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Han Y, Pu Q, Fan T, Wei T, Xu Y, Zhao L, Liu S. Long non-coding RNAs as promising targets for controlling disease vector mosquitoes. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38783627 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Hematophagous female mosquitoes are important vectors of numerous devastating human diseases, posing a major public health threat. Effective prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases rely considerably on progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of various life activities, and accordingly, the molecules that regulate the various life activities of mosquitoes are potential targets for implementing future vector control strategies. Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in mosquitoes and significant progress has been made in determining their functions. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the research advances on mosquito lncRNAs, including their molecular identification, function, and interaction with other non-coding RNAs, as well as their synergistic regulatory roles in mosquito life activities. We also highlight the potential roles of competitive endogenous RNAs in mosquito growth and development, as well as in insecticide resistance and virus-host interactions. Insights into the biological functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in mosquito life activities, viral replication, pathogenesis, and transmission will contribute to the development of novel drugs and safe vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qian Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Ting Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Tianqi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yankun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Shiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
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Zhang R, Liu W, Zhang Z. miR-306-5p is involved in chitin metabolism in Aedes albopictus pupae via linc8338-miR-306-5p-XM_019678125.2 axis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105811. [PMID: 38582583 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105811] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Aedes albopictus can transmit several lethal arboviruses. This mosquito has become a sever public health threat due to its rapidly changing global distribution. Chitin, which is the major component of the cuticle and peritrophic membrane (PM), is crucial for the growth and development of insect. microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the posttranscriptional level regulation of gene expression, thereby influencing many biological processes in insects. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the role of miR-306-5p in regulating chitin metabolism in Ae. albopictus pupae. Overexpression of miR-306-5p resulted in a significantly reduced survival rate in pupae and an increased malformation rate in adults. Both in vivo and in vitro evidence confirmed the presence of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory axis (linc8338-miR-306-5p-XM_019678125.2). RNAi of linc8338 and XM_019678125.2 had effects on pupae similar to those of miR-306-5p. The highest expression level of miR-306-5p was found in the midgut, and alteration in the expression of miR-306-5p, XM_019678125.2 and linc8338 induced increased transcript levels of chitin synthase 2 (AaCHS2) and decreased chitinase 10 (AaCht10); as well as increased thickness of the midgut and enlarged midgut epithelial cells. The results of this study highlight the potential of miR-306-5p as a prospective target in mosquito control and confirm that the ceRNA mechanism is involved in chitin metabolism. These findings will provide a basis for further studies to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which ncRNAs regulate chitin metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Zhang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, China; School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, China.
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan 250117, China.
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Zafar J, Wu H, Xu Y, Lin L, Kang Z, Zhang J, Zhang R, Lu Y, Jin F, Xu X. Transcriptomic Analysis of Metarhizium anisopliae-Induced Immune-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs in Polymorphic Worker Castes of Solenopsis invicta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13983. [PMID: 37762284 PMCID: PMC10531276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813983] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a class of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins. Generally studied for their regulatory potential in model insects, relatively little is known about their immunoregulatory functions in different castes of eusocial insects, including Solenopsis invicta, a notoriously invasive insect pest. In the current study, we used Metarhizium anisopliae, an entomopathogenic fungus, to infect the polymorphic worker castes (Major and Minor Workers) and subjected them to RNA sequencing at different intervals (6, 24, and 48 h post-infection (hpi)). Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis identified 5719 (1869 known and 3850 novel) lncRNAs in all libraries. Genomic characteristics analysis showed that S. invicta lncRNAs exhibited structural similarities with lncRNAs from other eusocial insects, including lower exon numbers, shorter intron and exon lengths, and a lower expression profile. A comparison of lncRNAs in major and minor worker ants revealed that several lncRNAs were exclusively expressed in one worker caste and remained absent in the other. LncRNAs such as MSTRG.12029.1, XR_005575440.1 (6 h), MSTRG.16728.1, XR_005575440.1 (24 h), MSTRG.20263.41, and MSTRG.11994.5 (48 h) were only present in major worker ants, while lncRNAs such as MSTRG.8896.1, XR_005574239.1 (6 h), MSTRG.20289.8, XR_005575051.1 (24 h), MSTRG.20289.8, and MSTRG.6682.1 (48 h) were only detected in minor workers. Additionally, we performed real-time quantitative PCR and experimentally validated these findings. Functional annotation of cis-acting lncRNAs in major worker ants showed that lncRNAs targeted genes such as serine protease, trypsin, melanization protease-1, spaetzle-3, etc. In contrast, apoptosis and autophagy-related genes were identified as targets of lncRNAs in minor ants. Lastly, we identified several lncRNAs as precursors of microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-8, miR-14, miR-210, miR-6038, etc., indicating a regulatory relationship between lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in antifungal immunity. These findings will serve as a genetic resource for lncRNAs in polymorphic eusocial ants and provide a theoretical basis for exploring the function of lncRNAs from a unique and novel perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fengliang Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, “Belt and Road” Technology Industry and Innovation Institute for Green and Biological Control of Agricultural Pests, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (H.W.); (Y.X.); (L.L.); (Z.K.); (J.Z.); (R.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, “Belt and Road” Technology Industry and Innovation Institute for Green and Biological Control of Agricultural Pests, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.Z.); (H.W.); (Y.X.); (L.L.); (Z.K.); (J.Z.); (R.Z.); (Y.L.)
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Lin Z, Huang Y, Liu S, Huang Q, Zhang B, Wang T, Zhang Z, Zhu X, Liao C, Han Q. Gene coexpression network during ontogeny in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:301. [PMID: 37270481 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09403-4] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The behaviors and ontogeny of Aedes aegypti are closely related to the spread of diseases caused by dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), and yellow fever (YFV) viruses. During the life cycle, Ae. aegypti undergoes drastic morphological, metabolic, and functional changes triggered by gene regulation and other molecular mechanisms. Some essential regulatory factors that regulate insect ontogeny have been revealed in other species, but their roles are still poorly investigated in the mosquito. RESULTS Our study identified 6 gene modules and their intramodular hub genes that were highly associated with the ontogeny of Ae. aegypti in the constructed network. Those modules were found to be enriched in functional roles related to cuticle development, ATP generation, digestion, immunity, pupation control, lectins, and spermatogenesis. Additionally, digestion-related pathways were activated in the larvae and adult females but suppressed in the pupae. The integrated protein‒protein network also identified cilium-related genes. In addition, we verified that the 6 intramodular hub genes encoding proteins such as EcKinase regulating larval molt were only expressed in the larval stage. Quantitative RT‒PCR of the intramodular hub genes gave similar results as the RNA-Seq expression profile, and most hub genes were ontogeny-specifically expressed. CONCLUSIONS The constructed gene coexpression network provides a useful resource for network-based data mining to identify candidate genes for functional studies. Ultimately, these findings will be key in identifying potential molecular targets for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhinan Lin
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 99907, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuqi Huang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Sihan Liu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Qiwen Huang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Biliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tianpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ziding Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 99907, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
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Recent Advances and Future Potential of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Insects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032605. [PMID: 36768922 PMCID: PMC9917219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have witnessed a steep rise in interest amongst the scientific community. Because of their functional significance in several biological processes, i.e., alternative splicing, epigenetics, cell cycle, dosage compensation, and gene expression regulation, lncRNAs have transformed our understanding of RNA's regulatory potential. However, most knowledge concerning lncRNAs comes from mammals, and our understanding of the potential role of lncRNAs amongst insects remains unclear. Technological advances such as RNA-seq have enabled entomologists to profile several hundred lncRNAs in insect species, although few are functionally studied. This article will review experimentally validated lncRNAs from different insects and the lncRNAs identified via bioinformatic tools. Lastly, we will discuss the existing research challenges and the future of lncRNAs in insects.
