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Lee Y, Muthukrishnan S, Kramer KJ, Sakamoto T, Tabunoki H, Arakane Y, Noh MY. Functional importance of groups I and II chitinases in cuticle chitin turnover during molting in a wood-boring beetle, Monochamus alternatus. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105496. [PMID: 37532355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Insects must periodically replace their old cuticle/exoskeleton with a new one in a process called molting or ecdysis to allow for continuous growth through sequential developmental stages. Many RNA interference (RNAi) studies have demonstrated that certain chitinases (CHTs) play roles in this vital physiological event because knockdown of these CHT genes resulted in developmental arrest during the ensuing molting period in several insect species. In this research we analyzed the functions of group I (MaCHT5) and group II (MaCHT10) CHT genes in molting of the Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus, an important forest pest known as a major vector of the pinewood nematode. Real-time qPCR revealed that these two CHT genes differ in their expression patterns during late stages of development. Depletion of either MaCHT5 or MaCHT10 transcripts by RNAi resulted in lethal larval-pupal and pupal-adult molting defects depending on the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection timing during development. The insects were unable to shed their old cuticle and died. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed that, unlike dsEGFP-treated controls, dsMaCHT5- and dsMaCHT10-treated pharate adults exhibited a failure of degradation of the endocuticular layer of their old pupal cuticle, retaining nearly intact horizontal chitinous laminae and vertical pore canal fibers. Both enzymes were indispensable for complete turnover of the chitinous old endocuticle, which is critical for insect molting. The possible functions of two spliced variants of MaCHT10, namely, MaCHT10a and MaCHT10b, are also discussed. Our results add to the knowledge base for further functional studies of insect chitin catabolism by revealing the relative importance of both MaCHT5 and MaCHT10 in chitin turnover with subtle differences in their action. These essential genes and their encoded proteins are potential targets to manipulate for controlling populations of M. alternatus and other pest insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngseo Lee
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Karl J Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Takuma Sakamoto
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tabunoki
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.
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Tian H, Liu SQ, Jing WH, Hao ZH, Li YH, Lu ZH, Ding ZK, Huang SL, Xu YS, Wang HB. Imaginal disc growth factor is involved in melanin synthesis and energy metabolism in Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 112:e21995. [PMID: 36575612 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The imaginal disc growth factor (IDGF), belonging to the glycoside hydrolase 18 family, plays an important role in various physiological processes in insects. However, the detail physiological function of IDGF is still unclear. In this study, transcriptome analysis was performed on the fatbody isolated from staged control and BmIDGF mutant silkworm larvae. Transcriptional profiling revealed that the absence of BmIDGF significantly affected differentially expressed genes involved in tyrosine and purine metabolism, as well as multiple energy metabolism pathways, including glycolysis, galactose, starch, and sucrose metabolism. The interruption of BmIDGF caused similar and specific gene expression changes to male and female fatbody. Furthermore, a genome-scale metabolic network integrating metabolomic and transcriptomic datasets revealed 11 pathways significantly altered at the transcriptional and metabolic levels, including amino acid, carbohydrate, uric acid metabolism pathways, insect hormone biosynthesis, and ABC transporters. In conclusion, this multiomics analysis suggests that IDGF is involved in gene-metabolism interactions, revealing its unique role in melanin synthesis and energy metabolism. This study provides new insights into the physiological function of IDGF in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Tian
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai-Qi Liu
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hui Jing
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Hao
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Hui Li
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Hao Lu
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Kai Ding
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shao-Li Huang
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Song Xu
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Bing Wang
- Department of Economic Zoology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Liang Y, Xu W, Zhou Y, Gao Y, Tian H, Wu X, Xu Y, Wang H. Midgut membrane protein BmSUH facilitates Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus oral infection. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010938. [PMID: 36383572 PMCID: PMC9668127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculoviruses are virulent pathogens that infect a wide range of insects. They initiate infections via specific interactions between the structural proteins on the envelopes of occlusion-derived virions (ODVs) and the midgut cell surface receptors in hosts. However, host factors that are hijacked by baculoviruses for efficient infection remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified a membrane-associated protein sucrose hydrolase (BmSUH) as an ODV binding factor during Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) primary infection. BmSUH was specifically expressed in the midgut microvilli where the ODV-midgut fusion happened. Knockout of BmSUH by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in a significantly higher survival rate after BmNPV orally infection. