| | - Mohamed A. A. Omar
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.X.); (A.Z.); (X.M.); (Z.C.); (M.A.A.O.); (F.L.)
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21531, Egypt
| | - Kang He
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.X.); (A.Z.); (X.M.); (Z.C.); (M.A.A.O.); (F.L.)
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.X.); (A.Z.); (X.M.); (Z.C.); (M.A.A.O.); (F.L.)
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Luo W, Huang LX, Qin SK, Zhang X, Feng QL, Gu J, Huang LH. Multiple microRNAs control ecdysone signaling in the midgut of Spodoptera litura. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:1208-1223. [PMID: 31840397 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metamorphosis is one of the most important physiological processes in insects. It is regulated by a serial of ecdysone cascade genes. Recently, lots of microRNAs (miRNAs) were investigated in insects; however, their function in metamorphosis is largely unknown. In the present study, the dynamics of a small RNA population was investigated by RNA sequencing from the midgut of a lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura during larval-pupal metamorphosis. A total of 101 miRNAs were identified, and 75 miRNAs were differentially expressed during the metamorphic process. The relationship between these differentially expressed miRNAs and 12 ecdysone cascade genes was analyzed by four classical software programs, and a multiple-to-multiple regulatory network was found to exist between these miRNAs and their targets. Among them, miR-14-3p and its two targets (EcR and E75) were chosen for further validation. MiR-14-3p had higher expression level in the 6th instar larvae as compared with either the prepupae or pupae, which was opposite to that of both EcR and E75, two ecdysone cascade genes. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that both EcR and E75 were regulated by miR-14-3p. Interestingly, the 3' untranslated regions are nearly identical to each other among different transcript variants of the ecdysone cascade genes, including EcR, USP, E75, E74, E78, E93, Hr3, Hr4, Hr39, Krh1 and Ftzf1. Thus, different transcript variants of one ecdysone cascade gene could be regulated by the same miRNA. The above data suggest that the ecdysone signaling pathway is under the tight control of miRNA. These findings expand our understanding of the mechanism of insect metamorphosis and may also provide a novel possibility for the control of pest insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Xia Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Application of Plant-Cancer Active Ingredients, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang-Kang Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Li Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hua Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang B, Zhao L, Ning J, Wickham JD, Tian H, Zhang X, Yang M, Wang X, Sun J. miR-31-5p regulates cold acclimation of the wood-boring beetle Monochamus alternatus via ascaroside signaling. BMC Biol 2020; 18:184. [PMID: 33246464 PMCID: PMC7697373 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival to cold stress in insects living in temperate environments requires the deployment of strategies that lead to physiological changes involved in freeze tolerance or freeze avoidance. These strategies may consist of, for instance, the induction of metabolic depression, accumulation of cryoprotectants, or the production of antifreeze proteins, however, little is known about the way such mechanisms are regulated and the signals involved in their activation. Ascarosides are signaling molecules usually known to regulate nematode behavior and development, whose expression was recently found to relate to thermal plasticity in the Japanese pine sawyer beetle Monochamus alternatus. Accumulating evidence also points to miRNAs as another class of regulators differentially expressed in response to cold stress, which are predicted to target genes involved in cold adaptation of insects. Here, we demonstrate a novel pathway involved in insect cold acclimation, through miRNA-mediated regulation of ascaroside function. RESULTS We initially discovered that experimental cold acclimation can enhance the beetle's cold hardiness. Through screening and functional verification, we found miR-31-5p, upregulated under cold stress, significantly contributes to this enhancement. Mechanistically, miR-31-5p promotes production of an ascaroside (asc-C9) in the beetle by negatively targeting the rate-limiting enzyme, acyl-CoA oxidase in peroxisomal β-oxidation cycles. Feeding experiments with synthetic asc-C9 suggests it may serve as a signal to promote cold acclimation through metabolic depression and accumulation of cryoprotectants with specific gene expression patterns. CONCLUSIONS Our results point to important roles of miRNA-mediated regulation of ascaroside function in insect cold adaptation. This enhanced cold tolerance may allow higher survival of M. alternatus in winter and be pivotal in shaping its wide distribution range, greatly expanding the threat of pine wilt disease, and thus can also inspire the development of ascaroside-based pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China
| | - Lilin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China
| | - Jing Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jacob D Wickham
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Haokai Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Meiling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiangming Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China.
