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Luo H, Dai C, Feng P. Entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:61. [PMID: 38862976 PMCID: PMC11165864 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00700-0] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although China has a long history of using insects as food and medicine and has developed numerous associated knowledge and practices, especially in its rural and mountainous areas, systematic surveys concerning this subject are limited. In-depth ethnobiological research is needed to compile a comprehensive database of edible and medicinal insects and record the associated knowledge of these food and medicinal resources. METHODS Data on edible and medicinal insects and associated knowledge about them were collected by interviewing 216 local villagers in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. RESULTS Local villagers used at least 16 edible and 9 medicinal insects, of which 4 wasp species were used in both entomophagy and medicinal practices. Parapolybia varia, Polistes olivaceus, and Anomala chamaeleon were newly recorded edible insects in China. The wasps, Euconocephalus sp., Gryllotalpa orientalis, and Cyrtotrachelus longimanus, were preferred and culturally important edible insects. Populations of Euconocephalus sp. and G. orientalis were reported to have substantially decreased in recent years. Wasps and a bamboo bee were used to treat rheumatism, while cockroaches and antlions were used to treat common cold symptoms in infants. Insect-related knowledge was positively correlated with the interviewees' age. CONCLUSIONS Villagers have accumulated considerable local and traditional knowledge of entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices. However, this knowledge is in danger of being lost, which highlights the urgent need to document this information. Edible insects enrich local diets, and a more sustainable supply (such as through insect farming) could maintain local entomophagy practices. Medicinal insects are a part of local folk medicine, and pharmacological and chemical techniques could be applied to identify various biologically active substances in these insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 1 Yanzhong Road, Guilin, 541006, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541006, China
| | - Chuanyin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 1 Yanzhong Road, Guilin, 541006, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541006, China.
| | - Ping Feng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 1 Yanzhong Road, Guilin, 541006, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541006, China.
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Ni LL, Che YH, Sun HM, Wang B, Wang MY, Yang ZZ, Liu H, Xiao H, Yang DS, Zhu HL, Yang ZB. The therapeutic effect of wasp venom (Vespa magnifica, Smith) and its effective part on rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes through modulating inflammation, redox homeostasis and ferroptosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116700. [PMID: 37315652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116700] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Wasp venom (WV, Vespa magnifica, Smith), an insect secretion, has been used to treat RA in Chinese Jingpo national minority's ancient prescription. However, the potential mechanisms haven't been clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY The purposes of this paper were two-fold. First, to investigate which was the best anti-RA effective part of WV-I (molecular weight less than 3 kDa), WV-II (molecular weight 3-10 kDa) and WV-III (molecular weight more than 10 kDa) that were separated from WV. Second, to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of WV and WV-II that was best effective part in RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS The wasps were electrically stimulated and the secretions were collected. WV-I, WV-II and WV-III were acquired by ultracentrifuge method according to molecular weight. Next, WV, WV-I, WV-II and WV-III were identified by HPLC. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of WV used to bioinformatics analysis. RNA-seq analyses were constructed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed by Metascape database. STRING was used to analyze the PPI network from DEGs. Next, PPI network was visualized using Cytoscape that based on MCODE. The pivotal genes of PPI network and MCODE analysis were verified by qRT-PCR. Subsequently, MH7A cells were performed by MTT assay to evaluate the ability of inhibiting cell proliferation. Luciferase activity assay was conducted in HepG2/STAT1 or HepG2/STAT3 cells to assess STAT1/3 sensitivity of WV, WV-I, WV-II and WV-III. Additionally, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 expression levels were detected by ELISA kits. Intracellular thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) enzyme was evaluated by TrxR activity assay kit. ROS levels, lipid ROS levels and Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed by fluorescence probe. Cell apoptosis and MMP were measured by using flow cytometry. Furthermore, the key proteins of JAK/STAT signaling pathway, protein levels of TrxR and glutathione peroxidase 4 axis (GPX4) were examined by Western blotting assay. RESULTS RNA-sequencing analysis of WV displayed be related to oxidation-reduction, inflammation and apoptosis. The data displayed that WV, WV-II and WV-III inhibited significantly cells proliferation in human MH7A cell line compared to WV-I treatment group, but WV-III had no significant suppressive effect on luciferase activity of STAT3 compared with IL-6-induced group. Combined with earlier reports that WV-III contained major allergens, we selected WV and WV-II further to study the mechanism of anti-RA. In addition, WV and WV-II decreased the level of IL-1β and IL-6 in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells via inactivating of JAK/STAT signaling pathway. On the other hand, WV and WV-II down-regulated the TrxR activity to produce ROS and induce cell apoptosis. Furthermore, WV and WV-II could accumulate lipid ROS to induce GPX4-mediated ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the experimental results revealed that WV and WV-II were potential therapeutic agents for RA through modulating JAK/STAT signaling pathways, redox homeostasis and ferroptosis in MH7A cells. Of note, WV-II was an effective part and the predominant active monomer in WV-II will be further explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Li Ni
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China; College of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Hao Che
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Mei Sun
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Clinical Pharmacy Office, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Mei-Yu Wang