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that PIF protein complex required for ODV binding could interact with BmSUH. Furthermore, fluorescence dequenching assay showed that the amount of ODV binding and fusion to the midgut decreased in BmSUH mutants compared to wild-type silkworm, suggesting the role of BmSUH as an ODV binding factor that mediates the ODV entry process. Based on a multilevel survey, the data showed that BmSUH acted as a host factor that facilitates BmNPV oral infection. More generally, this study indicated that disrupting essential protein-protein interactions required for baculovirus efficient entry may be broadly applicable to against viral infection. Baculoviridae is a large family of pathogens that infect insects and frequently cause fatal diseases. Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a major threat to the sericulture industry. Although we have learned a lot about baculoviruses over the past several decades, the detailed interaction patterns between host proteins and viral proteins that lead to infection remain underexplored. Here, we determined that BmSUH, a midgut microvilli protein, was required for the efficient oral infection of BmNPV. Our research suggests that BmSUH mediates the entry of occlusion-derived virions into the midgut epithelia by interacting with per os infectivity factors. According to the findings, inhibition of viral binding to host cells is an attractive strategy to prevent infection. This study provides an approach for preventing BmNPV infection through developing genetic resistance to viruses by using CRISPR/Cas9 system to abolish the host factors that are essential for viral entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Liang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weifan Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Gao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huan Tian
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yusong Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huabing Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Wu ZZ, Zhang WY, Lin YZ, Li DQ, Shu BS, Lin JT. Genome-wide identification, characterization and functional analysis of the chitianse and chitinase-like gene family in Diaphorina citri. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1740-1748. [PMID: 34997800 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect chitinases play vital roles in postembryonic development, especially during the molting process, and are potential targets for the RNA interference (RNAi)-based insecticidal strategy. Systematic functional analyses of chitinase genes have already been conducted on numerous insect pests, but similar analyses have not been carried out on Diaphorina citri. RESULTS Eleven chitinase/chitinase-like genes and one endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) gene were identified in the Diaphorina citri genome using various bioinformatic tools. Transcriptomes of the integument and midgut from fifth-instar nymphs and freshly-emerged adults of Diaphorina citri were generated and sequenced. Potential functions of 12 chitinase/chitinase-like genes were examined during nymph-adult transitions. Four chitinase genes, including DcCht5, DcCht7, DcCht10-1 and DcCht10-2, were mainly expressed in the integument of fifth-instar nymphs. These four genes were also up-regulated significantly under 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatments. RNAi-mediated knockdown of these four genes suggests that they are essential for nymph-adult transition. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated essential roles of the chitinase/chitinase-like genes during the nymph-adult transition in Diaphorina citri, which are potentially useful targets for controlling the Diaphorina citri pest. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Zhen Wu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wan-Ying Zhang
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Zhu Lin
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Da-Qi Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, P. R. China
| | - Ben-Shui Shu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Tian Lin
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Tree Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Baci GM, Cucu AA, Giurgiu AI, Muscă AS, Bagameri L, Moise AR, Bobiș O, Rațiu AC, Dezmirean DS. Advances in Editing Silkworms ( Bombyx mori) Genome by Using the CRISPR-Cas System. INSECTS 2021; 13:28. [PMID: 35055871 PMCID: PMC8777690 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) represents a powerful genome editing technology that revolutionized in a short period of time numerous natural sciences branches. Therefore, extraordinary progress was made in various fields, such as entomology or biotechnology. Bombyx mori is one of the most important insects, not only for the sericulture industry, but for numerous scientific areas. The silkworms play a key role as a model organism, but also as a bioreactor for the recombinant protein production. Nowadays, the CRISPR-Cas genome editing system is frequently used in order to perform gene analyses, to increase the resistance against certain pathogens or as an imaging tool in B. mori. Here, we provide an overview of various studies that made use of CRISPR-Cas for B. mori genome editing, with a focus on emphasizing the high applicability of this system in entomology and biological sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela-Maria Baci
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Alexandra-Antonia Cucu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Alexandru-Ioan Giurgiu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Adriana-Sebastiana Muscă
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Lilla Bagameri
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Adela Ramona Moise
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Otilia Bobiș
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | | | - Daniel Severus Dezmirean
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
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Popadić A, Tsitlakidou D. Regional patterning and regulation of melanin pigmentation in insects. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:163-170. [PMID: 34087530 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Insects display an immense diversity in melanin pigmentation, which is generated by the interplay between the regulatory genes (that provide general patterning information) and effector genes (that provide coloration of the pattern). However, recent studies encompassing several different orders (Hemiptera, Blattodea, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera) have shown that knockdowns of melanin producing genes alone can generate distinct region-specific patterns. This review surveys the most recent studies to further document the regional patterning of effector genes, and highlights the new advances and their implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Popadić
