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Bilgo E, Mancini MV, Gnambani JE, Dokpomiwa HAT, Murdochy S, Lovett B, St. Leger R, Sinkins SP, Diabate A. Wolbachia confers protection against the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense in African Aedes aegypti. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13316. [PMID: 39097980 PMCID: PMC11298244 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi represent promising alternatives to chemical insecticides to respond to the rapid increase of insecticide resistance and vector-borne disease outbreaks. This study investigated the interaction of two strains of Wolbachia, wAlbB and wAu, with the natural entomopathogenic fungi from Burkina Faso Metarhizium pingshaense, known to be lethal against Anopheles mosquitoes. In addition to showing the potential of Metarhizium against African Aedes aegypti wild-type populations, our study shows that the wAlbB and wAu provide a protective advantage against entomopathogenic fungal infections. Compared to controls, fungal-infected wAu and wAlbB-carrying mosquitoes showed higher longevity, without any significant impact on fecundity and fertility phenotypes. This study provides new insights into the complex multipartite interaction among the mosquito host, the Wolbachia endosymbiont and the entomopathogenic fungus that might be employed to control mosquito populations. Future research should investigate the fitness costs of Wolbachia, as well as its spread and prevalence within mosquito populations. Additionally, evaluating the impact of Wolbachia on interventions involving Metarhizium pingshaense through laboratory and semi-field population studies will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this combined approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Bilgo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Maria Vittoria Mancini
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
- Department of Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Jacques E. Gnambani
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Houeffa Adeline Tatiana Dokpomiwa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Shivan Murdochy
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Brian Lovett
- United States Department of Agriculture Research ServiceIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | | | | | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la SantéDirection Régionale de l'OuestDioulassoBurkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre MurazDioulassoBurkina Faso
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2
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Madhav M, Blasdell KR, Trewin B, Paradkar PN, López-Denman AJ. Culex-Transmitted Diseases: Mechanisms, Impact, and Future Control Strategies using Wolbachia. Viruses 2024; 16:1134. [PMID: 39066296 PMCID: PMC11281716 DOI: 10.3390/v16071134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes of the Culex genus are responsible for a large burden of zoonotic virus transmission globally. Collectively, they play a significant role in the transmission of medically significant diseases such as Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. Climate change, global trade, habitat transformation and increased urbanisation are leading to the establishment of Culex mosquitoes in new geographical regions. These novel mosquito incursions are intensifying concerns about the emergence of Culex-transmitted diseases and outbreaks in previously unaffected areas. New mosquito control methods are currently being developed and deployed globally. Understanding the complex interaction between pathogens and mosquitoes is essential for developing new control strategies for Culex species mosquitoes. This article reviews the role of Culex mosquitos as vectors of zoonotic disease, discussing the transmission of viruses across different species, and the potential use of Wolbachia technologies to control disease spread. By leveraging the insights gained from recent successful field trials of Wolbachia against Aedes-borne diseases, we comprehensively discuss the feasibility of using this technique to control Culex mosquitoes and the potential for the development of next generational Wolbachia-based control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukund Madhav
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Kim R. Blasdell
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Brendan Trewin
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Dutton Park, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Prasad N. Paradkar
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Adam J. López-Denman
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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3
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Zhao J, Guan G, Li D, Yu X, Shentu X. Study on the gut symbiotic microbiota in long- and short-winged brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). Sci Rep 2024; 14:11306. [PMID: 38760487 PMCID: PMC11101650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62350-2] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is one of the most important rice pests in Asia rice regions. BPH has monophagy, migration, rapid reproduction and strong environmental adaptability, and its control is a major problem in pest management. Adult BPH exhibit wing dimorphism, and the symbiotic microbiota enriched in the gut can provide energy for wing flight muscles as a source of nutrition. In order to study the diversity of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs, this paper takes female BPH as the research object. It was found that the number of symbiotic microbiota of different winged BPHs would change at different development stages. Then, based on the 16S rRNA and ITS sequences, a metagenomic library was constructed, combined with fluorescent quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, the dominant symbiotic microbiota flora in the gut of different winged BPHs was found, and the community structure and composition of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs were further determined. Together, our results preliminarily revealed that symbiotic microbiota in the gut of BPHs have certain effects on wing morphology, and understanding the mechanisms underlying wing morph differentiation will clarify how nutritional factors or environmental cues alter or regulate physiological and metabolic pathways. These findings also establish a theoretical basis for subsequent explorations into BPH-symbiont interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Guangxiang Guan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Danting Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xuping Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