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zi-Zhong Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Heng Liu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Huai Xiao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Da-Song Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Hui-Lin Zhu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhi-Bin Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China; School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Dashevsky D, Baumann K, Undheim EAB, Nouwens A, Ikonomopoulou MP, Schmidt JO, Ge L, Kwok HF, Rodriguez J, Fry BG. Functional and Proteomic Insights into Aculeata Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030224. [PMID: 36977115 PMCID: PMC10053895 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aculeate hymenopterans use their venom for a variety of different purposes. The venom of solitary aculeates paralyze and preserve prey without killing it, whereas social aculeates utilize their venom in defence of their colony. These distinct applications of venom suggest that its components and their functions are also likely to differ. This study investigates a range of solitary and social species across Aculeata. We combined electrophoretic, mass spectrometric, and transcriptomic techniques to characterize the compositions of venoms from an incredibly diverse taxon. In addition, in vitro assays shed light on their biological activities. Although there were many common components identified in the venoms of species with different social behavior, there were also significant variations in the presence and activity of enzymes such as phospholipase A2s and serine proteases and the cytotoxicity of the venoms. Social aculeate venom showed higher presence of peptides that cause damage and pain in victims. The venom-gland transcriptome from the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) contained highly conserved toxins which match those identified by previous investigations. In contrast, venoms from less-studied taxa returned limited results from our proteomic databases, suggesting that they contain unique toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dashevsky
- Australian National Insect Collection, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (B.G.F.)
| | - Kate Baumann
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Maria P. Ikonomopoulou
- Translational Venomics Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, 4075 Madrid, Spain
| | - Justin O. Schmidt
- Southwestern Biological Institute, 1961 W. Brichta Dr., Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
| | - Lilin Ge
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Juanita Rodriguez
- Australian National Insect Collection, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (B.G.F.)
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Gulinuer A, Xing B, Yang L. Host Transcriptome Analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae Parasitized by Microplitis manilae. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14020100. [PMID: 36835669 PMCID: PMC9966743 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
It has been extensively found that parasitoids manipulate host physiology to benefit the survival and development of their offspring. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms have not received much attention. To reveal the effects of parasitization of the larval solitary endoparasitoid Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on host Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), one of the most destructive agricultural pests in China, deep-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis was conducted to compare the host gene expression levels after 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h parasitization. A total of 1861, 962, and 108 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the S. frugiperda larvae at 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h post-parasitization, respectively, compared with unparasitized controls. The changes in host gene expressions were most likely caused by the injection of wasp parasitic factors, including PDVs, that were injected along with the eggs during oviposition. Based on the functional annotations in GO and KEGG databases, we revealed that most DEGs were implicated in host metabolism and immunity. Further analysis of the common DEGs in three comparisons between the unparasitized and parasitized groups identified four genes, including one unknown and three prophenoloxidase (PPO) genes. Moreover, 46 and 7 common DEGs involved in host metabolism and immunity were identified at two or three time points after parasitization, respectively. Among these, most DEGs showed increased expressions at 2 h post-wasp parasitization while exhibiting significantly decreased expression levels at 24 h post-parasitization, demonstrating the expression regulations of M. manilae parasitization on host metabolism and immune-related genes. Further qPCR verification in 20 randomly selected DEGs confirmed the accuracy and reproducibility of the gene expression profiles generated from RNA-seq. This study reveals the molecular regulatory network about how host insects respond to wasp parasitism, laying a solid foundation for revealing the physiological manipulation of wasp parasitization on host insects, which facilitates the development of biological control practices for parasitoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahamaijiang Gulinuer
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
- School of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Binglin Xing
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
- School of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
- School of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
- Correspondence:
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Nutritional Composition, Health Benefits, and Application Value of Edible Insects: A Review. Foods 2022; 11:foods11243961. [PMID: 36553703 PMCID: PMC9777846 DOI: 10.3390/foods11243961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, edible insects have been used as food to alleviate hunger and improve malnutrition. Some insects have also been used as medicines because of their therapeutic properties. This is not only due to the high nutritional value of edible insects, but more importantly, the active substances from edible insects have a variety of biofunctional activities. In this paper, we described and summarized the nutritional composition of edible insects and discussed the biological functions of edible insects and their potential benefits for human health. A summary analysis of the findings for each active function confirms that edible insects have the potential to develop functional foods and medicines that are beneficial to humans. In addition, we analyzed the issues that need to be considered in the application of edible insects and the current status of edible insects in food and pharmaceutical applications. We concluded with a discussion of regulations related to edible insects and an outlook on future research and applications of edible insects. By analyzing the current state of research on edible insects, we aim to raise awareness of the use of edible insects to improve human health and thus promote their better use and development.