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Liu W, An S, Cheng P, Zhang K, Gong M, Zhang Z, Zhang R. Whole-transcriptome profiling across different developmental stages of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) provides insights into chitin-related non-coding RNA and competing endogenous RNA networks. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:33. [PMID: 36703236 PMCID: PMC9878986 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05648-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is one of the most invasive species and a vector of numerous arboviruses. The deleterious effects of long-term and inappropriate use of chemical pesticides have stimulated the exploration of new, environmentally friendly control strategies. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been proven to participate in almost all biological processes of insects. METHODS In this study, circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) covering five developmental stages [egg, early larvae, late larvae, pupae, adult (female and male)] of A. albopictus were obtained using whole-transcriptome sequencing technology. Combined with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from previous research, circRNA/lncRNA‒miRNA‒mitochondrial RNA (mRNA) networks were constructed. RESULTS A total of 1434 circRNAs and 208 miRNAs were identified. More differentially expressed circRNAs (DE circRNAs) and miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were found in the egg versus early larvae comparison group. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that most of the circRNA/lncRNA‒miRNA‒mRNA networks were involved in chitin metabolism. Hub genes of each circRNA/lncRNA‒miRNA‒mRNA network were screened out, which can be used as novel targets to disturb the molting process of A. albopictus. CONCLUSIONS Regulatory relationships obtained from competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks provide more information to manipulate the metamorphosis process and are helpful for developing effective and sustainable methods to control mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Liu
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Sha An
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Peng Cheng
- grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jining, 272033 China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Maoqing Gong
- grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jining, 272033 China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China ,grid.410587.fSchool of Laboratory Animal (Shandong Laboratory Animal Center), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- grid.410587.fSchool of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China ,grid.410587.fSchool of Laboratory Animal (Shandong Laboratory Animal Center), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250117 China
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Azlan A, Yunus MA, Abdul Halim M, Azzam G. Revised Annotation and Characterization of Novel Aedes albopictus miRNAs and Their Potential Functions in Dengue Virus Infection. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101536. [PMID: 36290439 PMCID: PMC9598099 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) is an important vector of the dengue virus. Genetics and molecular studies of virus infection in mosquito vectors are important to uncover the basic biology of the virus. It has been reported that miRNAs are important and possess functional roles in virus infection in Ae. albopictus. Here, we report a comprehensive catalog of miRNAs using the latest genome version of Ae. albopictus. We discovered a total of 72 novel mature miRNAs, 44 of which were differentially expressed in C6/36 cells infected with the dengue virus. Target prediction analysis revealed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in lipid metabolism and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Results from this study provide a valuable resource for researchers to study miRNAs in this mosquito vector, especially in host–virus interactions. Abstract The Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, is a highly invasive species that transmits several arboviruses including dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and chikungunya (CHIKV). Although several studies have identified microRNAs (miRNAs) in Ae. albopictus, it is crucial to extend and improve current annotations with both the newly improved genome assembly and the increased number of small RNA-sequencing data. We combined our high-depth sequence data and 26 public datasets to re-annotate Ae. albopictus miRNAs and found a total of 72 novel mature miRNAs. We discovered that the expression of novel miRNAs was lower than known miRNAs. Furthermore, compared to known miRNAs, novel miRNAs are prone to expression in a stage-specific manner. Upon DENV infection, a total of 44 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed, and target prediction analysis revealed that miRNA-target genes were involved in lipid metabolism and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. Taken together, the miRNA annotation profile provided here is the most comprehensive to date. We believed that this would facilitate future research in understanding virus–host interactions, particularly in the role of miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azali Azlan
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Amir Yunus
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical & Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas 13200, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mardani Abdul Halim
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (M.A.H.); (G.A.)
| | - Ghows Azzam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Jalan Bangi, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (M.A.H.); (G.A.)
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