- Biological Sciences Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Despina Tsitlakidou
- Biological Sciences Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Tong X, Qiao L, Luo J, Ding X, Wu S. The evolution and genetics of lepidopteran egg and caterpillar coloration. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:140-146. [PMID: 34030080 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Insect colors and color patterns have fascinated biologists for centuries. While extensive research has focused on the adult colors of Drosophila and butterflies, our understanding of how colors are generated and diversified in embryonic and larval stages remains limited, especially, the genetics behind the protective coloration of the immobile embryonic and larval stages. Lepidoptera, one of the most widespread and species-rich insect orders, are extremely helpful uncovering those mechanisms due to their remarkable diverse colors in eggs and caterpillars within or among species, and these colors usually are variable in different developmental stages or in response to different environments. Here we review the recent progress on coloration of lepidopteran eggs and caterpillars, focusing on the genetic basis, developmental mechanisms, ecology, and evolution underlying the remarkable color diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Liang Qiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jiangwen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Songyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Li Y, Zhou Y, Jing W, Xu S, Jin Y, Xu Y, Wang H. Horizontally acquired cysteine synthase genes undergo functional divergence in lepidopteran herbivores. Heredity (Edinb) 2021; 127:21-34. [PMID: 33833409 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-021-00430-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays an important role in evolutionary processes as organisms adapt to their environments, and now cases of gene duplication after HGT in eukaryotes are emerging at an increasing rate. However, the fate and roles of the duplicated genes over time in eukaryotes remain unclear. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of cysteine synthase (CYS) in lepidopteran insects. Our results indicate that HGT-derived CYS genes are widespread and have undergone duplication following horizontal transfer in many lepidopteran insects. Moreover, lepidopteran CYS proteins not only have β-cyanoalanine synthase activity but also possess cysteine synthase activity that is involved in sulfur amino acid biosynthesis. Duplicated CYS genes show marked divergence in gene expression patterns and enzymatic properties, suggesting that they probably have undergone subfunctionalization and/or neofunctionalization in Lepidoptera. The gene transfer of CYS genes and subsequent duplication appears to have facilitated the adaptation of lepidopteran insects to different diets and promoted their ecological diversification. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the ecological and evolutionary contributions of CYS in lepidopteran insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Jing
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiliang Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Jin
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yusong Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huabing Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Dai X, Kiuchi T, Zhou Y, Jia S, Xu Y, Katsuma S, Shimada T, Wang H. Horizontal Gene Transfer and Gene Duplication of β-Fructofuranosidase Confer Lepidopteran Insects Metabolic Benefits. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:2897-2914. [PMID: 33739418 PMCID: PMC8233494 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a potentially critical source of material for ecological adaptation and the evolution of novel genetic traits. However, reports on posttransfer duplication in organism genomes are lacking, and the evolutionary advantages conferred on the recipient are generally poorly understood. Sucrase plays an important role in insect physiological growth and development. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of insect β-fructofuranosidase transferred from bacteria via HGT. We found that posttransfer duplications of β-fructofuranosidase were widespread in Lepidoptera and sporadic occurrences of β-fructofuranosidase were found in Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. β-fructofuranosidase genes often undergo modifications, such as gene duplication, differential gene loss, and changes in mutation rates. Lepidopteran β-fructofuranosidase gene (SUC) clusters showed marked divergence in gene expression patterns and enzymatic properties in Bombyx mori (moth) and Papilio xuthus (butterfly). We generated SUC1 mutations in B. mori using CRISPR/Cas9 to thoroughly examine the physiological function of SUC. BmSUC1 mutant larvae were viable but displayed delayed growth and reduced sucrase activities that included susceptibility to the sugar mimic alkaloid found in high concentrations in mulberry. BmSUC1 served as a critical sucrase and supported metabolic homeostasis in the larval midgut and silk gland, suggesting that gene transfer of β-fructofuranosidase enhanced the digestive and metabolic adaptation of lepidopteran insects. These findings highlight not only the universal function of β-fructofuranosidase with a link to the maintenance of carbohydrate metabolism but also an underexplored function in the silk gland. This study expands our knowledge of posttransfer duplication and subsequent functional diversification in the adaptive evolution and lineage-specific adaptation of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangping Dai
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Takashi Kiuchi
- Laboratory of Insect Genetics and Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shunze Jia
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yusong Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Susumu Katsuma
- Laboratory of Insect Genetics and Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Shimada
- Laboratory of Insect Genetics and Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Huabing Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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