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Biological Effects of Animal Venoms on the Human Immune System. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050344. [PMID: 35622591 PMCID: PMC9143185 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms are products of specialized glands and serve many living organisms to immobilize and kill prey, start digestive processes and act as a defense mechanism. Venoms affect different cells, cellular structures and tissues, such as skin, nervous, hematological, digestive, excretory and immune systems, as well as the heart, among other structures. Components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems can be stimulated or suppressed. Studying the effects on the cells and molecules produced by the immune system has been useful in many biomedical fields. The effects of venoms can be the basis for research and development of therapeutic protocols useful in the modulation of the immunological system, including different autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on the understanding of biological effects of diverse venom on the human immune system and how some of their components can be useful for the study and development of immunomodulatory drugs.
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Park SJ, Kim KY, Baik MY, Koh YH. Sericulture and the edible-insect industry can help humanity survive: insects are more than just bugs, food, or feed. Food Sci Biotechnol 2022; 31:657-668. [PMID: 35646418 PMCID: PMC9133288 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-022-01090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The most serious threat which humans face is rapid global climate change, as the Earth shifts rapidly into a regime less hospitable to humans. To address the crisis caused by severe global climate change, it will be necessary to modify humankind's way of life. Because livestock production accounts for more than 14.5% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is critical to reduce the dependence of humans on protein nutrients and calories obtained from livestock. One way to do so is to use insects as food. Compared with typical livestock, farming edible insects (or "mini-livestock") produce fewer GHG emissions, require less space and water, involve shorter life cycles, and have higher feed conversion rates. It has been recently reported that consumption of certain insects can prevent or treat human diseases. This review goes beyond entomophagy to entomotherapy and their application to the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kee-Young Kim
- National Institute of Agricultural Science, Wanju-Gun, Jeollabuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Yeol Baik
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Institute of Life Science and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Innovation and Health, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ho Koh
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Hallym University Graduate School, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Republic of Korea
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Wasp Venom Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040256. [PMID: 35448865 PMCID: PMC9029392 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040256] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of wasp venom (WV) from the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, on scopolamine (SCO)-induced memory deficits in mice, as well as the antioxidant activity in HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal cells in parallel comparison with bee venom (BV). The WV was collected from the venom sac, freeze-dried. Both venoms exhibited free radical scavenging capabilities in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the venom treatment enhanced cell viability at the concentrations of ≤40 µg/mL of WV and ≤4 µg/mL of BV in glutamate-treated HT22 cells, and increased the transcriptional activity of the antioxidant response element (ARE), a cis-acting enhancer which regulates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-downstream antioxidant enzymes. Concurrently, WV at 20 µg/mL significantly increased the expression of a key antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in HT22 cells despite no significant changes observed in the nuclear level of Nrf2. Furthermore, the intraperitoneal administration of WV to SCO-treated mice at doses ranged from 250 to 500 µg/kg body weight ameliorated memory impairment behavior, reduced histological injury in the hippocampal region, and reduced oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain and blood of SCO-treated mice. Our findings demonstrate that WV possess the potential to improve learning and memory deficit in vivo while further study is needed for the proper dose and safety measures and clinical effectiveness.
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Wainwright CL, Teixeira MM, Adelson DL, Buenz EJ, David B, Glaser KB, Harata-Lee Y, Howes MJR, Izzo AA, Maffia P, Mayer AM, Mazars C, Newman DJ, Nic Lughadha E, Pimenta AM, Parra JA, Qu Z, Shen H, Spedding M, Wolfender JL. Future Directions for the Discovery of Natural Product-Derived Immunomodulating Drugs. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106076. [PMID: 35074524 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery from natural sources is going through a renaissance, having spent many decades in the shadow of synthetic molecule drug discovery, despite the fact that natural product-derived compounds occupy a much greater chemical space than those created through synthetic chemistry methods. With this new era comes new possibilities, not least the novel targets that have emerged in recent times and the development of state-of-the-art technologies that can be applied to drug discovery from natural sources. Although progress has been made with some immunomodulating drugs, there remains a pressing need for new agents that can be used to treat the wide variety of conditions that arise from disruption, or over-activation, of the immune system; natural products may therefore be key in filling this gap. Recognising that, at present, there is no authoritative article that details the current state-of-the-art of the immunomodulatory activity of natural products, this in-depth review has arisen from a joint effort between the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Natural Products and Immunopharmacology, with contributions from a Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation number of world-leading researchers in the field of natural product drug discovery, to provide a "position statement" on what natural products has to offer in the search for new immunomodulatory argents. To this end, we provide a historical look at previous discoveries of naturally occurring immunomodulators, present a picture of the current status of the field and provide insight into the future opportunities and challenges for the discovery of new drugs to treat immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry L Wainwright
- Centre for Natural Products in Health, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - David L Adelson
- Molecular & Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Eric J Buenz
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, New Zealand.