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Tsang SSK, Law STS, Li C, Qu Z, Bendena WG, Tobe SS, Hui JHL. Diversity of Insect Sesquiterpenoid Regulation. Front Genet 2020; 11:1027. [PMID: 33133135 PMCID: PMC7511761 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are arguably the most successful group of animals in the world in terms of both species numbers and diverse habitats. The sesquiterpenoids juvenile hormone, methyl farnesoate, and farnesoic acid are well known to regulate metamorphosis, reproduction, sexual dimorphism, eusociality, and defense in insects. Nevertheless, different insects have evolved with different sesquiterpenoid biosynthetic pathway as well as products. On the other hand, non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs have been implicated in regulation of many important biological processes, and have recently been explored in the regulation of sesquiterpenoid production. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the diversity of sesquiterpenoids reported in different groups of insects, as well as the recent advancements in the understanding of regulation of sesquiterpenoid production by microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey S K Tsang
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sean T S Law
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chade Li
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe Qu
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Li T, Chen B, Yang P, Wang D, Du B, Kang L. Long Non-coding RNA Derived from lncRNA-mRNA Co-expression Networks Modulates the Locust Phase Change. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2020; 18:664-678. [PMID: 32866667 PMCID: PMC8377017 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate various biological processes ranging from gene expression to animal behavior. Although protein-coding genes, microRNAs, and neuropeptides play important roles in the regulation of phenotypic plasticity in migratory locust, empirical studies on the function of lncRNAs in this process remain limited. Here, we applied high-throughput RNA-seq to compare the expression patterns of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the time course of locust phase change. We found that lncRNAs responded more rapidly at the early stages of phase transition. Functional annotations demonstrated that early changed lncRNAs employed different pathways in isolation and crowding phases to cope with changes in the population density. Two overlapping hub lncRNA loci in the crowding and isolation networks were screened for functional verification. One of them, LNC1010057, was validated as a potential regulator of locust phase change. This work offers insights into the molecular mechanism underlying locust phase change and expands the scope of lncRNA functions in animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bing Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Pengcheng Yang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Depin Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baozhen Du
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Le Kang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Liu ZL, Xu J, Ling L, Yang DH, Chen SQ, Huang YP. MicroRNA-2738 regulates gene expression in the sex determination pathway in Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:646-654. [PMID: 31131541 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding transcripts that bind to 3'-untranslated regions to trigger messenger RNA degradation or translational inhibition. Here we explored how miRNAs regulate sex determination in Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Genes known to be involved in sex determination, BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc, are predicted targets of the species-specific miR-2738. Using a dual luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells, we confirmed that miR-2738 suppressed transcription of BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc. The levels of BmPSI and BmMasc were significantly down-regulated in B. mori miR-2738 overexpression. In contrast, the genetic disruption of miR-2738 using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 transgenic system increased the levels of BmPSI and BmMasc transcripts, whereas splicing of Bmdsx was unaltered by miR-2738 depletion or overexpression. Taken together, this study implicates miR-2738 as a minor regulator of sex determination genes in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Lian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Ling
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Hong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qing Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Ping Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, CAS, Shanghai, China
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Ramasamy E, Taank V, Anderson JF, Sultana H, Neelakanta G. Repression of tick microRNA-133 induces organic anion transporting polypeptide expression critical for Anaplasma phagocytophilum survival in the vector and transmission to the vertebrate host. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008856. [PMID: 32614824 PMCID: PMC7331985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. In this study, we provide evidence for the first time to show that rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection results in the down-regulation of tick microRNA-133 (miR-133), to induce Ixodes scapularis organic anion transporting polypeptide (isoatp4056) gene expression critical for this bacterial survival in the vector and for its transmission to the vertebrate host. Transfection studies with recombinant constructs containing transcriptional fusions confirmed binding of miR-133 to isoatp4056 mRNA. Treatment with miR-133 inhibitor resulted in increased bacterial burden and isoatp4056 expression in ticks and tick cells. In contrast, treatment with miR-133 mimic or pre-mir-133 resulted in dramatic reduction in isoatp4056 expression and bacterial burden in ticks and tick cells. Moreover, treatment of ticks with pre-mir-133 affected vector-mediated A. phagocytophilum infection of murine host. These results provide novel insights to understand impact of modulation of tick miRNAs on pathogen colonization in the vector and their transmission to infect the vertebrate host. This study provides novel evidence that shows that down-regulation of arthropod microRNA-133 leading to enhanced expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide is not only critical for rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum survival in ticks but also for this bacterial transmission from vector to the vertebrate host. Understanding how pathogens manipulate vector-signaling repertoire for their benefit would lead to the development of strategies to block their transmission from vector to the vertebrate host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellango Ramasamy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Vikas Taank