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4
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Azarm A, Koosha M, Dalimi A, Zahraie-Ramazani A, Akhavan AA, Saeidi Z, Mohebali M, Azam K, Vatandoost H, Oshaghi MA. Association Between Wolbachia Infection and Susceptibility to Deltamethrin Insecticide in Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae), the Main Vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:159-165. [PMID: 38016137 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Wolbachia is a symbiotic alphaproteobacteria of arthropods that can be involved in susceptibility or resistance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Wolbachia and Deltamethrin susceptibility/resistance in Ph. papatasi. Deltamethrin filter papers (0.00002%) were used to test sand fly field collected from southern Iran. After the test, PCR amplification of the Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp) was used to measure Wolbachia infection rate in the killed, surviving, and control groups. Result: The rates of infection by Wolbachia strain (wPap, super group A) differed between killed (susceptible) and surviving (resistant) Ph. papatasi specimens. The rate of Wolbachia infection in susceptible individuals was more than twice (2.3) (39% vs. 17%) in resistant individuals with the same genetic background. This difference was highly significant (p < 0.001), indicating a positive association between Wolbachia infection and susceptibility to Deltamethrin. In addition, the results showed that Deltamethrin can act as a PCR inhibitor during detection of Wolbachia in Ph. papatasi. Conclusion: Results of this study show that Wolbachia is associated with Deltamethrin susceptibility level in Ph. papatasi. Also, as Deltamethrin has been identified as a PCR inhibitor, great care must be taken in interpreting Wolbachia infection status in infected populations. The results of this study may provide information for a better understanding of the host-symbiont relationship, as well as application of host symbiosis in pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrollah Azarm
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Koosha
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zahraie-Ramazani
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ahmad Akhavan
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Saeidi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology and School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamal Azam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Vatandoost
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Chemical Pollutants and Pesticides, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Oshaghi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Bergmann S, Graf E, Hoffmann P, Becker SC, Stern M. Localization of nitric oxide-producing hemocytes in Aedes and Culex mosquitoes infected with bacteria. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 395:313-326. [PMID: 38240845 PMCID: PMC10904431 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03862-1] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are significant vectors of various pathogens. Unlike vertebrates, insects rely solely on innate immunity. Hemocytes play a crucial role in the cellular part of the innate immune system. The gaseous radical nitric oxide (NO) produced by hemocytes acts against pathogens and also functions as a versatile transmitter in both the immune and nervous systems, utilizing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) as a second messenger. This study conducted a parallel comparison of NO synthase (NOS) expression and NO production in hemocytes during Escherichia coli K12 infection in four vector species: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens molestus, and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Increased NOS expression by NADPH diaphorase (NADPHd) staining and NO production by immunofluorescence against the by-product L-citrulline were observed in infected mosquito hemocytes distributed throughout the abdomens. NADPHd activity and citrulline labeling were particularly found in periostial hemocytes near the heart, but also on the ventral nerve chord (VNC). Pericardial cells of Ae. aegypti and Cx. p. molestus showed increased citrulline immunofluorescence, suggesting their involvement in the immune response. Oenocytes displayed strong NADPHd and citrulline labeling independent of infection status. This comparative study, consistent with findings in other species, suggests a widespread phenomenon of NO's role in hemocyte responses during E. coli infection. Found differences within and between genera highlight the importance of species-specific investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bergmann
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Emily Graf
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pascal Hoffmann
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefanie C Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Stern
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
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6
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Flores GAM, Lopez RP, Cerrudo CS, Perotti MA, Consolo VF, Berón CM. Wolbachia dominance influences the Culex quinquefasciatus microbiota. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18980. [PMID: 37923779 PMCID: PMC10624681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46067-2] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms present in mosquitoes and their interactions are key factors affecting insect development. Among them, Wolbachia is closely associated with the host and affects several fitness parameters. In this study, the bacterial and fungal microbiota from two laboratory Culex quinquefasciatus isolines (wild type and tetracycline-cured) were characterized by metagenome amplicon sequencing of the ITS2 and 16S rRNA genes at different developmental stages and feeding conditions. We identified 572 bacterial and 61 fungal OTUs. Both isolines presented variable bacterial communities and different trends in the distribution of diversity among the groups. The lowest bacterial richness was detected in sugar-fed adults of the cured isoline, whereas fungal richness was highly reduced in blood-fed mosquitoes. Beta diversity analysis indicated that isolines are an important factor in the differentiation of mosquito bacterial communities. Considering composition, Penicillium was the dominant fungal genus, whereas Wolbachia dominance was inversely related to that of Enterobacteria (mainly Thorsellia and Serratia). This study provides a more complete overview of the mosquito microbiome, emphasizing specific highly abundant components that should be considered in microorganism manipulation approaches to control vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo A M Flores