| | - Bruno David
- Green Mission Pierre Fabre, Pierre Fabre Laboratories, Toulouse, France.
| | - Keith B Glaser
- AbbVie Inc., Integrated Discovery Operations, North Chicago, USA.
| | - Yuka Harata-Lee
- Molecular & Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melanie-Jayne R Howes
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK; Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, UK.
| | - Angelo A Izzo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Maffia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Italy; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Alejandro Ms Mayer
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, IL, USA.
| | - Claire Mazars
- Green Mission Pierre Fabre, Pierre Fabre Laboratories, Toulouse, France.
| | | | | | - Adriano Mc Pimenta
- Laboratory of Animal Venoms and Toxins, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - John Aa Parra
- Laboratory of Animal Venoms and Toxins, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- Molecular & Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hanyuan Shen
- Molecular & Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
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10
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dos Santos AT, Cruz GS, Baptista GR. Anti-inflammatory activities of arthropod peptides: a systematic review. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200152. [PMID: 34795699 PMCID: PMC8564866 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides obtained from different animal species have gained importance recently due to research that aims to develop biopharmaceuticals with therapeutic potential. In this sense, arthropod venoms have drawn attention, not only because of their toxicity but mainly for the search for molecules with various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of the present study is to gather data available in the literature on new peptides derived from arthropod species with anti-inflammatory potential. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies on peptides from arthropods that display anti-inflammatory activity were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The bibliographic research started in 2020 and searched papers without a limit on the publication date. The articles were analyzed using a search string containing the following terms: "Peptides" and "Anti-inflammatory", in combinations such as "Ant", "Bee", "Wasp", "Crab", "Shrimp", "Scorpion", "Spider", "Tick" and "Centipedes". Besides, a search was carried out in the databases with the terms: "Peptides", "Antitumor", or "Anticancer", and "Arthropods". Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria totalized 171, and these served for data extraction. Additionally, the present review included anti-inflammatory peptides with anticancer properties. Peptides with confirmed anti-inflammatory activity were from insects (ants, bees, and wasps), crustaceans (shrimp and crabs), arachnids (scorpions, spiders, and ticks), and centipedes. These arthropod peptides act mainly by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Some showed significant antineoplastic activity, working in essential cellular pathways against malignant neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Teixeira dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Gandhi Rádis Baptista
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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11
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Muller JDAI, Lencina JDS, Souza MIL, Mortari MR, Toffoli-Kadri MC. Macrophage activation in vitro by Parachartergus fraternus venom. Toxicon 2021; 198:48-53. [PMID: 33940047 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Parachartergus fraternus wasp induces inflammation with a predominance of mononuclear cells, that can acquire macrophage functions at the sting site, amplifying the response. These cells can be activated by venomous animals and are involved in destruction of injurious agents and release of inflammatory mediators. The objective of this work was to evaluate the activity of P. fraternus venom (Pfv) on isolated murine macrophage function. The cells were obtained from peritoneal cavity of Swiss male mice and incubated with Pfv (2.5, 5 and 10 μg/mL). Cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay. Adhesion and detachment were evaluated using violet crystal dye. Spreading was evaluated based on morphological parameters. Phagocytosis was performed with opsonized zymosan. Production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) were quantified using the phenol red and Griess assays, respectively. Pfv at concentrations evaluated was not cytotoxic in MTT assay and did not cause macrophage detachment in cell culture plates. However, it increased adhesion of macrophage, spreading and phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan, as well as induced production of H2O2 and NO. Therefore, Pfv induces macrophage activation in vitro and the response of these cells can be correlated with the previously reported inflammatory process triggered by this wasp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica de Araujo Isaias Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; PhD Student of the Multicenter Program of Post-Graduation in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, INBIO/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Joyce Dos Santos Lencina
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Master of Science Student of the Program of Post-Graduation in Pharmacy, FACFAN/ Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Lenz Souza
- Laboratory of Biophysiopharmacology, INBIO/ Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, CB/University of Brasilia, Brazil
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12
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Wasp Venom Biochemical Components and Their Potential in Biological Applications and Nanotechnological Interventions. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030206. [PMID: 33809401 PMCID: PMC8000949 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, are distributed in different parts of the world, including Brazil, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Argentina. The lifestyles of the wasps are solitary and social. Social wasps use venom as a defensive measure to protect their colonies, whereas solitary wasps use their venom to capture prey. Chemically, wasp venom possesses a wide variety of enzymes, proteins, peptides, volatile compounds, and bioactive constituents, which include phospholipase A2, antigen 5, mastoparan, and decoralin. The bioactive constituents have anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the limited quantities of wasp venom and the scarcity of advanced strategies for the synthesis of wasp venom’s bioactive compounds remain a challenge facing the effective usage of wasp venom. Solid-phase peptide synthesis is currently used to prepare wasp venom peptides and their analogs such as mastoparan, anoplin, decoralin, polybia-CP, and polydim-I. The goal of the current review is to highlight the medicinal value of the wasp venom compounds, as well as limitations and possibilities. Wasp venom could be a potential and novel natural source to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and new agents for drug discovery.