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - John F Anderson
- Department of Entomology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yang Q, Bao Z, Yang M, Shen Y, Zhang X, Yue B, Meng Y, Fan Z. Identification and characterization of microRNAs in American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Gene 2020; 743:144610. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Song J, Zhou S. Post-transcriptional regulation of insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1893-1909. [PMID: 31724082 PMCID: PMC11105025 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metamorphic transformation from larvae to adults along with the high fecundity is key to insect success. Insect metamorphosis and reproduction are governed by two critical endocrines, juvenile hormone (JH), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Recent studies have established a crucial role of microRNA (miRNA) in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. While miRNAs target genes involved in JH and 20E-signaling pathways, these two hormones reciprocally regulate miRNA expression, forming regulatory loops of miRNA with JH and 20E-signaling cascades. Insect metamorphosis and oogenesis rely on the coordination of hormones, cognate genes, and miRNAs for precise regulation. In addition, the alternative splicing of genes in JH and 20E-signaling pathways has distinct functions in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We, therefore, focus in this review on recent advances in post-transcriptional regulation, with the emphasis on the regulatory role of miRNA and alternative splicing, in insect metamorphosis and oogenesis. We will highlight important new findings of miRNA interactions with hormonal signaling and alternative splicing of JH receptor heterodimer gene Taiman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Song
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Shutang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
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Zhang X, Xu Y, Chen B, Kang L. Long noncoding RNA PAHAL modulates locust behavioural plasticity through the feedback regulation of dopamine biosynthesis. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008771. [PMID: 32348314 PMCID: PMC7241820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are specifically expressed in brain cells, implying their neural and behavioural functions. However, how lncRNAs contribute to neural regulatory networks governing the precise behaviour of animals is less explored. Here, we report the regulatory mechanism of the nuclear-enriched lncRNA PAHAL for dopamine biosynthesis and behavioural adjustment in migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria), a species with extreme behavioral plasticity. PAHAL is transcribed from the sense (coding) strand of the gene encoding phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which is responsible for the synthesis of dopamine from phenylalanine. PAHAL positively regulates PAH expression resulting in dopamine production in the brain. In addition, PAHAL modulates locust behavioral aggregation in a population density-dependent manner. Mechanistically, PAHAL mediates PAH transcriptional activation by recruiting serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2), a transcription/splicing factor, to the PAH proximal promoter. The co-activation effect of PAHAL requires the interaction of the PAHAL/SRSF2 complex with the promoter-associated nascent RNA of PAH. Thus, the data support a model of feedback modulation of animal behavioural plasticity by an lncRNA. In this model, the lncRNA mediates neurotransmitter metabolism through orchestrating a local transcriptional loop. The neurotransmitter dopamine is crucial for the neuronal and behavioral response in animals. Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is involved in dopamine biosynthesis and behavioral regulation in the migratory locust. However, the molecular mechanism for the fine tuning of PAH expression in behavioral response remains ambiguous. Here we discovered a nuclear-enriched lncRNA PAHAL that is transcribed from the coding strand of the PAH gene in the locust (i.e., sense lncRNA). PAHAL positively regulated PAH expression and dopamine production in the brain. In addition, PAHAL modulated behavioral aggregation of the locust. Mechanistically, PAHAL mediated the transcriptional activation of PAH by recruiting SRSF2, a transcription/splicing factor, to the promoter-associated nascent RNA of PAH. These data support a model of feedback modulation of dopamine biosynthesis and behavioral plasticity via a sense lncRNA in the catecholamine metabolic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya'nan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- * E-mail: (BC); (KL)
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- * E-mail: (BC); (KL)
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The Role of DNMT and HDACs in the Fetal Programming of Hypertension by Glucocorticoids. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:5751768. [PMID: 32318239 PMCID: PMC7149440 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5751768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The causes of hypertension are complex and involve both genetic and environmental factors. Environment changes during fetal development have been linked to adult diseases including hypertension. Studies show that timed in utero exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid (GC) dexamethasone (Dex) results in the development of hypertension in adult rats. Evidence suggests that in utero stress can alter patterns of gene expression, possibly a result of alterations in the topology of the genome by epigenetic markers such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of epigenetic regulators in the fetal programming and the development of adult hypertension. Specifically, this research examined the effects of the HDAC inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) and the DNMT inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5aza2DC) on blood pressure (BP) and gene expression in prenatal Dex-programmed rats. Data suggest that both VPA and 5aza2DC attenuated the Dex-mediated development of hypertension and restored BP to control levels. Epigenetic DNMT inhibition (DNMTi) or HDAC inhibition (HDACi) also successfully attenuated elevations in the majority of altered catecholamine (CA) enzyme expression, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) protein, and elevated epinephrine (Epi) levels in males. Although females responded to HDACi similar to males, DNMTi drove increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and PNMT expression and elevations in circulating Epi in females despite showing normotensive BP.