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología (INBIOTEC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Fundación Para Investigaciones Biológicas Aplicadas (FIBA), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rocio P Lopez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología (INBIOTEC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Fundación Para Investigaciones Biológicas Aplicadas (FIBA), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina S Cerrudo
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular (LIGBCM), Area Virosis de Insectos (AVI), Departamento Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes and CONICET, Bernal, Argentina
| | - M Alejandra Perotti
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - V Fabiana Consolo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología (INBIOTEC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Fundación Para Investigaciones Biológicas Aplicadas (FIBA), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Corina M Berón
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología (INBIOTEC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Fundación Para Investigaciones Biológicas Aplicadas (FIBA), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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7
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Perlmutter JI, Atadurdyyeva A, Schedl ME, Unckless RL. Wolbachia enhances the survival of Drosophila infected with fungal pathogens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.560320. [PMID: 37873081 PMCID: PMC10592616 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.560320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia bacteria of arthropods are at the forefront of basic and translational research on multipartite host-symbiont-pathogen interactions. These microbes are vertically inherited from mother to offspring via the cytoplasm. They are the most widespread endosymbionts on the planet due to their infamous ability to manipulate the reproduction of their hosts to spread themselves in a population, and to provide a variety of fitness benefits to their hosts. Importantly, some strains of Wolbachia can inhibit viral pathogenesis within and between arthropod hosts. Mosquitoes carrying the wMel Wolbachia strain of Drosophila melanogaster have a greatly reduced capacity to spread viruses like dengue and Zika to humans. Therefore, Wolbachia are the basis of several global vector control initiatives. While significant research efforts have focused on viruses, relatively little attention has been given to Wolbachia-fungal interactions despite the ubiquity of fungal entomopathogens in nature. Here, we demonstrate that Wolbachia increase the longevity of their Drosophila melanogaster hosts when challenged with a spectrum of yeast and filamentous fungal pathogens. We find that this pattern can vary based on host genotype, sex, and fungal species. Further, Wolbachia correlates with higher fertility and reduced pathogen titers during initial fungal infection, indicating a significant fitness benefit. This study demonstrates Wolbachia's role in diverse fungal pathogen interactions and determines that the phenotype is broad, but with several variables that influence both the presence and strength of the phenotype. These results enhance our knowledge of the strategies Wolbachia uses that likely contribute to such a high global symbiont prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aylar Atadurdyyeva
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Margaret E. Schedl
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Robert L. Unckless
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
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8
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Garrido M, Veiga J, Garrigós M, Martínez-de la Puente J. The interplay between vector microbial community and pathogen transmission on the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus: current knowledge and future directions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1208633. [PMID: 37577425 PMCID: PMC10413570 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1208633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasive Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is nowadays broadly distributed with established populations in all continents except Antarctica. In the invaded areas, this species represents an important nuisance for humans and, more relevant, it is involved in the local transmission of pathogens relevant under a public health perspective. Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of parasites such as Dirofilaria and viruses including dengue virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus, among others. The mosquito microbiota has been identified as one of the major drivers of vector competence, acting upon relevant vector functions as development or immunity. Here, we review the available literature on the interaction between Ae. albopictus microbiota and pathogen transmission and identify the knowledge gaps on the topic. Most studies are strictly focused on the interplay between pathogens and Wolbachia endosymbiont while studies screening whole microbiota are still scarce but increasing in recent years, supported on Next-generation sequencing tools. Most experimental trials use lab-reared mosquitoes or cell lines, exploring the molecular mechanisms of the microbiota-pathogen interaction. Yet, correlational studies on wild populations are underrepresented. Consequently, we still lack sufficient evidence to reveal whether the microbiota of introduced populations of Ae. albopictus differ from those of native populations, or how microbiota is shaped by different environmental and anthropic factors, but especially, how these changes affect the ability of Ae. albopictus to transmit pathogens and favor the occurrence of outbreaks in the colonized areas. Finally, we propose future research directions on this research topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Garrido