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13
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Hall F, Reddivari L, Liceaga AM. Identification and Characterization of Edible Cricket Peptides on Hypertensive and Glycemic In Vitro Inhibition and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity on RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113588. [PMID: 33238450 PMCID: PMC7700588 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies continue to demonstrate the potential of edible insects as a protein base to obtain bioactive peptides applicable for functional food development. This study aimed at identifying antihypertensive, anti-glycemic, and anti-inflammatory peptides derived from the in vitro gastrointestinal digests of cricket protein hydrolysates. After sequential fractionation, the protein digest subfraction containing the lowest molecular weight (<0.5 kDa), hydrophobic (C18) and cationic peptides (IEX) was found responsible for the most bioactivity. The cationic peptide fraction significantly reduced (p < 0.05) α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in vitro, and also inhibited the expression of NF-κB in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. A total of 28 peptides were identified with mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and de novo sequencing from the potent fraction. Three novel peptides YKPRP, PHGAP, and VGPPQ were chosen for the molecular docking studies. PHGAP and VGPPQ exhibited a higher degree of non-covalent interactions with the enzyme active site residues and binding energies comparable to captopril. Results from this study demonstrate the bioactive potential of edible cricket peptides, especially as ACE inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Hall
- Protein Chemistry and Bioactive Peptides Laboratory, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Lavanya Reddivari
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Andrea M. Liceaga
- Protein Chemistry and Bioactive Peptides Laboratory, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-765-496-2460
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14
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Dutta P, Sahu RK, Dey T, Lahkar MD, Manna P, Kalita J. Beneficial role of insect-derived bioactive components against inflammation and its associated complications (colitis and arthritis) and cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 313:108824. [PMID: 31542397 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Insect-based bioactive components are emerging as novel sources of drugs, effective against various diseases. Inflammation is considered to be an innate immune response developed by different organisms against foreign pathogens and cellular stress. However, repetitive elevated inflammation is considered to be responsible for development of many other diseases including colitis and arthritis. Due to the limited activities and side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, researchers are continuously looking for alternative sources of drug molecules to alleviate the inflammatory related complications. Recently, insect-based bioactive components, such as venoms, haemocytes, cecropin A, papiliocin, N-acetyldopamine dimers, cecropin-TY1 peptide, cop A3 peptide, glycosaminoglycan, coprisin peptide, silk fibroin microparticles, and silk fibroin nanoparticles have been found to be active against different inflammatory mechanisms and associated diseases. Cancers, are some of the deadliest diseases, which are mainly treated by chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. However, such treatments, mainly chemotherapy, is associated with enormous side effects. Therefore, as an alternative, less hazardous option, compounds from insects with anti-cancerous activity are being explored. Insect-derived compounds, such as cantharidin, norcantharidin, isocoumarin, plancyols A, plancypyrazine A, pancratistatin, narciclasine, and ungeremine, show potential anti-cancerous activity. In this review, we will be discussing the role of different potential drug molecules of insect origin with special emphasis on anti-inflammation and their association with health disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachurjya Dutta
- Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ravi Kumar Sahu
- Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan Dey
- Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India
| | - Manisha Datta Lahkar
- Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India
| | - Prasenjit Manna
- Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jatin Kalita
- Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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15
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Siebert AL, Doucette LA, Simpson-Haidaris P, Werren JH. Parasitoid wasp venom elevates sorbitol and alters expression of metabolic genes in human kidney cells. Toxicon 2019; 161:57-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Abstract
The classic model for the evolution of novel gene function is through gene duplication followed by evolution of a new function by one of the copies (neofunctionalization) [1, 2]. However, other modes have also been found, such as novel genes arising from non-coding DNA, chimeric fusions, and lateral gene transfers from other organisms [3-7]. Here we use the rapid turnover of venom genes in parasitoid wasps to study how new gene functions evolve. In contrast to the classic gene duplication model, we find that a common mode of acquisition of new venom genes in parasitoid wasps is co-option of single-copy genes from non-venom progenitors. Transcriptome and proteome sequencing reveal that recruitment and loss of venom genes occur primarily by rapid cis-regulatory expression evolution in the venom gland. Loss of venom genes is primarily due to downregulation of expression in the gland rather than gene death through coding sequence degradation. While the majority of venom genes have specialized expression in the venom gland, recent losses of venom function occur primarily among genes that show broader expression in development, suggesting that they can more readily switch functional roles. We propose that co-option of single-copy genes may be a common but relatively understudied mechanism of evolution for new gene functions, particularly under conditions of rapid evolutionary change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen O Martinson