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Abstract
The application of RNAi promotes the development of novel approaches toward plant protection in a sustainable way. Genetically modified crops expressing dsRNA have been developed as commercial products with great potential in insect pest management. Alternatively, some nontransformative approaches, including foliar spray, irrigation and trunk injection, are favorable in actual utilization. In this review, we summarize the recent progress and successful cases of RNAi-based pest management strategy, explore essential implications and possibilities to improve RNAi efficiency by delivery of dsRNA through transformative and nontransformative approaches, and highlight the remaining challenges and important issues related to the application of this technology.
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Zhu B, Sun X, Nie X, Liang P, Gao X. MicroRNA-998-3p contributes to Cry1Ac-resistance by targeting ABCC2 in lepidopteran insects. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 117:103283. [PMID: 31759051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cry protein toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are now widely used in sprays and transgenic crops to control insect pests. Most recently, ATP-binding cassette transporter proteins (ABC transporter), including ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCG1, ABCA2 and ABCB1, were reported as putative receptors for different Cry toxins. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanism involved in the expression of these ABC transporter genes. In the present study, a conserved target site of miR-998-3p was identified from the coding sequence (CDS) of ABCC2 in diverse lepidopteran insects. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-998-3p could bind to the CDS of ABCC2 and down-regulate its expression through a conserved site and several non-conserved sites in three representative lepidopteran pests, including Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua and Plutella xylostella. Injection of miR-998-3p agomir significantly reduced the abundance of ABCC2, accompanied by increased tolerance to Cry1Ac toxin in H. armigera, S. exigua and P. xylostella (Cry-S) larvae, while injection of miR-998-3p antagomir increased the abundance of ABCC2 dramatically, and thereby reduced the Cry1Ac resistance in a Cry1Ac resistant population of P. xylostella (GX-R). These results give a better understanding of the mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation of ABCC2, and will be helpful for further studies on the role of miRNAs in the regulation of Cry1Ac resistance in lepidopteran pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ximan Nie
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Pei Liang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
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Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by short/small interfering RNA (siRNA) was discovered in nematodes and found to function in most living organisms. RNAi has been widely used as a research tool to study gene functions and has shown great potential for the development of novel pest management strategies. RNAi is highly efficient and systemic in coleopterans but highly variable or inefficient in many other insects. Differences in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation, cellular uptake, inter- and intracellular transports, processing of dsRNA to siRNA, and RNA-induced silencing complex formation influence RNAi efficiency. The basic dsRNA delivery methods include microinjection, feeding, and soaking. To improve dsRNA delivery, various new technologies, including cationic liposome-assisted, nanoparticle-enabled, symbiont-mediated, and plant-mediated deliveries, have been developed. Major challenges to widespread use of RNAi in insect pest management include variable RNAi efficiency among insects, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, off-target and nontarget effects, and potential development of resistance in insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA;
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA;
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Ayali A. The puzzle of locust density-dependent phase polyphenism. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 35:41-47. [PMID: 31326696 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Locust density-dependent phase polyphenism presents a quintessential example of environmentally induced plasticity. Almost a century of research has yielded ample knowledge regarding the multitude of ecological, physiological, and molecular phase-dependent characteristics. This short review highlights the considerable advances that have been made in our understanding of the locust's extreme plasticity and the highly complex nature of the phase phenomenon. Several challenges in locust research resulting from this unique complexity are also presented. It is concluded that the joint, interdisciplinary collaborative efforts, already underway, hold the promise of translating our ample knowledge into a complete solution to untangling the locust phase puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ayali
- The School of Zoology and The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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Jiang X, Breer H, Pregitzer P. Sensilla-Specific Expression of Odorant Receptors in the Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1052. [PMID: 31507434 PMCID: PMC6714038 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The desert locust Schistocerca gregaria recognizes multiple chemical cues, which are received by olfactory sensory neurons housed in morphologically identifiable sensilla. The different sensillum types contain olfactory sensory neurons with different physiological specificities, i.e., they respond to different categories of chemical signals. The molecular basis for the sensilla-specific responsiveness of these cells is unknown, but probably based on the endogenous receptor repertoire. To explore this issue, attempts were made to elucidate whether distinct odorant