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Veiga
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Garrigós
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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9
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Qin Y, Liu X, Peng G, Xia Y, Cao Y. Recent Advancements in Pathogenic Mechanisms, Applications and Strategies for Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mosquito Biocontrol. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:746. [PMID: 37504734 PMCID: PMC10381795 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases are widespread among insects and play a crucial role in naturally regulating insect populations. Mosquitoes, known as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, pose a significant threat to human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as highly promising alternative agents to chemical mosquitocides for controlling mosquitoes at all stages of their life cycle due to their unique infection pathway through direct contact with the insect's cuticle. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the infection pathways and pathogenic mechanisms of EPF against mosquitoes. Various strategies involving the use of EPF alone or combinations with other approaches have been employed to target mosquitoes at various developmental stages. Moreover, the application of genetic technologies in fungi has opened up new avenues for enhancing the mosquitocidal efficacy of EPF. This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in our understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of EPF, their applications in mosquito management, and the combination of EPF with other approaches and employment of transgenic technologies. The biosafety concerns associated with their use and the corresponding approaches are also discussed. The recent progress suggests that EPF have the potential to serve as a future biorational tool for controlling mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Guoxiong Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yueqing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
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10
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Kryukov VY, Rotskaya UN, Yaroslavtseva ON, Noskov YA, Glupov VV. Expression of Immunity- and Stress-Related Genes during an Intermolt Period in the Colorado Potato Beetle. INSECTS 2022; 13:1168. [PMID: 36555078 PMCID: PMC9785908 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Different developmental stages of insects may be dissimilar in immunity functioning. Additionally, the stages often inhabit diverse environments with specific microbial communities. In the Colorado potato beetle, a strong increase in resistance to entomopathogenic fungi is observed during the intermolt period of last-instar larvae, but mechanisms of this change are insufficiently understood. We studied changes in the expression of immunity- and stress-related genes in the fat body and integument during this intermolt period by quantitative PCR. By the end of the instar, there was upregulation of transcription factors of Toll, IMD, and Jak-Stat pathways as well as genes encoding metalloprotease inhibitors, odorant-binding proteins, and heat shock proteins. Nonetheless, the expression of gene LdRBLk encoding β-lectin did not change during this period. Most of the aforementioned genes were upregulated in response to Metarhizium robertsii topical infection. The expression alterations were more pronounced in recently molted larvae than in finishing feeding larvae and in the integument compared to the fat body. We believe that upregulation of immune-system- and stress-related genes at the end of the intermolt period is an adaptation caused by migration of larvae into soil, where the probability of encountering entomopathogenic fungi is high.
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11
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Delivery and effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi for mosquito and tick control: current knowledge and research challenges. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Genetics and immunity of Anopheles response to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae overlap with immunity to Plasmodium. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6315. [PMID: 35428783 PMCID: PMC9012835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10190-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi have been explored as a potential biopesticide to counteract the insecticide resistance issue in mosquitoes. However, little is known about the possibility that genetic resistance to fungal biopesticides could evolve in mosquito populations. Here, we detected an important genetic component underlying Anopheles coluzzii survival after exposure to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. A familiality study detected variation for survival among wild mosquito isofemale pedigrees, and genetic mapping identified two loci that significantly influence mosquito survival after fungus exposure. One locus overlaps with a previously reported locus for Anopheles susceptibility to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Candidate gene studies revealed that two LRR proteins encoded by APL1C and LRIM1 genes in this newly mapped locus are required for protection of female A. coluzzii from M. anisopliae, as is the complement-like factor Tep1. These results indicate that natural Anopheles populations already segregate frequent genetic variation for differential mosquito survival after fungal challenge and suggest a similarity in Anopheles protective responses against fungus and Plasmodium. However, this immune similarity raises the possibility that fungus-resistant mosquitoes could also display enhanced resistance to Plasmodium, suggesting an advantage of selecting for fungus resistance in vector populations to promote naturally diminished malaria vector competence.
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