- Biology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | | | - Ching-Ho Chang
- Biology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - John H Werren
- Biology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
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17
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Shaik HA, Mishra A, Kodrík D. Beneficial effect of adipokinetic hormone on neuromuscular paralysis in insect body elicited by braconid wasp venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 196:11-18. [PMID: 28257925 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The effect of Habrobracon hebetor venom and the role of the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in poisoned adult females of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus were studied 24 and 48h after treatments. Venom application elicited total neuromuscular paralysis in firebugs, but the co-application of venom and Pyrap-AKH significantly reduced paralysis (up to 3.2 times) compared to the application of venom only. Although the mechanisms of their action are unknown, both agents might affect neuromuscular junctions. Venom application significantly increased the expression of both P. apterus Akh genes (Pyrap-Akh 5.4 times and Peram-Cah-II 3.6 times), as well as the level of AKHs in the central nervous system (2.5 times) and haemolymph (3.0 times). In the haemolymph, increased AKH levels might have led to the mobilization of stored lipids, which increased 1.9 times, while the level of free carbohydrates remained unchanged. Total metabolism, monitored by carbon dioxide production, significantly declined in paralysed P. apterus individuals (1.4 times and 1.9 times, 24 and 48h after the treatment, respectively), probably because of a malfunction of the muscular system. The results suggest an active role of AKH in the defence mechanism against the stress elicited by neuromuscular paralysis, and the possible involvement of this hormone in neuronal/neuromuscular signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haq Abdul Shaik
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Archana Mishra
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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18
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Dittmer J, van Opstal EJ, Shropshire JD, Bordenstein SR, Hurst GDD, Brucker RM. Disentangling a Holobiont - Recent Advances and Perspectives in Nasonia Wasps. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1478. [PMID: 27721807 PMCID: PMC5033955 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is a well-established model organism for insect development, evolutionary genetics, speciation, and symbiosis. The host-microbiota assemblage which constitutes the Nasonia holobiont (a host together with all of its associated microbes) consists of viruses, two heritable bacterial symbionts and a bacterial community dominated in abundance by a few taxa in the gut. In the wild, all four Nasonia species are systematically infected with the obligate intracellular bacterium Wolbachia and can additionally be co-infected with Arsenophonus nasoniae. These two reproductive parasites have different transmission modes and host manipulations (cytoplasmic incompatibility vs. male-killing, respectively). Pioneering studies on Wolbachia in Nasonia demonstrated that closely related Nasonia species harbor multiple and mutually incompatible Wolbachia strains, resulting in strong symbiont-mediated reproductive barriers that evolved early in the speciation process. Moreover, research on host-symbiont interactions and speciation has recently broadened from its historical focus on heritable symbionts to the entire microbial community. In this context, each Nasonia species hosts a distinguishable community of gut bacteria that experiences a temporal succession during host development and members of this bacterial community cause strong hybrid lethality during larval development. In this review, we present the Nasonia species complex as a model system to experimentally investigate questions regarding: (i) the impact of different microbes, including (but not limited to) heritable endosymbionts, on the extended phenotype of the holobiont, (ii) the establishment and regulation of a species-specific microbiota, (iii) the role of the microbiota in speciation, and (iv) the resilience and adaptability of the microbiota in wild populations subjected to different environmental pressures. We discuss the potential for easy microbiota manipulations in Nasonia as a promising experimental approach to address these fundamental aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dittmer
- Rowland Institute at Harvard, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA
| | | | - J Dylan Shropshire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, USA
| | - Seth R Bordenstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, NashvilleTN, USA; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, NashvilleTN, USA
| | - Gregory D D Hurst
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert M Brucker
- Rowland Institute at Harvard, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA
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19