receptors (ORs) may be expressed in a sensilla-specific manner. Analyzing more than 80 OR types concerning for a sensilla-specific expression revealed that the vast majority was found to be expressed in sensilla basiconica; whereas only three OR types were expressed in sensilla trichodea. Within a sensillum unit, even in the multicellular assembly of sensilla basiconica, many of the OR types were expressed in only a single cell, however, a few OR types were found to be expressed in a consortium of cells typically arranged in a cluster of 2–4 cells. The notion that the OR-specific cell clusters are successively formed in the course of development was confirmed by comparing the expression patterns in different nymph stages. The results of this study uncover some novel and unique features of locust olfactory system, which will contribute to unravel the complexity of locust olfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingcong Jiang
- Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Heinz Breer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pablo Pregitzer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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He K, Xiao H, Sun Y, Situ G, Xi Y, Li F. microRNA-14 as an efficient suppressor to switch off ecdysone production after ecdysis in insects. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1313-1325. [PMID: 31184522 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1629768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise increase and decrease of hormone ecdysone are critical for accurate development in insects. Most previous works focus on transcriptional activation of ecdysone production; however, little is known about the mechanism of switching off ecdysone biosynthesis after ecdysis. Here, we showed that the precursor microRNA-14 (pre-miR-14) encodes two mature miRNAs in silkworm; both of these two mature miRNAs regulate various genes in the ecdysone-signalling pathway. Bmo-miR-14-5p targets on nine genes whereas Bmo-miR-14-3p targets on two genes in the same pathway. These two mature miRNAs increased immediately after the ecdysis, efficiently suppressing the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) biosynthesis, the upstream regulation, and the downstream response genes. Knocking down either of two mature miRNAs or both of them delays moult development, impairing development synchrony in antagomir-treated groups. In addition, overexpressing Bmo-miR-14-5p but not Bmo-miR-14-3p significantly affected the 20E titer and increased the moulting time variation, suggesting that Bmo-miR-14-5p, though it is less abundant, has more potent effects in development regulation than Bmo-miR-14-3p. In summary, we present evidence that a pre-miRNA encodes two mature miRNAs targeting on the same pathway, which significantly improves miRNA regulation efficiencies to programmatically switch off ecdysone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang He
- a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
| | - Huamei Xiao
- b College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University , Yichun , China.,c Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yang Sun
- c Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,d Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science , Nanchang , China
| | - Gongming Situ
- c Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yu Xi
- e Agricultural Genomes Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Shenzhen , China
| | - Fei Li
- a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
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Li S, Xu X, Zheng Z, Zheng J, Shakeel M, Jin F. MicroRNA expression profiling of Plutella xylostella after challenge with B. thuringiensis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 93:115-124. [PMID: 30582949 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, the main pest of brassica crops, has developed resistance to almost all major classes of insecticides as the farmers rely on insecticides to control this pest. An extensive use of broad-spectrum insecticides against P. xylostella promotes the selection of insecticide resistance, destroy natural enemies, and pollute the environment. In this scenario, it is imperative to use genetic methods such as gene silencing technology as an alternate approach against this pest. Evidence shows that microRNAs play pivotal roles in the regulation of target genes at the post-transcription level and show differential expression under various biological processes. However, the knowledge of their role in insect immunity is still in its infancy. In the present study, we aimed at exploring the response of P. xylostella miRNAs against B. thuringiensis at different time courses (6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h) by using small RNA sequencing. After data filtration, a combined set of 149 miRNAs was identified from all the libraries. Interestingly, a couple of conserved miRNAs such as miR-1, Let-7, miR-275, miR-184, and miR-10 were listed as abundantly expressed miRNAs after exposure to B. thuringiensis. It is worth mentioning that the differential expression analysis revealed that miR-2, a conserved miRNA, was up-regulated following infection. Furthermore, we experimentally validated the involvement of miR-2b-3p in the regulation of corresponding target trypsin. Our luciferase assay results revealed that miR-2b-3p mimic significantly down-regulated the target gene trypsin indicating that it might play a crucial role in the defense mechanism of P. xylostella against B. thuringiensis infection. On the whole, our findings provide insights into the possible regulatory role of miRNAs in insect immunity in response to microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhong Li
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhihua Zheng
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jinlong Zheng
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Muhammad Shakeel
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Fengliang Jin
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, PR China.
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