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Sim AD, Wheeler D. The venom gland transcriptome of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis highlights the importance of novel genes in venom function. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:571. [PMID: 27503142 PMCID: PMC4977848 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2924-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prior to egg laying the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis envenomates its pupal host with a complex mixture of venom peptides. This venom induces several dramatic changes in the host, including developmental arrest, immunosuppression, and altered metabolism. The diverse and potent bioactivity of N. vitripennis venom provides opportunities for the development of novel acting pharmaceuticals based on these molecules. However, currently very little is known about the specific functions of individual venom peptides or what mechanisms underlie the hosts response to envenomation. Many of the venom peptides also lack bioinformatically derived annotations because no homologs can be identified in the sequences databases. The RNA interference system of N. vitripennis provides a method for functional characterisation of venom protein encoding genes, however working with the current list of 79 candidates represents a daunting task. For this reason we were interested in determining the expression levels of venom encoding genes in the venom gland, as this information could be used to rank candidates for further study. To do this we carried out deep transcriptome sequencing of the venom gland and ovary tissue and used RNA-seq to rank the venom protein encoding genes by expression level. The generation of a specific venom gland transcriptome dataset also provides further opportunities to investigate novel features of this specialised organ. Results RNA-seq revealed that the highest expressed venom encoding gene in the venom gland was ‘Venom protein Y’. The highest expressed annotated gene in this tissue was serine protease Nasvi2EG007167, which has previously been implicated in the apoptotic activity of N. vitripennis venom. As expected the RNA-seq confirmed that venom encoding genes are almost exclusively expressed in the venom gland relative to the neighbouring ovary tissue. Novel genes appear to perform key roles in N. vitripennis venom function, with over half of the 15 highest expressed venom encoding loci lacking bioinformatic annotations. The high throughput sequencing data also provided evidence for the existence of an additional 472 previously undescribed transcribed regions in the N. vitripennis genome. Finally, metatranscriptomic analysis of the venom gland transcriptome finds little evidence for the role of Wolbachia in the venom system. Conclusions The expression level information provided here for the N. vitripennis venom protein encoding genes represents a valuable dataset that can be used by the research community to rank candidates for further functional characterisation. These candidates represent bioactive peptides valuable in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2924-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre D Sim
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - David Wheeler
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
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20
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Martinson EO, Martinson VG, Edwards R, Mrinalini, Werren JH. Laterally Transferred Gene Recruited as a Venom in Parasitoid Wasps. Mol Biol Evol 2016; 33:1042-52. [PMID: 26715630 PMCID: PMC5013869 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps use venom to manipulate the immunity and metabolism of their host insects in a variety of ways to provide resources for their offspring. Yet, how genes are recruited and evolve to perform venom functions remain open questions. A recently recognized source of eukaryotic genome innovation is lateral gene transfer (LGT). Glycoside hydrolase family 19 (GH19) chitinases are widespread in bacteria, microsporidia, and plants where they are used in nutrient acquisition or defense, but have previously not been known in metazoans. In this study, a GH19 chitinase LGT is described from the unicellular microsporidia/Rozella clade into parasitoid wasps of the superfamily Chalcidoidea, where it has become recruited as a venom protein. The GH19 chitinase is present in 15 species of chalcidoid wasps representing four families, and phylogenetic analysis indicates that it was laterally transferred near or before the origin of Chalcidoidea (∼95 Ma). The GH19 chitinase gene is highly expressed in the venom gland of at least seven species, indicating a role in the complex host manipulations performed by parasitoid wasp venom. RNAi knockdown in the model parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis reveals that-following envenomation-the GH19 chitinase induces fly hosts to upregulate genes involved in an immune response to fungi. A second, independent LGT of GH19 chitinase from microsporidia into mosquitoes was also found, also supported by phylogenetic reconstructions. Besides these two LGT events, GH19 chitinase is not found in any other sequenced animal genome, or in any fungi outside the microsporidia/Rozella clade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mrinalini
- Biology Department, University of Rochester
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21
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Exploring the Potential of Venom from Nasonia vitripennis as Therapeutic Agent with High-Throughput Screening Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2051-70. [PMID: 26046700 PMCID: PMC4488689 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7062051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom from the ectoparasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) contains at least 80 different proteins and possibly even more peptides or other small chemical compounds, demonstrating its appealing therapeutic application. To better understand the dynamics of the venom in mammalian cells, two high-throughput screening tools were performed. The venom induced pathways related to an early stress response and activated reporters that suggest the involvement of steroids. Whether these steroids reside from the venom itself or show an induced release/production caused by the venom, still remains unsolved. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was found to be down-regulated after venom and LPS co-treatment, confirming the anti-inflammatory action of N. vitripennis venom. When analyzing the expression levels of the NF-κB target genes, potentially not only the canonical but also the alternative NF-κB pathway can be affected, possibly explaining some counterintuitive results. It is proposed that next to an NF-κB binding site, the promoter of the genes tested by the PCR array may also contain binding sites for other transcription factors, resulting in a complex puzzle to connect the induced target gene with its respective transcription factor. Interestingly, Nasonia venom altered the expression of some drug targets, presenting the venom with an exciting therapeutical potential.
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22
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von Reumont BM, Campbell LI, Jenner RA. Quo vadis venomics? A roadmap to neglected venomous invertebrates. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:3488-551. [PMID: 25533518 PMCID: PMC4280546 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6123488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomics research is being revolutionized by the increased use of sensitive -omics techniques to identify venom toxins and their transcripts in both well studied and neglected venomous taxa. The study of neglected venomous taxa is necessary both for understanding the full diversity of venom systems that have evolved in the animal kingdom, and to robustly answer fundamental questions about the biology and evolution of venoms without the distorting effect that can result from the current bias introduced by some heavily studied taxa. In this review we draw the outlines of a roadmap into the diversity of poorly studied and understood venomous and putatively venomous invertebrates, which together represent tens of thousands of unique venoms. The main groups we discuss are crustaceans, flies, centipedes, non-spider and non-scorpion arachnids, annelids, molluscs, platyhelminths, nemerteans, and echinoderms. We review what is known about the morphology of the venom systems in these groups, the composition of their venoms, and the bioactivities of the venoms to provide researchers with an entry into a large and scattered literature. We conclude with a short discussion of some important methodological aspects that have come to light with the recent use of new -omics techniques in the study of venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lahcen I Campbell
- Department of Life Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD London, UK.
| | - Ronald A Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD London, UK.
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23
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Heavner ME, Hudgins AD, Rajwani R, Morales J, Govind S. Harnessing the natural Drosophila-parasitoid model for integrating insect immunity with functional venomics. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2014; 6:61-67. [PMID: 25642411 PMCID: PMC4309977 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila species lack most hallmarks of adaptive immunity yet are highly successful against an array of natural microbial pathogens and metazoan enemies. When attacked by figitid parasitoid wasps, fruit flies deploy robust, multi-faceted innate immune responses and overcome many attackers. In turn, parasitoids have evolved immunosuppressive strategies to match, and more frequently to overcome, their hosts. We present methods to examine the evolutionary dynamics underlying anti-parasitoid host defense by teasing apart the specialized immune-modulating venoms of figitid parasitoids and, in turn, possibly delineating the roles of individual venom molecules. This combination of genetic, phylogenomic, and "functional venomics" methods in the Drosophila-parasitoid model should allow entomologists and immunologists to tackle important outstanding questions with implications across disciplines and to pioneer translational applications in agriculture and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Heavner
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, 10016
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10031
| | - Adam D. Hudgins
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10031
| | - Roma Rajwani
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10031
| | - Jorge Morales
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10031
| | - Shubha Govind
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, 10016
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10031
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24
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Poirié M, Colinet D, Gatti JL. Insights into function and evolution of parasitoid wasp venoms. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2014; 6:52-60. [PMID: 32846678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Most species in the order Hymenoptera are parasitoids that lay eggs and develop in or on the body of arthropod hosts. Several factors contribute to successful parasitism including venoms that wasps inject into hosts when ovipositing. Here, we review the composition, function and diversity of parasitoid venoms with emphasis on studies of wasps that parasitize hosts in the genus Drosophila. The comparative literature indicates that some closely related species parasitizing the same host do not share any abundant venom protein while unrelated species sometimes have the same major venom component. Within species, studies also identify intraspecific variation that suggests parasitoid venoms may rapidly evolve. Overall, however, our picture of venom function remains largely unclear and will require additional comparative data on the composition of venoms from a greater diversity of species than exists currently. Further advances will come mainly from experimental data using functional tools, such as RNA interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylène Poirié
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Evolution and Specificity of Multitrophic Interactions (ESIM), UMR 1355 Institut Sophia Agrobiotech (ISA), Sophia Antipolis, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7254, Sophia Antipolis, France; Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, Sophia Antipolis, France.
| | - Dominique Colinet
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Evolution and Specificity of Multitrophic Interactions (ESIM), UMR 1355 Institut Sophia Agrobiotech (ISA), Sophia Antipolis, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7254, Sophia Antipolis, France; Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Jean-Luc Gatti
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Evolution and Specificity of Multitrophic Interactions (ESIM), UMR 1355 Institut Sophia Agrobiotech (ISA), Sophia Antipolis, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7254, Sophia Antipolis, France; Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, Sophia Antipolis, France
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